Compromise is a Disney word: Taking one for the team over Thanksgiving 2016* August PTR link! 5/28

[ariane37]

I am determined to find character training someday.

If I'm remembering correctly, it seems to occur in the afternoons, maybe between.............say 2 and 3? I can't remember any more specific than that, I'm sorry The funny thing is I've never actively looked for it, with or without the kids, but we always seem to stumble upon it, with AND without the kids!

Three Kings is one of the main kiosks I wanted to visit, but we only ended up with a couple Caramel Kiss drinks from Germany and a Fire Nog that didn't even taste like it had liquor in it
I did not plan well for holiday kiosk food at all in December!

Well I obviously didn't plan well either since I had no clue they weren't snack size portions! So while we both wanted to try the Three Kings booth, if I knew I'd fill up after eating there I may have started somewhere else. Luckily the F&G foods are smaller portions since I want to try them ALL, but I'm going to plan out where I want to start so I get a decent amount in each day lol

Off topic...I'm officially flying solo in May! MIL decided she would rather us just give her money for Scotland instead. We told her we had to know tonight, because I make fast passes in the morning! I have so many thoughts...I don't think I can avoid starting a PTR for much longer.

I've seen the PTR and I have quoted

Your trip looks amazing! I love The Storytellers, but haven't seen them in awhile...

You go so often, you need to plan a late Nov./Dec. trip!

I look forward to reading about the various options at the Holidays around the world - despite being there in December I didn't partake in them.

Unfortunately we didn't try as many as we'd planned since realizing they were full portions but we were happy with what we tried. I'm planning on updating my dining report this weekend.

Yeah, Aria has never seen them either. Actually I'm not sure if I have. Not really my thing. But it reminded me of a thread I read last week where someone was planning her solo trip and intended to watch the show 9 times over 2 days of EPCOT touring. She said it's her favorite thing at Disney.

Um, while I want to say you should try seeing them even though it doesn't sound like something that would interest you, 9 times in 2 days is excessive and as great as they are I know that would be way too much for me!

Omg I'm so anxious to hear who you met! We've yet to stumble across any character training.

Now that I've been bragging about it, we probably won't come across the training this month on our trip for like the first time in ages lol. I mentioned above that I believe it seems to happen between 2 an 3 in the afternoon, but I don't think it happens every day. Put it in your notes next time you go!

I love Voices of Liberty, and this is a really nice picture...but it made me laugh..

.at the girl sitting on the floor who looks like she's covering her ears!

I hadn't even noticed until you pointed it out!

Yay another update...I really would like to see the Storytellers again. That's my main reason for my HOPEFULLY December 2017 trip. I also want to see the Candlelight Processional again.

I hope you get to go I'm sad we won't be doing Thanksgiving again this year but basketball just won't allow it.

I'll have to remember this "secret" character location for future trips.

Yes! Try to walk by a few times every afternoon you're in Epcot!

I think that park will get more of our love for this May trip than it has in a while. Back in November we didn't even get to the World Showcase are much at all, other than Frozen ride and the Mexico pavilion (and I didn't even get a drink there either).

We seem to hang there a bit more often when staying at an Epcot resort. Also you had good reason not to go to WS as much in Nov. with those adorable young ones along!

I have this shirt and wore it in November when we were there. I stopped counting at 28 other guys wearing it that day. A cast member passed by me and said "hey, cool shirt" first thing in the morning. By lunch time I realized he was trolling me....lol!

The CM's must get so tired of seeing the same shirts over and over again!

We also never got to any food booths in Epcot over the holidays! I was so full from breakfast and lunch.

That's why I purposely didn't plan a sit down breakfast or lunch that day, and made dinner 6:30 which isn't really late but not too early lol. But then when the booths ended up being full portions we got screwed anyway

I agree the grey goose slushie and the orange one are so good.

I have to try the orange one! I just love the grey goose so much I never want to try the grand marnier in case I don't like it..................

Both sounds very good! But the cheese fondue sounds really good right now. I'm so over trying to lose weight......

OMG so am I I've been doing SlimFast for the last couple weeks - nothing. Of course my "sensible" dinners aren't exactly sensible, they're more "whatever I want to eat since I'm always starving by then after drinking stupid shakes all day" dinners!

That whole post makes me def want to go to Disney in December! One year...

I love that they can go off by themselves and feel they will be ok.

