I'll Be Good Next Year- Fantasy Eastern NYE 13/14 Updates 6/17

[Beth D]

Great update! Looks like you're doing your own version of eat/drink around the world showcase! Next time I'm in Epcot, I'm going to review all your TR's for a refresher!

Yes, 10 days cancelled/closed since January 6th. (Our school had off the 2-3, or it would have been 12). The schools here will still have to make up some time. There are 2 bills in the Ohio house/senate that would add 4 more calamity days, to up the total to 9 this year, so they would only end up making one up. Most of the schools around here are developing "blizzard bags" that get sent home, with instructions for online learning. They can make up 3 days this way, but our district didn't have it in place for this year.

Single digit dance!

 

[podsnel]

I know and here it comes again on Thrusday! I need to pick your brain about Disneyland!

Hi Myst! Nice chatting with you last night- looking forward to lunch on the 5th! We had 16 inches by this morning- it looks absolutely gorgeous, tho.

I'm in Philly on business this week preparing for the Snowcopolypse!

Jill in CO

We ended up with 16 inches after round 2 or 3 yesterday- crazy stuff! I am wondering how long it will take for all this snow to melt- baseball might miss a couple of months!

Hi Ellen! Told you I would be right over! I can't wait to read what you have so far but I just had to comment - WE were at the BWV on the MAIN floor right off the elevator in a studio!! After all our messages to try and meet for a margarita and you were practically next door. One of these days we will meet in person

Hi Melanie! You were not kidding! You came RIGHT over! And that really stinks that I probably walked past your room 10 times- we were sooooo close!

I'm going to subscribe and come back later to read some more!

Sounds good- thanks!

Oops a little late - but I'm here! Can't wait to read all about it!

YAY! So happy to see you, Tammie!

You are really an uber updater on this one! I love that you went to MK solo - fun to just be able to do what you want and just take it all in. Nice start to your second day. Good thing you had some FP+ going on with that crowd.

All of the food around the world looks really good - kind of like an extended F&W - do they have it through the Holidays now?

Yes- they have booths set up with all kinds of special treats for the holidays. Very smart- and lots of fun!

I can't wait for the bra story! How did we miss that??? The next time you cruise with men who wear bras, I hope we're on that one with you!!

Jodie

It was at Quest- you ALWAYS should go to Quest- it is really hilarious every time. And Steve is a trooper! He was also wearing Kristi's shoes- good thing she was wearing flat sandals, lol-

And I hope you are on the next cruise too!

 

[podsnel]

subbing in. Looking forward to reading your TR. We just got home from our first ever cruise and with teenagers too - curious to see how your cruise went.
We loved ours!

Hi there! Thanks for joining in! I am glad you had fun on your first cruise- it is the BEST for everyone, isn't it? It remains my kids' favorite vacation- and we take some really nice vacations, so, to me, that speaks VOLUMES.

I come in Friday night and staying at POFQ for that 1 night. The next day we are hitting Epcot and moving to offsite at my parents timeshare. I am not liking being offsite, but it does keep the cost down at least!!!!

Happy Birthday Jen!!!!!!

Lonnie and I will be staying right next door to you at OKW that night- who are you bringing with you this time? Where offsite?

Great update! Looks like you're doing your own version of eat/drink around the world showcase! Next time I'm in Epcot, I'm going to review all your TR's for a refresher!

It was like that- we like to try things, so really enjoy all the extra and new options over there in Epcot.

Yes, 10 days cancelled/closed since January 6th. (Our school had off the 2-3, or it would have been 12). The schools here will still have to make up some time. There are 2 bills in the Ohio house/senate that would add 4 more calamity days, to up the total to 9 this year, so they would only end up making one up. Most of the schools around here are developing "blizzard bags" that get sent home, with instructions for online learning. They can make up 3 days this way, but our district didn't have it in place for this year.

Single digit dance!

