Girls Trip Take 2 - Labor Day Weekend 2021, Christmas 2021 and July 2024 Trips

[vamassey1]

Looks like you guys had a great time. Have fun at Jollywood this week!

I'm really looking forward to going!

 

[vamassey1]

Fabulous photos of you all. Great you had all of your kids together at the reunion

Thank you! It was great having them all together.

Have a blast at Jollywood. Enjoy time with your girl

I plan on trying my best to just enjoy it and not stress to rush around.

 

[pkondz]

I know, it's just so hard.

Thoughts and prayers.

No, just charbroiled. They were selling them outside the stadium.

I've never had charbroiled oysters. New quest unlocked!

Not this time. We know one of the owners of the festival and I told her I wanted to help next year but she would have to dress me.

Smart way to get a costume for free.

 

[PittypatBR]

Love the pictures! Glad y'all got to do so much during Danielle's visits. Hope you have a wonderful time at Jollywood!

 

[Steppesister]

Danielle did request we try the Jazzy Holidays at The Brown Derby during the party, so I got an ADR for that. We want to enter the park early so we're not in line for too long

This was one thing I wished I could have done during our party- just not enough time for everything. I think if I ever do it again, this will be high on the list but this trip we focused on the shows.

And yes!! GET THERE EARLY!!! The line gets super long.

 

[vamassey1]

I've never had charbroiled oysters. New quest unlocked!

I do not like oysters, but I will eat at least one of these. They smell so good.

Smart way to get a costume for free.

That's the plan.

Love the pictures! Glad y'all got to do so much during Danielle's visits. Hope you have a wonderful time at Jollywood!

We did do a lot while she was here.

I wish I could say we had a great time at Jollywood. More to come on that.

 

[vamassey1]

This was one thing I wished I could have done during our party- just not enough time for everything. I think if I ever do it again, this will be high on the list but this trip we focused on the shows.

I was very sad when I had to cancel our reservation for this.

 

[vamassey1]

Sorry I have been MIA once again but things have been so busy.
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The whole month of December was very bust and just flew by. We did have a rather quiet Christmas and New Years compared to years past and I really enjoyed it.
When planning my short visit with Danielle to go to Jollywood, in my mind the trip was titled "Jollywood or Bust" and it ended up being a Bust.

The trip started out great. I worked from home on Tuesday and as soon as I clocked out Dennis drove us to New Orleans to catch our flight to Orlando. We had no problems with traffic or at the airport. It was really uncrowded and security was a breeze.


The flight was under booked so everyone was able to spread out. Danielle and I shared a row, she had the window seat and I had the aisle seat. This was my first flight to experience Southwest's new pretzel snack and I really enjoyed it.

Danielle's old roommate Sara picked us up with no issues. The Orlando airport was uncrowded too.


It was pretty late when we go to Danielle's apartment so we got settled in and made plans for the next day. I had to work for a bit but after that we were going to Animal Kingdom for an early lunch at Yak & Yeti. I had a $25 credit for my birthday and another $25 of earned credit. We didn't plan to stay long. We wanted to have a park reservation so we could enter Studios early before the party to avoid the long lines for the party entrance.

We were a little worried about rain since it was predicted to rain for the party. This is what the sky looked like when we were entering AK.

It wasn't looking good. We were running a little late so we didn't have time to really stop for pictures but I did get one of the Christmas tree as we passed it.

When we enter AK we usually go to the left since we're usually headed to Pandora or Africa so we went right this time since we were headed to Asia. There are so many more animals on the right and also lots more people. We ended up getting slowed down by the people and we also caught a glimpse of Devine as she was leaving.



Our reservation for Yak & Yeti was for 11 am and we made it there at 11:05.

I had called Yak & Yeti directly for our reservation using my Landry's card. There were no ADRs through Disney when I made the reservation. We waited a little bit once we checked in but were soon taken to our table. It was upstairs and by the window. This was the second time we have eaten here using the Landry's card to make the reservation and was given a window table.