Chris still gets nervous but was ok that day luckily. Ricky is absolutely fine going by himself and does it from time to time, especially to get food or something to drink. But it wasn't until he was 12 that he was ok and by that point he'd been about 8x, so knew his way around well

I know my girls will love these. Another couple years might give them a little more patience to watch a couple in one visit. But so cool.

I know you won't be going in late Nov./Dec. soon, but I think even at their current ages the girls would be able to sit for most of the storytellers! They really aren't that long, maybe 10 minutes? Norway seems to have been the longest but also the most entertaining to kids and adults alike. I haven't mentioned this since the boys didn't do it this time, but kids (and even adults) can get their pictures taken with the storytellers after each performance, too!

We have not done this yet, either. In fact, we haven't even stepped in foot inside that building at all! Bad I know. But it is easy to skip over it with all the other countries and food.

It's very easy to do, especially since VoL and the "attraction" are inside so you don't see it and can forget about it. And other than a couple times when the kids chose to eat at Liberty Inn while Steve and I got food elsewhere, I don't eat there either for the same reason you mentioned.

What is with boys and their endless pits?! Seriously, only a boy could share an order of empanadas and then 'snack' on a hot dog!

Right? Chris hasn't gotten that bad yet but at almost 15 Ricky needs a full meal like 6x a day!

 

[ariane37]

LAUNCHPAD!!!!

That's what I shouted when I saw the picture.

For real.

I. Am. So. Jealous!!

Duck Tales and Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers were my faaaaavorite after school shows.

I think I remember reading that in one of your TR's It was so incredibly cool, I seriously just looked over and there he was! Because I totally always forget about that training spot even though we hit it like, every trip..............when you go solo in May, just walk back and forth in front of those gates for an hour or so. You'll either catch the training-or get lots of really strange looks

Hooray for DisMeets in November, and boo to missing out on a meet for us in May

I know, especially now that you're going alone. I'm going to keep quietly and randomly bringing up Oct. to Steve

I can't believe the line for CP dining packages was that long already. Wow. I'm so glad we did it once, but I am not anxious to do that again any time soon, unless someone truly amazing was narrating. I'd probably do it again for NPH, but not just any old narrator. I know I would not wait for Steven Curtis Chapman (no disrespect to those who would/do, but...no.)

We did it twice in 2012 because we had 2 sets of friends come down during different parts of our trip; saw Geena Davis first and then NPH. I do like Geena Davis but NPH was definitely fantastic and made it worth sitting through again But none of us have any desire to do it again. I know some love it and o it often and I understand why some feel that way, but I'm ok for now and most likely forever.

I didn't know who Launchpad was either But you have great luck with meeting characters in that spot!

I think you're too young But yeah we do, surprisingly! Because normally our luck isn't the best lol

I can't believe we're missing meeting you too! But one day we'll be there at the same time!

Yes we will, but in the meantime I'm definitely going to push for the mall in Albany

OOO I'm adding this to my 'to do'! How cool!!

You should! Every time you're in Epcot walk by the American pavilion as often as you can

Of course this update is my favorite because we got to meet

Love the Chinese dragon I wish we could have hung out longer next time drinks for sure

Yes! I'm sure one of these days our trips will line up again

Kathy and I had to make our way back through FW and catch the monorail to the Poly. Love O'hanas and love the Lapu Lapu even more

That's right, now I remember! I'm lucky I remember what I have to do tomorrow lol

 

[Raeven]

Yes we will, but in the meantime I'm definitely going to push for the mall in Albany

Yes! Let me know when you find a weekend that's good for you! ​

 

[Imagineer5]

Do you guys know? YES, Launchpad McQuack from DuckTales! So absolutely cool! I have never ever seen him anywhere!

How fitting that the new DuckTales show trailer was JUST released!! I am so excited- loved this show as a kid!! How awesome you got to meet him!

That character training is so perfect. I need to time it to be in the area on our upcoming trip - I feel like it was around 2 or 3? I know it's "random" but it seems to be around that time.

I liked where his "stage" was set up, back where British Revolution plays.

I love this area!! Too bad it wasn't more interesting?? I haven't made the time for the storytellers, tbh, but as the girls get older I def want to see them all!

This is kind of an awkward photo lol! Feet hanging out and all!

