A Not So Scary Very Merry Wine and Dine Dashing TR *updated 12/27

[NittanyKK]

Just found your TR and got caught up... What an eventful trip!! I'm so impressed by the run. It sounds fun in some ways and then I remember that I'm a horrible runner and would probably struggle to make it one mile.

I am also super jealous that you got to see the Osborne lights... So sad I'll never experience them. They look amazing!

Excited to read more!

 

[dancingtodisney]

Day 18: Who said anything about the castle being enchanted?
Part 1: The time has come, my little friends, to talk of other things

This morning we ventured out of Disney property and back to Universal Studios. This time we had our camera with us as we wanted to take it a bit slower and get lots of photos that we missed out on last time. As I've said before Universal with any 'loose article' including phones or cameras is a nightmare as you have to use lockers for so many rides and it just kills time!

We parked up and walked through City Walk and this time to IOA first. A tradition of ours has always been to ride The Hulk first so that's where we made a beeline for!
We decided to walk the long way around to the Harry Potter area via Jurassic Park World. We didn't want to get soaked so we gave the first water ride (ripsaw falls) a miss.​

More water rides! We gave this one a go but knew to sit at the back! Luckily we didn't really get wet​

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH​

I know I know... I missed my calling as a damsel in distress ​

First glimpse of Harry Potter area as we made our way around​

Hogwarts!!​

The not so dueling dragons ​

We rode the dragons and then went straight for the Hogwarts Express to Universal Studios​

The ride from IOA to Universal was different to the one we had taken the other way on the last visit so that's cool!
We spotted the night bus as we came out​

So we head over for our photograph and very unexpectedly get shouted at by the bus driver, we'd seen the group before us interact but we weren't really paying attention and thought it was just with the conductor guy! ​

He was really funny and was talking to us about Ireland and how they are really good at quidditch ​

The bus driver is definitely worth having a chat to I would recommend paying him a visit!
We explored diagon alley a bit more but I've since realised that we missed out on a lot of stuff... I had purposely not looked at anything online because I didn't want to spoil it but since then I've spotted lots of areas that we missed. ​

We took a trip into this little room (Gringotts money exchange) not really sure what it was, we just figured it was a quick walk through section ​

Turns out Mr Goblin here is interactive, he was answering questions and he was so life like! We stayed in for a while listening to him and I have to say it was really impressive... He was asked where Harry Potter was and informed us that he does not concern himself with the whereabouts of wizards, I think someone asked him about the weather too!​

 

[dancingtodisney]

Day 17: Who said anything about the castle being enchanted?

Part 2 - When I get home I shall write a book about this place

We left and made our way over to The Simpsons area next. We spotted tonnes of fish in the water along the way... this is a bit creepy to me for some reason

Straight onto the Simpsons ride..

And then of course to meet the famous family themselves

DUFF MAN

And of course into Moe's

I think this is sooooooooooooo cool, I really don't feel like Universal have sold this well?? I mean you hear so much about Harry Potter which I know brings in a lot of people but I mean everyone knows the Simpsons!!! You can go to Moe's and have a duff beer!! You can eat at Krusty Burger!!!

Which of course is exactly what we did

And LOOK! It's the iconic statue!!!

Anyway.... time for some rides

Transformers is Spiderman... They basically just changed the video...

ROLLER COASTER

The music element to this ride really makes it so much cooler

We decided to call it a day at Universal, we wanted to head to California Grill before the big event tonight... MICKEY'S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY!

Rachel almost got eaten on the way out... this guy was REALLY excited to get some attention

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[dancingtodisney]

Day 17: Who said anything about the castle being enchanted?

Part 3 - This has never happened before!

