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

[JessicaFaye508]

I have never done the GREAT PIGGY BANK ADVENTURE before. I’ll have to play it. The pig is really cute. I wonder if he has a name. Like Hamm or something. I wish they sold the piggy banks as souvenirs.

THE FROG FISH. He is so awesome. I need to track him down. I’m sure it will be easy though. There are big neon signs above his tank that say “THE COOLEST ANIMAL EVER IS RIGHT HERE!!”? I’m sure there are.

I’m eating at Teppan Edo for the first time next month. It looks very good I’ve heard some great stuff about it.

The onion volcano! OOOOHHHHH! AAAHHHH!

The food looks scrumptious!

It was fun! It was a good little thing to do when the crowds were crazy. Hahaha I wish I would have named my pig!

He is!! I'm so glad I got to finally meet him. And oh yeah, definitely Haha just kidding. But you will know him when you see him!

Yes I really enjoyed my meal there! You will love it!

You can NEVER stop your trip reports... I've gotten so many tips from them, they are what made me a DIS addict (that and the fact that the app for my iPhone and iPad is so awesome),

Aww thank you They have become part of me, so I don't think I will be stopping any time soon. ​

 

[arbolita]

I HAVE A DISNEYLAND MISSION FOR YOU!

So, one of my all time favorite Disney characters is Clarice the Chipmunk (in case you don't know who she is ------> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaDtw6mVSoU ) I mean seriously, look how cute her costumes are: http://www.charactercentral.net/C38_DisneyCharacters_MickeyFriends_Clarice.aspx

Anyway -it's probably been well over a decade since she's been seen with any regularity at any of the state side parks - I guess she's found at DLP and TDL fairly regularly. BUT! I've seen two photos of her in Disneyland this summer - once during the Cars Land opening, and today to celebrate Disneyland's birthday.

I know it's a long shot, but if you happen to see her anywhere during your trip, could you try and get video footage of her? It would make my summer.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I HAVE A DISNEYLAND MISSION FOR YOU!

So, one of my all time favorite Disney characters is Clarice the Chipmunk (in case you don't know who she is ------> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaDtw6mVSoU ) I mean seriously, look how cute her costumes are: http://www.charactercentral.net/C38_DisneyCharacters_MickeyFriends_Clarice.aspx

Anyway -it's probably been well over a decade since she's been seen with any regularity at any of the state side parks - I guess she's found at DLP and TDL fairly regularly. BUT! I've seen two photos of her in Disneyland this summer - once during the Cars Land opening, and today to celebrate Disneyland's birthday.

I know it's a long shot, but if you happen to see her anywhere during your trip, could you try and get video footage of her? It would make my summer.

Aww I will DEFINITELY be on the look out for her! It sounds like she only comes out for special occasions, but maybe I'll get lucky!​

 

[petals]

Innoventions something else I missed at Epcot. This is why I read trip reports they teach me so much.

Your food all looks yummy. Hope you got good weather for CP. Ours was a wash out and by the end Momma was miserable and I was sick. The show was still great but the weather was rubbish! The Mickey Mouse weather gods were obviously having an off day that day!

 

[marDgreen88]

HEWWO.

Seeeeee, I'm kinda hesitant about Teppan Edo just for that reason! I don't have any Fuji grill around here, but we have multiple places very similar to Teppan Edo, and I've been to three of them... and I feel like it wouldn't be as special on a Disney trip! That being said, that food looks GOOD.

ESPECIALLY THE CAKE!!!!!!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Innoventions something else I missed at Epcot. This is why I read trip reports they teach me so much.

Your food all looks yummy. Hope you got good weather for CP. Ours was a wash out and by the end Momma was miserable and I was sick. The show was still great but the weather was rubbish! The Mickey Mouse weather gods were obviously having an off day that day!

Haha I'm glad I can be of service

Aww that's so sad! I'm sorry that happened to you. Yeah, the weather can really make or break the whole situation.

HEWWO.

Seeeeee, I'm kinda hesitant about Teppan Edo just for that reason! I don't have any Fuji grill around here, but we have multiple places very similar to Teppan Edo, and I've been to three of them... and I feel like it wouldn't be as special on a Disney trip! That being said, that food looks GOOD.

ESPECIALLY THE CAKE!!!!!!

