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

[mla1977]

I just saw those puppets on my last trip and thought of that Japanese commercial the Patrick did!

 

[burly]

ooo oooo oooo ahhhh and update!
Hey whats up with all the missing Santa's?
I imagine you putting together the missing santa scrapbook, and grumbling about the few pics with a santa in it.

Thanks for the update loo!
Some of those spots are silly, would they really schedule a group to sit somewhere in Epcot where they have an obscured view of Illuminations? Weird.

Anyhoo, keep em' coming and i will keep looking for them.

KIM

 

[lurkyloo]

I know I told you on FB, but Happy Anniversary! What a romantic trip! Can't wait to hear about it.

Thanks!

if I had known you were on a super stealth mission...I wouldn't have run up to you screaming "PATRICK AND CARRIE!!!!!!"

You crack me up!

It is really cool to see World Showcase with not many people in it. It is a great opportunity to take some great pics! We are eating at Le Cellier in May, and I can't wait to try it. I hope the food is better than my dinner at Coral Reef. I am hoping to spend a whole day in Epcot in may not riding the rides, but walking around World Showcase and checking out the stores! We always seem to forget that part.

That's the best part! Le Cellier is a good restaurant, so it would be neat if they took this opportunity and made it an even better restaurant. It may also cut down on the problem with getting an ADR now that it will require two table service credits.

I just saw those puppets on my last trip and thought of that Japanese commercial the Patrick did!

That's so funny!

ooo oooo oooo ahhhh and update!
Hey whats up with all the missing Santa's?
I imagine you putting together the missing santa scrapbook, and grumbling about the few pics with a santa in it.

Thanks for the update loo!
Some of those spots are silly, would they really schedule a group to sit somewhere in Epcot where they have an obscured view of Illuminations? Weird.

I know - it's all about money. "The IllumiNations events are so popular, where else can we cram 'em in?" Also, I like your scrapbook idea! I may have to get to work on that...

 

[norybell]

Happy (belated) anniversary!

Seeing all the new bookable Illuminations spotss makes me wonder...will there come a time when so many of the railing spots can be officially reserved, that if every place is booked on the same evening, there won't be any room left for all us regular, not-involved-with-a-private-party people?

I am the same way with Le Cellier. I always take the ADRs when I can get them, then sit there wondering what all the fuss is about. Last time I was there (October), I sat down, they took my order immediately, brought my bread one minute later, and my food (a remarkably unspectacular steak sandwich) literally one minute after that. They didn't even pretend like it wasn't sitting under a heat lamp ready to go. Which just made me think, sheesh, I'm paying gourmet prices for this?

 

[MEK]

Ok - spill - what's up with the stealth anniversary trip to WDW and how the heck did you get to dine in the ToT? Details!

Your trip around the world showcase to find the missing santas was completely hysterical. Seriously, that was great! Very creative. Especially sticking around Mexico after the wise men left.

I can't believe you did two full loops around the world. No wonder you were tired.

Really enjoyed this. Going back for a second read!

 

[cdotla]

Well the wait was worth it - that update was outrageously funny! Nice job!

I can't even imagine what those two diners in the background were thinking when you took a photo of your table for one with the camera parked on the seat. Thanks for taking one for the team...the laughs were completely worth it!

Now that you are a super-sleuth at scoping the prime Illuminations viewing spots, Disney dessert parties aside, you are going to have to fill me in on the best viewing spot for us regular folks. Or perhaps there are no longer any unobstructed views of Illuminations that Disney hasn't by this point turned into a revenue-generating dessert party locale.

Looking forward to hearing all about the Waterslide and your evening with the Roots.

 

[Zuzu03]

I TOTALLY agree with a wedding down on the grass within the gardens at the Canadian pavilion!!! Every time I'm there I just want to walk down to that little cottage and peek inside!!! We had the same issue with the no-show Santas in December! Except that we did see the tail end of the Monkey King (no pun intended) and the Norwegian one twice (didn't like that one - the girl with him was a bit rude). But no one else!!! And we were there on Christmas Eve, for crying out loud! Anyhoo, you absolutely need to spill about the TOT dinner, because that looked and sounds awesome!!! Too cool!!!!

 

[omghidanielle]

I'm sad I missed this TR's most recent history. I've been very distant from the internet lately. I'll have to use my day off tomorrow to catch up

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I have a feeling, that little cabin is "smaller than it appears" so if someone stood next to it, they would be taller...I forget what they call that..there is a word forced visual perception?? Like the bricks on the castle get smaller at the top to make it appear taller..