As of yet we had seen the festival of fantasy parade and myself and Rachel didn't want to miss it. Grumpy wasn't really bothered so we had him drop us off at MK. We were planning to meet at the Contemporary afterwards, we had been told by our waiter the last time we visited that we could come back at opening and be seated near the bar area without a reservation.
Here it comes​

Who better lead the way??!​

Cheers lady..​

Blocking my picture​

Take your time...​

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And the main event!!​

I was really impressed with the parade and I'm so glad we made the effort to get in to see it...

We walked from MK over to contemporary and made our way to the check in desk at California Grill. We thought that it was opening from 4pm but it was actually 5pm so we settled down to wait in one of the sofas. When a CM came by I confirmed that we would be able to head up without a reservation and she said that she would let us know when we could head up.

Our friend from earlier in the trip joined us there and Grumpy arrived fashionably late as usual.

We went up just before 5pm and got a table right at the window with an amazing view of the lagoon

We ordered drinks

Sushi

Meetballs

And some flatbread

Followed by desert

As we were eating and drinking the sun was setting which made for a beautiful view

We finished up and said our goodbyes to our friend... It was Christmas party time!!! ​

 

[dancingtodisney]

Day 17: Who said anything about the castle being enchanted?​

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Part 4 - That's not *my* Christmas! *My* Christmas is filled with laughter, and joy​

I love Christmas and I love Disney so a Disney Christmas party is something I was REALLY excited for! ​

Grumpy was really interested in riding the railroad but it wasn't open for the party..

The Magic Kingdom looked so pretty with Christmas decorations all around

It was CRAZY busy though, much busier than the Halloween Party... Look at the snow!!!

We decided to get our first helping of the free hot chocolate and cookies

The CM's were lovely and more than happy to pose for us!

We got straight in line for my favourite... GOOFY!!

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Can't I just stay here forever???

Next up we got to meet Minnie Mouse... she is so adorable in her christmas get up! ​

We went for a trip under the sea afterwards... I can't help but bob around and sing along on this ride

We wandered over to Gaston's Tavern which is pretty at night

I love the Beauty and the Beast store in this area...

Instead of the lanterns at MNSSHP they had giant candy canes!

FREE THINGS!!!

We definitely got more out of the free candy than the hot chocolate and cookies, Halloween wins that round!

It was time for the holiday fireworks so we found a spot over near tomorrowland terrace and sipped on our hot chocolate while we watched

 

[chelynnah]

I found this yesterday when I saw it in your signature on the DLP half thread. Hubby and I have just spent the whole evening reading it. This is his dream holiday, to do the two parties and the run, but timing hasn't worked out. But you've given us some fab info on restaurants etc for our next trip (the first we plan to stay onsite) in 2-3 years.

He was all crushed when he found the report just ended, then realised you'd only posted the last part yesterday. Keep posting, we want to hear the rest

And maybe we'll see you at DLP in Sept

 

[dancingtodisney]

I found this yesterday when I saw it in your signature on the DLP half thread. Hubby and I have just spent the whole evening reading it. This is his dream holiday, to do the two parties and the run, but timing hasn't worked out. But you've given us some fab info on restaurants etc for our next trip (the first we plan to stay onsite) in 2-3 years.

He was all crushed when he found the report just ended, then realised you'd only posted the last part yesterday. Keep posting, we want to hear the rest

And maybe we'll see you at DLP in Sept

Aw wow thanks for reading!!! I've been super delayed in posting the updates but I'm hoping to get done in the next day or two so I can start my new trip report! I was actually back in Orlando in January and completed the Dopey Challenge with my family. on this trip we booked via the disney UK site when the free dining promotion came out, we stayed at OKW for 10nights which we absolutely LOVED and it was a great deal for a delux hotel with food included so we could really enjoy all the restaurants we wanted to try, also the dining plan is great during food and wine as there are some really good snack credit options. If you have any questions feel free to ask!

Oh great, how long are you planning to stay in DLP? I have only been once and it was about 8 years ago so I'm really excited to go! I'm staying Wednesday - Sunday getting the direct eurostar from St Pancras

 

[dancingtodisney]

Just found your TR and got caught up... What an eventful trip!! I'm so impressed by the run. It sounds fun in some ways and then I remember that I'm a horrible runner and would probably struggle to make it one mile.

