A Very Lurkyloo Christmas is FINISHED! New 3/16: Last Day of the Trip! [Archive] - Page 7 - The DIS Discussion Forums

figmentfan814

01-19-2011, 10:55 AM

I love the shots of the Cinderella Suite. So, is it located on the back side on the left when facing it? Just trying to figure it out based on your shots. I would love to tour it some day. The D23 events always look like so much fun. We are going out to the Expo in California this summer for my 30th bday.

The anniversary cake was awesome! Kris and I are going down for our anniversary and are doing a dinner at Epcot (originally suppose to be in Japan, but got bumped to UK like you had) but one of the first things Kris asked me was if this was going to include cake. He knows I always look for excuses for cake, but unfortunately this time I didn't order a cake :rotfl:

While I loved the Cinderella shots, my favorite might be when we were featured, lol. I really like the shot of me taking a picture, I might need you to email it to me considering I haven't added that trip to my scrapbooks yet!

[QUOTE=lurkyloo;39183942]
One of the highlights of the party was getting to meet DISer figmentfan814 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1752447) (Vanessa) and her husband, Kris, plus DISer acwinsett (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2050852) (Andreah) and her husband, Brian.

Vanessa and I have known each other through PassPorter for years but had never met in person, and Andreah and Brian had just been married at the Wedding Pavilion on the 8th! Patrick took a pic of this Meeting of the Brides for posterity…

Please don't show this shot to my posterity!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%205/DSC08873.jpg

Maybe this one is a little better for posterity :goodvibes
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x62/vcf81/untitled.jpg

Here is a picture I have with everyone at Toy Story Mania. Its a little dark, but if you look you can even see Andreah and her husband in the background.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x62/vcf81/disapalooza.jpg

I was a little behind, but always enjoy reading your installments!

cdotla

01-22-2011, 04:55 PM

So jealous of your tour of the CS. Even though I have seen a ton of photos, I still would love to see it for myself someday.:cloud9:

I remember seeing the Roots gorgeous photos from the Suite before, possibly on their website. Remind me how they got to see it???

What a fantastic idea to surprise the Roots with that cake!!! Loved that!!!:goodvibes

lurkyloo

01-23-2011, 04:14 PM

Great installments!! Loved the Castle Suite pictures!! Thanks for sharing Roots ones too. Roots pictures make me happy :goodvibes. The Suite is just gorgeous, we were lucky enough to see it at this past December's D23.

Oooh! Oooh! Can't wait to hear what you thought of it!

Awe yummy cake. One day I'll order myself one hehe I keep doing things for people but never think about me hehe

See, there ya go - just get one for you!

What a drool-fest of an update, Carrie!!! The photos of the Cinderella Suite are to die for -- I wonder if I could pull a whole fairy-tale bargain and trade my first-born for a night there...

I know, right? It's sooooo frustrating that you can't even rent it. I mean, I'm sure it would be way more money than anyone could ever afford, but at least then it would seem possible to stay there, if not probable...

Loved this installment! That suite is a museum! I hope that one day I can spend some time in there looking around. I wouldn't want to sleep there, jut look around. The art work was amazing!

Yes! I think the art was one of my favorite parts. Maybe someday they'll swap it out and put it on display someplace where the public can actually see it!

That cake is so cute! Love it!

Yay! Me too!

Amazing photos (like usual)...thank you for sharing the roots ones as well!

I love following your amazing experiences through your photo's, it truely makes me feel like I am there!

Glad to hear it's working—I aim to make these trip reports an "as good as being there" experience (and some of the participants might say the trip reports sound better than actually being there!).

I'm so jealous you got to see the castle suite! It is so beautiful. I wish they'd open it up for tours during the day... I would so wait in line for it :)

Nate and Jensey's cake was too cute! Love the penguins! And so impressed that Disney made it look just like your inspiration pic

Yes, this really restored my faith in Disney's cake decorating skills. Sometimes you see ones on the DIS Cake Thread that are just head-scratchers!

I love the pictures of the castle suite. I would love to be able to see it sometime. That cake turned out so cute. That was a nice surprise for them. I would have been heartbroken if I had to cut into it too.

Yeah, it was good there was someone else there to do the deed or we might never have eaten it!

OK, so COMPLETELY not related to the topic at hand, but is this the Reyn Spooner Up shirt in the background?

Why yes—yes it is! :)

And a Halloween TR?!?!?! You're killin' me, woman! We're now anxiously awaiting our return to MNSSHP this year. PM me when it's halfway completed so I can sit and bask in its glory for a while instead of crying each day while awaiting a new installment, hmmmkay?

:rotfl2: No way—then I'll miss out on half a trip's worth of your comments!

Great updates! I feel like I've walked around Cinderella's Suite now, lol. That writing desk was gorgeous, and the stationery...so wish I could stay there! Does anyone get to stay up there these days, or do they just use it for tours?

Yes! In fact Kevin Jonas Brothers and his bride just had their anniversary up there, lucky skunks. I'm sure they didn't even appreciate it. :mad: Disney still seems to give it away in contests, and I'm sure they use it for visiting dignitaries (you know, like Kevin Jonas!) all the time.

Wow, thank you so much for the beautiful pictures of the suite, somewhere i will probably never see myself. Stunning!!!:flower3:

You are so sweet to get that cute as heck cake for them. You are really such a softy, arent you?

:lmao: You got me!

Beautiful photos of the suite and cake! What fun! So, what were the icicles made of? Just sugar? I would imagine that would take forever to do, but they were so cool!

The icicles were plastic and strung on a little clear string—ingenious!

WOW. That suite. Just...wow.

Here's my question: say you won a night in the suite, for some new Disney promotion or another. Would you essentially be locked in from park close to park open? What if you wanted to go jogging at 5 am, or something? Would you have the whole park to yourself?

Cuz that would be pretty sweet!!

Sorta—I mean, you're locked into the suite in the sense that you can't just sashay out by yourself, but if you want to go someplace during the night they get you an escort. I feel like I've read stories about people going jogging, or at least walking around, with a guide though!

Well, it's no surprise that those photos were absolutely beautiful. How wonderful to be able to tour the "C" suite! That is something I would absolutely love to do. Just gorgeous. The throne above the "throne" really cracked me up. :rotfl2:

We should all have such a throne in our homes... :teeth:

I love the shots of the Cinderella Suite. So, is it located on the back side on the left when facing it? Just trying to figure it out based on your shots.

Yes!

The anniversary cake was awesome! Kris and I are going down for our anniversary and are doing a dinner at Epcot (originally suppose to be in Japan, but got bumped to UK like you had) but one of the first things Kris asked me was if this was going to include cake. He knows I always look for excuses for cake, but unfortunately this time I didn't order a cake :rotfl:

How exciting! I hope you'll do a trip report. I'm always pointing people to the thread you started about your Grand Floridian anniversary party. I think you'll like the UK—definitely one of the best viewing spots in Epcot!

Also, thanks for the photos—I would be OK with posterity seeing those. :cutie: I'll dig up that pic of you and email it to you!

So jealous of your tour of the CS. Even though I have seen a ton of photos, I still would love to see it for myself someday.:cloud9:

I remember seeing the Roots gorgeous photos from the Suite before, possibly on their website. Remind me how they got to see it???

They have a friend who works at WDW in some sort of managerial position who got them in. Lucky scoundrels! Also, maybe you'll be able to tour the suite at Magic & Merriment 2011.... :rolleyes1

lurkyloo

01-23-2011, 04:27 PM

After we bid Nathensey a fond farewell and happy early anniversary, we went back up to the room to (what else?) put the laundry in the dryer! This is boring to everyone but me, so I'll show you the pictures Patrick took while he waited.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09085.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09084.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09088.jpg

Then we stuck our heads inside Top of the World Lounge just because we could. Take that, DVC and your members-only policy! We plebs can take blurry, underexposed pix of your precious lounge too!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09089.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09091.jpg

I think this one is s'posed to show you the neat "digital" art they have up
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09090.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09092.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09095.jpg

Patrick grabbed this shot from the roof of BLT!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09096.jpg

Over ten pieces AND it lights up?!!!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09097.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09098.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09099.jpg

We'd skipped out on D23's reserved viewing section for the first showing of the Christmas parade so we could have dinner with The Roots, but we figured we may as well pop in to the rest of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party to see what all the fuss was about. As it turned out, we ended up shutting the place down!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09101.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09102.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09103.jpg

We accidentally caught the tail end of the parade, so Patrick grabbed a few shots. I knew I was coming back with The Roots in a few days, so photos weren't really a priority. Hence this shot:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09104.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09106.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09107.jpg

lurkyloo

01-23-2011, 04:30 PM

Goody two-shoes that I am, I can only imagine how freaky this parade would be if you were totally baked…

Whoa!!!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09108.jpg

I mean, really, in a certain light it's like something out of a nightmare. Goofy's Candy Company, indeed—that thing looks like a child-snatching machine!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09109.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09110.jpg

"Come into my house, little child..."
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09111.jpg

Now these guys are definitely baked!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09114.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09113.jpg

"I love you, man!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09115.jpg

"And I love YOU guys, and YOU guys, and YOU guys..."
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09116.jpg

"Dude, are those Cheetos?"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09117.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09118.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09120.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09119.jpg

I think after that it snowed, but this is the only shot where you can see it…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09121.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09122.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09125.jpg

Then the special "Believe in the Magic of Holiday Season-time Dreams" fireworks happened—amazing! Definitely the best fireworks show we'd ever seen in the Magic Kingdom. (Root pix of this are on the way too!)

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09126.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09127.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09131.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09132.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09133.jpg

lurkyloo

01-23-2011, 04:34 PM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09134.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09135.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09136.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09137.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09139.jpg

After the show, we shuffled toward Liberty Square to check out the D23 hospitality suite aboard the Liberty Belle. I was looking forward to this cuz how cool is it to have a private party on that riverboat? Much cooler than my senior prom aboard Sacramento's Delta King (http://www.deltaking.com/), that's for sure—and that was MY dumb idea! Apologies, Class of '94…

They had the queue area set up with tables and beverage stations, and all the food was aboard the boat.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09140.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09141.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09142.jpg

The selection of treats was kinda disappointing—just sugar cookies and Rice Krispy-mas Trees
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09143.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09144.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09145.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09146.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09147.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09148.jpg

We were pounding back the drinks cuz, you know, they were free…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09149.jpg

We were about to take off after seeing all there was to see (that's right, we saw ALL there was to see at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in 40 minutes), but we decided to do one ride before we left… and then another… and then another! We walked right on to Haunted Mansion, Small World, Autopia, the Peoplemover and Big Thunder. In between we went back to the D23 hospitality suite two or three more times because, hey, free Rice Krispy-mas Trees!

Mostly, though, we were just appreciating and enjoying and being in the moment of our last night together at Disney World. Here's some of what we saw:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09150.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09151.jpg

(Yes, I know you can't see anything—just guess where we were!)
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09153.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09154.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09155.jpg

Thanks—don't mind if I do!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09156.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09157.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09158.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09160.jpg

lurkyloo

01-23-2011, 04:35 PM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09161.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09173.jpg

After they shooed us out at the end of the party, we went back to Bay Lake Tower and I finally got to take my bubble bath in the Jacuzzi tub (with the drapes AND the shutters closed, believing in the magic of dreams that I was actually watching the fireworks over the castle).

Up Next: Patrick goes home, and I bravely soldier on through three days of park-hopping and parties without him!

Aburns8

01-23-2011, 06:14 PM

Of course, and I have said this before, loved the pictures! Makes me want to go back for Christmas again. If I had the time off work, and if we were not already going 2 times this year, I would go for weekend in December to see everything!

BLT is beautiful at night. I want to join DVC and stay there! Seeing Small World isn't the same as it is at Disneyland!

beatlesblonde

01-23-2011, 06:21 PM

Great update Carrie! I'm glad you guys had fun at the Christmas party (I mean who can turn down free Disney Riced Krispy treats!)

Up Next: Patrick goes home, and I bravely soldier on through three days of park-hopping and parties without him!

Just remember you wouldn't have been alone at least part of the time if you had seen my Tweet!

PopArtGal

01-23-2011, 08:12 PM

oh I like the hidden Mickey in the ceiling.

MVMCP was the highlight of my only Dec trip. I still dream of it. The rides were a walk on and some parts of the park were almost deserted. We felt like the park was ours.

I can understand why you guys closed the park. It was fun.

burly

01-23-2011, 09:14 PM

boy oh boy i wanna go when all the Christmas decorations are up. and see and do at the MVMCP. I truly adore the hallowishes, i wonder which is better. Love me some fireworks. They make me tear up.
Thanks for the pics and reporting. :thumbsup2:goodvibes

KIM

princessjv

01-24-2011, 12:25 AM

Yet more amazing photos! I love your "drinking up" because it's "free". ;)

I hope your last days without hubby are still fun!

lurkyloo

01-24-2011, 01:07 PM

Of course, and I have said this before, loved the pictures! Makes me want to go back for Christmas again. If I had the time off work, and if we were not already going 2 times this year, I would go for weekend in December to see everything!

Boohoo for you - two trips, indeed! :teeth: What times of year are you going?

Great update Carrie! I'm glad you guys had fun at the Christmas party (I mean who can turn down free Disney Riced Krispy treats!)

Just remember you wouldn't have been alone at least part of the time if you had seen my Tweet!

Which is why I now *religiously* check Twitter! :rotfl:

oh I like the hidden Mickey in the ceiling.

MVMCP was the highlight of my only Dec trip. I still dream of it. The rides were a walk on and some parts of the park were almost deserted. We felt like the park was ours.

I can understand why you guys closed the park. It was fun.

That's so great that you had the walk-on experience. I hear some parties are so crowded it's like being there during a regular night.

boy oh boy i wanna go when all the Christmas decorations are up. and see and do at the MVMCP. I truly adore the hallowishes, i wonder which is better. Love me some fireworks. They make me tear up.

KIM

Me too—especially at Christmas! I would venture to say that MVMCP fireworks are more likely to make you tear up than the villain-themed Hallowishes show, but whaddo I know? :cutie:

Yet more amazing photos! I love your "drinking up" because it's "free". ;)

I hope your last days without hubby are still fun!

Yes! Just fun in a different way. And there's always this "Oh, I can't wait to tell Patrick about this!" or "Gee, Patrick would have gotten a kick outta that!" :lovestruc

Aburns8

01-24-2011, 01:46 PM

Boohoo for you - two trips, indeed! :teeth: What times of year are you going?

We are going in May for Desintation D (if we can get tickets). Then we are going in October. Of course the same time we did last year. But this time we are doing a 4 day cruise first and then 3 days in the park. If they do the Sip & Stroll again that weekend I will be sure to go to that one to (hoping for no presentation on perfume).

lurkyloo

01-25-2011, 01:53 PM

Oooh oooh oooh! That all sounds like fun! I think I'm totally over Sip & Stroll, but I might be able to make Destination D, which sounds like fun! One thing about Disneyland's version was I felt like we'd seen and heard most of it a bazillion times. But I know so little about WDW's history, that it should be fascinating!

Aburns8

01-25-2011, 01:56 PM

figmentfan814

01-25-2011, 02:22 PM

Thanks for sending over the picture :thumbsup2

I enjoyed seeing a few pictures from MVMCP and look forward to more from the Roots. The one time we went to go to MVMCP we were rained out about 1 hour into it, so didn't get to see the fireworks, parade, etc. My senior prom was on a boat too, definitely would've enjoyed being on the Liberty Belle more! http://www.geneseecountyparks.org/pages/geneseebelle

lurkyloo

01-30-2011, 10:57 AM

That's too bad about getting rained out of MVMCP. :sad2: But it's funny we both had riverboat proms—must've been a trend!

MEK

01-30-2011, 11:08 AM

How did I miss your last update? Oh well....all caught up now. Christmas has only been over for a month, but that update makes me want to go right to a Christmas party. What a fun last night together! I enjoyed all of Patricks pictures. One must come back down to reality after see the Roots pictures. It's nice to know Patrick is just a mere mortal with the camera, yet he still takes really fun and creative pictures!

lurkyloo

01-30-2011, 11:11 AM

So as I was about to upload pix for Day 7, I discovered I'd missed a bunch of pictures from Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! I had wondered why we so wholly neglected our documentarian duties that night... looks like we didn't!

