Your ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE to Disney World at Christmas Time! UPDATE x2 10/21

LOL we seriously are twins. The other day, Kristen and I were talking about you and Kara, and she was like "Lia reminds me of you and Kara reminds me of me" because you and me are like the frumpy Disney girls who are into the whole acting/theatre thing, we went to Disney in December last year, and we're obsessed with Toy Story Mania, and then Kara and Kristen are the frumpy Disney girls who are obsessed with watching TV, they stayed at Coronado last summer, etc. So basically, we have a whole sisterhood of the traveling disney frumps going on over here.

hahahaha I never thought of it that way but that's so true! Oh man, I want the four of us to be there at the same time SO BAD!!!! Why is everything so hard? BLAH. Ok, onto your latest updates...

I just want to bask in your TSM obsession cause I feel like I had something to do with it. I've created another monster! Yay! :woohoo:

Hmm..so the cinnamon roll... better than the one at the Main Street Bakery? I must know!

Switching resorts is so fun, I love it. It feels like your trip is getting a restart or something.

Aww, I'm sad the Swan/Dolphin didn't feel like Disney for you! It feels very Disneyish to me cause we used to go to character meals there when I was younger! I'm so mad they don't do it anymore. Well, I'm pretty sure they do a version of it but it's not the same. They used to have the most random characters there and the yummiest buffet. The last time we went, they had Rafiki and Timon only and they were soooo much fun! I agree though that it is extremely frumpy that they call it the Dolphin and yet there is a fish on the top of the building.

I love Old Hollywood stuff but I'm not crazy about the Brown Derby menu, which is why I've never booked it. But it just looks so cool and that Grapefruit Cake looks AMAZING!

Is that CM from Hollywood the middle aged guy with brown hair and glasses? Cause I know that guy too. LOL. We're the regulars.

I can't wait to see all the BLT pics! I remember how happy you were that day. I can't even imagine having that view, I'd just keel over and call it a life.
 
YAY!!!! All caught up! *phew* *wipes sweat off forehead* Yeah sorry, two days just reading trip reports, it is mentally tiring, trust me. But, anyways...

Seems like this Christmas trip was going along well. I'm sorry to hear your brother was sick for the earlier part of it. :( No fun being sick in Disney, but I'm glad to hear you were able to move out of Mystic Dunes into Port Orleans French Quarter. Love the renovations there btw and I think its SOOO awesome that you went down the dragon slide. Mostly for the reason I'd do the same thing and then complain after how awkward it was, being twice the size of the kid in front of me lol Moving on (again)...

:thumbsup2 to moving to BLT! That resort looks so beautiful and on my iPod I have a video of Wishes seen from there. The view is absolutely gorgeous and an interesting one too. I'm sure you know what I mean by that, but still the view looks awesome. So wanna stay at BLT one day. ::yes:: And I totally agree about Swan and Dolphin, I think my friends and I were discussing this when we were in Disney how it is more like a fish than a Dolphin. They need to get their aquatic life straight ;)

Now onto exciting news... I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE GOING TO DISNEYLAND! YOU LUCKY DUCK! I was trying to go there for my 16th birthday (but, of course, that didn't follow through) but now I'm going to NYC which I think is... just as good because I'm such a theater buff :laughing: But now I can revel in your excitement and help out since I did a TON of research for that trip I'll just go through all of what you asked for since I've learned a lot in trying to get my "trip" planned perfectly. And since you are staying for so long at all the resorts, I think I can help point out the must-dos even if I've never been there. Hope my "limited knowledge" helps (I'll quote all your questions)

The most important being - WHERE DO I NEED TO EAT!? I need to know what restaurants are the best, which ones I can make reservations for, which quick service places are worth going to, and which staple Disneyland snacks I need to try. PLEASE HELP. I need to be directed to a Disneyland dining expert or something!
EDIT: Also, should I look into getting the dining plan? Is it worth it? Or would my Tables in Wonderland work in Disneyland?

First on your edit, I've heard the whole dining situation works a little bit different at DL and from what I've read of TRs on that board (I spent a whole weekend reading about twenty trips on one TR), I think OOP is better since they don't have a lot of TSs and I think that's where the DP works best, but I could be wrong. About your TiW... hmmm... not sure if it works, it may, but I forget that one.

In terms of places to eat... I'll go with Samantha Brown, whom I watch even more religiously than Stacy, and say for a nice meal, Napa Rose. It is basically the equivalent of the Signature Dining in WDW or more specifically, California Grill, and the food looks great there. It is located in the Grand Californian Resort. Another I've heard about is Carnation Cafe, I've heard that's very famous over there and you can get Mickey Waffles here! Speaking of those, in New Orleans Square (the counterpart to Liberty Square), there is another nice restaurant which is VERY popular and if you get good enough seats you can see into the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It is called Blue Bayou, but you need to reserve this ASAP, it is POPULAR! There is also the Golden Horseshoe which is what the Diamond Horseshoe would've been if it was still opened in WDW with a stage shoe and Table Service. Other ones I've heard bounced around are Cafe Orleans, Plaza Inn (just renovated and one of the only character meals), Hungry Bear Restaurant, Blue Ribbon Bakery (this is where they have Beignets too), Goofy's Kitchen (character meal) and Ariel's Grotto. Most of those are TSs, but I think you'll find your way around the CSs.

