'My Very Merry Xmas in November' (checking stuff of the bucket list) WDW Trip. (closed)

[MataHari22]

Hi, and welcome to my pre-trip report for Linda & Dawn's 'Very Merry Xmas in November' (checking some stuff off of the bucket list) WDW Trip.



Author's concept art of said vacation.



Figure my first post will be an introduction and some background. I am Dawn, and here I am with Snow White, during my October 2014 trip.






I had actually said that I was not going to take a Disney trip this year, since I pretty much went the last two years in a row, plus I thought that I should wait for some new things to open, like the Avatar stuff in AK, but at the rate they are going, it's taking forever. Plus, after some more health things that happened earlier this year, I decided what the heck am I putting it off for? I'm not getting any younger and my health isn't going to get any better. I am a 2x cancer survivor (stage 4 head and neck and a gynecological cancer) and I am living with my new normal, which is definitely not as good as what it used to be. Nothing I can do about that, and some days are better than others, but hey, I'm still here. So, I thought I could justify this trip if I checked something off my bucket list. It was a dream of mine from the time I was a young wart hog, to go to WDW for Christmas and New Year's. See the parks all decorated...the magic of Disney combined with the festivities and spirit of Christmas... But it's waaaaay too crowded for me and it's also expensive then. Mostly, waaaay too crowded. So, I thought, what if instead of going during my usual month of October, I went in November (which is also my birthday) and I got to see some Xmas decorations and experience MVMCP. Voila! Perfect solution. I ended up not being able to be there for my actual birthday, on the 22nd, but we will be there 11/12-11/20.

So now that I have shared who is going on the trip, and what the trip is about, and when I will be going, time to share the where. I decided to stay at Pop Century again.


Author's recreation of celebratory moment of booking our resort.


While I really loved POR, I wanted to keep the budget lower than that for the trip this year, and since I really won't be spending any resort time, I really could not see spending that extra money. Pop was fine last year, so I am willing to stay there again.

So, that is my first installment of my pre-trip report. Next time I post, I will share my ADRs.


CHAPTERS:

ADRs and Food Musings.
Packing and Outfit Musings

MAGIC BAND WATCHES

My Pensive Process of Picking Park Days, Making Plans

Hollywood Studios and customizing my Touring Plans and TP maps

Some Disney Character Tip Envelopes I Designed

What I got for FP+/URL]

[URL="http://www.disboards.com/threads/my-very-merry-xmas-in-november-checking-stuff-of-the-bucket-list-wdw-trip.3428304/page-6#post-54470517"]My Final Plans For Each Park Day[/URL]

 

[Someluck]

My partner and I are going Nov. 3-11 and are very pleased we will see Osborne Lights and attend MVMCP on Nov. 8th.
This will be our 3rd trip in less than two years. We did not "discover" WDW until 2014. We live in Oregon and had always gone to Disneyland (which is fun but don't begin to compare tour experiences AT WDW!)
After dealing with some health issues, I, like you, have decided to enjoy these trips and take however many opportunities we have to return for some more fun. I look forward to reading more of your posts.

 

[deedee2177]

Following Along! I agree...this is a much deserved trip for you!! You are a real life Super Woman!

We will be there during the same dates...we will be there 11/15-11/20 at CSR. My DH and I were originally planning on staying at Pop as well, but when Free Dining came out and found out we could move to CSR and still save some money we made the switch. We figured since this is our Honeymoon Redo...why not?

We will be going to the MVMCP on 11/19...I'm super excited since I have never been to one of the parties before. We went to WDW in November 2012 but didn't make it to any of the parties. I really enjoy going that time of the year. Unfortunately, this will probably be our last year going at this time since the kids are getting older and taking them out of school is not so easy anymore. So, will have to stick to Spring Break while the kids are in school...not my favorite time to go because of the crowds but it's Disney!!

 

[ArwenMarie]

That's a great week to go

Your cartoon pictures are awesome, how do you make those?

Love your outfit in that picture especially how the scarf brings it all together

 

[MataHari22]

ADRs and Food Musings.

