Disney at Christmas... perfect, Disney with friends...priceless! A December 2024 Susan and Caroline adventure! updated x 3 and complete 07/01!

[Steppesister]

Agreed! It makes me less likely to order any extras as I am so annoyed by it all.

For REALS! Just give me great service and I'll tip well. No need to inflate the bill.

It was amazing! Whoopi said what needed to be said about the state of the world tied in perfectly to the true message of Christmas. Love, compassion and understanding of each other is all that matters.

Sounds really nice. I ended up leaving due to the poor behavior of those around me and no view. Not worth it. Maybe another time.

You will love them! The dark chocolate dipping sauce elevates them.

What conference are you attending?

There is a 4-day conference for CEs for physicians, NPs, and PAs at the Coronado just before Caroline comes down on the 22nd of October. They give virtual access and the sessions are good for 30 days so I can watch at the pool, at 3 bridges, or any place I want to be!!! Thinking I might find myself at Geyser Point for a morning while I learn about the latest in managing DM or dermatology.

 

[pkondz]

Billie is an awesome human.

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.

"If it's your favourite, then I suggest you order it... I would like to have what I ordered for myself, thanks."

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

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!!

I will admit...

While I despise over cooked, mushy Brussels sprouts... I will eat them if they're cooked as you describe.

Exactly what I think!! It’s going to be a LONG time before I cross the border.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

It was amazing! Whoopi said what needed to be said about the state of the world tied in perfectly to the true message of Christmas. Love, compassion and understanding of each other is all that matters.

I ended up leaving due to the poor behavior of those around me and no view. Not worth it. Maybe another time.

Why are there so many prize prats in the world!. It’s sad that others spoiled the whole experience for you.

They give virtual access and the sessions are good for 30 days so I can watch at the pool, at 3 bridges, or any place I want to be!!! Thinking I might find myself at Geyser Point for a morning while I learn about the latest in managing DM or dermatology.

This on the other hand sounds wonderful. Lounging while educating oneself is definitely the best type of multitasking

 

[buzzrelly]

[]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.[/]

[][/]​

The food looks really good! Too bad the overall experience wasn't!

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

I saw her at the CP a couple years ago too!

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

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

Those look yummy!

 

[Wood Nymph]

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.

That would be very aggravating and not the relaxing experience you hoped it would be. We had to hustle to the Candlelight Processional from our dinner and that was a little stressful. But we had no trouble with the standby line.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Hi Everyone
I also was a bad trip reporter and didn’t get any pictures of us with Billie or the Toledo restaurant.
I ordered the Pan Con Tomato:
Crushed Tomato, Garlic, Olive Oil and Charred Bread (Plant-based)

And I ordered had the filet with mashed potatoes and it was delicious

Filet of Beef*​

Forest Mushrooms, Red Wine-Date Demi, Truffle Vinaigrette

I enjoyed my dinner but totally agree with Susan about the waitress and trying to upsell and the wait for our food was crazy long, like they had to butcher the cow and catch the salmon
I was a little stressed about getting to the CP on time but actually it worked out just fine and sipping on the hot tea while watching the program was very nice. It was chilly outside! We did have good seats overall and it is such an enjoyable, tear provoking, sentimental, and gives me all the feels type of program!



I was really glad I had my Merry sweater, this was such a good sweater to have this trip. It was very warm and I could layer my under armor shirt underneath. This picture cracks me up, I look like I am doing some sort of spell and Susan is in a trance

I was not to interested In Luminous on this trip so I headed to Beach Club to check out the gingerbread carousel.

Susan met me there and we headed to Destino!

We love Dahlia and this was the perfect evening too head up there for a drink and the churros. I have always had amazing wait staff up here.

Despite my head cold this was a wonderful evening with friends!

 

[suse66]

For REALS! Just give me great service and I'll tip well. No need to inflate the bill.

There is a 4-day conference for CEs for physicians, NPs, and PAs at the Coronado just before Caroline comes down on the 22nd of October. They give virtual access and the sessions are good for 30 days so I can watch at the pool, at 3 bridges, or any place I want to be!!! Thinking I might find myself at Geyser Point for a morning while I learn about the latest in managing DM or dermatology.

Amazing way to learn AND have fun at the same time!

Sounds really nice. I ended up leaving due to the poor behavior of those around me and no view. Not worth it. Maybe another time.

What is wrong with some of these people????

While I despise over cooked, mushy Brussels sprouts... I will eat them if they're cooked as you describe.

Over cooked veggies are awful!

Why are there so many prize prats in the world!. It’s sad that others spoiled the whole experience for you.

Some people shouldn't be allowed in public.....

The food looks really good! Too bad the overall experience wasn't!

The food was delicious! I'd definitely give it another try one day.

I saw her at the CP a couple years ago too!

She was so good!

Those look yummy!

They sure are!

