25th Anniversary trip taken at 26.5 years-December to Remember-NEW 6/11 - Pg 19

[Grammyof2]

The crowds were light and we managed to hit the Backlot tour, One Man’s Dream, Sounds Dangerous and the 3 Musketeers had lunch somewhere along the way. I don’t know where but they had chili dogs and barbecue sandwiches. I had some Joe because I was still craving some popcorn. I let them think they were in control of the day; reality was we would be hitting the Beauty and the Beast show exactly as planned. More importantly, catching the pre show with Four for a Dollar.

We boogied ourselves into the stadium and grabbed some center, middle seats. Now I had a mission to get the popcorn in the cute Christmas containers to bring home to my grandkids. So with everyone firmly planted, I headed back up the steps. About half way up I hear someone yell, “It’s Cheryl from New Jersey”. I stopped dead in my tracks and looked all around. Who knew me? A whole group of my fans recognized me from the morning and even remembered my name. They asked if I could give the Goofy laugh one more time. I was happy to oblige so we had a do over to applause and thumbs up. I did a little bow and asked if they wanted me to grab them some popcorn too. They declined.

So I skipped on out and grabbed 2 containers of popcorn, 1 for the 3 Musketeers and 1 for me. The containers were just on loan till they were empty.

Sadly it must have been Four for a Dollar’s day off because there was no pre show. What a huge disappointment. The show was great but I so missed the pre show and had wanted Jkay and R to see it. On the way out my fans gave a little wave and a shout and I returned with the princess wave.

Some pictures from Beauty and the Beast and the back of some guys head

I love a day with no crowds.

We made it just in time to catch the parade, not quite front row, but we still could see everything. Loved the parade and it was great to see everyone dressed in their finest holiday attire. As soon as we saw the last car we beat feet over to The Great Movie Ride.

Back in October, when Grampy and I were there, we got stuck on this ride for about 20 minutes. Right by Tarzan, doing his yell, for the entire time. Grampy had sworn off this ride as a result of that unfortunate event. So if you saw a lady dragging a kicking and screaming slightly older than a toddler man on the ride that would have been us. Sorry if you witnessed that but… Luckily this time around there was no malfunction and Tarzan only yelled once and we were indeed saved exactly as planned.

Since Grampy had been such a good sport we granted him some nap time and headed over to The Little Mermaid show. Truth is, when Jkay started talking to me about the Prince, I had been sound asleep. It really is a cute show, but since I had seen it plenty of times, a nap was not out of the question. All fresh from a little cat snooze, we hustled ourselves over to the Animation tour and wandered through at a leisurely pace.

Earlier in the day we had played I spy with my little eye and knew we could grab some eggnog along the way towards the Muppet show. So we stopped and indulged in a little holiday cheer that was actually quite yummy and hit the Muppets. Per another Disser we were not un-American and moved to the end of the row. Grampy and I are Muppet geeks and even bought the 1st Season DVD as soon as we hit the dump shop. I think we both jumped around and waved our arms, but I might be mistaken.

Now I know you are wondering why we haven’t been to Tower of Terror and RnR . This girl has never done either. Gasp and a hush falls over cyberspace. Yep, I chose not to be dropped in an elevator. IRL I don’t even like to get in an elevator so I am not voluntarily dropping in one. Nope, not gonna happen. But I offered, encouraged even, the others to do it. There were no takers. And RnR, well that wasn’t to be this trip either. I faced a fear later in the week and 1 fear per trip is enough. I told you I was a weenie.


Up next – Dinner at Mama Melrose’s and the Osborne lights and lots of pictures

 

[MA pigletfan]

Hi Grammy..a newbie and a lurker at the same time here! Just wanted to say how much i am enjoying reading your report. ...keep up the fantastic work!!

 

[samc]

Hi Grammy..........still enjoying your report.....I guess now you're a celebrity at MGM as well as the DIS boards... Did you take any pics of the MGM parade?......please post if you did...........when I was there in Nov this was the only Christmas parade we missed...thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Grammyof2]

The one must do, on the must do in my mind list, was the Osborne lights. I was salivating at the thought we would be seeing them tonight. It was the only reason we started with this park. No one else knew that of course.