So, being a head and neck cancer survivor can be challenging. Unfortunately, one of the (many) side effects that I have due to radiation damage, is dysphagia. Basically, I have a lot of trouble swallowing. There was a point where I was totally dependent on a peg-tube for nourishment. I literally ate nothing for ten months, couldn't even drink for about four of those months. It was pretty horrible. Eventually, after a couple of procedures, and time and work, I was able to get rid of my tube after 18 months of having it. So, now, I can eat and drink (with difficultly), but I need soft foods, and I do get a significant amount of my daily calories by drinking them. (I drink tons of milk) It is a good thing I was an excellent cook before all this crud, because if I didn't know how to cook, I'd've starved to death by now. I have learned to cook and eat in a totally different way. I really cannot swallow any meats. I can do a chicken thigh and a tiny little rack of lamb chop, but I have to cook them "my way" and they cannot be dry. I basically eat a lot of veggies, and they have to be mushy. Like mashable with a fork, soft. I eat a lot of soups, too. It takes me a very long time to eat a full plate of food. I'm never done under an hour, and sometimes, if it's something challenging, like chicken, it will be almost two hours. Basically, eating out is a nightmare. Which sucks, because I used to love to do it, and food is a passion of mine. (At one point in time I wanted to go to culinary school.) I was always the 'Live to eat." kinda girl. So, having to eat out for my entire vacation is pretty stressful for me. Despite it being noted on my ADRs and having the chef come out and speak to me, a lot of times, they just don't get it right. I don't know how much more specific to be when I say I need very mushy vegetables, like they need to be able to be mashed with a fork. Pasta needs to be over cooked. I think it's that they don't want to "ruin" the food. The veg comes out of the kitchen tender crisp, and the pasta, al dente.

Soooooo, after the last two trips, I am going to go back to the few of restaurants that I was able to actually eat something at. In fairness, Mama Melrose actually made me some good pasta last time, but I decided to try Hollywood Brown Derby this time. My otherwise decent diet of lots of veggies usually falls to the wayside at WDW. Pastries, ice cream, Crème Brûlée and shakes, are usually easier to swallow than anything else. So, if I have to make the sacrifice and eat a lot of dessert, I guess it's just what I'll have to do. Poor me. I'll have to suffer eating desserts. (Don't worry, I bring my gummy multi-vitamins along for nutrition.) As far as breakfast, it'll be at the resort unless otherwise noted. Probably a lot of yogurt for me. After reading every single WDW restaurant menu trying to figure out what I might be able to possibly eat, here are my TS:

Fri 11/13 12pm Brown Derby HS
Sat 11/14 10:30 am Tusker House AK
Sun 11/15 10:20 am Crystal Palace MK
Sun 11/15 6:55 pm Tony's MK
Mon 11/16 12 pm Chefs De France Ep
Tue 11/17 2pm Afternoon Tea GF
Wed 11/18 4:55 pm Be Our Guest MK
Thur 11/19 5:50pm Teppan Edo Ep

With The Brown Derby, I thought I would try the scallop appetizer, because I can usually swallow scallops and celery root purée is definitely mushy. Lol. Sometimes, fatty pork works for me. Depends on how it's cooked. We shall see. Meanwhile, I know I can swallow Crème Brûlée, so I will definitely get that for dessert, along with trying the flan. I will let my friend pick the third dessert, she can eat that one.
I haven't a clue what we will be doing at HS for a QS dinner. We will probably do what we did last year, find something on Sunset Blvd and take it over to F! and eat while we wait. Last year, didn't go well at all. I tried a veggie burger. Too dried out and too spicy. Couldn't swallow it. This time, I am hoping to find a banana, some fruit and some milk, maybe at the Anaheim Produce? Also, at some point, I may have some ice cream at Hollywood Scoops. I haven't a clue where my friend will end up eating.

Last year, Tusker House went well for me. I liked the Mealie Pap! I can usually do scrambled eggs. Oatmeal, yogurt, blintz... I remember all kinds of soft things to eat there.
Again, don't ask me what I'm going to do for QS dinner at this park. I'm thinking Pizzafari I guess. I had the kid's Mac and Cheese last year, it was the only thing that was soft. It's pretty terrible. I may end up eating ice cream or fruit for dinner....