I literally want to see EVERYTHING at each resort and each park. I know the parks won't take me very long (as I have been told) but I really want to take the time to see all of the details. So if you have any recommendations for any special thing I would want to see within Disneyland, please let me know.[/URL]​

First, check out Cars Land and Buena Vista Street which just opened in DCA, those are two must-dos. I've been watching videos of both (especially the Radiator Springs Racers) and they look fantastic. DO NOT miss your opportunity to see those. Also for DCA is the World of Color and The Little Mermaid ride, I've heard good thing about both. I think DCA in and of itself has a lot to offer especially when you stay at the Paradise Pier Hotel. ::yes::

For Disneyland, Main Street USA has a lot to see more-so than WDW I believe, so you may want to enjoy the sights and sound there. There also is the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough Tour where you can actually going inside the Castle (though walking across the bridge to Fantasyland is an experience in and of itself). Fantasyland is also something to really spend some time in since it is much bigger and better than the one in the current WDW one (may not be so after all is refurb'd). The Matterhorn (the first Disney roller coaster) would also be worth riding especially after it was refurb'd in the same style as Space Mountain (there SM is another one to check out too, I heard its AWESOME). I think I could go on and on about just DL. Like the Submarine Voyage, all the areas in the park not in WDW (Toontown, New Orleans Square, etc.) Also, the characters there walk around freely without a handler so I think you would enjoy that especially when more rare characters are out and about.

Also, outside of the parks (if you are willing), in the nearby LA (aka Hollywood), they have the Disney Soda & Fountain Shop which has a lot of Disney memorabilia and history to it. I think that would be fun to be at. :)

I'm also looking for good Disneyland threads and trip reports to read on Disboards. I don't know which ones would be the best, and since I have limited time this summer, I need to know the best of the best! I want to learn as much information as possible!​

Definitely the Trip Reports Thread, hands down, is your best bet. The TRs there are generally short so if you find one TR thread it may have... like five or more trips and from years back. Here is the one I spent two days reading: Belle Ella's Never Ending Trip Report The author has been AWOL for some time, but she has reports as far back as 2007, so it's kinda the report with everything to know about Disney, just expect to be reading it for a LONG time! But there are a lot of other good ones too (I have some info in my PTR (the purple writing) in my signature if you wanna look there, even if it is closed).

And lastly, I know there's TONS to do in California. So if there are any things you think that are worth seeing outside of Disneyland, please let me know! I just like knowing my options, especially for those first few days of the trip before we stay on property!​

I mentioned above the Soda & Fountain Shop, but there is also a lot to do in Hollywood like the Walk of Fame, the real Graumans Chinese Theater (DHS? Great Movie Ride?) and a lot of other things. Also, Universal Studios Hollywood is nearby if you want to "consort with the enemy". But besides those, most require traveling far and wide like the San Diego Zoo and such, but I'm not an expert on California geography, so maybe a native would help with that.

Hope my limited knowledge helped a little! :)

Can't wait to read more! :mickeyjum
 
Wow, that breakfast sandwich was a sad state of affairs. I think I would cry a little if it was mine. I love breakfast sandwiches. :lmao:

I can't wait to hear what you thought about BLT. I loved that resort when we stayed there.

The Swolphin is very un-Disney like, I agree. I don't think I could stay there when a Disney resort is so nearby.
 
All caught up! Whew!!

It looks like you guys were having such a fun time! Of course, again, I love all the Christmas pictures!

I haven't gotten into pin trading (honestly I'm scare I will create a monster if I do!) But I LOVE your Maelstrom pin!! How Awesome!!

Cape May looks amazing!!! I think I'm going to add this to my list of must do's. The Oreo Bon Bon looks amazing!!!!!

Thank you so much!

Haha yeah I am a pin trading monster. Seriously, it's been in my blood all along. I went pin crazy when I was 12-13, and now it has just caught back on. Oh well, I'm embracing it! Haha thank you - that's one of my favorite pins in my collection! I'm actually listening to the maelstrom soundtrack right now :rotfl:

It was SO good! You should definitely go there - it's a hidden gem!

Not sure how i stumbled across your trip report, but so glad I did. I got all caught up and loved every minute. I was so disappointed when I made it to the end... #pleasepostanupdatesoon!

Aww I'm so glad you did too! Thank you for the kind words! I'm glad I kept you entertained for that long and STILL wanting more! I will post an update after these comments are done! Thank you for being here and I hope you keep enjoying!

Hi Jess ... love all your TRs .... you take great pics and your TRs are the best!!! They truly tie me over in between my trips with the family ... Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid are our favorite movies ... so congrats on the pin trade for Jacques ... but having to keep up with my name on the boards "Merman" ... I have to correct you when you said that "I also made a pin trade while I was there! I traded for a Jacques pin. (the crab from Finding Nemo)" Jacques is actually a cleaner shrimp not a crab!-) :rotfl:


Looking forward to more of your great updates!!

Thank you so much for the compliments! They really mean a lot to me! Hahaha you know what? I am going to change that. Thank you for pointing that out because I wasn't sure! Thank you!