 

[ArielSRL]

OMG so am I I've been doing SlimFast for the last couple weeks - nothing. Of course my "sensible" dinners aren't exactly sensible, they're more "whatever I want to eat since I'm always starving by then after drinking stupid shakes all day" dinners!

This, exactly!!!!

 

[ArielSRL]

Do you guys know? YES, Launchpad McQuack from DuckTales! So absolutely cool! I have never ever seen him anywhere!

I have never, ever watched Duck Tales...so nope, I don't know him. Bad Disney fan!

Watch this spot carefully guys, every time you walk by!

Where was it exactly? And even KtP doesn't have a schedule for this, right?

Yeah he gave our 14 yo a sip of his beer, sue me and take my Disney $ Isn't the drinking age in Florida 13?

Haha. My dad gave me beer when I was 3, so I think you guys are ok. I mean, it was just a sip but that was so bad, right????

took a really nice picture of Tammy, her sweet daughter Kathy who was traveling with her, and yours truly:

Yay! Another DIS meet!

we took a few PP pics:

I swear, it looks like they are censoring something Chris is doing with his hands! LOL

You know the boys LOVE having Tinkerbell in the picture lol!

LOL!

And here's another fave of the boys:

Well I had the photo selected too but I accidentally deleted it while trying to reply. Love it!! I told Chad we need to do the new Tangled Lantern photo so we can pretend to be Rapunzel and Flynn Rider!

tomorrow was our last day

Boo hoo!

Steven Curtis Chapman was the narrator and this line was for the 5:45 (5:15?) show. It couldn't have been any later than 4 when I took this. When we'd walked by I did notice people on line already with their CP dinner package stickers on already which was crazy!

Yep, that is crazy. I have done CP but its been years and years and years ago so it was not that crazy back then.

We killed some time at the resort packing and going on our electronics-can you figure out who did what?

I'm fairly certain I can answer this one.

We had a 6:30 dinner reservation that 3 of the 4 of us were really excited about!

​

Foreshadowing.....hmmmm.....

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Do you guys know? YES, Launchpad McQuack from DuckTales!

I am pretty sure they are releasing a reboot of DuckTales on Disney Junior. They must be training for when that comes out? I have seen so many TR lately with folks getting to see characters at this spot. I think we need to troll the area better on our next trip!

Yeah he gave our 14 yo a sip of his beer, sue me and take my Disney $ Isn't the drinking age in Florida 13?

Question is, what did your 14 year think?

 

[kastoney]

Loving all the WS storytellers. I remember the Norway one from your trip last year, but didn't know they had them in most of the countries. How fun to drink and be culturally informed Speaking of drinking, love the shot of Ricky and Steve

 

[ariane37]

Yes! Let me know when you find a weekend that's good for you!

I will! I'm thinking either in between my March and your May trip or after we get back from our May trip

How fitting that the new DuckTales show trailer was JUST released!! I am so excited- loved this show as a kid!! How awesome you got to meet him!

I was just past the right age to watch the original that much but I did see some episodes, and I plan to watch the new one when I have the chance. That's why he was familiar to me but I couldn't quite place him!

That character training is so perfect. I need to time it to be in the area on our upcoming trip - I feel like it was around 2 or 3? I know it's "random" but it seems to be around that time.

Yes from what I can remember, every time we catch it, it's roughly 2-3pm. It's "random" as far as it doesn't happen every day and I don't think any CM's will tell you it's happening or not (although I could be wrong about that) but not so random in that when it does happen, it seems to be at the same time.

I have never, ever watched Duck Tales...so nope, I don't know him. Bad Disney fan!

LOL we won't hold it against you!

Where was it exactly? And even KtP doesn't have a schedule for this, right?

Nope, he doesn't have a schedule although I think he mentions it somewhere on his site? I just recently subscribed to character locator and I think I remember seeing him mention it. The characters come out of a gate on the side of the American pavilion. If you're looking at the pavilion it's on the left side, closer to where the bathroom is on the side of the Liberty Inn. The gate is back a bit from the "path" you walk on around WS so when the characters come out, they're down like a side alley along a wall.

Haha. My dad gave me beer when I was 3, so I think you guys are ok. I mean, it was just a sip but that was so bad, right????

