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

[veggiemama]

it's been more than a minute..... lol

Never been to La Hacienda. Looks like a great place though with some great food. Yum!

Can't wait to see what CP was like.....

 

[podsnel]

So....this concert was so moving! The choir, the soloists, the readings, the orchestra, the TRUMPETS!! How incredibly beautiful!

Click to play-


I was a mess half the time (very joyful, just kinda tear-y), the other half of the time I was texting my musical/spiritual friends, Evie & MEK telling them I wished they were there, they would LOVE it!!









Others on here have taken MUCH better pics than these, I just had my P&S, I hope you get the chance to either see it for yourself, or see some other TR's much better photos!




Sorry everybody-6 hours later, still can't finish the update due to Photobucket issues....GRRRRR......stop holding my pics hostage PB!! Hopefully I will be back to finish tomorrow-

 

[dvc4life]

I am so glad that you liked La Hacienda!!!!! I think that is my most favorite place to eat at EPCOT! It is so good. Me and Bobby always share the dinner that has the scallops, shrimp and fish. It is so, so good! And I think I usually get the blueberry/basil margarita there. Yummo! But I may have to change next time we go and get those shrimp tacos. Those looked delicious.

And your pictures of the Candlelight Processional are so much better than mine. It was definitely a highlight of our trip.

 

[podsnel]

Cross your fingers, I am going to try again before I have to leave in 20 minutes-

They began to sing the Hallelujah Chorus (which is part of Handel's Messiah) and everyone stood, lots of people sang along (including me, I am a 1st soprano, those are some mighty HIGH notes there, Mr. Handel!) and I teared up even further. But in a good way. Mostly.

click to play-


This music is ALWAYS moving to me- but this year, even when I sang it in our concert, I cried a little. You see, my Sister in law, Mariana- you might remember her if you have been reading my TRs a loooooong time- she lives in Ohio with Pods' little brother and their 3 younger sons, they have been to HHI with us 2x, and we always LOVE to be with them....well, Mariana has brain cancer. She has been battling so courageously, and with such great faith and grace through every bit of it, since August 2012 when it was first discovered. But this November, things seemed to be turning for the worse, she bounced back a bit, but now is in a steady decline, and was moved to a nursing facility with hospice care just last night. I know. It is so sad, we love her so much, and we hate this more than you can imagine, for all of them. Anyway, singing this music this year was even more special to me, because of her- I just keep picturing Mariana when I sing, especially during the Hallelujah chorus. Please remember them in your prayers, if you can. So...





Really loved the music (just in case I wasn't clear on that- lol). Pods did too, and he was "only going because I wanted to." Seriously one of my top favorite Disney experiences ever.

Afterwards, we decided to visit France...



And share a seat to fly the friendly skies.....



Visit Canada (can't wait for August- I LOVE Canada!)





And go watch Illuminations (which was so touching with its Christmas message). Some CMs in Canada were putting on their own show-





LOL!!! I LOVE Canada!











Afterwards, it was back to BCV...but first, a pit stop at the Crew's cup over in the Yacht Club-







Had to go, because they make this drink- although it is not on the menu anymore, it is called a Gran Marnier Splash (I think?) and it's sooooooo delicious!



It was made by the MOST entertaining bartender- his name is Bill, he has been there for years- and he has a great story to tell about how he (a teacher from Ohio) became a very happy (and un-snowed upon anymore) bartender for WDW. Go visit! You'll love him!



Ok- have to run, taking a dear friend out for a special birthday lunch!

 

[veggiemama]

so sorry about your sister in law Mariana - it is so hard to go through that. Definitely in my prayers - you and your whole family. My sister in law passed away 3 years ago to a very rare form of cancer, it was a very sudden diagnosis and she passed away very quickly (4 months after diagnosis) We learned a lot about resting in the Lord and living every moment with grace and love.

The Hallelujah chorus is one of my favs too! I bawled like a baby during that one when we were there. And I'm a 1st soprano too Not sure if I could still hit the highest notes anymore - I don't sing as much as I used to.

Love that the Canadian CM's were doing their own thing. That is truly who were are - all slightly crazy but having fun! Though I have to say the whole plaid shirt thing.... I know it is kind of Canadian from the Hudson Bay company but they really could come up with some better costuming for Canada of today.

 

[KristiMc]

Sorry to hear that your sister-in-law is declining. Glad that you were able to visit her last month. Thoughts and prayers sent to her and your whole family.

Thanks for sharing some video. I love music and always get goosebumps when I hear something beautiful like that.

Those tacos look delicious!

 

[Linda67]

Sorry to hear about your sister in law
I can totally understand how the CP could make you feel so emotional
Your photos are great

 

[podsnel]

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

SOON!! Almost there!

