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

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers! :hug: I hope you are all having a wonderful New Year. :cloud9:
 
And now… with only a little bit of ado… I give you…

A Very Lurkyloo Christmas: Holiday at Bay Lake Tower… of TERROR!


For those of you who don’t have time to wade through 60 pages of pre-trip reporting to get the backstory, here’s a recap to go with the basic info on Page 1 of this report:

When I started planning this trip to Walt Disney World, DH had about reached the end of his interest in trips to the Florida parks and was wondering why we weren’t saving our pennies to go to, say, Tokyo DisneySea. We’d been four times in less than two years, including our blowout wedding and anniversary trips, plus a quest to ride Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World and Disneyland on the same day.

So I pitched him on the idea of seeing WDW at a Christmas, something we’d never done, and timed our trip to coincide with our friends The Roots’ WDW “staycation” at Mrs. Root’s favorite time of the year. I shot for the second week in December because everyone always says the first few weeks of December are the “secret” best time to go—hotel prices and crowds are low but all the holiday decorations are up and activities are going on.

It also turned out that the entire Disney fan community would be descending on WDW that week, despite the cancellation of MouseFest. This meant there were tons of special events going on that would make this trip different from all the rest. Then, just a couple of months before the trip and well after any self-respecting Disney fan had already locked in ADRs and itineraries, D23 announced a special member event right smack in the middle of our trip. Of course we were very grateful it was happening while we were there and that we were even able to get tickets to it, but it kinda threw a monkey wrench into our carefully laid plans…

…only to be topped by the Mother of All Monkey Wrenches, in the form of Pee-Wee Herman’s upcoming stage show in Los Angeles, for which DH’s company is building and performing puppets. This is a very cool thing and I am very proud of DH, but it meant that we had to buy an emergency early-return ticket for DH in case the puppeteers were called in to rehearse during our vacation.

Basically, early December turned out to be the very *worst* time for us to visit Walt Disney World, but boy did it make for one heckuva trip report!
 
OK, I’ll skip the boring part about our flight from LA, except to say that we left an hour late and still got into Orlando only moments after our original arrival time, thanks to some wicked tailwinds. This means the cross-country flight was a blazing 3 ½ hours long, and when you’re getting free onboard WiFi, it feels even shorter!

Originally we’d planned a mellow arrival night dinner at one of the restaurants in the hotel and not much else, but my plans for “mellow” never really pan out because, well, we like to have FUN! When DISer BeatlesBlonde (Rachel) graciously invited us to her wedding-night dessert party, I jumped at my first-ever opportunity to be a legitimate, on-Disney’s-list guest at a wedding event. No more stalking for me! However, her party started less than 2 hours after we touched down, and we needed to grab our suitcase, our rental car, and a bite to eat on the way. I also complicated matters even further when I tried to save 10 measly dollars on our rental car reservation by bidding on Priceline and got a car from Hertz—the only company not on-site at Orlando International Airport. ARGH!

The moments between hitting the tarmac at MCO and breathlessly gliding past the Event Guide at Rachel & Chauncey’s dessert party were a tightly choreographed blur not unlike a ballet, but with more cussing.

Here’s what the Terminal B Christmas tree looks like when you’re running

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DH went to the baggage claim. I got on the Hertz shuttle. I got off the shuttle and ran to the john. I got back on the shuttle. The shuttle started up and then stopped and waited at the next terminal. Finally, the shuttle ventured out into Real Orlando. DH got the bag and got on the next shuttle.

I arrived at Hertz and watched in envy as a dozen Hertz #1 Club Gold members were dropped off first at their super-special check-in area, but then I smirked when the bus drove both of the rest of us about 20 feet to the empty check-in area for the rabble. I wasted precious seconds fiddling with the self-service kiosk before realizing it was another luxury not afforded Priceline purchasers and got in line. I observed the desk agents shooting the breeze with each customer, offering just about every kind of visitor tip, including restaurant recommendations, so when it was my turn I blurted out “I’mtryingtogettodinnerandneedtodothisasquicklyaspossible.” It worked!

Just as I’d loaded the car, DH got off the shuttle and we went blazing down the highway in the car that was soon to be dubbed “Vanilla Ice” by Rachel & Chauncey.

