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

[debrapagliasotti]

I absolutely your TR and its getting me beyond excited for our Christmas trip...BUT, your BLT pics just got me super excited for our Oct trip. We arent staying at BLT, but we are staying at CR (TPV). I cant wait to wake up in the morning and see the castle and Space Mtn and fireworks from our balcony...

AHHHHH...

Ok, back to your report...

 

[onelilspark]

I stayed in a Studio last September in BLT. It was amazing. I think it's my favorite deluxe. PLUS you can just walk to the MK. That was awesome. I had a lake view, which was still beautiful. I had breakfast delivered to my room and sat outside on my balcony to watch the sun rise. And at night I could see the Electric Water Pageant. <3

 

[aras4007]

WOW!!! That resort is amazing! I HAVE to stay there some day! I don't know how you left without all those art pieces HAHA I would have taken them all!! Can't wait to see the rest of the resort!

 

[Disneymad1993]

WOW Your room at BLT is amazing!! And that view Now I really need to stay there someday!! Looking forward to more

 

[librarymouse]

Oh my gosh everytime I read your TR I have to add something to my Disney bucket list!!! Bay Lake Tower is GORGEOUS!!! I love all the artwork and hidden mickeys, and that view is just phenomenal!! I can totally imagine how excited/happy you must have been- it would be so amazing to look out and see the monorail and Cinderella's Castle- squee!

Chris and I really hope to be DVC members in the future...I don't know when we will be able to but SOMEDAY! for sure!

Love the Christmas lights you put up too- bet it was nice to be wearing shorts on Christmas eve!

Thanks for the awesome "tour" of the room!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi there Jess! I'm a newbie to your review... I was only going back a post or two but I couldn't stop! Your excitement for all things Dis is contagious! What really caught my eye was your room # at BLT - that was our room on our last trip. We've been to BLT 4 times so it is our absolute favorite! The 1st time I walked into our BLT TPV room I literally had a moment - I needed a tissue when I saw the view of the castle from the living room window. And you will always remember the sound of the whistles from the boats on Seven Seas lagoon - so peaceful.

One interesting thing about Rm 8126 is that there were no bar stools at the island. This was the first time we had had a 1 bedroom without bar stools. No biggie... just odd. Also, the orientation of the room with the sun setting floods the room with blinding light! Did you happen to notice that?

I'm looking forward to reading so much more!

 

[AnnaMariaGirl]

Like everyone else said...that room is awesome! I think there should be a "like" option after each photo! I love them so much! Do you post your twitter name? I thought i read it somewhere but, couldnt find it. It would be fun to follow you when you go to Disneyland. Not to mention the next trip to Disney World! Thanks for the great trip reports! LOVE THEM!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Beautiful room! Awesome that you went all out and got the Magic Kingdom view. We had a lake view when we stayed, but got an accidental Magic Kingdom view, so it was great. Everyone in our travel party was so jealous. Can't wait to hear about your next 9 days. I wonder if we crossed paths while I was down there for New Years.

 

[kansasdisneygal]

I am completely stunned by your Bay Lake Tower pictures! They are jaw-dropping gorgeous!! Love all the bright and contemporary art on the walls! The master bathroom is AMAZING and I love all the hidden mickeys in the bedding and carpet!!! SO COOL!!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

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.

Do not even apologize!! I completely understand how exciting Bay Lake is... and the fact that you're going so soon is AWESOME!​

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!

OH YES. Take advantage of the pool! It's WONDERFUL! I don't think Epcot is within viewing distance... I'm not sure what it was that you saw!​

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.

HAHAHA that was like one of my favorite parts! Don't worry!! And oh yeah, I love the resorts that are all within one building! They're the best.​

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

Thanks! Here we gooo!​

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!!!

You're going to just love everything in the Contemporary, in that case! And yes, Bay Lake is very updated, so it's definitely a winner!​

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

Haha oh yes, you will be perfectly comfortable! I was so sad when we had to leave because I did not want to leave my pull out couch!!​

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.

