And now for a change of plans-A Dec '18 Solo TR - COMPLETED 9/19

[Lesley Wake]

Oh, okay. I was thinking that people were just stepping over the rope. Maybe they were?

No, once they put down the rope people stuck to the correct side. It's just the CM doing "crowd control" didn't have any rope, so she had to move out the crowd without really explaining where she wanted us to wait!

Not exactly a glowing recommendation.
Actually... if it was glowing, it would make a better ornament.

Haha, yup!

What is this?

So they have Guest Experience teams at the various parks now. Rather than needing to go to Guest Services, there are a couple booths around the park with GS CM's who can help out with things like FPs, ADRs, etc.

I've done that too. I've found myself explaining the Tier systems to people who know about FPs!

Yeah - one of the people I explained had some ideas about FPs, but she didn't understand other things. Like - we can only get 3 per day, and I had to correct her. And also confused why they couldn't get another Tier 1 right away.

Love Buche de Noel... or as I call it "Christmas B*tch".
My mom makes two different kinds. Both sooooo good. I need to get her to show me before it's too late. (She's in her late 80s now.)

I've made one for Christmas dessert once. It was fine - cracked a lot so more like a flourless chocolate cake/brownie rolled up!

Wow!
And I presume the video shows some of that?

I wish it did! Once I started to feel droplets I stopped recording to be able to put things away in case of drizzle!

Glad it worked for you.
It was really glitchy when we tried it.
Were you using park wifi or data?

Probably data. I never have luck with in-park wifi and my company pays for my cell phone, so its basically unlimited data.

 

[Lesley Wake]

Sounds like a good morning in Epcot so far! I'm sorry Pere Noel cut got short by the rain!

Yeah, it was pretty crazy that rainstorm! I got a bit wet but not as bad as some people!

Have you been able to ride Soarin' Over CA since it reopened??

I have! We did it the first morning (our SWGE reservation wasn't until 11am). One of my friends was on the very first theatre and they gave everyone little oranges and stickers! So cute!

Okay I've never done this but it sounds so cool! May have to give it a try next time. I think my DH would really like it.

Yeah, it was fun. It's on the Disney Play app now (I think you used to borrow mobile phones from the park).

 

[dolewhipdreams]

One of my friends was on the very first theatre and they gave everyone little oranges and stickers! So cute!

Oh so cute! I was so glad when they announced that they're extending it through the summer because we'll be able to catch it on our trip in a couple weeks!

It's on the Disney Play app now

Good to know!

 

[Lesley Wake]

Oh so cute! I was so glad when they announced that they're extending it through the summer because we'll be able to catch it on our trip in a couple weeks!


Good to know!

Yeah, you'll definitely get a chance to see it! I think the ABD even does a behind the scenes peek?

The Play App is also useful for SWGE, so make sure you download it!

 

[dolewhipdreams]

Yeah, you'll definitely get a chance to see it! I think the ABD even does a behind the scenes peek?

That's what I've heard!

The Play App is also useful for SWGE, so make sure you download it!

DONE!

 

[pkondz]

No, once they put down the rope people stuck to the correct side. It's just the CM doing "crowd control" didn't have any rope, so she had to move out the crowd without really explaining where she wanted us to wait!

Got it now.

So they have Guest Experience teams at the various parks now. Rather than needing to go to Guest Services, there are a couple booths around the park with GS CM's who can help out with things like FPs, ADRs, etc.

Oh! Never knew.

Yeah - one of the people I explained had some ideas about FPs, but she didn't understand other things. Like - we can only get 3 per day, and I had to correct her. And also confused why they couldn't get another Tier 1 right away.

I've made one for Christmas dessert once. It was fine - cracked a lot so more like a flourless chocolate cake/brownie rolled up!

Good for you for trying!

I wish it did! Once I started to feel droplets I stopped recording to be able to put things away in case of drizzle!

Of course you did. That makes more sense.

Probably data. I never have luck with in-park wifi and my company pays for my cell phone, so its basically unlimited data.

Ah. I never have data. Too expensive in a foreign country.

 

[Cloe Colton]

Can't wait to hear your comparisons of John Stamos and NPH! Definitely lucky to see them both!!

 

[Lesley Wake]

Ah. I never have data. Too expensive in a foreign country.

Right-forgot about how you are Canadian!

Can't wait to hear your comparisons of John Stamos and NPH! Definitely lucky to see them both!!

Yeah it was cool to see them both! NPH was announced before the booking dates happened, so I knew I'd get to see him. Stamos was the very last narrator announced, so I had a booking just in case and I'm SOOOO glad I kept it!

 

[pkondz]

Right-forgot about how you are Canadian!

That's okay. I may not be from the US, but I play one on TV.
(Except I don't.)

 

[Lesley Wake]

Day 4, Part 2 – Another CP and another rainstorm avoidance!