Hi, there! I just wanted to let you know that I'm really enjoying your TR!! I've commented before, but it's been a looooong time! But I'm still reading along! You always seem to have such an amazing time on your trips!
We will be going to WDW in November, so we'll be able to see all of the Christmas decorations, too! I'm super excited to see them, and I've enjoyed looking at your pictures! :goodvibes

Don't worry - I remember! :) I'm glad you're still here! Thank you, we did have a wonderful time!
Ahh are you!? You're going to LOVE it! I hope you get a chance to see everything! The Christmas season in Disney is really spectacular as you can tell!

Awww how sad that it was time to check out of Port Orleans, but yay that it meant your trip at Bay Lake Tower had begun.

The contemporary's christmas decorations are gorgeous, you must have been so excited to be spending Christmas break there.

I have to say that I agree with you about the overall feel of the Swan and Dolphin...they are gorgeous hotels to walk through and I really like the unique shops and restaurants but to me they almost felt more like convention hotels than disney hotels and I don't think that is what i would to stay in while at the world.

The Brown Derby looks delicious, what a great restaurant to have Christmas Eve dinner at....can't wait to hear more:goodvibes

I know! But I was so excited for BLT! It was like I got to start the vacation all over again!

Oh my God I was SO excited, you have no idea!!!

Yeah that's exactly how I feel too. I couldn't stay there knowing that a WDW resort was only a few minutes away!

Thank you!

hahahaha I never thought of it that way but that's so true! Oh man, I want the four of us to be there at the same time SO BAD!!!! Why is everything so hard? BLAH. Ok, onto your latest updates...

So do we, girl. You have no idea!! I'm thinking that when either Kristen and I are on the college program we will all have to plan with eachother and make a trip. Or Kristen and I are thinking New Years 2013/2014... maybe you guys should jump in on that trip ;)

I just want to bask in your TSM obsession cause I feel like I had something to do with it. I've created another monster! Yay! :woohoo:

LOL honestly... I think your first trip report was the main contributor to the Toy Story Mania obsession. I owe you big time for reopening my eyes to it's glory. THANK YOU.

Hmm..so the cinnamon roll... better than the one at the Main Street Bakery? I must know!

NOPE. I mean, it was fantastic and I enjoyed every bite. But I like the ones at Main Street Bakery a lot more!

Switching resorts is so fun, I love it. It feels like your trip is getting a restart or something.

I COMPLETELY agree! That's exactly what I said!

Aww, I'm sad the Swan/Dolphin didn't feel like Disney for you! It feels very Disneyish to me cause we used to go to character meals there when I was younger! I'm so mad they don't do it anymore. Well, I'm pretty sure they do a version of it but it's not the same. They used to have the most random characters there and the yummiest buffet. The last time we went, they had Rafiki and Timon only and they were soooo much fun! I agree though that it is extremely frumpy that they call it the Dolphin and yet there is a fish on the top of the building.

If they had a character meal there still, it would feel SO much more Disneyish! I didn't get to experience that so I don't have any Disney-type connection to the place. I'm glad you got that experience though! And YES I know. Frumpiest hotel ever.

I love Old Hollywood stuff but I'm not crazy about the Brown Derby menu, which is why I've never booked it. But it just looks so cool and that Grapefruit Cake looks AMAZING!

Yeah the menu is limited... however the filet is phenomenal and the salmon is really good! If you like either of those, I think you would be all set. I feel as though you would love the theming just because of your obsession with DHS overall.

Is that CM from Hollywood the middle aged guy with brown hair and glasses? Cause I know that guy too. LOL. We're the regulars.

This is what he looked like:
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Let's see if we're thinking of the same one!

I can't wait to see all the BLT pics! I remember how happy you were that day. I can't even imagine having that view, I'd just keel over and call it a life.

YOU ARE GONNA LOVE IT. Omg I can't wait to post the update. I'm going to do it once I finish these comments. I couldn't stop photographing the whole place. I was just in complete and total admiration of everything. This trip was pretty much the prime of my life. I couldn't have asked for anything more. It was TOO AMAZING. :faint:

YAY!!!! All caught up! *phew* *wipes sweat off forehead* Yeah sorry, two days just reading trip reports, it is mentally tiring, trust me. But, anyways...

Haha I completely understand. Imaging writing all of these updates and knowing how many there are to go... :faint:

Seems like this Christmas trip was going along well. I'm sorry to hear your brother was sick for the earlier part of it. :( No fun being sick in Disney, but I'm glad to hear you were able to move out of Mystic Dunes into Port Orleans French Quarter. Love the renovations there btw and I think its SOOO awesome that you went down the dragon slide. Mostly for the reason I'd do the same thing and then complain after how awkward it was, being twice the size of the kid in front of me lol Moving on (again)...

It was THE BEST TRIP EVER. Yeah that stunk! I'm glad he got better though! Yay for Disney resorts! And hahaha yeah, no shame over here! If my name is connected with the word "frump," anything is possible!

