Who we are:
Me (Fiona) 41 – Commando and Food Planner and Holiday Booker.
DH (Steve) 41 – He really does not like the cheese of Disney! Has got rather keen on golf since our last visit.
DD1 (Kate) 17 – I am ashamed to say that she wants to know if there is a hairdryer everywhere we are staying…shame on her!!
DD2 (Laura) 14 – The Fantasmic Laura of old.
DD3 (Sally) 10 – she will out park the lot of us…… and needs the least sleep.
Pre Trip Report Saturday 16th December 2006 - Monday 1st January 2007
Day 1 Sat 16th Dec Are we nearly there?
Day 2 Sun 17th Dec AK and Boma.
Day 3 Mon 18th Dec EPCOT and Le Cellier
Day 4 Tuesday 19th December 2006
We definitely had the alarm on today, it’s not “up and at um” any more which is a shame!! We caught the bus from South Deeeeeppppoooooooo to Magic Kingdom for 9am opening. We have stayed on site for three different holidays now, but early entry (sorry Extra Magic Hours) is not one of the attractions. We try and follow the “less busy park” guides and go the day after EMH. I was a bit annoyed that every night bar Wednesday this week was a MVMCP (Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party). Disney try and get another $40 each out of you to see a park you have already paid for (nearly 25% of the cost of our 10 day passes). We can see the Christmas extras next week but it would have been nice to have had the option of having dinner and then popping into the park for the fireworks. $40 seems a lot for cocoa and cookies. Mutter over.
The totally pointless bag searches were over (either look properly or not at all) and we wait for the opening ceremony before being allowed through the gates, first time we have ever seen it, but I couldn’t really see what was going on. A bit slow up Main Street but we peel off right for Space Mountain and enjoy the ride. It was much better than our last visit. Much smoother, faster and darker. I seem to remember juddering around in the half light seeing all the workings and never getting over the disappointment that SM at WDW doesn’t go upside down. I also thought Test Track yesterday was faster than it used to be to, I must be getting old. I must admit Tomorrowland is my least favourite part of MK, I don’t like spacey stuff. However, we all like Buzz and ride that after picking up FPs for Stitches Great Escape. I didn’t win, I always play to win!! Sally wants to go on Astro Orbiter, and Steve and Laura sit this out, mindful of the fact that it was this ride in AK that the two of them got their Dream Fastpasses the other day I dutifully accompany them. Needless to say no “magical moments” other than having a great time in warm weather and a wonderful view of the whole park from the top.
We go straight into Stitch, again it has changed from the previous incarnation that scared me witless. The girls thought we were on a roller coaster with the heavy duty shoulder restraints. Not a good ride if you are claustrophobic, but not as scary as before. Worth doing, but don’t queue for it!
We wander over to Fantasy Land to do whichever rides were 10 minutes or less. Kate, Laura and I whizzed round Snow White whilst Sally went on her favourite, Cinderella’s Carousel. We then all went on Snow White again with Sally as there was still no wait. Steve muttering, so I claim to have a great desire to go on “It’s a Small World”, I did actually, I enjoy that ride, lots to look at.
Fast Pass Dasher was dispatched to Big Thunder Mountain and we all meet at Pecos Bills for our CS lunch. 4 credits again used from DDP:
3x Bacon Double Cheeseburgers
1x Chicken Wrap
4x Chocolate Mousse
I’m not a burger fan, but they are better when loaded with all the salad, gherkins, fried onions and condiments that you can pile on yourself here. Perfectly OK, desserts nothing special. I delibrately didn’t go round doing foodie shots as the gang woiuld have got really cross, so here is an antidote to food!!
On we go to “Yo Ho Ho” at Pirates of the Caribbean.
One of our favourite rides, Captain Sparrow was posing at the exit, but we were in the queue for about 20 minutes. Is it just me, but what has happened to the jolly song to sing along to, a bit darker and not as jolly, I prefer the old Pirates. I think a re ride is required to reserve judgement, so another holiday we will have to have! If Captain Sparrow was to accompany me in my boat then it would get AAAAAA+++++.
