A Road Trip Engagement...The End...Updated 1/31!

[wdwgirl03]

Awesome update! I love your pictures of Pixar Place and Toy Story Mania. I don't think I noticed the Battleship board in the little shop. I have to say TSM is probably one of my new favorite rides too. Like my dad said, it's one that you can ride again and again! And you got some amazing pictures of the Osborne Lights. They are gorgeous!

 

[Jennifer48]

Thursday December 4, 2008

Cinderella’s Royal Table was our breakfast plans this morning. We had ADRs for 8:10a. I wanted to be in the park before rope drop but that didn’t happen because there were so many people in the bag check lines. We watched the opening ceremony from the line and just made it in time for our ressie. We took our photo with Cindy and headed upstairs. I have to vent here for a second. This is the 2nd time we’ve eaten at CRT where the photos were part of the package. Neither time were we given a sword/wand for the “special show” inside. I’m a bit upset by this because this isn’t a cheap meal and I should be able to get all the perks, children or not! Ok I’m done.

We were seated in one of the best tables in front of the windows.

There was a table of 6 people next to us. Mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, son and daughter. When the princesses started coming out mom says to the little girl, “look, here comes Alice!” I looked up and it was Belle! I laughed so loudly I thought she heard me and when I went to tell her that it was Belle and not Alice, grandma of all people corrected her!

Yummy breakfast carbs

Jasmine came over first

Next was Aurora

Belle's turn

Belle was sweet when she came over she says “oh is this your beast?” I replied yes and that we just got engaged. She got all giddy and congratulated us. I love when they continue to play the role for adults. Each of the princesses asked if Dan was my prince which was cute. He didn’t care to have his picture taken with them so he was my photographer.

Last but not least was Snow White

Dan found a Hidden Mickey in his blueberries!

After breakfast we stopped to use the restroom right outside CRT. Dan went in first so I waited outside the door with all our belongings. While waiting, 3 snowbirds came down and the 2 women went into the bathroom while the gentleman held their things. When Dan came out it was my turn. As I walked into the bathroom I heard the following conversation, both women in their own stalls:
Princess1: I can’t believe I’m taking a dump in the Castle.
Princess2: *loud laughter*
Princess1: Is your toilet vibrating?
Princess2: Umm no, is yours?
Princess1: I think so.
Princess2: I think you have a bigger problem then and not just going poop.
Princess1&2: *uncontrollable laughter* I’m busting a gut too at this point.
Princess1: Please don’t let me have more than one sausage link again.

Now mind you, when I walked in and first heard them talking, I tried making noise so they knew that someone else was in there. Guess that didn’t matter.

Thankfully I finished quickly because I couldn’t take it any longer. I ran out of there laughing so hard that Dan was all confused. Imagine someone laughing so hard when exiting the bathroom. I’m sure I would have been just as puzzled.

Just as you suspected, the TTA was our first ride.

Now approaching, Mickey's Star Traders

Space Mountain was down, big surprise. Dan demolished the aliens on Buzz and me.

Aren’t you not supposed to upscale your future bride like that?!

We saw some talking birds next

and got run over inside the Swiss Family Treehouse.

These 2 kids, I’d guess under 8, ran through like there was a fire and were pushing people out of their way to pass. Those stairs are narrow enough but they made their way through. I think I accidentally squished one of their heads between my hip and the banister. That’s when I realized they were right behind me.

The tables outside the “closed” El Pirata y el Perico were empty so we took a short break and I called my father. He wasn’t home when I called my mom after the engagement so I wanted to talk to him.

Mickey’s Philharmagic was next. I love that show. In my opinion, it blows all other Disney 3D shows out of the water. We hit the TTA again and didn’t see many people over at Space so we walked over there after. It was working and open with NO WAIT! I laughed the entire ride. I have no idea what it is about that rollercoaster but I always get the giggles and then cannot stop. I think its because on any rollercoasters, I have the tendency to scream the whole time. And on this one with the ups/downs/turns my voice changes in pitch and I begin to laugh. Once I do, its nonstop. I’ll see if Dan will post his reaction to it because halfway through it was contagious and he couldn’t stop laughing either.

Stitch was out in front of the Galaxy Theater when we exited SM so we hopped in line to greet him. He was great.