:thumbsup2 to moving to BLT! That resort looks so beautiful and on my iPod I have a video of Wishes seen from there. The view is absolutely gorgeous and an interesting one too. I'm sure you know what I mean by that, but still the view looks awesome. So wanna stay at BLT one day. ::yes:: And I totally agree about Swan and Dolphin, I think my friends and I were discussing this when we were in Disney how it is more like a fish than a Dolphin. They need to get their aquatic life straight ;)

It's AMAZING! I can't wait to post the updates about it! It definitely is an interesting view! It's very cool. It's my dream resort, even though I've stayed there. I just can't get over how amazing it is! And yeahh the Dolphin/Fish is so frumpy!

Now onto exciting news... I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE GOING TO DISNEYLAND! YOU LUCKY DUCK! I was trying to go there for my 16th birthday (but, of course, that didn't follow through) but now I'm going to NYC which I think is... just as good because I'm such a theater buff :laughing: But now I can revel in your excitement and help out since I did a TON of research for that trip I'll just go through all of what you asked for since I've learned a lot in trying to get my "trip" planned perfectly. And since you are staying for so long at all the resorts, I think I can help point out the must-dos even if I've never been there. Hope my "limited knowledge" helps (I'll quote all your questions)

I CAN'T EITHER!!!! 59 days to go! I'm so sorry your trip didn't happen, but NYC is awesome! I went there 2 summers ago and I LOVED it! What shows are you seeing!?

First on your edit, I've heard the whole dining situation works a little bit different at DL and from what I've read of TRs on that board (I spent a whole weekend reading about twenty trips on one TR), I think OOP is better since they don't have a lot of TSs and I think that's where the DP works best, but I could be wrong. About your TiW... hmmm... not sure if it works, it may, but I forget that one.

Yeah I have decided against the DDP, it seems to make more sense to pay OOP.

In terms of places to eat... I'll go with Samantha Brown, whom I watch even more religiously than Stacy, and say for a nice meal, Napa Rose. It is basically the equivalent of the Signature Dining in WDW or more specifically, California Grill, and the food looks great there. It is located in the Grand Californian Resort. Another I've heard about is Carnation Cafe, I've heard that's very famous over there and you can get Mickey Waffles here! Speaking of those, in New Orleans Square (the counterpart to Liberty Square), there is another nice restaurant which is VERY popular and if you get good enough seats you can see into the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It is called Blue Bayou, but you need to reserve this ASAP, it is POPULAR! There is also the Golden Horseshoe which is what the Diamond Horseshoe would've been if it was still opened in WDW with a stage shoe and Table Service. Other ones I've heard bounced around are Cafe Orleans, Plaza Inn (just renovated and one of the only character meals), Hungry Bear Restaurant, Blue Ribbon Bakery (this is where they have Beignets too), Goofy's Kitchen (character meal) and Ariel's Grotto. Most of those are TSs, but I think you'll find your way around the CSs.

OMG A SAMANTHA BROWN DISNEYLAND EPISODE?!! WHY HAVE I NOT THOUGHT OF THAT!? I need to look her up! Napa Rose, Carnation Cafe, Blue Bayou, and all of those other ones sound like must do's! I keep hearing about the same ones over and over and they seem like great options! I CAN'T WAIT!

First, check out Cars Land and Buena Vista Street which just opened in DCA, those are two must-dos. I've been watching videos of both (especially the Radiator Springs Racers) and they look fantastic. DO NOT miss your opportunity to see those. Also for DCA is the World of Color and The Little Mermaid ride, I've heard good thing about both. I think DCA in and of itself has a lot to offer especially when you stay at the Paradise Pier Hotel. ::yes::

It is bad that I have had dreams about going to Carsland for 3 days in a row now? I am not even a huge fan of Cars but I am SUPER excited to see this!!! And omg I NEED to see World of Color. That's my #1 priority in all of Disneyland!

For Disneyland, Main Street USA has a lot to see more-so than WDW I believe, so you may want to enjoy the sights and sound there. There also is the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough Tour where you can actually going inside the Castle (though walking across the bridge to Fantasyland is an experience in and of itself). Fantasyland is also something to really spend some time in since it is much bigger and better than the one in the current WDW one (may not be so after all is refurb'd). The Matterhorn (the first Disney roller coaster) would also be worth riding especially after it was refurb'd in the same style as Space Mountain (there SM is another one to check out too, I heard its AWESOME). I think I could go on and on about just DL. Like the Submarine Voyage, all the areas in the park not in WDW (Toontown, New Orleans Square, etc.) Also, the characters there walk around freely without a handler so I think you would enjoy that especially when more rare characters are out and about.

AWESOME. Those are all awesome tips - thank you!

Also, outside of the parks (if you are willing), in the nearby LA (aka Hollywood), they have the Disney Soda & Fountain Shop which has a lot of Disney memorabilia and history to it. I think that would be fun to be at. :)

OMG really!?! That's really cute. I should go there!

Definitely the Trip Reports Thread, hands down, is your best bet. The TRs there are generally short so if you find one TR thread it may have... like five or more trips and from years back. Here is the one I spent two days reading: Belle Ella's Never Ending Trip Report The author has been AWOL for some time, but she has reports as far back as 2007, so it's kinda the report with everything to know about Disney, just expect to be reading it for a LONG time! But there are a lot of other good ones too (I have some info in my PTR (the purple writing) in my signature if you wanna look there, even if it is closed).