Crystal Palace is one of only three places that I have had good luck at in MK. They will make me over easy eggs, and they work very well for me. I tried for a pre park open ADR for here, since making sure I eat breakfast here, is a priority, there's really not anything for lunch or dinner that works for me.


Author's rendition of our Crystal Palace breakfast.
Base photo of CP from Disney's CP page.

Tony's. Yes, I know, it gets bashed all the time. But they have consistently cooked good food for me that I have been able to eat and enjoy. They make a version of the Shrimp Scampi for me. My friend also enjoyed her food, so we will be going back. I always get the Pistachio Crème Brûlée for dessert. I had originally wanted a lunch here, because I was hoping for that pre park open breakfast, but I couldn't get a lunch either. All I got was 6:55 PM. And I was even on right when my 180 window opened. I have still been checking for an earlier time, but have not found one yet. It's a MVMCP, so I know they will be escorting me out when I'm (finally) done with my meal. I intend on getting there about 6:15, and hoping maybe they can get me in a bit earlier. That's all I can do.


Author's slight exaggeration of Tony's meal. Please Disney, don't sue me for using Lady & The Tramp.


We are trying Les Chefs de France this year. Usually, we have gone to The Rose & Crown, and last year, the chef was really nice and made me a special puréed veggie soup. I am thinking at Chefs, that I can do the Lobster Bisque and a cream puff for dessert.
Haven't a clue where I'm going to eat for dinner this night either, but I do know that I intend on hitting up that bakery in Norway before Illuminations to get a tasty treat and sit down an eat that for dessert whilst waiting for it to start.


Tuesday, we are going to MVMCP and last year, I really wanted to try the Afternoon Tea at GF, I wasn't able to get an ADR, and we ended up eating at The GF Café. This year, I was able to get an ADR for the tea, so that is what we're doing. We'll be going over to MK and hopefully will get in at 4pm.
We will just do QS, I forget what she ate for dinner, I don't think I had a proper dinner last year, I had ice cream, I remember that. I'll probably do that again.


Author's concept art of Afternoon Tea at the GF. OK, Minnie probably won't be serving us, and I doubt we'll have the hats on.


Wednesday, we have BOG for dinner. We ate there for lunch last year. I did the potato soup. Have no clue what to do for dinner. I guess I could do the soup again. IIRC, it wasn't that stellar, so I'd rather not. I saw there were two meat entrées where one had puréed cauliflower and the other, celery root...wonder if they could finagle something for me using those garnish, since I cannot eat the meat. I can eat mushrooms and I think I saw those on the menu, maybe they could just sauté me some of those. There are all kinds of desserts that look good on the menu.


Thursday is our last day. I do want to go to Les Halle's for lunch. Everything looks good there. Especially the pastries. Lmao. If you are what you eat, I may end up becoming a pastry after this trip! For dinner, we are going to Teppan Edo. This is the ADR that's making me most nervous, because there will be people seated at the same station as we are. I am hoping to be on the end and have Linda next to the strangers. I am just praying I don't have a total cough-gag-choke-fit while seated with other people. And not sure what I will order. Maybe the scallops, I can usually eat them. I am really hoping I can get plain white rice, because I read that the rice they serve has beef in it. Beef, is like impossible for me to swallow. So wish me lots of good vibes and pixie dust that I can get through these dinners eating out.



Author's rendition of what she hopes doesn't happen at Teppan Edo.


So, here concludes my ramblings about my food plans. Not sure what my next post will be about or if it will contain any illustrations. Lol.

 

[MataHari22]

My partner and I are going Nov. 3-11 and are very pleased we will see Osborne Lights and attend MVMCP on Nov. 8th.
This will be our 3rd trip in less than two years. We did not "discover" WDW until 2014. We live in Oregon and had always gone to Disneyland (which is fun but don't begin to compare tour experiences AT WDW!)
After dealing with some health issues, I, like you, have decided to enjoy these trips and take however many opportunities we have to return for some more fun. I look forward to reading more of your posts.

