Chris and Jessica Johnson (Trip 2) - December 2004

Day Two- Saturday, December 25, 2004

Since we love room service, and it was a holiday, Chris had decided before we went to bed that he would get an early wake up call and order us breakfast. Then we'd go back to sleep, and when we got up figure out the plans for the rest of the day. Our tentative plans were to try to hit Animal Kingdom to see the holiday parade, and then maybe take in the Osborne Lights, before going to dinner with some friends.

The wake up call came at 7, and Chris ordered our meals. I, of course, slept through it all, only half waking when room service knocked on the door. We were greeted by a friendly employee, who brought the tray in, wished us a wonderful holiday and asked that we call when finished with the tray.

Chris is much more into breakfast than I am, so he ordered either eggs or pancakes. For the life of me, I couldn't tell you what he ate. I opted for a danish and fresh fruit. I ended up with a huge plate of fruit, everything from strawberries to pineapple. When we were finished eating, we both snuggled back in, and went back to sleep.

We both were finally "awake" by early afternoon- in time to realize it was pouring. It looked like there was no sign of it stopping anytime soon, so we decided to put our plans on hold, and just hang out at the hotel. If it stopped, we'd figure out what we could do from that point on.

So, we spent most of Christmas day, in our pajamas, in our hotel room. We took turns surfing the internet, reading different magazine I'd brought, and mostly watching "I Love the 80's" on VH1. During the afternoon, we chatted on IM with Robin, and she was thrilled, because for Christmas, her husband Vince, had gotten her a diamond necklace, and hidden it in the tree. He totally surprised her!

Around 3:30 or 4, Chris and I started getting hungry. No problem! We decided we'd just order room service, since we didn't have dinner plans until 9:40. We flipped open the menu and learned they didn't start serving until 5:30. But, that's not a big deal, since the menu said they served coffee and other breakfast items at the bar, plus the Plantation Room might be open. Chris headed to the lobby to see about the Plantation Room, which was between seatings. They didn't open again until dinner, which was totally booked. And the bar wasn't serving anything.

One of the employees did call and find out that we could make a reservation at the Cuban restaurant across the street, but they wouldn't be open for a while. Chris came back to the room and announced that there were vending machines on the second floor. He then went back to the lobby to find out if the tea room was open, so we could get a snack. He came back and informed me that there were vending machines on the second floor. So, with no other options- he set off for the vending machines on the second floor.

As it turns out, the vending machines on the second floor only have soda. So, when Chris returned, we raided the mini bar, and I had a Snickers while he ate some cookies. We held on until 5:30 when room service opened, and I think we were one of their first calls. We'd decided that since it was so later on, we'd split a club sandwich, and some fries, and we ordered two sodas.

It only took about 15 minutes, and room service arrived with a giant sandwich. I can not even begin to describe how good it was. It was a turkey and ham club, and had a pesto sauce on it that was just incredible. The fries were giant waffle fries, and the entire meal was well worth the wait. The soda was even little individual glass bottles.

After we finished eating, we settled back in for the evening. We watched more tv and hung out, and generally just enjoyed our lazy day. We talked to a few relatives, and had no interruptions except for when housekeeping came by to see if we needed turndown service. I explained that we didn't, and she handed me some chocolate, before wishing me a Merry Christmas.

Eventually, it was time to get ready for dinner and head out, so we got dressed and made our way out to the valet stand. On the way, Chris stopped at one of the reception desks to ask for some extra towels (since I didn't think of it when housekeeping was actually AT the door), and if they could restock the mini bar, since I'd managed to drink all of the coke in it over the course of the previous night and during the day. He was tickled to learn that he didn't even have to tell them what we'd taken from the mini bar- it knows what's been taken and registers it on it's own.

We got the car and headed over to the Yacht Club, where we were meeting up with Joanie, her husband Bob, Annette and Kyle for dinner. As we pulled into the parking lot, Annette called to let us know that their plane had landed and they were driving to the resort. Chris left the car with the valet, and we headed through the lobby and back to Yachtsman.

When we got back there, we spotted Joanie, and I got in line to get us checked in. It was moving slowly, so it took a few minutes for us to get registered, and then we joined Chris and Bob, out in the hallway, to wait for our table, and Annette. We spent about 15 minutes waiting, and just as we saw Annette and Kyle walking down the hall, our names were called.

We headed inside, and were seated quickly. Our server brought out sour dough and onion rolls, and took our orders. I can't tell you what everyone had, but I know that Chris ordered the New York Strip Steak, and I had the filet again. I'd gotten the Filet on our trip there in November and it was wonderful. This time was no different.

The meal was great, and we spent the whole time chatting away. Kyle told us about his Christmas presents, and we talked about all sorts of stuff. When it came time for dessert, I ordered a glass of Inniskillen Ice Wine and the Jack Daniels Mousse Cake. It had a molded piece of chocolate with Happy Holidays written on it as an extra decoration. I'd been a bit afraid to get it, as I'm not a Jack Daniels fan, but it turns out that it was the dessert I'd enjoyed the most when I'd gotten the dessert sampler on our last visit.

Eventually the meal had to end, and it was nearly midnight when it did. After taking care of the bill, we all made our way out to the lobby and discussed our plans for the next day. Joanie and Bob headed out the back door, to walk back to the Boardwalk, and after seeing Annette and Kyle checked into their room, Chris and I headed out the front.

We got back to the hotel, and pretty much just settled in for the night. It was still raining a bit, so no hot tub. While we'd been gone, Housekeeping had brought new towels and restocked our mini bar, though they hadn't taken the tip we'd left for them. It was a wonderful way to spend Christmas Day and we look forward to doing it again next year!

Part 1, 2, 3, 4