That would be very aggravating and not the relaxing experience you hoped it would be. We had to hustle to the Candlelight Processional from our dinner and that was a little stressful. But we had no trouble with the standby line.

Where did you have dinner before your CP? Was Whoopi your narrator as well?

I enjoyed my dinner but totally agree with Susan about the waitress and trying to upsell and the wait for our food was crazy long, like they had to butcher the cow and catch the salmon

Seriously!! I've never had to wait that long for a meal.

I was a little stressed about getting to the CP on time but actually it worked out just fine and sipping on the hot tea while watching the program was very nice. It was chilly outside! We did have good seats overall and it is such an enjoyable, tear provoking, sentimental, and gives me all the feels type of program!

I adore Candlelight Processional. It's just such a special and magical experience.

I was really glad I had my Merry sweater, this was such a good sweater to have this trip. It was very warm and I could layer my under armor shirt underneath. This picture cracks me up, I look like I am doing some sort of spell and Susan is in a trance

I will never figure out where to look in that photo!! Your sweater was so cute and cozy! I really need to get one of those Under Armour base layers.

I was not to interested In Luminous on this trip so I headed to Beach Club to check out the gingerbread carousel.

The Carousel was incredible this year

We love Dahlia and this was the perfect evening too head up there for a drink and the churros. I have always had amazing wait staff up here.

Dahlia is one of my favourite places on property. The ambiance, service, food and drinks are always spot on!

 

[Steppesister]

Why are there so many prize prats in the world!. It’s sad that others spoiled the whole experience for you.

Yeah, just ugh. Despite it being a "serious" kind of production, people are just drinking way too much and generally have zero self-awareness and situational awareness to boot. I was so sad.

This on the other hand sounds wonderful. Lounging while educating oneself is definitely the best type of multitasking

Sounds like a nice balance of Disney time AND getting my CEs done.

I look like I am doing some sort of spell and Susan is in a trance

We love Dahlia and this was the perfect evening too head up there for a drink and the churros.

Mmmm, perfection!

 

[pkondz]

I also was a bad trip reporter and didn’t get any pictures of us with Billie or the Toledo restaurant.

What is with you two??????

I enjoyed my dinner but totally agree with Susan about the waitress and trying to upsell and the wait for our food was crazy long, like they had to butcher the cow and catch the salmon

That's how you know it's fresh.

We did have good seats overall and it is such an enjoyable, tear provoking, sentimental, and gives me all the feels type of program!

I'd love to see it some time. Never had the opportunity.

This picture cracks me up, I look like I am doing some sort of spell and Susan is in a trance

"Dance for me mouse... SUSAN, NOT YOU!!!"

I headed to Beach Club to check out the gingerbread carousel.

Heard so much about that!

Over cooked veggies are awful!

Yes. Yes they are. Blech.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Where did you have dinner before your CP? Was Whoopi your narrator as well?

We had dinner at Trattoria al Forno at BWI.

Our narrator was Merrit Weaver. She wasn't very exciting, which helped to keep the show uncrowded.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

OMG. That little girl voice drives me INSANE!!! If my students try that, I say "Speak from your chest. This isn't cute at the age of 18+" They get the picture. Although, I DO hear them use it on the male faculty members. Oy!

 

[vamassey1]

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

This is stressing me out too.

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

Looks delicious!

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

Perfect ending for your night.

 

[vamassey1]

Filet of Beef*​

Forest Mushrooms, Red Wine-Date Demi, Truffle Vinaigrette

This looks really good too. I would have a hard time choosing between the beef and the salmon.

Despite my head cold this was a wonderful evening with friends!

Love reading this!

 

[suse66]

Yeah, just ugh. Despite it being a "serious" kind of production, people are just drinking way too much and generally have zero self-awareness and situational awareness to boot. I was so sad.

I really don't understand the "drink to get drunk" crowd. Sure I enjoy a beverage as much as the next person but in no way, shape or form do I want to be out of control and sloppy. It's just gross.

Sounds like a nice balance of Disney time AND getting my CEs done.

Perfect!

Mmmm, perfection!

Definitely!

That's how you know it's fresh.

Right????

I'd love to see it some time. Never had the opportunity.

No December trips?

"Dance for me mouse... SUSAN, NOT YOU!!!"

I have no idea what I was doing in that picture....

Yes. Yes they are. Blech.

Raw or tendercrisp is the only way.

We had dinner at Trattoria al Forno at BWI.

Our narrator was Merrit Weaver. She wasn't very exciting, which helped to keep the show uncrowded.

Trattoria is a nice spot for dinner.

OMG. That little girl voice drives me INSANE!!! If my students try that, I say "Speak from your chest. This isn't cute at the age of 18+" They get the picture. Although, I DO hear them use it on the male faculty members. Oy!

100%! You're a grown woman. Speak as though you are.

Looks delicious!

It was so good!

Perfect ending for your night.

Dahlia Lounge has quickly become one of my favourites.