Here are all the rest:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09174.jpg

Some sorta stage show in Tomorrowland
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09178.jpg

Whoa… Mike Wazowski is looking a tad unwell!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09177.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09179.jpg

Still trying to get that shot from the Peoplemover
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09181.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09182.jpg

Space Mountain with the lights on!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09183.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09184.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09185.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09186.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09187.jpg

Ah, yes! Looks like we went back for more of these…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09188.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09189.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09190.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09192.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09193.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09194.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09195.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09196.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09197.jpg

And how could I forget this? To make up for having to leave our vacation early, Patrick surprised me with a gift he'd picked up on his tour of the monorail resorts earlier that afternoon. Awwwwwwww!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%206/DSC09198.jpg

OK, back to working on Day 7!

lurkyloo

01-30-2011, 11:13 AM

GreatBiscuit

01-30-2011, 11:27 AM

Aburns8

01-30-2011, 12:09 PM

What a nice gift from Patrick! It looks like a good time, and thanks for the pics of Space Mountain with the lights on. That was really cool.

lurkyloo

01-31-2011, 01:55 PM

Hey Carrie,

I've lurked through several updates. Loving this particular TR even more than you previous ones! Patrick is really bringing his A game with his photo skillz. I'm impressed! And of course the Roots never fail to impress.

Hope you are both doing well!

I look forward to reading more. (Even if it is just in lurk mode.)

Hey, I love it when you come out of lurkdom! :cutie: I'm so glad you're enjoying this trip report. It certainly is way more epic than the previous ones—as I'm transferring old trip reports to my new web site (http://disneytravelbabble.com), I can't believe I once was able to tell the story of a whole day in a single post! :rotfl:

What a nice gift from Patrick! It looks like a good time, and thanks for the pics of Space Mountain with the lights on. That was really cool.

It's always such a treat to ride through there on the Peoplemover when the work lights are on! :)

MAGICFOR2

01-31-2011, 04:14 PM

MEK

01-31-2011, 05:40 PM

Wow - Those are some beautiful pictures. forget what I said about Patrick being a mere mortal. He has definitely reached a new level with some of those pictures. I LOVE the tea cups - very, very cool picture. I am so glad you found them!

burly

02-01-2011, 08:11 PM

day 7? popcorn::
Can't wait. Nice additional pics, as always.

KIM

beatlesblonde

02-01-2011, 08:59 PM

Yeah for finding more pictures. Patrick gets the best shots. If we end up at WDW at the same time again, I wanna spend some time with him learning how to use "our" camera better.

PopArtGal

02-03-2011, 05:12 PM

Adventureland was deserted when we went during MVMCP.

It think it was a dream experience that party. I'll never be able to recreate it ;)

PopArtGal

02-03-2011, 05:13 PM

Ah how sweet he gave you a gift! You guys are such a great couple!

norybell

02-05-2011, 03:57 PM

Finally caught up -- a girl goes to WDW for a few days, and it takes weeks to catch up on the missed TR stuff afterward. :rolleyes:

Awesome update, as always. I would so love to see the Christmas decorations and stuff there someday! I think I'd probably have to stop working retail first, though...guess I'll have to stick to Octobers in the meantime!

And sure, it may have not been the Liberty Belle, but at least your prom wasn't in the school gym, like mine was! Way to class it up, Neenah High! (And hey, I'm class of '94, too!)

lurkyloo

02-10-2011, 08:10 PM

Hi Carrie! Loved the cake for Jensey and Nate! (Natsey :confused3) I would never know how to pull that off, but that's why you are the Passporter author! So fun you could surprise them like that!

The pics from the castle tour and MVMCP are awesome! Made me really want to be Cinderella!princess:

Oh, if you ever need any help with a cake at WDW, I'm your (wo)man! I've made it my life's work to figure out the labyrinthian inner workings of Disney's cake-ordering process... :rotfl:

Wow - Those are some beautiful pictures. forget what I said about Patrick being a mere mortal. He has definitely reached a new level with some of those pictures. I LOVE the tea cups - very, very cool picture. I am so glad you found them!

:lmao: I will be sure NOT to tell him you said this!

day 7? popcorn::
Can't wait. Nice additional pics, as always.

KIM

Day 7 coming right up! ;)

Yeah for finding more pictures. Patrick gets the best shots. If we end up at WDW at the same time again, I wanna spend some time with him learning how to use "our" camera better.

:lmao: I won't tell him about that either!

Adventureland was deserted when we went during MVMCP.

It think it was a dream experience that party. I'll never be able to recreate it ;)

Isn't it nice to have a part of the park all to yourself?

Finally caught up -- a girl goes to WDW for a few days, and it takes weeks to catch up on the missed TR stuff afterward. :rolleyes:

Awesome update, as always. I would so love to see the Christmas decorations and stuff there someday! I think I'd probably have to stop working retail first, though...guess I'll have to stick to Octobers in the meantime!

And sure, it may have not been the Liberty Belle, but at least your prom wasn't in the school gym, like mine was! Way to class it up, Neenah High! (And hey, I'm class of '94, too!)

:rotfl2: Also, I've never thought about that, but working in retail must be as seasonally restricting as working at a school! Still, I think October has lots to offer, what with F&W and MNSSHP and everything....

lurkyloo

02-10-2011, 08:12 PM

Aburns8

02-10-2011, 08:15 PM

I know I told you on FB, but Happy Anniversary! What a romantic trip! Can't wait to hear about it.

DisneyDmbNut

02-10-2011, 08:16 PM

if I had known you were on a super stealth mission...I wouldn't have run up to you screaming "PATRICK AND CARRIE!!!!!!"

Carrie was very Audrey Hepburn in her hat and glasses, but I recognized Patrick right away!!

lurkyloo

02-10-2011, 08:27 PM

At 5:00 Monday morning, Patrick smooched me goodbye, stepped into the town car waiting in front of Bay Lake Tower, and headed for the airport, L.A., and three solid weeks of building puppets for Pee-wee Herman's comeback stage show (http://swazzle.com/wp/2010/08/populating-pee-wees-playhouse/) at Club Nokia.

At 9:00 Monday morning, I got up and threw back the curtains to reveal my glorious Bay Lake view.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09200.jpg

I didn't have to be anywhere til dinner and Candlelight Processional with the Roots, so I took a leisurely monorail ride to Epcot to photograph the recently added dessert party locations at Epcot. And also this:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09201.jpg

I dunno… you never know when you might need a picture of the market at the Contemporary!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09202.jpg

… or Marie the Cat!

My first stop was Canada Overlook, across from the Refreshment Port just inside World Showcase. Disney now crams private events of up to 50 people in here for lovely views of tree limbs during IllumiNations.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09203.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09205.jpg

Then it was off to Canada Terrace, where they hold wedding ceremonies and receptions. I still wish they could somehow do ceremonies on the grass down in the pavilion's garden, but this is pretty cool too.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09206.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09208.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09211.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09213.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09217.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09220.jpg

They say you can't see IllumiNations from this event space, but it sure seems like you can…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09221.jpg

The next new event location Disney has carved out of Epcot's walkways is known as Parisian Point. This is one of three standing-room-only spots where they won't bring in chairs or tables.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09228.jpg

Fortunately, the trees seen in this shot don't block your view of the show.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09229.jpg

The new location in Morocco is on the Japan side of the stage and gift shop. At least it has benches! (The presence of which Disney can't guarantee, naturally…)

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09233.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09234.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09236.jpg

I think this one's to show you the view from Japan's event space, which is on the balcony of the tower
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09239.jpg

And now we interrupt this trip report for a photo tour!

Back when I was leaving Canada, I discovered the first of many empty storyteller stages. At Christmas, Epcot features each country's version of Santa Claus telling their native Christmas stories in every country around the World Showcase. Unfortunately, their presentations are not timed so that one can go from country to country hearing each story in succession, or even more than two stories per visit, it would seem from the confusingly random appearance schedule listed in the park guide. I had the distinction of missing every single storyteller in every single country, which inspired this photo tour:

Santas I Didn't See

Canada
"Hey, hosers! Where the heck is Santa, eh?"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09225.jpg

United Kingdom
"I say! There seems to be rather a dearth of Father Christmas, wouldn't you agree?"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09226.jpg

France
"Où est Père Noël? Inexplicably compelled to take yet another smoke break?"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09227.jpg

Morocco
According to the Internets, Morocco's Santa is someone called "Black Peter." Yeah, Disney's pretty much not gonna go there…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09232.jpg

Japan
"Doko desu ka Santa-san happy fun time?"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09237.jpg

America
"Dude, where's my Santa?"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09240.jpg

….Even the Kwanza hut was empty!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09242.jpg

Continues below...

lurkyloo

02-10-2011, 08:38 PM

Italy
"La Befana—you not-a here-a? What's a matta youse?"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09274.jpg

Germany
"Ach, du lieber! Kristkindl's mule must be stuck in a keyhole (http://familycrafts.about.com/library/misc/blchristkindl.htm)!"

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09278.jpg

China
OK, guys, it IS a tree… and it DOES have lights… but it's just not screaming Christmas at me, know what I mean?
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09287.jpg

But wait – what's this? In the absence of even a vaguely Santa-like figure in Chinese culture, Disney has instead gone with the legend of…

The Monkey King!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09288.jpg

The public's reaction to the Monkey King
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09289.jpg

Nice-looking souvenir stand
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09290.jpg

Norway
"Hvor er Julenisse?" Stuck in the film at the end of Maelstrom, of course!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09299.jpg

And then it happened… a Christmas Miraculum… I actually saw the Santas in Mexico! Not only that, but there were THREE OF THEM!!! My Spanish is a little rusty, but it seemed like they went on and on about how wise they were and showed us all the stuff they'd bought in Epcot.

The Santa on the right has a Duffy Bear under his hat
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09302.jpg

Ever the completist, I waited for them to leave so I could have a full set of empty-stage photos for my series on Santas I Didn't See…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09304.jpg

Then it was off to my lunch reservation at Le Cellier. Along the way, I got some beauty shots of the area where I wish they'd do ceremonies in Canada:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09244.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09245.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09246.jpg

Here's what was on the menu in December 2009, in case you ever go at that time:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09248.jpg

As usual, the place was totally booked according to Disney Dining but totally empty in real life. I'm always nerdily excited to get room shots without people in them—so excited, it seems, that my hands were shaking these shots out of focus!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09249.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09250.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09251.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09252.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09253.jpg

Camera: "Muwahahahaha! Now that Patrick's gone, I get my OWN seat at the table!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09255.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09256.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09257.jpg

I am fascinated by the bathroom at Le Cellier—it's like a 1980s time capsule!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09258.jpg

As you may know from my past trip reports, I am continually compelled to make reservations at Le Cellier just because it's so hard to score them. The food is good, but I have never had my socks knocked off by anything on the menu (pants, yes; socks, no) and I know I can get a better steak at numerous other places on property. Still, I book it because I can. In fact, as I was typing that last sentence, I was on the phone making a reservation for my upcoming Social Media Moms/DFTW Bridal Showcase trip (but my excuse this time is that I wanna see how they're changing the menu in March to justify becoming a 2-table-service-credit Signature Restaurant!).

Today's experience was pretty much just like every other:

I ordered the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup to start…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09259.jpg

It's not, like, the best soup I've ever had, but I always have to get it
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09260.jpg

Lunch is always the mushroom filet mignon with cream-cheese mashed potatoes swapped in for whatever other starch they futilely try to pair with the filet. This time I didn't ask for the sauce on the side, and now I remember why I always do—cause I hate truffle oil!

Possibly THE most disgusting-looking meal at Walt Disney World. I'm telling you, it's the truffle butter that puts it over the edge!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09261.jpg

lurkyloo

02-10-2011, 08:42 PM

I think I must've skipped dessert thinking I'd get something at the bakery in France instead, cuz these shots turned up in the camera:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09264.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09265.jpg

However, I always forget until I'm standing in front of the cases that, delectable as they appear, in reality those desserts always taste bland and slightly waxy. No dessert for me! And then… could it be…? Was I actually seeing…. a Santa I Didn't See?!

"Psst, kid! Got a light?!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09266.jpg

Then it was off to Japan for some cuteness…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09267.jpg

…. And a candy chain!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09269.jpg

In American Adventure Land I did something I've never done before: set foot in Liberty Inn, the counter-service restaurant. It's always seemed like such a wasted opportunity to me—I mean, you can get burgers and chicken strips at dozens of other places in Walt Disney World but *that's* what they're serving to represent America? How about some of our nation's indigenous cuisine, like Cajun food or Twinkies? Sheesh!

The reason I set not one but BOTH foots inside Liberty Inn was to see their gingerbread house…

Made entirely out of burgers
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09270.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09271.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09272.jpg

Pretty cool!

I dunno why I took this picture—do you guys know why I took this picture?
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09273.jpg

In Italy I stopped to get some gelato cuz it was dang hot out!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09275.jpg

Cookies 'n' Cream + Chocolate
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09276.jpg

And some random cuckoo clock shots in Germany…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09279.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09280.jpg

Kim Possible's singing beer steins—how's that for family friendly?!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09281.jpg

Another of the newish small dessert party locations is near the African Outpost. I've been back a couple times and I still can't figure out how you can see the show from there…. Guess I'll need to bite the bullet and try it sometime!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09282.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09283.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09284.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09285.jpg

Then it was around to China to discover adorable towel cakes that I almost accidentally ate because they looked so good.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09291.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09292.jpg

Basket o' Cute!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09293.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09294.jpg

Trying an arty shot like Patrick would take…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09295.jpg

Best-looking bathroom!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09296.jpg

Aw… (sniff!) these slack-jawed, dead-eyed puppets remind me of Patrick!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09297.jpg

By that time I was hot and tired, so I headed for the monorail back to Bay Lake Tower.

Up Next: I go down the waterslide 12 times! And watch Candlelight Processional with the Roots!

Aburns8

02-10-2011, 08:55 PM

It is really cool to see World Showcase with not many people in it. It is a great opportunity to take some great pics! We are eating at Le Cellier in May, and I can't wait to try it. I hope the food is better than my dinner at Coral Reef. I am hoping to spend a whole day in Epcot in may not riding the rides, but walking around World Showcase and checking out the stores! We always seem to forget that part.

mla1977

02-10-2011, 09:30 PM

I just saw those puppets on my last trip and thought of that Japanese commercial the Patrick did!

burly

02-10-2011, 11:55 PM

ooo oooo oooo ahhhh and update!
Hey whats up with all the missing Santa's? :goodvibes
I imagine you putting together the missing santa scrapbook, and grumbling about the few pics with a santa in it.:lmao:

Thanks for the update loo!
Some of those spots are silly, would they really schedule a group to sit somewhere in Epcot where they have an obscured view of Illuminations? Weird.

Anyhoo, keep em' coming and i will keep looking for them.

KIM

lurkyloo

02-11-2011, 10:35 AM

I know I told you on FB, but Happy Anniversary! What a romantic trip! Can't wait to hear about it.

:cloud9: Thanks!

if I had known you were on a super stealth mission...I wouldn't have run up to you screaming "PATRICK AND CARRIE!!!!!!"

:rotfl2: You crack me up!

It is really cool to see World Showcase with not many people in it. It is a great opportunity to take some great pics! We are eating at Le Cellier in May, and I can't wait to try it. I hope the food is better than my dinner at Coral Reef. I am hoping to spend a whole day in Epcot in may not riding the rides, but walking around World Showcase and checking out the stores! We always seem to forget that part.

That's the best part! :love: Le Cellier is a good restaurant, so it would be neat if they took this opportunity and made it an even better restaurant. It may also cut down on the problem with getting an ADR now that it will require two table service credits.

I just saw those puppets on my last trip and thought of that Japanese commercial the Patrick did!

:rotfl: That's so funny!

ooo oooo oooo ahhhh and update!
Hey whats up with all the missing Santa's? :goodvibes
I imagine you putting together the missing santa scrapbook, and grumbling about the few pics with a santa in it.:lmao:

Thanks for the update loo!
Some of those spots are silly, would they really schedule a group to sit somewhere in Epcot where they have an obscured view of Illuminations? Weird.

I know - it's all about money. "The IllumiNations events are so popular, where else can we cram 'em in?" Also, I like your scrapbook idea! :laughing: I may have to get to work on that...

norybell

02-11-2011, 05:02 PM

Happy (belated) anniversary!

