BklynChick's Beach Club Holiday Trip Part 1

Just back from my first ever trip to WDW during the Christmas holiday season. I don't know if I will have time for full blown day by day reports due to time constraints (aaak! Christmas is in 11 days!!!!) but I did want to do a quick report...

Overall:
- Christmas at WDW is everything I imagined and more! After reading about it online for years it was so great to actually see everything in person.
- December in Disney is still December. I packed a fleece jacket, hat and gloves and used them every night. Worth paying for a locker.
- Crowds were decent except Wednesday at MK when Pop Warner an Brazilian tour groups collided.
- Beach Club was amazing, loved being able to walk to Epcot (I could even hear and see high fireworks from Illuminations from my balcony!). The lobby smelled like gingerbread - YUM!
- I had no issues with Magic Bands or FP+ - I am a real fan of both. Just wish you could link other payment options like a Disney Visa Rewards card.

Day by day highlights:

Sunday 12/7: Arrived early afternoon at BC and my room was ready (love online check-in). Went to see the pool and since it was heated, decided to take a chance and try the lazy river. Sun came out and was able to do the hot tub as well. Explored the Epcot resorts, then dinner at Cape May Cafe. Selection was smaller than other buffets but quality was excellent. The only disappointment was dessert - not much there and no Oreo bonbons! Liked that the CM offered me hot tea in a to-go cup to bring back to the room.

Monday 12/8: My first rainy day at a Disney park in 20+ years (and the only one this week thank goodness). At least Hollywood Studios is mostly indoors...didn't stop me from doing any rides or shows (only Jedi Academy was cancelled). Sun came out for a bit during LMA. Loved the Frozen sing along show (and yes I sang along!). Dinner at 50's Prime Time was excellent - fried chicken and smores, yummy! Fortunately the rain ended for Osborne Lights. Maybe the bad weather kept the crowds away because I didn't feel it was as crazy as others warned. I walked around for 1 1/2 hours enjoying the lights and songs. Really had a nice evening.

Tuesday 12/9: Had a decadent breakfast at Captain's Grill before making part of EMH at Epcot. I was worried about not getting a FP+ for Soarin but was able to ride twice (along with single rider at TT and FP+ at SE) before heading to World Showcase. Loved the Holiday Storytellers - saw almost all of them. Lunch at Les Halles was so good - jambon beurre and citron macaron. Dinner was at La Hacienda and the shrimp tacos were also very good. Had FP+ for Illuminations - the viewing area was perfect but front row spots were almost gone before the window was technically open, so get there early! The holiday tag was a nice addition to one of my all-time favorites.

To be continued...