Christmas In The World...Dec 18, 2015 - Jan 4, 2016

[tyandskyesmom]

On Wednesday, December 23, 2015 we slept in. We we're at the Martinique bus stop at 9:35am. After Cary was done getting ready he had run over to Old Port Royale and filled our mugs up for us so we did not have to take that extra time.

This pic is actually my screen saver on my phone...I love it!

We arrived at the Magic Kingdom at 10:14am and the Toy Soldiers were greeting people on the boat dock!

We headed up through bag check (Tyler), extra search (Me), and through the "turnstyles" in no time.

We walked down Main Street and to the left of the Castle.

And around to our 10:10am - 11:10am fast pass for Haunted Mansion.

Stand by was at 15 minutes. We walked right up to the doors. Everyone loved it as usual.

We stopped by the Rapunzel bathrooms and had to look for some hidden Pasquels. They are hard to find! At this point I think we only found one.

 

[tyandskyesmom]

Then we headed around the other side of the Castle.

Look! There's Lucifer!

And now if only the rumors are true and she can meet the "real" Olaf in July, she'd be ecstatic! She loved Frozen but neither of the girls are the reason...the whole thing for her is about a snowman (And Chichi is jealous of Olaf!).

After playing with the snowman, we headed up to our lunch reservation.

 

[tyandskyesmom]

We checked in for our 11:20am lunch at Tony's Town Square at 11:08am.

We were called to be seated shortly after.

Our table was in the main dining room along the far wall. We were about two tables away from the glass walled room (where we've always sat before).

Our waitress was Kelly and she was from the Midwest like us. Said she came down for a little while and stayed! I am hoping to be able to say that some day! Kelly took our drink orders (Sprite for Cary, Apple Juice for Skyler, Root beer for me, and coke for Tyler). And brought bread and dipping oil. The kids don't like the dipping oil and prefer butter but the bread itself they enjoyed.

The place was slowly filling up but was still on the quiet side. I know Tony's gets a bad rap around here, but we have always loved it and have never had a bad meal.

For appetizers I had Zucchini Fries ... breaded seasoned zucchini with creamy sun-dried tomato dressing for dipping.

These are really good. Crispy on the outside, hot and moist on the inside. The dipping sauce is really good and compliments the zucchini.

Skyler had the Caesar Salad - Romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar Dressing topped with Romano and Crostini.

She loved this salad and ate the whole thing.

Tyler ordered the Calamari ... served with Olive Relish and a side of Marinara sauce.

We have always loved the calamari here. Yes, even my picky kids eat calamari! We do only like the rings though none of the suction cups (as the kids call them).

And Cary had the Pasta Fagaoli ... traditional meatless Italian soup with pasta and beans.

He really enjoyed his soup. I tried it too and it was really good.

as my entrée I ordered Cannelloni - filled with a mixture of ground beef and sausage, mozzarella, and ricotta served with marinara and creme sauce.

Which surprised me because I ALWAYS get the Shrimp Scampi. I must have really been in a "try new things" kind of a mood. The Cannelloni was really good and I was glad I got it. If there was one thing I would change though it would be less meat inside and a bit more cheese instead. But like I said, it was really good. I ate most of it but I did end up leaving some...it was huge!

Tyler got his usual...

Chicken Parmigiana ... Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast with Marinara sauce topped with Melted Mozzarella over Spaghetti. He loves this here and practically licks the plate clean!

Cary ordered the Spaghetti - with Meatballs and Marinara sauce .

He really enjoyed it. He finished most of it.

Skyler ordered the Margherita Pizza - with pizza sauce and fresh mozzarella garnished with fresh basil; add pepperoni or sausage with pepperoni. It was perfect. She allowed Cary and Tyler to each have a piece and they agreed!

As our desserts we got a couple of things which we actually ate there!

Skyler got the Tony's Cheesecake. I believe it was pumpkin spice flavored.

It was ok. I think it was more the flavor we just didn't prefer but we did like it and it got eaten!

Tyler and I got gelato ... Italian style ice cream chocolate or vanilla (Tyler Vanilla and me chocolate).

What could go wrong with gelato?!?!?!

And Cary got the Pistachio Crème Brulee.

It was hit first time eating crème brule, I had explained what it was but until it arrived, he didn't get it. But now he does and he loved it. The chocolate biscoti was great too!

Kelly kept our drinks full and was very nice, talking to us about her family and such, without being annoying. It does get a bit loud in there when it's busy but we are ok with that for this venue.