Love reading this!

Caroline was a trooper coping with that cold.

 

[pkondz]

No December trips?

Nope.

I have no idea what I was doing in that picture....

 

[suse66]

A very "Dapper Day" at Animal Kingdom!

This morning was a Disney milestone for Caroline and me as we were attending our first ever official Dapper Day event! We had both picked outfits we felt would be comfy enough for the parks but a step up from our usual park gear. We were meeting up with Billie who has become quite involved with the Dapper Orlando group and we knew her outfit/accessories would be on point!

We were all meeting by the big mural on the way to Pandora for some photos before going off to explore the park but before we got there I noticed a favourite and elusive friend off to the side.

I had such fun listening to a few small children who couldn't believe she was real.

We headed over to meet Billie and the rest of the Dapper Orlando gang. The outfits and level of details were just incredible. We all had fun oohing and aahing over the outfits before posing for photos.


I ran into a member of my Disney Dress Shoppe Life group so of course we had to pose together. Her Chip and Dale Christmas outfit was the cutest!

We headed off towards the safari next as Caroline and I had a LLMP booked. Billie was already in the standby line on her scooter and we asked a CM if we could wait for her at the scooter drop off area so we could ride together. Success!

It was a fantastic safari with lots of our favourites on display. Sunbathing hippos, giraffes and elephants made my heart happy.



Even the baby was out!!

It was time for us to head to Dinosaur and visit our friend Daisy Duck so we said our goodbyes to Billie for now and headed off in that direction.

*continued in next post*​

 

[suse66]

Daisy, Dinosaur and Nomads!

It's always a pleasure to visit Daisy and what better way to do so then dressed up Dapper?

Of course we had to admire her beautiful bow....



She loved our outfits!

We headed to Dinosaur next where I look as though I am trying to grab the dinosaur to bring it back with us????


We had to hurry towards Pandora next as we had a LLMP for Navi River as well our LLSP for Avatar. Both were great as always. Before walking over, Caroline and I had put our names on the wait list for Nomads. When we arrived there we were seated inside but I just wasn't feeling it and asked if there was anyway we could be moved to an outdoor table. Thankfully one had just become available. I mean how can you beat that view?

Caroline went for the Lamu Libation (Starr African Rum, Cruzan Banana Rum, and Guava Purée with Orange, Lime, and Pineapple Juices topped with Gosling's 151 Rum). At least I think it was that one. Was it possibly the Leaping Lizard? I know it was a fruity rum drink for sure. Help a girl out, Caroline!

Meanwhile I went for the Snow Leopard Salvation (Vusa Vodka, Belle de Brillet Pear Liqueur, Mint, Lime Juice, and Ginger Beer). This is a new favourite of mine.

For food we chose the Tiffins Bread Service (Coconut-Curry Sauce, Guava Sauce, Ginger-Pear Chutney) and the Grilled Chicken Satay (Grilled Skewered Chicken Thighs, Curry Marinade, Cilantro, Pickled Green Papaya, and Peanut Sauce). Both were excellent. Naturally we had to have churros. Sadly a couple of these churros were a bit overdone. Was I disappointed? Yes. Did I still eat them? Also yes.


It was time for us to head out of the park for a rest. We had a party to go to that night!
MVMCP coming up!​

 

[Wood Nymph]

We headed over to meet Billie and the rest of the Dapper Orlando gang. The outfits and level of details were just incredible. We all had fun oohing and aahing over the outfits before posing for photos.

Any of your dresses are perfect for Dapper Days.

We were in WDW during one of the Dapper Days. The clothes they wore were very authentic. It looked like they were having a great time in their outfits. One of their activities was meeting for drinks at the Boardwalk and traveling to Hollywood Studios for the evening.

Caroline went for the Lamu Libation (Starr African Rum, Cruzan Banana Rum, and Guava Purée with Orange, Lime, and Pineapple Juices topped with Gosling's 151 Rum).

Caroline's drink sounds delicious.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

What great dresses!!! You look very dapper.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Hello Everyone!

I really enjoyed seeing all the Dapper outfits and the group of people are really wonderful to visit with. I do not own much “Dapper” wear but the dress I brought was very comfortable and was a sweater dress for the “winter” theme. I really enjoyed this and now Susan and I are part of the Dapper group on Facebook!

My drink was definitely the Lamu Libation. It is delicious, I go between this one and the Leaping Lizard! The Lamu Libation is a strong one! Just how I like my drinks


I took a picture of the inside banners in Nomad Lounge but I agree 100% with Susan the outside deck is the place to be when at Nomads.

The chairs inside swallow up a petite gal like myself and I literally was very uncomfortable! Kinda like this


I got a one last Christmas Dinoland picture!

I of course had to get another picture of one of the cute Magical Menagerie puppets!


We had a great time in AK and our Christmas party is coming up soon. Spoiler we did something Andi doesn’t like to do much anymore and We loved it!