Disney at Christmas... perfect, Disney with friends...priceless! A December 2024 Susan and Caroline adventure! update 04/21 x 2!

[pkondz]

We booked Nemo as a bit of a throwaway ride

Heh.
They seriously overestimated how busy that ride was going to be when they built that massive queue.

Every time I'm there I always think about our first family trip when all Jack would say is "I'm looking forward to seeing the manatees!"

Awww... Two perfectly posed and poised princesses.

Sadly this was about the point where Caroline's cold reared it's head and made her feel tired and off.

Sorry to hear that.

She kindly gave me her magic band so I could ride Guardians twice.

Oh! That thought wouldn't have occurred to me.

I hadn't really seen any of the Festival of the Holidays and wanted to catch some of the storytellers as well as Joyful and the Voices of Liberty.

I'd love to see all of those some day.

Voices of Liberty did not disappoint

They never do.

I was curious about the gingerbread Spaceship Earth so headed in that direction next.
Such a work of art!

This is at least the third TR where I've heard of that. So cool!

I really enjoyed the show and found all the Hidden Mickeys but one!

<applause>

 

[suse66]

After leaving the Gingerbread Spaceship Earth in all it's glory, I headed off to save the galaxy. Back to back rides were super fun with Conga being song #1 and I Ran being song #2. I loved having Flock of Seagulls as we had just heard them perform live in Toronto and of course they played that song.

Still have no clue how to get a normal pic on this ride.....
​

I took some time to admire the beautiful Epcot tree before settling in to watch a set by Joyful.

My goal however was the Rose and Crown pub to grab a libation before the set by the new group in the UK pavilion. They were a lot of fun and I also stayed to see Father Christmas. My huge breakfast and upcoming dinner plans at Toledo foiled any plans I had for trying any of the holiday food booths.


I decided to head to Beach Club to check out this years Gingerbread Carousel. The theme was "A Christmas Carol".





It was time to head back for a rest and costume change before meeting Billie for dinner and heading back to Epcot again. Definitely a jam packed day!​

 

[pkondz]

Back to back rides were super fun with Conga being song #1 and I Ran being song #2.

Could do a lot worse.

I loved having Flock of Seagulls as we had just heard them perform live in Toronto and of course they played that song.

Cool!
How was the show?

You may be having trouble, but the two behind you sure have it down pat!

My huge breakfast and upcoming dinner plans at Toledo foiled any plans I had for trying any of the holiday food booths.

So many foods... so little time.

I decided to head to Beach Club to check out this years Gingerbread Carousel. The theme was "A Christmas Carol".

It really is quite impressive.

Definitely a jam packed day!

Yes indeed!!

 

[suse66]

OOh, that all looks so yummy! We did GG breakfast in 2019 and loved it but haven't been back. Might be time for another visit!

I would definitely add it back in!

Love the dress! Adorable pic!

Thank you so much!

 

[Steppesister]

Dreamer's Point

I"d always wondered what that place was called. I knew it must have a name, but had no idea. I even tried to look it up or find it the other day for my own TR to no avail.

We were held near the entrance to the Land for about 15 minutes even though our breakfast reservation was for 8:30.

Seriously? That would actually annoy me.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the manatees!"

It's so funny what our kids look forward to most and remember. When my kids and I talk about our trips, some of the things I'd totally forgotten about are their favorite memories.

Sadly this was about the point where Caroline's cold reared it's head and made her feel tired and off. She opted to head back to the resort for a rest

OH no! I didn't know she'd gotten sick. Dang.

My huge breakfast and upcoming dinner plans at Toledo foiled any plans I had for trying any of the holiday food booths.

Yeah, I'd guess not! Lots of food going on there. All delicious to be sure.

 

[disneyAndi14]

I do have more pictures around the WS. I did get a head cold and it was mild for the most part except this day I did feel stuffed up and I was very full from breakfast. I knew I wouldn’t enjoy GotG feeling like this so decided to skip it.
I went back and enjoyed the sun at the resort.
I also took a little nap.
Here we are in Mexico

Norway with friends



Destino Tower and CSR




Me enjoying the sunshine!


It was the break I needed to power through another couple of busy days. I did lose my voice totally by Monday ugh

 

[Wood Nymph]

She kindly gave me her magic band so I could ride Guardians twice. I hadn't really seen any of the Festival of the Holidays and wanted to catch some of the storytellers as well as Joyful and the Voices of Liberty.