Rollin’ in my 5-0…
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The Verdict: Despite what I’d heard from some well-meaning DISers, in our experience, using Hertz really does add at least 30 minutes to your airport getaway time vs. using an on-site rental car company.

Fortunately, the first and only time Disney’s new Online Check-in service worked for us this trip was at BoardWalk Inn that night. DH dropped me off and I ran to the check-in desk. The CM punched something into the computer, handed me my welcome packet and pointed me in the direction of our home for the next three days.

The rooms have recently been remodeled, and they’re beautiful! When he got there with our luggage, I made DH take a bazillion pictures of the place while I troweled on the slap for Rachel & Chauncey’s dessert party.

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I kept noticing all kinds of things in this regular Deluxe Resort room that I haven’t found in the Disney Vacation Club units – double sinks, more and better lighting, decorative coverlets and pillows, a makeup mirror, more drawers, a hairdryer that isn’t bolted to the wall…


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And best of all, we had a great view, even in our standard room. DVC makes you use more points to get a view room, and you usually have to reserve 11 months out if you want even the hope of a chance at getting one.

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Daytime View Shots:

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Looky! It’s our favorite place! (no, not Jellyrolls - The Attic!)
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Knowing we were not going to make it to the International Gateway to meet Rachel & Chauncey’s guests by 8pm, we decided to keep our original dinner reservation at Kouzzina and meet up with the group closer to IllumiNations’ start time.

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I’m not sure what the consensus is on the DIS (what am I saying—there’s never consensus on the DIS!), but I do know that the Podcast crew has been less-than-impressed with Kouzzina as a replacement for Spoodles. However, I like to think that I am an adventurous eater, despite the whole “no fruit” thing, so I was ready to be impressed.

DH couldn’t tell what was different about the place, but we think this might be new… :teeth:

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We started with the Podcast crew’s reviled Avgolemono Soup cuz I’ve always loved it at other Greek restaurants. They bring you an artfully arranged bowl of rice with preserved lemon slice…

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…and then pour the soup into it. I’m not sure that it added much to the experience, but hey! At least they’re trying to do something different.


Avgolemono - Traditional Egg-lemon Soup with Chicken and Rice
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It was OK – not as thick and creamy as I’m used to, but apparently swanky clam chowder isn’t supposed to be thick and creamy either, so whaddo I know?


Picking a main course was tough because, while I wanted something representative of Kouzzina’s cuisine and not some anonymous steak, most of the “traditional” items had something in them that lil’ old adventurous me didn’t want to eat, like cinnamon or Greek olives. :blush:

DH liked the sound of the Fisherman’s Stew, so we split that.

Fisherman's Stew - Scallops, seasonal Fish, Shellfish, Fennel, Grilled Bread, and Ouzo Butter

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I should have known better – unless you’re at a super-high-end restaurant, the seafood in any kind of soup/stew is usually overcooked and heavy on the cheaper ingredients. Ours had exactly two pieces of dried-out white fish, three small scallops, a few mussels, and a bunch of overcooked shrimp. Of course, it wasn’t really designed to share, so maybe the quantities were acceptable. The flavors were OK, but the quality of the seafood was definitely lacking.

The Verdict: Despite the celebrity-chef endorsement, Kouzzina is, as I’d suspected, just a tarted-up version of Spoodles. (Breakfast review to come on Day 2…).

After dinner we legged it over to the International Gateway and around the World Showcase to Morocco just before IllumiNations.

Dessert Party Event Guide: “Hello.”

Me: “Hi, we’re on the guest list for this dessert party and we totally know the bride and groom, although I don’t see them here, but I am sure they are on their way because we have been invited to this party and we are totally allowed to be here!”

Guide: “O… kay.” [reaches to unhitch the rope] Right this wa-”

Me: “Oh, I see your name is Carrie too! My name is Carrie! What a funny coincidence – ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Two Carries! Right here at this very dessert party, legitimately! What a small world! Hey, speaking of ‘Small World’ … all together now: ‘It’s a world of laughter, a world of—WHOA!” [DH yanks me past the rope]


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They had the Build Yer Own dessert menu, which meant lots of fun toppings for mousse and brownies.