Hi! I am hoping to get to Disneyland sometime, that's on the bucket list, too. Hope you have many more opportunities to enjoy Disney. Thanks for following along.

Following Along! I agree...this is a much deserved trip for you!! You are a real life Super Woman!

We will be there during the same dates...we will be there 11/15-11/20 at CSR. My DH and I were originally planning on staying at Pop as well, but when Free Dining came out and found out we could move to CSR and still save some money we made the switch. We figured since this is our Honeymoon Redo...why not?

We will be going to the MVMCP on 11/19...I'm super excited since I have never been to one of the parties before. We went to WDW in November 2012 but didn't make it to any of the parties. I really enjoy going that time of the year. Unfortunately, this will probably be our last year going at this time since the kids are getting older and taking them out of school is not so easy anymore. So, will have to stick to Spring Break while the kids are in school...not my favorite time to go because of the crowds but it's Disney!!

Lol, idk about a superwoman, but thanks. A honeymoon redo sounds fun to me! I went to MNSSHP last year, but this will be my first MVMCP. It's so nice to be able to go at the slower times, darn kids, they grow up too quickly. Thanks for following along. At least I'll have a few people and not be rambling to myself.

That's a great week to go

Your cartoon pictures are awesome, how do you make those?

Love your outfit in that picture especially how the scarf brings it all together

Hi there, ArwenMarie! I hope it's a good week. Im nervous about the weather. The only other time I've been down so late was the first time I went down, as a little kid. It was freezing! Photos of me in my winter coat with the fur lined hood. Lol

Glad you like the cartoons. I used to do more, and do a ton of photo manipulations. I don't do it as much anymore. I have a GAZILLION apps on my iPad. The ones I use most are ArtStudio, Juxtaposer, MobileMonet, Phonto, LensLight, and to help with the comics, BitStrips. It's been a very long time since I did any "serious" manips. If you would like to see some of my work, it's on DeviantArt. I have not been over there in over a year. Maybe I will get back to it some day. It's hard, I'm always in pain now, more radiation damage, peripheral neuropathy in my arms and hands. They are numb and tingly, 24/7. It's horrible. Anyway, if you'd like to look at some of the stuff I made, here's the link:

http://matahari22.deviantart.com/gallery/41801144/ARTWORK-NOT-STOCK

My stuff is not that great, but man, there are some seriously talented actual artists there.

Thanks, I always take along scarves. I can get chilly with AC and on the buses and in the shows. Keeps the cold air off my arms and the breeze off my neck, which can bother me.

 

[deannaf87]

Joining in! We'll be there the same days. Always interesting to see what other people are planning.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Yeah, chefs definitely have a bias when you ask for something specific that they think isn't the way to cook something. I like my steak/burgers well done, not burned, but cooked all the way through. But I guess in the food world, that makes it less tasty. I can't tell you how many times I have sent stuff back.

Great art work!

I love the one of you gagging in Teppan Edo lol. I hope that doesn't happen though!

You have some good ADRs. Hey worse comes to worse, you can eat pastries and milk which doesn't sound so bad

 

[MataHari22]

Joining in! We'll be there the same days. Always interesting to see what other people are planning.

Thanks for following along. It is always fun to see how others plan things, especially when you're going at the same time.

 

[MataHari22]

Yeah, chefs definitely have a bias when you ask for something specific that they think isn't the way to cook something. I like my steak/burgers well done, not burned, but cooked all the way through. But I guess in the food world, that makes it less tasty. I can't tell you how many times I have sent stuff back.

Great art work!

I love the one of you gagging in Teppan Edo lol. I hope that doesn't happen though!

You have some good ADRs. Hey worse comes to worse, you can eat pastries and milk which doesn't sound so bad

I know, I have actually been at restaurants that won't even serve a steak well done. Ridiculous.
I'm lucky because my friend likes to eat and is pretty adventurous when it comes to trying foods. So, mostly, she lets me pick based on what I think I can eat. She usually only has a couple of requests that she'd like to try, and I always try and get those ADRs for her. Teppan Edo was one of those. She likes sushi. I cannot eat it. Lol. If I tried, I really would look like that comic.