We were a bit tired at this point so we just started walking. We ended up in Liberty Square outside Haunted Mansion. We found a nice bench in the shade and people watched. There was a tour that came by of high school kids and they stopped right in front of us. The CM was telling them to check out the pavement. If you notice, there is a “river like” formation of smaller stones that weaves around the area. Well back in colonial America, there obviously wasn’t any indoor plumbing and they just used a bucket inside the house. Well when the bucket was full, they opened up the window and dumped it out! Right into the road! That is what the stones represent. Basically a urine and feces river. Gross I know but interesting that they did that. I have the Imagineering Guide to Magic Kingdom and it wasn’t mentioned in there. Another reason why I want to try to do more of the Disney tours.

I was getting a bit chilly after sitting there for over 30 minutes so we headed to the Hub to do more people watching. We found another bench near Crystal Palace and just enjoyed the atmosphere. We were there for probably another 30-45 minutes. Am I the only one that thinks WDW is in its own time capsule? I swear time moves faster than normal.

Dinner ressies tonight were at Tony’s Town Square for 5:30 and it was getting close to 5 so we decided to shop through the Main Street stores before checking in. We sat up top of the train station for a bit watching the Main Street Band play Christmas songs as people were filing in for tonight’s MVMCP.

We checked in at 5:30 in Tony’s but still had a 20-25 minute wait. It was packed. We were seated in the back corner. Décor did not disappoint. Lady and the Tramp pictures everywhere and a tribute to them in the center of the restaurant that unfortunately didn’t photograph well.

Cute Menu!

I had the Chicken Parmigiana and Dan had the Spaghetti and Meatballs.
It was the best chicken parm I have EVER had! I absolutely loved it.

For dessert, the Ice Cream bomb. How have I never seen a review of this on the DIS? It was so tasty.

Castle lighting was at 6:30 so when we finished we caught the end of that from the end of Main Street and took more pictures of it.

It really is spectacular. Since the party was starting, we headed back to AKL for the night. The Polar Express was on TV so we watched that for a bit before heading down to Mara to fill up our mugs. I didn’t mention this before but we purchased refillable mugs back in April during our last visit and brought them with us on this trip. I know Disney doesn’t like you to reuse them on different visits but now that the mugs are all the same for all resorts, its too easy not to. Am I alone in thinking this? Disney gets enough money out of me anyways, I don’t feel guilty getting free soda.

Dan wanted to sit in front of the fire pit in the lobby for a while so we did that and just chilled. We took a walk around, out to the outlook and then outside. There was a Kudu that walked through a little pond right next to one of the fences close by and the pelicans just attacked him. I think the Kudu was taunting them because he acted as if he didn’t care, just passed through to rile them all up. It was funny. There was a little girl with her family there and she was about 3 and she was yelling at the pelicans to stop. She’d go “stop! That not nice!”

Good night!

 

[Kimberly815]

Thursday December 4, 2008
Jasmine came over first

Did you practice this pose? Because it is exactly the same in every photo!

Thursday December 4, 2008
After breakfast we stopped to use the restroom right outside CRT. Dan went in first so I waited outside the door with all our belongings. While waiting, 3 snowbirds came down and the 2 women went into the bathroom while the gentleman held their things. When Dan came out it was my turn. As I walked into the bathroom I heard the following conversation, both women in their own stalls:
Princess1: I can’t believe I’m taking a dump in the Castle.
Princess2: *loud laughter*
Princess1: Is your toilet vibrating?
Princess2: Umm no, is yours?
Princess1: I think so.
Princess2: I think you have a bigger problem then and not just going poop.
Princess1&2: *uncontrollable laughter* I’m busting a gut too at this point.
Princess1: Please don’t let me have more than one sausage link again.

Now mind you, when I walked in and first heard them talking, I tried making noise so they knew that someone else was in there. Guess that didn’t matter.

Thursday December 4, 2008
We were a bit tired at this point so we just started walking. We ended up in Liberty Square outside Haunted Mansion. We found a nice bench in the shade and people watched. There was a tour that came by of high school kids and they stopped right in front of us. The CM was telling them to check out the pavement. If you notice, there is a “river like” formation of smaller stones that weaves around the area. Well back in colonial America, there obviously wasn’t any indoor plumbing and they just used a bucket inside the house. Well when the bucket was full, they opened up the window and dumped it out! Right into the road! That is what the stones represent. Basically a urine and feces river. Gross I know but interesting that they did that. I have the Imagineering Guide to Magic Kingdom and it wasn’t mentioned in there. Another reason why I want to try to do more of the Disney tours.

Apparently this was your day to hear about bodily functions!