By the time we were finishing up, the place was packed. We had another successful meal at a place most people around here would tell you is worse that a frozen dinner. We love Tony's and I expect we will be back! By 12:04pm we were paying our check.

TOTAL = $157.77 ... TOTAL FOOD = $2514.66
USED 4CREDITS ... USED 59 MEAL CREDITS

 

[tyandskyesmom]

I actually just found my Narcoossees receipt with the total on it and it is $349.93 which brings our dining total to $2522.59. I changed it all on my dining report but I am too lazy to go back through this one so we'll just leave it at that!

 

[tyandskyesmom]

After lunch we walked out into a packed Main Street...it was PARADE TIME! We were actually a little more than half way through it though...kinda the same spot we crossed it at last time. We stood on the porch at Tony's and watched what was left.

And then we were ushered back stage through the walkway next to Tony's. I have to say, while it was neat to know what's back there...which at this point isn't much...I didn't like being ushered away form the decorations, the fun, the atmosphere. We experienced this a couple more times throughout our trip but this was the first. I think it was mostly because of the parade otherwise, it wasn't that crowded yet.

And we headed around the castle again into New Fantasyland. We stopped on the way at the circus to use that bathroom and I am sure glad we did. It was empty...fantasyland was not!

We looked around the store in Belle's village...love it! It is such a pretty little store! That whole area is really cool. I do love what they did with Belle and Ariel's Villages.

And we headed in for our first ride into Ariel's world...we have been waiting for this. Ariel is Skyler's favorite! It was really cute!

 

[tyandskyesmom]

After we came back to land we walked back towards Belle's village and took more pics along the way.

And we had to stop at Gaston's!

And of course we had to get a Cinnamon Roll...

When Tyler heard these were back, he had to have one (or seven if he had his way!). He used to love them when they had them at the Main Street Bakery. It was great! Soft and chewy and warm with enough icing on it.

And we had to try a LeFou's Brew ... Frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow and topped with all-natural passion fruit-mango foam

It is very sweet but Skyler is an apple juice freak so she loved it.

There was no line in here at around 1:30am. How we could eat anything so soon after lunch, I don't know but we managed it!

The total was approximately $9.00 or 2 snack credits.

 

[tyandskyesmom]

I forgot to put my pics from the Ariel tour in...here they are! (some are quite blurry)

 

[Winniebell10]

Loving your trip report!

 

[tyandskyesmom]

So we headed back into old Fantasyland.

And a walk into Philharmagic! Love this show!

And out into the dump shop...

Then we walked back past the Rapunzel bathrooms and found some more Pasquels.

Checked out Memento Mori.

They had these really cool portraits you could take in there that when you walk past they turn into different "older versions" of yourselves...I really wanted to do it but I completely forgit late in the trip. Maybe in July.

Then we played at some Sorcerer portals.

While the kids went to do another portal Cary and I stood in line to see some local friends in Agrabah. They were on break for the parade but were due back shortly, it was in the shade and we were about 4 families back.

And of course while we waited I took pictures.

 

[tyandskyesmom]

Soon, the kids came back and so did Jasmine and Aladdin!

I think he was talking about Abu and being like a pirate because he takes things that don't belong to him. I don't think I look like I was believing whatever he was saying, do I???

After our meet, we looked around Adventureland a bit while the kids located their Pirate treasure. They had found the Pirate's Adventure Treasure hunt while we were waiting to see Jasmine and Aladdin.

Then we headed back to Frontierland.

See, it's starting to get more crowded! Up until today, we had very little crowds.

I've never seen so may rope divide walkways in The World.

And used our fast passes for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (return time 2:55pm - 3:55pm). We all love that ride. It is Tyler's favorite. When he was little he called it "the fast train" so we still do. Skye loves it too but again, she has to sit with me and I have to put my arm across her lap.

After our ride on "the fast train" we took our time heading back up to the front of the park.

 

[tyandskyesmom]

So we headed up to the front of the park slowly...looking around, shopping, playing pirate and sorcerer games. We caught a monorail to The Polynesian.

And checked in for our 5:30pm Kona Café ADR. We we're a little early but only waited about 10 minutes.

We were seated in the center of the restaurant near the outside rail. Our server was Robyn.

Now I almost didn't make an ADR here at all. Our last two or three visits here have been horrendous! Mostly service but the food wasn't justifying a return visit when you factored in the horrible service. But, I did it. For three reasons. #1...we used to LOVE Kona. #2...we needed another meal and I did not want to go too far our of our way. #3...I wanted Cary to be able to experience it. I was hoping we wouldn't regret it.

Robyn brought our bread. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bread...it is my favorite bread services in all The World.