Seeing all the new bookable Illuminations spotss makes me wonder...will there come a time when so many of the railing spots can be officially reserved, that if every place is booked on the same evening, there won't be any room left for all us regular, not-involved-with-a-private-party people? :confused3

I am the same way with Le Cellier. I always take the ADRs when I can get them, then sit there wondering what all the fuss is about. Last time I was there (October), I sat down, they took my order immediately, brought my bread one minute later, and my food (a remarkably unspectacular steak sandwich) literally one minute after that. They didn't even pretend like it wasn't sitting under a heat lamp ready to go. Which just made me think, sheesh, I'm paying gourmet prices for this?

MEK

02-12-2011, 07:48 AM

Ok - spill - what's up with the stealth anniversary trip to WDW and how the heck did you get to dine in the ToT? Details!

Your trip around the world showcase to find the missing santas was completely hysterical. :rotfl2::rotfl2: Seriously, that was great! Very creative. Especially sticking around Mexico after the wise men left.

I can't believe you did two full loops around the world. No wonder you were tired.

Really enjoyed this. Going back for a second read! :thumbsup2

cdotla

02-13-2011, 08:12 AM

Well the wait was worth it - that update was outrageously funny!:rotfl: Nice job!

I can't even imagine what those two diners in the background were thinking when you took a photo of your table for one with the camera parked on the seat.:rotfl2: Thanks for taking one for the team...the laughs were completely worth it!:thumbsup2

Now that you are a super-sleuth at scoping the prime Illuminations viewing spots, Disney dessert parties aside, you are going to have to fill me in on the best viewing spot for us regular folks. Or perhaps there are no longer any unobstructed views of Illuminations that Disney hasn't by this point turned into a revenue-generating dessert party locale.:confused3

Looking forward to hearing all about the Waterslide and your evening with the Roots.:goodvibes

Zuzu03

02-13-2011, 08:46 PM

I TOTALLY agree with a wedding down on the grass within the gardens at the Canadian pavilion!!! Every time I'm there I just want to walk down to that little cottage and peek inside!!! We had the same issue with the no-show Santas in December! Except that we did see the tail end of the Monkey King (no pun intended) and the Norwegian one twice (didn't like that one - the girl with him was a bit rude). But no one else!!! And we were there on Christmas Eve, for crying out loud! Anyhoo, you absolutely need to spill about the TOT dinner, because that looked and sounds awesome!!! Too cool!!!! :)

omghidanielle

02-13-2011, 11:10 PM

I'm sad I missed this TR's most recent history. I've been very distant from the internet lately. I'll have to use my day off tomorrow to catch up ;)

DisneyDmbNut

02-14-2011, 09:11 AM

I have a feeling, that little cabin is "smaller than it appears" so if someone stood next to it, they would be taller...I forget what they call that..there is a word forced visual perception?? Like the bricks on the castle get smaller at the top to make it appear taller..

beatlesblonde

02-14-2011, 08:50 PM

Another great update Carrie! How dare the Three Kings ruin your non-existant Santa pictures? :rotfl:

MAGICFOR2

02-15-2011, 12:51 AM

OK, so I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get the next installment posted, but I have a really good excuse: Patrick and I went on a super-secret stealth trip to WDW for our anniversary! The "super-secret stealth" part was my gift to him b/c it prevented me from attempting to cram our days with DIS Boards meet-ups (and yet we still ran into DISer DisneyDMBnut — it's like I was subliminally orchestrating a meet-up!

Even better, at some point I'll have pictures and a report of our anniversary day, which included going on the new Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom (SO good!) and dinner on the terrace at Tower of Terror with the Roots!!:banana::banana:

This iPhone pic is the only shot I have of our TOT party so far. My photographic equipment was lacking, but at least the shot was composed by a professional photographer!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/photo-67.jpg

Super secret trip - you are so :cool1: Congrats on pulling it off! Looks like you had a great anniversary. Is there a report on your website?

Your Santas I didn't see was HI-larious!:lmao:My favorite was the german one! The Mexican one made me almost choke on my drink! :worship:

[QUOTE=DisneyDmbNut;39909177]if I had known you were on a super stealth mission...I wouldn't have run up to you screaming "PATRICK AND CARRIE!!!!!!"

Carrie was very Audrey Hepburn in her hat and glasses, but I recognized Patrick right away!!

:rotfl2: I could just see it now! Carrie looking like the celeb she is and you running after her waving your autograph book wildly!:rotfl:

However, I always forget until I'm standing in front of the cases that, delectable as they appear, in reality those desserts always taste bland and slightly waxy. No dessert for me! And then… could it be…? Was I actually seeing…. a Santa I Didn't See?!

"Psst, kid! Got a light?!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09266.jpg

:rotfl2::rotfl2:

In American Adventure Land I did something I've never done before: set foot in Liberty Inn, the counter-service restaurant. It's always seemed like such a wasted opportunity to me—I mean, you can get burgers and chicken strips at dozens of other places in Walt Disney World but *that's* what they're serving to represent America? How about some of our nation's indigenous cuisine, like Cajun food or Twinkies? Sheesh!

The reason I set not one but BOTH foots inside Liberty Inn was to see their gingerbread house…

Made entirely out of burgers
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09270.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09271.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09272.jpg

I'm sorry, but that's just wrong! A Meat house??? :confused: I'm not a Vegetarian, BTW, just don't get it!

I dunno why I took this picture—do you guys know why I took this picture?
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09273.jpg

That guy working KP with his hands up must have demanded a witty comment - Looks like a Star Trek uniform! :lmao:

Then it was around to China to discover adorable towel cakes that I almost accidentally ate because they looked so good.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09291.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09292.jpg

Those are interesting - good Obiyagi! (Look what we've learned from our famous world traveler ;))

Trying an arty shot like Patrick would take…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09295.jpg

:thumbsup2

By that time I was hot and tired, so I headed for the monorail back to Bay Lake Tower.

Up Next: I go down the waterslide 12 times! And watch Candlelight Processional with the Roots!

popcorn::

Loved the update!

lurkyloo

02-16-2011, 12:00 PM

Seeing all the new bookable Illuminations spotss makes me wonder...will there come a time when so many of the railing spots can be officially reserved, that if every place is booked on the same evening, there won't be any room left for all us regular, not-involved-with-a-private-party people?

I have wondered that myself. However, I have never seen all of even the main DP sites in use at the same time, so somehow I don't think that will ever happen. Maybe I should check it out on New Year's Eve, though, before I make that pronouncement! :cutie:

I am the same way with Le Cellier. I always take the ADRs when I can get them, then sit there wondering what all the fuss is about. Last time I was there (October), I sat down, they took my order immediately, brought my bread one minute later, and my food (a remarkably unspectacular steak sandwich) literally one minute after that. They didn't even pretend like it wasn't sitting under a heat lamp ready to go. Which just made me think, sheesh, I'm paying gourmet prices for this?

:sad2: Exactly! Maybe the situation will improve when it goes "Signature" next month...

Ok - spill - what's up with the stealth anniversary trip to WDW and how the heck did you get to dine in the ToT? Details!

Details soon! I'm dying to blab all about it, but I don't have pictures back yet. And you know my MO: Why just describe when you can also show with 6 bazillion photos?! :rotfl:

Now that you are a super-sleuth at scoping the prime Illuminations viewing spots, Disney dessert parties aside, you are going to have to fill me in on the best viewing spot for us regular folks. Or perhaps there are no longer any unobstructed views of Illuminations that Disney hasn't by this point turned into a revenue-generating dessert party locale.

Unfortunately, I do think the very best spots are the party spots. BUT, they are not always occupied by parties, so it is possible for us regular folks to watch from there. I think Italy and UK Pubside (at Rose & Crown)/Lochside (the lower patio next to Rose & Crown) tie for the best. Also, after our IllumiNations cruise last week, I have upgraded my opinion of those too—IF they let the boats park all the way up at the mouth of the lagoon. I guess this is a new thing they just started, and it isn't always allowed, but the view is SO much better than when they park under the bridge!

I TOTALLY agree with a wedding down on the grass within the gardens at the Canadian pavilion!!! Every time I'm there I just want to walk down to that little cottage and peek inside!!! We had the same issue with the no-show Santas in December! Except that we did see the tail end of the Monkey King (no pun intended) and the Norwegian one twice (didn't like that one - the girl with him was a bit rude). But no one else!!! And we were there on Christmas Eve, for crying out loud! Anyhoo, you absolutely need to spill about the TOT dinner, because that looked and sounds awesome!!! Too cool!!!! :)

:rotfl2: "The tail end of the Monkey King"... :rotfl2: OK, I'm glad you agree—about Canada, and about the Santas... On Christmas Eve they should be working those storytellers OVERTIME!

I'm sad I missed this TR's most recent history. I've been very distant from the internet lately. I'll have to use my day off tomorrow to catch up ;)

I hope you and the Internet are getting along OK! :hug: Thanks for stopping by to catch up!

I have a feeling, that little cabin is "smaller than it appears" so if someone stood next to it, they would be taller...I forget what they call that..there is a word forced visual perception?? Like the bricks on the castle get smaller at the top to make it appear taller..

Good point! Maybe I can try a little reverse forced perspective to make myself appear the same height as Patrick! :lmao:

Another great update Carrie! How dare the Three Kings ruin your non-existant Santa pictures?

Srsly. :mad: :laughing:

Super secret trip - you are so :cool1: Congrats on pulling it off! Looks like you had a great anniversary. Is there a report on your website?

Report to come soon! I'll prolly do a stand-alone planning/event report on the Weddings board and my web site with a link here, and then do the full trip report too!

Oh, and please do not be alarmed by the gingerbread house in American Adventure—it's not really made of meat! I just made a gag cuz the shingles looked kinda like burgers! :lmao:

PryncessChrysty

02-16-2011, 09:43 PM

This was a red-letter day for me: I finally tried that classic Disney dessert, the Mickey Bar. I'd always assumed they'd be that grainy, cheap vanilla ice cream with a thin layer of waxy chocolate-flavored coating—definitely not worth the five bucks, or whatever Disney's charging these days. But since D23 was giving 'em away for free, I figured I'd see what the fuss was about. OH MY GOODNESS! Now I know why everyone's always talking about these! The ice cream was really creamy and the chocolate was so rich and delicious! We grabbed four more to take back to the room with us…

Mickey Bar not pictured

I had ths EXACT same reaction when we were at WDW on our honeymoon this past October! We have friends that visit us at DL and they always say their trip just isn't complete without a Mickey Bar. I NEVER understood it, but never made any mention of it, and certainly never considered paying $4 or $5 for one. So one day while at MK, we were hanging around Fantasyland and walked by an ice cream cart with no line. I have NO idea why, but I hopped up and bought one. HOLY CREAMY CHOCOLATE GOODNESS!! It was AMAZING!! SO amazing that I indulged in a few more during the rest of our trip! So yummy! :lovestruc

Your Root photos are gorgeous (as usual!).

I LOVED your updates on the Santas - I was cracking up, and can completely relate to the whole "completist complex". You are too funny.

lurkyloo

02-18-2011, 04:42 PM

Hooray! OK, I'm so glad to know you had the same prejudice about Mickey bars and have found equal delight in them now that you've tried one! Next time we meet at Disneyland, let the fellas stick with the Dole Whips—you and I can go for :mickeybar

lurkyloo

02-18-2011, 04:47 PM

OK, I got our pictures back, so I wrote up our anniversary party at Tower of Terror! You can either read it here on the DIS

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2660188

or (interruption-free) over on my blog:

http://disneytravelbabble.com/anniversary-party-at-tower-of-terror/

I'll be doing a more in-depth account of the party (with, like, three times as many photos) in the full trip report when I start it. But I gotta finish this one first!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Thirdaversary/Carriatrick_Anniversary_097.jpg

mrsksomeday

02-18-2011, 05:21 PM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Thirdaversary/Carriatrick_Anniversary_097.jpg

You look stunning!! I read the post about it on your blog, I can't wait for the full report.

PopArtGal

02-18-2011, 06:16 PM

What an amazing picture! And so great that you dressed in style!

Zuzu03

02-18-2011, 07:37 PM

I found your blog and LOVE the photos and writeup of your anniversary dinner!!! You two looked spectacular and what a perfect setting for your special evening. Such a great idea!! :thumbsup2

palofeeyore

02-18-2011, 09:20 PM

I can't believe they let you into the lobby. That is so awesome! You and Patrick looked amazing.

PryncessChrysty

02-18-2011, 10:29 PM

My jaw is on the floor! That is a such a beautiful picture! You look absolutely gorgeous! :goodvibes

I can't WAIT to read the TR!! :hyper:

PryncessChrysty

02-18-2011, 10:30 PM

annnewjerz

02-19-2011, 11:46 AM

My only response for your ToT anniversary party is...HOLY S&!T!

Go big or go home! I never knew something like that could be done and the tux/dress rentals really took everything to the next level. As someone who finds photography in Disney almost as important as the trip itself, getting to go into the lobby and take those pictures looks like a DREAM. can't wait to read more about it.

So jealous...

.................................

More jealous than I was a minute ago...

.................................

Yep...

PolyndianPrincessJes

02-19-2011, 08:43 PM

Carrie, Carrie, Carrie, Carrie, CARRIE!!! I am IN LOVE with your ToT dinner!!! MGM is my favorite park and the ToT area is my favorite spot. Kind of worth settling so I can get married there right now. Kind of...

Princess_K

02-19-2011, 09:23 PM

Oh my gosh! What an amazing experience! And the two of you looked so glamorous :goodvibes

WDWFigment

02-21-2011, 07:33 AM

I just started reading your reports on your blog after a friend sent me your ToT story. Awesome stuff. We were also at the Magic & Merriment D23 event.

Stringbean&Wingnut

02-21-2011, 08:25 AM

I just wanted to tell you that I've been reading your TR, and I absolutely love it!!! Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos and your wonderful writing style! Also, you both looked positively glamorous at your TOT dinner - I never even knew having dinner there was possible! :goodvibes

DISNEYaddict4evr

02-22-2011, 09:47 AM

OMG :scared1::scared1:

I am soooooo jealous :headache:

me want me want :banana:

So since you do all this wedding stuff. Do you have a list of other places that a fun dinner like that could be set up? When I go with my mom this December I am wanted to do something special for her. Was thinking of decorating the room but this sounds even more memorable. Any info you got would be appreciated :thumbsup2

lurkyloo

02-22-2011, 11:09 AM

As someone who finds photography in Disney almost as important as the trip itself, getting to go into the lobby and take those pictures looks like a DREAM. can't wait to read more about it.

You and me both! I think Disney provides some of the most amazing photo opportunities anywhere—if I were a photographer I'd have a field day!

Carrie, Carrie, Carrie, Carrie, CARRIE!!! I am IN LOVE with your ToT dinner!!! MGM is my favorite park and the ToT area is my favorite spot. Kind of worth settling so I can get married there right now. Kind of...

Oh no - don't settle! Have an anniversary party there instead! :cutie:

Oh my gosh! What an amazing experience! And the two of you looked so glamorous :goodvibes

Hey, thanks! We clean up pretty nice... :teeth: I think the most surprising part for Patrick was seeing me in makeup for the first time in months!

I just started reading your reports on your blog after a friend sent me your ToT story. Awesome stuff. We were also at the Magic & Merriment D23 event.

I checked out your M&M report—made me wish they'd done some of that extra cool stuff the year we went! :goodvibes

I just wanted to tell you that I've been reading your TR, and I absolutely love it!!! Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos and your wonderful writing style! Also, you both looked positively glamorous at your TOT dinner - I never even knew having dinner there was possible! :goodvibes

So glad to know you're enjoying the report! I was pretty thrilled when Disney said that space was available for an event. I think it's the most beautiful spot in the park!

OMG :scared1::scared1:

I am soooooo jealous :headache:

me want me want :banana:

So since you do all this wedding stuff. Do you have a list of other places that a fun dinner like that could be set up? When I go with my mom this December I am wanted to do something special for her. Was thinking of decorating the room but this sounds even more memorable. Any info you got would be appreciated :thumbsup2

Yes! I have a list and pictures HERE (http://disneytravelbabble.com/disney-weddings/wdw-venue-photos/) of all the major event sites at WDW. There aren't a lot of small sites listed because most of them are for weddings, corporate parties, etc. But working with Disney's various event teams has taught me that it can't hurt to ask, because they seem willing to turn most anyplace into a venue (except at the MK :rolleyes: ).