Our waiter was very nice and very attentive. He asked if we had any discounts like AP or Landry's. I told we had both and Danielle was a CM but we would only be using the Landry's card. They take your card at the beginning of the meal to verify it and to see what benefits you have. We were treated so good by our waiter and we were visited by the manager twice. We didn't order any apps but usually get the Firecracker Shrimp or the Pork Pot Stickers. We both ended up getting new dishes that were way too much food. I wish we could have agreed on one dish, neither one of us even put a dent in our food. I don't see the dishes on their regular menu. They aren't listed on the receipt I have either. Mine was the Fried Chicken with Spare Ribs. The sauce was really good. I ate the chicken leg and one of the ribs.

Danielle's dish was a Beef Bowl with lots of veggies. She really liked it too but did not eat much.


Continued in next post.

 

[vamassey1]

I had connected with Liesa @Steppesister and was hoping to meet up at Studios before the party. She wasn't originally going to be in DW while I was there but she had to make some adjustments, so her trip dates changed. We have meet up in Louisiana but never in DW.

We still had plenty of time to do something in AK before heading back to Danielle's apartment to get ready for the party. After we finished lunch we headed towards Dinoland hoping to ride Dinosaur.


We passed by Kevin on the way.


By the time we got to Dinosaur the line was 45 minutes so we bailed. I had wanted to get the AP post card from Mufasa so we went to pick that up. I wanted to get one more look at that part of Dinoland since it will be closed when we go there next week.


We checked on wait times and Kilimanjaro had about a 30 minute wait so we headed to Africa. That ended up being a no go too. The line jumped right away and then just did not move.
We gave up on rides and just did some shopping. Danielle wanted to get one more thing for Dennis for Christmas.

We looked in all the major shops and didn't find anything. We decided we were done and would head out. I have a rule that I like to get at least one Photo Pass picture at each park so I made Danielle stop at the Christmas tree on the way out.




We left AK and headed to Target near Danielle's apartment. She needed a few things and I went ahead and got some water, tea and Gatorade for when we would be back for our January stay.

And everything changed on the way back from Target. We ended up having a car accident and the car was totaled. We did not see it coming at all. The good news is we walked away. We both have bruises and soreness but it could have been a lot worse. The other driver walked away too. No one went to the hospital but EMS did come out.



Danielle was taking a left turn at a light and was hit by an oncoming car. She says she had the green arrow and the other driver said she had a green light. I was reading emails on my phone so I didn't see anything. We have witnesses that have conflicting accounts too so for now it's a "he said, she said". We were at the scene for hours. Sara and her boyfriend came to the meet us right away and were great. The system the trooper uses for accident reporting was down so it really took a long time. He tried to pull the footage from the traffic camera but it wasn't working. No one was issued a ticket since there was no proof of who was at fault. They say the insurance companies will have to fight it out.

I contacted Liesa to let her know we weren't going to make it to the park and cancelled our ADR at the Brown Derby. When we finally made it back to Danielle's apartment we both showered, took some Tylenol and watched "Red One" in her bed. I still had to fly out the next morning which seemed so surreal. Danielle ended up taking the next day off and Sara had to drive me to the airport.

Danielle worked the last Party day and dressed up in what she would have worn when we went to the party. It's my old dress from the 80's. She said she was Disney Bounding as me.



This dress has gotten lots of use. I wore it a few times and Michelle used it in the past for an 80's party too.

Danielle doesn't have a vehicle and has been relying on her friends and Ubers for work and errands. We will by driving down on Saturday to bring her a car. We've had this trip planned for months and it's a good thing we're going. We'll be flying back home after our stay is over. I like that much better than driving 2 cars down there.
I'm still dealing with some pain from my seatbelt injury. We both still have issues with our upper back. I'll be starting some physical therapy when we get back. Those seatbelts and airbags save lives but they can also hurt you too.