We had ADR’s at Mama Melrose’s for 7:30. Somehow, I had confused myself and thought that Fantasmic was shown twice tonight. I was sorely mistaken. 1 show only and there was no way we could eat, do the Osborne lights and see Fantasmic. So I tried to use my charm again and see if I could get into Mama Melrose’s early. There was a line out the door and around the corner. I turned on the charm but the CM wasn’t budging, not even an inch. I needed to pull something out of my bag of tricks, but I came up empty handed. So we shopped and sat our butts here, so Jkay could have a butt.



Just them the world lit up around us and at 5:45, a full 15 minutes ahead of schedule the Osborne lights came alive.

We were 4 kids in a candy store. We jumped up, did a couple of dances of joy and headed down the street, with mouths wide open. This is the most awesome sight. I was as happy to be there as the 1st time I had hit Main Street back in 1975. The snow was coming down, the lights were dancing, and the crowd was in awe. I could not stop smiling. It was totally worth the trip just to see this. Pictures do not do it justice.



After touring the display we headed back over to Mama Melrose’s. The crowds were no longer out the door and even though we were early, the CM recognized me. Told me she would get us right in. We walked past the open kitchen, peeking at all the food, and sat down to a comfy table towards the back of the restaurant. We had a really cute CM who was very talkative and offered suggestions on both the menu and things to do in Orlando.

Everyone ordered something different. Pasta, steak, chicken parm and I know I ordered a salad and a flatbread. I also know they brought me a different flatbread then what I ordered. Being my non confrontational self, I decided just to eat it. But we had a manager, a chef and the waiter all at the table trying to convince me they would replace it. Really people, this is fine. So they offered free desserts around the table. Normally we would have jumped at a free dessert, but we were all stuffed. When the bill came, my whole meal was “washed away”. They were really nice about the whole situation and truly, what I received was fine, just not what I ordered.

So a quick potty break and we headed out. We had 2 choices, run like the wind and try to get into Fantasmic or wander through the Osborne lights again. Unanimous decision to take our time and walk through the lights. The crowds had thinned out nicely because they were all watching Fantasmic. It was wonderful.

Check out the snow


The crew


Then Grampy spotted something he couldn’t live without. Light up mugs filled with hot chocolate. Quickly plopped down the bucks for 2 mugs and handed them off to Jkay and me, clearly stating the mugs were for the grandbabies. About 4 steps later decided our daughter couldn’t live without one. 10 feet later decided he couldn’t live without one. I had to pull in the reins, how did he think we were getting all these mugs home??? He was willing to leave his shoes, I swear. He wanted to get 2 more but I was firm. It was the 1st full day and how many other lighty up thingys would we come across. And I was not leaving my shoes behind.

If you haven’t been fortunate enough to see the lights, I suggest a trip for that purpose only. We loved everything about it and the Christmas spirit was all around us. As we were walking out of the park, I told Grampy I could go home tomorrow, because nothing could top tonight. He said “yeah right” But I meant it.

Now if you are looking closely, you will see some definite, something doesn’t belong in these pictures. Yep, I was wearing a parka and others were in shorts. I swear it was freezing and the “snow” just made me all the colder, thankfully I had lots of hot chocolate.

When we hit the front of the park, Fantasmic was just letting out. We decided to park ourselves and people watch for awhile. We sat right outside the Villains candy shop and watched them make candy apples. 35 minutes and the CM was still working on the exact same apple. I hope she got paid by the hour and not the apple.

When the crowd had subsided we hopped right on a bus and headed home. A quick fill of the ASSports mugs for Grampy and R and we hit the rooms. Tomorrow was another day and we were heading over to Epcot.

Up next lunch in Canada

 

[ZZUB]

Grampy was as happy as a pig in poop

There were many quote worthy passages from the three chapters I just finished reading, but I sincerely believe this was my favorite. I had a good time reading about your adventures. Now I am numb.

Looking forward to more.

He's picturing a moped.

 

[Jennifer48]

Then Grampy spotted something he couldn’t live without. Light up mugs filled with hot chocolate.