We are about half that, I think- we did not close when we had that polar vortex debacle. But we did not get as cold as you guys did. Right now we are at 2 days coming off Spring Break, i think- but I wasn't going away with the kids this year anyway- High School baseball makes sure of that. Very interesting about the online learning- they are just about to do a segment on that on the news-

 

[podsnel]

Since Pods and I still had a couple of hours to kill before meeting up with the boys, we decided to go have a beer at R&C. I think I tried a Bumblebee, which is half Guiness and Half Boddingtons. Definitely enjoyed it! Not sure what Pods went with, maybe a Smithwicks? Anyway, this was mine-





There was an adorable young couple standing next to us at the bar, and we really enjoyed chatting with them (I know- you are shocked, lol). When I wrote my last update, I think I mentioned they were Canadian- but I realize they were not from Canada, they were actually from Seattle. I DID however meet a TON of friends in the past couple of months who were from canada, so I guess I am now just assuming that is where everyone who is new to me comes from? Anyway, they were so sweet, had only just arrived that day, and had never been to Orlando before- they wanted to know if I had any advice for them.





Afterwards, it was time for the British Invasion to perform so we REALLY enjoyed that (especially the part where they finished by playing THE WHO- my favorite band). REALLY enjoyed the music, this was my first time for them, it won't be the last. They were VERY popular- people were up and dancing all over the place.



Next we stopped in to watch the Canada movie- Martin Short is so funny! I really wanted to go, mostly because we will be staying in Vancouver before the cruise and I wanted to drool over the gorgeousness of that city which is in the movie. LOVE the movie in Canada, Eh?!

Next up was a new Christmas addition, "Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season".



It was so good- so much talent on that stage. Unfortunately, they had to cut it VERY short due to impending bad weather (that never came). Soon it was time to meet the boys-



Before you know it, we were flying to Mars-



LMAO- I love taking pictures on this ride. the motion doesn't bother me, and we always have fun acting INCREDIBLY stupid when we fly to other planets as a family.





Well, at least I seem to have fun acting incredibly stupid when we fly to other planets as a family.

In case you were wondering, the stand by time at TT was at



YIKES!! Even single rider was posted at 30 mins. It was 4:00.

We thought now would be a good time to check in at BCV, since we had gotten a text our room was ready.





I went up to the front desk, and they told us to go over to BCV to check in. No idea if this is permanent, or just because it was busy for Christmas.



YAY! It's Christmas in the villas!



Up to our villa, Timmy assumed the position-



This is the first thing Timmy does 95% of the time we check in ANYWHERE.

No idea what tyler was so happy about here-



We got our luggage delivered by Bell services, cleaned up a bit, and headed back out- for our dinner at La Hacienda, followed by something I have waited a looooong time to see...The Candlelight Processional. Next time!

 

[KristiMc]

Looks like a fun time on your way to Mars! Looking forward to reading about the Candlelight Processional. This is on my Disney to-do list (so many things are on my to-do list!)

 

[Linda67]

Love the photos from Mission To Mars !!!!
Are you cruising to Alaska from Vancouver then? Have I already asked you this and totally forgot because I am getting old?
We did the DCL Alaska Cruise from Vancouver last June and it was AMAZING!!
Loved Vancouver as well, such a great city

 

[MEK]

They do look like a super cute couple.

I am going to have to try a Bumblebee because I LOVE Boddingtons!!!! I have never been served at the bar. I really need to belly up one of these days.

I've heard that gospel group is really excellent.

I love the movie in Canada. It's one of my favs.

Fun pictures on mission space!

Great update!

 

[podsnel]

Looks like a fun time on your way to Mars! Looking forward to reading about the Candlelight Processional. This is on my Disney to-do list (so many things are on my to-do list!)

So many things are on MY to-do list, too, lol! Hopefully we can DO some of these to-dos together!

Love the photos from Mission To Mars !!!!
Are you cruising to Alaska from Vancouver then? Have I already asked you this and totally forgot because I am getting old?
We did the DCL Alaska Cruise from Vancouver last June and it was AMAZING!!
Loved Vancouver as well, such a great city

YES!! Tell me all about it! When we were in Mexico I met a TON of Canadians- most of whom were from Vancouver- or Vancouverish, as one of them said. I am in LOVE with all of them- we had so much fun! Two were a married couple that own restaurants up there called Chewies- it looks soooooo good- I can't wait to see them and hang out up there with them! We are only flying in the day before- but because of the time difference, we land at 10 am, so that is good at least! I want to...I know what you're going to say....ride bikes around the park all day.