I am also super jealous that you got to see the Osborne lights... So sad I'll never experience them. They look amazing!

Excited to read more!

Thanks for stopping by!!! Oh well I was too a horrible runner... myself and my sister started out with a couch to 5k challenge and in the first workout we nearly DIED trying to complete those run splits of like 60secs

I really wish they didn't stop them... they are so beautiful! I actually got to see them one last time on my trip in January this year, right on the last weekend as well

 

[dancingtodisney]

All caught up on your updates- really enjoyed your take on the race! It seems like you guys still had a good time despite the weather. That's awesome that you got a private ride on TT!

The all important question: Did the food from the Ireland booth taste as good as the real deal?!

HEY EMILY!! Sorry for the late reply, I was actually on a plane to Orlando when you posted! Thanks for reading and I'm hoping to get this finished up today so I can start on my Dopey TR!

Ye the private ride on TT was so much FUN! The best part of that night was that beautiful golf cart lol

OK.... Ireland food question.... I would have to say YES it tasted just as good as food back home in fact maybe even better because my sister rarely eats fish and she had that fishermans pie twice!! I can't remember all of the options but I do remember thinking that it wasn't what I would expect to be typically Irish, shepards pie is really common but with meet not fish.

 

[dancingtodisney]

Wow this is the most intense trip report I've ever read! 2 weeks in Disney- what a dream!! I also never knew anything about the Disney races and you have intrigued me though I would never aspire to anything with the word marathon in it lol.

Also I am a teacher and with that schedule I don't know if Incould even do a race as I have to travel by plane or 20 hours by car. Boo.

I found about the Disney races for a TR also! I too thought NEVER about the crazy distances some people do but it really is an amazing experience and there are so many others on here who have come to the Disney race weekends and completed a 5k or 10k and then trained more and come back for bigger distances. If you do ever consider running it's a fantastic place to start because it really captures the fun side!

I think most weekends have a half on the Sunday and a smaller distance Saturday, Wine and Dine is different because the run is at night but I bet you could find something that would fit your schedule if you were interested

THANKS FOR READING

 

[dancingtodisney]

We're staying at AKL this year, and we have free dining, so thanks for sharing the fact that there are delicious looking breakfast snack items at the Mara! They all look amazing!

HEY KATIE!!!

Oh LUCKY you!!!! That's amazing, AKL is beautiful you will LOVE it!! Make sure you book into Sanaa, we went twice on our January trip because we liked it so much. The butter chicken and the bread service are amazing!

Whispering Canyon was one of our favourite meals! We had the skillet and it was delicious! Such a shame you felt ill

I know it was so sad... BUT I went back in January and ate ALL THE FOOD

Wait WHAT. These count as a snack credit?! Best news ever!

YES! It's really good use of a credit, I love rice krispie treats!

The pork sliders are to diiieee forrrr So does everyone who races get access to a Food & Wine afterparty?! That sounds great, albeit BUSY!

I relate to this!! I'm so conflicted as to whether I should try new dishes or buy 20 pork sliders

OMG those pork sliders haunt my dreams with their deliciousness!!
Yes so every who runs gets access plus you can buy access as well if you are a spectator. It sounds busy but it wasn't at all which I guess was down to the weather on this occassion but also there will be a lot of people who are just exhausted and stay for a short time. You will have people finishing at different times too as we are released in waves and then you have a big variance in pace too.

 

[chelynnah]

Aw wow thanks for reading!!! I've been super delayed in posting the updates but I'm hoping to get done in the next day or two so I can start my new trip report! I was actually back in Orlando in January and completed the Dopey Challenge with my family. on this trip we booked via the disney UK site when the free dining promotion came out, we stayed at OKW for 10nights which we absolutely LOVED and it was a great deal for a delux hotel with food included so we could really enjoy all the restaurants we wanted to try, also the dining plan is great during food and wine as there are some really good snack credit options. If you have any questions feel free to ask!