After exploring the France pavilion, it was time for lunch. Zach was meeting me again, for another Candlelight Processional dining package! This was my original plan, especially once Neil Patrick Harris was announced. The Stamos one was a back-up because he wasn’t announced as a narrator until closer to the date, but I kept the reservation and was happy I did!

During the meal, we got to see Pere Noel coming by the windows every once in a while!

And the occasional rainstorm!

Lunch was good, I liked it more than Tokyo Dining because I wanted all of the courses, so I felt it was worth the price more. But I didn’t like it so much that Chefs gets onto my repeat list (that list is very small: Tiffins, Via Napoli, and now Maria and Enzos)

I got the Lobster Bisque to start – good with large chunks of lobster

For my entrée, the Boeuf Bourguignon, Linguine (beef braised in Cabernet with baby onions and carrots, served with linguine pasta). I liked this, but wasn’t able to finish – too many treats earlier!

For dessert, I got the Cygne profiterole au chocolat (swam cream puff filled with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce). This was just fine. The cream puff wasn’t really fresh, so it was dry even with the ice cream and sauce.

After paying, Zach and I split up a bit. I headed down to see Father Christmas in the UK – love that storyteller! Very welcoming and fun! (Oh and after we both left, Zach realized we hadn’t gotten our CP stickers; luckily he was able to run back and find our waiter to give us the right ones!)

​

 

[Lesley Wake]

Zach and I knew the line for NPH doing the CP would get long, so we decided to tag-team it. While I was in the UK, Zach headed to Voices of Liberty before getting into line. I then met him in line, where I held down the fort, while he headed back in for another VOL session.

The other people in line realized the couple standing behind me in line had recently gotten engaged, so we spent most of the time convincing the future-groom to do a Disney wedding (the future-bride was already hooked). I think we may have been successful to him at least being interested! Her ring was also so cute because he slipped a true hidden mickey into it (I wish I had a photo; apparently the jewelers really wouldn’t add an obvious Mickey for copyright concerns, but he hid it on the side).

At some point in the afternoon I got these photopass pictures, including a magic shot I had been hoping to get for a while with Iago!

Zach then came back into line, and I headed over to Italy for La Befana (basically the Christmas Witch). I really liked this one, the lady was very funny and the kids were super cute interacting with her! She kept trying to sweep away this one little kid who was climbing higher and higher up the steps!

While I was watching her, they started to seat people for the CP, so by the time I got back Zach already had a spot for us (about 5th row, closeish to center). Thankfully it was under cover, because while we were waiting, another rain storm came rushing in! And all the people in the back area were left totally exposed! I felt a bit bad, but we were nice and dry…

Eventually it was time for the show, which, like night before, was also good. NPH did a good job, but it wasn’t as spectacular as John Stamos. I think because NPH does it every year, it wasn’t as much of a novelty or truly special moment. I wasn’t necessarily disappointed, and I think if I hadn’t seen JS, I would have loved him even more, but this one was just very good – not amazing! I think a big difference was watching the videos-John Stamos was constantly bopping along and looking back at the choir just in awe of everything; NPH was pretty formal and standing forward singing. Also the rain meant the trumpeters had to stay on the main stage, not going to the side stages, so it didn’t feel as surrounded by music! Though the conductor was awesome, totally jumping around (even NPH called him out for being full of energy)!

I didn’t take the best videos, so I’m sharing this one from Zach. It includes highlights from John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, and Whoopi Goldberg who he saw later with family.

Oh and the storms made it super humid that day! So all that combined with the heat from the lights made multiple members of the choir become faint and they had to be escorted backstage. When I was leaving, there were at least 2 teens sitting on the walkway because they just couldn’t handle it anymore. I can imagine it was not pleasant!

Coming up - A Dessert Party, Christmas Style! ​

 

[dolewhipdreams]

But I didn’t like it so much that Chefs gets onto my repeat list

This was after your trip to France, right? How does it compare to actual French food?

(Oh and after we both left, Zach realized we hadn’t gotten our CP stickers; luckily he was able to run back and find our waiter to give us the right ones!)

Whew, way to go Zach!!

While I was in the UK, Zach headed to Voices of Liberty before getting into line

No surprise there

Her ring was also so cute because he slipped a true hidden mickey into it (I wish I had a photo; apparently the jewelers really wouldn’t add an obvious Mickey for copyright concerns, but he hid it on the side).

Oh that sounds so cute!!

Thankfully it was under cover, because while we were waiting, another rain storm came rushing in! And all the people in the back area were left totally exposed! I felt a bit bad, but we were nice and dry…

Wow, lots of off and on rain that day. And it seems like you managed to avoid most of it!