My dad used to work outside in the yard on weekends and drink his Pabst Blue Ribbon. He'd always put it down somewhere- like on the picnic table or back staircase and then go mow the lawn or whatever. By the time he'd come back to it the can would be empty or almost empty, because my sister would find it and drink it! This was when she was like 10 and 11 She's ok so far and she's in her 40's so other than her attitude no ill effects. And she drank way more than the sip Steve gave Ricky! Plus my parents and lots of their friends put whiskey on our gums when we were teething so whats the difference

I told Chad we need to do the new Tangled Lantern photo so we can pretend to be Rapunzel and Flynn Rider!

Did you see it's only there through March 15th? We're going to miss it, too

I am pretty sure they are releasing a reboot of DuckTales on Disney Junior. They must be training for when that comes out?

Yes they are! I didn't know back in Nov. though but now it makes sense why they'd have him training. Also cool that they're (hopefully) planning on bringing out some DuckTales characters for meets, even if it's only briefly when the reboot debuts.

I have seen so many TR lately with folks getting to see characters at this spot. I think we need to troll the area better on our next trip!

It seems people have better luck with this training spot than with characterpalooza!

Question is, what did your 14 year think?

Um........he liked it.......and it wasn't his first taste of beer..............

Loving all the WS storytellers. I remember the Norway one from your trip last year, but didn't know they had them in most of the countries

Yup! Every country except maybe Mexico? They did have the 3 Kings there back in 2012 but I don't remember if they still do.

Speaking of drinking, love the shot of Ricky and Steve

Somehow I knew you would Have to get him ready for the big leagues!

 

[heathsf]

One guy took it a step further and was sitting on his bed NAKED with the curtain and slider open the boys were hysterical. Just thought I'd mention that

If you read my PTR you may remember this shirt as the ugliest Mickey shirt I'd ever seen, but Steve picked it out so I smiled and bought one for all the boys because he was just so excited when he found it! Neither of the boys liked it but I sweet talked Chris into wearing it; Ricky not so much. Oh, well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad!

This cracked me up. They look adorable.

Such a nice picture

We stood on line for about 25 minutes, yes 25 minutes at stupid Starbucks

The wait at Starbucks was longer than Soarin!

I got a peppermint mocha

That's what I would get too

I get a text from Steve that after taking one bite, Ricky had DROPPED HIS SANDWICH ON THE GROUND AND WAS POUTING LIKE A LITTLE GIRL SO THEY HAD TO GET BACK ON AN EVEN LONGER LINE TO GET ANOTHER ONE. No sir, not me. You are 14 boy, hold on to your food!!!

but also at your reaction

Adorable!

Steve and I made a car and the boys made one. This is pretty much the only instance currently where they can successfully work together!

Disney...bringing families together

OMG that bird!!! That's hysterical

Launchpad McQuack from DuckTales

Launchpad!!! No way! I think my husband would freak out to meet him

So sweet

Great picture!

And with that.... I'M OFFICIALLY CAUGHT UP!!!

 

[Terra Nova guy]

Just catching up on your report. I desperately want to get down there during Christmas sometime, definitely on my bucket list. I would especially enjoy Epcot and the storytellers. I like learning about different cultures and traditions. The food booths sounds interesting, but good to know they are full size portions. And about those Mickey shirts...you know, I think they just may be so bad, they're good. I think I would actually wear one!

 

[ariane37]

OMG that bird!!! That's hysterical

I swear I was waiting for that thing to leap on our table and grab himself some food!

Launchpad!!! No way! I think my husband would freak out to meet him

It's funny how many guys are fans of that show. I wonder how many of them will be watching the reboot!

And with that.... I'M OFFICIALLY CAUGHT UP!!!

YAY! And speaking of reading reports, are you going to do a PTR for your trip?

I desperately want to get down there during Christmas sometime, definitely on my bucket list

I think it's a great experience being there during the holidays. Being there for NYE and 4th of July are on my bucket list. I think I have more of a chance of getting there for 4th of July because Steve keeps saying absolutely not to NYE!

And about those Mickey shirts...you know, I think they just may be so bad, they're good. I think I would actually wear one!

Of course you'd wear one, you're a man and you're taking Steve's side

 

[Whit64130]

I've said this before and I'll say it again, this is sunshine in a glass

I have got to try this....

But this time I saw someone..................and I knew I new him but my old brain wasn't quite functioning right.....

I thought you were going to leave us on a cliff hanger there for a minute.