 

[beatlesblonde]

Another great update Carrie! How dare the Three Kings ruin your non-existant Santa pictures?

 

[MAGICFOR2]

OK, so I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get the next installment posted, but I have a really good excuse: Patrick and I went on a super-secret stealth trip to WDW for our anniversary! The "super-secret stealth" part was my gift to him b/c it prevented me from attempting to cram our days with DIS Boards meet-ups (and yet we still ran into DISer DisneyDMBnut — it's like I was subliminally orchestrating a meet-up!

Even better, at some point I'll have pictures and a report of our anniversary day, which included going on the new Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom (SO good!) and dinner on the terrace at Tower of Terror with the Roots!!

This iPhone pic is the only shot I have of our TOT party so far. My photographic equipment was lacking, but at least the shot was composed by a professional photographer!

Super secret trip - you are so Congrats on pulling it off! Looks like you had a great anniversary. Is there a report on your website?


Your Santas I didn't see was HI-larious!My favorite was the german one! The Mexican one made me almost choke on my drink!

if I had known you were on a super stealth mission...I wouldn't have run up to you screaming "PATRICK AND CARRIE!!!!!!"

Carrie was very Audrey Hepburn in her hat and glasses, but I recognized Patrick right away!!

I could just see it now! Carrie looking like the celeb she is and you running after her waving your autograph book wildly!

However, I always forget until I'm standing in front of the cases that, delectable as they appear, in reality those desserts always taste bland and slightly waxy. No dessert for me! And then… could it be…? Was I actually seeing…. a Santa I Didn't See?!

"Psst, kid! Got a light?!"

In American Adventure Land I did something I've never done before: set foot in Liberty Inn, the counter-service restaurant. It's always seemed like such a wasted opportunity to me—I mean, you can get burgers and chicken strips at dozens of other places in Walt Disney World but *that's* what they're serving to represent America? How about some of our nation's indigenous cuisine, like Cajun food or Twinkies? Sheesh!

The reason I set not one but BOTH foots inside Liberty Inn was to see their gingerbread house…


Made entirely out of burgers

I'm sorry, but that's just wrong! A Meat house??? I'm not a Vegetarian, BTW, just don't get it!



I dunno why I took this picture—do you guys know why I took this picture?

That guy working KP with his hands up must have demanded a witty comment - Looks like a Star Trek uniform!


Then it was around to China to discover adorable towel cakes that I almost accidentally ate because they looked so good.

Those are interesting - good Obiyagi! (Look what we've learned from our famous world traveler )




Trying an arty shot like Patrick would take…

By that time I was hot and tired, so I headed for the monorail back to Bay Lake Tower.

Up Next: I go down the waterslide 12 times! And watch Candlelight Processional with the Roots!

Loved the update!

 

[lurkyloo]

Seeing all the new bookable Illuminations spotss makes me wonder...will there come a time when so many of the railing spots can be officially reserved, that if every place is booked on the same evening, there won't be any room left for all us regular, not-involved-with-a-private-party people?

I have wondered that myself. However, I have never seen all of even the main DP sites in use at the same time, so somehow I don't think that will ever happen. Maybe I should check it out on New Year's Eve, though, before I make that pronouncement!

I am the same way with Le Cellier. I always take the ADRs when I can get them, then sit there wondering what all the fuss is about. Last time I was there (October), I sat down, they took my order immediately, brought my bread one minute later, and my food (a remarkably unspectacular steak sandwich) literally one minute after that. They didn't even pretend like it wasn't sitting under a heat lamp ready to go. Which just made me think, sheesh, I'm paying gourmet prices for this?

Exactly! Maybe the situation will improve when it goes "Signature" next month...

Ok - spill - what's up with the stealth anniversary trip to WDW and how the heck did you get to dine in the ToT? Details!

Details soon! I'm dying to blab all about it, but I don't have pictures back yet. And you know my MO: Why just describe when you can also show with 6 bazillion photos?!

Now that you are a super-sleuth at scoping the prime Illuminations viewing spots, Disney dessert parties aside, you are going to have to fill me in on the best viewing spot for us regular folks. Or perhaps there are no longer any unobstructed views of Illuminations that Disney hasn't by this point turned into a revenue-generating dessert party locale.