If you haven’t been fortunate enough to see the lights, I suggest a trip for that purpose only. We loved everything about it and the Christmas spirit was all around us. As we were walking out of the park, I told Grampy I could go home tomorrow, because nothing could top tonight. He said “yeah right” But I meant it.

Can we see a pic of those light up mugs filled with hot chocolate?!

Oh and I am beginning to plan a trip to WDW Christmas season 2008 just for the purpose of the lights. You have made me more excited about it. I can't wait!

 

[UtahMama]

All caught up!
The lights are SO beautiful!!!
So are you!

 

[NAB]

You are right about the Osborne Lights. They are awsome. We saw them last year.

Love that the men are in shorts and the women are bundled up.

--

 

[Grammyof2]

Hi Grammy..........still enjoying your report.....I guess now you're a celebrity at MGM as well as the DIS boards... Did you take any pics of the MGM parade?......please post if you did...........when I was there in Nov this was the only Christmas parade we missed...thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry to say we have pictures of every other parade but this one. I had a newish camera that Grampy didn't really know how to use. When they took the pictures at the Indiana Jones show, they somehow changed the settings and I went from having 250ish pics to 45 and I was saving those for the Osborne Lights and didn't have another photo card with me, thinking 250 would get me through the day. And JKay's photos, well, none of them came out. Thankfully we were together or she would have been photoless.

Can we see a pic of those light up mugs filled with hot chocolate?!

Oh and I am beginning to plan a trip to WDW Christmas season 2008 just for the purpose of the lights. You have made me more excited about it. I can't wait!

This is what the mugs look like. They are turned off, but the mugs light up and the lights "dance". You can also purchase them empty, which is what we did for the last 2. We ended up with 4 total and we should have bought 6. All the "kids" wanted them.

Hey Zubb, guess that hip needs replaced again

 

[nicolemarie]

The snow was coming down, the lights were dancing, and the crowd was in awe. I could not stop smiling. It was totally worth the trip just to see this. Pictures do not do it justice.

You are so right, Grammy. We thought it was worth the trip, too. It was perfect.

And I was so dadgum mad when I saw folks with those cool hot chocolate mugs. I had stood in that line at Writer's Stop for 25 minutes for a hot chocolate and never knew about those mugs being sold elsewhere.

Tell Grampy he done good.

And I'm so sorry you missed Four for a Dollar! They are awesome, aren't they? Who knew they get days off?

Lovin' your report. The pics are great!

NM

 

[susieq76]

This is great! So glad I stumbled across it! Continue.... Please

 

[javamom]

I scanned the lobby for the Christmas display. The one I had seen at least 39 times on the WDW Holiday special. No display! I was sad. A CM told me that the display wasn’t up this year but to be sure to let someone “higher up” to know we were disappointed. Noted and checked in the TR notebook, that was secure in my pocketbook and provided by another Disser, YAK, from infamous goodie bags she had provided from the October trip.

I know Grammy, I was so dissapointed too that there was no display. The poinsettias were pretty, but underwhelming.

 

[firstmickey]

Gram Gram....I just made a cup of tea....and sat and treated myself to your trip report. Im all caught up now! Waiting for more.

Im glad you and Grampy finally got your anniversary trip.

The Poly beach with the space shuttle sounds awesome. What perfect timing. (with you being Queen Wooo hoooty...that shouldn't surprise me though)

bummer on no Four for a Dollar....they are great!

Great pictures! Im loving them all.

Sounds like a perfect MGM day and LOL at your starring role.
Loved the Osborne Lights....sigh...you're making me want to go back next Christmas again.


Thanks for sharing! Keep em coming!

for you:

 

[Grammyof2]

Hey Donna - about time you showed up

You been to busy making beer runs for Joey

New chapter up tommorrow. Spent to much time singing Karaoke today

 

[firstmickey]

Hey Donna - about time you showed up

You been to busy making beer runs for Joey

New chapter up tommorrow. Spent to much time singing Karaoke today

Gram....I know. Slacker. It won't happen again.


and you know how Joey needs to have his beer though.

