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

[mesgram]

How awesome to get to see the Candlelight processional twice. We were there the week after you and saw Gary Senise. I've always wanted to try Agent P and I never remember while I am there. It sounds like fun though.

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a good lunch!!

Smart idea taking turns in line!

I'm sure it was cool getting to see NPH! Interesting to hear that JS was more into it, but totally makes sense since NPH is a regular now!

 

[Lesley Wake]

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

Hmm, well it's basically the Disney version. I think I preferred Chefs de France more than any of the actual DLP restaurant foods, but some of the local cafes or restaurants were just amazing!

Whew, way to go Zach!!

Yeah, it was stressful for a bit!

No surprise there

Nope - if you need to find Zach, theres a 50/50 shot he'll be Epcot!

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

Up to that point, yup...

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

I think the cream puff was basically stored in the freezer with the ice cream, so it made it colder and harder, not that lovely fresh fluffiness!

Interesting observations. Thanks for the comparison.

I liked both guys and would see them again. But I would go out of my way to see JS, while NPH would just be an - if it's convenient - type of show.

 

[Lesley Wake]

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...

I don't know. It's still a rumor in wdw nt, but it's one of those things Disney could quickly make the switch for!

that is some serious rain!!!

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

Definitely! You guys are going to have a lot of fun!

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!

Yeah, definitely a difference between someone who does it year after year!

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

I wish I could have seen it again.

You really got some good photopass pictures this trip.

Thanks! I usually try to stop whenever I see one. I didn't do as good a job in May though!

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

Yeah, lots of Christmas touches! I wanted to do it at night too because I guess all the lights make it sparkle!

I would get this too!

I am looking forward to the menus for Festival of Holidays this year! I'll only have one lunch opportunity so I'll need to prioritize!

I'll have to put him on my list.

I think my favorites were (in this order): Norway, UK, France, Italy (though France and Italy could be tied). Hannukah was good and Japan was fine. The other countries were musical acts. This year I am going to just try and see Norway (the festival continues until Dec 30, but I'll only have mid-day on the 29th).

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.

Hmm, yeah. You can maybe try getting an aisle seat so someone can quickly run JP out if he's too fussy? Also, the last performance of the day usually has some walk-up availability at the back (so not the best view, but you still get to hear and enjoy it), so if you guys stick around Epcot that late then that could be an option.

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.

Yeah, I would probably do Teppan Edo before Tokyo Dining in the future.

I didn't even know DLR had a CP!

Yup! It's astounding the scale of it! (Obviously not my photos:

Okay, THIS is really funny!!!!

It was hilarious when the photos popped up!

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!

He really was more fun!

 

[Lesley Wake]

How awesome to get to see the Candlelight processional twice. We were there the week after you and saw Gary Senise. I've always wanted to try Agent P and I never remember while I am there. It sounds like fun though.

I've heard good things about Gary Senise. It's now in the Disney Parks Play app, so maybe easier to do it? I know France and China have missions, don't remember what other countries!

Sounds like a good lunch!!

Smart idea taking turns in line!

I'm sure it was cool getting to see NPH! Interesting to hear that JS was more into it, but totally makes sense since NPH is a regular now!

Taking turns was the right way to go!

 

[Lesley Wake]

Part 3 – Third time’s not the charm for the rainstorms attacking me.

After the performance I said farewell to Zach again. I was headed to DHS for a dessert party. I ended up taking the boat over there. Definitely was feeling tired at this point in the trip. (Oh and I stopped at the IG store on my way out and grabbed a poncho, which I was very happy about – I had a raincoat with me, but I wanted something else to protect my backpack too just in case).

This time I went to the left side of DHS. I did have a couple FPs set up, but I realized it wouldn’t be feasible to do them, so cancelled them all. Of course I still stopped for some photopass pictures

I stopped to check out the decorations at Echo Lake, which really was awesome at night (DHS really had great decorations this year).

I figured that the dessert party was going to be relocated in case of rain, so luckily the CM working the photopass line knew it was at Pizza Rizzo, which meant I didn’t have to waste time walking to the Chinese theatre.

I’ve actually never been in Muppets courtyard or Grand Avenue area! Grand Ave opened after my Sept trip and I didn’t go to DHS in March. The Muppets just didn’t work into the schedule in on my first September trip.