Do you guys know? YES, Launchpad McQuack from DuckTales! So absolutely cool! I have never ever seen him anywhere! I was trying to tell Chris how rare he is while running down there before the meet was over but he wouldn't come. I know Chip n Dale were also out as well and I think Baloo. Watch this spot carefully guys, every time you walk by!

I remember him from DuckTales! Going to have to pay more attention when I'm in the area!

 

[heathsf]

YAY! And speaking of reading reports, are you going to do a PTR for your trip?

Hahaha! I'm trying to catch up on a few more reports and then I'll probably start one. I wasn't going to but of course now that I'm reading so many other TRs again I really want to.

 

[ariane37]

I KNOW WHERE SANTA STAYS WHEN HE'S IN ORLANDO!
​

We left Epcot to pack, chill, and freshen up before our dinner at Il Mulino which Steve and I were really looking forward to. We absolutely loved our meal there in August and were excited to take Ricky there. Chris - eh, he'd survive. The boys out and out refused to change into nicer clothes and quite frankly, I wasn't in the mood to argue. Our ADR was for 6:30 and around 6 we began the long, long walk from the Beach Club over to the Swan.
I had been wondering if they change up their Christmas decorations year to year and turns out they kind of do:
2015:


2016:


Some little differences if you look closely, the tree decorations and wrapping paper/placement of gifts. Oh by the way, these displays are made entirely of chocolate! And it smelled as good as it looked.
Soon we were seated for dinner and we loved it just as much this time as we did last time, including Ricky. Chris - eh, he survived. He did feel the need to see what putting half a lemon in his mouth would taste like and this was the result:



Made for a fun dinnertime moment! After we finished dinner and walked out of the Swan, we happened upon their nightly holiday.....party? Celebration? Which was beginning tonight. They'd been setting it up when we walked in and now it was pretty much in full swing with guests all over, booths set up with crafts for kids and selling snacks and small souvenirs. There was also a snack truck but I can't remember what exactly it was selling. Right in the middle of it all were these guys:



And they'd brought along the Big Guy himself:



Who as you can see, has a favorite resort. Which as you can see, is either the Swan or Dolphin apparently. I know here on the Dis when it gets closer to Christmas an ad pops up for one or the other that has that slogan, "Santa's favorite resort" but I can't remember which one. He certainly looks all cool and like he's enjoying himself at his favorite resort! I guess he isn't a Wilderness Lodge fan like myself............
He brought Mrs. Claus along too, and she was keeping all the kids under control as they waited in line to tell Santa what he could bring them for Christmas:



Joking aside it was a cute setup they had. I don't remember clearly but I'm thinking you had to be staying at one of those resorts to meet Santa or at least do some of the stuff they had out there, but I could be wrong. They were playing holiday music and shining lights on the palm trees lining the walkway between the 2 hotels that were changing colors to the beat of the music (which happens all year, we saw that going on in Aug., too) so it all made for a fun, festive atmosphere.
From here we forged ahead into the Dolphin to see if they too switched up their decorations a teeny bit from last year:



Big beautiful tree: yup! The same, and I have no problem with that because it's gorgeous. Train under said tree?


Yup! But it's a bit different, last year Anna and Elsa were riding the train instead of Minnie and Mickey-I prefer M&M I had Ricky take a picture of Steve and I since we have so few of those:


Nice band-aid on my toe, right? Glad that got in the picture
Our plan (ahem read: my plan) after checking out the Dolphin had been to go back into Epcot and watch Illuminations with the added holiday ending which began tonight. It was about 8:00 and none of us, not even me, felt like it. It was a nice warm night so it would've been nice, but I also knew it would be crowded and bottom line, I was tired! Instead we took a slow walk back over to the Beach Club where the boys checked out the arcade. I didn't take any pictures but the Beach Club arcade is pretty big and was interesting enough to them that they wanted to buy a card and play some games. Steve wanted dessert and suggested we go over to



since I didn't try it the other night when he and Ricky did. The boys also noticed that the Beaches and Cream takeout window was now in the arcade so they got some ice cream from there before playing their games.
I cannot remember what Steve got at Ample Hills but I got the Ooey Gooey Buttercake and Dark Chocolate.



It was good; especially the Ooey Gooey Buttercake. I'm glad I tried it but I think next time I'm in the BW area and want ice cream, I'll probably go with Beaches and Cream. I do love me some No Way Jose!
We strolled slowly with our ice cream, knowing the boys would be busy for a bit. Why not take a look in the BW lobby?