And she took our drink orders. Cary a sprite, me a diet, Tyler a Coke, and Skyler a Mega-Berry Smoothie - Raspberry Puree and Nonfat Yogurt blended with Odwalla Berries GoMega.

With an Umbrella...which she loves!

Cary was trying to teach her how to use chop sticks.

For appetizers I ordered the Pot Stickers ... wok-seared pork and vegetable dumplings with a creamy soy-ginger sauce

I love pot stickers...almost anywhere (except a Chinese joint near our house!). Skyler is developing a taste for them too which now means at TGIFridays and Noodles & Co. I now have to share!!!

Cary ordered the Shrimp Tempura Roll - Tempura Shrimp and fresh Mango served with Liliko'i Sauce

Which was good but not as good as at California Grill!

And the kids got Sticky Wings - Glazed Chicken Wings with tangy Mustard Drizzle and Toasted Sesame Seeds with the mustard drizzle on the side.

The last time we had these they were so super dry it was like chewing saw dust. And to top that off, our waitress never came back to refill drinks so it was bad. This time, we liked them. Not loved, we've definitely had better but the were good.

for our entrees, Cary, Tyler, and I ordered the Grilled New York Strip Steak ... served with roasted fingerling potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and molasses-bacon butter (Tyler's with fries and the molasses bacon butter on the side, Ty and I medium rare and Cary's medium well)

Mine and Cary's...

Tyler's...

They were all really good. This time we had broccoli with them that was really cooked well. Last time it was broccolini that tasted and felt like chewing plastic...so bad that I actually spit it out in my napkin! The butter was a really good flavor to include on the steak too.

Skyler wet with the Sustainable Fish - with carrot-ginger puree and lemon grass scented cream (which today was salmon) whcihc she asked for separated.

She didn't touch the plate on the left but demolished the plate on the right. I got one little bite of her salmon and it was a really good dry salmon. Sometimes salmon is still "wet" inside but this was cooked to perfect flakiness! The puree was really good too but I couldn't get her to taste it.

For dessert I had the Warm Apple Tart - with cinnamon gelato and bacon-macadamia nut brittle.

It was delicious...the bacon-macadamia brittle got stolen by Skyler but the rest that I had was great!

Skyler ordered the Kona Kone...

Which used to be so much more impressive when it was actually a cone. But it was still a fun dessert.

Tyler got the Kilauea Torte ... An explosion of warm liquid Chocolate inside Chocolate cookie Volcano which somehow I do not have a picture of. It is possible we took it home with us and didn't take a pic because it was all boxed up.

Cary got the Chocolate Fondu ... with Tropical Fruit and House-made Cookies which I also do not have a pic of but this I know was packaged up to go.

I do not believe either got eaten later.

Robyn was a good server and kept our drinks filled (and brought Skye a water after she finished her smoothie). Our orders came out correct (last time they did not). The food on the plates was good and did not taste or feel like plastic. So all in all, Kona moved back up a notch for us. We're still cautious but we are willing to give the benefit of the doubt in the future. This time around, Kina was a good choice.

TOTAL = $220.72 ... TOTAL FOOD = $2743.31
USED 4 CREDITS ... USED 63 MEAL CREDITS

 

[tyandskyesmom]

We left Kona Café at around 6:30pm. Our plan was to go back to Magic Kingdom but we decided to just head back to call it a night. The kids wanted to swim a little too. But before we did that we explored the Poly a little.

Lilo and Stitch were meeting in the lobby by the big Christmas Tree but their line was huge so we didn't wait.

And here I present for your entertainment, and mine because I giggle every time I see it, bewilderment or fear (can't tell witch)...

Here, let me bring that closer for you...

I have no idea what the look was for. I am expecting it was a quick glance that got caught in the middle...but it sure is funny!

And we explored some more...

And we headed back out to catch a monorail back to the Magic Kingdom. From there we caught a bus back to Caribbean Beach.

Everyone was wide awake and waiting for us.

The kids went down to the quiet pool right outside out door and Cary and I got ready for bed. By the time the kids came back, I was asleep...Cary was watching TV relaxing, digging into some of the desserts we had sitting in the fridge.

The got in, freezing because our air conditioner was all the way up, and ready for bed and we were all asleep shortly after.

 

[tyandskyesmom]

CHRISTMAS EVE - Wednesday, December 24, 2016 started very early for us and it was going to be a long day. Surprisingly, and you'll find out why I say that later, I took some very detailed notes today. We were up and ready to go when it was still dark out. We were on a bus to the Magic Kingdom at 6:30am. We arrived at 6:50am.