Big Thunder Mountain here we come, after picking up FPs for Splash Mountain on the way. I noticed nowhere near as much music in the queuing area, not that we waited long with our FPs. The ride may not be that thrilling, but it’s the theming and detail that makes nearly all of Disney rides so appealing.
After whooping and a hollering, we were getting quite tired (with a sore knee for me) so Tom Sawyer Island was a given a miss. We went to the Swiss Family Treehouse, partly because it was requested by one of the children, good views of the park scrambling around it, and partly because the exit happens to be very close to Aloha Isle, home of the once eaten must return Pineappple Floats. As they count as a Dining Plan snack, we imbibed in three, with one heathen going for popcorn, and someone else probably wanting a beer. I don’t like Mr Whippy Ice Cream, but Pineapple Mr Whippy on top of fresh pineapple juice is lush. This “whippy” ice cream is much more dense and not too sweet. The more pineapple the better.
Another favourite ride, that hadn’t been “tinkered” with (sorry, no pun intended) is Splash Mountain. Today is warm, but not baking so we didn’t want to squelch all day so the timing was just right. No wait with the FPs, and a good time was had by all and I didn’t get that wet, hurrah!! It was probably 3pm by now, and I was very sore, and everyone else weary so we called it a day and hopped on a train to take us back to the park entrance.
We then had our only bad bus journey back, waited for 20 minutes, then a driver change and the new one was 10 minutes late and then it took 15 minutes to load two electric wheelchairs onto the bus. Nobody else was allowed to board and there were several people with collapsed buggies and sleeping children in their arms, surely they could have let them on.
The weather was gorgeous and we had a good time swimming, hot tubbing and sunbathing at Ol Man Island.
Tonight we had two options, either we all go to Downtown Disney and eat at Wolfgang Pucks at 7.30pm. Alternatively, Steve and I go to Narcossees at 7.50pm and the girls get their own CS meal at Riverside Mill and go to Downtown Disney on the boat, promising to return by 10. The second option was decided upon by the girls (I cancelled the WP ressie) and we all got ready to go out.
Adults Night Out
The girls have a mobile to text us if necessary, and we drive over to the Grand Floridian, having smartened ourselves up slightly. It was a good job we were early as by the time I had admired the tree and listened to handbell ringers whilst waiting for Steve, and then managed to find the restaurant, time was running out. We had to go out the back of the hotel, past the swimming pool in a separate building on its own at the edge of Bay Lake, with no time now for a drink. Conservatory in style the restaurant is very airy, we booked in and retired to the bar for a cocktail, a 15 minute wait was advised. The girls texted ti say they were on the boat safely to DD! Unfortunately our pager went off 5 minutes later, never mind my “Seven Seas Scorcher”, and red wine were transposed to the table. I carefully bagsed the outside view, looking over Bay Lake to MK.
The whole meal was a large step up from other TS restaurants we have visited this trip in terms of surroundings, service and atmosphere. Our server was very good, just attentive enough without getting on your wick! The Food (2x 2TS credits):
Bread and Olive oil for dipping always goes down well with us, very good and only nibbled.
Me - Narcoossee's Crab Cakes - Remoulade and Fresee slaw $12.00
Stunning, the best crab we had by far, beautiful flavour and Steve wished he had ordered this too.
Steve - Artisan Cheeses - Humboldt Fog, Maytag Blue and San Joaquain Gold served with Walnut Toast $12.00
Good, and very different to cheese board here or in France. One of the cheeses was a bit “odd” to his taste, and he would have preferred straight ordinary toast!! The cheese had some dressing on too which was interesting. Good, but he would have ordered this for dessert if he had known it was on offer then too!
Steamed Whole Maine Lobster - drawn butter and roasted asparagus $54.00
I really enjoyed this, but for goodness sake can’t they give you more than 4 little stalks of asparagus!! I ate nearly all of it but a little bit of “something” to lift the lobster out of this world would have been good. I bit of gratin perhaps?
Grilled Beef Filet Mignon and Butter-Poached Lobster Tail - potato gratin, asparagus and green peppercorn brandy sauce $52
Declared to be excellent, perhaps even better Filet Nignon than Le Cellier.