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Rachel and Chauncey were so gracious and friendly, and we felt right at home despite not knowing anyone else there. The guys really hit it off, and DH was fascinated by the 3D technology Chauncey’s working on.


This picture is not in 3-D
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Ever the intrepid Disney wedding reporter, I was measuring the various heights of the wall at the Morocco dessert party location when IllumiNations started. We were off to the side where the wall is about chest high (for Gigantor here), about halfway between the shop and what is apparently the no-see-um buffet line, because my left foot got eaten alive!
 

DH got to take his first IllumiNations pictures with his new camera.

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The holiday tag at the end of the show was so spectacular, even my iPhone pictures look halfway decent:

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We really enjoyed getting to see the holiday version for the first time. DH actually got choked up – it was so beautiful! Of course, after we got back, we learned that they used to have an entirely new version of IllumiNations at the holidays, not just a different ending. But we didn’t know any better, so… cool!

After the show we got to chat with Rachel and Chauncey some more and see how long we could dig our heels in at the dessert party before they threw us out. Answer: About 20 minutes. DH and Chauncey prolly never woulda stopped talking about 3D if the Event Guide hadn’t started waving that cattle prod….

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On the way out, we discovered that the happy couple was going to have to catch a Disney bus – a BUS! – back to their resort, on their wedding day! No one should have to ride a bus on their wedding day! (I mean, unless they are into that sort of thing…) So DH pulled the car around to the front of the BoardWalk, and we were about to get in when we spotted… Danger Frog!!!

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Danger Frog knew he had to get the H outta Dodge, and fast! So he hopped on the speediest, sexiest vehicle in the lot…
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Now I know that Rachel and Chauncey had the most beautiful wedding their guests have ever seen, but I am afraid that the thing everyone will remember most about that day is… Danger Frog!!!


“This stealthy getaway is not working out like I planned…”
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As all of us stood around gawking and exclaiming and pointing, Danger Frog launched himself over the car roof and up the wall – it was quite a thrill! We finally tore ourselves away and drove the happy couple back to Pop Century.
 
On our way back to the room, we stopped to shoot the decorations and check out the gingerbread house in the lobby.

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Someone who’s been to Walt Disney World at Christmas a lot mentioned that this year the resorts didn’t really decorate much outside.

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The inside was gorgeous, though.

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I liked the vignette with Donald.

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The fireplace was the most appealing part of the lobby for me.

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When we got up to the 4th floor, we stopped to investigate the little parlor off the elevator lobby. One of the things I love about BoardWalk Inn is all the little nooks and crannies where you can hang out. We ended up spending about a 20 minutes sitting here talking and checking DH’s email on the iPhone.

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The Roots we ain’t…
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OK, wow, that took a long time to describe, and that was only about 1/3 of a day at Walt Disney World! Looks like this trip report will be another long one…

Up Next: Breakfast at Kouzzina, Shopping Spree in Japan, and the Attack of the Killer Lizards!
 
Yeah she's started! It was so awesome to meet you and Patrick and we were really happy you made it (yeah for wicked tailwinds!) Love the first installment, dum da dum...Danger Frog!
 
The Boardwalk Inn is beautiful!

You make me want to stay there!

And where the desserts yummy?
 
Hurrah! You've started!! :yay: I so love your TR's. I hope that looking back on this trip and doing the TR brings some smiles to you! :goodvibes

I have to say, I've never looked at Boardwalk as somewhere I wanted to stay. Think that big scary clown at the pool has a lot to do with that. Welp, I think your pics have changed my mind! What a beautiful room and gorgeous view! :worship: And I'm all for nooks and crannies- in my English muffins and hotels. ;)

How fun to be legitimate guests at a dessert party! I always walk past longingly... someday.

DH got some great Illuminations pictures. Forgive me but I missed it... what kind of new camera did he get?

I, and I suspect many others, am delighted with a long first installment and the promise of a long TR. Keep 'em coming!

:)
 
they look so beautifulpopcorn::.
I have never seen Disney fireworks & am looking forward to it (among other things) via my upcoming trip to DL in approx 79 days (hmmmmm....do ya think I am counting down the days or what?):lmao:

Nice to c u r back - we all missed u:grouphug:.