Pretty much that's how I feel too. It's over-the-top perfection.​

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

Haha I know, it was awesome!​

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.

Aww that stinks. I'm sorry! I'm sure your view will be awesome though!! You really can't go wrong. Hopefully you'll get a bay lake view or something!​

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

That is EXACTLY what it is! Good job!​

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...

You're so welcome! I have lots of other Bay Lake pictures within the other updates, so hopefully I'll get to a few of them before you leave! And 40 days will go by so fast - don't even worry! ​

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

Haha thank you! It really was beautiful! Thanks for reading!

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.

Hahaha I can just picture your trip report if you ever stay at Bay Lake. It would be fantastic. And even though I have been to Disney/a lot of the resorts, I was BLOWN AWAY by Bay Lake. Like nothing else. No other resort has really had that effect on me. The monorail and the design of the room and EVERYTHING just blew me away. And LOL I'm glad we both do our disboarding in the middle of the night. That's the way to go. ​

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!

Me too! Seriously.​

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.

Even though it is plain, I REALLY like the style. I don't know what it is but the whole theme really appeals to me. They took it and made BLT the most perfect place it could be! I'm so happy with how it turned out.​

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!

Haha thank you! Oh my gosh, that's so sad! I'm sorry that happened to you! You should definitely do it again! Just buy a lot of pins on ebay and then trade a bunch of them in the parks! That's what I do and it's SO much cheaper and I just trade like a maniac! And haha I bought one vinylmation! I'm not that into it because I'm so obsessed with the pins, but some of them are really cute and I like them a lot!​

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!

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!!

Haha thank you! Aww that's so wonderful! I have never stayed at the actual Contemporary building but I could imagine it is very cool!

Aww thank you! It really was!

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! Still beautiful though You picked the perfect resort here (especially for NINE NIGHTS)

It's so beautiful! I love that too! It was awesome! Oh wow really!? Quebec copied Disney, obviously LOL. Thank you!​

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 I gotta agree on the Monorail, could totally just watch that thing all day if I got the chance *sigh* 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)

Thank you! Yeah we decided to go all out since it was Christmas! And thanks! I actually think I traded that Pluto pin!​

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...

I know. There will be a dis intervention if they ever replace Stacey. I'm scared to see the day.​

Awwww, such a great idea that you brought your own Christmas lights to Disney! They must've looked so pretty at night. 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

Thanks! They did - I have pictures! Thank you! They should!​

Can't wait to read about the rest of your day as a resident of BAY LAKE TOWER!!

WOOHOO!​

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

Haha I'm glad it can help cure any Disney blues that you have!​

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 think that each resort is so special in it's own way... so even if I stay at them 5 times each I would never get enough!​

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 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

Yay that would be awesome! That's SO exciting! I saw Wicked and died of happiness. And oooh Rent is back up!? That's great to hear! I hope you have a wonderful trip!​

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).

Oh gotcha! Thank you for the tip! And oh yeah, don't worry. I will be booking those ahead of time!​

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

Haha oooh it looks awesome! I CAN'T WAIT SKLDJFHDKJLKFSDHSDFUHLSDKFJHSDK!​

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 know, right!?! You will definitely have to stay there someday! BLT is a beautiful thing!​

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!

Me too! It was perfect!​

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.

Haha aww thank you! I know, I was in complete heaven. This vacation will never be topped, that's for sure!​

I love the lights you put up! Very cool!

Nice nails!

Ok, THAT WAS AMAZING.

Thank you!

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.

Well there ya go! I'm so glad it's our home! There are apparently only a few rooms left there, so we were very lucky!​

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

I know, that is really special! I'm so happy that it happened!​

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.

I have pictures!​

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

Haha I spent A TON of time there!​

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

Thank you very much for the advice! I will keep it in mind! Thanks for reading!