We really enjoyed the storytellers and other special events during our December trip.

I decided to head to Beach Club to check out this years Gingerbread Carousel. The theme was "A Christmas Carol".

I thought the carousel was especially nice this year.

I did get a head cold and it was mild for the most part except this day I did feel stuffed up and I was very full from breakfast. I knew I wouldn’t enjoy GotG feeling like this so decided to skip it.
I went back and enjoyed the sun at the resort.
I also took a little nap.

A nap is always a good idea.

Norway with friends

Those are cute pictures.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

What a great day! I have no idea where the photo for Guardians even happens so I've given up on that. You missed out on the most amazing drink at Festival of the Holidays - it was a frozen chocolate orange drink from the UK. I'm not a huge drinker but I drank that thing like it was my job.

 

[pkondz]

I did get a head cold and it was mild for the most part except this day I did feel stuffed up and I was very full from breakfast. I knew I wouldn’t enjoy GotG feeling like this so decided to skip it.

Glad it was mild, but... colds should not be allowed on vacation!

Departure? Oh, right... you went back to the resort.

Cute.

Me enjoying the sunshine!

You don't look sick to me.

I did lose my voice totally by Monday ugh

Susan: "So what do you want to do next, Caroline?"
Caroline: "..."
Susan: "No suggestions?"
Caroline: "..."
Susan: "Nothing at all?"
Caroline: "..."
Susan: "Gee, some input would be nice, you know."
Caroline: "..."
Susan: "Wow. Okay, fine. Be that way. Hmph!"
Caroline: "..."

 

[vamassey1]

Every time I'm there I always think about our first family trip when all Jack would say is "I'm looking forward to seeing the manatees!"

That is so cute!

We headed around World Showcase next as we had a ride on Frozen booked. Fun as always and we got the front row!

Soooo cute!

Sadly this was about the point where Caroline's cold reared it's head and made her feel tired and off. She opted to head back to the resort for a rest as we had dinner plans with Billie as well as the Candlelight Processional that night.

I'm so sorry Caroline wasn't feeling her best.

I decided to head to Beach Club to check out this years Gingerbread Carousel. The theme was "A Christmas Carol".

What an awesome Gingerbread Carousel. They are so crative.

Norway with friends

This is the Most Fun Photo Ever!

It was the break I needed to power through another couple of busy days. I did lose my voice totally by Monday ugh

It good that you took the break you needed. I'm sorry you had any sickness at all.

 

[suse66]

Cool!
How was the show?

It was a lot of fun! It was a tour called 80's club and featured Flock of Seagulls, Men Without Hats, The Spoons and Honeymoon Suite. We had a really great time. We are seeing Simple Minds in June with Soft Cell and Modern English opening then Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark in early July.

You may be having trouble, but the two behind you sure have it down pat!

Didn't they just!

So many foods... so little time.

The eternal Disney problem....

I"d always wondered what that place was called. I knew it must have a name, but had no idea. I even tried to look it up or find it the other day for my own TR to no avail.

I think it's the perfect name.

It's so funny what our kids look forward to most and remember. When my kids and I talk about our trips, some of the things I'd totally forgotten about are their favorite memories.

I have Jack saying that on video and it's the cutest thing ever. He was 8 our first trip and now almost 25! Where has the time gone?? (says every parent)

Yeah, I'd guess not! Lots of food going on there. All delicious to be sure.

Definitely! I just couldn't keep up with it all.

Me enjoying the sunshine!

Such a cute pic!

It was the break I needed to power through another couple of busy days. I did lose my voice totally by Monday ugh

Poor you at our Boathouse lunch!

We really enjoyed the storytellers and other special events during our December trip.

They are really great.

I thought the carousel was especially nice this year.

It was so intricate and beautiful.

Those are cute pictures.

I love them.

What a great day! I have no idea where the photo for Guardians even happens so I've given up on that. You missed out on the most amazing drink at Festival of the Holidays - it was a frozen chocolate orange drink from the UK. I'm not a huge drinker but I drank that thing like it was my job.

Sounds yummy although I don't tend to do as well with the sweeter drinks. Great expression though! I can just see you downing it with fierce determination.

