A Very Lurkyloo Christmas is FINISHED! New 3/16: Last Day of the Trip!

[shippedtosea]

sorry I guess I put that wrong....I meant top trips....to go on..haha like I really wanna go there.

 

[Donald'sGirl]

Carrie that is freakin' awesome you are going to Tokyo Disney!!!! I am so excited for you and what an oppurtunity for Patrick. You will have to take tons of pictures for your new TR so we can feel like we are there with you!

Love the last installment. bluezoo looks so pretty inside and the food - yummo! I will have to try to convince DH to go there the next time we are in Disney.

Cant wait to hear about the rest of your trip and your new one!

 

[heaven2dc]

I just wanted to post a quick hello and have read all of your links to this TR but now I want to go back and read every post to catch up. I loved your pics of the Osborne Lights (I know I didn't spell that right) and your hubby's pics at odd angles were great (but did make me a little dizzy ) You guys have so much fun on your trips - would love to meet you both one day!

 

[burly]

Woohoo Tokyo Disney!!!!!!!!!!!
Even if you get on only 3 rides it will be worth it.
Just think, they may try and squish you but you will be TALLER than them, so pictures over the head practice should start now.

 

[twiu]

Carrie - I've been out there and it's wonderful. You will have a great time! The one thing though that stands out to me... I was there with my sister (years ago!) and we went to the enchanted Tiki Room. the damn birds sing in Japanese and we were stuck in there for 20 minutes not understanding a thing!!! So.. beware the enchanted Japanese tiki room. Unless of course you want to listed to the birds chirp in Japanese.... just sayin!

 

[lurkyloo]

Yay! That's so funny because when I posted it, I imagined DH2B and I stuck in a freeze frame of that photo and lurkyloo pointing and going, "Hey, they looks kinda familiar...."

If you do that, I will buy you a cookie from the free dessert buffet.

YEAH! This just means another TR Can't wait!

Me either!

I do love how people are always like 'oh, you'll be in tokyo? you have to go to kyoto', and after I told people every place we were going to go on our trip to California 'oh, you're going to California? you have to go to Napa!'

Whoa - that is exactly the analogy DH used! Amazing! So, yeah, we're trying not to give in to peer pressure, but they *do* have bullet trains in Japan.... And if they had one here, you prolly could see LA and Napa on the same day!

Woot! For Girls Day Out!

Just take deep breaths whenever you start thinking of the Tokyo trip. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. Let me know when I can send you the list of thing DH wants from Tokyo :-D

I should have known... One thing I've learned already is they have TONS of Little Green Men souvenirs!

sorry I guess I put that wrong....I meant top trips....to go on..haha like I really wanna go there.

Oh dang - well I like it as a positive-visualization technique!

Carrie that is freakin' awesome you are going to Tokyo Disney!!!! I am so excited for you and what an oppurtunity for Patrick. You will have to take tons of pictures for your new TR so we can feel like we are there with you!

Love the last installment. bluezoo looks so pretty inside and the food - yummo! I will have to try to convince DH to go there the next time we are in Disney.

Yes! I hope you can convince him. It isn't all seafood, if that's what he's worried about...

I just wanted to post a quick hello and have read all of your links to this TR but now I want to go back and read every post to catch up. I loved your pics of the Osborne Lights (I know I didn't spell that right) and your hubby's pics at odd angles were great (but did make me a little dizzy ) You guys have so much fun on your trips - would love to meet you both one day!

Hi! Sorry about the dizzy! Maybe someday our paths will cross at one of the parks!

Woohoo Tokyo Disney!!!!!!!!!!!
Even if you get on only 3 rides it will be worth it.
Just think, they may try and squish you but you will be TALLER than them, so pictures over the head practice should start now.

I like it! I can see it now - all my photos will be at a sharp downward angle, with a bit of my head in the frame...

Carrie - I've been out there and it's wonderful. You will have a great time! The one thing though that stands out to me... I was there with my sister (years ago!) and we went to the enchanted Tiki Room. the damn birds sing in Japanese and we were stuck in there for 20 minutes not understanding a thing!!! So.. beware the enchanted Japanese tiki room. Unless of course you want to listed to the birds chirp in Japanese.... just sayin!

That sounds awesome! Frankly, I wish WDW's version were in Japanese... it might be a little easier to take!

