Joy in the World ~ a magical Christmas weekend! real life update 04/07

suse66

When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true!
Joined
Sep 3, 2008
Hello friends old and new!
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This time last week, I was in the middle of the magic...experiencing all the delights of the Christmas season at my favourite place in the world. For those of you that don't know me, I'm Susan. I adore all things Disney, collect Disney Dooney bags, Disney Pandora charms, Disney pins etc etc. I have been happily married to my lovely DH for 20 years and we celebrated that anniversary at Disney this past summer. We have three sons who have grown up with Disney and are about to turn 18 and 20 this year! This trip was a quick solo getaway and was over a year in the making.

Join in with me for all the details........

*first time at a value resort
*favourite new snack
*worst Disney meal ever
*best Disney meal at a new to me restaurant
*MVMCP
*a party within a party
*Christmas tree trail
*resort holiday decor touring
*braving the Skyliner
*Candlelight Processional
and more.......
 


I'm here and FIRST! YAY!
Hi Jenny! So happy to have you along! :)
I'm #2 :rotfl2:Very excited to hear all about it Susan!
It wouldn't be a TR without you.......glad you're here Ariane! :goodvibes
And I'm #3! Love reading about solo trips! Anxious to hear about your ride aboard the Skyliner :)
Hello and :welcome:! So happy to have you joining in!
I love reading solo trip reports! Checking-in and waiting for updates!
:welcome:, thank you for following along!
Excited to follow along on your trip from the other side of the Atlantic (where it's wet and windy and could seriously do with a dose of Florida sunshine:sunny:).
:welcome:, the weather did not disappoint and was a lovely respite from the snow and cold in southern Ontario. I am glad you are here to join in on the fun!
 


Yay! Joining in, so excited to hear about your Joyous Christmas trip!
So glad to have you here, Caroline! :goodvibes
I'm in too. :)

We were at Disney during Christmas for the first time last year, and I'm missing it a bit!
:welcome:, glad you joined in! This trip was my first time experiencing Christmas at Disney but certainly won't be my last!
 
Join in with me for all the details........

*first time at a value resort
*favourite new snack
*worst Disney meal ever
*best Disney meal at a new to me restaurant
*MVMCP
*a party within a party
*Christmas tree trail
*resort holiday decor touring
*braving the Skyliner
*Candlelight Processional
Looking forward to hear all about it!
 
Travel day and arriving at Pop!

I was only able to take one day off work so I booked an evening flight out of Toronto Pearson that landed at 11:05 pm. Leaving school that afternoon, I was blessed with great weather and an easy drive. Although I did opt for the toll highway to make my drive a little shorter. Customs was a breeze and when I was asked where I was off to, I excitedly replied "Disney for the Christmas party!". The border guard replied "Say hi to Mickey and Minnie for me" and I was off! My flight was about 1/2 hr late but I was lucky enough to have less than a five minute wait for the Magical Express. As I was only there for the weekend, I just had a carry on. Being so late at night, the bus went to four resorts; Caribbean Beach, AoA, Pop and AKL. Getting off at Pop and walking into the lobby, I was immediately struck by how great the lobby smelled. And they had the most beautiful Christmas tree!
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I had put in a request through Touring Plans for 50's section on the top floor and got pretty much the opposite......80's section by the computer pool on the 2nd floor. Oh well! It ended being a great spot as it was only a five minute walk from the Skyliner. I loved my room! It was spotlessly clean and had tons of storage. The bed was so, so comfortable and I slept really well. This was my first time ever at a value and I really liked it! For a trip like this when I was basically in the room to sleep and shower it worked out perfectly. That being said, the walls are THIN! I could hear people walking, bathroom noises of all kinds, conversations, TV etc etc. I coped with that by keeping my Disney info channel with the music background on at all times. Obligatory room photos to follow.......
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I could not imagine how small the room would be with the second bed down.
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Loved the dresser and large TV!
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The bathroom was so well designed and super clean! I really missed having a proper closet though.