BTW, looks like you have a beautiful home!

Thank you very much!

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.

I agree! Very sweet!

And the British Invasion is always a fun time.

Yes, so much awesome music, and all done extremely well-

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

Sure did! Looking forward to returning!

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!

They sounded like trumpets from heaven. Yes, they were incredible.

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!

I would have loved to have seen the GF too- and I actually thought about going there the first night, after MK, but at some point I need to sleep, LOL!

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.

I always feel so bad when people get sick on boats or rides. I am very lucky that way, I guess.

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.

Well, now you know- LOVED IT! And so funny your son fell asleep! that's what tyler would have done!

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.

Hola chica! I am sure you DO know exactly what I mean- I have met you, and you are DEFINITELY the skipping through Disney lobbies type!

 

[jenseib]

Do you love Canada?

What a wonderful day. You looked to enjoy yourselves so much. I am loving the food pictures. I just read a TR post on Passporters today and they had a lot of the same food and it looked so good!!!

 

[Mysteria]

I can see why the CP was so moving for you. SO sorry about Mariana.

Canada/Canadians really are just freakin' awesome right?!

Jealous of Bill the bartender. I want to get away from this snow!

 

[jedijill]

So sorry to hear about your SIL.

I haven't been to CP in years but I remember it was amazing. I love holiday Illuminations too.

Jill in CO

 

[rndmr2]

So Sorry to hear about your SIL, prayers being sent.

I really want to do the CP one of these days. I went at Christmas a few times and for some reason never knew about it until maybe 3-4 years ago, I had thought it might be new but looked it up and it has been around for years.

Dinner at La Hacienda looked great! We plan to try one of the Mexico restaurants on our next trip.

 

[franandaj]

I'm so sorry to hear about your SIL.

The meal at Hacienda looked amazing, we enjoyed our tequila lunch there during F&W and I'm looking forward to having a meal there sometime. We love Mexican food and I enjoy something besides the regular old taco joint.

The CP sounds amazing, we've seen it at DL, but never been to WDW at Christmastime so never had the chance.

 

[dvc4life]

Sorry to hear about your SIL Ellen. Prayers to her and your entire family.

Loved the fireworks at EPCOT this year. Especially the Holiday version. Very good. And your photo of the fountain in France is beautiful. EPCOT is just the coolest park.

And we love Crew's Cup Lounge. We visited a couple of times and the special drink they were serving, Santa's Little Helper, was wonderful! I may of had 2 or 3 while we were there. Yummmmm.

 

[stinksmom]

So sorry to hear about your sister-in-law! Will say some prayers for her!

We love Hacienda too. We usually split the meal that Pods and your son (forgot which one ) split. DH loves meat - me not so much but I do love the corn on that platter! And we went to the CP on our trip in 2012. I absolutely loved it! It is on the list for our trip in early December this year. My best friend's family is joining us in December and I know she will love it too

And now I know why I don't let DH read trip reports - he is a teacher too and we are soooo ready to leave Iowa. He would be thrilled to be a bartender down there. He has done a little for a friend who owns a bar/restaurant and he loves to just meet new people and talk! But we need to wait until DD is off to college because she would never leave her friends here....

Can't wait to read more!

 

[JKSWonder]

I'm so sorry about your SIL.

The Candelight Processional does look lovely. I know its something I would enjoy, though I'm not sure the kids would sit still for it. I'm not even sure Mike would sit still for it...he's almost as bad as they are!

I wanted to try La Hacienda, but some of the menu items looked like they might be way too "authentic" Mexican food for my family. These guys are used to the fajitas and tacos you get at Chili's and Moe's!

 

[podsnel]

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

Fine by me! I invited you, remember!

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 !!

Awesome! Did you write about this? I mean, other than here? I feel like I have read all this somewhere- SO HAPPY one of your favorite memories was riding bikes! Can't WAIT to tell Tim! Grouse mountain looks incredible- don't know if we'll have time to go this time, though. And the Tea House also looks so nice- I do know we will be having dinner here- at Chewie's. http://chewies.ca/

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 was talking really fast, I hope they caught what I was saying!

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!

Well, there used to be a band that ONLY did the Beatles- then a few yeras ago they ended and this one started with more of a variety of British Rock. They do a little Beatles, too, though.

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.

It looks like a gorgeous city, I have really only heard and read good things. I think I will be very sad we have such limited time there.I would LOVE to see those gardens- they are supposed to be glorious- but I think my boys would all be over it in 10 minutes, unfortunately. Maybe I'll go back someday....

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.

VERY jealous! I can't wait to see the Magic! Which itinerary?

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.