Today was suppose to be our 7 days out for Multi pass since we check into CBR on Sunday the 12th but that didn't work out. Danielle has her CM pass and I have my AP but Dennis will be using Danielle's free pass to get into the parks and those don't have his name attached to them so he doesn't fall under the 7 day rule. Danielle and I could get multi pass but not Dennis so now we wait until the 10th since our first park day is the 13th and it looks like we'll have to do it on a daily basis at 3 days out. It's great to get in free but this is the downside. It's a good thing it won't be too crowded next week up until Friday when the MLK weekenders start coming in.

I'm looking forward to a normal trip to visit Danielle and hoping for no surprises this time.

 

[pkondz]

I do not like oysters, but I will eat at least one of these. They smell so good.

Interesting... They smell good but you don't like them?

We did have a rather quiet Christmas and New Years compared to years past and I really enjoyed it.

Glad you enjoyed it.

the trip was titled "Jollywood or Bust" and it ended up being a Bust.

I had no idea what you were leading up to... I thought "crowds" or "rain"... not car crash!!

That's very striking.

mmm... love pretzels and those sound really good.

I had a $25 credit for my birthday and another $25 of earned credit.

Nice!

There are so many more animals on the right and also lots more people.

I don't know if I've ever entered the park on that side. Huh.

Our reservation for Yak & Yeti was for 11 am and we made it there at 11:05.

Close enough.

This was the second time we have eaten here using the Landry's card to make the reservation and was given a window table.

I think I looked into a Landry's card and it's not available up here.

We were treated so good by our waiter and we were visited by the manager twice.

VIPs!

usually get the Firecracker Shrimp or the Pork Pot Stickers.

Both sound yummy.

Mine was the Fried Chicken with Spare Ribs.

Yeah... that does sound like quite a bit of food.

I had connected with Liesa @Steppesister and was hoping to meet up at Studios before the party.

This was my first inkling that something was amiss. She hadn't mentioned meeting you in her TR...

We passed by Kevin on the way.

Great shot of her.

We checked on wait times and Kilimanjaro had about a 30 minute wait so we headed to Africa. That ended up being a no go too. The line jumped right away and then just did not move.

Poop.

Cute.

We ended up having a car accident and the car was totaled.

The good news is we walked away. We both have bruises and soreness but it could have been a lot worse. The other driver walked away too.

I'm so glad no one was seriously hurt. Shocked... but glad no one had to be hospitalized. I'm sorry that happened to you.

Danielle was taking a left turn at a light and was hit by an oncoming car. She says she had the green arrow and the other driver said she had a green light. I was reading emails on my phone so I didn't see anything. We have witnesses that have conflicting accounts too so for now it's a "he said, she said".

Oh dear...

He tried to pull the footage from the traffic camera but it wasn't working.

Then again... maybe a blessing in disguise. Guess you'll never know who's right.

I contacted Liesa to let her know we weren't going to make it to the park

Yeah... of course. I'm sure you missed seeing each other.

Danielle worked the last Party day and dressed up in what she would have worn when we went to the party. It's my old dress from the 80's. She said she was Disney Bounding as me.

Awww.

She looks terrific in it!

I'm still dealing with some pain from my seatbelt injury.

Sorry to hear this... but not surprised given the car was totaled.

I'm looking forward to a normal trip to visit Danielle and hoping for no surprises this time.

Here's hoping for a much more normal visit!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Oh no Vanessa. I’m so sorry you and Danielle were in a crash but so glad you all walked away from it. Hopefully you can get some physio to help with your aches and pains. Fingers crossed for a normal, stress free trip this time around. Take care of yourself.
Danielle looks stunning in your dress btw

 

[missjackiemcg]

We ended up having a car accident and the car was totaled. We did not see it coming at all.

Holy moley! I'm so sorry that happened to you! I'm glad you were able to walk away without any major injuries.

No one was issued a ticket since there was no proof of who was at fault. They say the insurance companies will have to fight it out.

Glad for no tickets, but dealing with insurance is SUCH a headache!! I hope things turn out OK in the end, and that you both get some relief from your lingering soreness and pain.