We both ordered the Happiest Celebration on Earth Dessert, Almond Cheescake. I think it had a touch of Raspberry Coulis on it too, and was artistically presented with Magic Kingdom scene “printed” onto a strip of dry sugar paste that surrounded the cheescake. Apparently edible, but not keepable as it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and starts dissolving fairly quickly, a shame we couldn’t show the girls. The cheescake was rolled in almonds and divine, easily the best dessert of the holiday!
However, there was action at this point and we trooped outside to watch the 9.30pm Holiday Wishes from the MVMCP taking place in MK that night. It was stunning, with the smiley faces, presents and extra festive touches. A fantastic viewing point, weather was warm and calm and the sky clear. The commentary and music is piped in, a shame the children weren’t there too. We also had our first ever viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant too, either before or after fireworks, I cannot remember. Well worth pausing for. The sheer number of staff in Disney World must make for mind boggling job descriptions, there must be someone in charge of light bulbs for Electrical Water Pageant too. Head of pyrotechnics would be a good job.
After coming back inside we really enjoyed the desserts and finished with a Green Tea and a coffee for Steve. The bill was just short of $200 inc tip but excluding the alcoholic drinks. It was a lovely evening, although Le Cellier was far far better value. We got back home around 10.45 the children were all crashed out, thankfully in their beds.
Girls Night Out
Apparently they went to Riverside Mill and had things like “pasta” and “pizza” and “apple pie”, they were suffering from “Table Service overload” and thoroughly enjoyed it. They caught the boat to Downtown Disney, apparantly it was “chilly”. I suspect there was some browsing of shops, here are a couple of photos they took.
Laura also decided to have a hair wrap, she had looked at several places on other days and Downtown was the “best value” apparently, so she spent some holiday money on that. They caught the boat back and even Sally behaved herself and didn’t do her disappearing “acts” and “spoilt brat” impressions which she is liable to with Kate, who gives in far too easily pandering to her whims for a quiet life!
I think they got themselves fizzy drinks and cocoa, and fell asleep very quickly. The commandoing is taking its toll.
Tomorrow: MGM and Spoodles
Day 5 Weds 20th Dec MGM and Spoodles
Me (Fiona) 41 – Commando and Food Planner and Holiday Booker.
DH (Steve) 41 – He really does not like the cheese of Disney! Has got rather keen on golf since our last visit.
DD1 (Kate) 17 – I am ashamed to say that she wants to know if there is a hairdryer everywhere we are staying…shame on her!!
DD2 (Laura) 14 – The Fantasmic Laura of old.
DD3 (Sally) 10 – she will out park the lot of us…… and needs the least sleep.
Pre Trip Report Saturday 16th December 2006 - Monday 1st January 2007
Day 1 Sat 16th Dec Are we nearly there?
Day 2 Sun 17th Dec AK and Boma.
Day 3 Mon 18th Dec EPCOT and Le Cellier
Day 4 Tuesday 19th December 2006
We definitely had the alarm on today, it’s not “up and at um” any more which is a shame!! We caught the bus from South Deeeeeppppoooooooo to Magic Kingdom for 9am opening. We have stayed on site for three different holidays now, but early entry (sorry Extra Magic Hours) is not one of the attractions. We try and follow the “less busy park” guides and go the day after EMH. I was a bit annoyed that every night bar Wednesday this week was a MVMCP (Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party). Disney try and get another $40 each out of you to see a park you have already paid for (nearly 25% of the cost of our 10 day passes). We can see the Christmas extras next week but it would have been nice to have had the option of having dinner and then popping into the park for the fireworks. $40 seems a lot for cocoa and cookies. Mutter over.
The totally pointless bag searches were over (either look properly or not at all) and we wait for the opening ceremony before being allowed through the gates, first time we have ever seen it, but I couldn’t really see what was going on. A bit slow up Main Street but we peel off right for Space Mountain and enjoy the ride. It was much better than our last visit. Much smoother, faster and darker. I seem to remember juddering around in the half light seeing all the workings and never getting over the disappointment that SM at WDW doesn’t go upside down. I also thought Test Track yesterday was faster than it used to be to, I must be getting old. I must admit Tomorrowland is my least favourite part of MK, I don’t like spacey stuff. However, we all like Buzz and ride that after picking up FPs for Stitches Great Escape. I didn’t win, I always play to win!! Sally wants to go on Astro Orbiter, and Steve and Laura sit this out, mindful of the fact that it was this ride in AK that the two of them got their Dream Fastpasses the other day I dutifully accompany them. Needless to say no “magical moments” other than having a great time in warm weather and a wonderful view of the whole park from the top.