 

[lurkyloo]

OK! Day 4! Can you believe we aren’t even to the first day of the D23 Magic & Merriment event yet? This trip report is taking forEVER!

Today was our Magic Kingdom day, but first we had to check out of the BoardWalk and into the Beach Club Villas, which was appropriately (and blurrily!) decked out for Christmas…

The first unit they gave us turned out to be an “accessible” room, and I didn’t like it! I had DH take some reference pix while I called the front desk and asked to be moved.


Accessible shower

Lower kitchen counters

They found us another studio. I always get nostalgic for our honeymoon when we stay in these! I dunno why we take pictures, though, since they all look alike…

I have to say, checking into Beach Club Villas was kind of a letdown after the relative luxury of the BoardWalk Inn. We’ve been staying in the DVC units so long, we didn’t know what we were missing til we stayed in a real Deluxe hotel room.

The loneliest sink – where’s your mate, lil’ fella?

OK, this part isn’t much different.

Ho-hum view.

Judgement having been passed, we set out for the Magic Kingdom!

Yep – still there!

That morning we were scheduled to rendezvous with PassPorter author Cheryl Pendry. She and I worked together on PassPorter’s Guide to Walt Disney World for British Travellers and Passporter’s DVC Guide but had only met twice—and that’s pretty impressive, considering she lives in England. It’s funny how the Disney parks bring people together, though – I’ve now seen her more times in the last two years than I’ve seen many of the people at our wedding!

Sometimes I think cell phones actually make meeting up take waaaaaay longer than it used to back in the Dark Ages when people picked a landmark and a time and just met there. We played phone tag for 20 minutes as each party messaged the other to say “We’re just going on this ride – where are you?”

“We’re just going on Haunted Mansion…”

“And now we’re just sitting on the porch staring off into space…”

Finally we managed to both be in the same place at the same time….


….and it was not this place, but I’m throwing this shot in here for illustrative purposes….

Cheryl and her husband Mark very gamely agreed to go see The Hall of Presidents a second time because we hadn’t seen the new show yet.

Something DH must’ve liked…

 

[lurkyloo]

We really enjoyed the new show – It’s compelling and moving and not too jingoistic (Cheryl and Mark begged to differ – tee hee!). But, I have to say, the Obama-matronic is darn creepy-looking.

“Dude, what happened to that guy?”

After that we decided to be dwarfed by a *massive* castle!

I like how it looks like the vines are climbing up the castle…

I also applaud whoever thought up the idea of printing images of the buildings on the tarps they use to hide renovations.

Does anybody else try to pry these out of the ceiling at the Snow White gift shop?

Mmmmm…..Sparkly….

So it turns out Mark is a HUGE Donald Duck fan, so we got to stand in line for a character meet ‘n’ greet for only the second time in our lives. Very exciting!

I guess Donald is dressed as a Christmas tree salesman, but I call it his “Floyd R Turbo” look…

After that a few members of our party took a pot-ty break…(ba-da-bump!)

Finally we had to leave for our date with Nathensey at the Plaza Restaurant, and Cheryl and Mark had to dash off to the Grand Floridian for high tea (unless that’s the Brits’ go-to excuse when they want to ditch Americans… hmmmm….).


On our way to the Plaza, I asked DH to shoot some reference pix of the Swan Boat Landing wedding location.


Whatever you do, do NOT refer to the Swan Boat Landing as a “dumpy” ceremony location on a public message board, or you’ll instantly get an email from Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings!

They set the chairs up in the path leading out of the landing, facing the castle….

…which is over here.

And then we went here!

Meanwhile, Nathensey were (was?) making their way to the Plaza to meet us. Behold…

 

[lurkyloo]

Patrick looooves these window displays. The ones at Disneyland are super old and off-model…

Ahoy there, mateys!

So… is it, like, Christmas or something…?

…And then they saw some obnoxious woman making loud demands at the Plaza hostess station…

…And then this crazy guy…

Even the hostess was excited!

Almost on cue, the moment we sat down, the mayor and his one-woman entourage showed up. They show up EVERY time we eat there (who knows – maybe they’re scheduled at 15-minute intervals, but I like to think they’re stalking us…)



He does *not* look happy to see us!

“Ha-ha.”