Sounds good! I will check those out!

I mentioned above the Soda & Fountain Shop, but there is also a lot to do in Hollywood like the Walk of Fame, the real Graumans Chinese Theater (DHS? Great Movie Ride?) and a lot of other things. Also, Universal Studios Hollywood is nearby if you want to "consort with the enemy". But besides those, most require traveling far and wide like the San Diego Zoo and such, but I'm not an expert on California geography, so maybe a native would help with that.

I wrote all of those on the list! Thanks! I think my Mom really wants to go see the San Diego Zoo, so that will probably happen!

Hope my limited knowledge helped a little! :)

It definitely did! Thank you SO much!!!

Can't wait to read more! :mickeyjum

Wow, that breakfast sandwich was a sad state of affairs. I think I would cry a little if it was mine. I love breakfast sandwiches. :lmao:

I can't wait to hear what you thought about BLT. I loved that resort when we stayed there.

The Swolphin is very un-Disney like, I agree. I don't think I could stay there when a Disney resort is so nearby.

I was REALLY disappointed haha. Like... that's not acceptable! If I'm going to eat that many calories for breakfast it better be good!

Oh my GOD it's my favorite. I can't wait to write about it.

I agree 100%!
 


Chapter 56: BAY LAKE TOWER.
December 24th, 2011

A very monumental tweet was posted this afternoon:
ITS BAY LAKE TIME, PEOPLE!!!!!! WELCOME HOME FOR REAL :-)

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Christmas Eve 2011 marks the day when we stayed in our home resort for the first time EVER. I will always remember this.

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We were given our room number at the front desk of the Contemporary, then we walked over to Bay Lake Tower. We entered the first floor of the building.

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We took the elevator up to the 11th floor. This is the view from a window near the elevator - THAT'S OUR POOL!

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We started making our way down the hallway. I saw the rugs and I basically wanted to cry. THEY ARE SO CUTE AND SO PERFECT.

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This is what the hallway looks like:

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Our room number was #8126. This is the WEIRDEST thing: It is a combination of Jonathan and my birthdays. My birthday is May 8th, and Jonathan's is January 26th, aka 1/26. Therefore, 8126. SO WEIRD, RIGHT!? It just further proves how perfect this vacation was in every way.

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Here's our door:

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THIS WAS THE BIG MOMENT.

We opened the door and my jaw just DROPPED.

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THE GREATNESS OF THIS ROOM IS ABSOLUTELY INDESCRIBABLE! (I am getting super excited all over again!!!) The living room was SO spacious.

I posted on twitter:
OH MY HOLY GOD. #baylaketower AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH FREAKING. OUT. CAN'T. BREATHE.

Here is the kitchen!

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It had this sweet pull-out cabinet type thing. HOW COOL IS THAT!? (and no, the snacks are not included. Those are ours!)

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This couch pulled out into a bed and that's where I slept. I LOVED that pull-out couch. It was insanely comfortable. Literally it was more comfortable than most of the regular beds I have ever slept in. Bay Lake... you're AMAZING.

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WE HAD A BOOTH. IN OUR ROOM. Like.... WHAAAAT!? Seriously. Disney, why is everything you do over-the-top perfection!?

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We were staying in a one-bedroom villa. So let's check out the master bedroom!

This is where Mom and Dad got to sleep. Is it not the most amazing room you have ever seen!?!?

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I had to take an up close picture of the bedding. There are hidden mickeys EVERYWHERE.

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A closeup of the very "contemporary" artwork above their bed:

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Here's their TV and desk:

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Here’s their door that connects to the balcony. There’s also another door that connects to it from the living room:

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This is the bed from the other angle. That white divider is closed in this picture...

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But if you open it then you can see the Jacuzzi tub and part of the bathroom!

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Here is a better view of the tub:

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Continued in Next Post
 
Chapter 57: There's No Place Like Home For the Holidays!
December 24th, 2011

This bathroom is just beautiful. Whoever designed this resort just put all of the perfect colors and designs together. I am far beyond amazed.

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Continuing on in the master bathroom:

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LOOK AT THIS SWEET SHOWER:

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This is the smaller bathroom that Jonathan and I shared:

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There’s a washer and dryer too, which my Mom loved having!

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Another tweet:
Basically I'm speechless. WOW.

Then I went around and took pictures of all of the artwork. I LOVE how everything really lives up to the “contemporary” name. These pictures really tie it all together. I loved the color schemes and I love how they’re all pictures of Disney structures. It’s too cool.

Cinderella’s Castle:

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Space Mountain:

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Bay Lake Tower/The Contemporary and the Monorail track!! (This has to be my favorite. It's subtle yet so symbolic.)

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Okay… now it’s time for THE VIEW. We went all out on this trip and got Magic Kingdom view. I figured that if we were gonna do a Christmas trip, we needed to do it right. If we ever wanted to avoid the crowds or just relax on the balcony, we would be able to see the Magic Kingdom right from our room! We could see the fireworks at night and everything! It was UNBELIEVABLE.