Another fantastic update!
-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!!!! You are too cute decorating!!!

xxoo <333

Thank you so much!
I completely agree!
It was the perfect spot to eat!
Haha I know, I love that guy! Remember him - he comes back!
Hahaha that's exactly how I felt!
Thank you!​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

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"

I hope you had a great trip! Thank you! And I know, I wish I had those pictures in my room!
AHH I hope you enjoyed it just as much as I did!

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!

Thank you! It was a dream come true!

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!

Haha that's a very good goal!

Thank you so much! That would be so great - I will document the whole thing for you guys!

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!

Thank you! I'm still amazed by it all! Thank you! I'm so glad that it had that effect on you haha
Thank you!
YAYAYAY I'm so glad!

Jess,

Bay Lake is A-W-E-S-O-M-E, sending myself a mental note to make sure and stay there one day.

Yay that is a very good mental note to have!

I absolutely your TR and its getting me beyond excited for our Christmas trip...BUT, your BLT pics just got me super excited for our Oct trip. We arent staying at BLT, but we are staying at CR (TPV). I cant wait to wake up in the morning and see the castle and Space Mtn and fireworks from our balcony...

AHHHHH...

Ok, back to your report...

Thank you! AHH the Contemporary is still AWESOME! I do want to stay in the actual building someday... I hope I will get to! TPV is unbelievable - I'm sure you guys will really enjoy it!

I stayed in a Studio last September in BLT. It was amazing. I think it's my favorite deluxe. PLUS you can just walk to the MK. That was awesome. I had a lake view, which was still beautiful. I had breakfast delivered to my room and sat outside on my balcony to watch the sun rise. And at night I could see the Electric Water Pageant. <3

Did you!? That's awesome! I know, that was one of my favorite parts. I could imagine that lake view is GORGEOUS! That's so beautiful - that is exactly what I would call paradise!

WOW!!! That resort is amazing! I HAVE to stay there some day! I don't know how you left without all those art pieces HAHA I would have taken them all!! Can't wait to see the rest of the resort!

Thank you! Ahhh I hope that all of you guys eventually get to - it really was a special experience! I know, they were all so pretty! Thank you - there are a lot more pictures coming your way!

WOW Your room at BLT is amazing!! And that view Now I really need to stay there someday!! Looking forward to more

Thank you so much! It was beautiful!

Oh my gosh everytime I read your TR I have to add something to my Disney bucket list!!! Bay Lake Tower is GORGEOUS!!! I love all the artwork and hidden mickeys, and that view is just phenomenal!! I can totally imagine how excited/happy you must have been- it would be so amazing to look out and see the monorail and Cinderella's Castle- squee!

Chris and I really hope to be DVC members in the future...I don't know when we will be able to but SOMEDAY! for sure!

Love the Christmas lights you put up too- bet it was nice to be wearing shorts on Christmas eve!

Thanks for the awesome "tour" of the room!

Hahaha that's awesome! It really is! I love it too! I was absolutely jumping out of my skin excited! I literally don't think I have ever been THAT excited ever checking into a Disney resort room. I will always remember that day!

I hope you guys get to! It really is the best investment! My parents always say that their only regret is not getting it sooner! Because really if you're going anyways, it completely pays for itself very fast!

Thank you! Definitely!

You're welcome!

Hi there Jess! I'm a newbie to your review... I was only going back a post or two but I couldn't stop! Your excitement for all things Dis is contagious! What really caught my eye was your room # at BLT - that was our room on our last trip. We've been to BLT 4 times so it is our absolute favorite! The 1st time I walked into our BLT TPV room I literally had a moment - I needed a tissue when I saw the view of the castle from the living room window. And you will always remember the sound of the whistles from the boats on Seven Seas lagoon - so peaceful.

One interesting thing about Rm 8126 is that there were no bar stools at the island. This was the first time we had had a 1 bedroom without bar stools. No biggie... just odd. Also, the orientation of the room with the sun setting floods the room with blinding light! Did you happen to notice that?

I'm looking forward to reading so much more!