Oh and the storms made it super humid that day! So all that combined with the heat from the lights made multiple members of the choir become faint and they had to be escorted backstage. When I was leaving, there were at least 2 teens sitting on the walkway because they just couldn’t handle it anymore. I can imagine it was not pleasant!

Oh man that would stink but also...imagine telling your friends you fainted in front of NPH. Would be kind of a cool story.

 

[pkondz]

During the meal, we got to see Pere Noel coming by the windows every once in a while!

How many little kids did he manage to make cry this time?

But I didn’t like it so much that Chefs gets onto my repeat list (that list is very small: Tiffins, Via Napoli, and now Maria and Enzos)

Interesting list. Need to try Tiffins. Via Napoli I was not impressed with. Now I want to try Maria and Enzos.

I got the Lobster Bisque to start – good with large chunks of lobster

Oh, yum!

The cream puff wasn’t really fresh, so it was dry even with the ice cream and sauce.

Well, that's not so great. I'm surprised to hear that.

The other people in line realized the couple standing behind me in line had recently gotten engaged, so we spent most of the time convincing the future-groom to do a Disney wedding (the future-bride was already hooked).

I bet she was!

Her ring was also so cute because he slipped a true hidden mickey into it (I wish I had a photo; apparently the jewelers really wouldn’t add an obvious Mickey for copyright concerns, but he hid it on the side).

Cool!

Like that!

Thankfully it was under cover, because while we were waiting, another rain storm came rushing in! And all the people in the back area were left totally exposed!

Eep! Good thing you were protected.

NPH did a good job, but it wasn’t as spectacular as John Stamos. I think because NPH does it every year, it wasn’t as much of a novelty or truly special moment.

Interesting observations. Thanks for the comparison.

 

[Steppesister]

Just found this, Leslie. Subbed in now and will pick up with comments as I can from here.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

So, I had a whole bunch of quotes quoted last night and I lost them this morning. ... boo.

I want to try out more of the countries missions and I think they are going to switch to Ducktales, which I love, so I can’t wait for that!

Do you know when they are making the switch? We might need to do this in August while it is still Agent P. I am sure the ducktales version will be fun too. But we are partial to Phineas and Ferb...

And the occasional rainstorm!

that is some serious rain!!!

I can't wait for our December trip!!! All of this TR just gets me so excitied!

 

[NJlauren]

That meal at Chefs De France looks really good! I hear you on always wanting to try new places, there are so many options i try to change up as many meals as i can! I have very few must does every trip especially when its food, Mickey bar may be my only MUST eat.....

I love how you say John Stamos was so so into it compared to NPH. I think its great that they really change up the narrators, i know NPH does it every year and i am sure he is wonderful. But i could totally see someone who hasn't narrated before having so much more emotion then someone who does it every year!

 

[vamassey1]

st, I headed right up to America to meet with Zach, who was in his usual spot watching the Voices of Liberty! Love them, unfortunately this was the only time I saw them this trip.

I love VOL. I'm looking forward to seeing their Christmas set.

We had a table at the very front, so a lovely view of the World Showcase

Very nice view!

I think I must have gotten the Cassava Flour and Panko Crusted Shrimp for my appetizer

This looks pretty good.

We had John Stamos as a narrator, and well, he was amazing! Like seriously, wow! He was so emotional and seemed to enjoy it sooo much!

I'm so glad you enjoyed him.

Some of the Epcot decorations at night, plus a photopass stop.

Great decorations pictures and super cute photopass photos.

Apparently the system saw “Joy” on my shirt and thought that was my face, so it looked like Zach was in the future with my chest! We both just doubled over laughing!

A couple stops for photopass!

You really got some good photopass pictures this trip.

And I did get to see a lot of empty areas, which was nice.

I love your empty nighttime pictures. They would make great post cards.

 

[vamassey1]

Some photos of almost empty Epcot (it had only recently opened up that day).

Such a rare site. It's so pretty.

But the main reason why I used it was to make it able to get another Tier 1 FP earlier.

Good planning.

Next, Living with the Land. I requested Row 1 and got it, along with a snowbird couple who also requested Row 1. I liked the Christmas version, with all the little details and wreaths!

We love LWTL! I didn't know they dressed it up. One more thing I'm looking forward to seeing.

Also stopped for a photopass, though I wish they had more of the photographers in the very front, not just at the sides.

Cute! Love your shirt too.

I got the Bouchee a la Reine Traditionnelle (Turkey and Mushrooms in a veloute cream sause served in a light puff pastry). I don’t have my notes but I think I liked this one. It’s most things I like, so I’d imagine I would like it!

I would get this too!

Wow, it was crazy! Everyone running for cover, including Belle and Pere Noel!

Sounds like the sky was falling.

Very neat!

 

[vamassey1]

I got the Lobster Bisque to start – good with large chunks of lobster

Yum!!