Another, slightly easier way to do a private dinner is to have it some place at a Deluxe resort. The Grand Floridian and the BoardWalk Inn, especially, have some nifty nooks and crannies where you can have a meal set up. Just call the number I gave for Disney's Catered Events to get the ball rolling. :thumbsup2

PolyndianPrincessJes

02-22-2011, 02:23 PM

Oh no - don't settle! Have an anniversary party there instead! :cutie:

Well, I have to get married first, so I may as well settle for a husband so I can get married at ToT. :bride: :rotfl:

And then have you do my TR for me. ;)

LoveDisney!!!

02-22-2011, 02:36 PM

One Word: AMAZING!!!

OK, a few more words :) : Your party was simply gorgeous! I have wanted to do a private event in HS ever since I saw a TR of a wedding there (Janet????) Here's was over the top and I would never be able to afford it, but yours makes it a bit more feasible. :cheer2:

I would love to do a similar thing for my anniversary, but I worry about some of the costs. Does Disney frown on people wanting to split entrees? I see that you did it, so it does not seem like they care much. Did you need to give a reason for splitting meals (did you have to say that it was to save money???) Of course I want to stay far away from the Applebee's steak :laughing:

Does your DH love doing these things? I think my DH would enjoy it after the fact, but it would need to be a surprise and I am sure he wouldn't want to dress up (spoil sport).

I am insanely jealous you were able to take pictures on the set. I have to have a party just to do that (hopefully)!

Aburns8

02-22-2011, 02:46 PM

Love it! That happens to be my favorite ride there. I had no idea that you could have a dinner there. Maybe when we do our vow renewal we can incorporate ToT somehow.

cdotla

02-23-2011, 09:56 PM

I am just speechless Carrie. Wow! :faint:

norybell

02-24-2011, 03:41 PM

Wow. That dinner (well, except for the food) looks A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I would think that even just getting to go behind the rope in the TOT lobby made it worth it!

MAGICFOR2

02-24-2011, 04:27 PM

You look scaringly stunning in that TOT photo! Off to read your blog!:woohoo:

A-T-G

02-25-2011, 05:43 AM

I just love how amazing you look! Like you belong on that set! Fantastic!

burly

02-27-2011, 03:15 PM

So 'Old Hollywoodland' you look. Just stunning. Beautiful!:lovestruc

Wonders10

02-27-2011, 05:40 PM

Hi Lurkyloo!

I think I've posted before on one of your TR, but for this one I've been all lurker! I had to comment though on your TOT party! You looked stunning (like you stepped out of an ad from 1939!)

I totally want to do a small, private event now! Since I'm single and don't have any wedding, shower-y type events coming up, I had to really think and I thought of my mom, who is retiring in 2013. We (as in family) are doing a cruise to Alaska in Summer 2012, but I would love to do something special for her when she actually retires in February 2013....maybe a dessert party somewhere? And I'd have to make it a surprise, and have my DB, DSIL, niece and nephew come. Is there a list of small venues? I think I like the idea of doing something in WS so we could watch Illuminations. Just curious, do you have any places that you like, have wanted to do, or recommend to people?

lurkyloo

02-27-2011, 11:52 PM

Well, I have to get married first, so I may as well settle for a husband so I can get married at ToT. :bride: :rotfl:

And then have you do my TR for me.

Only if you promise me you won't *settle*! :rotfl:

I would love to do a similar thing for my anniversary, but I worry about some of the costs. Does Disney frown on people wanting to split entrees?

Nope! My planner didn't bat an eye when I told her we only wanted 2 entrees for 4 people. I mean everybody knows Disney portions are huge... :lmao:

Does your DH love doing these things? I think my DH would enjoy it after the fact, but it would need to be a surprise and I am sure he wouldn't want to dress up (spoil sport).

Yeah, that's kinda part of why I did it as a surprise. I mean, Patrick loves it, but he also loves eating takeout in front of Netflix at home. So since he'd be happy doing whatever, it's up to me if I want to do something over the top! :teeth:

Love it! That happens to be my favorite ride there. I had no idea that you could have a dinner there. Maybe when we do our vow renewal we can incorporate ToT somehow.

You totally should! :thumbsup2

Wow. That dinner (well, except for the food) looks A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I would think that even just getting to go behind the rope in the TOT lobby made it worth it!

Seriously. When they lifted that rope, I was like "WORTH IT!!!!"

You look scaringly stunning in that TOT photo! Off to read your blog!:woohoo:

:rotfl: Thanks!

I just love how amazing you look! Like you belong on that set! Fantastic!

Aw, thanks! :hug:

So 'Old Hollywoodland' you look. Just stunning. Beautiful!:lovestruc

Thank you! :goodvibes

I totally want to do a small, private event now! Since I'm single and don't have any wedding, shower-y type events coming up, I had to really think and I thought of my mom, who is retiring in 2013. We (as in family) are doing a cruise to Alaska in Summer 2012, but I would love to do something special for her when she actually retires in February 2013....maybe a dessert party somewhere? And I'd have to make it a surprise, and have my DB, DSIL, niece and nephew come. Is there a list of small venues? I think I like the idea of doing something in WS so we could watch Illuminations. Just curious, do you have any places that you like, have wanted to do, or recommend to people?

Welcome out of lurkdom!

For a really small parties, the best choice in Epcot, I think, is UK Pubside (where we had our first anniversary party (http://disneytravelbabble.com/disney-weddings/our-wedding/anniversary-party/)). You can also do Japan, up on the tower, and the newer spots in Canada (terrible view) and Africa, plus standing-room-only spots in Norway, Morocco and France. But who wants to stand when you're paying for a private event?

Here's a link to info about planning a small IllumiNations dessert party http://disneytravelbabble.com/how-to/private-party/epcot-dessert-party/

What a sweet idea to plan a surprise retirement party for your mom! :lovestruc

lurkyloo

02-27-2011, 11:56 PM

I was kinda pooped after wandering all over Epcot in the heat, so I spent a little time relaxing in the living room of my embarrassingly ginormous-for-one-person 1-bedroom villa at Bay Lake Tower.

I dragged an easy chair up to the window. First I looked at the "lake view"…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09311.jpg

Then I craned my neck a little to see the actual lake…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09308.jpg

Zooming helped!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09309.jpg

I used my camera to check out all the things in the distance, like Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09312.jpg

This is what the view looks like when you've been swallowed by an easy chair:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09314.jpg

"Say, wait a minute—they've got a POOL down there?!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09310.jpg

And then I did what they always tell you to do if you're a smart tourist: I took a break in the middle of the day to go swimming! At first glance, Bay Lake Tower's pool is not particularly interesting to look at. There's a lot of Miami Vice glass blocks goin' on…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09513.jpg

…And a ragged beach with a sign that may as well say "Gator-Baitin' Station"!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09515.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09516.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09535.jpg

However, the more I poked around (and the more I read my "What Would Patrick Shoot?" bracelet) the more nifty photo opportunities I found.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09518.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09517.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09519.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09520.jpg

Water slide!!!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09523.jpg

I think I spent 20 minutes standing under the slide trying to take a picture of someone whizzing by. It's worse that trying to shoot a Test Track vehicle on the outside track!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09524.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09525.jpg

Favorite!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09526.jpg

"Careful, kiddies—you don't know who's been running through there!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09527.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09528.jpg

The slide was FANTASTIC! I hereby declare it the Fastest Hotel Water Slide on Property (OK, of the ones I have been on: Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, BoardWalk Inn & Stormalong Bay). I went down it 12 times! The grown-ups at the pool thought I was nuts and began herding their children away from me…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09530.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09532.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09533.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09534.jpg

After that I spent a little time back in the room getting ready for my date with Jensey & Nate for a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. We'd chosen Biergarten because it was in the marginally cheaper Tier 2 price category, and because Patrick has always wanted to eat there. Now, of course, Patrick would be the only one NOT eating there, and we were stuck with his choice… Interestingly, when I called to cancel his Candlelight dinner package, I was told "No refunds!" However, they don't actually charge your card until you get to the restaurant, and when the server brought our bill it was only for 3 people cuz that's as many as he saw at the table. So…. good to know for future reference!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09315.jpg

lurkyloo

02-27-2011, 11:59 PM

On my way to the monorail, I stepped out on the fireworks viewing platform to take some nighttime pix of the view.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09321.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09324.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09322.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09316.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09318.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09319.jpg

Not sure what I was going for here… double-vision?
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09323.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09327.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09328.jpg

Now let us travel back in time a few hours to the moment when the Roots set foot in Epcot that day, so that we may see all that they saw while I was endlessly whizzing down the pool slide at Bay Lake Tower.

The elusive Fantasy, a dinner-cruise boat owned by the Swan & Dolphin that can only be rented by Disney and Swolphin employees…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_001.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_002.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_004.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_005.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_006.jpg

"Shoe for a smoke, anyone? I will trade you this shoe for a single cigarette… C'mon, people…"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_009.jpg

"Oh wait, I think there might be a cigarette IN the shoe…"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_010.jpg

"OMG—there's TOTALLY a cigarette in there!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_011.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_012.jpg

Pretty lady!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_014.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_015.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_016.jpg

Like a golf ball on the green…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_019.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_020.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_021.jpg

lurkyloo

02-28-2011, 12:00 AM

That guy's got a lot of balls…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_023.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_024.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_025.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_027.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_028.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_029.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_030.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_031.jpg

I'll bet you dollars to donuts that kid's got his mouth on the railing.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_032.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_034.jpg

Oh look! Santa even comes to Lizardville!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_035.jpg

I know, kid—that was totally silly…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_036.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_037.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_038.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_039.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_041.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_042.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_043.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_044.jpg

OK, so, the Biergarten was pretty much exactly what I expected—great theming, rowdy atmosphere, middling food. My journal entry from that night says, "Sensory OVERLOAD! Crowds! Sitting with strangers! Oompah band! Buffet mania!!!"

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_046.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_047.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_048.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_050.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_051.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_053.jpg

lurkyloo

02-28-2011, 12:05 AM

It's all semi-communal seating, so we were put at a table with a group of four. The food was the typical Disney buffet take on ethnic specialties—lots of lukewarm overcooked meat, heavy sauces, clammy cold cuts.... Definitely not for those on a diet!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_054.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_056.jpg

I think we had a 5:45pm dinner reservation for the 8:15pm showing of Candlelight Processional. We got out with an hour to spare before the show and went straight to America Gardens Theater to line up for seats. The queue for dining package holders—not even standby—was already all the way to Japan! What's the point?! You pay all this money for a dining package that guarantees you a seat, but you still have to stand in line for an hour or more? If I really want to see Candlelight again, next time I'll just spend that hour in the standby line for FREE and eat takeaway dinner while I wait…

At least we had this pretty view!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_057.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_058.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_059.jpg

At last we were let into the theater and filed into some OK seats slightly off center but within the first section of seating. They were better than what D23 got us at least!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_067.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_060.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_061.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_062.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_063.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_064.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_065.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_068.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_069.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_070.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_071.jpg

Unfortunately, that night's narrator had been replaced sort of at the last minute by former child star Abigail Breslin, and the phrase "woefully miscast" has never been more appropriate. I am sure she's a great person, but a golden throated elocutionist she is not. Her flat, bored-sounding reading of the Christmas story sapped the life out of the performance, and in between her cues she'd stare off into space as if counting the moments until she was reunited with her cell phone. We referred to her as "Abby Bressie" for the rest of the trip.

"OMG, I could totally be on Facebook right now."
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_073.jpg

"I can SEE my phone… I wonder if I can reach it from here..."
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_074.jpg

"Yep… right there… sticking outta my Birkin bag. Geez, I wish I knew how to use The Force."
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_075.jpg

"And then the Angel Gabriel was all, 'Mary…'"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_076.jpg

"Gah! Do you believe this?"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_077.jpg

"I dunno, I guess the girl from 'The Ring' cancelled?"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_078.jpg

"Whatever you do, DON'T distract her!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_080.jpg

"Well, OK, maybe just a little—tee hee!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_083.jpg

"Yo, Abby! You need me to take it from here?"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_084.jpg

lurkyloo

02-28-2011, 12:10 AM

(Crickets chirping)
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_087.jpg

"Fine, we'll just sing our butts off to cover for you!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_089.jpg

(Interpreter makes American Sign Language gestures for "singing butts off")
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_085.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_090.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_091.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_092.jpg

Lady to the left of Abby Bressie: "It's like she's reading from the PHONE BOOK!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_093.jpg

"N…oooo, doesn't sound any better in color either!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_094.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_095.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_096.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_097.jpg

Abbie Bressie: "Oh thank gawd, it's OVER!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_098.jpg

Choir: "Yeah, they're not clapping for you, Abby…"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_099.jpg

Abbie Bressie: "Wait, is it really over, or am I supposed to be doing something right now?"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_100.jpg

"Wasn't Santa supposed to come out?"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_102.jpg

"Whew! Yeah, OK, it's totally over!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_103.jpg

"I swear to gawd, if I have to listen to that girl utter one more word, I'm passing right out!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_105.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_107.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_108.jpg

That year was the first time they offered a private IllumiNations viewing area as part of the Candlelight Processional dining package. I thought surely for the 8:15 people that area would be Italy Isola, which holds up to 300, because it's right next to America Gardens Theater. But that would have been too convenient—instead, they herd everybody from all three seatings of the dinner package into World Showcase Plaza. This means that if you go to see the 8:15 CP, you have only 10 minutes to hoof it half a mile around World Showcase to get to the viewing area, because they hold you in the theater until the entire mass choir has crossed the path on their way backstage. YIKES!

World Showcas Plaza is the area between the two identical souvenir shops at the entrance to World Showcase. I ran ahead and staked out as close to the front as I could so that only one of us would be panting and gasping for breath during much of the show. It really is a great place to see IllumiNations from (if you can get to the front). I'm just shocked that they think people can make the trek in 10 minutes, through Christmastime crowds.

We did not have the greatest view, but Nate still got some cool shots!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_109.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_111.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_116.jpg

lurkyloo

02-28-2011, 12:11 AM

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_144.jpg

lurkyloo

02-28-2011, 12:14 AM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_145.jpg

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lurkyloo

02-28-2011, 12:16 AM

After the show, I made poor Nathensey wait around in the cold because I was convinced we were going to get to see the fabled "barge burnoff" in which the fireworks barge goes up in a ball of flame to use up all the leftover fuel. We waited and waited and waited…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_172.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_173.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_175.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_183.jpg

Finally we gave up. As it turns out (and I learned this only 2 weeks ago when we were on an IllumiNations cruise), they haven't done the barge burn-off in YEARS cuz they updated all the systems a while back and eliminated the need for the burn-off. I *hate*not knowing stuff!

Nathensey took some more nice pix on their way out as I rode the monorail back to Bay Lake Tower.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_184.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_185.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_186.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207%20Root/Cndlt_Illuminations_188.jpg

When I got back to the room, I guess I thought our hilariously empty refrigerator needed to be documented.

Good thing we have a 20-cubic-foot refrigerator for all our food!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09331.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09330.jpg

And then I decided, heck, I may not be able to sit in a bubble bath and watch the Wishes fireworks show through our bedroom window, but I could sure as heck sit in a bubble bath and eat a Mickey bar! And so I did.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09329.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09341.jpg

Up Next: Wishes Dessert Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party with the Roots!

MEK

02-28-2011, 08:27 AM

Wow. Talk about mega -post! Seriously, I was laughing out loud with that "perhaps if I use the force" comment. :rotfl2: OMG. Abbie Bressie looks a tad familiar. She does look rather lifeless in most of the pictures.

Your pictures of BLT turned out really great. I think you are getting the photography gene! Strong work.

Spectacular pictures of CP! So much detail. so many faces in the choir (some not so pretty....lol!)

Fabulous update!

lurkyloo

02-28-2011, 01:45 PM

Yay! I'm glad you liked the update! I've been trying to be better about writing creatively in between photos—I noticed this report was nowhere NEAR as funny as my first anniversary trip report when I re-read it. I think I was feeling kinda uninspired. But now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel—just two more days to write up!

:teeth:

Stringbean&Wingnut

02-28-2011, 02:02 PM

Aburns8

02-28-2011, 02:32 PM

Love the update. I especially loved the Abby Breslin commentary! You are too funny! Do you know there is like 75 days until Destination D?

