Hanging with Earl the Squirrel and The Grinch. A Christmas TR! Updated The End*

[disneyAndi14]

love the pictures of the parade and the nightclub. Universal Studios looks great with the Christmas decorations.

I loved all the Christmas decorations at USO!

Every time I see a Minion, I immediately say "Banana!!!" So I am now walking around the theatre randomly yelling out "Banana!" and I blame you!! I love the Club. Disney needs something like that!

Banana haha same I was saying that to myself a lot this trip! The club is really a cool place, it will be Mardi Gras themed on my next trip. Excited to check it out

Hi Caroline! I’m all caught up with this report and also finished your fall trip with Andi and Kate. The three of you accomplished a ton on that trip and I’m jealous of all the tasty food and snacks you ate. Also, congratulations to Andi and Kate on their engagement and house!

Hi! very happy yo have you reading along! We did eat some really good food in September, way better than my kids meals this trip, haha The girls love being homeowners and have been working hard fixing up the place!

Ooof, what a travel day! I’m sorry you had so many delays and issues. At least since you were traveling by yourself and didn’t have set plans like an ADR it was a bit less stressful - but still not fun.

It was a bad one, luckily this rarely happens on my travel days but wow when it does very stressful!

But your next day sure turned it around! Your tour looked super fun and a short wait to meet the Grinch (and Max!) is far superior to a 200 minute (!) wait. I also love all your pictures of the parade and the lounge. The parks sure know how to deck out for the holidays!

I really enjoyed my solo time at USO. There was so much to see and do even as a so,o traveler. The Grinch wait time in the parks was crazy, low crowds everywhere else but that line!

Where did you put them? Closet?

I wish I could trade the old legs in for a new pair especially on trips, lol

But this...
Just... what? She looks like she's standing on a stool and her skirt fell off.

She is a snowflake!

Little hard to see for sure, but... is that the Grinch???

He was a traditional Santa no Grinch in this parade. He was a black Santa which is nice to have representation!

That Earl is an industrious critter!

He really is wow who knew a little squirrel chewing on Christmas lights could turn it into a huge gig.

 

[pkondz]

I wish I could trade the old legs in for a new pair especially on trips, lol

He was a traditional Santa no Grinch in this parade. He was a black Santa which is nice to have representation!

Ohhhhh…
Oh! And I thought he was green!!

He really is wow who knew a little squirrel chewing on Christmas lights could turn it into a huge gig.

 

[disneyAndi14]

A kid’s meal again!

Today was Thursday 12/5/24 and it was my day to head over to WDW for the next 5 days! I was really excited to start the second half of my trip.

I took my time in the morning. I ate a donut and drank some coffee before gathering all my stuff. I left SFR around 10:30am. I really liked my stay here. It was quiet, despite several work conventions going on and my bed was comfortable. The beds are not as comfortable as the Disney resorts in my opinion. Like I said earlier, my room was definitely showing some wear and tear. The TMs at USO were wonderful and very helpful! I loved walking over to Adventura and loved the boat transportation from SFR.

Overall a great 4 nights at USO to immerse myself in Christmas and Grinchmas! I highly recommend an early December trip to USO. I found the crowds low and so much fun entertainment and Christmas decorations everywhere!

2 thumbs up for my stay here!

My Lyft arrived on time and I was off to CSR Destino Tower.

My room wasn’t ready, however, I wanted to drop off my luggage and groceries with bell services.

I arrived to a massive crowd in the lobby, wow! Holy cheer crowds Batman! I guess there is a cheer competition this weekend. Lately every time I head down to Orlando there is some sort of cheer, dance, comic con, or gymnastics competition! Yikes!
I had dropped off my luggage outside and took a few pictures of the gorgeous tree and Walt in the lobby of GD before heading to DS.



The bus system at CSR is sometimes a pain because of how large the resort is. I will refer to GD as the tower, this is where our room was going to be. At the tower all the park buses have gone around to pick everyone up and the tower is the last stop.

DS starts at the tower and goes all the way around the resort before heading out. A DS bus showed up pretty quickly and I wasn’t in a hurry so just chilled on the bus as we hit a bunch of stops before heading to DS.

I arrived in DS around 1200. I saw the AP Christmas tree first and there was a PP person there with a Christmas gift box as a prop so I stopped for pictures. Turned out really bad and very awkward A big shadow over my face and trying to sit on bricks balancing this gift box was weird! I think the PP person was new and offered no help or suggestions so I will not be showing my picture from here. It would scare you all and you would run for protection! Here is just the tree!