I headed down to see Father Christmas in the UK – love that storyteller! Very welcoming and fun!

I'll have to put him on my list.

The other people in line realized the couple standing behind me in line had recently gotten engaged, so we spent most of the time convincing the future-groom to do a Disney wedding (the future-bride was already hooked). I think we may have been successful to him at least being interested! Her ring was also so cute because he slipped a true hidden mickey into it (I wish I had a photo; apparently the jewelers really wouldn’t add an obvious Mickey for copyright concerns, but he hid it on the side).

What a neat experience. I hope that Bride gets her Disney wedding.

I didn’t take the best videos, so I’m sharing this one from Zach. It includes highlights from John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, and Whoopi Goldberg who he saw later with family.

This makes me really want to do the CP but I just don't think a 2 year old is going to be good at waiting and sitting through the performance.

 

[Newsies]

Fell behind on DIS, trying to catch up with everyone now!

Overall I wasn’t too impressed with Tokyo Dining. The food wasn’t totally amazing – not worth the package price. I didn’t hate the service, but I didn’t love it; I don't need to be fawned over at all, but the server weren't super attentive. I dunno, I probably won’t be back anytime soon. I wish I had chosen a different restaurant where I really wanted the appetizers, entrees, and desserts. For Tokyo Dining I think I would have been happier with just an entrée with my TiW discount (there are no discounts on candlelight packages). We ended up both getting our desserts to go, since we wanted to go out and get in line. (That was another iffy thing about the restaurant. Our view was pretty great…if you weren’t able to see the line for the Candlelight Processional you were going to get in get progressively longer and longer!

Thanks for the review, my family was thinking about dining in Japan for our next trip! The Bento Box definitely looked like a great value for the CP package, but I might skip Tokyo Dining in our future plans. We'll probably look into Teppan Edo for next year.

We had John Stamos as a narrator, and well, he was amazing! Like seriously, wow! He was so emotional and seemed to enjoy it sooo much! Everytime he talked about an infant child, he would get choked up (he and his wife just had a baby boy and this was the baby's first WDW trip). You could seem him dancing along and just so happy to be there! At the end, he gave a little speech about trying to come together and have peace, not division, which I really appreciated. I don’t have any videos, but when I post Day 4, I’ll include a video Zach put together of the CPs.

On his way out, he also noticed a young man with Down Syndrome, who happened to be standing in the row in front and slightly to the side of us. So, he made a special thing to come over and hug him, which really made that man’s day (like he was jumping up and down and his mom was in tears).

I love him so much I could CRY.

If you followed in a previous TR, you may remember I visited Disneyland and saw the Candlelight Processional there in 2017 (with Chris Hemsworth as a narrator). The CP there is a totally different animal!

I didn't even know DLR had a CP!

Apparently the system saw “Joy” on my shirt and thought that was my face, so it looked like Zach was in the future with my chest! We both just doubled over laughing!

Okay, THIS is really funny!!!!

I also stopped in to visit Joy and Sadness (the line wasn’t short but also not long, but I went ahead and waited). They both liked my shirt. I apologized to Sadness, and we ended up agreeing that Blue Christmas would be an appropriate shirt/song for her! I guess I need one of those for my next holiday trip!

A couple stops for photopass!

Love all of these photos!!!

After I headed out, I made a pit stop at Ample Hills Creamery, where I got the Oogey Butter Cake Ice Cream.

The best flavor!

I got the Bouchee a la Reine Traditionnelle (Turkey and Mushrooms in a veloute cream sause served in a light puff pastry). I don’t have my notes but I think I liked this one. It’s most things I like, so I’d imagine I would like it!

Ooh, that looks incredible!

For dessert, I got the Cygne profiterole au chocolat (swam cream puff filled with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce). This was just fine. The cream puff wasn’t really fresh, so it was dry even with the ice cream and sauce.

Good to know! Thanks for the Chefs review, we'll be there in August and I'll probably be doing the Prix Fixe menu, since it's a great DDP deal.

Eventually it was time for the show, which, like night before, was also good. NPH did a good job, but it wasn’t as spectacular as John Stamos. I think because NPH does it every year, it wasn’t as much of a novelty or truly special moment. I wasn’t necessarily disappointed, and I think if I hadn’t seen JS, I would have loved him even more, but this one was just very good – not amazing! I think a big difference was watching the videos-John Stamos was constantly bopping along and looking back at the choir just in awe of everything; NPH was pretty formal and standing forward singing. Also the rain meant the trumpeters had to stay on the main stage, not going to the side stages, so it didn’t feel as surrounded by music! Though the conductor was awesome, totally jumping around (even NPH called him out for being full of energy)!

Thank you for this comparison! Everyone raves about NPH, but he does seem very "formal" in every photo I've seen of him at the CP-- JS seems like so much more fun!