I took these pictures through the window:

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Having a constant view of the monorail was literally a dream come true.

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I posted on twitter:
The monorail continually going through the track right outside my window kind of makes me happier than I've ever been in my life.
^100% true, no exaggeration.

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Another tweet:
I am just going to watch the monorail ALL DAY LONG :-)

THE MAGIC KINGDOM WAS RIGHT THERE. IT WAS RIGHT OUTSIDE MY WINDOW. We could see the Castle, Space Mountain, Astro Orbiter, Splash Mountain, the Monorail, the Grand Floridian, and the Contemporary from our room. I literally couldn’t have asked for a better location. We were the perfect height off the ground and practically centered so we could see EVERYTHING.

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I posted on twitter:
I feel like a legitimate princess. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE :-)

I literally can picture the exact feeling that I experienced on this day. I basically was about to combust from excitement. I felt like I was on the top of the world! (well... I guess I pretty much was in a way LOL)

The whole room was so chic and the color scheme worked really well together. It was an interesting combination of colors but Disney completely pulled it off. I LOVED it! Like I said, the people who designed this place did a PHENOMENAL job. They really took it detail by detail and pieced together the perfect room. I can't even believe it's real - it seems too good to be true! The fact that I actually stayed there is completely surreal to me! It felt like a dream!

I hope you enjoyed my lovely little tour of our Bay Lake Tower One-Bedroom Villa. This would be our new home for the next 9 NIGHTS. (I told you, this will be the never ending trip report)

I looked at all of our little resort pamphlets because I just love them so much:

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This one is from Port Orleans:

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I also took a picture of all of the pins I traded for that morning:

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Even though my mind was running a million miles an hour, I got myself to unpack. I HATED living out of a suitcase so I was just so excited to put my clothes into drawers. There actually wasn't a lot of storage space, but I used all of the drawers under the TV. Then Jonathan put all of his clothes in the cushiony coffee table because it was also a little storage container.

Next I watched Stacey about 5 million times. That is considered living the good life, my friends. "IT'S YETI TIME." "There doesn't seem to be any track!" *Stacey Scream!*

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I had some Stacey related tweets during this time:
Stacey's spiel about star tours is a little bit more like the old Stacey.. The Stacey I loved. <3 COME BACK CRAZY STACEY!!!

I love Stacey's shirt where her sleeves are not connected. #yesimstillwatchingit

I also put up the Christmas lights we bought at Walgreens. I wanted to hang them on our balcony. We didn't get a Christmas tree at home this year because we were going to Disney World, so I HAD to do some sort of decorating!

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I'm Santa's little helper! Merry Christmas Eve! :-)

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My nails were chipping so bad, so I repainted them! I was sad to take off my Disney nails, but I needed a fresh coat of nail polish! I painted them red and green - classic Christmas colors!

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So, all during this time Dad and Jonathan were at the ESPN Zone. Dad actually got interviewed for some podcast and he got a free T-Shirt! Here's the front:

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And the back:

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The boys finally rode the bus back to Bay Lake and Mom went downstairs to get them. I took a picture of the three of them walking back to the building from the balcony:

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They finally got up to the room, they walked in, and all they could say was "Oh my God!!" I've never seen them smile so big. Jonathan doesn't get excited about many things, but he was like "Wow, this is amazing." WOOHOO!

We basically spent the rest of the afternoon just being in complete awe of our room. We took our time settling in and just enjoyed the whole thing. I couldn't believe that it was real life.

Continued in Next Post
 
I'M SO READY FOR THIS. The question is, are you ready for this comment? My apologies in advance because I feel like I'm about to just comment on every single picture hahaha. Sorry about me.

The pool looks amazing! The sideways Mickey on the slide AHHHH. I love it all. I can't. IS THAT FREAKING EPCOT IN THE DISTANCE??? I feel like a see a big white ball haha. Although you didn't mention it so, probably not!

Okay so maybe I'm not a normal person but even seeing the hallway/carpet is making me so excited. AND as you probably know, most value resorts don't have actual HALLWAYS hahaha so PROPS TO BLT.

I love the birthday connection! Match made in heaven!!! Okay let's open the door now.

GAH. I CAN'T GO ON... that living room. OMG. I have modern taste so this is just perfect! I feel like the decor and the furniture is so much nicer than a lot of the villas at other resorts. BAY LAKE WINS AGAIN!!!

SO glad to hear the pullout couch was comfy!!! That's where I'll be sleeping... so good to know!

THE BOOTH AND THE SPACE MOUNTAIN PICTURE. This place is perfection. Other places don't even have a chance now. Every little thing is making me die.

Officially jealous of the parents... that bed looks awesome! And the headboard looks like a piano hah.

MONORAIL!!!!!! Oh man. What an amazing view! We wanted an MK view room but I think they're reserved for the DVC people (which I totally get) but that's okay... maybe we'll have like a partial view or something.

Is your nail polish Sally Hansen X-treme Wear??? I feel like I have those exact colors hahah. YAY CHRISTMAS.