“Oh, Mr. Mayor. You’re so funny…”

“….Sooooo funny…”

“Laugh it up, Fuzzball…”

As usual, we were not picked as Family of the Day. However, when the mayor spotted Nathan snapping pictures, he asked him to take a photo of the Family of the Day meeting the Mayor with their camera. Little did they know, they were about to get the best shot of their entire trip!

And then Nathan took a picture of Patrick taking a picture of Nathan – figure THAT one out!

And THEN our milkshakes arrived!

Yes, that’s totally a peppermint milkshake in the front – I hope it was for me!

This is how you get that shot

I think we all got bacon-cheeseburgers…

Somehow Nathan missed the Festival of Sauce shot, but luckily we got one for you. Whew!

OK, I’m gonna wrap up this installment, but I will leave you this to contemplate:

Up Next: 58 degrees, eh? Why, that’s just two degrees shy of WATER PARK WEATHER!!!

 

[MEK]

Great update. Sorry you weren't loving your studio at BCV. I will say that the boardwalk did look a tad nicer. And the new BC rooms are quite beautiful, too. Maybe they will refurb those BCV studios before I get a chance to stay there.

I did not know there was a Passporter guide for DVC. Interesting. Lovely morning at the MK. As usual, I am crazy about the Roots pictures. They are so unique, although I do think that Patrick is closing in. His HM pictures are pretty darn good.

Peppermint milkshakes......yum!

 

[praisehisname]

On our way to the Plaza, I asked DH to shoot some reference pix of the Swan Boat Landing wedding location.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit I never knew what that was, but was very curious. Thanks for helping me out!

 

[Aburns8]

I was so excited this morning to see your update! I love the shop windows as well, and they looked really cute! I am going to have to try that peppermint shake! I love peppermint flavored ice cream. And everyone's pictures were beautiful!

 

[Becx N Gav]

Firstly WOWEE That is so cool you will be going to Japan (I would to go there someday!) But I totally get the whole last minute thrown in at the deep end feeling I always have packing anxiety dreams, usually I've forgotten underwear But other times we've had to (for some unknown reason) pack up everything we own and I find there is something missing - it could be the most insignificant item (like a Disney memento I wanted to scrap book) but I'm distraught I think I'm just a bit of a control freak and a worrier - they don't make for happy dreams

But WOW I'm so excited for you and I cannot wait to see what you make of Japan and Tokoyo Disneysea

Thanks I will definitely be preparing something to say when I return things in the future! When I have to call clients (not often) I actually write what I'm going to say if I get their machine and what I'm going to say if they answer. If not it's a big old mess, my mouth works faster than my brain can catch up.

Can't wait to read all of it! (No pressure though, take as long as you need )

I do this too I have a bit of a phone phobia - if I'm calling someone or they are calling me and I don't know what it's about I get tounge tied and my mind goes blank! I'm ok talking to DH or a family member but I just hate having to call people (DH doesn't understand it)

 

[Becx N Gav]

And I'll be interested to hear about DL Paris from yours! So far, it's probably the park we're least interested in, just because we hear horror stories about rude cast members and smoking everywhere and bad weather, but I'm hoping those are exaggerated!

Ummm, I think sometimes they are spot on unfortunately It's just not the same atmosphere (and considering the French didn't even want it to be built there I have no idea why they didn't put it in Spain - better weather, still close to most of Europe, friendly people that have put up with all us Brits invading their south coast to turn it into Britain abroad (a pet peeve of mine, why go abroad if you're gonna eat the same food, only speak English and complain about the locals???) ) - hopping off my soap box.
But yeah, pretty park, there are similarities and differences - which are personal preferences depending upon the person - good food but VERY expensive (even for us), some CM's are ok but others can be very rude e.g. we were in their 'club' thing they have at Disney Village (not my choice to go there BTW) where the music was terrible, not to our liking. DH went to the DJ and in French said can you play some rock and roll, he basically pointed at the door and said if you don't like it then leave (but not as politely) so we did (unfortunately after paying for expensive drinks)
Weather can be good or bad - more likely bad. Yes they allow smoking all over and some nationalities think it's ok to smoke anywhere and everywhere.
Some of the rides are different which is nice, but we found we were comparing everything to WDW and it just doesn't measure up (I know it's like comparing apples to oranges but we just didn't feel the love )

But if you end up coming over let us know and we'll show you around

Carrie - I am so behind - but your news is so A- MAZING!!!