DISNEYaddict4evr

02-28-2011, 02:40 PM

so your comments on the photos during the candlelight processional have me concerned. I was thinking of taking my mom to it it it worth doing what you did with dinner? does the best night all depend on who is reading?

Should we even go? Thoughts...

Disneygrl36

02-28-2011, 04:08 PM

All caught up! Haven't been dising alot these days, but I have to say that I loved your santas I didn't see!

Your anniversary party blog was AMAzing! You both looked so elegant & just fit the HTH theme so well. You have some spectacular experiences & I am glad that I get to read all about them.

P.S.........so excited to get to see you again in May.:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

norybell

03-01-2011, 09:58 AM

Your Abbie Bressie commentary is hilarious. And I really love some of the Roots' post-Illuminations shots!

I think I spent 20 minutes standing under the slide trying to take a picture of someone whizzing by. It's worse that trying to shoot a Test Track vehicle on the outside track!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%207/DSC09524.jpg
I love this pic! It's creepy, in such a great, Dr. Who-like way! (Like, you're on a planet where the humans are being sucked through tubes by some sort of retro-style aliens, for some nefarious purpose or other.)

And I love Dr. Who, so I mean that as a compliment.

MAGICFOR2

03-01-2011, 05:12 PM

Great pics, Carrie! I love the Water slide - looks like a lizard up there:goodvibes- and the Mickey in the Glass blocks - haven't seen pics of this area before! You got some good ones!:thumbsup2

Mickey Bar in the bubble bath - too funny!:rotfl2: I'm sure that was much better than champagne and strawberries!:thumbsup2

KatGarcia

03-02-2011, 12:39 AM

Oh man the picture commentary was cracking me up!

On a side note, how are you liking TweetDeck?

PopArtGal

03-03-2011, 04:59 PM

Would you say that unless you really want to eat at a certain restaurant, the Processional package isn't worth it? Oh btw, if we choose Le Cellier, for example, is there a set menu?

Oh and Bubble baths rock... Thinking about it... I need one hehe

lurkyloo

03-07-2011, 06:43 PM

That's too bad Abigail Breslin was a bit on the unenthusiastic side - still, seems like a gorgeous and impressive performance! I've only seen the CP from peeking over crowds on the sidewalk, the wait definitely gets a bit too long for me.

I had NO idea they didn't do the fuel burnoff at the end of Illuminations anymore! It's funny, I told DBF about it after our stay at the YC, and he said he did hear an explosion around 10:30 on a few of the evenings...random coincidence? :confused3 That's too bad, I had always wanted to linger around WC to see it!

Totally! It seems like it would have been a spectacular sight!

Love the update. I especially loved the Abby Breslin commentary! You are too funny! Do you know there is like 75 days until Destination D?

Aiyeeeee! :scared: And only about 10 til my DFTW Bridal Showcase trip—I am SO not ready!

so your comments on the photos during the candlelight processional have me concerned. I was thinking of taking my mom to it it it worth doing what you did with dinner? does the best night all depend on who is reading?

Should we even go? Thoughts...

I do think that it's a crapshoot how good the narrator is, but as others have said, you do still have the ginormous choir and musicians carrying the rest of the show.

As for the dinner package, to me, the price you pay for dinner should do more than just get you in—it should guarantee you a good spot. But they sell so many that you still have to wait in line if you want a good spot.

I guess it depends on how important the seating area is to you. If you're happy just to be in the auditorium, then I say do the cheapest tier of restaurant and show up after they start letting people into the auditorium. But if you're the type who doesn't mind waiting in line to get a good spot, you may as well wait in the standby line for free.

All caught up! Haven't been dising alot these days, but I have to say that I loved your santas I didn't see!

Your anniversary party blog was AMAzing! You both looked so elegant & just fit the HTH theme so well. You have some spectacular experiences & I am glad that I get to read all about them.

P.S.........so excited to get to see you again in May.

Yay! I'm excited too! Thanks for the kind comments on the anniversary party. :goodvibes

Your Abbie Bressie commentary is hilarious. And I really love some of the Roots' post-Illuminations shots!

I love this pic! It's creepy, in such a great, Dr. Who-like way! (Like, you're on a planet where the humans are being sucked through tubes by some sort of retro-style aliens, for some nefarious purpose or other.)

And I love Dr. Who, so I mean that as a compliment.

Compliment taken! :lmao: That shot does have a very sci-fi vibe to it, doesn't it?

Great pics, Carrie! I love the Water slide - looks like a lizard up there:goodvibes- and the Mickey in the Glass blocks - haven't seen pics of this area before! You got some good ones!:thumbsup2

Mickey Bar in the bubble bath - too funny!:rotfl2: I'm sure that was much better than champagne and strawberries!:thumbsup2

Um, YES!!!! Mostly because I don't like either of those things. :rotfl:

Oh man the picture commentary was cracking me up!

On a side note, how are you liking TweetDeck?

It's neat! I like how I can schedule Tweets—very handy!

Would you say that unless you really want to eat at a certain restaurant, the Processional package isn't worth it? Oh btw, if we choose Le Cellier, for example, is there a set menu?

Oh and Bubble baths rock... Thinking about it... I need one hehe

I would say that it's better NOT to care where you eat and just to go with whatever's cheapest.

I think I've read that Le Cellier has a set menu for the Candlelight Package, but the other restaurants don't. Also, all bets are off now that Le Cellier has gone Signature. It may even have its own tier this year.

lurkyloo

03-07-2011, 06:47 PM

Hope ya like Christmas, cuz this installment's lousy with it!

I started my last full day at Disney off right with two room service kids' breakfasts (cuz they don't have just one "everything breakfast" and also you get milk!).

Mickey waffles with sausage + eggs, hash browns, bacon and a biscuit!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09343.jpg

Eeeeeeeew….
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09344.jpg

The plan was to take it easy in the morning by touring the monorail resorts to look at their Christmas decorations. In the afternoon I was scheduled to meet Jensey for the Finding Nemo lunch package they do at Tusker House, plus a backstage tour that Patrick arranged but didn't get to go on!

I sashayed out of my $$$ Bay Lake Tower 1-bedroom to find this still in the hall. It had been there since the previous day.

Bad show!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09346.jpg

My chariot awaits!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09348.jpg

The then-newly expanded Chef Mickey's
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View from the monorail platform
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09353.jpg

The Polynesian's Christmas decorations were fairly subdued compared to those of the other resorts.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09355.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09368.jpg

My next stop was the Grand Floridian, where I was momentarily distracted by this fabulous gift basket in the window at Basin.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09370.jpg

The Grand Floridian pretty much pulls out all the stops at Christmas. It's not my taste, really, but it definitely puts you in the Christmas mood!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09371.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09372.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09375.jpg

lurkyloo

03-07-2011, 06:49 PM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09376.jpg

Mizner's Lounge
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09377.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09382.jpg

Of course the crown jewel is the life-size gingerbread house. I'd heard so much about it over the years, but you really have to see it in person to appreciate the countless hours of work that go into it.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09381.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09383.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09386.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09387.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09389.jpg

Now they always say the GF gingerbread house contains a gift shop, but that makes it sound like you can actually go inside it. Really, it's more like a gift counter, and only employees can go inside it. Boo!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09390.jpg

"Nyah, nyah! Bet you wish you were in heeeeeeerrrreeee!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09391.jpg

There's almost always a line to buy stuff, too, but it gives you time to fantasize about gnawing on the gingerbread house itself…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09392.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09394.jpg

Judging by how fast these cast members were moving, I'd say they've been gnawing on the gingerbread house all day!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09395.jpg

[Sock-O!] "Only *I* get to be in Lurkyloo's picture!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09396.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09401.jpg

lurkyloo

03-07-2011, 06:52 PM

Patrick would have loved the little Christmas villages on the eaves…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09402.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09403.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09404.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09405.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09407.jpg

I spotted the head pastry chef out and about in the lobby fielding questions about the house.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09406.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09408.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09409.jpg

I picked up a chocolate-covered gingerbread shingle for Patrick (he later declared it delicious) and an Oreo pop and a cookie for me. They were just so-so…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09410.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09411.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09415.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09416.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09418.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09420.jpg

In an effort to, I dunno, provide enough photos for my readers to completely re-create the gingerbread house at home, I went up stairs for a different perspective on the thing.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09421.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09422.jpg

Whaaaa? Real smoke?!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09423.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09424.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09425.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09426.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09427.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09430.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09434.jpg

lurkyloo

03-07-2011, 06:54 PM

Photo op at the Christmas tree
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09436.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09437.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09441.jpg

The Grand Floridian's newish tile floor
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09442.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09443.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09447.jpg

I found one wreath I really liked hanging in the upstairs gift shop, M. Mouse Mercantile. They should totally sell this one!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09450.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09451.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09453.jpg

They did seem to be selling these festive mini cakes, so I got a couple of shots for the DIS Boards' cake thread… turns out this is made of candy and comes in the $$$ in-room celebration package that the WDW Florist can sell you.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09454.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09456.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09458.jpg

Looks like I swung by the Grand Floridian Convention Center to take some pictures of the Whitehall Room & Patio!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09459.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09461.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09466.jpg

lurkyloo

03-07-2011, 06:59 PM

I always love it when I stumble across an actual event in progress…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09467.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09470.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09472.jpg

This is the Key West Room, a boardroom you can use for small private events.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09473.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09474.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09475.jpg

Then it was back on the monorail to check out the Contemporary's decorations.

Sort-of view of Whitehall patio from the monorail
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09476.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09477.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09484.jpg

Space-age ordering kiosks for Contempo Café!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09485.jpg

Newish Contempo Café
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09489.jpg

"I'll have one of everything, please!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09486.jpg

This one cracked me up—which leche do you think they left out? And is the price lower as a result?
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09487.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09491.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09492.jpg

lurkyloo

03-07-2011, 07:01 PM

Yep….
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09496.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09494.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09495.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09500.jpg

The Contemporary doesn't have a life-size gingerbread house, but they do have a temporary counter set up in the lobby selling gingerbread and other Christmas-y treats.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09501.jpg

Kawaii!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09505.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09503.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09504.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09499.jpg

I give you…. the carpet!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09507.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09508.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09510.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09512.jpg

I just can't get over how cool BLT's lobby is!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09536.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09537.jpg

Up Next: Backstage Tour of Finding Nemo: The Musical!

Aburns8

03-07-2011, 07:25 PM

Disneybuckeye

03-07-2011, 07:36 PM

Thanks for keeping the updates coming even though I know you are busy. This is helping me get through the last few days until we leave on Frday, so I appreciate your last update. All the Christmas pictures have me excited for our December trip. We saw the GF gingerbread house during our November 06 trip and they gave us some samples to try. Do they still give out free samples? I am not too big on gingerbread so the sample was perfect.

Disneygrl36

03-08-2011, 08:57 AM

Loved the pics of the gingerbread house from above. I've never seen it from that perspective.:thumbsup2

tlhbdm

03-08-2011, 10:27 AM

I got all caught up, it has taken me 1.5 days to read it all. Lurky I love your commentary, makes me laugh while sitting at my desk.

Stringbean&Wingnut

03-08-2011, 11:10 AM

This one cracked me up—which leche do you think they left out? And is the price lower as a result?
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09487.jpg

:rotfl: I wonder what the elusive neglected third milk was too!

beatlesblonde

03-08-2011, 01:58 PM

Great update Carrie! Man I'm missing WDW even more reading your report, thank goodness we only have what feels like a billion days to go till our next trip.

You know I don't think those birds should be drinking from the soda fountain, I'm sure the caffine will keep them up all night ;)

lurkyloo

03-08-2011, 05:19 PM

I swear that the Poly has more decoration now then they did 3 years ago (the last time I was there for Christmas). They should sell that wreath! I love it! Wishing I could go there this December. Maybe next year!

That's interesting—someone else was saying that the Beach Club had *less* decoration at Christmas than they remember. You'd think it would all be uniform, but maybe it's up to managers at each resort or something....

Thanks for keeping the updates coming even though I know you are busy. This is helping me get through the last few days until we leave on Frday, so I appreciate your last update. All the Christmas pictures have me excited for our December trip. We saw the GF gingerbread house during our November 06 trip and they gave us some samples to try. Do they still give out free samples? I am not too big on gingerbread so the sample was perfect.

I didn't see any free samples when I was there. :( Maybe it was cutting into their profits on the $10 gingerbread shingles...

Loved the pics of the gingerbread house from above. I've never seen it from that perspective.:thumbsup2

You know me—why just document something in pictures when you can OVER-document it?! :teeth:

I got all caught up, it has taken me 1.5 days to read it all. Lurky I love your commentary, makes me laugh while sitting at my desk.

Yay! :banana: I'm glad you laughed!

:rotfl: I wonder what the elusive neglected third milk was too!

Dos leches indeed! :snooty: I'll bet they left out the one that makes it all moist and runny... ;)

Great update Carrie! Man I'm missing WDW even more reading your report, thank goodness we only have what feels like a billion days to go till our next trip.

You know I don't think those birds should be drinking from the soda fountain, I'm sure the caffine will keep them up all night ;)

Seriously! I was trying to think up a gag about that because, well, when they eat fermented fruit they get drunk, so just think what must happen when they drink sugary soda! :rotfl:

MAGICFOR2

03-08-2011, 05:58 PM

norybell

03-08-2011, 06:05 PM

Christmas! Hooray!

(I'm very tired today. Thus reading and writing TRs is leaving me feeling particularly seasonally confused. :rotfl:)

Great update, as always. Except now I really want to eat something that contains both chocolate and gingerbread. Hm...

mrsksomeday

03-08-2011, 06:59 PM

Fantastic update!! I am loving all the pictures, your perspectives are amazing.

MEK

03-09-2011, 10:01 AM

Another fab update. Please stay inspired. I love your pictures and I am so glad you posted so many of the GF at christmas. I really think I need to see it for myself. The ginger bread house is too cool. Great details.

OK - what's up with the birds in the soda dispenser? It's like their own privated bird bath.

I had that cupcake in September and it was AMAZING!

lurkyloo

03-09-2011, 02:46 PM

Carrie - thanks for the Christmas monorail tour! It would be fun to compare and contrast all in the same trip:thumbsup2 Hmmm, the birds are kind of gross, but I guess there's not alot to do about it when they have a semi-open space - at least they're not snakes or gators :eek:

:rotfl2: Gators in the soda drip tray—now THAT would be an hilarious photo!

Christmas! Hooray!

(I'm very tired today. Thus reading and writing TRs is leaving me feeling particularly seasonally confused. :rotfl:)

Great update, as always. Except now I really want to eat something that contains both chocolate and gingerbread. Hm...

Yeah, but can you even get gingerbread in March...? ;)

Fantastic update!! I am loving all the pictures, your perspectives are amazing.

Thanks for reading!

Another fab update. Please stay inspired. I love your pictures and I am so glad you posted so many of the GF at christmas. I really think I need to see it for myself. The ginger bread house is too cool. Great details.

OK - what's up with the birds in the soda dispenser? It's like their own privated bird bath.

I had that cupcake in September and it was AMAZING!

Oooh—thanks for the heads up! I'm staying at the Contemporary in a few weeks, so I'll have to check out "dos leches" for myself! :lmao:

NeverlandClub23

03-09-2011, 03:54 PM

I didn't see any free samples when I was there. :( Maybe it was cutting into their profits on the $10 gingerbread shingles..

$10?!? :faint: They were about $3 when I was there in December 2006! Wow. We're going December this year. It may be worth spending a night in Disney jail to chisel a shingle off of the house.:scratchin

lurkyloo

03-09-2011, 09:55 PM

$10?!? :faint: They were about $3 when I was there in December 2006! Wow. We're going December this year. It may be worth spending a night in Disney jail to chisel a shingle off of the house.:scratchin

:rotfl2: Plus it's just more fun that way! :rotfl2:

lurkyloo

03-09-2011, 09:59 PM

As you may know from my past reports, I have an aversion to stage shows of any variety. Patrick had been interested in seeing Finding Nemo: The Musical again from a decent seat, so I grudgingly made a reservation for Tusker House Restaurant during that lunchtime window when they give you a ticket for priority seating at the show after you meal. He'd also arranged for us to get a backstage tour through his various puppet connections, which was pretty much the only reason I agreed to go see the show. When Patrick had to leave our vacation early, I'd convinced Jensey to go with me. But then something came up and she couldn't go either, so off I went to AK on my own to do something that everybody else BUT me wanted to do.