We hopped an empty monorail and headed back to The Polynesian.

We arrived at The Poly at 7:08am. We arrived at the check in for Ohana and they were asking only one person from each family to stand in line to check in and they were not yet checking people in. Cary stood in line while me and they kids found a seat.

I was sad to see they no longer give out leis nor do the take your family photo before going in. We were the first ones seated at 7:30am at the first table the characters came to.

We were given our bread/rolls by Arelis. We were also given juice and Skye ordered Apple Juice, Tyler a coke, and Cary chocolate milk. I was plenty happy with the juice!

And fruit...

Neither of which we were offered more of because no one else stopped by our table again for quite awhile. Even after they did, it was to simply scoop up empty plates not ask if we wanted more...which we did.

Finally, our main platter arrived.

At which time we were finally asked if we needed refills. Now, I am a drinker while I eat. I drink and eat at the same time so I usually go through many refills. There were what looked to be 37 million servers running around and only about half the restaurant was being used. They couldn't have been that stressed yet...they just opened. Now one was especially nice, cordial yes, not nice...and being that this is the "ohana" place and we're all family and it was CHRISTMAS EVE, you'd just expect a little bit more joy???? On regular days when we've been here before there was much more joy floating around...maybe the servers from Kona moved to Ohana and visa versa???

Anyway, the platter had scrambled eggs, bacon, Stitch waffles, biscuits, breakfast potatoes, and sausage links.

Everything was fresh and hot...although they had just opened so you'd expect that. The sausages used to be great big fat links...no more. All in all, everything was good. We asked for more waffles and bacon when someone finally noticed us sitting there doing nothing. And asked for more refills on our drinks...yes, we had to ask!

As we were finishing up eating, the characters started coming around. Stitch was first.

Then Lilo...

Mickey's picture was blurry???

So was Pluto's...

Then they came around with noise makers, I mean instruments. Skyler decided she was going to join the parade this time.

Tyler was being 16!

Lilo led the procession...

I have to work on my picture taking abilities in dim places with action!

Stitch followed...

Then the Main Mouse...

And the girl of the hour!

At this point I was trying to not get annoyed but we had had very little attention from any server here. They share tables actually so any one of many could have stopped by to see if we needed anything. I am quite sure people are sat in the same order all the time so the characters know where they stop and start and the servers know too. SO they had to realize we were seated close to first! We have only refills on drinks we had to ask for, no ability t ask for more bread or fruit and the server who picked up our empty dishes did not care to ask if we needed more, we actually had to stop a server running past to get more waffles and bacon. And my pet peeve of all pet peeves, we're at a pay one price meal and we had to WAIT FOR OUR CHECK! We actually had to ask for it! Why they weren't pushing us out the door I don't know and we did not have that problem anywhere else the whole two week trip. And the funny thing is, we weren't there more than an hour. We tend to be quick eaters, don't linger most of the time, aren't people who do coffee or cordials after dinner...but since we couldn't get food or beverage so we were ready to leave much faster that usual. To our surprise, none of the characters were very attentive...picture, sign, leave. Except at the table next to us...but they had a down syndrome young adult who was very into characters (it was fun to watch them interact with her and how excited she was to see them) and many other kids...but they had to pretty much force the characters into allowing time for all their party to get time with them.

Now, this review leaves a bad taste in my mouth because in the past we have had excellent food, service, and interaction here but this time we had good food and bad everything else. It was too early in the day for them to be stressed out or behind. And it was Christmas Eve. People have paid for and chosen to spent their time and money in Disney World and chose to do Christmas Eve breakfast with Ohana. For the cost of this meal, especially at a holiday pricing time, I should have left more satisfied. I mean, we had enough to eat but we would have liked more fruit and bread. We got autographs and pictures but weren't feeling the Disney love. Usually Lilo and Stitch play and interact with each other and are so much fun...today they were all business.

This one might be moved to the bottom of out list in the future. I'm sad about that though. Maybe a bad day??? But at opening on a special day??? I don't know.

Anyway, we were out of there in about an hour, like I said and weren't gonna let it ruin our day.

TOTAL = $127.76 ... TOTAL FOOD = $2871.07
USED 4 CREDITS ... USED 67 MEAL CREDITS

 

[tyandskyesmom]

Oh....and I just remembered!

At our breakfast at Ohana there was a party of two seated along the window. What had to be a middle aged man was seated along the windows as a two top. His date and him sat across from each other talking avidly. They were both set up for table service, juice and all. The weird/odd/funny thing about this scenario was that his date was a giant stuffed Stitch!!!! No, I'm serious. He sat there talking to it. Serving it. It met with characters alone and with the man.