Susan: "So what do you want to do next, Caroline?"
Caroline: "..."
Susan: "No suggestions?"
Caroline: "..."
Susan: "Nothing at all?"
Caroline: "..."
Susan: "Gee, some input would be nice, you know."
Caroline: "..."
Susan: "Wow. Okay, fine. Be that way. Hmph!"
Caroline: "..."

Poor Caroline! Then to be with me who would basically talk to a tree if it would talk back.

Really cool photos!

Thank you! to our trip report.

That is so cute!

I love it too.

What an awesome Gingerbread Carousel. They are so crative.

They are super talented. I can't even imagine making all that with chocolate!

I'm so sorry Caroline wasn't feeling her best.

She was such a trooper but that bad cold was a lot to cope with.

This is the Most Fun Photo Ever!

I think it's my favourite magic shots ever!

 

[pkondz]

It was a lot of fun! It was a tour called 80's club and featured Flock of Seagulls, Men Without Hats, The Spoons and Honeymoon Suite.

Not sure who the Spoons are… but know all the rest.

Okay, googled. Romantic Traffic. Of course!

We are seeing Simple Minds in June with Soft Cell and Modern English opening then Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark in early July.

More great bands.

The eternal Disney problem....

Poor Caroline! Then to be with me who would basically talk to a tree if it would talk back.

 

[disneyAndi14]

A nap is always a good idea.

It really is a good idea especially when you are a little under the weather!

Those are cute pictures.

I love the Norway one!

Susan: "So what do you want to do next, Caroline?"
Caroline: "..."
Susan: "No suggestions?"
Caroline: "..."
Susan: "Nothing at all?"
Caroline: "..."
Susan: "Gee, some input would be nice, you know."
Caroline: "..."
Susan: "Wow. Okay, fine. Be that way. Hmph!"
Caroline: "..."

Exactly, how did you know Flying home alone without a voice is a little tricky!

You don't look sick to me.

Awww this is the don’t look sick filter! Haha

Glad it was mild, but... colds should not be allowed on vacation!

I know, there was a bunch of people coughing and sneezing this trip!

Really cool photos!

Thank you! I love the Norway magic shot!

This is the Most Fun Photo Ever!

Isn’t it. I love it!

It good that you took the break you needed. I'm sorry you had any sickness at all.

This day my head was really stuffy and I needed a little break! Ugh I hate getting sick on vacation!

 

[pkondz]

Exactly, how did you know Flying home alone without a voice is a little tricky!

“Ma’am, if you don’t mind, we’re going to bump you to a later flight.”
“…”
“I’ll take that as it’s okay. Also, on the next flight, if it’s okay, we’ll put you at the back in a middle seat.”
“…”
“Great. Thanks for being so accommodating.”

Awww this is the don’t look sick filter! Haha

I know, there was a bunch of people coughing and sneezing this trip!

 

[suse66]

Okay, googled. Romantic Traffic. Of course!

Such a great song! They sounded amazing!

More great bands.

Nothing better than watching live music.

This day my head was really stuffy and I needed a little break! Ugh I hate getting sick on vacation!

You were such a trooper to handle three late nights back to back. No wonder you crashed hard on Monday.

 

[Steppesister]

I went back and enjoyed the sun at the resort.
I also took a little nap.

Disney naps are the best naps.

It was the break I needed to power through another couple of busy days.

And sometimes that's all you need to buy another couple of days of more enjoyable fun.

 

[suse66]

Dinner and a show!

We were meeting Billie for dinner at 5:30 at Toledo and I was happy to run into her relaxing in the lobby of the Gran Destino as I arrived back from my Epcot adventures. I had to do a quick change so Caroline and I headed back to the room while Billie and her friend Annette went to check in for our reservation. We had a lovely table of which I have absolutely no photos. Bad trip reporter! Our waitress was not what I hoped for....constantly on the upsell with a giggly little girl voice that put me on edge. Then the kitchen took FOREVER with our food which made trying to return to Epcot for the Candlelight Processional super stressful. Not the relaxing dining experience I was hoping for.
We ordered the brussel sprouts and the olive oil mashed potatoes to share which were both delicious. There was another dish that I can't remember....maybe the olives? I'm blanking.
I went for the salmon as the scallops I had been hoping for were not on the menu. The salmon was beautifully prepared with flavourful sauces and I really enjoyed it.​

Plancha-seared Salmon ~Asparagus Purée, Vizcaina Sauce, and Seasonal Garden Vegetables.​

Heading to Epcot after dinner we race walked from the Lyft drop off centre to the lineup for entering the theatre for the Candlelight Processional. It was a LONG line and a bit chilly so Caroline held our spot while I went in search of hot tea for us. Tea secured I went back to join Caroline in line and find seats. Whoopi Goldberg was the narrator this evening and I think she did an excellent job.