We go straight into Stitch, again it has changed from the previous incarnation that scared me witless. The girls thought we were on a roller coaster with the heavy duty shoulder restraints. Not a good ride if you are claustrophobic, but not as scary as before. Worth doing, but don’t queue for it!
We wander over to Fantasy Land to do whichever rides were 10 minutes or less. Kate, Laura and I whizzed round Snow White whilst Sally went on her favourite, Cinderella’s Carousel. We then all went on Snow White again with Sally as there was still no wait. Steve muttering, so I claim to have a great desire to go on “It’s a Small World”, I did actually, I enjoy that ride, lots to look at.
Fast Pass Dasher was dispatched to Big Thunder Mountain and we all meet at Pecos Bills for our CS lunch. 4 credits again used from DDP:
3x Bacon Double Cheeseburgers
1x Chicken Wrap
4x Chocolate Mousse
I’m not a burger fan, but they are better when loaded with all the salad, gherkins, fried onions and condiments that you can pile on yourself here. Perfectly OK, desserts nothing special. I delibrately didn’t go round doing foodie shots as the gang woiuld have got really cross, so here is an antidote to food!!
On we go to “Yo Ho Ho” at Pirates of the Caribbean.
One of our favourite rides, Captain Sparrow was posing at the exit, but we were in the queue for about 20 minutes. Is it just me, but what has happened to the jolly song to sing along to, a bit darker and not as jolly, I prefer the old Pirates. I think a re ride is required to reserve judgement, so another holiday we will have to have! If Captain Sparrow was to accompany me in my boat then it would get AAAAAA+++++.
Big Thunder Mountain here we come, after picking up FPs for Splash Mountain on the way. I noticed nowhere near as much music in the queuing area, not that we waited long with our FPs. The ride may not be that thrilling, but it’s the theming and detail that makes nearly all of Disney rides so appealing.
After whooping and a hollering, we were getting quite tired (with a sore knee for me) so Tom Sawyer Island was a given a miss. We went to the Swiss Family Treehouse, partly because it was requested by one of the children, good views of the park scrambling around it, and partly because the exit happens to be very close to Aloha Isle, home of the once eaten must return Pineappple Floats. As they count as a Dining Plan snack, we imbibed in three, with one heathen going for popcorn, and someone else probably wanting a beer. I don’t like Mr Whippy Ice Cream, but Pineapple Mr Whippy on top of fresh pineapple juice is lush. This “whippy” ice cream is much more dense and not too sweet. The more pineapple the better.
Another favourite ride, that hadn’t been “tinkered” with (sorry, no pun intended) is Splash Mountain. Today is warm, but not baking so we didn’t want to squelch all day so the timing was just right. No wait with the FPs, and a good time was had by all and I didn’t get that wet, hurrah!! It was probably 3pm by now, and I was very sore, and everyone else weary so we called it a day and hopped on a train to take us back to the park entrance.
We then had our only bad bus journey back, waited for 20 minutes, then a driver change and the new one was 10 minutes late and then it took 15 minutes to load two electric wheelchairs onto the bus. Nobody else was allowed to board and there were several people with collapsed buggies and sleeping children in their arms, surely they could have let them on.
The weather was gorgeous and we had a good time swimming, hot tubbing and sunbathing at Ol Man Island.
Tonight we had two options, either we all go to Downtown Disney and eat at Wolfgang Pucks at 7.30pm. Alternatively, Steve and I go to Narcossees at 7.50pm and the girls get their own CS meal at Riverside Mill and go to Downtown Disney on the boat, promising to return by 10. The second option was decided upon by the girls (I cancelled the WP ressie) and we all got ready to go out.