Big Tree in the plaza area at DS

After that awful experience, I walked around DS and decided to try Cooks of Dublin for lunch. I went with the kids fish and chips. This came with a drink, I chose a Diet Coke. I sat outside and enjoyed my meal! The fish was delicious as well as the fries! So basically since I arrived in Florida I have had hotdogs and fish and chips kids meals!

I was happy with my choices! Doesn’t make for great trip reporting haha No beautiful 5 course fancy meals to photograph. While I was eating, I got the room ready text, yay! It was the actual room I requested on TP! I was really happy because the last several trips my request had been totally ignored.

I finished my lunch, took a picture of the weird pretzel dogs and headed back to the buses.

I was excited to check out the room. I did not have to wait very long for a bus and soon I was heading back to the tower. The massive cheer crowds had left the lobby and it was a little less crowded, however, the resort was very busy our whole trip as was WDW!

I went up to the room 966 on the 9th floor. It is a non connecting room with an awesome view of the water and AK!

The room was perfect, very clean, and large for a moderate resort.

Here is our view outside the window! I could actually see the train going up Everest, really cool.


Room pictures


I called Bell Service for my luggage and didn’t have to wait very long before they delivered my luggage. I organized my clothes and food. I also checked out my bed! Very comfortable. I took the bed closest to the window! Susan would be arriving very late so I thought the bed closest to the entrance of our room would be good for her.

I sent pictures of the room to Susan and she was excited!

My plan was to head out to AK next!

Stay tuned for the best Dinosaur ride ever! Coming up next.

 

[disneyAndi14]

The Best Dinosaur Ride Ever!

I went down to the bus stop and waited on an AK bus. I did not have to wait long at all. I had pre ordered FP$$ for later in the day. I had Safari, NRJ, and Dinosaur.

I arrived in the park and the wonderful magical menagerie was out entertaining guests! I love this addition to AK at Christmas time.


The park did seem busy, not crazy crowded but definitely busier than some of my other visits.

I took my time walking around and headed to my first FP which was the Safari. I love the Safari, it was later afternoon so not as many animals out as morning but still very enjoyable.

I decided to have a treat I have been wanting to try in AK. It is the Pineapple Crisp Sundae at Tamu Tamu Refreshments. I have heard so many good reviews about this and it was a perfect dinner, haha

The sundae is pineapple crisp cake, vanilla ice cream, pineapple caramel, and crispy streusel topping.

I picked this up and found a spot to sit and listen to the last set of Burudika. This is the African band that has returned to AK. They are wonderful! This was a lovely dessert dinner with entertainment! The hype is real with this sundae. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I ate the whole thing, well it was my dinner!

Once I finished and the band played their last song I headed to Pandora to ride NRJ.

The wait was like 60 minutes in SB so I was really happy to have my FP$$. A solo traveler was in front of me and we sat together on the ride and thank goodness the CM didn’t try to add more people to the row we were in.

I enjoyed the ride but would never wait more than 20 minutes! I waited around 7 minutes yay!

I walked to the back of the Tree of Life next. I love this quiet pathway. I visited with the Galapagos Tortoises! One came towards my voice, how cute is that.



I looked at some of the carvings on the tree and found a great white shark I hadn’t seen before! I always spot a new one.

It was time to head to Dino Land, I knew this trip was the last time I would see the Chester and Hester’s carnival area and gift shop. Let’s all take a minute sigh! I will miss this area very much!

I rode Triceratops Spin one last time before heading to Dinosaur I am thankful the Dinosaur ride will remain through 2025! It gives me several more chances to ride! The SB wait time was 45 minutes so I was glad I had a FP$$ for it. I got the front row on the end yay! I was seated with two girls and a guy. They seemed a little irritated that I was on the end in their row?? Oh well I was happy to be there with a perfect spot for the picture!

Take a look at the picture, haha I can see why they wanted to be alone in the row or in my spot! The two girls had Dinosaur puppets out for the picture! I love it, true Dinosaur fans! I couldn’t have been in a better row, this picture is a keeper!

I took a few more pictures as I worked my way out of the park. The park was closing at 7pm. I didn’t stay to watch the show on the Tree of Life since I have seen it several times and it was more crowded tonight.

I walked out to the bus stop and soon I was heading back to CSR. I had thought about going up to Dahlia for a drink but the room was so relaxing I decided to get comfortable and watch HEA on the TV. This was the end of my solo portion of the trip. Susan will be arriving in the night! She had some airplane delays as well finding a late night for her. She arrived around 3am. I will let Susan start the next part of our trip report when she finishes up with her summer TR.

I will add to her report as I follow along!

Thank you Everyone for reading and joining in on my TR.