Oh great, how long are you planning to stay in DLP? I have only been once and it was about 8 years ago so I'm really excited to go! I'm staying Wednesday - Sunday getting the direct eurostar from St Pancras

Thanks, we may pick your brains when the time comes. We were there for two weeks this past November, did the first Christmas party, food and wine, just no race for hubby as we couldn't get there earlier. We rented a house offsite which was great. Next trip we're looking at renting DVC points and doing a split stay across 2-3 properties because we just can't decide (BWI, AKL, Poly). So the fact you did 3 makes us think it's not unreasonable lol. We're up in the air about the dining plan so we'll have to look at what restaurants we plan and see if it will be worth it.

We're staying off property for DLP. We'll be getting Annual Passes as we want to go back in 2017 for the 25th anniversary, so the packages weren't going to be worth it. We'll take advantage of the AP hotel discount next year when we go back. We're arriving Thurs night or Fri morning and staying through till Tues or Wed

Looking forward to the rest of this report and will keep my eyes open for your new one

 

[dancingtodisney]

Day 18: Who said anything about the castle being enchanted?

Part 5 - That's not *my* Christmas! *My* Christmas is filled with laughter, and joy - part 2

After the fireworks we sort of wandered around a bit more just soaking up the atmosphere and stopped for a few photos

THEN I spotted CHRISTMAS JACK​

I would have loved to meet him but the queue was massive and I knew Grumpy wouldn't be willing to queue​

We wanted to meet Mickey Mouse himself so we decided to make our way out towards the front of the park to watch the parade from there..​

Here they come...​

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I love the beauty and the beast float... it's soooo pretty

The best part of the parade in my opinion though were the toy soldiers...

This is only picture of Santa himself... Oooops

After the parade it was snowing pretty heavy on main street

​

 

[dancingtodisney]

Day 18: Who said anything about the castle being enchanted?

Part 5 - That's not *my* Christmas! *My* Christmas is filled with laughter, and joy - part 3

Finally it was MICKEY TIME!!!

HUGS

Look how in to it we all are!! Talking Mickey is the best!

When we came out the show at the castle was on so we walked up to catch the rest of it..

I really didn't want the night to end... I wanted to soak up every last little bit of Disney magic!

It was so easy to get sucked into the holiday spirit and forget that it was still early November...

SISTERS

BYE BYE Christmas

Uncanny...

Sadly it was time to head back to our room for our last nights sleep...

BYE BYE nighttime castle

Bye bye nighttime Space Mountain

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[dancingtodisney]

Day 19: No, No! Please. Please... Please don't leave​

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Why does this day always come so quickly?!? It was our last morning before we knew it and so we got ourselves up early to start the dreaded packing process
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It was quite the struggle getting everything to fit!! Myself and Rachel were keen to get our last bit of park time so we got our cases sorted and into the car and caught a but to MK​

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We had something we'd been meaning to try for a long time, a certain treat from Sleepy Hallow​

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Looks yummy right?!!​

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The above picture doesn't really show you how big this thing was.. it was HUGE!!​

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We sat for a bit just enjoying our final few moments at our favourite place in the whole world!​

We did have some fast passes but we weren't really fussed about going on any rides, we just wanted to soak in the last bit of Disney magic..​

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We wanted to get some photos of just the two of us so we grabbed a photopass photographer and got snapping​

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It was pretty sunny out!!​

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We were waiting on Grumpy to arrive to ride around on the railroad before leaving for the airport. We killed some time taking a few more snaps outside the main street station.​

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Finally it was train time!​

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ALL ABOARD!!!​

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Bye bye Big Thunder​

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And back to Main Street USA​