I'm so excited for you and Patrick!!! We spent 3 years in Japan, and thinking about those crowds, be ready - they have NO sense of personal space! We had a huge event on base once a year - airshow when all the locals were invited to come. They all crowded together in the space and then shuffled together, shoulder to shoulder, I kid you not - not one inch of space in between them, and then moved down the street from booth to booth - at one moment I went crazy and started yelling at people to "move over a little bit!" They all stared at me like I was crazy and tried to pretend they didn't see me! They don't wait in lines well, either. If you leave any space between you and the person in front of you, they assume you are leaving it open just for them! They bow to thank you and just move right in!

You will have an amazing time - new foods and lots of new and strange things to see! I can't wait to see your TR!

That is too funny - I can just picture it. Good tip about keeping your space in line, I hate when people are right behind me let alone in front of me, and DH tends to fidget when standing still - he would most certainly step on someone if they were right behind him and you don't want to get under his feet

Oh yeah the TR - it's a shame you didn't enjoy the BCV as much after the BWI But I'm glad they improved the BWI rooms, we had a horrible stay there and I'm a bit nervous about staying a few nights in December in the villas, I may go for the BC (but BWV are less points )

Good luck with all your last minute planning, hope it all goes smoothly and you have a great time

PS sorry for the double post I had too many smilies

 

[MinnieMe67]

I do this too I have a bit of a phone phobia - if I'm calling someone or they are calling me and I don't know what it's about I get tounge tied and my mind goes blank! I'm ok talking to DH or a family member but I just hate having to call people (DH doesn't understand it)

I am so relieved to know I am not the only person in the world with this phone phobia! My DH doesn't get it either!

Great update, Carrie! After seeing that shake photo, I am making plans for a Shamrock shake for lunch. I know, not even close to the same as the Plaza, but it'll have to do for now...

Debbie

 

[Calrissian13]

I do this too I have a bit of a phone phobia - if I'm calling someone or they are calling me and I don't know what it's about I get tounge tied and my mind goes blank! I'm ok talking to DH or a family member but I just hate having to call people (DH doesn't understand it)

I am so relieved to know I am not the only person in the world with this phone phobia! My DH doesn't get it either!

Debbie

Make me number 3, both for the phobia and the DH not getting it. Glad to know there are others who share, I should show the hubby to let him know I'm not crazy!


I know I don't post often, but I do enjoy me a lurkyloo trip report! Have a great time in Japan, I hear it's amazing. Friends of mine lived there years ago, and one of them was recruited to be Pete from Pete's Dragon in the parades. He refuses to show me pictures though.

 

[figmentfan814]

I have always wanted our first DVC stay (if we ever rent points, lol) to be at Beach Club, but after seeing your pics maybe I should switch to Boardwalk! Ironically, it will be neither since our first official visit will be to Disney's Hilton Head Resort next week (just for 1 night though on way from Savannah to Atlanta to visit friends- okay not exactly on the way but a good excuse to get Kris to go to a Disney resort on our anniversary trip.)

That's great you were able to meet up with so many people on your trip. I love Donald's hat. So, I have to ask if the time you spent in line at Disapalooza for shots with the Toys Story gang then made up character line #3?

I agree the Swan Landing is somewhat lacking. Although the green space behind it leading up to the castle is beautiful.

The Plaza is always one of my favorite restaurants, but I have yet to have a milkshake there, go figure.

 

[Wazzo]

Three cheers for Donald!! I love him in all his outfits...

Mmm, the Plaza looks good! I've never been there, but your yummy pictures of delicious looking burgers and shakes are quite convincing!! I wish I coulda been there!

Lovin' the report, and I am already anxious for your Japanese TR! Is that wrong?

 

[onelilspark]

I just love this picture, it totally captures everything Disney...

Also, have a blast at Tokyo Disney!

 

[starann]

I just love this picture, it totally captures everything Disney...

Also, have a blast at Tokyo Disney!

I agree....my fav pict of the lot!!! Sigh...I wish I had friends to follow me around Disney to take all my picts for me.....that would be SO great to be in the pictures so my family remembers I was on vacation with them, although, unless I lose some weight, maybe it's better I'm not!