Now-traditional shot of the rental car for posterity
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09538.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09539.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09540.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09542.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09543.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09544.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09545.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09546.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09547.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09548.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09549.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09550.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09553.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09554.jpg

There was a big line at Tusker House, and I was glad I had a reservation! Buffets are right up there with stage shows on my Not To Do list at Disney, but I figured at least this one might have some of the more interesting dishes you find at Boma on it.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09555.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09556.jpg

Of course I started with dessert first!

Cherry & Apple Cobbler, Warm Banana Cinnamon Bread Pudding, Vanilla Sauce
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09557.jpg

Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Chocolate Brownies
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09558.jpg

Coconut Macaroon, Lemon Bars, Pecan Chocolate Tart, Passion Fruit Tart
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09559.jpg

Chocolate Volcano Cake, Carrot Spice Cake, Baklava, Strawberry Mousse
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09560.jpg

Apple, Endive & Walnut Salad with Bleu Cheese Crumble; Tossed Caesar Salad; Tomato & Cucumber Salad with Fresh Mint & Yogurt Dressing; Mixed Greens with Ranch, Light Italian, or Balsamic Vinaigrette
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09561.jpg

Blatjangs (Spicy South African Preserves); "Sambals" (Condiments): Mango Chutney, Mixed Dried-Fruit Chutney; Hummus, Tabouleh
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09562.jpg

Whole-grain Breads & Rolls, Chocolate Mango Bread, Mealie Cornbread, Lavosh, Cornbread
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09563.jpg

Sliced Turkey & Ham; American & Swiss Cheeses; Mayonnaise, Mustard, Pickles (a classic African dish!)
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09564.jpg

lurkyloo

03-09-2011, 10:03 PM

Tunisian Couscous Salad, Fresh Green Bean & Red Onion Salad, Curried Rice Salad with Golden Raisins, Seasonal Fresh Fruit
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09565.jpg

Basmati Rice with Toasted Almond Slivers, Cape Malay Curry Chicken, Orzo Pasta, Seafood Stew with Tamarind Barbecue Sauce
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09566.jpg

Pearl Couscous with Sweet Basil, Spiced Vegetable & Tofu Tandoori, Jollaf Rice
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09567.jpg

Peri Peri Marinated Baked Salmon, Saffron-infused Root Vegetables & Cabbage
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09568.jpg

As they said in the '80s, "Where's the beef?"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09569.jpg

"Oh. THERE's the beef!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09570.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09571.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09572.jpg

Rotisserie Chicken and…. samosas?
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09573.jpg

Spit-roasted Chicken, Sauteed Fresh Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09575.jpg

I know the point of this buffet is s'posed to be the exotic African fare, but who can resist MINI-CORN DOGS?!!!

Corn Dog Nuggets, Macaroni & Cheese, Corn Medley
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09577.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09579.jpg

More African classics… "Create Your Own PB & J, with your choice of white or whole wheat bread"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09580.jpg

You know why else I hate buffets? Cuz you gotta label every dang photo in your trip report!!!

Patrick shot!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09583.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09599.jpg

Here's what I came up with—it only appears that I restrained myself in the mini corn dog department because I didn't shoot the stock pot I'd filled with them!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09598.jpg

Dessert
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09601.jpg

So I guess my verdict would be "Not as good as Boma, which is not as good as Jiko." But if you gotta do a buffet, at least this one gives you interesting choices and decent seats at the Nemo show! Plus, the décor is fun. The atmosphere is typically frenetic, though.

Off I went to find Nemo!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09602.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09603.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09604.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09605.jpg

Looks like it's gibbon wash day!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09606.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09607.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09608.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09609.jpg

lurkyloo

03-09-2011, 10:06 PM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09610.jpg

It was great to be able to breeze past the huge line at the show with my little seating pass. And the seats were great too—there isn't really a center section directly in front of the stage cuz it extends out into the audience, but the reserved section is on one side of it.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09611.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09612.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09613.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09614.jpg

As for the show, I found it predictably cheesy, but the staging, the puppets and the costumes are A-friggin-MAZING! So I guess I can recommend it just for that. The pictures are kinda blurry—hope you can figure out what's going on…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09615.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09616.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09617.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09618.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09619.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09621.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09622.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09623.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09624.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09626.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09627.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09628.jpg

OK, remember this bird puppet for later…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09629.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09630.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09631.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09635.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09636.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09637.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09638.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09639.jpg

lurkyloo

03-09-2011, 10:10 PM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09641.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09643.jpg

So after the show I waited til the audience cleared out, and then the friend of Patrick's friend of a friend came out to meet me and give me a backstage tour. I'm not s'posed to say who he is, and now, more than a year later, I don't even remember! But he was really friendly and so kind to take the time to squire around a non-puppeteer. The bad thing about waiting this long to tell the story is that now I can't remember any of the cool insider info I got on the tour. Mostly it was just how the puppets worked, though, so you're not missing too much.

It was super-dark backstage, so if you thought my show pix were bad, wait til you see how bad my backstage pictures are!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09644.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09645.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09646.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09647.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09648.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09649.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09650.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09651.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09653.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09654.jpg

The underside of Crush
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09655.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09656.jpg

Change the light, and suddenly something cute becomes terrifyingly creepy!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09657.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09658.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09659.jpg

I just know something's up there…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09660.jpg

Aiyeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09661.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09662.jpg

So, the absolute COOLEST part of the whole tour was when my guide let me go up in the rafters where the gargantuan pelican waits for his cue and look out on the stage and the audience!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09663.jpg

How he works
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09664.jpg

Don't remember what this is—maybe what you fall through if the audience doesn't like your jokes!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09665.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09666.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09667.jpg

Up Next: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party *AND* Tomorrowland Terrace Wishes Dessert Party with the Roots!

mrsksomeday

03-09-2011, 10:52 PM

IheartDDuck

03-09-2011, 11:08 PM

That is so cool that you got to go backstage at Finding Nemo!

I do agree with you on the Tusker house. It's good, but not as good as Boma, which is definitely not as good as Jiko!

Disneygrl36

03-10-2011, 10:43 AM

Loved the backstage tour--those puppets look creepy just sitting there. Hate that Patrick missed it!

lurkyloo

03-10-2011, 12:15 PM

I think we might try Tusker House on our next trip. Your Nemo show pictures are wonderful. Such a shame Patrick didn't get to go on the backstage tour, although he had a great excuse. You took great creepy pictures :rotfl:. Thanks for taking us backstage with you.

Are you going to the D23 Destination D event? I hope so and I hope you do a TR for it, your TR's are so wonderfully detailed. Bill and I won't be going to Destination D since we are doing a Poly/BWV split stay in Nov./Dec. :sad:. It is killing me not to see Marty Skylar and all the other speakers.

I can't wait to read the next installment.

Yes! I'm going to Destination D solo. I hope to write a trip report about it, but I'll have the October report, Anniversary report, and DFTW Bridal Showcase/Social Media Moms reports all backed up by then... Also, I never did get a report up about Disneyland's Destination D—now I'm thinking of just doing a summary, since it's a whole lot of "we sat in an auditorium, this person talked, we got in line for the next talk, we sat in an auditorium..." :rotfl:

That is so cool that you got to go backstage at Finding Nemo!

I do agree with you on the Tusker house. It's good, but not as good as Boma, which is definitely not as good as Jiko!

Mmmm.... Jiko! Just 5 more days til I get to have dinner there again!

Loved the backstage tour--those puppets look creepy just sitting there. Hate that Patrick missed it!

I know, right? Well maybe he can arrange another one sometime, and then photos will be HIS responsibility! :)

Stringbean&Wingnut

03-10-2011, 12:26 PM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09648.jpg

Awwwwwwwwwwww I love this guy!!!!!!!!!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09649.jpg

I was unaware that Godzilla had a cameo in Finding Nemo the Musical. Perhaps that's in the extended version for backstage guests only...;)

Tusker House looks like it was a nice meal! I love the ambiance there - I've wanted to go, but Animal Kingdom falls pretty low (okay, it's the lowest) on our list of favorite parks, so we generally don't spend much time there (if any).

However, I still can't get that darn Crush song out of my head from when we saw Finding Nemo several months ago! "Go with the flooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow!!" Add this to my list of harbored resentments against AK. :rotfl:

norybell

03-10-2011, 02:31 PM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/DSC09657.jpg
Yet another perfect Dr. Who shot! (Or maybe I just have Dr. Who on the brain lately, it's certainly possible.)

How cool that you got to go backstage...I'm not the hugest fan of WDW shows, either, but I did love Finding Nemo.

Aburns8

03-10-2011, 07:21 PM

What a great opportunity to go back stage. Those puppets are creepy in the dark! And now I want mini corn dogs. That buffet looked better than some of the other ones I have had on Disney property. Like you, I am not a big fan.

MEK

03-10-2011, 07:41 PM

I love Tusker House and I love Nemo, so fun update. I never get tired of Nemo because I think the puppets are amazing. Thanks for posting the behind the scenes pictures. They are very cool. I am glad you enjoyed your tour, even though Patrick wasn't there to enjoy it with you.

Contemporary in two weeks eh? Nice!

Disneybuckeye

03-10-2011, 07:51 PM

Loved the latest update and all the pictures. I would love to have gone on a backstage tour. I am so jealous. Can't wait to read more!

lurkyloo

03-12-2011, 06:49 PM

Awwwwwwwwwwww I love this guy!!!!!!!!!

I was unaware that Godzilla had a cameo in Finding Nemo the Musical. Perhaps that's in the extended version for backstage guests only...;)

Tusker House looks like it was a nice meal! I love the ambiance there - I've wanted to go, but Animal Kingdom falls pretty low (okay, it's the lowest) on our list of favorite parks, so we generally don't spend much time there (if any).

However, I still can't get that darn Crush song out of my head from when we saw Finding Nemo several months ago! "Go with the flooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow!!" Add this to my list of harbored resentments against AK. :rotfl:

:rotfl: Yeah, AK ranks pretty low on my list too, but Patrick loves it. At least we are united in our mutual dislke of DHS though!

Yet another perfect Dr. Who shot! (Or maybe I just have Dr. Who on the brain lately, it's certainly possible.)

How cool that you got to go backstage...I'm not the hugest fan of WDW shows, either, but I did love Finding Nemo.

It's totally a Dr. Who shot! :thumbsup2

What a great opportunity to go back stage. Those puppets are creepy in the dark! And now I want mini corn dogs. That buffet looked better than some of the other ones I have had on Disney property. Like you, I am not a big fan.

They need to sell mini corn dogs at the counter-service places! Well, maybe they already do... We never go to counter-service places...

I love Tusker House and I love Nemo, so fun update. I never get tired of Nemo because I think the puppets are amazing. Thanks for posting the behind the scenes pictures. They are very cool. I am glad you enjoyed your tour, even though Patrick wasn't there to enjoy it with you.

Contemporary in two weeks eh? Nice!

What's even nicer is getting Disney Weddings' discounted rate there for the Bridal Showcase!

Loved the latest update and all the pictures. I would love to have gone on a backstage tour. I am so jealous. Can't wait to read more!

Thanks for reading! More on the way!

lurkyloo

03-13-2011, 02:39 PM

Continuing the "experience double-dipping" caused by D23's failure to release info about Magic & Merriment in a timely fashion, that evening I went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party for the second time in 48 hours. However, proving that there's always something new to do at Disney, I had a very different experience.

I'd been looking forward to seeing the party through Jensey's eyes, since Christmas is her favorite holiday. Also, she had very kindly agreed to give up some of our party time to try out the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party, and in return, I spent the rest of the party camped out with her, Nate, and her sister, Amelia, to watch Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade from her favorite spot.

The Roots took a LOT of amazing pictures, so I'll probably have to break this installment up!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_001.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_002.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_003.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_005.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_006.jpg

It was a Tuesday night, but the place was PACKED—further proof that hard-ticketed events at Disney theme parks may actually be more crowded than a regular night. I can't get over how Disney trumpets the "exclusivity" of these things as justification of the high price when they are cramming people in like sardines.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_007.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_008.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_009.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_010.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_011.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_013.jpg

At first we were all trying so hard to be polite and considerate of the others that we couldn't really decide what to do and just sorta wandered around taking it all in.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_016.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_017.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_018.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_019.jpg

Inside Columbia Harbor House, where we decided not to eat
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_020.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_021.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_022.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_023.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_024.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_025.jpg

Eventually I decided to "What Would Patrick Do?" and put forth more decisive opinions about what we could do. This resulted in a ride on Haunted Mansion—hooray!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_026.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_027.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_029.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_030.jpg

lurkyloo

03-13-2011, 02:44 PM

And then things went horribly wrong and we ended up in the heinously crowded and noisy Cosmic Rays for this nutritious dinner:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_032.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_031.jpg

The view was nice, though!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_034.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_035.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_036.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_037.jpg

After dinner we staggered into Tomorrowland to be overwhelmed by this preternaturally perky stage show.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_039.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_069.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_070.jpg

And then we went on the Peoplemover!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_041.jpg

…Really FAST!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_042.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_040.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_043.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_044.jpg

This is the point when we hooked up with Jensey's sister (I know… I thought we started out with her too!), as well as fellow Root Disney bride Jennifer and her husband, Dan, and all went on Buzz Lightyear together.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_045.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_047.jpg

It was nice to have Amelia as my ride buddy, and she even gave me pointers on which were the high-scoring targets!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_049.jpg

Let's pretend like this was my score…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_050.jpg

As we got off the ride, Amelia (who WORKS at Walt Disney World) revealed that she had never been on Stitch's Great Escape—whaaaaa???? So of course we then whisked her off to experience that great nadir of WDI creativity.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_051.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_052.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_053.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_054.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_055.jpg

As I recall, Amelia declared it not too shabby, which induced lots of ribbing from the rest of us. Fortunately there was no time for a re-ride because we were due at the Tomorrowland Terrace for the Wishes Dessert Party. I'd had to shoehorn it into our packed schedule on an MVMCP night because it was the only time that worked for us. I think we all would rather have been on Main Street to see the fireworks, but it was interesting getting this close-but-off-center perspective on them. Oh, and there were desserts…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_058.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_061.jpg

lurkyloo

03-13-2011, 02:47 PM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_063.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_064.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_065.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_059.jpg

The Tomorrowland Terrace Wishes Dessert Party experience was… interesting. If I'd been there on my own, I'd have been the nerd forming a line at the entrance an hour before the place opened. But since we were all just out enjoying the party together as a group, we ended up getting there right before it opened and were last in line. It was a free-for-all, with people dashing around trying to secure the best tables, all of which were crammed SO close together you could barely maneuver. The desserts were sporadically replenished and we all got to go back for seconds, but… I guess I should know by now what to expect from Disney: dry, leaden brownies; "peanut butter chocolate" tarts with just a dab of peanut butter on top; cold, flavorless "chocolate lava" cakes; bland mousse… maybe the fruit desserts were good, though—I wouldn't know! Oh, and I liked the supermarket-style mini cupcakes cuz I'm into that kind of thing, and the chocolate cheesecakes were good cuz they didn't actually taste like cheesecake! Plus they had milk to go with everything, which was nice.

The best part, of course, is the view. As I said, it's definitely off-center, but you are SO close to the fireworks! I'd never really seen Tink before that night. Here's what the view looks like from Tomorrowland Terrace:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_066.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_067.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_068.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_071.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_072.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_073.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_075.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_076.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_078.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_081.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_083.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_085.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_087.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_088.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_090.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_092.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_093.jpg

These next 2 shots would be funny as a slideshow…

Before…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_094.jpg

After!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_095.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_096.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_099.jpg

lurkyloo

03-13-2011, 02:50 PM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_101.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_102.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_103.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_104.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_105.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_106.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_108.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_111.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_112.jpg

Looks like they blew off the top of the castle!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_113.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_114.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_116.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_118.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_121.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_123.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_124.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_125.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_126.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_128.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_130.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_131.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_132.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_133.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_135.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_136.jpg

lurkyloo

03-13-2011, 02:52 PM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_137.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_138.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_139.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_140.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_141.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_143.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_144.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_145.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_146.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_147.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_148.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_149.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_150.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_151.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_152.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_154.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_156.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_157.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_158.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_163.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_164.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_167.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_168.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_175.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_176.jpg

lurkyloo

03-13-2011, 02:53 PM

And then… the Apocalypse!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_159.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_160.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_180.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_181.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_183.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_188.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_189.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_190.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_192.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_193.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_194.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_195.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_196.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_198.jpg

Yep, they definitely blew the top off the castle!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_165.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_166.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_171.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_177.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_178.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_186.jpg

Favorite!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_172.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_199.jpg

Up Next: Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade & Slumber Party at Bay Lake Tower!