Is that the one Brook was just at? Looks gorgeous! Are you going to check out SeaWorld or anything?

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

Me TOO!

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

Hi Katie! Can't WAIT til our trip next month!!

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

Yes, it is a common theme among teens....not sure i wanted to get up then either!

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

Can't wait to read more!

I really need to update my ticker- I LOVE that you have one for our trip!

 

[podsnel]

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

LOL- yea, when they asked if I had any advice for them, i was like

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!

I forgot about the refurb! It does need it, I hope it turns out as well as the BWV's did.

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

Hi Jodie! Those are both so nice- we have points at each, and they are my favorite resorts. BCV is so convenient, and AKV is just so impressive and a world away....

No one knows exactly what the refurb will be yet, but as of now they have different carpet samples around (not that I noticed them- this was a VERY rushed stay). It is starting later this year, I think.

 

[podsnel]

it's been more than a minute..... lol

Photobucket was a NIGHTMARE yesterday!

Never been to La Hacienda. Looks like a great place though with some great food. Yum!

Can't wait to see what CP was like.....

La Hacienda was fantastic- we had made and cancelled ADRs there several times- I made a final and executive decision THIS was IT for this trip! Of course, I did consider changing it about 12 times.....

I am so glad that you liked La Hacienda!!!!! I think that is my most favorite place to eat at EPCOT! It is so good. Me and Bobby always share the dinner that has the scallops, shrimp and fish. It is so, so good! And I think I usually get the blueberry/basil margarita there. Yummo! But I may have to change next time we go and get those shrimp tacos. Those looked delicious.

I wanted to try both of those big plates, I know the fish one gets raves, but I was just in the mood for the tacos. Pods would normally have chosen the fish, but because he was splitting with Tim, who is a little picky, he went with meat. I only drank water or diet coke with dinner that night- we needed a BREAK lol!

And your pictures of the Candlelight Processional are so much better than mine. It was definitely a highlight of our trip.

Thanks! I hope I am lucky enough to enjoy it again one day....hopefully with the two women I was texting during it!

so sorry about your sister in law Mariana - it is so hard to go through that. Definitely in my prayers - you and your whole family. My sister in law passed away 3 years ago to a very rare form of cancer, it was a very sudden diagnosis and she passed away very quickly (4 months after diagnosis) We learned a lot about resting in the Lord and living every moment with grace and love.

Thanks and so sorry for your loss. 4 months must have been horrible. How is her family now?

The Hallelujah chorus is one of my favs too! I bawled like a baby during that one when we were there. And I'm a 1st soprano too Not sure if I could still hit the highest notes anymore - I don't sing as much as I used to.

So it's not just me! Thank YOU!! I am 51, and I can still hit the notes- it is SHOCKING to me. You never know what you might still be able to do.....

Love that the Canadian CM's were doing their own thing. That is truly who were are - all slightly crazy but having fun! Though I have to say the whole plaid shirt thing.... I know it is kind of Canadian from the Hudson Bay company but they really could come up with some better costuming for Canada of today.

You mean that's not what you are wearing right NOW????

 

[podsnel]

Sorry to hear that your sister-in-law is declining. Glad that you were able to visit her last month. Thoughts and prayers sent to her and your whole family.

Thanks Kristi- and yes, it was very good we went when we did- she was just starting to decline then, but still able to do things- we had such a lovely time together, and alot of fun one night going to see her Dad sing Karaoke!

Well, I was going to post a photo, but I can't even get ON PB at ALL (I know, I am really surprised too).

Thanks for sharing some video. I love music and always get goosebumps when I hear something beautiful like that.

That whole concert is goosbumps- if you liked this little bit, you would really love it!

Those tacos look delicious!

And they were....

Sorry to hear about your sister in law
I can totally understand how the CP could make you feel so emotional
Your photos are great

Thank you, Linda.

Do you love Canada?

Whatever gave you that idea? We met at least 30 Canadians in Mexico last month and had the BEST time with all of them-add that to the fabulous Canadians we met on the cruise and the ones I already know and adore, and yea- I LOVE CANADA!

What a wonderful day. You looked to enjoy yourselves so much. I am loving the food pictures. I just read a TR post on Passporters today and they had a lot of the same food and it looked so good!!!

Can't WAIT to see all the new additions at F&G this year- less than a month away!

I can see why the CP was so moving for you. SO sorry about Mariana.

Thanks Sally.

Canada/Canadians really are just freakin' awesome right?!

ABSOLUTELY!!!

Jealous of Bill the bartender. I want to get away from this snow!

He was a guy with a great attitude- very nice, very entertaining, made my drink that was no longer on the menu. Planning on paying him a visit or 2 in a few weeks when we are staying at YC.