Thursday December 4, 2008
For dessert, the Ice Cream bomb. How have I never seen a review of this on the DIS? It was so tasty.

Mmm. That does look yummy. I am glad you liked Tony's! This is another place I haven't made it to because the reviews can go either way! The problem with Disney is there is too many dinner choices! (Did I say problem? Because I meant 'the awesome thing about Disney is . . .")

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Tony's does have the BEST Chicken Parm EVER! We usually eat there for lunch every trip (great meatball subs!) but went for dinner last time. Great meal but it was so incredibly loud in there we will not be back for dinner (we never had that problem at lunch). I know it's Disney but we felt like we were in the middle of Chuck E. Cheese's with kids running around screaming EVERYWHERE. We had the chocolate gelato and it was sooo good! The ice cream bomb looks delicious!

Jiko is an amazing place to eat. Our service was very slow (it took us 2 1/2 hours) but it was so yummy! If you go back again request to sit in the wine room. That's where we were sat and it was very quiet and hardly any tables. I'm with you. I hate being sat right on top of other people.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm sorry your dinner at Jiko wasn't as wonderful as it could have been. I hate being sandwiched like that while I'm eating. Makes me very self concious.

Do we get to see your Mary Poppins pin??

I love that you had a relaxing day at MK. Ewww about the stone and pebbles but an interesting fact.

 

[Jennifer48]

Did you practice this pose? Because it is exactly the same in every photo!

I did! Its called my "princess pose."

Mmm. That does look yummy. I am glad you liked Tony's! This is another place I haven't made it to because the reviews can go either way! The problem with Disney is there is too many dinner choices! (Did I say problem? Because I meant 'the awesome thing about Disney is . . .")

I agree. There are a lot of food options. I still don't know how the peeps at PassPorter have visited them all!

Tony's does have the BEST Chicken Parm EVER! We usually eat there for lunch every trip (great meatball subs!) but went for dinner last time. Great meal but it was so incredibly loud in there we will not be back for dinner (we never had that problem at lunch). I know it's Disney but we felt like we were in the middle of Chuck E. Cheese's with kids running around screaming EVERYWHERE. We had the chocolate gelato and it was sooo good! The ice cream bomb looks delicious!

Jiko is an amazing place to eat. Our service was very slow (it took us 2 1/2 hours) but it was so yummy! If you go back again request to sit in the wine room. That's where we were sat and it was very quiet and hardly any tables. I'm with you. I hate being sat right on top of other people.

It WAS really loud in there! Now that I think of it, I didn't write it in my handy dandy notebook. I didn't see kids running around but we were literally in the corner so that could be why.
Thanks for the tip about the wine room!

Do we get to see your Mary Poppins pin??

You will! I just need to upload it to photobucket. My laptop at home is so slow so I have to upload pics in bunches. Don't worry, I'll share!

 

[lovegrumpy]

Congrats on the engagement. Loving your trip report.

 

[heaven2dc]

BTMRR was calling so we headed in that direction. We got stopped by a few CM who were checking for bracelets which was comforting. I didn’t want other non-paying visitors in line! I love this ride in the dark. It really makes a world of a difference. So fun! As always, I laughed more than screamed on this ride. I have no idea why. It always gives me the giggles and it’s uncontrollable once I start. Then others start laughing at me for laughing so hard and I get a whole train full of gigglers!


Dan said Woody was inside the Saloon so we went in there after the parade. It was only Bullseye when we got there and since I had never met him, I got right in line. He was so cute! He grabbed my hand and proposed. When I told him he was just a little late and I was now taken, he got all upset and clopped away! The CM with him had to wrangle him back to take a picture with me. I love it.

First of all - congratulations on your engagement! How sweet and what a surprise! I love your view at AKL (even it is a limited savannah view, you still got to see lots of animals) and your ring is gorgeous!

I had to chuckle when you said you giggle when you ride BTMRR - I do the same thing! I was there last January with my DBFF and I couldn't quit laughing through the whole ride. I didn't ride it in December cuz I was by myself and would have felt foolish

How cute the interaction you had with Bullseye - you seem to be having an amazing trip so far and I can't wait to read more!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Oh I think that I'm going to have to stop reading this TR...every day it make me want to go during the holidays MORE and MORE

 

[Jennifer48]

Congrats on the engagement. Loving your trip report.

Thank you! and thanks for reading!

First of all - congratulations on your engagement! How sweet and what a surprise! I love your view at AKL (even it is a limited savannah view, you still got to see lots of animals) and your ring is gorgeous!

I had to chuckle when you said you giggle when you ride BTMRR - I do the same thing! I was there last January with my DBFF and I couldn't quit laughing through the whole ride. I didn't ride it in December cuz I was by myself and would have felt foolish

How cute the interaction you had with Bullseye - you seem to be having an amazing trip so far and I can't wait to read more!

Thank you! I'm so glad someone else has the giggles on those rides!

Oh I think that I'm going to have to stop reading this TR...every day it make me want to go during the holidays MORE and MORE

Oh please don't stop reading! I need support to finish this! I have to load the rest of the pics to photobucket and then I'll have the next update.

 

[Jennifer48]

Friday December 5, 2008

EPCOT day. The week was starting to wear us out so we decided to sleep in a bit and didn’t get to the park until 11:30. First stop was to hit Soarin’ for some FASTPASSes and the return time was 4:45! The stand-by line was 55 minutes. Yeah right. We were hungry so we grabbed some sandwiches at Seasons and walked around for an open table. It was crowded.

Dan and I are weather geeks. I’m a degreed Meteorologist and he just loves the weather, so when I heard about Stormstruck in Innoventions, I had to go check it out. It’s a 3D show that puts you in a house during a severe weather event to view the destruction that it can do. You then get to rebuild the home and neighborhood with materials that you believe will be able to withstand the wind, rain and lightning. It was fun.

Mouse Gears was next to make another attempt at finding some engagement pins. Of course there was nothing and nothing at the pin station behind the Fountain of Nations either. We got FPs for Test Track and started our journey through the countries. My plan was to see as many of the Christmas shows as possible before our Biergarten ADR at 5:30. I booked the Candlelight Dinner package which only used 2 TS credits. One per person.

First was Canada but we missed him by a few minutes.

We went inside the shops because I had never been in them. I always bypassed Canada. I figured I live nearby, I can go there whenever

We found these soaps. Those crazy Canadians. Do people really want to smell like this?

Pierre Noel was out and we just got the end of his story

Next was Morocco where we learned about Ashoora. It is a festive, music filled day celebrated once a year throughout Morocco. Ashoora, which means "number 10" is celebrated on the 10th day of the first month of the Islamic New Year. On this day, every household gives a certain percentage of their earnings to the needy. During the afternoon, families gather together for the feast of the Ashoora. Children are given gifts of new clothes, sweets, toys, and often given a special drum called a taarja. For dinner, the whole family gathers together to eat the traditional Moroccan lamb and couscous. One of the traditions happens at sunset. From the largest cities to the smallest, bonfires are built in the streets by children who sing and dance around the fires for hours. From dawn to midnight, the people of Morocco celebrate the joy, color and tradition of the Feast of Ashoora.

Japan was very interesting. They celebrate O-Shogatsu, which lasts from January 1st through January 3rd, which is the traditional Japanese New Year. This peddler is selling the Daruma Doll.

It is an important New Year symbol and good luck charm for the Japanese. The custom is to make a wish and paint in the left eye. If your wish comes try by the end of the year, you paint in the other eye. She said there are a lot of homes with one-eyed Darumas!

We hit up Italy next where we met La Befana who they consider a "good hearted witch."

She is the Christmas giver to climbs down chimneys to fill good children's shoes with treats. Naughty children may find a lump of coal instead! Unlike Santa Claus, who appears on Christmas Eve, La Befana arrives on the eve of Epiphany (January 6). She supposedly wanders the countryside looking for Gesu Bambino (baby Jesus) year after year, and leaves gifts just in case she finds him.

We were thirsty and the other events were not scheduled to appear for a bit so we went to China so Dan could get his mango smoothie. This is a new tradition for him since he first tasted it on our April trip.

China light fixture for my friend LL!

We waited too long sitting watching people meet Mushu that we missed the Monkey King.

The sign said The story of the Monkey King is an ancient Chinese legend that tells an exciting tale of redemption and enlightenment. A monkey raised by humans became the Monkey King when he single handedly defeated a horrific monster in his homeland. Then, the Monkey King acquired incredible powers when he cleverly uprooted a magic stick guarded by the dragon king. With this magic stick and the ability to do just about anything, the Monkey King started to look for adventure and mischief. Buddha was not pleased with this abuse of power and decided to seal the Monkey King inside a mountain for eternity. The Monkey King quickly realized the error of his ways! Fortunately a monk named Thang Seng believed in the Monkey King's redemption and asked Buddha to release him. The Monkey King was then asked to join Thang Seng on a journey to India to bring back Buddha's original teaching texts. The Monkey King proved to be a loyal comrade to Thang Seng. Like many holiday legends, this heartfelt story sends an important message of hope.