Aburns8

03-13-2011, 04:09 PM

MEK

03-13-2011, 05:11 PM

Gorgeous pictures! I have never seen pictures of the inside of Stitch. And Tinkerbell - wow - that must be one super fast shutter speed camera /lens to take a pic of TB.

I have only attended one Christmas party, but like you, I found it to be annoyingly crowded. It was a sold out party. Fun - but I think it will hold me for awhile.

lurkyloo

03-13-2011, 11:05 PM

Boy, that is a lot of people at M! I loved the picture of the projected snowflakes on the castle. I think that the roots are going to have to do some family portraits in October 2012. Their pics are amazing (like always). We are actually doing the dessert party in May (the Monday after after D23). In fact my in-laws decided to come down so I am having them come with us. The desserts looked pretty good. And I am hoping it isn't as crowded!

I can't wait to hear what you think of the dessert party! :thumbsup2

Gorgeous pictures! I have never seen pictures of the inside of Stitch.

Yeah, maybe I shouldn't have posted them b/c they actually make the ride look GOOD—I'd hate to deceive people! :rotfl:

Disneygrl36

03-14-2011, 09:17 AM

As always I am in awe of the Roots pictures.
But that close-up one of Tinkerbell has me kinda scared.:scared1:

tlhbdm

03-14-2011, 12:19 PM

Amazing pictures, makes me miss Disney World at Christmas time. I was there in 2007 for honeymoon, such a beautiful time of the year.

Stringbean&Wingnut

03-14-2011, 12:22 PM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_092.jpg

I'm actually a bit surprised Tink's costume doesn't have even more lights on it! She always looked like she was encased in glitter and lights, a la one of the Main Street Electrical Parade floats. :laughing:

lurkyloo

03-14-2011, 05:01 PM

As always I am in awe of the Roots pictures.
But that close-up one of Tinkerbell has me kinda scared.:scared1:

Don't worry—she won't hurt you! :rotfl:

Amazing pictures, makes me miss Disney World at Christmas time. I was there in 2007 for honeymoon, such a beautiful time of the year.

And what a great combo—a honeymoon AND Christmas! :cloud9:

I'm actually a bit surprised Tink's costume doesn't have even more lights on it! She always looked like she was encased in glitter and lights, a la one of the Main Street Electrical Parade floats. :laughing:

Now that you mention it, yeah! It's pretty amazing how much they do with so little!

burly

03-15-2011, 12:05 AM

Once again, great pics!
I remember sitting in the dessert party area, JUST before it flipped into the actual dessert party area, when it was just the cool area to know about and grab. Run on sentance much?

Anyway, the CM's near us were talking all about what the area was becoming and you could call disney dining to reserve. it was weird....:confused:
Not worth the money imho.

KIM

lurkyloo

03-15-2011, 12:34 AM

Yeah, I think they really ticked off a lot of people when they took over what was a secret, decent place to watch the fireworks and started charging you as if it were front-row, center... :sad2:

lurkyloo

03-15-2011, 12:36 AM

Hey! I found some iPhone pix I took that show more of the layout of the dessert party, along with some of the dud desserts I mentioned...

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/IMG_3432.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/IMG_3434.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208/IMG_3436.jpg

lurkyloo

03-15-2011, 01:00 AM

After the fireworks, we drifted up Main Street, U.S.A. to camp out in Jensey's favorite viewing spot for the 10:30pm Christmas parade, near the barbershop—basically the end of the route.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_200.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_201.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_202.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_203.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_204.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_205.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_206.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_208.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_209.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_210.jpg

We played time-filling road trip games with Amelia as we waited and laughed and laughed. Mostly at me and Nate, who could not figure out any of the sisters' "predict the next word" games because apparently you're allowed to change the rules every time??? Harrumph! Sisters!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_211.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_212.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_214.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_213.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_215.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_217.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_218.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_219.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_220.jpg

At last the parade started. It was fun to watch it with CM Amelia and former CM Jensey, because they seemed to know all the performers!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_221.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_224.jpg

They must know this Wendy, cuz there are lots of shots of her
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_225.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_226.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_227.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_229.jpg

lurkyloo

03-15-2011, 01:02 AM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_230.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_231.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_232.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_234.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_235.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_236.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_237.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_238.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_239.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_240.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_242.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_243.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_244.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_245.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_247.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_249.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_250.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_252.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_254.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_255.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_257.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_260.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_261.jpg

OK, they definitely know this girl!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_263.jpg

lurkyloo

03-15-2011, 01:04 AM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_264.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_265.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_266.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_267.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_269.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_270.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_271.jpg

Paper snow
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_274.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_276.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_278.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_279.jpg

My favorite kind of Christmas tree!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_280.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_281.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_282.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_284.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_285.jpg

Is that a baseball cap on Prince Philip?!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_286.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_288.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_289.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_290.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_291.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_292.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_293.jpg

Some of the costumes are a real hoot!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_294.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_295.jpg

lurkyloo

03-15-2011, 01:06 AM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_296.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_297.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_298.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_299.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_300.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_301.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_302.jpg

I dunno who this guy is, but the camera LOVES him!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_303.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_304.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_306.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_307.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_308.jpg

Oh man I feel bad for that guy…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_309.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_310.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_312.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_313.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_314.jpg

I can't believe they can play through those masks!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_315.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_316.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_317.jpg

More fashion "don'ts"…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_318.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_319.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_320.jpg

The design of these guys reminds me of the creepily off-model walk-around characters in the early days of Disneyland
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_321.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_322.jpg

lurkyloo

03-15-2011, 01:14 AM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_323.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_324.jpg

After the parade, there wasn't much party left, so we made the most of it by skipping the castle show and heading for Big Thunder.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_325.jpg

FAVORITE!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_327.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_326.jpg

It looks like we poked our heads into the dance party at the Diamond Horseshoe, but I don't think we ever did get any free watery hot chocolate or dry cookies…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_328.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_329.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_330.jpg

Also FAVORITE!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_331.jpg

Wait—another FAVORITE!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_332.jpg

Here's what us walking around looks like
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_333.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_334.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_336.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_337.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_338.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_339.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_340.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_341.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_343.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_344.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_342.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_345.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_346.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_347.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_348.jpg

lurkyloo

03-15-2011, 01:15 AM

After we shut the park down, Nate and Amelia split and Jensey came over to Bay Lake Tower for a slumber party! This was a very special treat for me, because Nate and Jensey do not like to be separated and Jensey was very kind to keep me company while Patrick was out of town (and indulge in a bit of girly nostalgia!).

Here's Jensey totally prepared for the slumber party!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_350.jpg

When we got home, the first thing we did was that Jensey very kindly took some glamour shots of the room for me.

Room 8611: The Peeping Tom's Delight
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/BayLakeTowers_01.jpg

Second bathroom
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/BayLakeTowers_02.jpg

Jensey slept here!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/BayLakeTowers_04.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/BayLakeTowers_05.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/BayLakeTowers_07.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/BayLakeTowers_09.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/BayLakeTowers_28.jpg

Four months old and already the place is showing signs of wear…
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/BayLakeTowers_10.jpg

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/BayLakeTowers_23.jpg

lurkyloo

03-15-2011, 01:19 AM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/BayLakeTowers_24.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/BayLakeTowers_25.jpg

Sorry about the mess… I actually used the laundry room!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/BayLakeTowers_31.jpg

At first I assumed Jensey must be pretty tired, so I suggested we get in our jammies and hit the rack. But when I got out of the shower, I noticed that the light was still on in the living room. I poked my head out there and saw Jensey sitting in the sofa bed wide awake (her teddy bear, however, was totally sawing logs). So I came out and we sat up talking and laughing—just like at a real slumber party!

This next part is something I think I might leave out of the trip report when I post it on my website, and it's taken me more than a year to even get to the point where I feel I can write about it. But you guys on the DISboards were there for me when it happened, so I feel like you might want to hear the whole story. I just hope it doesn't dissuade you from commenting on the fun stuff and gorgeous Root photos in the first part of this installment.

So as we were talking, I got a phone call from my aunt telling me that my dad had passed on. I'd moved him from Northern California to a care facility near us in LA back in November when he finally became convinced that the physical problem he was dealing with was too tough for him to cope with on his own. Although he had lost a lot of weight and mobility, he really seemed to perk up those first few weeks at the care facility. Because of this progress, Patrick and I felt OK about continuing with our Florida trip. After we left, my aunt kept us in the loop about what was going on. Earlier that day she had called to say that she thought it might be a good idea for me to call my dad again, and I am so glad I did.

One of the reasons it's important to me to tell this part of the story is that I want to acknowledge Jensey's incredibly loving support when I got the news. She gave me a big hug and asked what she could do to help, and for the next 12 hours she was my rock as I worked through the shock. I was pretty much in a trance, so she gently reminded me I needed to call my brother and Patrick to tell them the news. Then she sat up with me until 3:30 in the morning just talking and helping me work through my grief. In the morning when we woke up, it was Jensey who helped me figure out what my next steps were as I assumed all the end-of-life duties you have as the next of kin, about which I knew absolutely nothing. At that point, my mental defense mechanism was to switch into emotionless business mode in order to tackle the innumerable tasks ahead of me, and that lasted basically for the next three months. So I cherish those hours Jensey spent with me as the raw emotion washed over me, just surrounding me with her love and compassion.

I have one more day to write about, and it was definitely surreal, but I think you'll like the pictures, so I'll get that posted next.

Wonders10

03-15-2011, 06:47 AM

Disneygrl36

03-15-2011, 08:58 AM

Bittersweet update!
I love the Christmas parade & man did the Roots pictures capture the beauty & fun of that parade. Also that Wendy looks like Amy Adams.
Love, love, love the artwork in the rooms at BLT.

I remember this hard time. :hug: Still so sorry for your loss but so glad that Jensey was there for you especially since Patrick was gone. What a wonderful friend!

tlhbdm

03-15-2011, 09:27 AM

Awesome parade pictures, I wish I had an ounce of creativity the roots have when taking photos. I have the creativity after I take the photos and are scrapbooking them but not while taking the photos.

This was such a bittersweet end for this day, I can't even imagine how you were feeling or what was going through your mind. I'm glad Jensey was able to help you through that very difficult time. Now your Dis peeps will always be here for you :hug:

MinnieMe67

03-15-2011, 11:11 AM

I don't post too often, but wanted to drop in to give you a :hug:. Your trip reports are my absolute favorites because you are such a wonderful writer, very very funny (I laugh) and very very real and honest (I cry). And I wanted to thank you so very much for sharing.

Raising a glass of Dr. Pepper to your dad's memory!

DISNEYaddict4evr

03-15-2011, 11:36 AM

:hug:

I'm so sorry for your loss, I can not imagine what you went through. I'm glad you have been able to find a great support group and friends in the Roots, it is almost like it was meant to happen. The world works in mysterious ways. I would have hated to been alone at the time, I'm glad she was there for you

By the way, the pictures of the windows are AMAZING! Gotta love Scrooge hanging on for dear life, the one poking his head out looks real!

Stringbean&Wingnut

03-15-2011, 12:26 PM

I am so so sorry for your loss. It's good you had been able to speak with your dad on the phone earlier that day. How fortunate that Jensey was there with you when you recieved the news. :hug::hug::hug:

Beautiful and magical photos as usual! The paper snow is pretty decieving in the photos (well, except for the one flake in your hand ;)), I would have believed it was snowing there!

PopArtGal

03-15-2011, 02:00 PM

I love the Christmas village at the GF! I'm a Christmas village nut! hehe

Yep.. when you stay at the Contemporary..and eat at the Contempo..birds are included lol

PopArtGal

03-15-2011, 02:07 PM

I know what you mean about the Nemo show. The first time I went..I kinda stumbled on the guy screaming last call. So I got in and the show started. And I really liked it. This summer, I brought my dad to see it. And the when it first started he was like: what did you get me into. And after a while, he was really into it too.

Aburns8

03-15-2011, 02:36 PM

How come my parade pictures don't look like that? Bow I need some lessons. :rotfl2:

It looked like you had a great time. I remember you telling about your dad, I hope when you were writing this update you had some fond memories in your mind.

NeverlandClub23

03-15-2011, 03:01 PM

Oh man I feel bad for that guy…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%208%20Root/MVMCP_309.jpg

:sad2: Can you imagine?!? I would never tell my friends, family, or anyone I have ever come in any kind of contact with in my entire life, what I did for a living if I was him! I love the safety strap though :rotfl2:. Heaven forbid, don't wave too enthusiastically that you fall the 2 ft. off of the giant plastic horse!

What a difficult thing to go through at WDW with your Dad!! Thank God Jensey was with you and thank you for sharing. :hug: I love the picture of your wedding day in your signature with your Dad. It's so sweet. :cutie:

mrsksomeday

03-15-2011, 03:26 PM

Carrie, I loved all the Root MVMCP pictures, they are gorgeous!! I showed them to Bill and told him I wanted to try to see the parade from Jensey's spot, it looks like a great one.

Jensey took some great shots of your BLT room, it was great that she got to spend the night with you especially after the phone call you received. I had the pleasure to run into her and Nate this past December at Epcot, and she just radiates light and warmness. Thank goodness she was there for you.

I remembered that your Dad has passed away during this trip but reading it made my heart break for you all over again :hug:. I don't think you ever really get over losing a parent you just learn to deal with it.

Thanks for sharing your report with us.

PopArtGal

03-15-2011, 03:34 PM

The tomorowland terrace was our fave fireworks spot before it became the dessert party location.

PopArtGal

03-15-2011, 03:43 PM

The "real hoot" costumes... well... they got me wondering... humm.. not Disney like lol

PopArtGal

03-15-2011, 03:50 PM

I am so glad she was there with you when you got the news. I can't believe it happened so fast. All my love goes out to you.

beatlesblonde

03-15-2011, 07:28 PM

Great update Carrie! I admire your bravery for posting about your dad, I agree with one of the previous posters who said it much have been fate that Jensey was there with you. :grouphug:

MEK

03-15-2011, 07:47 PM

Carrie - It must still be very difficult to talk about your dad and how painful that evening must of been. Jensey was a god-send. Imagine if you had been alone. I am so sorry your vacation ended the way it did.
:hug:

Now - as far as those pictures....OOOHHHHH......AAHHHHHHHH! Best...Parade.....Pictures.......EVER!

I am amazed as the depth of field the Roots get in their photos. I mean, I know they are professionals and all, but HOW THE HECK DO THEY DO THAT????

And you are right....most of those costumes definitely fall into the category of "What not to wear".

Thanks for the fun and poignant update.

bambi0921

03-15-2011, 08:02 PM

I've been reading this TR all along, but don't think I've posted yet. Just wanted to say I'm so sorry for your loss and that I too think it was fate that Jensey was there. She sounds like an amazing person and so do you. Thanks for the wonderful TR.

lurkyloo

03-16-2011, 03:21 AM

Okay...soooo not a good idea to read the last part of your update while incredibly emotionally and on the verge of tears. Especially since my dad has also passed away (3 years ago) and I have lots of unresolved issues and guilt about it and our relationship. But I can't think how lucky you were to have Jensey there with you! What if it had been the night before when you were alone? What a great friend! Again, my sympathies on the passing of your dad

So sorry to hear about your dad! :hug:

Enough of that, beautiful pictures as always from the Roots - looks like you girls had a great time at the party! How is it that they always seem to pose for your cameras, yet I always get the back of their heads? Or mid-wave with a hand in front of their face?

Sad this report is coming to an end, but happy that means you will be working on your other TR? Right? ;)

You bet! I just have to figure out where to squeeze in our anniversary trip report and the one for the trip I'm going on, uh, today! :teeth:

Bittersweet update!
I love the Christmas parade & man did the Roots pictures capture the beauty & fun of that parade. Also that Wendy looks like Amy Adams.
Love, love, love the artwork in the rooms at BLT.

I remember this hard time. :hug: Still so sorry for your loss but so glad that Jensey was there for you especially since Patrick was gone. What a wonderful friend!