Unfortunately, I do think the very best spots are the party spots. BUT, they are not always occupied by parties, so it is possible for us regular folks to watch from there. I think Italy and UK Pubside (at Rose & Crown)/Lochside (the lower patio next to Rose & Crown) tie for the best. Also, after our IllumiNations cruise last week, I have upgraded my opinion of those too—IF they let the boats park all the way up at the mouth of the lagoon. I guess this is a new thing they just started, and it isn't always allowed, but the view is SO much better than when they park under the bridge!

I TOTALLY agree with a wedding down on the grass within the gardens at the Canadian pavilion!!! Every time I'm there I just want to walk down to that little cottage and peek inside!!! We had the same issue with the no-show Santas in December! Except that we did see the tail end of the Monkey King (no pun intended) and the Norwegian one twice (didn't like that one - the girl with him was a bit rude). But no one else!!! And we were there on Christmas Eve, for crying out loud! Anyhoo, you absolutely need to spill about the TOT dinner, because that looked and sounds awesome!!! Too cool!!!!

"The tail end of the Monkey King"... OK, I'm glad you agree—about Canada, and about the Santas... On Christmas Eve they should be working those storytellers OVERTIME!

I'm sad I missed this TR's most recent history. I've been very distant from the internet lately. I'll have to use my day off tomorrow to catch up

I hope you and the Internet are getting along OK! Thanks for stopping by to catch up!

I have a feeling, that little cabin is "smaller than it appears" so if someone stood next to it, they would be taller...I forget what they call that..there is a word forced visual perception?? Like the bricks on the castle get smaller at the top to make it appear taller..

Good point! Maybe I can try a little reverse forced perspective to make myself appear the same height as Patrick!

Another great update Carrie! How dare the Three Kings ruin your non-existant Santa pictures?

Srsly.

Super secret trip - you are so Congrats on pulling it off! Looks like you had a great anniversary. Is there a report on your website?

Report to come soon! I'll prolly do a stand-alone planning/event report on the Weddings board and my web site with a link here, and then do the full trip report too!

Oh, and please do not be alarmed by the gingerbread house in American Adventure—it's not really made of meat! I just made a gag cuz the shingles looked kinda like burgers!

 

[PryncessChrysty]

This was a red-letter day for me: I finally tried that classic Disney dessert, the Mickey Bar. I'd always assumed they'd be that grainy, cheap vanilla ice cream with a thin layer of waxy chocolate-flavored coating—definitely not worth the five bucks, or whatever Disney's charging these days. But since D23 was giving 'em away for free, I figured I'd see what the fuss was about. OH MY GOODNESS! Now I know why everyone's always talking about these! The ice cream was really creamy and the chocolate was so rich and delicious! We grabbed four more to take back to the room with us…

Mickey Bar not pictured

I had ths EXACT same reaction when we were at WDW on our honeymoon this past October! We have friends that visit us at DL and they always say their trip just isn't complete without a Mickey Bar. I NEVER understood it, but never made any mention of it, and certainly never considered paying $4 or $5 for one. So one day while at MK, we were hanging around Fantasyland and walked by an ice cream cart with no line. I have NO idea why, but I hopped up and bought one. HOLY CREAMY CHOCOLATE GOODNESS!! It was AMAZING!! SO amazing that I indulged in a few more during the rest of our trip! So yummy!

Your Root photos are gorgeous (as usual!).

I LOVED your updates on the Santas - I was cracking up, and can completely relate to the whole "completist complex". You are too funny.

 

[lurkyloo]

Hooray! OK, I'm so glad to know you had the same prejudice about Mickey bars and have found equal delight in them now that you've tried one! Next time we meet at Disneyland, let the fellas stick with the Dole Whips—you and I can go for

 

[lurkyloo]

OK, I got our pictures back, so I wrote up our anniversary party at Tower of Terror! You can either read it here on the DIS

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2660188

or (interruption-free) over on my blog:

http://disneytravelbabble.com/anniversary-party-at-tower-of-terror/


I'll be doing a more in-depth account of the party (with, like, three times as many photos) in the full trip report when I start it. But I gotta finish this one first!

 

[mrsksomeday]

You look stunning!! I read the post about it on your blog, I can't wait for the full report.

 

[PopArtGal]

What an amazing picture! And so great that you dressed in style!

 

[Zuzu03]

I found your blog and LOVE the photos and writeup of your anniversary dinner!!! You two looked spectacular and what a perfect setting for your special evening. Such a great idea!!

 

[palofeeyore]

I can't believe they let you into the lobby. That is so awesome! You and Patrick looked amazing.

 

[PryncessChrysty]

My jaw is on the floor! That is a such a beautiful picture! You look absolutely gorgeous!

I can't WAIT to read the TR!!