PrincessTToo
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 11, 2003
- Messages
- 159
CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL (12/6/05):
This was my first trip to WDW during the winter holiday season, so I had to do all the holiday things. The CP was a big one. It was beautiful, dramatic, unforgettable and very, very frustrating. I got the dinner package and was surprised by how long the line was to get in for those reserved seats. I was able to get a seat close to an aisle. One of the benefits of being solo.
I sat next to a family with two small children. I never blame kids when they act up. I blame the parents (or the sugar). These kids were way too young to be going to something so solemn. They were literally bouncing out of their seats. One faked having to go potty just to get out of there and the other escaped and was dancing in the aisles.
There was a woman in front of me saving a seat to everyones dismay. Shortly before the CP started her DH finally showed up with a huge video camera setup, tripod and all. He sat right in front of me. He used his monitor instead of the viewfinder to tape the event so the light was shining in my eyes the whole time. And he kept turning around and glaring at the kids next to me. Im sure he was picking them up on the audio.
But the worst was the lady sitting next to me on the other side. She and her DH came in late and squished me into the family on my other side. And when she wasnt talking to her DH, she was singing out loud and way off key. I gave her the slow stare but that didnt do a thing. I wanted to say something like I didnt know this was a sing-a-long but didnt want to have that on tape. It might have ended up in the courts system.
Cicely Tyson was the narrator and she was so excited about being chosen for this. She said so several times. And she was so very excited in the beginning of the program that she had trouble with some of the words. It was like listening to the song Louie, Louie. You just know its in English but youre just not sure what theyre saying. But after she calmed down, she was wonderful. The orchestra was tremendous and the choir was fantastic. All in all, Im glad I went and understand why its so popular.
YULETIDE FANTASY TOUR (12/7/05):
We met outside Guest Relations at Epcot. It was a big group. We were taken to a waiting bus and divided into two smaller groups. Those sitting on the right-hand side of the bus were with the woman tour guide and the left-hand side of the bus was with the male tour guide. (Sorry, I didnt get their names.) There was also another CM with us whose only job was to make sure the other two CMs kept on schedule.
I was sitting on the right-hand side of the bus so I was in the woman CMs group. I was mildly disappointed because I thought the guy was a little more upbeat. But she was good too. A couple of times I had to keep from laughing because she sounded so much like that Karen character from Will and Grace. Ive only seen the show once or twice but that voice is unforgettable.
We were driven back behind World Showcase and brought in through the back door to Germany where we started talking about holiday traditions around the world. I learned a lot but was really hoping to hear more about how Disney decorates. But I always enjoy being in World Showcase before it opens. We continued on as far as the UK and then were herded back on to the bus. Then we went to MGM and toured the Osborne lights area. Id read lots about this but still learned a few things. Then it was on to MK where we talked about the big tree on Main Street and the roping over the street.
While we were on the bus, the CMs filled our little heads with more holiday trivia and traditions. Then we drove to Wilderness Lodge (I dont know why, but I was expecting the GF) and let go to walk around ourselves with no tour guide. I immediately went to the store in the lobby and got a Diet Coke. But this was my first time inside the WL so I enjoyed seeing everything. The tree looked fantastic. And I was a little sad because I had originally booked the WLV but changed to the SSR because I saved some money. And I couldnt switch back because I was on the AP best rate program.
But the highlight of the tour (for me at least) was at the end when we got to go to the WDW decorating warehouse. I was pretty sure that I had died and gone to heaven. Now I truly have found my dream job to make WDW Christmas decorations all year round. I was a kid in a candy store and had to keep reminding myself to look but dont touch. There were still tons of decorations in the warehouse so there were lots to see. And there were a couple of CMs making ribbons, etc. so we got to see some work too. It was just fascinating to hear how they buy, organize and decorate the parks, resorts and cruise ships all from that one huge warehouse.
At the end of the tour we got a pin that you can only get on this tour which was a nice little bonus. But the tour of the warehouse alone made me glad I spent my vacation time and dollars for this tour.
MVMCP (12/8/05):
Im so glad I did this. I really hesitated after having gone once to a very crowded MNSSHP. But it made all the difference in the world that I went on a Thursday. I had gone to the MNSSHP on a Friday and that was a big mistake.
This time I almost felt like I had the park to myself. I got to ride every ride I wanted in a very short time. There werent any lines for anything except a short line to get my picture taken. I stopped to chat with some CMs at the Tinkerbelle store and they were bored to tears. Thats how uncrowded it was.