Later on in the week, the kids and Cary could swear that same man (without Stitch) was operating a ride in Magic Kingdom???

It kept us amused during breakfast. But try to get an 11 year old who only sometimes still takes Chichi out to eat to stop staring at the grown man and Stitch having breakfast!!! LOL

 

[tyandskyesmom]

So after our mediocre breakfast at Ohana we headed out to the bus stop.

We were on a bus heading to Hollywood Studios at 8:35am. How's that for a quick character meal???

 

[Terra Nova guy]

We asked for more waffles and bacon when someone finally noticed us sitting there doing nothing. And asked for more refills on our drinks...yes, we had to ask!

This one might be moved to the bottom of out list in the future. I'm sad about that though. Maybe a bad day??? But at opening on a special day??? I don't know.

Really interesting to hear your review. My family did the 'Ohana breakfast on our last trip (Oct. 2014) and we had a very similar experience, so unfortunately it seems things have not improved. I remember trying for ages to get another basket of the bread. Our waitress was nowhere to be seen almost the entire meal. She came near the end and finally gave us more bread, but by that time we weren't that interested. We tried getting more waffles and eventually flagged down a different waiter. The food was great, but the service was the worst we had on our trip. I was going to put it off as them just having a bad day, but maybe not. I'm not sure we would go back.

 

[Jackiemarie21]

Hi I'm following along we were supposed to go last year the week between Christmas and New Years and then life happened and we canceled. We are now planning a trip this year dec 29- jan 6. I'm so excited to find you TR because there aren't many that cover this time frame. I'm really interested to see your experience after New Year's Day. I know the crowds will be insane the first days of our trip but I'm hoping they drop off a bit after New Year's Day!

 

[longlostprincess]

joining in! it sounds like your trip was great. when are you going july?

 

[tyandskyesmom]

Hi I'm following along we were supposed to go last year the week between Christmas and New Years and then life happened and we canceled. We are now planning a trip this year dec 29- jan 6. I'm so excited to find you TR because there aren't many that cover this time frame. I'm really interested to see your experience after New Year's Day. I know the crowds will be insane the first days of our trip but I'm hoping they drop off a bit after New Year's Day!

This trip we actually left on New Year's Day. But in the past we have done two trips where we arrived on New Year's Day for two weeks each and that was an awesome time to go. It does depend on where January 1st falls in the week though as to when people leave. Whenever kids have to be back at school is when it empties. And it does empty pretty well.

joining in! it sounds like your trip was great. when are you going july?

We arrive July 15th and leave the 22nd...only a week...boo...no dining plan...boo...

Actually I just made our Fast Pass + reservations yesterday and had absolutely no problem getting any and all the big rides I wanted including 7 Dwarves an three days and Toy Story once towards the beginning of the trip. I am hoping that means good things but it seems everything I get an e-mail about hotel specials, that week is not included so that would tell me that they don't need to discount that week because it fills...so I guess we'll see.

We are attempting our first "relaxing" trip ever. I even did not want to make Fast Pass + reservations because it would be nice just to wake up and go where we want. I know we could do that but at the same tome the planner in me takes over and wont allow that! Also the hours are very basic right now and I am sure they will expand soon...and I don't tend to buy into the crowd calendars and avoiding EMH...

I am also having a hard time not making ADRs...we have had deluxe dining the last at least 5 or 6 times we have gone! But recently there has been a lot of new counter service and snacks we have not gotten to partake in because we had the deluxe dining so we are going to try that. We figured we went all out extreme in December not we're going to the other extreme and then we can decide where we land on the spectrum!

Although Tyler is revolting about not being able to eat steak three times a day! LOL

 

[tyandskyesmom]

I finally was able to get the pictures from Cary's phone...ugh! Sam's Club really needs to train their people! Three hours later for just over 300 pictures is crazy. Then I load the disc into my computer and every single pic is sideways! And in an extremely random order! So I load them to photobucket and they do not load by date either. So I had to go thru all of them and rotate them...ugh! And now I have 300 pics in no particular oirder to look thru when I want to post.

And because some of them are from early on I am going to post them here as opposed to editing earlier posts because a lot of those posts are neat a picture limit. So let's reminisce...

This was waiting for the bus to Hollywood Studios when we arrived after driving from Illinois!

Upon arrival at The Magic Kingdom after lunch on Day #1

Festival of Fantasy on Day #1 (most likely out of order)

That float was so cool with so much to look at!