Danielle worked the last Party day and dressed up in what she would have worn when we went to the party. It's my old dress from the 80's. She said she was Disney Bounding as me.

She looks so gorgeous in your old dress!! I love that she wanted to Disneybound as you. So disappointing that you weren't able to attend the party together, but glad you got to spend some time that night cozied up together.

The next trip is sure to be more relaxing and enjoyable! I will also wish for no surprises (unless they're the magical, pixie dust kind!)

 

[piglet1979]

Oh My Goodness! I am glad everyone is ok.

 

[Paulaparm]

Oh my goodness! So glad there weren’t any serious injuries. I hope you can get the issues you are having taken care of soon.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Sorry to hear about the car accident and the cancellation of your Jollywood night! Thank goodness no one had major injuries! I hope the trip coming up is calm and free from problems!
I like your 80s dress I can relate!

 

[vamassey1]

Interesting... They smell good but you don't like them?

No, I like them because they smell so good. I just don't like the texture.

I had no idea what you were leading up to... I thought "crowds" or "rain"... not car crash!!

Not something I would have thought of either.

That's very striking.

I love this mural.

mmm... love pretzels and those sound really good.

They were. I hope we get some more on our flight home.

I don't know if I've ever entered the park on that side. Huh.

I know it's been years since we have.

I think I looked into a Landry's card and it's not available up here.

Bummer.

VIPs!

Sure felt like it.

Both sound yummy.

They are.

This was my first inkling that something was amiss. She hadn't mentioned meeting you in her TR...

I'm still trying to get caught up on her report.

Great shot of her.

She was poising for a selfie with a child.

Cute.

Thank you!

Then again... maybe a blessing in disguise. Guess you'll never know who's right.

Maybe.

Yeah... of course. I'm sure you missed seeing each other.

I know I missed it.

She looks terrific in it!

Yes she does!

Sorry to hear this... but not surprised given the car was totaled.

I'm still hurting.

Here's hoping for a much more normal visit!

I'm beginning to have hope for that.

 

[vamassey1]

Oh no Vanessa. I’m so sorry you and Danielle were in a crash but so glad you all walked away from it.

I'm feeling very blessed that we did walk away from it.

Hopefully you can get some physio to help with your aches and pains.

I finally got confirmation that all the x-rays were clear so hoping to get started after we come back. We leave in 3 days so no chance to start now.

Fingers crossed for a normal, stress free trip this time around

Thank you! I'm crossing everything too.

Danielle looks stunning in your dress btw

Thank you! I think she looks fabulous too.

 

[vamassey1]

Holy moley! I'm so sorry that happened to you! I'm glad you were able to walk away without any major injuries.

We were so lucky!

Glad for no tickets, but dealing with insurance is SUCH a headache!! I hope things turn out OK in the end, and that you both get some relief from your lingering soreness and pain.

Our insurance has been good, but it is moving really slow. We did get a little good news yesterday.

She looks so gorgeous in your old dress!! I love that she wanted to Disneybound as you. So disappointing that you weren't able to attend the party together, but glad you got to spend some time that night cozied up together.

I know you saw her story in IG about the dress. I was so happy she wore it.

The night didn't end how we planned but we did enjoy some time together.

The next trip is sure to be more relaxing and enjoyable! I will also wish for no surprises (unless they're the magical, pixie dust kind!)

I'm finally starting to get excited about our trip. I got a reminder email about our Savor the Savanna yesterday.

 

[vamassey1]

Oh My Goodness! I am glad everyone is ok.

Thank you!

Oh my goodness! So glad there weren’t any serious injuries. I hope you can get the issues you are having taken care of soon.

Thank you! I'm hoping some physical therapy will help and some Disney time.

 

[vamassey1]

Sorry to hear about the car accident and the cancellation of your Jollywood night! Thank goodness no one had major injuries! I

We were truly blessed it wasn't worse.

I hope the trip coming up is calm and free from problems!

Me too. I think we're all looking forward to it.

I like your 80s dress I can relate!

Thank you, fellow Gen Xer.