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

[Jennifer48]

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.

Thanks! I think that if one wants to do all the EPCOT story tellers, either be there when the World Showcase opens or plan 2 days. I was glad we got to fit in a lot of them. You'd think though, that they would have the times set up for someone to walk around to see each one and there were quite a few that over lapped. Go figure.

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!

I loved learning how other countries celebrate Christmas!

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!

Biergarten review coming up! You totally have to check out Stormstruck. Jim Cantore narrates it while you are in the queue line. It will bring you right back to The Weather Channel!

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

We did see "man capri's" but not as much as the skinny jeans and Converse. I just felt like I was never told and felt out of the loop. Not that I'd wear skinny jeans, ever! Hopefully one day you can get down there during Christmastime. It was my first and I'm so glad I did!

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

Thanks! I agree. You would need more time than my one week. Then you won't feel rushed.

Great update!

Thank you!

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!!

Thanks for the pin LL! I actually got that same pose as a Christmas ornament this year! Its more 2D than flat (if that makes sense).

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.

I'm sure your DH wouldn't drink any kind of froofroo drink unless it had alkeyhol in it right?! I've had the Fiesta Margarita but I didn't know about the Mango! I'll have to tell him, for next time

 

[Jennifer48]

Biergarten is an indoor German "courtyard" featuring a German Oktoberfest buffet. Items include a variety of German sausages, sauerbraten, and red cabbage. They had a small stage show with yodelers, dancers and other lederhosen-clad musicians that performed during the meal.

I was happily surprised at how much I liked the food. I was a bit worried but it was really good! We were seated with another couple and a family of 4. The other couple was strange. The husband didn’t show up until we had already gone up to the buffet once. She only got a salad and mac and cheese and he only ate a roll? Weird. The family of 4 had a daughter that was allergic to dairy and they notified our server. The chef came out within minutes to talk to the parents and she was served her own dairy free meal! He kept bringing food out to her personally and mom was overwhelmed. Ahh Disney magic! They were so nice to talk to. Mom kept telling us how great its been to vacation to Disney when they are able to prepare food for her daughter where most places aren't. So great!

After dinner, we jumped in line for the Candlelight Processional. We waited about 30 minutes before being let in. Our narrator was Brian Stokes Mitchell. He performed on Broadway and most people would recognize him from his short roll on “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” as Trevor, Hillary Bank’s love interest. He was a great narrator though because he had a deep voice that just seemed to bring the story to life.

Neither Dan nor I are big Illumination fans so we decided to skip this and head to the front of the park to get EMH bracelets. On the way I saw a CM and asked her where we could get them. She said that they don’t do bracelets anymore and that we just use our room keys as ID. D’oh! I didn’t know that. Didn't anyone else here on the DIS know that? That’s ok. So we headed over to Test Track and got right on. It’s a much more thrilling ride in the dark. I’ve always done it during the day. Dan’s hand is blocking my face!

Next was Figment. That was walk on also but there were these 2 couples in front of us and they were in the car ahead of us. All they did was make out (I think they were drunk) and it was so annoying. One of the men was singing very loudly some random song and I actually blocked one ear so I couldn’t hear him. Grrrr.

Soarin’ was next and since we had FPs to use, we walked to the return line. Since there were no more FPs for the real return time, she instructed us to follow the group to our right as there was a CM that we were to follow. Umm ok. There was a family of about 6, one in a wheelchair and then a mother and son. We asked them if this was the FP return and they all said yes as we thought they were being taken in the back way due to the wheelchair.
The CM comes out and takes us up the exit ramp and then into an unmarked door. In this door, through a dark hallway, through another door that led us outside! It was dark, no one was around and the CM says, “please wait here.” He heads inside and we all look at each other like we’ve just been punk’d because it didn’t seem right. Of course the camera was put away because we were going on a ride and I didn’t think to take it out during our backstage detour. The CM came back shortly and let us in through another door. Dan and I were last behind everyone. We ended up right in front of the line where they break off the groups into the loading area. Cool! He left us and another CM took over. She said to turn around as we were to be loaded into the first area which meant Dan and I got row 1! It was a first! We asked the larger family if they wanted to switch but they declined. We felt bad as they were ahead of us. It is such a different experience being in the top row. No dangly feet in front of you. The little boy next to me did talk the WHOLE time but it was his enthusiasm for the view that didn’t bother me as much.