FYI not the lobby. I took this picture since Abracadabar was still somewhat new. And a little sidenote, I found out that a kid I went to elementary school with has worked for Disney for 26 years now and is currently a bartender there I don't think we'll make it over this month, but we will most definitely get there to see him in May!
Here is the aforementioned BW lobby:





It looks pretty but I was disappointed there wasn't anything else except these decorations and a booth selling gingerbread, which they had last year. I know from @xlsm 's TR that they did eventually put up.........miniature gingerbread houses? But they weren't there yet. I thought it was weird that both the BW and Yacht Club weren't finished by Thanksgiving, I know about the lottery system but still thought all the resorts were done by then. Oh well, since we've stayed at the BW more than any other resort it was still nice to visit the lobby.
Eventually we had to go find those kids that live with us and drag them out of the arcade. We got back to the room just in time for the 9:30 showing of Illuminations, so being our last night I had to watch from our balcony. I don't know if I mentioned this but in addition to seeing the high fireworks we could hear the music really well.
It's been four years since I saw the holiday version of Illuminations from inside the park so I can't say exactly what the differences are besides the music, but the high fireworks seemed to be more abundant and bigger tonight:





With that I finished up some packing and got ready for the next day, which was the day we were leaving. No sadness though because our flight didn't leave until 9pm so we still had another full park day!

 

[ariane37]

I have got to try this....

I remember him from DuckTales! Going to have to pay more attention when I'm in the area!

Two things you DEFINITELY have to make a point to do next month

 

[wdwnut61]

Love all the pictures of the Christmas decorations
I'm really looking forward to having a at Abracadabra. I told Kathy we'll stop by in November since we'll be staying at the BC.
What a small world you went to High School with the bartender.
I love the pic with you and Steve by the tree.
Great end to the day watching fireworks from your balcony

 

[kastoney]

Love all the Swan and Dolphin Christmas decorations. Impressive they take the time to do it year over year. And how cute is Surfin' Beach Santa? Don't get the connection the Swalphin but cute none the less.

Jason is dying to try Ample Hills. I strangely can take or leave ice cream (largely because it doesn't pair nicely with my adult beverages) but that ooey gooey butter cake one does sound divine. I go to St. Louis for work a few times a year and almost always make it a point to have some since it goes with wine

Sorry you all missed illuminations, but double bonus to see it from the hotel. I can't believe it was your last night already. It definitely seems to have gone way too fast

 

[xlsm]

How fun to see all that stuff over at the Swan! Mrs. Claus looks a little...intense. I think that might scare me a little, lol!

I like the picture of you and Steve!!

We never made it to Illuminations either, and I'm ready to see it again in May. I have a fast pass for it, which I've never done before. I'm so curious to see how the viewing area is vs. just claiming a spot along the railing like I normally would.

And at Boardwalk, between those two trees in your picture where the furniture is, they put in a bunch of other trees and miniature gingerbread houses. On certain days they had gingerbread cookies available for sale and you could decorate them. All of the proceeds went to charity. It looked more "full" when it was all finished, but at least you got to see it partially done! I loved visiting all the resorts and seeing all the decorations.

The gooey butter cake ice cream is what I had too, and I liked it, but you know I wasn't super impressed overall, either. It was just ice cream! I still maintain that the plain gooey cake by itself and not mixed into ice cream was incredible though!!

I love seeing your fireworks view!

 

[Raeven]

Chris - eh, he survived. He did feel the need to see what putting half a lemon in his mouth would taste like and this was the result:

My sister used to stick lemons in her mouth at dinner, but she likes the taste.

I didn't take any pictures but the Beach Club arcade is pretty big and was interesting enough to them that they wanted to buy a card and play some games.

We went there on our first trip! I liked the old school carnival/knock over the clown game there. We went to the Contemporary arcade once too and I didn't find anything there really.

I cannot remember what Steve got at Ample Hills but I got the Ooey Gooey Buttercake and Dark Chocolate.

That looks good

I don't know if I mentioned this but in addition to seeing the high fireworks we could hear the music really well.
It's been four years since I saw the holiday version of Illuminations from inside the park so I can't say exactly what the differences are besides the music, but the high fireworks seemed to be more abundant and bigger tonight:

Same here we didn't see it in the park, but had a great view from the Boardwalk! I was so excited because it seemed like there was a lot of high fireworks.