HI.

Yeah, exactly. I mean... the cake made the meal worth it to me. And the food was REALLY yummy. I just know it's something I can get at home. I guess it just depends on what you want! It's not a bad decision whatsoever! It's just a matter of priorities.​

 

[Disneydude97]

After lunch we stopped back up at our room, got ready to go, and then went back to the Contemporary to catch the monorail. The one going from the Contemporary to the Transportation Ticket Center had an unexpected power outage.

I posted on twitter:
WE LOST POWER ON THE MONORAIL OMG.

​

*dramatic chord*
*cue me screaming in terror*

Whoa, that must've been pretty darn scary! Can't wait for the coverage of the Candlelight Processional.

P.S. Sent you a friend request a couple days ago. Will you accept it?

 

[emmysmommy]

We LOVE The Great Piggy Bank Adventure - unfortunately, when we did this last time we didn't make our goal for the bedroom makeover..... Boo! But it was a ton of fun and so cute. Have you tried Sum of all Thrills at the other Innoventions pavillion? Building your own roller coaster is so much fun.

Your "teppan chef" at Teppan Edo was so young - we've only had "mature" gentlemen. I agree, they may not be the best teppanyaki but they sure are good enough that I keep coming back every trip.

 

[POLY1985]

Maelstrom fastpass - too funny!
Kicking myself for not booking Teppan Edo. I just ran out of nights and I really did enjoy every place we ate at. Oh well, there's always next time.

 

[cindianne320]

Kind of random question- What is your favorite WS table service restaurant?

I really wanted to try Le Cellier, but now that it's 2 credits for lunch AND dinner, I'm rethinking it... Should we still go or try ______? It will be my family (DH, 2 kids) and my mom and sister! Our other choice would probably be Via Napoli... Or what about Garden Grill?

 

[JessicaFaye508]

*dramatic chord*
*cue me screaming in terror*

Whoa, that must've been pretty darn scary! Can't wait for the coverage of the Candlelight Processional.

P.S. Sent you a friend request a couple days ago. Will you accept it?

Thankfully it was over in 5 minutes! We survived.
It should be added.

We LOVE The Great Piggy Bank Adventure - unfortunately, when we did this last time we didn't make our goal for the bedroom makeover..... Boo! But it was a ton of fun and so cute. Have you tried Sum of all Thrills at the other Innoventions pavillion? Building your own roller coaster is so much fun.

Your "teppan chef" at Teppan Edo was so young - we've only had "mature" gentlemen. I agree, they may not be the best teppanyaki but they sure are good enough that I keep coming back every trip.

It is lots of fun! Sorry you didn't complete the goal last time I have tried Sum of all Thrills - I just went on it with Kristen in May!

It was lots of fun going there! I enjoyed it!

Maelstrom fastpass - too funny!
Kicking myself for not booking Teppan Edo. I just ran out of nights and I really did enjoy every place we ate at. Oh well, there's always next time.

Haha I had to do it!
That's okay! You'll just have to go back soon!

Kind of random question- What is your favorite WS table service restaurant?

I really wanted to try Le Cellier, but now that it's 2 credits for lunch AND dinner, I'm rethinking it... Should we still go or try ______? It will be my family (DH, 2 kids) and my mom and sister! Our other choice would probably be Via Napoli... Or what about Garden Grill?

I absolutely LOVE Via Napoli. That's my #1 top favorite tied with Le Cellier.
Garden Grill is FANTASTIC if you want a fun meal with great character interaction! That could be fun for your group! Those three are my favorites in Epcot ​

 

[heathsf]

I just finished the first part of the TR and loved it! Your writing is so entertaining and I love all your pictures. Last year I went to WDW in Feb and then again in Aug and even though I was sad to leave in Feb, I was comforted by the fact that I was going back in 6 months. I can't imagine being able to go back in 12 days!!! You were sooo lucky And I can't wait to continue reading about your 2nd Dec trip. I'm going to continue right now!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I just finished the first part of the TR and loved it! Your writing is so entertaining and I love all your pictures. Last year I went to WDW in Feb and then again in Aug and even though I was sad to leave in Feb, I was comforted by the fact that I was going back in 6 months. I can't imagine being able to go back in 12 days!!! You were sooo lucky And I can't wait to continue reading about your 2nd Dec trip. I'm going to continue right now!