 

[MataHari22]

Packing and Outfit Musings

Today, I received two Vera Bradley purses that I ordered. I like them! I ordered a Hipster Crossbody in Tango Red and a Mailbag Crossbody in Cheery Blossoms. I already had a small VB bag in fuchsia and a Hipster in a Mickey Perfect Petals print. So, now I have these four:



The day that I ordered the purses, I also came across a lady on Etsy that does Disney character themed jewelry. I kind of started thinking that it may be fun to DisneyBound again this year, I did it once last year, at Epcot on the day I met Snow White. So, I ordered some jewelry to go with a Snow, Ariel, and Belle theme.
I already have the clothing in my wardrobe that will work for these three, and the new red VB purse, goes with all three of the outfits. These are the DisneyBound outfits I put together:


On the Snow White jewelry above, she is making me a bracelet instead of a necklace and she is adding a red bead per my request.


I was only going to use my Perfect Petals bag while down there, and I still kind of want to take that one too, but not sure if I am going to have enough room to do that. I am someone that tries to pack lightly. I don't check my luggage. I just bring a carryon and my back pack. Not sure if this is all going to fit. I normally would not have the two pants in there, but I'm afraid not to bring them, because we are going in November and it could be cold. When I was a little kid, my first visit to WDW was in November and it was freezing. I wore my insulated winter coat with the fur trim. So, packing for this trip, is giving me a bit of agita. I don't think I can take less that what I have on the list, but I feel like I have too much on it. The only two things I think I may be able to cut are one shirt and a lightweight scarf.



And finally, I leave you with a random WDW tip, do not accept apples from Old Hags.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Adorable outfits, really cute.

I commend you for going with a carryon only. I'm such an overpacker. It's hard to pare down the list. I know what you mean about the cooler months, then you need at least a few warmer pieces.

Love your new VBs. I have an old one that I still use there, it's getting kind of tattered now but I'm still holding on. It's the Caffe Latte messenger (see the pattern with my avatar LOL). They retired the pattern now so I'm holding onto it as long as I can!

 

[MataHari22]

Adorable outfits, really cute.

I commend you for going with a carryon only. I'm such an overpacker. It's hard to pare down the list. I know what you mean about the cooler months, then you need at least a few warmer pieces.

Love your new VBs. I have an old one that I still use there, it's getting kind of tattered now but I'm still holding on. It's the Caffe Latte messenger (see the pattern with my avatar LOL). They retired the pattern now so I'm holding onto it as long as I can!

I have to go with just the carryon and backpack, I'm so stinking weak I can barely manage those. Linda has to help me put the bag up in the overhead compartment and stuff. I wouldn't be able to handle a bigger suitcase. I refuse to check my luggage, they've lost my luggage 3x. Once, it was a matter of only a few hours, another time, I got it back after two weeks. Thank goodness that they lost it on the return flight, so my vacation wasn't interrupted. The third time (which was actually the first time it ever happened to me) I never got my luggage back and I had to buy expensive clothes I didn't even like at my destination for something to wear. Plus, these days, you have to pay to check it for most airlines.
Linda packs even less than I do! Lol. But I tell her it's not fair to compare, because I have the camera, cell phone, chargers, power strip, and she uses my stuff, she doesn't have a cell phone. Plus, I have to bring my own chewable and liquid meds since they're not easily found and I cannot swallow pills. And I have the travel plans and tickets... All that takes up room. Lol. I use every single thing I bring.


I looked up the Café Latté pattern and I really like it! One of the nicest patterns I've ever seen from VB. Has a more sophisticated look to it. Very nice. It's weird, when I first saw her line, I didn't like any of it. Wasn't until I saw 2 Mickey prints I sort of liked (Where's Mickey & Perfect Petals) that I started looking and found a few that I liked.