We hit Spaceship Earth on our way out. I love this ride now that it’s been refurbed. Your “future” at the end is so much fun!

As we were leaving, they were "writing" good night in different languages with a laser onto Spaceship Earth. I wonder if they consider this EPCOT's "kiss goodnight?"

 

[tinkerbell87512]

I'm all up to date! Yay!

Looks like you had a fantastic time at EPCOT! I wish all those story tellers were out when I was down there. Oh and the lights of winter look beautiful. Thats such a cute picture of you two infront of the tree.

Can't wait for more!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I have to say that the food from Biergarten doesn't really appeal to me but it looks so nice inside. I might have to try it someday.

I think I want to ride Test Track when it's dark too, I bet it's even better at night.

I've never heard of them writing Good Night on Spaceship Earth, that is so neat! You took a good picture of it too.

 

[Jennifer48]

I'm all up to date! Yay!

Looks like you had a fantastic time at EPCOT! I wish all those story tellers were out when I was down there. Oh and the lights of winter look beautiful. Thats such a cute picture of you two infront of the tree.

Can't wait for more!

Yay! Now you have to finish yours so I can read more

I have to say that the food from Biergarten doesn't really appeal to me but it looks so nice inside. I might have to try it someday.

I think I want to ride Test Track when it's dark too, I bet it's even better at night.

I've never heard of them writing Good Night on Spaceship Earth, that is so neat! You took a good picture of it too.

Dan and I are not adventurous food people but we both enjoyed Biergarten very much. If you can tolerate sausages, you can eat here, IMO. You should ride TT at night. Its like BTMRR, much better in the dark.

 

[DisBride2009]

Hey congrats to the new happy engaged couple . What a romantic engagement with the castle background. My fiance did the same with me and it was the happiest day of my life. I don't have any pics to put up right now, but I will be sure to add them. Again....CONGRATS!

 

[Jennifer48]

Hey congrats to the new happy engaged couple . What a romantic engagement with the castle background. My fiance did the same with me and it was the happiest day of my life. I don't have any pics to put up right now, but I will be sure to add them. Again....CONGRATS!

Thank you and congrats to you too! Are you planning a Disney Wedding?

 

[Kimberly815]

Glad to hear you liked the Biergarten! I want to try that one, and know we would like the selections, but I am waiting for a larger group to be with us due to the seating.

Soarin’ was next and since we had FPs to use, we walked to the return line. Since there were no more FPs for the real return time, she instructed us to follow the group to our right as there was a CM that we were to follow. Umm ok. There was a family of about 6, one in a wheelchair and then a mother and son. We asked them if this was the FP return and they all said yes as we thought they were being taken in the back way due to the wheelchair.
The CM comes out and takes us up the exit ramp and then into an unmarked door. In this door, through a dark hallway, through another door that led us outside! It was dark, no one was around and the CM says, “please wait here.” He heads inside and we all look at each other like we’ve just been punk’d because it didn’t seem right. Of course the camera was put away because we were going on a ride and I didn’t think to take it out during our backstage detour. The CM came back shortly and let us in through another door. Dan and I were last behind everyone. We ended up right in front of the line where they break off the groups into the loading area. Cool! He left us and another CM took over. She said to turn around as we were to be loaded into the first area which meant Dan and I got row 1! It was a first! [/IMG]

That's awesome! A free backstage tour AND front row!

[/IMG]

This picture could easily be a Christmas Card!

