A Merrytime on the Disney Fantasy

For our July travels together, we are going to enjoy a cliché--Christmas in July!  In December 2018, I went on my second Disney Cruise on the Disney Fantasy with my family.  We enjoyed the seven night eastern Caribbean itinerary that took us to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This vacation started, however, with three days in Disney World.

We stayed this time in Port Orleans, Riverside.

As we walked into the main building, with the lobby, eating options, and a store,  we were greated by a tall beautiful Christmas tree.

After check-in in the lobby,

we headed outside the main building,

and out into the Riverside complex.

(Main lobby building)

The motel like buildings with the hotel rooms looked like southern mansions.

(We stayed in Oak manor) 

We stayed one of the Princess Suites--my sister, Katie and I were super excited that our parents agreed to stay in one of these suites!

Of course, Tiana was a big deal in these southern mansion princess rooms, with the headboards showing the light-up magic of the bayou,

but there were more princess touches, from Magic Carpet, 

to the faucets in the bathroom shaped like Genie's lamp.  

Yes, we are definitely children at heart.  Our parents paid for the Disney World portion of this trip as part of our Christmas present that year (so we are spoiled children at heart).

After admiring our room, we visited Animal Kingdom in the afternoon.

(Park Map so you can follow along!)

Passing through Discovery Island with the Tree of Life,

We went immediately to the Africa section of the park.

(I loved the interesting wreathes for Christmas)

We had fast passes for a Kilimanjaro Safari!

Next through Africa

on our way to the Pandora area of Animal Kingdom.

Our next fast pass was for the new(ish) Na'vi River Ride.

Back through Discovery Island on our way to Asia.

That night we used a fast pass for seats to the River of Light show, on a "lake" in the Asia part of the part near Mount Everest.

(Mickey snack for the show)

A quick stop in Dinoland, U.S.A. so Katie and I could go on the Dinosaur ride,

Before heading to Discovery Island to see the light show on the Tree of Life, before heading to the exit.

Dinner that night was in the food court in the main building at Port Orleans.

(Pretty lobby)