What- no good?

I was able to snag the Pan Pacific on Hotwire for $200, so were alot of people on our cruise- so VERY excited for that!! How long were you there? What did you do? Tell me EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!

They do look like a super cute couple.

SO SWEET! And also intelligent- very nice to spend an hour with.

I am going to have to try a Bumblebee because I LOVE Boddingtons!!!! I have never been served at the bar. I really need to belly up one of these days.

Then you will love it- it was YUM! You should go hang at the bar with Rosie- that is who I was with the first time I went there!

I've heard that gospel group is really excellent.

They were extremely talented- you would LOVE it! I was disappointed when they were cut short, tho. Must have been thunder in the area.

I love the movie in Canada. It's one of my favs.

Definitely!

Fun pictures on mission space!

Clearly, I am missing a few chips...

Great update!

Thanks!

 

[Cheryl726]

Enjoying your TR, looking forward to reading more, especially of the cruise! It was a good read while being snowed in!

BTW, looks like you have a beautiful home!

 

[dvc4life]

Great update Ellen. And your bar maid at R&C was our waitress on Christmas Day. She was a real sweet girl. My girls enjoyed visiting with her.

And the British Invasion is always a fun time.

I hope you enjoyed La Hacienda. It is one of my favorite places to eat at EPCOT. There is so much food. Yummmmm.

And I can't wait to see your candlelight processional pictures. Mine didn't turn out the best. And weren't the trumpeters awesome. Well, all of it was but they just blew me away!

 

[veggiemama]

Love the gingerbread Carrousel. We were in WDW at Christmas time in 2011 and a big highlight for me was seeing all the gingerbread decorations. Just love what they create!

We did Mars, but only once. We (meaning mostly me!) were very ill after that ride, and we did the 'easy' version! LOL Love you pictures though - looks like you guys had a lot of fun.

CP was awesome when we were there - even though my son fell asleep during it! Can't wait to hear what you thought of it.

 

[rentayenta]

Better late than never, eh? Great report. I know what you mean about being so happy, you skip through the lobby. Thats the perfect way to describe the joy of knowing you're just starting a wonderful Disney filled vacation.

 

[Linda67]

Right, I am now hijaking your TR with a mini Vancouver TR

We spent 3 days before the cruise and 3 days after the cruise in Vancouver so managed to pack a lot in

We visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain, took a sea plane over to Victoria for the day, and headed to Whistler one day as well. Just before the cruise we visited Fly Over Canada at Canada Place (think Soarin')

The city itself is great and very easy to navigate. Lots of great restaurants and coffee shops and lots of shopping opportunites, Granville Island has a wonderful market

But honestly, one of my fondest memories of our time there ……… renting bikes and cycling around Stanley Park …… DO IT!!!!!

We had brunch at the Teahouse Restaurant in the Park and visited the aquarium. There is a designated cycle path and the views are beautiful

Phew… I haven't even mentioned Alaska and all the fun to be had there !!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

How fun you met a couple from Canada-Seattle! They asked the right person for advice - it would be hard to choose what to say first

I didn't realize BI did the WHO too. I have only seen the Beatles, which I loved. I noticed all the front row peeps were Sr Citizens!

Vancouver is so beautiful! We rented a car and went to Butchart Gardens, which was a bust because it was Spring and they had a late Winter up there, (It was still beautiful, just short on flowers) and the Dunsmuir castle, which I loved because it was historical, but I'm not sure your boys would be so into it.

 

[jenseib]

Happy Birthday Jen!!!!!!

Lonnie and I will be staying right next door to you at OKW that night- who are you bringing with you this time? Where offsite?

Thanks!!!

My parents and Claire are coming with me. Skip will be flying down later in the week and then we'll go on the Magic.

We are staying at the Marriott Grand Vista! My parents have a time share there and have stayed several times, but it will be a first for Claire and I. It does look nice.

Great Epcot day! I just love all the holiday decor. I really need to get back near the holidays again!!!!

 

[DWGal210]

Hey roomie! Sounds like a great trip so far!!