I'm so glad you enjoyed it Thank for for the compliments! I know, it's always nice to know that you're going back to WDW so soon! I hope you like the next part - it's really long but there is a ton of fun stuff going on

​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Chapter 78: Candlelight Processional & Holiday IllumiNations
December 27th, 2011

Once we finished eating, we went over to the American Adventure to find the Candlelight Processional Dining Package line. No one was in it yet so we went to the gift shop. Dad bought a blue Mickey Mouse sweatshirt and I traded for a Mexico pin.

Dad and Jonathan sat in the American Adventure while Mom and I wandered through the shops throughout the World Showcase.

I found this AWESOME shirt! It was in the American Adventure Pavilion in one of the outdoor carts! It's too funny! (except, Kristen and I both agree that Norway should have a picture of school bread. Like... why the heck is there a fish!?)

DUFFY'S MY FRIEND. HE'S A DISNEY BEAR.

We turned around once we got to Germany and headed back.

We decided to get in line and then… I saw it. Ohhh boy. I posted on twitter:
Omg this candlelight processional line has to LITERALLY be a mile long.

It was crazy! However, we lined up and I just sat on the ground and caught up in my trip journal. Thank GOD the rain subsided! That could have been a bad situation. I really thought it was going to pour but we got lucky!

Finally, they started loading us into the theatre. I decided that I wanted to be up near the front. There were actually seats in the very first row all the way to the left side. We were right in front of the percussion section and the violinists. It was sort of an obstructed view, but it was fine. I think that next time I would rather be a little higher up if I could be in the center.

Christmas Tip #38: Try to get a little higher up and in the center when you are getting seated for Candlelight Processional. You don't get to pre-choose your seats, but try to make your way there when you load into the theatre.

Blair Underwood was our narrator. He had such a soothing and relaxing voice. He was an AMAZING narrator. I’m really glad that we had him. I’m not familiar with his work, but I’m sure he’s great at what he does! He really did a spectacular job.

The Candlelight Processional told “the greatest story ever told” about Jesus’ birth.

Songs like “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” “Joy to the World,” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” were played throughout the show. Those songs really capture the true meaning of Christmas. As cliché as that sounds… I mean every word.

The Voices of Liberty sang during the show, too. I just about DIED. Ahhh they are extraordinary.

The conductor was PHENOMENAL. He was SO into it. You could literally feel the music running through his soul when you watched him. He was so entertaining! He really made the show that much better for me.

I posted on twitter:
This candlelight processional conductor is fantastic. #soamusing #sointoit

During the show, one of the girls in the chorus had to be taken off stage because she was crying. Maybe she was sick or something, I don’t know. I felt bad!

They ended the processional with the Hallelujah Chorus and the audience gave them a well-deserved standing ovation!

I posted on twitter:
Wow. Candlelight processional was just breathtaking. Absolutely beautiful.

Christmas Tip #39: Do NOT miss the Candlelight Processional! It is heartwarming and beautifully put together. It really captures the true meaning of Christmas!

Christmas Tip #40: As far as the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, I recommend it if you are going during Christmas week. (December 24th – December 31st) However, if you are going at the beginning of December, I would just skip the package. It’s overpriced for when the early December crowds are so low. Just make sure you line up about an hour ahead of time and you should be all set!

Overall, the Candlelight Processional was an absolutely beautiful show and I really enjoyed it! It was spectacularly put together! If you're going during the Christmas season, you're NOT going to want to miss it! It'll get you all choked up and teary eyed because it really touches your heart. I was so impressed.

To finish up the Candlelight Processional, they invite you to stay for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth! My Dad and Jonathan were too tired (that's a shocker!) so they went back to the room. However, Mom and I stayed! Obviously I wasn't going to miss out on my favorite show with an EXTENDED HOLIDAY ENDING. It was so happening.

I posted on twitter:
Took a little detour in chefs de France to use the bathroom.. And check out the French waiters (; and now it's time for illuminations!!

All of the people who had the dining package got special seating in the showcase plaza, but that was on the polar opposite side of the World Showcase from the America Gardens theatre. I really did not feel like walking all the way there.