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Bye Bye train​

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Bye bye Magic Kingdom​

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We sadly made our way to the car and then on to the airport...​

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Bye bye Orlando​

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Thanks for reading along!!​

 

[dancingtodisney]

Thanks, we may pick your brains when the time comes. We were there for two weeks this past November, did the first Christmas party, food and wine, just no race for hubby as we couldn't get there earlier. We rented a house offsite which was great. Next trip we're looking at renting DVC points and doing a split stay across 2-3 properties because we just can't decide (BWI, AKL, Poly). So the fact you did 3 makes us think it's not unreasonable lol. We're up in the air about the dining plan so we'll have to look at what restaurants we plan and see if it will be worth it.

We're staying off property for DLP. We'll be getting Annual Passes as we want to go back in 2017 for the 25th anniversary, so the packages weren't going to be worth it. We'll take advantage of the AP hotel discount next year when we go back. We're arriving Thurs night or Fri morning and staying through till Tues or Wed

Looking forward to the rest of this report and will keep my eyes open for your new one

And... I'm back again... lol

I did stay across three resorts but I actually wouldn't recommend it if possible. The changes really took up a lot of time, just packing all of our stuff up and having the gap without a room. On my most recent trip we changed once and that was much better!

We're staying off propery as well and I think I'll get an annual pass now that I live in London and can just get the train there! I'm arrive Wednesday morning staying until Sunday night...

 

[chelynnah]

Yay, you finished. Those are fab photos of the fireworks behind the castle show! We are looking at probably just doing two sites rather than 3, but are struggling as we really want to do a couple of nights at AKL and that's probably the one we'll drop.

Re DLP 1/2 - Well, you never know then, we may see you in the midst of the other several thousand flocking in for that weekend . We booked into the Hotel BB (a Disney recommended hotel) in December as it was a good price, and quite close. We're driving, so that makes it easier to stay offsite as well.

anyway, we really enjoyed your report. It is DH's dream trip to go that long and do the F&W 1/2 plus the two parties. Unfortunately with 5 dogs back home it's not so practical to be gone for that long and needing someone to take care of them

 

[dancingtodisney]

Yay, you finished. Those are fab photos of the fireworks behind the castle show! We are looking at probably just doing two sites rather than 3, but are struggling as we really want to do a couple of nights at AKL and that's probably the one we'll drop.

Re DLP 1/2 - Well, you never know then, we may see you in the midst of the other several thousand flocking in for that weekend . We booked into the Hotel BB (a Disney recommended hotel) in December as it was a good price, and quite close. We're driving, so that makes it easier to stay offsite as well.

anyway, we really enjoyed your report. It is DH's dream trip to go that long and do the F&W 1/2 plus the two parties. Unfortunately with 5 dogs back home it's not so practical to be gone for that long and needing someone to take care of them

Aw thank you!!

Ye as much as I love AKL I do think changing so many times can really take away from the experience.

YES!! We very well may do!

5 dogs! Wow! I love dogs but unfortunately living in a flat and not being home enough it's just not practical for me to have one right now. I'm sure you could work out the timings for a shorter trip that would cover both! The wine and dine half is hte first weekend in November and the last halloween night is 31st October so you could go for a whole week less than we did and still get it all in... Just a thought!!

 

[emilyindisney]

So glad you finished your report, Karen! Your pictures are beautiful- thinking about doing the Christmas party this year and all the lights and spirit make it look so enticing! Did you have a favorite between the two parties?

Any plans to share your Dopey experience?

 

[dancingtodisney]

So glad you finished your report, Karen! Your pictures are beautiful- thinking about doing the Christmas party this year and all the lights and spirit make it look so enticing! Did you have a favorite between the two parties?

Any plans to share your Dopey experience?

Me too! Finally! Oh I don't know... I think overall I would say the halloween party! I really loved the Christmas decorations in the park but I guess you don't need party tickets for that whole atmosphere.

Well... you're in for a treat! I've just started