I have traveled with my 18 year old brother, and I have the same "early mornings" battle. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't.

What AWESOME food and drinks you got at Epcot! Sweet!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[Beth D]

Nice update. I think that couple found the perfect person to ask for DIS advice!

 

[franandaj]

Love all the Epcot treats and you crack me up with funny pictures! The BCV is such a great place to stay. I can't wait to see it after the refurb!

 

[pillow]

Love all the Epcot treats and you crack me up with funny pictures! The BCV is such a great place to stay. I can't wait to see it after the refurb!

Refurb??? Huh? We don't visit WDW very often anymore. Didn't know DCV was being redone. We are trying to decide between AKV and BCV for our Thanksgiving trip this year. This may sway me. Tell me more.

Jodie

 

[podsnel]

Tonight we had booked the Candlelight Processional Dining Package at La Hacienda. Well, kind of. While Pods was willing to go to the Candlelight Processional with me, the boys? Well....they would go if they had to. Timmy had sung in our church's Community Choir with me in early December (Handel's Messiah- our second time!) and Tyler had sat through that (his second time!) so, I figured I would let them off for good behavior. I was able to book two of us Candlelight, and two of us regular ADRs at the same time, then ask them to seat us together when we arrived at the restaurant.



There was not much of a wait before we were seated. This was our first time dining at La Hacienda (except for some appetizers and Ritas I had several years ago with my DISmom friends) and I was REALLY looking forward to it! We shared Taquiza - Taco trio featuring rib eye taco with chipotle salsa, roasted chicken taco with salsa verde and Chilorio(marinated pork) taco. - $10.75



We also had Camarones a la Parrilla. Grilled shrimp served over caramelized pineapple and chile de arbol sauce 12.50



And of course, lots of chips, salsa and guac. For dinner, Tyler and I ordered more tacos, Tacos de Camarones - Fried Shrimp, chipotle lime aioli, cabbage, lime and salsa verde, all served over flour tortilla - $22.95





They were soooooooooo delicious! Pods and Tim shared Parrillada (serves 2 people)
- "La Hacienda" Mixed grill offering flank steak, chicken al pastor, chorizo and vegetables, served with beans and fresh salsa. - $49.95





Every one of us was thrilled with our dinners-and that corn on the big platter? I had read it was soo good, and ya know, that is really true! That corn is amazing! Really, the only disappointing thing I have to say about any of it was that we didn't get to sample that delicious sounding Tilapia they have on the menu- guess we need to go back, huh?!





I know we had dessert, but I guess the boys gobbled it up too quickly for me to take a photo! Seriously, I do not know why I ever waited to come here for dinner- we all enjoyed La Hacienda, and can't wait to go back!

After dinner, we went our separate ways again, the boys heading off with some paper TT passes we had gotten earlier in the day, while Pods and I went to the Ditch to play Santa (I always bring my bartender buddies in there chocolate bars when I visit- they are a very nice bunch in that Ditch!). I also had to try a

Coffee Mezcal Margarita

A unique blend of Mezcal and coffee flavors that make this item one of our most interesting Margaritas at La Cava....



Pods was going to try a little-





For the record, Pods always HATED tequila....HATED it...until we came here about 5 years ago. And he tried Anejo- aged tequila- nice and smooth. There was one bartender who wasn't working inside- so I asked, and found out he had been banished to the outside Rita stand during the holidays. WHAT???? Nobody puts Bulmaro in the corner!



He said we were lucky we were there that day, and the day before- the quiet days. He was predicting tomorrow to be much more crowded through New Years. so...yay us! Pods and I did a little meandering through the shops until it was time to head over to the Candlelight Processional- which tonight would be narrated by Blair Underwood. the line of people to get in to the theatre was HUGE!!!! Fortunately, our line for CP Dinner pkg peeps was a bit shorter, and allowed to enter first. I want to say alot of the non-dinner peeps got in, but really I have no idea if they all did, or if only some did, and I am sure it varies by day and by performance. Either way, I was happy to be guaranteed a seat without an hour+ queue for it. Soon the choir and soloists entered...

Back in a minute- time to pick up the boys....