 

[Grammyof2]

This morning was a repeat of yesterday morning, except, I went for coffee and the paper. Breakfast at ASSports, grabbed the stuff from the room and hit the bus stop. We met a lady and her daughter that had just received an ECV delivery that morning. The woman used an ECV at home but was just getting adjusted to the different controls. She was terribly funny and we had about a 5 minute wait for the bus as she tried to learn to back up, not very successfully. When the bus pulled up and she tried to steer herself in, well lets just say it was a comedy of errors. Luckily it was just them, us and a very nice man and his daughter, around 9. Between the bus driver, Grampy, R and the nice gentleman she finally got loaded up. She asked Grampy and R if they would accompany her for the rest of the day. Grampy offered his cell phone # if she got in a jam. When we started the trek over to Epcot the little girl on the bus sang the entire 12 days of Christmas to us. She was adorable, except she couldn’t remember what the 11th day was, nor could any of us. Finally the bus driver remembered and she completed her song. There was a standing ovation when we landed at Epcot. Everyone stuck around until our new friend was off the bus and going in forward motion.

We headed directly to Soaring, taught Jkay and R the fine art of fastpass, and then jumped in the standby line. We waited maybe 10 minutes. Jkay loved this ride and wanted to jump right back on, which we did with no wait. As we headed over to the Living with the Land tour, we bumped into our ECV buddy. She was getting the hang of the different controls and told us she thought she would be a OK. One more ride on Soaring, using the fastpasses, and headed over to catch the new Nemo ride which is cute and I am sure my grandbabies will love it.

This morning was perfect. The crowds were nonexistent and we whipped through several attractions, really quickly. Spaceship Earth, Figment, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, did a little shopping and even had time for one of Grampy’s favorite things

We needed a bit of Canadian hospitality so we broke out the passports and crossed over to the World Showcase. We have a soft spot for Canada and have met some great friends that live north of the border. I had heard the national dish is Cheese soup, or that could just be a rumour (Canadian spelling). There is also a rising young ice skating star coming from Canada so be sure to keep your eyes peeled to that. You will here lots about her in the coming years.

We stopped to hear from the storyteller and on to the shops for some duty free shopping. Where we did this

And this

After touring the pavilion we sat down to a wonderful lunch at Le Cellier. Our CM gave us a little geography lesson, that was totally lost on Jkay. Remember she is a teeny bit ditzy. Grampy and R had once convinced her there was a bridge from the state of Washington to Alaska. I had to prove that was impossible by breaking out the Atlas.

During the Food and Wine festival I had tried the ice wine and fell in love. Our CM suggested I try an ice wine martini. It was luscious. We tried a little bit of everything on the menu; mussels, shrimp cocktail, cheese soup, filet, stir fry, seafood and linguine dish, and the crème brulle sampler. The maple crème brulee was the very best I ever had, and I am a crème brulee snob.


Since we were totally stuffed we decided to take the boat over to the Yacht and Beach Club and check out the decorations and the digs we were supposed to be at. 1st we stopped at the Boardwalk and Jkay and R got to tour around the area before we hopped the boat over to the Yacht club.

Tree in Yacht club lobby

We walked around Storm along bay and then went in to check out the chocolate carousel. Grampy spent quite a bit of time finding all the hidden Mickey’s and of course talked the ears off the 3 woman that were also searching.

While we were walking around the Beach Club I remembered I had gotten the most delicious gelato here so we headed back and yep, all got some. It was still daylight and we were on the 3rd dessert of the day. I love vacations! Here’s a little tip – The CM will give you a sample of all the flavors, so you can pick your favorite. Mine is the mango.

It was getting close to time for the 1st Candlelight Processional so we walked back to the International Gateway and made our way around to check out the line which went on forever and 3 days. The 1st crowd of the day and it was a big one. We stopped in front of the American Adventure and started talking to the CM who said if you want to sit outside or stand right by the theater you will still be able to see everything without waiting in line. Bingo that is what we did. Front row by the ropes, dead center and Grampy grabbed me some Joe to keep me warm for the show.