Check-in was fast and easy for the dessert party. The actual party was located over both floors. All the drinks were downstairs, but the liquid nitrogen station and Santa Goofy were on the second floor. I got an assigned time to meet Goofy, but they weren’t really enforcing that – just a way to spread out the attendees. The party was very uncrowded, so I think there may have been cancellations, plus it was just a larger space to spread out than if it was outside in front of the theatre. I ended up getting a table downstairs to myself, which was nice! I probably would have had to share at the actual dessert party location.

Some of the liquid offerings: assorted sodas, Elf Juice (lemonade, granny smith apple syrup and sprite), hot cocoa station; Alcoholic options – wine, beer, hot chocolate martini, gingerbread martini, black cherry bourbon hot cocoa, jingle bell holiday punch. I think I got the Hot Chocolate Martini and Jingle Bell Holiday Punch and I liked them both. But I don’t like the taste of alcohol and don't care about them being that strong, so I’m not the best judge of those things!

Savory food offerings: pretzel bread and smoked sea salt flatbread; cheese fondue; kettle chips, roasted onion dip, spinach and artichoke dip, trail mix;

​

 

[Lesley Wake]

Sweets – assorted cheesecake bites with whipped cream; coconut crispies; traditional yule log with dark chocolate ganache, chocolate verrine with cinnamon marshmallows, festive holiday cookies; gingerbread cupcake; chocolate fondue with fresh fruit, cake pieces, and marshmallows;

Liquid nitrogen freeze-dried milk chocolate mousse w/salted caramel sauce and raspberry glitter sauce

Candy cane brownie; pumpkin pie spiced bread pudding

I really liked most of these desserts. I think the gingerbread cupcake, pumpkin pie spiced bread pudding, and the freeze-dried milk chocolate mousse were my favorite!

Santa Goofy had absolutely no one when I went up there! I think there were a handful of families who got in line after me, but I don’t know if there was ever a significant line.

​

 

[Lesley Wake]

The location change also meant they didn’t need to kick everyone out by 7:45. The outside location is in the fireworks fallout space, so they need to clear out quickly (that was a complaint for people on the Disboards who had attended other evenings with it). Because it was inside, people could take their time eating and drinking. Before we left, everyone was given a nice ornament. (Oh and they encouraged us to take anything we wanted to go, so I had a nice hot chocolate in an insulated cup and I think I brought a can of coke back to the room with me)

They escorted us out in groups, and it was already starting to rain, though not too hard. I made sure to have my poncho on, as well as my raincoat – felt a bit like I was inside a plastic bag! I went out only a few minutes before Movie Magic and had a great spot.

As Movie Magic started, the skies opened up and it was insane! Like, it rained so hard I felt like I was inhaling water despite just standing there! I didn’t take any photos because my focus was on keeping my poncho closed over my backpack (it was also windy)! Needless to say, I got soaking wet!

The rain let off by the time of the actual fireworks show, but I still didn’t take too many photos, focusing on the show itself.

I really liked the location because, while the big pyro was a bit obscured, there wasn’t much of the big pyro anyways. Because we were up so close, we could see the projections and the pyro that did go off surrounded us, so it felt like we were in the middle of the show! I've since watched the Star Wars fireworks from that spot and also really like it!

Overall, I liked the dessert party – the food was great and I really liked the show. The spot was very nice, not having to worry about crowds or fighting for a spot. Of course, due to the rain, there weren’t a whole lot of crowds anyways, so I could have had my pick of spots further back, but if it was busier it would have been worth it even more. In the end though, I think I would do it again! Despite the cost!

After the show, I quickly headed out. Due to the Skyliner construction, the boats were stopping early so I knew I needed to get in line quickly. I think I didn’t fit on the first boat, but did make it onto the second one and got a seat. They really filled the boat to capacity because knew they needed to get people out of there. I think they did one last pickup and then the boats were done for the evening, so if you delayed too much in the park, you would have been stuck walking or taking the bus!

(I had considered stopping to get a proper dinner at one of the Crescent Lake lounges, but was so stuffed with the dessert party I didn’t bother.)

My typical route back to the elevator passed by the art gallery at Boardwalk, and I saw this 7 Dwarves table I LOVE! One day, when I have $$$ and a space, maybe I’ll have to get one like it! But I doubt I’ll ever be able to afford it!