As we were leaving, they were "writing" good night in different languages with a laser onto Spaceship Earth. I wonder if they consider this EPCOT's "kiss goodnight?"

I have seen this before but only a couple of times when lingering long after Illuminations. When we were there for Christmas they had "Merry Christmas" in a bunch of different languages on it right after Illuminations.

 

[MinnieMouse7575]

Joining in.

Great photos!

Congratulations on the engagment! Very cool.

 

[MiaBella05]

 

[Jennifer48]

I have seen this before but only a couple of times when lingering long after Illuminations. When we were there for Christmas they had "Merry Christmas" in a bunch of different languages on it right after Illuminations.

Aww that would be cute! They didn't write Merry Christmas when I was there.

Joining in.

Great photos!

Congratulations on the engagment! Very cool.

Thanks for reading MinnieMouse!

More coming soon! Don't run out of popcorn!

 

[DWFan4Life]

Congrats to your engagement. I'm new to this thread. I really enjoy reading you review. Looking forward for more reviews.

Have a nice day.

 

[scottishwee35]

We took the monorail over to MK. I was so happy to be there! I booked this trip last December. Dan and I wanted badly to see all of the holiday decorations after we watched those specials. You know the ones. Samantha Brown’s, the one hosted by Raven, yes, those.

I was so happy we took our pic here today. This was in the main Hub where the flagpole was. This setup was gone the next day as they set up for the Christmas Day Parade that was scheduled to be filmed.

Once inside, we noticed everyone waiting for the 3:00 Parade of Dreams parade so we cut through the stores to make our way up Main Street. Our first priority was lunch since we hadn’t eaten a real meal in over 24 hours! We were going to just use counter service and I wanted to eat somewhere I hadn’t before so we made our way to Adventureland to El Pirata y el Perico for some taco salad. Well, there was a nice sign outside that said ‘El Pirata y el Perico is not serving today. Please enjoy food at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn in Frontierland.’ Seriously? I didn’t read that anywhere on the DIS or AllEars that it would be closed! The parade was starting in Frontierland too so we were stuck and ended up eating at Pecos Bill’s anyways. Hrumpf. By the way, we were on the Dining Plan also so I kept track of all the prices to see if 2 adults sans children made a difference. I’ll let you know at the end of the report.

I had a taco salad with chocolate chip cookie and Dan had the double cheeseburger and chocolate pudding. They didn't have the chocolate and peanut butter pie! We were shocked and appalled.

Leisure was our plan today. Enjoy the decorations, fill up our pre-purchased PhotoPass CD, fit in a ride/show here and there, and basically just enjoy each other at the Happiest Place on Earth before our dinner at O'hana. Everyone say awww...

We walked around back to Main Street since the parade was coming to an end, and scoped out photographers. **foreshadowing** While walking by Cinderella Castle, Dan said something that kinda made me think; “too bad there weren’t any photographers up by the well.” Why did that make me think? Because Dan just goes with the flow. He lets me plan, and he follows wherever with confidence in me and my fun abilities.

I suggested we head over to ride the TTA to let our lunch settle before doing anything more thrilling. This seems to be a new tradition. I love the TTA, its so relaxing.

On our way to the Tomorrowland entrance, I suggested we stop at the PhotoPass photographer at the Plaza Rose Garden. I made a mental note to come back at MVMCP to take a picture with the Castle all lit with its icicle lights.

After the last shot the photographer says “ok” and Dan replies with, “wait, just one more.”

My classy response “what do you mean ‘one more?’ Let’s go.” I had a park to see! Just then, he gets down on one knee and I LOST IT!

I don’t remember if I breathed at all but I do remember his words to me. Then he pulled out the ring box and asked to be his wife. Of course I said YES! We are in the moment and some fool yells “what did she say?!” I turn around…and say “I said yes!” and there was a gathering of, I’d guess, 15 people all of a sudden and they all broke out into applause.