I stopped twice for the cookies/hot chocolate which were very good. The first time was at the Country Bear Jamboree and I got to high-five a bear. The second time was in Tomorrowland on my way out.
I started to follow a couple who were wearing DIS sweatshirts but the parade was so loud that I couldnt get their attention to talk to them. But I really enjoyed the parade. I especially loved seeing those toy soldiers. Those costumes are stunning when you see them in person.
I left early and missed the fireworks but I had a great time and would happily do it again.
MICKEYS MAGICAL MILESTONES TOUR (12/9/05):
Gregg (with three gs) was our tour guide. He is passionate about WDW and really knows his stuff. If youre interested in Hidden Mickeys then this is the tour for you. But Im not a big Hidden Mickey fan and although I did learn some other interesting information (I especially liked the part of the tour in the Little Tailors Shop in Fantasyland), thats not why I took this tour. I took this tour because I had read that you get to meet Mickey on this tour. I havent had my picture taken with Mickey in years. I havent been close enough to him to get a picture. I think hes been avoiding me. So I was a little surprised when we went to his house in Toon Town and he didnt appear. Gregg appeared to be stalling while we were there but still no Mickey. We ended up the tour in the little stone walled section between Fantasyland and Adventureland. It was barricaded off just for us. I waited in intense anticipation. And here comes ..ta-ta-ta-da . Susie and Perla. Imagine my disappointment. While they handed out our Mickey hats (signed by the reclusive Mickey and with our names on them), I sat on the wall with a fake smile on my face. I kept thinking my 15 year old declawed cat catches bigger mice than this. Oh well, I love the hat, I learned some stuff and Mickey cant hide from me forever. Right?
MISCELLANEOUS (every paragraph a different topic):
Before the CP, I went to the Tree lighting ceremony. It was very cute and I really enjoyed it. But the best part was the holiday song from Norway. It was about doing chores to get ready for Christmas! All the other countrys songs were about the joy of the season or the reason for the season. I just had to call my DH right away and tell him about his song. Hes half-Norwegian (and half-Swedish which is pretty much the same thing!). He just laughed and laughed.
This is the first time Ive gone to WDW with Disney Visa Dollars. I tried to apply my money to my resort bill when I checked in but the clerk said I had to wait until Id charged something to my room. So I went back the next day after charging some meals on the room and another clerk only applied the money that I had charged for the meals. I wanted to put the whole thing down as a credit against the room charge. (We had bought a piano with my Disney Visa so I had a lot of Disney Dollars.) I had to wait until I was ready to check out and then was able to apply the rest of the Disney Dollars. (I had to go check-out in person anyway because my bill was unreadable because of the rain.)
Before I left Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal, I logged onto the Internet and went to Mapquest and looked up the directions to drive to SSR. It couldnt find that street address so I looked up the DTD Hiltons address and typed that in. Then I requested avoid highways. It turned out to be a great relaxing drive. It took a little bit longer but I got to see some suburbs and didnt have to stress over the highway. On the way back to the airport, I stopped at the Hess Station in DTD and then just followed the signs to the airport. This also took me on a great route and I never had to set foot (or tire) on I4.
One of my trips to DTD was to see Chicken Little in 3D. The movie wasnt that great but the 3D effect was fantastic. And it was so funny to see everyone in the theater wearing glasses that looked just like Chicken Littles.
The only new attraction I went to was the Stunt Show. I really enjoyed it but when I left I decided that I wouldnt be seeing it again any time soon. Unless they change the stunts, I cant imagine it would have the same impact as the first time. But thats just me maybe other people would love to see it every time they visit WDW.
We all have recurring nightmares. Mine is to have to go to the restroom and then opening stall after stall and finding them so dirty that I cant use them. This actually happened to me at WDW! I went to the restroom at the baby station at the old Odyssey restaurant. I had to leave and then go to the restroom on the other side of the building and it was almost as bad. I have never seen this before at WDW and hopefully never will again.
To quickly change the subject (which Im really doing here a lot in my Miscellaneous section), the Osbourne lights blew me away. It doesnt take much to make me smile but it takes a lot to make my jaw drop. The Osbourne lights did both. When I had gone there during the day for the Yuletide Tour I just couldnt imagine what the hub-bub was all about. But to see it at night all lit up was just amazing. And it just went on and on and on. I am so glad I finally got to see this display.
SUMMARY:
I really had a wonderful time on this trip. Even though I didnt care for SSR, it didnt put a damper on my trip at all. And I am so glad I got to experience WDW during the holiday season and get to see all the decorations and do all the special tours and events.