When walking out, we saw this sight:

The bridge was up as they were pulling the barges out for Illuminations. It was so weird to see!

to be continued....

 

[Jennifer48]

Mexico was next to listen to the Three Kings (Los Tres Reyes).

On January 6th, the day the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem bringing gifts to the baby Jesus, Mexican children leave their shoes on the doorsteps in a special celebration called Dia De Los Tres Reyes (Three Kings Day). When the children awaken the next morning, they are delighted to see toys and gifts in and around their shoes the next day.

While waiting in Norway, I couldn't help but notice all the kids around. They were jr high/high school age and they all seemed to be wearing the same thing. Skinny jeans with tapered leg and Converse sneakers. When did this style come in? I'm not wearing that

Norway was our favorite. An elf-like gnome named Julenissen, lives in the woods and barns across the countryside. Julenissen is the guardian of every family's welfare, so children leave a steaming bowl of porridge in the hayloft during the holiday period to thank Julenissen.

This girl was unable to see Julenissen but we could! He was teasing her and the children were getting so into it. It was so cute.

We walked through the Fife and Drum tavern to see the gingerbread house before our Biergarten reservations.

to be concluded....

 

[wdwgirl03]

Wow, amazing updates! You got some great pictures to highlight all the holiday festivities in World Showcase. I am so jealous you got to experience all of that...I really wanted to try to catch some of the story tellers. Oh well.

I also love the one of the bridge up when they were setting up for Illuminations...that is crazy! Oh yeah, and that beaver soap is pretty funny. I love how it says "there's no dam beaver in this soap." haha!

 

[Kimberly815]

Great recaps of the Christmas shows in all of the Epcot Countries. That was one of my favorite parts when I was there at Christmas!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I LOVE Epcot at Christmastime!! The Santa's Around the World is one of my favorite things to do.

I can't wait to hear your review of Biergarten . We have eaten here a few times and the last time we were sat with two other couples at the same table and had the weird, uncomfortable meal much like you had at Jiko. Our entire table was pretty much silent. The restaurant was practically empty but that's how they were seating everyone. The other times we've gone they'd never done that.

I'm so upset! I didn't even know about the Storm thing at Innoventions! My bf calls me The Weather Channel junkie I would have LOVED that! Next time

What is up with the tapered jeans and Converse?? When we were there in November we counted all the men we saw wearing capri's (they were definitely NOT long shorts). Who makes up these styles?

Great update! Can't wait for more!

 

[mejkjj97]

What is up with the tapered jeans and Converse?? When we were there in November we counted all the men we saw wearing capri's (they were definitely NOT long shorts). Who makes up these styles?

Great update! Can't wait for more!

We were there at the end of August and at night there were tons of men in carpi's. My DH was like, "am i out of fashion or something. when did men capri's become popular"

Also, Great Pictures!! I don't know if we will ever get down durning the holiday season since DH is a teacher. So i am really enjoying your pictures- the Osburne Lights are amazing.
Can't wait to hear more

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

The best update yet....you are so lucky to have gone during the holidays. Although I think I'd need a 14 day trip to squeeze it all in

 

[A's Princess]

Great update!

 

[Lady Lallie]

On the engagement pin. I have a pin with Mickey & Minnie sitting in a diamond ring. It doesn't say Just Engaged or anything but I got it to symbolize our engagement. Does that make sense? I bought mine off of ebay. Here's a link if you want to take a look. Ring Pin.

What a wonderful update. I've decided when I finally take my December trip that I will need to make it at least a 10 day trip to fit in all the Holiday wonderful-ness!

Thanks for the light fixture picture!!

 

[MistyMoss]

Loved the pics from Epcot, Jen!!! That is one of the reasons we want to go for a few days in early Dec. sometime. Since we belong to BCV we can just walk on over the Epcot and hang out. You will never catch DH drinking a mango smoothie though. Probably just a beer, and maybe another beer, and maybe another beer!! If Dan likes the mango smoothies he should check out the margarita stand at the Mexico pavillion. He could get one of these:
Fiesta Margarita - combination of lime, strawberry, mango & kiwi
Lime Margarita
Strawberry Margarita
Mango Margarita
I can personally vouch for both the Fiesta and the regular lime ones. Both are very yummy.

Keep the report coming.