 

[MataHari22]

I got my bracelets in the mail today and they are very nice, but they are very big for my extra tiny wrists. I even measured my wrists and asked the woman who makes them if I needed a children's size. She said no, that the adult size should be fine because they are adjustable. I am going to see if my friend will help me make them smaller, my hands aren't strong enough to do it. I think it should turn out fine, but I should have gotten the little kid size. And when I gave her the actual measurement of my wrist, she should have suggested that. Otherwise, I like all the charms and how they've turned out.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Bummer on the bracelets. Hopefully you can alter them.

Yeah when I look at all of the VB stuff at once I get overwhelmed with the patterns. But the Cafe Latte one stuck. I love that Mickey one you have, I didn't even notice the Mickey at first but he's so cute in there. I have to check those Disney ones out.

 

[vleeth]

Joining! We will be seeing Disney at Chrstiams time for the first time this year as well. But we will be there a few weeks after you. I'm so excited about MVMCP.

 

[alrushton]

My plans are to go to Disney Nov of 2017 about the same dates as you are going this year. I can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[MataHari22]

Bummer on the bracelets. Hopefully you can alter them.

Yeah when I look at all of the VB stuff at once I get overwhelmed with the patterns. But the Cafe Latte one stuck. I love that Mickey one you have, I didn't even notice the Mickey at first but he's so cute in there. I have to check those Disney ones out.

Oh, we will definitely be able to fix the bracelets. Yes, that is why I like the pattern so much, it is more subtle with the Mickey heads, instead of actual Mickeys. I'm thinking if the Where's Mickey Patterns are still out when I am at WDW and I don't find a souvenir I like better, I may get one of those bags. Not sure if it'll still be around though. Think it might be getting retired, think I saw that pattern on sale. It's this one, with more subtle Mickey heads in there:

Joining! We will be seeing Disney at Chrstiams time for the first time this year as well. But we will be there a few weeks after you. I'm so excited about MVMCP.

My plans are to go to Disney Nov of 2017 about the same dates as you are going this year. I can't wait to hear all about it.

And thanks for joining in you guys.
I am so excited about seeing the Christmas decorations and MVMCP. I am trying not to wish the months away, seems like it's going so slow. Lol.

 

[totebagg]

Hi Dawn! I made it over here from mine! Love that you are getting to go during the Christmas season and see MVMCP (check those items off the bucket list). I would love to see all the lights and feel the magic during the this time but you are smart going earlier in the season. Hopefully you will still have some warm weather and the crowds should be low! Love, Love, Love your DISbounding outfits! My older daughter has always wanted to do this and like I said to you earlier...I am so not creative when it comes to things like this! Make sure you take lots of pictures in your outfits and I love the jewelry!!! While on the topic of creativity - your animated pics are awesome.

Love your ADRs and it's your vacation so eat all the dessert you want - WDW has some great ones from pastries to milkshakes - yum.

Love your VB bags, I have the Where's Mickey ID wallet that I got last year at Disney. Love it!

Looking forward to hearing more!

 

[MataHari22]

Hi Dawn! I made it over here from mine! Love that you are getting to go during the Christmas season and see MVMCP (check those items off the bucket list). I would love to see all the lights and feel the magic during the this time but you are smart going earlier in the season. Hopefully you will still have some warm weather and the crowds should be low! Love, Love, Love your DISbounding outfits! My older daughter has always wanted to do this and like I said to you earlier...I am so not creative when it comes to things like this! Make sure you take lots of pictures in your outfits and I love the jewelry!!! While on the topic of creativity - your animated pics are awesome.

Love your ADRs and it's your vacation so eat all the dessert you want - WDW has some great ones from pastries to milkshakes - yum.

Love your VB bags, I have the Where's Mickey ID wallet that I got last year at Disney. Love it!

Looking forward to hearing more!

Hi, Tammy! Nice to see you here. Definitely praying for good weather. I'm most nervous about that.

You don't even have to be creative. If you look at DisneyBound's tumblr, you can get all kinds of ideas. You would be surprised, I just had all those pieces in my closet already. Since I have a Memory Maker again, I hope I get as many good pictures as last year. Made awesome scrapbooks/photo books with them. Thanks, I like doing artsy stuff, and I really loved doing photo manipulations. These are just fun and easy, not as complicated as I used to do.