This was my first trip to WDW during the winter holiday season, so I had to do all the holiday things. The CP was a big one. It was beautiful, dramatic, unforgettable and very, very frustrating. I got the dinner package and was surprised by how long the line was to get in for those reserved seats. I was able to get a seat close to an aisle. One of the benefits of being solo.
I sat next to a family with two small children. I never blame kids when they act up. I blame the parents (or the sugar). These kids were way too young to be going to something so solemn. They were literally bouncing out of their seats. One faked having to go potty just to get out of there and the other escaped and was dancing in the aisles.
There was a woman in front of me saving a seat to everyones dismay. Shortly before the CP started her DH finally showed up with a huge video camera setup, tripod and all. He sat right in front of me. He used his monitor instead of the viewfinder to tape the event so the light was shining in my eyes the whole time. And he kept turning around and glaring at the kids next to me. Im sure he was picking them up on the audio.
But the worst was the lady sitting next to me on the other side. She and her DH came in late and squished me into the family on my other side. And when she wasnt talking to her DH, she was singing out loud and way off key. I gave her the slow stare but that didnt do a thing. I wanted to say something like I didnt know this was a sing-a-long but didnt want to have that on tape. It might have ended up in the courts system.
Cicely Tyson was the narrator and she was so excited about being chosen for this. She said so several times. And she was so very excited in the beginning of the program that she had trouble with some of the words. It was like listening to the song Louie, Louie. You just know its in English but youre just not sure what theyre saying. But after she calmed down, she was wonderful. The orchestra was tremendous and the choir was fantastic. All in all, Im glad I went and understand why its so popular.
YULETIDE FANTASY TOUR (12/7/05):
We met outside Guest Relations at Epcot. It was a big group. We were taken to a waiting bus and divided into two smaller groups. Those sitting on the right-hand side of the bus were with the woman tour guide and the left-hand side of the bus was with the male tour guide. (Sorry, I didnt get their names.) There was also another CM with us whose only job was to make sure the other two CMs kept on schedule.
I was sitting on the right-hand side of the bus so I was in the woman CMs group. I was mildly disappointed because I thought the guy was a little more upbeat. But she was good too. A couple of times I had to keep from laughing because she sounded so much like that Karen character from Will and Grace. Ive only seen the show once or twice but that voice is unforgettable.
We were driven back behind World Showcase and brought in through the back door to Germany where we started talking about holiday traditions around the world. I learned a lot but was really hoping to hear more about how Disney decorates. But I always enjoy being in World Showcase before it opens. We continued on as far as the UK and then were herded back on to the bus. Then we went to MGM and toured the Osborne lights area. Id read lots about this but still learned a few things. Then it was on to MK where we talked about the big tree on Main Street and the roping over the street.
While we were on the bus, the CMs filled our little heads with more holiday trivia and traditions. Then we drove to Wilderness Lodge (I dont know why, but I was expecting the GF) and let go to walk around ourselves with no tour guide. I immediately went to the store in the lobby and got a Diet Coke. But this was my first time inside the WL so I enjoyed seeing everything. The tree looked fantastic. And I was a little sad because I had originally booked the WLV but changed to the SSR because I saved some money. And I couldnt switch back because I was on the AP best rate program.
But the highlight of the tour (for me at least) was at the end when we got to go to the WDW decorating warehouse. I was pretty sure that I had died and gone to heaven. Now I truly have found my dream job to make WDW Christmas decorations all year round. I was a kid in a candy store and had to keep reminding myself to look but dont touch. There were still tons of decorations in the warehouse so there were lots to see. And there were a couple of CMs making ribbons, etc. so we got to see some work too. It was just fascinating to hear how they buy, organize and decorate the parks, resorts and cruise ships all from that one huge warehouse.
At the end of the tour we got a pin that you can only get on this tour which was a nice little bonus. But the tour of the warehouse alone made me glad I spent my vacation time and dollars for this tour.
MVMCP (12/8/05):
Im so glad I did this. I really hesitated after having gone once to a very crowded MNSSHP. But it made all the difference in the world that I went on a Thursday. I had gone to the MNSSHP on a Friday and that was a big mistake.
This time I almost felt like I had the park to myself. I got to ride every ride I wanted in a very short time. There werent any lines for anything except a short line to get my picture taken. I stopped to chat with some CMs at the Tinkerbelle store and they were bored to tears. Thats how uncrowded it was.