Haha aww thank you for the compliments! OH MY GOSH THAT'S SO CRAZY! How cool is that!? Aww that's so magical! I'm glad you appreciate the TPV as much as I do!

Omg I noticed that!!! Because I saw the advertisements in the DVC booklet and my Mom and I were like "hmm that's weird - we don't have bar stools!" I wonder why that is! And OMG yes the sun was VERY bright.. but I think it's that way for all theme park views! It didn't bother me too much though.. I just watched the sunset from the balcony!

Thank you!

Like everyone else said...that room is awesome! I think there should be a "like" option after each photo! I love them so much! Do you post your twitter name? I thought i read it somewhere but, couldnt find it. It would be fun to follow you when you go to Disneyland. Not to mention the next trip to Disney World! Thanks for the great trip reports! LOVE THEM!

Thank you! Haha there should! I'm glad you like them all so much! It's PrincessJess508 Tweet me so I know who you are and I can follow you back! Yes, the live tweeting will be happening! Yay! You're so welcome - Thank YOU for reading them!

Beautiful room! Awesome that you went all out and got the Magic Kingdom view. We had a lake view when we stayed, but got an accidental Magic Kingdom view, so it was great. Everyone in our travel party was so jealous. Can't wait to hear about your next 9 days. I wonder if we crossed paths while I was down there for New Years.

Thank you so much! I'm so glad we did - it really made the trip! Haha you guys seriously lucked out! That's awesome! Thank you! And I do too - we will have to see!

I am completely stunned by your Bay Lake Tower pictures! They are jaw-dropping gorgeous!! Love all the bright and contemporary art on the walls! The master bathroom is AMAZING and I love all the hidden mickeys in the bedding and carpet!!! SO COOL!!

Thank you! I'm so glad you like them! I couldn't even get over how amazing the room was! Ahhh I still get so excited talking about it! Thank you!

​

 

[therussells08]

Let it be known that yesterday I drove my car into the side of my garage, and the only thing that has been able to cheer me up at this point was when I realized you posted your BLT updates. THANK YOU. I needed this!

I think it's so special that your first time in your home resort was on Christmas Eve! What a magical Christmas experience!

AHHH the room number thing...that means something. It must. I'm a believer, girl.

Wow...just wow. That room is freaking gorgeous!

A BOOTH?! Too much to handle.

That art work is all so amazing! Whoever decorated that room really knew what he/she was doing! The colors work perfectly together!

YOUR. VIEW. Jess, I can't even. That is the most amazing view I have ever seen! Merry Christmas to you!

Awww yay! I love that you decorated for Christmas. That's so cute! And your Christmas nails are great!

 

[sue_88]

I'm glad you reported on the Brown Derby and showed pics. I have considered eating there a couple of times but I never have gone in and looked around. One of the reasons I wanted to eat there is because grapefruit cake sounds really amazing to me. The main reason is because I love citrus/tart things. Yum!! Most people seem to choose chocolate, but I like sour desserts. And the cake is so pretty!! How does Disney do it?!
Your new "home" at BLT is a gem! I could feel how excited you were and I was totally agreeing with your enthusiasm! When looking at the pics I was thinking "oh, I would need to sit in THAT chair for awhile and just stare at the art. And then I would need to sit over THERE for a few hours and stare out the window."
I'm loving the length of this report too. I am happy to have more to look forward to.
With this report, and your one with Kristen, I am feeling like I just had a great Disney trip.
Yay Disney!!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Let it be known that yesterday I drove my car into the side of my garage, and the only thing that has been able to cheer me up at this point was when I realized you posted your BLT updates. THANK YOU. I needed this!

I think it's so special that your first time in your home resort was on Christmas Eve! What a magical Christmas experience!

AHHH the room number thing...that means something. It must. I'm a believer, girl.

Wow...just wow. That room is freaking gorgeous!

A BOOTH?! Too much to handle.

That art work is all so amazing! Whoever decorated that room really knew what he/she was doing! The colors work perfectly together!