The landscaping around the resort was lush and well maintained. I got a huge kick out of the over sized icon, especially the Sony Walkman across for my room that I owned in grade 11, lol!
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I ran into some spuds on the way to the Skyliner......
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And LOVED the themed staircases!
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Final thoughts on Pop....... I would absolutely stay here again. If I had a late flight where it made no sense to spend $$$$ to only go to sleep or if I was doing a quick go, go, go trip like this one, Pop would be a great option. I would give it an 8/10 for cleanliness, theming, friendly CMs and the Skyliner. All in all, it was a good choice, especially with the AP rate I snagged in the summer.


 
We really liked Pop when we stayed. I agree the walls are thin other than that all positives in my book. We have stayed in the 80’s and the 50’s we liked both.
The Skyliner is a nice addition now!
 
Totally agree. The refurbed rooms are great!
It really was wonderful!
We really liked Pop when we stayed. I agree the walls are thin other than that all positives in my book. We have stayed in the 80’s and the 50’s we liked both.
The Skyliner is a nice addition now!
I was super happy with it! I will admit to being a little worried initially as I had only stayed a deluxe or DVC before but it is an awesome resort!
 
I was only able to take one day off work
This is going to make for a quick trip!
Customs was a breeze and when I was asked where I was off to, I excitedly replied "Disney for the Christmas party!". The border guard replied "Say hi to Mickey and Minnie for me"
:laughing: I'm glad your experience was a tad better than mine!
And they had the most beautiful Christmas tree!
IMG_5521.JPG
Wow! That is pretty!
I had put in a request through Touring Plans for 50's section on the top floor and got pretty much the opposite......80's section by the computer pool on the 2nd floor.
:sad2:
It ended being a great spot as it was only a five minute walk from the Skyliner.
So... where is the Skyliner at Pop?
For a trip like this when I was basically in the room to sleep and shower it worked out perfectly.
::yes:: Reason I frequently stay in values.
I could hear people walking, bathroom noises of all kinds, conversations, TV etc etc.
Oh? Not really experienced this. Then again, I'm usually up very early and when I get back it's late and I usually crash right away.
I could not imagine how small the room would be with the second bed down.
Well next time, take it down and you won't have to imagine it. :rolleyes:
I got a huge kick out of the over sized icon, especially the Sony Walkman across for my room that I owned in grade 11, lol!
:laughing:
I would give it an 8/10 for cleanliness, theming, friendly CMs and the Skyliner.
High marks!
 
Following along. Looking forward to reading more about your adventures.

Last time I stayed at POFQ , I could hear the person in the next room snoring ! Thin walls - ugh. No matter where I am , I always request high floor away from the elevator - hoping for less noise .
 
This is going to make for a quick trip!
Very quick ~ less than 72 hours but worth every minute!
:laughing: I'm glad your experience was a tad better than mine!
I have great luck with customs. I guess middle aged , blond haired women excited about going to Disney are not on their radar, lol!
Wow! That is pretty!
Such a pretty tree. The lobby at Pop just sparkled!
So... where is the Skyliner at Pop?
It is on the bridge connecting Pop and AoA.
Oh? Not really experienced this. Then again, I'm usually up very early and when I get back it's late and I usually crash right away.
Same for me....I think I slept about five hours a night when I was there. I just had so much I wanted to do and see. :)
High marks!
And well deserved!!
Following along. Looking forward to reading more about your adventures.

Last time I stayed at POFQ , I could hear the person in the next room snoring ! Thin walls - ugh. No matter where I am , I always request high floor away from the elevator - hoping for less noise .
:welcome:, glad to have you joining in! I think thin walls are an issue throughout Disney property, especially in rooms with connecting doors. I had hoped for the highest floor too but no luck.
 
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Very quick ~ less than 72 hours but worth every minute!
:faint:
But... glad it was good. :)
I have great luck with customs. I guess middle aged , blond haired women excited about going to Disney are not on their radar, lol!
Those are the ones you have to watch out for!
It is on the bridge connecting Pop and AoA.
Ah!
Same for me....I think I slept about five hours a night when I was there. I just had so much I wanted to do and see. :)
::yes:: That sounds about right.
 

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