I stopped twice for the cookies/hot chocolate which were very good. The first time was at the Country Bear Jamboree and I got to high-five a bear. The second time was in Tomorrowland on my way out.
I started to follow a couple who were wearing DIS sweatshirts but the parade was so loud that I couldnt get their attention to talk to them. But I really enjoyed the parade. I especially loved seeing those toy soldiers. Those costumes are stunning when you see them in person.
I left early and missed the fireworks but I had a great time and would happily do it again.
MICKEYS MAGICAL MILESTONES TOUR (12/9/05):
Gregg (with three gs) was our tour guide. He is passionate about WDW and really knows his stuff. If youre interested in Hidden Mickeys then this is the tour for you. But Im not a big Hidden Mickey fan and although I did learn some other interesting information (I especially liked the part of the tour in the Little Tailors Shop in Fantasyland), thats not why I took this tour. I took this tour because I had read that you get to meet Mickey on this tour. I havent had my picture taken with Mickey in years. I havent been close enough to him to get a picture. I think hes been avoiding me. So I was a little surprised when we went to his house in Toon Town and he didnt appear. Gregg appeared to be stalling while we were there but still no Mickey. We ended up the tour in the little stone walled section between Fantasyland and Adventureland. It was barricaded off just for us. I waited in intense anticipation. And here comes ..ta-ta-ta-da . Susie and Perla. Imagine my disappointment. While they handed out our Mickey hats (signed by the reclusive Mickey and with our names on them), I sat on the wall with a fake smile on my face. I kept thinking my 15 year old declawed cat catches bigger mice than this. Oh well, I love the hat, I learned some stuff and Mickey cant hide from me forever. Right?
MISCELLANEOUS (every paragraph a different topic):
Before the CP, I went to the Tree lighting ceremony. It was very cute and I really enjoyed it. But the best part was the holiday song from Norway. It was about doing chores to get ready for Christmas! All the other countrys songs were about the joy of the season or the reason for the season. I just had to call my DH right away and tell him about his song. Hes half-Norwegian (and half-Swedish which is pretty much the same thing!). He just laughed and laughed.
This is the first time Ive gone to WDW with Disney Visa Dollars. I tried to apply my money to my resort bill when I checked in but the clerk said I had to wait until Id charged something to my room. So I went back the next day after charging some meals on the room and another clerk only applied the money that I had charged for the meals. I wanted to put the whole thing down as a credit against the room charge. (We had bought a piano with my Disney Visa so I had a lot of Disney Dollars.) I had to wait until I was ready to check out and then was able to apply the rest of the Disney Dollars. (I had to go check-out in person anyway because my bill was unreadable because of the rain.)
Before I left Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal, I logged onto the Internet and went to Mapquest and looked up the directions to drive to SSR. It couldnt find that street address so I looked up the DTD Hiltons address and typed that in. Then I requested avoid highways. It turned out to be a great relaxing drive. It took a little bit longer but I got to see some suburbs and didnt have to stress over the highway. On the way back to the airport, I stopped at the Hess Station in DTD and then just followed the signs to the airport. This also took me on a great route and I never had to set foot (or tire) on I4.
One of my trips to DTD was to see Chicken Little in 3D. The movie wasnt that great but the 3D effect was fantastic. And it was so funny to see everyone in the theater wearing glasses that looked just like Chicken Littles.
The only new attraction I went to was the Stunt Show. I really enjoyed it but when I left I decided that I wouldnt be seeing it again any time soon. Unless they change the stunts, I cant imagine it would have the same impact as the first time. But thats just me maybe other people would love to see it every time they visit WDW.
We all have recurring nightmares. Mine is to have to go to the restroom and then opening stall after stall and finding them so dirty that I cant use them. This actually happened to me at WDW! I went to the restroom at the baby station at the old Odyssey restaurant. I had to leave and then go to the restroom on the other side of the building and it was almost as bad. I have never seen this before at WDW and hopefully never will again.
To quickly change the subject (which Im really doing here a lot in my Miscellaneous section), the Osbourne lights blew me away. It doesnt take much to make me smile but it takes a lot to make my jaw drop. The Osbourne lights did both. When I had gone there during the day for the Yuletide Tour I just couldnt imagine what the hub-bub was all about. But to see it at night all lit up was just amazing. And it just went on and on and on. I am so glad I finally got to see this display.
SUMMARY:
I really had a wonderful time on this trip. Even though I didnt care for SSR, it didnt put a damper on my trip at all. And I am so glad I got to experience WDW during the holiday season and get to see all the decorations and do all the special tours and events.