See you in the next one!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Your resort room looks really nice, more like a deluxe than a moderate. My sister and daughter love the tower at CSR but I've been a little hesitant to try it. And it always seems to get booked up fast.

Oh well I was happy to be there with a perfect spot for the picture!

The picture turned out really nice.

 

[pkondz]

A kid’s meal again!

Say it isn't so!

I took my time in the morning. I ate a donut and drank some coffee

Breakfast of champions.

I really liked my stay here. It was quiet, despite several work conventions going on and my bed was comfortable.

Sounds pretty darned good to me.

The beds are not as comfortable as the Disney resorts in my opinion.

Oh, really? Must admit, I hadn't noticed.

I highly recommend an early December trip to USO. I found the crowds low and so much fun entertainment and Christmas decorations everywhere!

Noted!

Holy cheer crowds Batman!

At the tower all the park buses have gone around to pick everyone up and the tower is the last stop.

Uh, oh...
Could make for some full/missed buses. Hope your luck holds out.

Turned out really bad and very awkward A big shadow over my face and trying to sit on bricks balancing this gift box was weird!

Oh, come on... pretty please?

The fish was delicious as well as the fries!

When it's the only thing on the plate, you sure hope it's gonna be good.

So basically since I arrived in Florida I have had hotdogs and fish and chips kids meals!

It was the actual room I requested on TP! I was really happy because the last several trips my request had been totally ignored.

Really!
My TP subscription has lapsed, and I just got an email from them a day or two ago... had thought there wasn't much point. But now... hmmm...

But won't renew until I have a date for Disney... which I currently don't.

the resort was very busy our whole trip as was WDW!

Huh. Very different from US

Great view!

I also checked out my bed! Very comfortable.

But not as comfy as US?

 

[pkondz]

I went down to the bus stop and waited on an AK bus. I did not have to wait long at all.

the wonderful magical menagerie was out entertaining guests!

I've seen many pictures. Some day maybe I'll see them IRL.

I love the Safari

Who doesn't!

It is the Pineapple Crisp Sundae at Tamu Tamu Refreshments.

I've heard of this... normally I love pineapple... but not with other things. But I'm definitely gonna try this.

Burudika. This is the African band that has returned to AK.

Good!!

The wait was like 60 minutes in SB so I was really happy to have my FP$$.

thank goodness the CM didn’t try to add more people to the row we were in.

Yuck. No thanks. Two's plenty.

I visited with the Galapagos Tortoises! One came towards my voice, how cute is that.

Awww.

I looked at some of the carvings on the tree and found a great white shark I hadn’t seen before! I always spot a new one.

Really! I've never seen that one. Must look more closely, apparently.

It was time to head to Dino Land, I knew this trip was the last time I would see the Chester and Hester’s carnival area and gift shop. Let’s all take a minute sigh! I will miss this area very much!

Well... Actually...
I've never been a huge fan of this area. I tended to just ride Dino and then leave. I suspect many others do the same, hence the upcoming change.

I am thankful the Dinosaur ride will remain through 2025!

Oh! Didn't know it was.
Maybe there's a chance I'll be able to ride it one more time, if I get there this year. (doubtful)

The two girls had Dinosaur puppets out for the picture! I love it, true Dinosaur fans! I couldn’t have been in a better row, this picture is a keeper!

I've never thought of that. Clever!

Thank you Everyone for reading and joining in on my TR.

See you in the next one!

Thanks so much for sharing! See you on Susan's TR!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Your new room looks lovely and that view is simply gorgeous.
I almost always order the kids meals from the chippy as the portions are perfectly sized for me too (and the price is great). We love sitting at the wee bar between Cooke’s and Raglan Road eating our kids meals and sipping our adult drinks. Bliss!
You really did save time queuing with your $$fp and boy did you ever get the perfect row for you on Dinosaur . Fab photo!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

The rooms in the tower are beautiful but I always end up pivoting away because of the buses. But I do love a drink and some time at Dahlia!!

Your Animal Kingdom afternoon sounds lovely. I always go first thing in the morning and then park hop so I miss some of the later things. But, like you, I prefer the safari in the morning when the animals are most active!

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I stayed at Coronado Springs back in 2013 - I liked the rooms and our stay (and the cinnamon coffees) but was a bit put off by the size of the resort. It felt huge! That said, the Grand Destino Tower looks beautiful and the rooms look so nice.

You had such a nice transition day! Some time at Disney Springs, some time at Animal Kingdom (I love that park!), and some time to relax in the room… perfection. I need more stomachs at Disney World to fit in things like that dole whip sundae - it looks so tasty!

And I’m glad (but not at all shocked) that you spent some time in DinoLand. I will miss seeing that big green dinosaur at the Dino-Rama entrance - I once spent downtime at AK eating delicious Disney popcorn and people watching while sitting underneath him. It’s a nice Disney memory!

Thanks for this portion of your trip report - I’ll catch you on the Disney portion once that kicks off!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Your resort room looks really nice, more like a deluxe than a moderate. My sister and daughter love the tower at CSR but I've been a little hesitant to try it. And it always seems to get booked up fast.

I.love the tower. Andi and I have stayed in the tower like 4x. It is a lovely resort and in the tower you don’t have to walk super far for the restaurants!

The picture turned out really nice.

Thank you, it was fun to see the girls with the Dinosaur puppets!

Say it isn't so!

Haha I think that was the last of my kids meals for the trip!

Uh, oh...
Could make for some full/missed buses. Hope your luck holds out.

Yes, we didn’t have any trouble this trip. In the morning they send several busses at the same time for the parks!

Oh, come on... pretty please?

Ok just for you, don’t get scared now!


At least the orange bird looks cute!

Really!
My TP subscription has lapsed, and I just got an email from them a day or two ago... had thought there wasn't much point. But now... hmmm...

I have a theory that the moderate and value resorts honor the TP requests and the Deluxes do not!

But not as comfy as US?

Disney beds are more comfortable to me. I like a more firm mattress and Disney delivers on that. US has softer beds. Pillows at Disney are better as well.

Great view!

It really was a great view, Tree of Life and EE!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I've heard of this... normally I love pineapple... but not with other things. But I'm definitely gonna try this.

This was really good! I definitely recommend it

Really! I've never seen that one. Must look more closely, apparently.

Not the best picture but you can see the teeth

Well... Actually...
I've never been a huge fan of this area. I tended to just ride Dino and then leave. I suspect many others do the same, hence the upcoming change.

We never played any of the games except years ago when my son was with us! He loved this area! It has so many memories for me! Andi and I hung out here many times especially when Disney had extra magic hours here in the evening. It was wonderful

Oh! Didn't know it was.
Maybe there's a chance I'll be able to ride it one more time, if I get there this year. (doubtful)

Yes! It will be open through 2025 per the old internet and that is always true right?

Thanks so much for

I cut off your reply, sigh Thank you so much for reading along and commenting! More to come on our busy WDW days! We filled our days with so much!

 

[pkondz]

Haha I think that was the last of my kids meals for the trip!

noooooooo!!!!!

Yes, we didn’t have any trouble this trip. In the morning they send several busses at the same time for the parks!

Phew!

Actually, I really like this shot.

At least the orange bird looks cute!

I didn't even notice him until you mentioned him!

I have a theory that the moderate and value resorts honor the TP requests and the Deluxes do not!

Hmmm... No idea!

Disney beds are more comfortable to me. I like a more firm mattress and Disney delivers on that. US has softer beds. Pillows at Disney are better as well.

Oh! I had that backwards. Thought you liked US beds more than Disney. But thanks for the explanation.

Not the best picture but you can see the teeth

Cool!

It has so many memories for me! Andi and I hung out here many times especially when Disney had extra magic hours here in the evening. It was wonderful

Awww... Can see that.

Yes! It will be open through 2025 per the old internet and that is always true right?

 

[buzzrelly]

Having experienced all 4 many times now, F&G is still my all time favorite with FArts coming in 2nd, Festival of the Holidays 3rd and F&W 4th. How do you rank the festivals?

Hi Caroline! You got a LOT done in those solo days!

My favorite fest so far is Flower and Garden, followed by Festival of the Holidays, then Food and Wine. I'll be going to F-Arts for this very FIRST time next week and I'm so excited! I'll have to see where it ranks after that!

I saw a PP CM and had pictures taken here in China.

So Cute!

I was happy with my choices! Doesn’t make for great trip reporting haha

I am the same way...I tend to enjoy the more simple foods! I always make a disclaimer that I do not write dining reports!

It was time to head to Dino Land, I knew this trip was the last time I would see the Chester and Hester’s carnival area and gift shop. Let’s all take a minute sigh! I will miss this area very much!

I'm so sorry, but I'm super happy to see this area go! It's always been a thorn in my side, especially when the rest of AK is sooooo gorgeous!

This was the end of my solo portion of the trip. Susan will be arriving in the night! She had some airplane delays as well finding a late night for her. She arrived around 3am.

Poor Susan! What a crazy travel day!

Looking forward to the rest of the trip report!