Adults Night Out
The girls have a mobile to text us if necessary, and we drive over to the Grand Floridian, having smartened ourselves up slightly. It was a good job we were early as by the time I had admired the tree and listened to handbell ringers whilst waiting for Steve, and then managed to find the restaurant, time was running out. We had to go out the back of the hotel, past the swimming pool in a separate building on its own at the edge of Bay Lake, with no time now for a drink. Conservatory in style the restaurant is very airy, we booked in and retired to the bar for a cocktail, a 15 minute wait was advised. The girls texted ti say they were on the boat safely to DD! Unfortunately our pager went off 5 minutes later, never mind my “Seven Seas Scorcher”, and red wine were transposed to the table. I carefully bagsed the outside view, looking over Bay Lake to MK.
The whole meal was a large step up from other TS restaurants we have visited this trip in terms of surroundings, service and atmosphere. Our server was very good, just attentive enough without getting on your wick! The Food (2x 2TS credits):
Bread and Olive oil for dipping always goes down well with us, very good and only nibbled.
Me - Narcoossee's Crab Cakes - Remoulade and Fresee slaw $12.00
Stunning, the best crab we had by far, beautiful flavour and Steve wished he had ordered this too.
Steve - Artisan Cheeses - Humboldt Fog, Maytag Blue and San Joaquain Gold served with Walnut Toast $12.00
Good, and very different to cheese board here or in France. One of the cheeses was a bit “odd” to his taste, and he would have preferred straight ordinary toast!! The cheese had some dressing on too which was interesting. Good, but he would have ordered this for dessert if he had known it was on offer then too!
Steamed Whole Maine Lobster - drawn butter and roasted asparagus $54.00
I really enjoyed this, but for goodness sake can’t they give you more than 4 little stalks of asparagus!! I ate nearly all of it but a little bit of “something” to lift the lobster out of this world would have been good. I bit of gratin perhaps?
Grilled Beef Filet Mignon and Butter-Poached Lobster Tail - potato gratin, asparagus and green peppercorn brandy sauce $52
Declared to be excellent, perhaps even better Filet Nignon than Le Cellier.
We both ordered the Happiest Celebration on Earth Dessert, Almond Cheescake. I think it had a touch of Raspberry Coulis on it too, and was artistically presented with Magic Kingdom scene “printed” onto a strip of dry sugar paste that surrounded the cheescake. Apparently edible, but not keepable as it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and starts dissolving fairly quickly, a shame we couldn’t show the girls. The cheescake was rolled in almonds and divine, easily the best dessert of the holiday!
However, there was action at this point and we trooped outside to watch the 9.30pm Holiday Wishes from the MVMCP taking place in MK that night. It was stunning, with the smiley faces, presents and extra festive touches. A fantastic viewing point, weather was warm and calm and the sky clear. The commentary and music is piped in, a shame the children weren’t there too. We also had our first ever viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant too, either before or after fireworks, I cannot remember. Well worth pausing for. The sheer number of staff in Disney World must make for mind boggling job descriptions, there must be someone in charge of light bulbs for Electrical Water Pageant too. Head of pyrotechnics would be a good job.
After coming back inside we really enjoyed the desserts and finished with a Green Tea and a coffee for Steve. The bill was just short of $200 inc tip but excluding the alcoholic drinks. It was a lovely evening, although Le Cellier was far far better value. We got back home around 10.45 the children were all crashed out, thankfully in their beds.
Girls Night Out
Apparently they went to Riverside Mill and had things like “pasta” and “pizza” and “apple pie”, they were suffering from “Table Service overload” and thoroughly enjoyed it. They caught the boat to Downtown Disney, apparantly it was “chilly”. I suspect there was some browsing of shops, here are a couple of photos they took.
Laura also decided to have a hair wrap, she had looked at several places on other days and Downtown was the “best value” apparently, so she spent some holiday money on that. They caught the boat back and even Sally behaved herself and didn’t do her disappearing “acts” and “spoilt brat” impressions which she is liable to with Kate, who gives in far too easily pandering to her whims for a quiet life!
I think they got themselves fizzy drinks and cocoa, and fell asleep very quickly. The commandoing is taking its toll.
Tomorrow: MGM and Spoodles
Day 5 Weds 20th Dec MGM and Spoodles