When I got back to the room I realized the pool was going to stay open for another 15 minutes – I was already wet, why not enjoy the hot tub a bit! So I quickly went down and was able to relax a bit. Plus I did 2 rides on the water slide – which was awesome! It really feels like a boardwalk roller coaster! I am a big fan!

Then to bed!

​

Day wrap-up

10:00 – 11:30 Morning rides (some w/FPs, some otherwise) – Journey into Imagination with Figment, Living with the Land, Undersea Nemo
11:30 – Test Track
12:00 – Frozen Ever After – skipped since I did it the night before.
-Epcot storytellers - Rain interrupted this.
Added: France food booth
1:15 – Chefs de France lunch
-Storytellers and World Showcase entertainment – accomplished ½ of Pere Noel, Father Christmas, La Befana
5:00 – Candlelight Processional
6:30 – Slinky Dog Dash – Skipped
7:00 – Jingle Bell Jingle bam Dessert Party
10:00 – Late dinner at Crescent Lake lounge – Not necessary

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I love that this is what they give you for this dessert party!

 

[vamassey1]

Yeah, lots of Christmas touches! I wanted to do it at night too because I guess all the lights make it sparkle!

Thanks for the tip. I just added it to my Epcot holiday list.

I am looking forward to the menus for Festival of Holidays this year!

Me too! I'm glad that it will out for awhile before we go so I can narrow down my list based on reviews.

I think my favorites were (in this order): Norway, UK, France, Italy (though France and Italy could be tied). Hannukah was good and Japan was fine. The other countries were musical acts. This year I am going to just try and see Norway (the festival continues until Dec 30, but I'll only have mid-day on the 29th).

I just noted this in my notebook too. We have 1 full day and just a morning in Epcot so I will have to narrow down my list. I hope you have time to see your favorites too.
'

Hmm, yeah. You can maybe try getting an aisle seat so someone can quickly run JP out if he's too fussy? Also, the last performance of the day usually has some walk-up availability at the back (so not the best view, but you still get to hear and enjoy it), so if you guys stick around Epcot that late then that could be an option.

This sounds like a good plan. I just mentioned it to DH & Danielle. We're planning on staying to see the new nighttime show. I've been considering doing the Frozen Dessert party too.

 

[vamassey1]

I stopped to check out the decorations at Echo Lake, which really was awesome at night (DHS really had great decorations this year).

I can't wait to see these decorations. I really like the lighted balls on Echo Lake.

I really like this picture with the tree.

I think I got the Hot Chocolate Martini and Jingle Bell Holiday Punch and I liked them both. But I don’t like the taste of alcohol and don't care about them being that strong, so I’m not the best judge of those things!

I'm not a big drinker. I like fruity and I don't want to taste the alcohol.

Liquid nitrogen freeze-dried milk chocolate mousse w/salted caramel sauce and raspberry glitter sauce

This sounds really good. I love chocolate mousse and caramel

Candy cane brownie; pumpkin pie spiced bread pudding

I'm a sucker for bread pudding.

Very cute photo!

Like, it rained so hard I felt like I was inhaling water despite just standing there! I didn’t take any photos because my focus was on keeping my poncho closed over my backpack (it was also windy)! Needless to say, I got soaking wet!

Oh no! Getting wet is no fun.

Overall, I liked the dessert party – the food was great and I really liked the show. The spot was very nice, not having to worry about crowds or fighting for a spot.

I'm interested in this if we don't do the Frozen Dessert party. Do you remember when they opened this up? I don't see it listed yet.

When I got back to the room I realized the pool was going to stay open for another 15 minutes – I was already wet, why not enjoy the hot tub a bit! So I quickly went down and was able to relax a bit. Plus I did 2 rides on the water slide – which was awesome! It really feels like a boardwalk roller coaster! I am a big fan!

Sitting in a hot tub sound great after getting rained on. Perfect ending to your night.

 

[buzzrelly]

That JBJJ dessert party looks like so much fun! Glad you had a great time, despite the rain!

 

[dolewhipdreams]

I stopped to check out the decorations at Echo Lake, which really was awesome at night (DHS really had great decorations this year).

Wow DHS really stepped up their Christmas decoration game. I love it!