Thanks for the hug! Jensey is definitely a very special lady!

Awesome parade pictures, I wish I had an ounce of creativity the roots have when taking photos. I have the creativity after I take the photos and are scrapbooking them but not while taking the photos.

This was such a bittersweet end for this day, I can't even imagine how you were feeling or what was going through your mind. I'm glad Jensey was able to help you through that very difficult time. Now your Dis peeps will always be here for you :hug:

Thank you so much! And I have to say, I wish I had your creativity with the scrapbooking. I'd love to have a more tangible memento of each trip that a trip report on the Internets!

I don't post too often, but wanted to drop in to give you a :hug:. Your trip reports are my absolute favorites because you are such a wonderful writer, very very funny (I laugh) and very very real and honest (I cry). And I wanted to thank you so very much for sharing.

Raising a glass of Dr. Pepper to your dad's memory!

:sad1::hug: That is so sweet! Thank you for that.

I'm so sorry for your loss, I can not imagine what you went through. I'm glad you have been able to find a great support group and friends in the Roots, it is almost like it was meant to happen. The world works in mysterious ways. I would have hated to been alone at the time, I'm glad she was there for you

By the way, the pictures of the windows are AMAZING! Gotta love Scrooge hanging on for dear life, the one poking his head out looks real!

I love those too! The detail is incredible! And thank you for your kind condolences. :goodvibes

I am so so sorry for your loss. It's good you had been able to speak with your dad on the phone earlier that day. How fortunate that Jensey was there with you when you recieved the news.

Thank you. :hug:

Beautiful and magical photos as usual! The paper snow is pretty decieving in the photos (well, except for the one flake in your hand ;)), I would have believed it was snowing there!

It's like the firefly effect at the Blue Bayou—simple and ingenious!

How come my parade pictures don't look like that? Bow I need some lessons. :rotfl2:

It looked like you had a great time. I remember you telling about your dad, I hope when you were writing this update you had some fond memories in your mind.

You know, I did! Also, my parade pix don't look like that either. I think the Roots have a secret supply of pixie dust....

Can you imagine?!? I would never tell my friends, family, or anyone I have ever come in any kind of contact with in my entire life, what I did for a living if I was him! I love the safety strap though :rotfl2:. Heaven forbid, don't wave too enthusiastically that you fall the 2 ft. off of the giant plastic horse!

:rotfl2: Thanks for a great laugh!

What a difficult thing to go through at WDW with your Dad!! Thank God Jensey was with you and thank you for sharing. :hug: I love the picture of your wedding day in your signature with your Dad. It's so sweet.

I was just thinking that—how glad I am he was able to come to the wedding, and that I get to look at that picture every day! :goodvibes

Carrie, I loved all the Root MVMCP pictures, they are gorgeous!! I showed them to Bill and told him I wanted to try to see the parade from Jensey's spot, it looks like a great one.

Jensey took some great shots of your BLT room, it was great that she got to spend the night with you especially after the phone call you received. I had the pleasure to run into her and Nate this past December at Epcot, and she just radiates light and warmness. Thank goodness she was there for you.

I remembered that your Dad has passed away during this trip but reading it made my heart break for you all over again :hug:. I don't think you ever really get over losing a parent you just learn to deal with it.

Thank you for that. I think you're right. I'm definitely dealing with it better now, but every once in a while—whammo! It just hits me like a ton of bricks. :sad1:

I am so glad she was there with you when you got the news. I can't believe it happened so fast. All my love goes out to you.

Thank you so much! :flower3:

Great update Carrie! I admire your bravery for posting about your dad, I agree with one of the previous posters who said it much have been fate that Jensey was there with you. :grouphug:

Aw, thanks! I really felt like Jensey was an angel sent just for me that night!

Carrie - It must still be very difficult to talk about your dad and how painful that evening must of been. Jensey was a god-send. Imagine if you had been alone. I am so sorry your vacation ended the way it did.
:hug:

Thank you. It was definitely the worst Disney vacation ending ever, but I am glad I have some happy memories of WDW with my dad to focus on now. :goodvibes

Now - as far as those pictures....OOOHHHHH......AAHHHHHHHH! Best...Parade.....Pictures.......EVER!

I am amazed as the depth of field the Roots get in their photos. I mean, I know they are professionals and all, but HOW THE HECK DO THEY DO THAT????

This is exactly what I'm thinking as I go through their photos to post them. I mean, I don't even like parades, and they made me like this one!

I've been reading this TR all along, but don't think I've posted yet. Just wanted to say I'm so sorry for your loss and that I too think it was fate that Jensey was there. She sounds like an amazing person and so do you. Thanks for the wonderful TR.

Thank you for the kind words, and for reading! :goodvibes

lurkyloo

03-16-2011, 03:24 AM

When I woke up that morning, I knew I had a lot of phone calls to make before I caught the plane home. However, it was too early for anyplace in California to be open yet, so Jensey and I went downstairs to The Wave and met Nate for breakfast.

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I asked Nate to take a picture of the place for me with my camera…

Much better!
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Then I took my camera back and, well, THIS happened…

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http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09677.jpg

Breakfast was OK—not spectacular but at least they had slightly more interesting choices than the usual Disney breakfast.

Ham & Cheese Omelet with Breakfast Potatoes and a Biscuit
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Breakfast potatoes: The Lazy Man's Hashbrowns

MultiGrain French Toast with Fruit Compote and Choice of Bacon, Pork Sausage or Chicken Sausage
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It's healthy cuz it's got multigrains in it!

Eggs Benedict with Key Lime Hollandaise
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Not shown: the soup bowl full of extra hollandaise I requested…

After breakfast, Nathensey left on their Christmas road trip to South Florida, while I checked out and then set up camp at my favorite conversational grouping of furniture in the Contemporary's convention center and started making phone calls.

Conversational grouping not pictured
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Here, I'll use an old picture—pretend that guy is me!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/BLT%20Shoot/Carriatrick_252.jpg

After I'd tracked down and called all the people I needed to and made a ton of decisions on the fly over the phone, I didn't really know what to do with myself until my flight that night. I felt guilty about running around a theme park at a time like that. On the other hand, it was nice to be in such a happy place that held such fond memories for me. I finally decided maybe I could ride the train around the Magic Kingdom for a while.

On my way over there, I took a few more shots of those cute Small World character cookies and, again, inexplicably, the Contemporary's convenience store. Maybe cuz it had been redone to accommodate DVC clientele?

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Um, this is what the inside of a monorail looks like…. Boy, I must really have been out of it!
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I love this scene on Big Thunder Mountain
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lurkyloo

03-16-2011, 03:26 AM

Real live swamp!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09696.jpg

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Looks like I ended up at the candy shop on Main Street—didn't see that one comin'!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09701.jpg

Ginormous Mickey Crispies
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Ooooh! Tongue-dye cupcakes!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09705.jpg

They were stockpiling glass slippers over at Glass 'n' Things 'n' Stuff, or whatever it's called…

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As you can tell, at that point I was just sorta wandering around randomly pushing the button on my camera, not sure what to do next. I thought I didn't want to go to Downtown Disney because it's the sad place you go on your last day when you don't have any days left on your park pass. But the receipt for one of my purchases came with a 35% off coupon that could only be redeemed at Downtown Disney and the resorts, so I took it as a sign I should buzz over there and have a Ghirardelli sundae for lunch.

On the way, I finally figured out where the Car Care Center is!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09712.jpg

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Somebody else's lunch
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My lunch
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09717.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09718.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09721.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09722.jpg

This coupon was burning a hole in my pocket, but it required a minimum purchase of $50, so I wandered all over looking for something, anything to spend $50 on. (I know I'm a sucker.)

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09723.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09724.jpg

lurkyloo

03-16-2011, 03:29 AM

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09725.jpg

A-ha! Now HERE's a place I could drop fifty bucks, easy!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09726.jpg

I could only drop $50 in here if they actually had park concept art, and not just "character jamboree" lithographs and figurines
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09727.jpg

Oh wait—that's cool!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09728.jpg

And THAT's cool!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09729.jpg

And that's SO cool I later got it for Patrick with a D23 discount!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09731.jpg

That is so NOT cool… I found the same piece for about a third of the price on SandersArtStudio.com
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09733.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09730.jpg

From there it was back to Goofy's Candy Co.!

"I want it ALL, please!"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09734.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09735.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09736.jpg

Had to get a peppermint one this time!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09737.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09738.jpg

Mmmmm… pink….
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09740.jpg

I promise I didn't spend the 50 bucks on candy. Instead I went back to Tren-D and got Patrick a copy of The Art of Princess & the Frog for Christmas.

This was not on the way...
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09741.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09742.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09743.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09745.jpg

They must have been having trouble with spontaneous, unauthorized performances here. Dang that American Idol….
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09744.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09746.jpg

So empty… almost makes you miss the pin sharks!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09747.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09748.jpg

Clever Christmas decorations!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09749.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09750.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09751.jpg

lurkyloo

03-16-2011, 03:32 AM

I'd planned to finally try Earl of Sandwich by picking up something to eat as dinner on the plane, but the line was way too long for my compressed schedule. My time ran out and I struck out for the then-off-site Hertz place to return my car and catch my flight. Yes, there are pictures of that too…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09752.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09754.jpg

And you always have to get a shot of the last ride of the trip…

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/DSC09755.jpg

When I got to LAX, Patrick surprised me at the baggage claim! Nobody meets you in the actual terminal anymore—what a treat! And when we got home, he surprised me again with TWO completely decorated Christmas trees. AWWWwwwwwwwww!

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/IMG_3461.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/IMG_3462.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Xmas%20at%20WDW/Day%209/IMG_3466.jpg

And thus ends A Very Lurky Christmas: Holiday at Bay Lake Tower… of TERROR!!! Now get thee to Trick or Tweet! The Lurkyloos Do Food & Wine, Harry Potter, D23 & MNSSHP @ WDW & DL! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2589755) (also available ad-free on my blog (http://disneytravelbabble.com/trip-reports/halloween-trip)!) which I will resume just as soon as I get back from ANOTHER jaunt I'm gonna have to add to the trip report queue (the Disney Weddings "Platinum Soiree" press junket/Social Media Moms Conference combo trip)…. Right behind our anniversary…. And before Destination D… and D23 Expo 2011… man, I have my work cut out for me this year!

:teeth:

Aburns8

03-16-2011, 06:25 AM

PopArtGal

03-16-2011, 07:08 AM

Great trip report as always Carrie!

Once again, my condoleances for your dad. I know virtual hugs are not really great..but for now it's the best I can do ;)

OT: Is the Art of Princess and the Frog worth it? I love those books...and well I am obsessed with that movie hehe

Awwwww.... your TR makes me want to go for Christmas again. By far the best WDW trip I ever had. It was so special.

Beka

03-16-2011, 08:06 AM

:hug: for the loss of your dad. I cant imagine that it ever gets easier. I'm just glad he was closer to you in his last months.

I :love: your tinsel table-top tree! LOVE IT! As much as I love live trees (and the needles, and the watering, and the allergies) I wish they came in all white.

NeverlandClub23

03-16-2011, 08:36 AM

Great trip report as usual!! :goodvibes Thanks SO SO much for sharing:thumbsup2.

Now, on to the next one! :) :)

PolyndianPrincessJes

03-16-2011, 10:26 AM

Wonderful, love, just wonderful!!! The perfect little pick-me-up for my pre-180 days blues. You have the best writing style!! As soon as I find someone good enough to marry (;)), I'm all over your book!

I've always loved the pic of you and your dad in your signature. Like you said, so nice you get to see it so often (because I know you're on the DIS way too much!!!).

Now, I'll absolutely need you to get going on this fall TR because we're headed back in September, hmm-kay?

MEK

03-16-2011, 12:07 PM

What a wonderful ending to your fab TR. I love that you picked exactly the things you wanted to do to help you relax before your flight home. You got some really great pictures. Sure, you don't have all the bells and whistles that the Roots pictures do, but your composition is great.

Trip report queue! Must be nice!!!!!!!;)

Kewz1

03-16-2011, 02:28 PM

Thanks for sharing another trip with us!

Kristen

LittleStinkerbelle

03-16-2011, 06:42 PM

:grouphug: So very sorry for your loss. It must've been a blessing to have a good friend with you that night.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us and I'm glad you have more good reads in the hopper for us!:goodvibes

ciadriamom

03-17-2011, 09:07 AM

Carrie -- your report was absolutely amazing! I have so many comments, that I don't know where to start, so I will just sum it up by saying that YOUR REPORT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!

Thank you so much for sharing with us in such a delightful way -- my condolences on the loss of your dad. Now I'm off to read the rest of your trip reports!

cdotla

03-17-2011, 09:29 AM

Wow...I saw you were finished and quickly had to catch up.

Another awesome report, but so sorry once again to hear about the end of the trip.:sad1: But, as you say, at least you have some wonderful memories of your dad in the park, and thank goodness Jensey was there with you at the time.:hug:

Can't wait to start seeing your updates once again from the Fall trip last year. You definitely have some trip-reporting work lined up for yourself this year!:laughing:

Have a FANTASTIC trip for the Weddings/SMMs events...can't wait to hear all about that one as well!

And be sure to sneak over to Raglan Road tonite. If you don't want a Guinness, perhaps you could have a green non-alcoholic cocktail instead!;)

lurkyloo

03-31-2011, 01:53 PM

Looking forward to all of your upcoming trip report! I am being bad and not working that hard on mine.

I loved your sundae for lunch, that is my kind of lunch. And now I have to go eat my breakfast after looking at all of those wonderful pictures of food!

Sundae lunches are almost as good as leftover cake breakfasts! :goodvibes

Great trip report as always Carrie!

Once again, my condoleances for your dad. I know virtual hugs are not really great..but for now it's the best I can do ;)

OT: Is the Art of Princess and the Frog worth it? I love those books...and well I am obsessed with that movie hehe

Thank you! I think if you are obsessed by the movie, you definitely need the Art Of book. :thumbsup2

:hug: for the loss of your dad. I cant imagine that it ever gets easier. I'm just glad he was closer to you in his last months.

I :love: your tinsel table-top tree! LOVE IT! As much as I love live trees (and the needles, and the watering, and the allergies) I wish they came in all white.

Thanks for the kind words. :goodvibes I too love all-white Christmas trees, with lots of colorful, sparkly ornaments! Maybe someday we'll have a house, and then we can have different trees in each room.

Great trip report as usual!! :goodvibes Thanks SO SO much for sharing:thumbsup2.

Now, on to the next one! :) :)

Thanks for following along!

Wonderful, love, just wonderful!!! The perfect little pick-me-up for my pre-180 days blues. You have the best writing style!! As soon as I find someone good enough to marry (;)), I'm all over your book!

I've always loved the pic of you and your dad in your signature. Like you said, so nice you get to see it so often (because I know you're on the DIS way too much!!!).

Now, I'll absolutely need you to get going on this fall TR because we're headed back in September, hmm-kay?

Aye-aye, Cap'n! :sail: Link to come at the end of this post!

What a wonderful ending to your fab TR. I love that you picked exactly the things you wanted to do to help you relax before your flight home. You got some really great pictures. Sure, you don't have all the bells and whistles that the Roots pictures do, but your composition is great.

Trip report queue! Must be nice!!!!!!!;)

I know... "high-class problem," as Patrick would say. :rolleyes: I'm secretly happy I have so many trip reports stockpiled—just hope I can get 'em all written before I forget what happened!

Thanks for sharing another trip with us!

Kristen

Thanks for reading! :goodvibes

:grouphug: So very sorry for your loss. It must've been a blessing to have a good friend with you that night.

Thank you! :hug:

Carrie -- your report was absolutely amazing! I have so many comments, that I don't know where to start, so I will just sum it up by saying that YOUR REPORT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!

Thank you so much for sharing with us in such a delightful way -- my condolences on the loss of your dad. Now I'm off to read the rest of your trip reports!

Thanks for the kind words, and for reading and commenting! :)

Wow...I saw you were finished and quickly had to catch up.

Another awesome report, but so sorry once again to hear about the end of the trip.:sad1: But, as you say, at least you have some wonderful memories of your dad in the park, and thank goodness Jensey was there with you at the time.:hug:

Can't wait to start seeing your updates once again from the Fall trip last year. You definitely have some trip-reporting work lined up for yourself this year!:laughing:!

It's a hard job, but somebody's gotta do it! :rotfl: