Prince John Robin Hood
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2020
We (Me, DW, DS-8 and DD-4) took our first DVC trip since becoming members from Dec 16-23. We were able to use our 2020 points we received when we bought AKV direct so I'm calling it a free trip . We were able to book BRV since it was our Welcome Home Trip. I booked everything back in June and we were so excited to be able to stay at Wilderness Lodge for Christmas as it was our first time doing a Christmas trip.
We are Canadian so things were a bit stressful in the weeks leading up to the trip with rule changes but we were able to get our Covid tests done the day before leaving and all tested negative .
December 16th
We had a late afternoon flight and arrived at the airport almost 3 hours early as we were nervous of delays in the airport (Toronto). Everything went really smooth and we cleared security and customs super quick. We used all the free time to eat and relax before our flight. The kids hadn't been on a plane in almost 2 years so they were very excited. Our flight landed on time at MCO and we were able to collect our bags and head to Magical Express quickly. ME got us on a bus right away but there were a number of stops before ours. We ended up getting to WL around 10:30 due to this but the lobby was quiet and allowed for some great photos. Our room at BRV was as far from the lobby as possible but I didn't find the distance too bad. The room was definitely dated but it was in way better shape then I was expecting. My only issue with it was that all the electrical outlets seemed beat up and when trying to charge our phones the plug would sometimes slide out. I wish they would've had USB slots but those will be added in the refurb I'm sure.
December 17th
We got up bright and early to head to HS. We ended up just missing the first bus of the day and got on the next one about 15 minutes later. We arrived at HS and got in line for MMRR, as this was high on the kids list after seeing it on Youtube. The ride was great and we were able to do TSM as well before park opening. We had never visited SWGE before and I thought ROTR was incredible. Lunch was at Pizzerizzo's and everyone enjoyed the food. We were able to knock out quite a few rides and the crowds weren't too bad. For dinner we headed back to WL and ate at Roaring Fork (QS) before heading over to Magic Kingdom. It was a party night but we wanted to do a few rides and checkout the decorations. DD had made it clear that Dumbo was #1 on her list of rides to do so we did Dumbo, Tea Cups and the Carousel before jumping in line for SDMT prior to the early close. The wait was posted at like 75 minutes but the actual wait was 10-15 minutes. We were able to checkout the shops briefly but there were so many people in the stores we quickly gave up and left. The kids wanted a plush but there wasn't much selection beyond blanket babies.
December 18th
We were heading back to MK but weren't in a rush and took the boat from WL. Upon arriving at MK we were greeted by Pooh and friends which was a lovely surprise.
The wait times for rides weren't too bad overall and we were able to get on a lot of the mid-tier rides without too much of a wait. Lunch was at Jungle Skipper Canteen and it was our first time dining there, but it will not be the last. We were seated in the S.E.A. room and the theming was fantastic. The food was definitely more adventurous than other WDW restaurants I've been too but I thought the food was great. DW and I split the Cachapas for an appetizer which was amazing. For entree's I had the Swordfish and she had the steak, both of which were very good. The kids had chicken and steak and liked it but complained about the volcano cake dessert. I assure you that they are not reliable food critics though. After lunch we saw Anastasia and Drizella around the castle. Speaking with them turned out to be a mistake as Anastasia thoroughly enjoyed lecturing me in front of DW and the kids which they loved. It turns out I've been doing my kids a terrible disservice all these years by only telling them Cinderella's side of the story .
Prior to dinner we went aboard the Jingle Cruise and it did not disappoint. I thought the kids would be too young still for the humour but DS picked up on some of the puns and they both enjoyed themselves. Dinner was at Liberty Tree Tavern which we always enjoy. The food was excellent as always but the dessert was absolutely fantastic. After dinner we did more rides and took advantage of the shorter wait times during the fireworks before heading back to our resort.
We are Canadian so things were a bit stressful in the weeks leading up to the trip with rule changes but we were able to get our Covid tests done the day before leaving and all tested negative .
December 16th
We had a late afternoon flight and arrived at the airport almost 3 hours early as we were nervous of delays in the airport (Toronto). Everything went really smooth and we cleared security and customs super quick. We used all the free time to eat and relax before our flight. The kids hadn't been on a plane in almost 2 years so they were very excited. Our flight landed on time at MCO and we were able to collect our bags and head to Magical Express quickly. ME got us on a bus right away but there were a number of stops before ours. We ended up getting to WL around 10:30 due to this but the lobby was quiet and allowed for some great photos. Our room at BRV was as far from the lobby as possible but I didn't find the distance too bad. The room was definitely dated but it was in way better shape then I was expecting. My only issue with it was that all the electrical outlets seemed beat up and when trying to charge our phones the plug would sometimes slide out. I wish they would've had USB slots but those will be added in the refurb I'm sure.
December 17th
We got up bright and early to head to HS. We ended up just missing the first bus of the day and got on the next one about 15 minutes later. We arrived at HS and got in line for MMRR, as this was high on the kids list after seeing it on Youtube. The ride was great and we were able to do TSM as well before park opening. We had never visited SWGE before and I thought ROTR was incredible. Lunch was at Pizzerizzo's and everyone enjoyed the food. We were able to knock out quite a few rides and the crowds weren't too bad. For dinner we headed back to WL and ate at Roaring Fork (QS) before heading over to Magic Kingdom. It was a party night but we wanted to do a few rides and checkout the decorations. DD had made it clear that Dumbo was #1 on her list of rides to do so we did Dumbo, Tea Cups and the Carousel before jumping in line for SDMT prior to the early close. The wait was posted at like 75 minutes but the actual wait was 10-15 minutes. We were able to checkout the shops briefly but there were so many people in the stores we quickly gave up and left. The kids wanted a plush but there wasn't much selection beyond blanket babies.
December 18th
We were heading back to MK but weren't in a rush and took the boat from WL. Upon arriving at MK we were greeted by Pooh and friends which was a lovely surprise.
The wait times for rides weren't too bad overall and we were able to get on a lot of the mid-tier rides without too much of a wait. Lunch was at Jungle Skipper Canteen and it was our first time dining there, but it will not be the last. We were seated in the S.E.A. room and the theming was fantastic. The food was definitely more adventurous than other WDW restaurants I've been too but I thought the food was great. DW and I split the Cachapas for an appetizer which was amazing. For entree's I had the Swordfish and she had the steak, both of which were very good. The kids had chicken and steak and liked it but complained about the volcano cake dessert. I assure you that they are not reliable food critics though. After lunch we saw Anastasia and Drizella around the castle. Speaking with them turned out to be a mistake as Anastasia thoroughly enjoyed lecturing me in front of DW and the kids which they loved. It turns out I've been doing my kids a terrible disservice all these years by only telling them Cinderella's side of the story .
Prior to dinner we went aboard the Jingle Cruise and it did not disappoint. I thought the kids would be too young still for the humour but DS picked up on some of the puns and they both enjoyed themselves. Dinner was at Liberty Tree Tavern which we always enjoy. The food was excellent as always but the dessert was absolutely fantastic. After dinner we did more rides and took advantage of the shorter wait times during the fireworks before heading back to our resort.