 

[mickey916]

Here is our view outside the window! I could actually see the train going up Everest, really cool.

Great view! A stay in the Tower is definitely on our bucket list.

I decided to have a treat I have been wanting to try in AK. It is the Pineapple Crisp Sundae at Tamu Tamu Refreshments. I have heard so many good reviews about this and it was a perfect dinner, haha

Love that sundae! Great choice for dinner...it has lots of the food groups...fruit, dairy, grain...

Not the best picture but you can see the teeth

Wow! I've never found that one either. Will have to try to find it next time.

Great report. Looking forward to your joint report with Susan!

 

[Steppesister]

I really enjoyed myself! I think the scavenger hunts at USO are better because you are always solving a word search makes it more fun than just searching for Olaf, haha
I have never finished one at Disney! Thank goodness you get the prize no matter what!

I love this idea!

once through the pre show I knew it wasn’t going to be 15 minutes! It was really backed up and tons of people just standing not moving at all. The ride was down, bummer!

Yep, I wish I had bailed on one of my rides on my last day too. UGH.

I had a friend in high school whose family also hung their trees. They were Italian and said it was a tradition there?

took a few pictures of the gorgeous tree

That was one of the very few resorts I didn't make it to. I'll bet it was lovely!

The fish was delicious as well as the fries! So basically since I arrived in Florida I have had hotdogs and fish and chips kids meals!

LOL!!! As long as they're delicious, why not?!

Here is our view outside the window! I could actually see the train going up Everest, really cool.

What a view!

I love this addition to AK at Christmas time.

I loved this little addition too. In fact, I think I have a photo of this same puppeteer; she's so cute!

This was a lovely dessert dinner with entertainment! The hype is real with this sundae. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Now I wish I'd tried it!

She arrived around 3am.

OH my! Yikes!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Your new room looks lovely and that view is simply gorgeous.
I almost always order the kids meals from the chippy as the portions are perfectly sized for me too (and the price is great). We love sitting at the wee bar between Cooke’s and Raglan Road eating our kids meals and sipping our adult drinks. Bliss!
You really did save time queuing with your $$fp and boy did you ever get the perfect row for you on Dinosaur . Fab photo!

I love staying in the tower. Kids meals are the way to go. I do order often especially breakfast at Disney! I was glad I had FP for cash! The lines were long this afternoon! I love the photo with the Dino puppets, cool

The rooms in the tower are beautiful but I always end up pivoting away because of the buses. But I do love a drink and some time at Dahlia!!

The buses really aren’t that bad and we were there with cheer groups and the Gary Sinse families! Dahlia is wonderful and we did get there, yay

Your Animal Kingdom afternoon sounds lovely. I always go first thing in the morning and then park hop so I miss some of the later things. But, like you, I prefer the safari in the morning when the animals are most active!

It really was a wonderful afternoon and AK is a favorite park of mine! You can chill even if it is crowded

Actually, I really like this shot.

Haha Thanks It was awkward for sure

I didn't even notice him until you mentioned him!

The orange bird looks like he is having fun at least

 

[disneyAndi14]

Hi Caroline! You got a LOT done in those solo days!

It was a nice pace and doing things that I wanted to do

My favorite fest so far is Flower and Garden, followed by Festival of the Holidays, then Food and Wine. I'll be going to F-Arts for this very FIRST time next week and I'm so excited! I'll have to see where it ranks after that!

I think you will really enjoy FArts It is unique from F&G, the art is amazing. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

I am the same way...I tend to enjoy the more simple foods! I always make a disclaimer that I do not write dining reports!

Haha same! I like smaller more frequent meals not real elaborate 5 course ones!

I'm so sorry, but I'm super happy to see this area go! It's always been a thorn in my side, especially when the rest of AK is sooooo gorgeous!

I think the memories make it very special to me. It was mine and Andi’s favorite place to spend time in the evening when she was younger. I’m excited for the new attractions and happy Dinosaur isn’t going away quite yet!

Poor Susan! What a crazy travel day!

It really was, so many delays, ugh

Looking forward to the rest of the trip report!

Thank you, it will be coming up soon!

 

[pkondz]

The orange bird looks like he is having fun at least

He wants to know what's in the box too!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Great view! A stay in the Tower is definitely on our bucket list.

I highly recommend a stay in the tower!

Love that sundae! Great choice for dinner...it has lots of the food groups...fruit, dairy, grain...

I think I read about it on your report! It did not disappoint and I like your nutritional information

Wow! I've never found that one either. Will have to try to find it next time.

Great report. Looking forward to your joint report with Susan!

I love the back of the tree of life. It usually is not that crowded back there for good viewing!