Steven Curtis Chapman was the narrator and did a fantastic job. This performance was breathtaking and we all loved it. When it was over we had a bit of a discussion about the fact that in this day of political correctness and the fact that some stores even have “holiday” trees, WDW fully embraces the Christmas season. We couldn’t have been more surrounded by the season then with this presentation and we were all thrilled to be spending part of our holiday here. For the second time in two days, Grampy whispered in my ear, same time next year, with the kids. Yep, we would be back.

We made our way slowly around the World Showcase and with perfect timing arrived just in time to see the show and the lighting of the tree and archway in front of World Showcase. The crowds were building quickly but it was fun to be part of the group oohing and aahing.

It had been a long day with lots crossed off the list and plenty of eating so we decided to save Illuminations for another night and jumped the bus back to the hotel. Guess what; ECV lady and her daughter were at the bus stop. They had a great day also and the 6 of us were the only ones on the bus.

We stopped at the pool bar and watched some kids swimming in the pool (and me in my coat) and discussed the plans for tomorrow. We decided to return to Epcot, which meant I needed to make some dining changes. The rest of the crew turned in for the night and I went to visit, the 1st of many times, the concierge in the lobby. These 2 lovely ladies would become my best friends by the end of the week. Really, the nicest CM’s and extremely helpful. Couple of clicks on the computer and we were all set.

I gave Grampy a quick ring to see if he wanted anything before heading back and slipped over and grabbed a double cheeseburger and some fries. We watched some TV and split the burger and talked about our day. It had been practically perfect since the beginning. Could it hold out?

Just then Jkay knocked on the door.

I told you she never leaves on her cell. Her son and DIL were expecting a baby at any minute. They had called at some time during the day and now she couldn’t get a signal so would I call them. Done deal but I was hoping and praying that the baby would wait till we got back. When Jkay’s son answered he said all was well and was just checking in. I told him to save my cell number and call ME if anything happened, since we both know his Mom and her cell habits. Crisis averted and we all called it a night. Tomorrow, same time, same channel.

Up next – Epcot revisited and will I face my fear?

 

[nicolemarie]

What are you trying to do here? Thwart the Plan of Productivity I have going on?

I started reading. Then I regained my self-control and I'm stepping away from the Trip Reports until this afternoon.

But I did see your pics of the CP. So I can't wait to read your experience. We loved it.

Already I've been here too long.

I'm out.

NM

 

[firstmickey]

Gram.....sounds like a perfect day. I love Canada and Le Cellier too. And I agree completely about Disney at Christmas and remembering what the season is all about.

Great installment..keep 'em coming.

PS...tell Grampy I think he's the Best.

 

[nicolemarie]

First of all...could I love Grampy any more?

He's thoughtful...

Grampy offered his cell phone # if she got in a jam.

Has a sweet tooth...

He's hilarious...

He's a Disney Man...

Grampy spent quite a bit of time finding all the hidden Mickey’s and of course talked the ears off the 3 woman that were also searching.

And he's promised to return again at Christmas time.

For the second time in two days, Grampy whispered in my ear, same time next year, with the kids. Yep, we would be back.

He's the BOMB!!!

And this paragraph said it so well...

Steven Curtis Chapman was the narrator and did a fantastic job. This performance was breathtaking and we all loved it. When it was over we had a bit of a discussion about the fact that in this day of political correctness and the fact that some stores even have “holiday” trees, WDW fully embraces the Christmas season. We couldn’t have been more surrounded by the season then with this presentation and we were all thrilled to be spending part of our holiday here.

We felt the same way at Thanksgiving. But we didn't have SCC - who is one of my favorite artists. I'm sure he was great.

It really is a beautiful time to visit the World! We wished we had been able to spend two days at Epcot. Looking forward to hearing about your second day!

Thanks for sharing your trip and pics with us!!

NM

 

[Grammyof2]

Oh - one more thing. Grampy is STYLIN' in the Hawaiian digs!!!!! NM

If you have a Big Dogs store near you, my suggestion is to never allow your man to enter it. Just a suggestion

And they always have this buy one, get one for a buck. OMG is there a shirt in that store he doesn't own. Me thinks not. He is a Big Dog Aholic

I guess there are worse things but at the moment I can't think of one