OMG. Okay. Thank you so much for this update! And thank you for getting it up so quickly!!! I loved it! Ugh now I just have to wait 40 more days to see it all in person hahah ugh... :lmao:
 


Wow. BLT puts ASM (the only Disney property I've stayed in) to shame. The view is just incredible. What a great X-mas present to get to stay there. -Amanda :goodvibes
 
Whoa. Nope. Can't. I'm deeming it unsafe for me to stay in a room like this. I can't even... I am 100% positive I would pass out upon entering this room. Then, I would wake up and crawl to the balcony to get some oxygen. Then, I would see the view and that is when my brain would explode. I mean, being that you go to Disney like every 45 minutes you are probably less sensitive to such things which is why your brain did not completely collapse but mine certainly would. I really can't even imagine the monorail whizzing by my room like that. I need to build up my Disney tolerance before experiencing such a high like this one. I mean, I've never even stayed at a deluxe resort... though, I am Queen of the Polynesian. Despite never staying there, I am royalty. Uh, I don't know what I'm talking about anymore. It's 3am so you'll have to excuse me. But I'd probably, IF I didn't immediately pass out and then die upon arriving, refuse to leave.

Ahh I love the art so much, especially this http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/8620/dsc0787mj.jpg I need a Disney themed room. Well, actually, a Disney themed home to match my Disney themed life! :cloud9:

It's weird, the first time I saw the Contemporary I was really underwhelmed because of how plain every floor except the concourse is, but I really am appreciating the simplicity of the decor in your room. They've really done something special with BLT.

I swear, you find the coolest pins. I haven't been into it in years cause one of my lanyards full of pins got stolen and I was so mad I just kind of stopped, but all the cool ones you've been finding make me want to do it again! And I really want to try the Vinylmations. They have them at the Disney Store in Times Square and I've almost bought one like 47 times. Damn you Disney and all the useless crap I am tempted to buy!
 
O! M! G!! What an awesome update!!! I can't even remember what all I wanted to comment on, but I'll just say that BLT is incredible!!!!! My family and I stayed at the Contemporary in 1994 (long time ago, yes I was a kid) and it was very cool! I was hoping to stay at almost all of the Disney resorts, but it looks like we might have to go check that one out next time! :thumbsup2

I have to say, I am beyond jealous that you guys got to spend so much time at Disney, especially around the holidays!!;) This sounds like it was a near-perfect vacation! And to think you have 9 days left!!!!

I'm looking forward to more updates and tips!! popcorn::
 
YAY! Bay Lake Tower! Oh, it looks so pretty! I swear, can I just book a last minute flight down there right now. I love how they incorporated Mickey into basically EVERYTHING! So pretty! Then the extra large balcony, a PULL-OUT cabinet, a jacuzzi with divider, beautiful modern bed, a booth (love the Space Mountain pop art above it)... oh, so much there! Know what's funny too? I think I slept in a similar bed when I went to Quebec a few months ago, like the exact same design minus the themed comforter and modern art, but it looks exactly the same... FREAKY! o_O Still beautiful though :-) You picked the perfect resort here (especially for NINE NIGHTS) ::yes::

Wow, what a great view you got! You definitely went all out there. *waves to Space Mountain* And gotta love the nice view of the Mickey wreath in front of the Contemporary, beautiful :goodvibes I gotta agree on the Monorail, could totally just watch that thing all day if I got the chance *sigh* :thumbsup2 to the awesome pins, you got that morning! I swear, if we ever meet up, I may have to negotiate with you on that Pluto pin because... you know... "Pluto... Pluto's my boy..." (Queen Stacey <3)

As always, YAY STACEY! I was actually watching the original Stacey Top 7 Must-Sees yesterday and then watched the new Must-Do Disney (with the new song that I mixed up with "Celebrate You". Now, I can't stop thinking about "Livin' It Up, Love that Feeling (though Hot Sauce Feeling is just as awesome haha)) She is just so AMAZING! If they ever replaced her, I would actually start a movement to bring Stacey back (like I'm considering with the new Monorail voice...) Moving on...

Awwww, such a great idea that you brought your own Christmas lights to Disney! They must've looked so pretty at night. :thumbsup2 to the Santa Hat too and your festive fingernails! Love your dad's free shirt too, they seriously need to consider giving out more free Disney clothes like that :laughing:

Can't wait to read about the rest of your day as a resident of BAY LAKE TOWER!! :mickeyjum
 
Haha I completely understand. Imaging writing all of these updates and knowing how many there are to go...

:laughing: Well... I would much rather be writing updates on a TR than moping constantly (hope this hasn't gotten annoying) about when my next Disney trip will be, just saying ;)

It's AMAZING! I can't wait to post the updates about it! It definitely is an interesting view! It's very cool. It's my dream resort, even though I've stayed there. I just can't get over how amazing it is! And yeahh the Dolphin/Fish is so frumpy!

There's nothing wrong with having a Dream resort be a resort you've actually stayed at. I'm still MADLY in love with the Animal Kingdom Lodge and I'm not sure I will get over how awesome that resort is and how much I want to go back, even if there are other resorts I want to go to. Though, based on how you've stayed there too, there are indefinitely much better resorts out there...

I CAN'T EITHER!!!! 59 days to go! I'm so sorry your trip didn't happen, but NYC is awesome! I went there 2 summers ago and I LOVED it! What shows are you seeing!?