I am always so moved by the Hallelujah chorus. Just beautiful!

We were able to ride Remy standby after the show without too much of a wait and it was fun as always.


We went our separate ways for a bit as Caroline wanted to see the carousel at the Beach Club while I stayed to watch fireworks. I love Luminous while it is beginning to grow on Caroline.

We ended our night with drinks and the delicious churros at Dahlia Lounge. These never disappoint!

My choice was the Tequila Daisy (Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterráneo, Grapefruit, Lime, Hibiscus and Soda Water) while Caroline went for her favourite, the Sangría-Tini (Stolichnaya Vodka, Viña Borgia Garnacha, Combier Crème de Pêche De Vigne Liqueur, Lime)





It was a perfect ending to a great day!​

 

[pkondz]

We were meeting Billie for dinner

Never had the pleasure, but have heard good things about her.

I was happy to run into her relaxing in the lobby

Did you knock her over? Did you pick her up after??

I had to do a quick change

We had a lovely table of which I have absolutely no photos. Bad trip reporter!

I don't believe you!

Worst. Table. Ever.

Our waitress was not what I hoped for....constantly on the upsell with a giggly little girl voice that put me on edge.

Ugh. I'm an adult. Treat me like one.

Or don't... I tip well... but also don't have a problem reducing it if the service is poor.

Then the kitchen took FOREVER with our food which made trying to return to Epcot for the Candlelight Processional super stressful.

Ugh. Doesn't sound pleasant at all.

We ordered the brussel sprouts and the olive oil mashed potatoes to share which were both delicious. There was another dish that I can't remember....maybe the olives?

Brussels sprouts and olives?

This is my worst nightmare. Surprised you didn't throw in some coconut to round out the trifecta.

It was a LONG line and a bit chilly so Caroline held our spot while I went in search of hot tea for us. Tea secured I went back to join Caroline in line and find seats.

"Caroline was freezing by this time, but I was nice and toasty with my hot tea."

Despite Caroline being frozen almost to death, she seems happy enough.

I love Luminous while it is beginning to grow on Caroline.

Never seen it.
By the time I get down there, they'll have replaced it yet again!

We ended our night with drinks and the delicious churros at Dahlia Lounge. These never disappoint!

Second only to Nomad's churros, correct?

My choice was the Tequila Daisy (Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterráneo, Grapefruit, Lime, Hibiscus and Soda Water) while Caroline went for favourite, the Sangría-Tini (Stolichnaya Vodka, Viña Borgia Garnacha, Combier Crème de Pêche De Vigne Liqueur, Lime)

I'd try either of those.

Such nice photos of you ladies.

 

[Steppesister]

Our waitress was not what I hoped for....constantly on the upsell with a giggly little girl voice that put me on edge.

Yeah, that'd make me edgy too. Just no. I will order what I will order and can read the menu. Upselling is a personal pet peeve.

Whoopi Goldberg was the narrator this evening and I think she did an excellent job.

I hope your experience was better than mine. Sure sounds like it.

We ended our night with drinks and the delicious churros at Dahlia Lounge. These never disappoint!

I'm going to have to try these in October when I stay there for my conference. They look amazing!

 

[suse66]

Never had the pleasure, but have heard good things about her.

Billie is an awesome human.

Ugh. I'm an adult. Treat me like one.

Or don't... I tip well... but also don't have a problem reducing it if the service is poor.

Right??? I hate people trying to upsell me. So, so annoying! And no I don’t believe that the ribeye for two is your favourite thing on the menu.

Ugh. Doesn't sound pleasant at all

Nope! Which was so disappointing as we were getting together to celebrate Billie’s birthday.

Brussels sprouts and olives?

This is my worst nightmare. Surprised you didn't throw in some coconut to round out the trifecta.

I’m only learning to appreciate olives but I adore Brussels sprouts. They are delicious when cooked correctly. I sear mine to fork tender with butter, pink Himalayan sea salt and pure maple syrup. Delish!!