T.T.F.N.


Kris
 
Thrilled to be reading another one of your reports. I had no idea they classed up those Boardwalk rooms so much! Your room is really stunning. :thumbsup2
 
Yeah she's started! It was so awesome to meet you and Patrick and we were really happy you made it (yeah for wicked tailwinds!) Love the first installment, dum da dum...Danger Frog!

We had so much fun with you guys - thank you again for including us in your special day! :goodvibes

And where the desserts yummy?

Do bears go poop in the woods? :cutie:

Hurrah! You've started!! :yay: I so love your TR's. I hope that looking back on this trip and doing the TR brings some smiles to you! :goodvibes

I can already say that it does! I hadn't even looked at our pix til I started uploading them, and when I did, I thought, "We had an amazingly fun trip!"

I have to say, I've never looked at Boardwalk as somewhere I wanted to stay. Think that big scary clown at the pool has a lot to do with that. Welp, I think your pics have changed my mind! What a beautiful room and gorgeous view! :worship: And I'm all for nooks and crannies- in my English muffins and hotels.

:rotfl: Yeah, that clown is probably the reason it took us so long to try the place. And until they rehabbed the rooms, I never thought they lived up to the standard set by the public areas. Now the whole place looks good!


How fun to be legitimate guests at a dessert party! I always walk past longingly... someday.

You can have your own, you know... :thumbsup2

DH got some great Illuminations pictures. Forgive me but I missed it... what kind of new camera did he get?

He got the newish Sony DSC HX-1, which has an sweep panorama mode and killer low-light settings.

Yay! I'm excited for new reading material!

Me too! I was getting soooooo tired of reading my same old trip reports over and over... :teeth:

they look so beautifulpopcorn::. I have never seen Disney fireworks & am looking forward to it via my upcoming trip to DL in approx 79 days (hmmmmm....dou ya think I am counting down the days or what?)

Oh my gosh - you've never seen Disney fireworks? Well, you're in for a treat! Disneyland has some of the best right now! :thumbsup2
 
Thrilled to be reading another one of your reports. I had no idea they classed up those Boardwalk rooms so much! Your room is really stunning. :thumbsup2

Seriously - the rooms finally look like they're worth the prices Disney charges... :lmao:
 
I adore the rooms at the Boardwalk...
I really wish Kouzzina was getting better reviews :(
 
Yay! When you start a TR you really start a TR. You've got some great pictures there!
 
DH and I have been 3 times in the past year and a half and halfway through our last trip, DH also told me he was getting tired of Disney World!!!! How is that possible?! You have to teach me how you convinced Patrick to go again so I can try! ;)

Also, we were in the Candlelight "preferred" area with the rest of the herd for Illuminations, and I got so aggravated with the wall to wall people, we left thinking "oh whatever, we've seen Illuminations before." Then when we hit about Canada DH convinced me to just stop and watch the rest. OMG, I am glad I did! The finale was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! So much so we went back to Epcot another nite just to watch that finale. I can only imagine what the New Years eve show is like.

Great start to the TR, by the way :thumbsup2
 
I am sooooooooo excited you started your TR! Absolute perfect beginning! Sorry you did not like the time it took for Hertz rental. I rented there once, eons ago, so I don't remember how long it took. I do know that thrifty (which is off site) is pretty fast.

The Boardwalk rooms are absolutely gorgeous - what a dream! I spent a lot of time in the lobby during my September trip and really fell in love with the place. It reminds me the Jersey shore circa late 1960's / early 70's. The rooms are spectacular. Beautiful view, too!

The dessert party looks amazing. How nice of you to give the happy couple a ride home, complete with "danger frog". Seriously, that was laugh out loud funny.

I can see that this TR is off to a great start! :thumbsup2
 
Oh my gosh - you've never seen Disney fireworks? Well, you're in for a treat! Disneyland has some of the best right now! :thumbsup2

Do tell! I'll be there in a few months, and I heard that they got rid of the amazing 50th anniversary show. Is there a better one now?

Glad you made it on time, those DP pics sure are making me jealous!
 












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