We gained our composure, gathered our belongings, thanked the photographer profusely for taking as many photos as he could, and left our spot. One woman in line was even crying and her husband says to Dan, “great job!” as if he just made a presentation in front of the class or something .

Here's the ring!

We traveled on the rest of the day. We chatted about how nervous he was and we immediately started calling and texting family and friends. My head was so clouded that I didn’t know what to do! We just wandered around taking more photos and enjoying being an engaged couple for the first time.

I knew I wanted to purchase the Santa Mickey hat so we headed to the Emporium first while on the phone. It was such a strange feeling knowing this momentous occasion just occurred yet we blended in with the crowd that had no idea how special this day was to us. Almost Twilight Zone-esc. Does that make any sense?

This cute older CM was ringing up my purchases and she asked how our day was so far. I showed her the ring; she just about jumped for joy. She said that they have every other pin except for a ‘just engaged’ pin. I was so bummed. That was going to be my next stop, Town Hall. Wouldn’t you know it? When we got back I read on the DIS that they were coming out with new pins for 2009.

I had our stuff shipped back to AKL because we didn’t feel like lugging it around. We bought the hats and a mini monorail for Dan’s son.

Up next, our engagement dinner at O'hana.

Oh I am tearing to read it and what a beautiful ring...

Dan, you are clever to ask photographs taken then asked for proposed...wow...

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

wow,

what a beautiful photos of obsourne light, you both look great

love your trip report ....



Scottishwee35

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Test Track in the dark??? Why have I not thought of that?!?! Sounds so fun.

Where is the Candlelight Processional held? Do they just build that stage?

 

[avick10]

Congrats on the engagement.......beautiful ring!!! And thanks for the TR....i loved reading it.

 

[jakeybake]

You are much braver than I am. We are also from Massachusetts and I wouldn't dream of driving down to WDW!!

I would need to immediately find a good divorce lawyer upon arrival because my DW and I would kill each other. And we are a couple that NEVER argues!

Kudos to you!!

Jay

 

[MistyMoss]

I'm sure your DH wouldn't drink any kind of froofroo drink unless it had alkeyhol in it right?! I've had the Fiesta Margarita but I didn't know about the Mango! I'll have to tell him, for next time

No, probably not!! But he does love his Diet Pepsi straight up!!

 

[Jennifer48]

Congrats to your engagement. I'm new to this thread. I really enjoy reading you review. Looking forward for more reviews.

Have a nice day.

Thank you! and thanks for reading!

Oh I am tearing to read it and what a beautiful ring...

Dan, you are clever to ask photographs taken then asked for proposed...wow...

Scottishwee35

Hi Deborah! Thanks for coming over to read.

Test Track in the dark??? Why have I not thought of that?!?! Sounds so fun.

Where is the Candlelight Processional held? Do they just build that stage?

I know! I never thought of TT in the dark either! The Candlelight Processional is held in the America Gardens Theater right across from the America pavillion. Its always there. They hold different shows on it like during the Flower and Garden Festival they have concerts.

Congrats on the engagement.......beautiful ring!!! And thanks for the TR....i loved reading it.

Thank you and thanks for reading!

You are much braver than I am. We are also from Massachusetts and I wouldn't dream of driving down to WDW!!

I would need to immediately find a good divorce lawyer upon arrival because my DW and I would kill each other. And we are a couple that NEVER argues!

Kudos to you!!

Jay

Thanks for reading Jay! Its funny because DF and I commute to work together and we have an 8 mile drive and get so frustrated with MA drivers that we are yelling at people and each other by the time we get to work. We have been trying to figure out how we drove down to FL and back without killing each other!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I know! I never thought of TT in the dark either! The Candlelight Processional is held in the America Gardens Theater right across from the America pavillion. Its always there. They hold different shows on it like during the Flower and Garden Festival they have concerts.

Yet another stage that I've always wondered what it is for. We are going during Food and Wine this year so I think they use it for those concerts too. Looks prettier at Xmas!