WOOT! So exciting! And it's okay, I think we may be going next year since we do have family in California and if we fly over there, I find no reason in going to see Disneyland and DCA (two days or more, hopefully...) And yeah, NYC! So excited, only 3 days for me left :goodvibes I'm seeing Wicked our first night and then either RENT or Newsies on the second day, but that will depend on how last minute tickets are, either way I'm seeing two great shows :)

OMG A SAMANTHA BROWN DISNEYLAND EPISODE?!! WHY HAVE I NOT THOUGHT OF THAT!? I need to look her up! Napa Rose, Carnation Cafe, Blue Bayou, and all of those other ones sound like must do's! I keep hearing about the same ones over and over and they seem like great options! I CAN'T WAIT!

It's actually a Samantha Brown Disneyland/Disney World episode where she goes from one to the other. It is awesome! You can't really see it on TV, but if you go on iTunes (and are willing or able to buy), search "Seasons of Disney", go through the list of TV shows and find the Samantha Brown non-Christmassy-Disney one. You can learn a lot about DL attractions and everything that goes on (though some of the things she mentions like the Parade of Dreams, are no longer there). And yeah, those are all good choices, just for Blue Bayou and Napa Rose, I recommend making decisions on those ASAP because they are popular (especially Blue Bayou). :thumbsup2

It is bad that I have had dreams about going to Carsland for 3 days in a row now? I am not even a huge fan of Cars but I am SUPER excited to see this!!! And omg I NEED to see World of Color. That's my #1 priority in all of Disneyland!

No, Disney dreams are completely normal. I'm not a huge fan of Cars either, but I heard so much about the ride and then watched videos of it and... WOW, it seriously ma be the best ride Disney has ever created. If you are curious, here is a link to a video of the ride: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucx2wVM2cWY&list=FLu7lKgJj1t3wRnMlV1Jdmig&index=12&feature=plpp_video But I'm sure you want to be surprised so... just ignore that lol
 
Two words: Holy. Crap.

I am in love with BLT. Thank God we have DVC. (Hey, that kinda rhymed!)

The room. IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL.

I love how modern the room is (and the whole hotel). IT’S SO INCREDIBLE.
I am in love with the artwork in the room. It’s so cool! Especially the Space Mountain one above the booth (which is so cool!). And the castle one in the master bathroom. Ok, I love them all!

I saw the pictures of your view back in December on Twitter and my jaw dropped. Waking up and seeing the monorail and Cinderella’s Castle from your room would be the best thing in the whole world.

I love the lights you put up! Very cool!

Nice nails!

Ok, THAT WAS AMAZING.
 
Wow I have never really seen detailed pictures of the BLT villas and oh my goodness they are GORGEOUS!! You guys definitely picked the perfect resort as your home resort.

How awesome that your first stay at your home resort was on Christmas Eve..what an amazing memory to always have of this trip.

THe lights look great on the balcony and I can imagine they looked really nice all lit up against the tower's lights at night.

Your view is insane....I don't think I ever would have left the balcony if that had been our view lol.

Lastly Jess I wanted to comment that I don't think I ever replied when you were asking for information on Disneyland. I actually grew up going to Disneyland and not WDW and still consider that I know it way better than I do WDW. If there's anything you want to know in particular by all means you can ask me and I will try and help answer it, but if you're still looking for advice on where to eat I must brag up my absolute two favorites and that Is the Blue Bayou and Goofy's Kitchen for breakfast, we've done the dinner before and it wasn't quite as good but the breakfast to this day is still one of my favorite Disney meals.

I'm so excited for you that you're finally getting your long awaited Disneyland return visit:cool1:
 
Another fantastic update! :cloud9:
-I TOTALLY agree with you on the fish! hahah! I call it the fish, too! It is NOT a dolphin and there is NO disney feeling there! Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful resort, just not "disney"
-Love that you had a mother/daughter lunch at the brown derby!
-Literally LOLed when the CM remembered you!!!
-OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BLT!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AMAZE AMAZE AMAZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY VIEW BATMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No better way to spend christmas!!!!!!!!!!! AMAZING!!!! Yay!!!! :banana: You are too cute decorating!!!

xxoo <333
 
Just catching up on your TR since our return from the World on Sunday. Love your BLT room!!!! What a fantastic view! Really liked the pictures in the room room, particularly the one of Space Mountain. I wouldn't mind having a copy of that.
I thought of you last Friday. We had dinner at Kona and I had "THE BREAD":cloud9:
 
Oh my goodness! Your room at Bay lake is absolutely amazing!! I would loooove to stay there someday! You guys certainly had a magical christmas!
 
New Life Goal: Stay at Bay Lake Towers!!


And I know I am slow on the uptake for this one- but I am so excited for you to go to Disneyland! It looks like we might make a trip out there next summer and I could use all the information I can get! And I know your trip report will be filled with lots of details that I need!
 
WOW! BLT is awesome!! Your room was so amazing! I love that you put up Christmas lights on your balcony!! I just got so excited reading about everything, and I'm not even there! hahaha

Also, that view....BEAUTIFUL!! :)

I'm offically even more excited about going there during the holiday season!
 

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