I made sure to have my poncho on, as well as my raincoat – felt a bit like I was inside a plastic bag

But hey imagine how wet you would have been without them

Sorry you got poured on waiting for the show but otherwise that looked like such a fun dessert party!

 

[missangelalexis]

Sounds like a fun dessert party! Great pic with Goofy!

Ugh that stinks that it rained so hard! But glad you still enjoyed yourself!

 

[Lesley Wake]

I love that this is what they give you for this dessert party!

Yeah, and it's good quality metal too, so will last a while!

Me too! I'm glad that it will out for awhile before we go so I can narrow down my list based on reviews.

I know! I always tend to check Easywdw, Blog Mickey, and Wdw nt, because I know those guys go on opening day and actually try everything they review (some blogs have reputations of sending someone to go and take photos and then another person entirely writes a "review" based on the photo).

I just noted this in my notebook too. We have 1 full day and just a morning in Epcot so I will have to narrow down my list. I hope you have time to see your favorites too.

I think Norway is the one I really want to see again! All of those 4 were great with interacting with kids watching. Norway seemed to be the one that people get to early - the others people just wander in as they hear something going on.

This sounds like a good plan. I just mentioned it to DH & Danielle. We're planning on staying to see the new nighttime show. I've been considering doing the Frozen Dessert party too.

I did Frozen dessert party in February (so Rivers of Light is the only one I've haven't done yet). Frozen was nice - you get assigned tables and stay in those spots for the food and show, then they escort you up to the ride. The tables were also not crowded together, so plenty of room for kids to get some energy out if they need to! You'll have to make sure to check timing though, especially if you plan on doing the last CP show, because there can be crowds leaving that area (plus you get held back while the choir leaves) and the dessert party check-in starts a little over an hour before the fireworks show (can't remember the exact time). The viewing is good - we were on the far edge closest to the unused Friendship Boat dock, but still had an unobstructed view, but tables are pretty much lined up from there until the start of the fastpass viewing area.

For JBJJ, I don't know how the party is set up on normal days, but I heard reports the tables were relatively crowded together. And you have to go to a different spot (albeit very close by) for the fireworks. I liked the desserts more there though - especially because they were all Christmas themed!

I can't wait to see these decorations. I really like the lighted balls on Echo Lake.

Yeah, the reflections were so cool!

I'm not a big drinker. I like fruity and I don't want to taste the alcohol.

This sounds really good. I love chocolate mousse and caramel

I'm a sucker for bread pudding.

It sounds like we have very similar food tastes!

I'm interested in this if we don't do the Frozen Dessert party. Do you remember when they opened this up? I don't see it listed yet.

It was definitely later. Probably one of the last things I booked. But it didn't fill up for a while (and I don't know if it every fully filled up). There usually ends up being a "watch" thread on the Disboards, which I followed along.

That JBJJ dessert party looks like so much fun! Glad you had a great time, despite the rain!

Yeah, and at least it was at the end of the night so I didn't have to deal with being soaked for hours!

But hey imagine how wet you would have been without them

Oh I know! Definitely necessary that evening!

Wow DHS really stepped up their Christmas decoration game. I love it!

I can't wait to see it again this year! Also I can't wait to see Animal Kingdom decorations!

 

[pkondz]

I think the cream puff was basically stored in the freezer with the ice cream, so it made it colder and harder, not that lovely fresh fluffiness!

Ah. Okay, I can see that.

I liked both guys and would see them again. But I would go out of my way to see JS, while NPH would just be an - if it's convenient - type of show.

Interesting.
I've never been... but heard so many people who love NPH, so I'm surprised at your reaction.

I’ve actually never been in Muppets courtyard or Grand Avenue area!

Really!

I got an assigned time to meet Goofy, but they weren’t really enforcing that

I started thinking that they'd break legs to make sure people stuck to their assigned times.

The location change also meant they didn’t need to kick everyone out by 7:45. The outside location is in the fireworks fallout space, so they need to clear out quickly (that was a complaint for people on the Disboards who had attended other evenings with it).

Hadn't heard that.

Before we left, everyone was given a nice ornament.

Nice.

As Movie Magic started, the skies opened up and it was insane! Like, it rained so hard I felt like I was inhaling water despite just standing there! I didn’t take any photos because my focus was on keeping my poncho closed over my backpack (it was also windy)! Needless to say, I got soaking wet!