YOUR. VIEW. Jess, I can't even. That is the most amazing view I have ever seen! Merry Christmas to you!

Awww yay! I love that you decorated for Christmas. That's so cute! And your Christmas nails are great!

OH NO Joni! You did!?! How did that happen!? I'm so sorry That is terrible. I'm glad my trip report could help cheer you up a little bit!

That WAS really special. I still can't believe how magical the whole thing was.

Oh my gosh, me too. That was just too weird!

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the pictures! I tried to make sure I photographed everything!

Haha thank you!

I'm glad you reported on the Brown Derby and showed pics. I have considered eating there a couple of times but I never have gone in and looked around. One of the reasons I wanted to eat there is because grapefruit cake sounds really amazing to me. The main reason is because I love citrus/tart things. Yum!! Most people seem to choose chocolate, but I like sour desserts. And the cake is so pretty!! How does Disney do it?!
Your new "home" at BLT is a gem! I could feel how excited you were and I was totally agreeing with your enthusiasm! When looking at the pics I was thinking "oh, I would need to sit in THAT chair for awhile and just stare at the art. And then I would need to sit over THERE for a few hours and stare out the window."
I'm loving the length of this report too. I am happy to have more to look forward to.
With this report, and your one with Kristen, I am feeling like I just had a great Disney trip.
Yay Disney!!

Aww well I'm glad my review helped you! It is really delicious there and I love the food!

Thank you! Ahh I really was. It's hard to describe it in words but I was jumping out of my skin!!! Hahaha yes, I tried to make sure I got to sit everywhere! Gotta take advantage of the room while ya can, you know?

I'm really glad! I'm scared that it's far too long but I'm glad so many of you guys are still with me! You have A LOT more to look forward to!

Haha aww I'm so glad! Thank you for your kind words! ​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Chapter 58: Freaking Out. A lot.
December 24th, 2011

Since we had some time, I decided to straighten my hair for dinner. We had a very special Christmas Eve meal planned!

One of the most wonderful things about this particular vacation was that the sunsets were PHENOMENAL. I'm a sucker for sunset pictures, so I took TONS of them!

That Mickey Wreath is GINORMOUS. I love it.

Here is Jonathan laying on his bed. It's actually a pull-out CHAIR. It becomes a twin-size bed!

The sun is continuing to set:

The beauty of God and Walt Disney:

A Christmassy Version:

It was getting darker!

I tried to get a little artsy:

I posted on twitter:
JUST SAW THE CASTLE LIGHTING FROM MY BALCONY NO BIG DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!

I definitely had a mini heart attack. My parents thought there was something wrong with me because I was screaming "OH MY GOD!!!!! MOM!!!!! LOOK!!!!" But no, just me freaking out. I mean, they probably understood. (this time.)

I posted on twitter (Again. There will be a lot of twitter action on this night):
basically if my future husband doesn't like Disney, realistically our relationship will not work.

Kristen and Lia agreed with me. I mean, it's so true though. I need someone who can put up with this insanity. (and embrace it, himself!)

I took some more pictures of the Contemporary Artwork:

MONORAIL.

Alright, so at 6:30 pm we left our room and headed to the monorail. We asked a family which floor the walkway to the Contemporary was on, and it's on Level 5! At the Contemporary, the walkway back to Bay Lake is on Level 4.

The family that we asked was actually from the town that I went to high school in! What a small world!

After we finished chatting with them, we used the walkway. I took this picture from the little bridge! Our room is the one with the predominantly orange, red, and green Christmas lights in the middle.

Then it was time to enter the main building:

The Contemporary Resort is literally beyond words. I just don't even know how to describe how amazing it is. Absolutely unbelievable.

I posted on twitter:
I cannot physically comprehend that I am actually staying at the contemporary.

I was in denial. In a good way.

We walked over to the monorail station and got on our highway in the sky!

I posted on twitter:
It just clicked that I'm going to the Grand Floridian for dinner tonight. I LOVE THAT PLACE!!!!

Our first stop was the Transportation and Ticket Center, then the Polynesian, and then the Grand Floridian!

We went inside and... WOW. Just... Wow. That place is absolutely GORGEOUS. And it was ALL decked out for Christmas. I wanted to cry. I think I did.

You can see the Gingerbread House!

I seriously feel like I am in a dream every time I enter the Grand Floridian. Even more so on this specific day.

LOOK! IT'S CHRISTMAS MICKEY AND MINNIE IN THE LOBBY OF THE GRAND FLORIDIAN! Please excuse me while I die of cuteness.

Continued in Next Post​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Chapter 59: Narcoossee's
December 24th, 2011

This lobby just blows my mind. I had to take a couple more pictures. YOU CAN SEE SANTA!

A closer picture of the Gingerbread House!

Family photo!

I didn't know where the restaurant was, so I asked a cast member. You go downstairs, to the left of the pool, and you keep walking. It has it's own building. Can you guess where we were eating? (Well, probably. Because the chapter title just gave it away.)

That's right! We were going to... NARCOOSSEE'S!

This was a first time meal for all of us. I read reviews on Disboards and since I got to pick signature meals for the holidays, I decided that this would be one of them! Plus it was conveniently located at a monorail resort! (a very beautiful and elegant one at that!)

We checked in and took a few pictures while we waited for our table. The anticipation was growing!

They called us and we were brought to our table. There were lots of window tables open, and we were lucky enough to get one! Here's our view out the window:

And the inside view of the restaurant:

Going to Narcoossee's was a HUGE deal. I couldn't wait for our dining experience to begin!

Our waiter's name was James and he was awesome. My Dad got along with him really well. He started us off some bread with sea salt butter. It was so soft and delicious!

We also got some appetizers! Mom got a Caesar Salad which was very good!

Jonathan and I split the Lobster and Corn Bisque. Dad got a bowl of that too. That was absolutely SPECTACULAR. The flavor was unique and it tasted SO good.

As for entrees, Jonathan and I split the Filet and Lobster tail. They actually split it for us on two separate plates! It was AWESOME. The steak was fantastic and the lobster was coldwater, which apparently is the best. It wasn't chewy at all, it just melted in your mouth. The mashed potatoes were perfect and the green beans were cruchy and fresh. Splitting the dish made it look like there wasn't a lot of food, but it was PLENTY. I was so full by the time we were done. I never could have justified getting this dish just for myself because the price is ridiculous. However, since we split it, it was more reasonable.

Mom ordered the Mahi Mahi for her dinner. She said it was fantastically done! She absolutely loved it. I tried some and thought it was AMAZING!

Dad got the yellow tail snapped which had QUITE the presentation! I wish I would have gotten a better picture of it. It was the whole entire fish - head, tail, and all.

Thankfully, Dad wasn't intimidated by it. James actually had to explain to him how to dig out the meat and eat it. He said that you couldn't get a fresher fish than that! (He also mentioned that Narcoossee's and Fulton's Crab House are the only two restaurants at Disney that serve lobster! I never thought of that before but I guess it is true!)

Here is the after picture:

We finished up our food and everyone was extremely happy. It was a very successful dinner so far!

However, the best was yet to come! (I know, how is that even possible? Well... IT WAS.)

We ordered and had a little bit of a wait until it was finally brought to our table.

I tweeted:
My mom just told me I look very sad when there is no dessert in front of me. #disgirlproblems

She knows me so well.

During this time, Lia, Kara, Kristen and I were having the best conversation that the twitter world had ever seen. It was about our obsession with the monorail voice guy. And yes, I have it all right here so we can all relive this wonderful memory.

I started off by posting:
POR FAVOR MANTENGASE ALEJADO LAS PUERTAS!!!!!

Lia:
I SEE YOU'VE BEEN HANGING OUT WITH MY BOYFRIEND, MONORAIL VOICE GUY! For the comfort of others, no smoking please.

Me:
HAHAHA I'm going to spend quite a bit of time with him over the next week. But don't worry, he's all yours (;

Kristen:
MY??? let's not be selfish. Haha. I decided that I want to be proposed to on the monorail. #btw

Kara:
Whoa, I was under the impression that we were ALL marrying the monorail guy Sister Wives-style.

Kristen:
sounds good to me but I call giving birth to junior monorail voice man first. #bahah #somessedup

Kara:
That's fine. But you have to name him Mantengase or Manny for short.

Lia:
You guys are killing me. I <3 you all. AND MANNY ALEJADO IS A FLAWLESS NAME OMG

Me:
what a beautiful name. Little manny <3 we will get him a shirt with a monorail on it

Kristen:
he's gonna be the cutest (and best dressed) kid EVER.

Me:
did you all ever wonder what the monorail voice guy actually looks like? I'm so curious.

Lia:
Nothing short of flawless.

To this day, I am dying of laughter. Manny Alejado is the absolute perfect name of any monorail child. We really need to copyright it and sell the to Disney - THE ADVENTURES OF MANNY ALEJADO: THE MONORAIL KID. My parents probably wondered what the heck I was snickering about throughout our fancy Narcoossee's dinner. Oh nothing, just a little bit of Disney brilliance. Lia, Kara, and Kristen, I love you guys. Thank you for making my life hilarious and understanding my Disney/monorail obsession. You all are perfect.

ANYWAYS... back to business. IT WAS DESSERT TIME. It took a pretty long time for that dessert to arrive, but let me tell you - it was SO worth the wait!

We decided to order two desserts to split. The first was one of the holiday desserts - The Snowball! James explained it to us as something similar to the hostess snowball, but WAY better. It was filled with Egg Nog Mousse. It was really good! The mousse had a little bit of a weird aftertaste, but I did like it.

However, it could not even COMPARE to the wonderful, the indescribable.... ALMOND CRUSTED CHEESECAKE! (Enter bright lights, singing angels, a heavenly backdrop, and maybe even Jesus.)

Everyone, this is honestly probably up there with one of the top 5 things I have ever eaten in my LIFE.

This was so good that it was almost ridiculous. Once again, I don't even know how to accurately explain how it tasted because it was too amazing for words to describe. It was so sweet and soft and the crunch from the almonds was perfect. Wow. It was just unbelievable. We basically fought over the last few bites. I kept scraping the plate after it was gone because I kept wanting one last little taste. I would seriously book a reservation at Narcoossee's solely for this dessert. I can't even believe that something that amazing actually exists.

We wrapped up our FABULOUS Christmas Eve meal, and I was just in a heavenly state. Oh my gosh.

We settled our bill and thanked James for a wonderful experience. The ONLY downfall to this whole thing was that we could NOT use our Tables in Wonderland card because it was a holiday.

Christmas Tip #26: Tables in Wonderland has block out days, particularly Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day. Remember that, because I made the mistake of booking my most expensive restaurants on these days.

Thankfully, Kristen's family used our name as a referral for their Disney Vacation Club membership, so we received a very generous gift card from Disney! So, thank you Kristen's family for paying for our Christmas Eve dinner. I LOVED IT.

Overview of Narcoossee's:
Waiter: James
Service: James was one of my favorite waiters of the trip. He got along so well with our family and he was very knowledgable about the menu. The service really proved that we were at a Signature restaurant! My only complaint was that it took a while for the dessert to come how, however all of the anticipation made the Almond Crusted Cheesecake taste even better! 4.8/5
Atmosphere: This restaurant is beautiful! I love that it has it's own separate little building from the main area of the Grand Floridian! It is very elegant, comfortable, and has a relaxing vibe. I loved it, and I loved being able to see the castle from my table! 5/5
Food: Hands down one of my favorite meals of all time. The Crab/Corn Bisque and the Almond Crusted Cheesecake were my two favorite things. They were just phenomenal. The only thing about this place is that it's expensive, but in my opinion it was SO worth it. It was a very special dinner and made our Christmas Eve that much better! 5/5

We left that restaurant smiling from ear to ear. (and being very frumpy!)

WHAT A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS EVE IT WAS!

Continued in Next Post​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Chapter 60: Simply Having A Wonderful Christmastime
December 24th, 2011

We made our way back to the main building of the Grand Floridian.

I wanted to look around the resort but I was just too tired. I snapped a few last minute pictures and then we decided to head back to Bay Lake.

Gotta love the little Grand Floridian orchestra:

I posted on twitter:
The smell of the monorail just.... Oh my God <3 SO FANTASTIC. Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas <3 <3 <3

I will never be able to go on the monorail the same after that amazing conversation.

We got back to the Contemporary and we took some pictures because it's just a gorgeous place.

The gingerbread tree!

I took a picture of the deer that are in the huge mural! Of course, I forget to take a picture of the 5-legged goat on this entire trip. I'm such a frump. However, I think that he's actually in the top right hand corner of the picture. So I took a picture of the 5-legged goat's butt! LOL

Back to the walkway!

At Bay Lake, the type of material that is on the wall next to the elevator picks up your finger prints. So every drew little pictures. I drew a mickey!

Here's a picture of our pool...... AT NIGHT.

We went up to our room and pulled out our beds. I slept on the pull out couch (to the left) and Jonathan slept on the pull out chair. (to the right) You can see Jonathan hiding under the blankets because he didn't want me to take his picture hahaha.

Stacey was on the TV while I caught up in my trip journal. I posted on twitter:
I think I have watched Stacey 24 times today. My brother wants to change the channel. I said no.

He should know the rules by now.

I posted on twitter (again):
Laying in bed. Watching magic memories and you. Live. #stillcantbelieveit

I only cried a little bit. Okay, a lot.

Then I went out on the porch to watch Holiday Wishes. It was SO beautiful. We could hear the music being pumped in from the Contemporary so it was perfect.

The after shot:

More Christmas light pictures:

I posted on twitter:
Holiday wishes from the balcony is a great way to end the night #andwewishyoumagicaldreams

I went back inside and tried to finish catching up in my trip journal. But I just couldn't do it. Sadly, my throat was starting to hurt a little bit. Oh no. ): I needed some sleep.

Overview of December 24th, 2011:

Highs:
- Accomplishing so much in the morning
- Toy Story Mania!
- BAY LAKE TOWER OMG.
- OUR ROOM.
- OUR VIEW.
- Did I mention Bay Lake Tower?
- Going to the Grand Floridian
- NARCOOSSE'S!
- The Lobster/Corn Bisque
- ALMOND CRUSTED CHEESECAKE.
- The Monorail Twitter Conversation with some of my favorite Dis-Girls!
- Going on the Monorail!
- Being in the Contemporary. AHH.

Lows:
- My throat beginning to hurt at the end of the night
- Just being tired.

Weather:
81 and Sunny during the day. It got chillier at night - maybe in the 60's.

Food of the Day:
Almond Crusted Cheesecake at Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian Resort
(More like the food of my LIFE.)

Continued in Next Post​

 

[Reberella]

Great Christmas light pictures! Very artsy indeed....
Bay Lake is sooo pretty! I would love to stay there one day!
Can't wait to catch up on your other report!

BTW... "TinkerBrig" agrees... We're catching up together on the trip reports!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Great Christmas light pictures! Very artsy indeed....
Bay Lake is sooo pretty! I would love to stay there one day!
Can't wait to catch up on your other report!

BTW... "TinkerBrig" agrees... We're catching up together on the trip reports!

Thank you so much!
I'm glad you liked the pictures!
We haven't gotten too far into it yet so good timing!
Haha I'm glad Thanks for being here!​

 

[mike the canuck]

Dang! That room/view is awesome. It is my dream to stay in the Contemporary or BLT on day now. lol