So Mom and I stopped on the bridge in between France and the United Kingdom. WE SCORED OURSELVES A PRIME VIEWING LOCATION. Some guy was apparently standing there for half an hour, then he left and never came back. We were there at the right time and snatched up his spot.

It was probably one of the best views I ever had of this show! I could see EVERYTHING! I was right up against the railing and I was facing the performance directly! It was pretty miraculous that we got seats like that so close to showtime.

Christmas Tip #41: One of my favorite viewing locations for IllumiNations is on the bridge in between France and the United Kingdom. You get the COMPLETE view!

Ahh the things you hear from the frumpy people. I posted on twitter:
"it's not a fireworks show!!" LOL umm yes sir, it is. #illuminations

I'll prove it. Here are my IllumiNations pictures of the night. I hope you enjoy them!

IllumiNations is unbelievable and that holiday ending is just too beautiful for words. I was completely in awe.

I posted on twitter:
Illuminations just brings forth a ridiculous amount of emotions. I can't even take it. WE GO ONNNNN <3

This old lady standing near us befriended my Mom. During the show she was like "WHAT IS THAT LIGHT!?" when the whole lagoon lit up. Hahaha she reminded my Mom of her grandmother. How precious.

I could not resist the urge to sing "We Go On" at the end of the show. EVER ONNNN... ANOTHER THOUSAND CIRCLES ROUND THE SUN....

Once it ended, we snuck out through the International Gateway. We caught a Magic Kingdom bus at the Beach Club. Then we walked back to Bay Lake from there. It was really cold out that night, sadly.

I was crashing at this point. I was SO tired. So I went to bed immediately when we got back to the room.

I posted on twitter:
And this is the point in which I begin to crash. Sleeping in tomorrow. Till like 9:30. Good night.

And my last thoughts before I fell asleep:
AWW SHOOT I FORGOT TO USE MY MAELSTROM FASTPASSES!!

What a frump.

Overview of December 27th, 2011:

Highs:
- Catching Fish
- Teppan Edo
- Candlelight Processional
- Getting such a good spot for IllumiNations

Lows:
- Jonathan being crabby
- It was really cold at night
- My exhaustion was hitting me

Weather:
Low 70's/High 60's early in the morning and afternoon.
Rain in the afternoon.
Low 60's/High 50's at night.

Food of the Day:
Asakusa from Teppan Edo in Epcot

Continued in Next Post​

 

[petals]

Wow love your illuminations pics! That holiday ending was amazing! The fireworks just kept going like non-stop! I'm pretty sure my jaw-dropped when we saw it!

 

[Epaima]

You took some really lovely pictures of Illuminations!

Also, I LOVE the Candlelight Processional. I was lucky enough to be able to do it my freshman year of high school. This sounds awful, but one of my favorite things to do during it is watching the people who have to be taken off stage. When I did it, we had to perform twice, which meant standing for 40 minutes straight in a robe under the hot lights after touring the park that morning. Most likely the girl you saw being taken backstage had almost passed out. My mom was a chaperone for the trip and helped out the people from my high school who were taken backstage. Because of this, she got to meet the celebrity narrator Rita Moreno! So it was even super special for her!

I digress! I am loving your TR and looking forward to reading more!

 

[katt789]

What a great update! You certainly did manage to do everything holiday themed while you were down there. Makes me sad that all Sylvia and I got to was MVMCP, mind you, we were only there for 3.5 days, and that included an audition haha.

 

[OrangeCat04]

I usually just lurk but wanted to post to say how great your TR is! It is a really fun one to read and you have a great writing style! Keep up the good work!

The Holiday Illuminations looks so cool, do you know when they start it? We will be there until nov 16th this year, I wonder if we might get lucky and get to see it?

 

[emmysmommy]

Your photos of Illuminations are stunning! You have the best fireworks pictures. Do you use a manual setting on your DSLR? I have a Nikon 3100 but I have no clue how to do anything but keep it on the auto setting. I know, what a waste!

Glad to hear that the Candlelight Processional was worthy of all the acclaim! (I love Christmas carols since they say it all in their message of the reason for the holiday.)

Ahhhh a morning to sleep in - on vacation!

 

[Disneydude97]

I just read your latest post, and I must say, I am DEFINITELY going to do the Candlelight Processional on my December trip. The show looks AMAZING and I agree with you that the performers did deserve that standing ovation.