Ugh! Make room on the ark!

In the end though, I think I would do it again! Despite the cost!

Good to know!

My typical route back to the elevator passed by the art gallery at Boardwalk, and I saw this 7 Dwarves table I LOVE! One day, when I have $$$ and a space, maybe I’ll have to get one like it! But I doubt I’ll ever be able to afford it!

Never say never.

When I got back to the room I realized the pool was going to stay open for another 15 minutes – I was already wet, why not enjoy the hot tub a bit! So I quickly went down and was able to relax a bit. Plus I did 2 rides on the water slide – which was awesome! It really feels like a boardwalk roller coaster! I am a big fan!

What a great idea! Glad you had fun!

 

[vamassey1]

I know! I always tend to check Easywdw, Blog Mickey, and Wdw nt, because I know those guys go on opening day and actually try everything they review (some blogs have reputations of sending someone to go and take photos and then another person entirely writes a "review" based on the photo).

I'll be reading the reviews too!

I think Norway is the one I really want to see again! All of those 4 were great with interacting with kids watching. Norway seemed to be the one that people get to early - the others people just wander in as they hear something going on.

I'm noting that I need to be at Norway before it starts & get a good spot.

I did Frozen dessert party in February (so Rivers of Light is the only one I've haven't done yet). Frozen was nice - you get assigned tables and stay in those spots for the food and show, then they escort you up to the ride. The tables were also not crowded together, so plenty of room for kids to get some energy out if they need to! You'll have to make sure to check timing though, especially if you plan on doing the last CP show, because there can be crowds leaving that area (plus you get held back while the choir leaves) and the dessert party check-in starts a little over an hour before the fireworks show (can't remember the exact time). The viewing is good - we were on the far edge closest to the unused Friendship Boat dock, but still had an unobstructed view, but tables are pretty much lined up from there until the start of the fastpass viewing area.

The nighttime show is set for 9:30 at that time of year. Since this will still be cutting it close I'm starting to really lean towards the dessert party at DHS so I don't try to do too much in that one night. I do want to make an effort to see all the holiday nighttime shows but not do all the parties.

For JBJJ, I don't know how the party is set up on normal days, but I heard reports the tables were relatively crowded together. And you have to go to a different spot (albeit very close by) for the fireworks. I liked the desserts more there though - especially because they were all Christmas themed!

I really liked what you had pictures of so I'm leaning towards this too on our first night>

It sounds like we have very similar food tastes!

Yes we do!

It was definitely later. Probably one of the last things I booked. But it didn't fill up for a while (and I don't know if it every fully filled up). There usually ends up being a "watch" thread on the Disboards, which I followed along.

I'll have to look for that. I'm on the Frozen dessert party thread. Right now I think they are only booking out to August.

 

[mesgram]

JBJB looks like fun. I missed it when we were there in December so I'll have to catch it next time. The ornament from the party is so cute. Your tree must be adorable with all of your Disney ornaments.

 

[jnjusoioa]

Was reading through this, I love reading all the trip reports and pictures that everyone posts. Hoping I get to enjoy the magic again soon. I read on one of your posts that you got a Goofy gingerbread cookie, I have seen the Mickey ones and was wondering if they actually had one shaped like Goofy and if so did you get a picture of it? Thank You.

 

[Lesley Wake]

I started thinking that they'd break legs to make sure people stuck to their assigned times.

Haha, maybe if it was busier?

The nighttime show is set for 9:30 at that time of year. Since this will still be cutting it close I'm starting to really lean towards the dessert party at DHS so I don't try to do too much in that one night. I do want to make an effort to see all the holiday nighttime shows but not do all the parties.

Yeah, that seems like a tight fit!

JBJB looks like fun. I missed it when we were there in December so I'll have to catch it next time. The ornament from the party is so cute. Your tree must be adorable with all of your Disney ornaments.

It definitely has a lovely Christmas spirit to it!

Was reading through this, I love reading all the trip reports and pictures that everyone posts. Hoping I get to enjoy the magic again soon. I read on one of your posts that you got a Goofy gingerbread cookie, I have seen the Mickey ones and was wondering if they actually had one shaped like Goofy and if so did you get a picture of it? Thank You.

So it was a Goofy "hat" shape. Here it was from Amorettes: