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

[pkondz]

I not only cancelled my trip to Aulani and Hawaii in August but also my planned Christmas trip next December.

I'm sorry to hear that, but I completely understand.

BUT in happy news, we replaced Hawaii with a beautiful trip to France!

Oh! Wonderful!

8 days on a Seine river cruise

OMG! I am so envious!! Wow!!!!

Kelly is such a warm and lovely human

She sounds like she is.
I've heard nary an unkind comment.

You all look like you're having a great time.

I went for the delicious Pomengranate Whisky Sour (Crown Royal Whisky, Pomegranate Juice, Simple Syrup, and a splash of Sweet-and-Sour)

mmm... sounds good.

Su-Lynn was chilling at the Bar Riva bar area when we walked up.

Oh! What a great Dis-meet night!

It was so lovely to finally meet her in person and she is another fantastic human.

I've only had the privilege once, and only briefly. (Not unlike our own meet.)
But she did seem very nice.

baked brie (Topped with Confit Tomatoes served with Crostini).

Hello!

I went for an Aperol Spritz here but no pictures of our drinks exist.

Pics or it didn't happen.

We were having too much fun chatting and laughing.

I have no doubt.

Lovely shot of the four of you.

Sadly the kitchen closed at 10:00 so the onion pull apart rolls were not going to be in my belly that night.

Well, poop.

However the absolutely delicious Key Lime martinis that Caroline recommended were on point.

I've made those a few times. Took me 2-3 tries to get it how I like it, but... soooo good!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Plus the shenanigans happening with our "special friend" have left me feeling stressed and worried.

We hate what is happening.

We are doing 2 days in Paris, then 8 days on a Seine river cruise followed by 3 days in Disneyland Paris! So that should be a really lovely experience.

The trip sounds wonderful.

One last shot of the beautiful Yacht Club tree before we left! It was a fabulous evening with great friends.

It looks like you had a lot of fun with the Skyliner crawl. I would have liked to have joined you, but it was too hard to break away from our trip with our sisters.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

That Key Lime Martini sounds delicious. I'll have to make a note of that.

And what a great evening of hanging and meet ups. I really have to do more of that on trips.

 

[hpygrll]

Plus the shenanigans happening with our "special friend" have left me feeling stressed and worried

I don't often comment but I hope you know that a lot of us feel the same.....so same. Meanwhile, we're planning trips to Canada!

 

[suse66]

*takes notes of all the drinks for next trip*

Sounds like a lovely evening with lovely people and delicious drinks!!

it really was.

 

[suse66]

I'm sorry to hear that, but I completely understand.

Elbows up!

OMG! I am so envious!! Wow!!!!

We are really excited. It's totally a splurge but so exciting. I'm taking my funds from renting out my Aulani reservation and using it for DLP instead.

mmm... sounds good.

It was amazing.

I've only had the privilege once, and only briefly. (Not unlike our own meet.)

One day we'll hang out at the parks together. 2029?

Lovely shot of the four of you.

Thank you!

I've made those a few times. Took me 2-3 tries to get it how I like it, but... soooo good!

I'd love the recipe.

We hate what is happening.

I know. There are many lovely people in the USA who are being adversely affected by this "special friend". Threatening Canada's sovereignty takes it to a whole new level for me.

The trip sounds wonderful.

We are very excited!

It looks like you had a lot of fun with the Skyliner crawl. I would have liked to have joined you, but it was too hard to break away from our trip with our sisters.

One day we'll have a meet up again.

That Key Lime Martini sounds delicious. I'll have to make a note of that.

They are very good.

And what a great evening of hanging and meet ups. I really have to do more of that on trips.

I've made so many great friends through the Dis.

I don't often comment but I hope you know that a lot of us feel the same.....so same. Meanwhile, we're planning trips to Canada!

Oh I know. Being stuck in the middle of that nonsense must be horrifying. If you are travelling to Canada I am happy to share ideas. I currently live near Toronto but grew up in beautiful Prince Edward Island and have travelled a lot across the country. You will love our beautiful country.

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I’m so sorry that you had to cancel your trips, but I completely understand. It’s been nice to use our upcoming trip as a temporary distraction from the daily news. I hope life gets less busy for you, too.

But, France! That sounds amazing! I’ve been to Paris twice and loved it both times. If you’re a fan of Impressionist art I love the Musee d’Orsay - it’s my favorite Paris museum. I’m also jealous of your trip to Disneyland Paris - I’d love to go there someday! Are you still doing your special trip this month? (I think you mentioned you were going to Aulani in March?)

Your evening with Kelly and Su-Lynn sounded like so much fun. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Bar Riva and look forward to trying the food at nearby Primo Piatto next week (!). It’s too bad you missed out on the onion rolls (SO good!), but those Key Lime martinis look AMAZING!

 

[suse66]

I’m so sorry that you had to cancel your trips, but I completely understand. It’s been nice to use our upcoming trip as a temporary distraction from the daily news. I hope life gets less busy for you, too.

Thank you so much! I hope you have the best time. I will be living vicariously through my Disfriends trips for a while.

But, France! That sounds amazing! I’ve been to Paris twice and loved it both times. If you’re a fan of Impressionist art I love the Musee d’Orsay - it’s my favorite Paris museum. I’m also jealous of your trip to Disneyland Paris - I’d love to go there someday! Are you still doing your special trip this month? (I think you mentioned you were going to Aulani in March?)

I am so excited about Paris and the River cruise. Plus DLP will be the icing on the cake. Aulani was scheduled for August. I am currently at the airport though on my way to Vancouver for March Break. Really looking forward to seeing my sister.

Your evening with Kelly and Su-Lynn sounded like so much fun. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Bar Riva and look forward to trying the food at nearby Primo Piatto next week (!). It’s too bad you missed out on the onion rolls (SO good!), but those

We had such a fun night together! Honestly Bar Riva/Primo Piatto has some of the best food. Trying the grilled vegetable skewer…so yummy!! And the blueberry ricotta pancakes with marscapone. Delish!

 

[pkondz]

Elbows up!

We are really excited. It's totally a splurge but so exciting. I'm taking my funds from renting out my Aulani reservation and using it for DLP instead.

I bet you'll have an amazing time.

One day we'll hang out at the parks together. 2029?

Sounds good to me!

I'd love the recipe.

Here ya go:

Key Lime Pie Martini

Ingredients:

1 oz vanilla vodka
2 oz key lime juice
½ oz triple sec (I used Grand Marnier. You could also use Cointreau)
1 oz cream
1 oz simple syrup

Garnish:

Cream
Graham cracker crumbs
Slice of fresh lime

Instructions:

• Begin by adding a bit of cream to the rim of a martini glass. Dip into graham cracker crumbs.
• To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vanilla vodka, key lime juice, triple sec, cream, and simple syrup.
• Shake vigorously.
• Strain int prepared martini glass. Garnish with lime slice.

 

[hpygrll]

Oh I know. Being stuck in the middle of that nonsense must be horrifying. If you are travelling to Canada I am happy to share ideas. I currently live near Toronto but grew up in beautiful Prince Edward Island and have travelled a lot across the country. You will love our beautiful country.

We do love Canada! Last May we spent a week in Toronto! And in October we spent a week in Canmore/Banff. Currently looking at real estate in Canmore, we loved it that much!

 

[buzzrelly]

I’m so sorry about your cancelled trips but Paris sounds lovely and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time!

It was soooo nice to finally meet you and see Caroline and SuLynn again. Those drinks were incredible, but the company was even better! Such a fun night!

 

[Steppesister]

The delays continued and now I wasn't (supposedly) leaving Toronto until 11 pm. I had made friends with two young women who were travelling to NYC and we passed the time chatting. Our table mates were another story as they were getting well into their duty free purchases and their conversation was taking a turn for the worse. So my new friends and I went to grab tea before their flight left. I got yet another delay notice so consoled myself with another beverage. We finally left Pearson at 11:55 pm!!

Everything about this paragraph makes me cringe. YUCK!

We did standby for the Jungle Cruise and waited about 20 minutes which wasn't too bad.

Not bad at ALL!

We hopped into the Country bears show next as we had some till to kill before our Haunted Mansion FP. It's cute but give me the original version any day.

Not my thing at all. Another cheap way to recycle movie tunes and get rid of perfectly good original material.

Once we finished our meal, we went to the lobby to check out the Christmas Tree and the Gingerbread House.

Sooooo pretty!

One lady was rather salty and rudely told Susan she was in her way for picture taking! Yikes!

What the actual heck?! I mean... geez lady, like everyone is there trying to take pictures. Wait your turn.

It was very thoughtful of her. She is also a good friend of ours from the Dis and we have met up with her numerous times at WDW!

Super nice of her!

Our plans included LwtL at night and a meet up with some of our Epic ladies! Dis meets are the best!

We did a mini Skyliner crawl with Kelly and Su-Lynn.

Absolutely 100% true.

Back to last December when we met up with Kelly ( @buzzrelly ) at the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge. Kelly is such a warm and lovely human and we easily chatted away as we enjoyed our beverages and took in the festive decor of Hollywood Studios.

This is very true! Hi @buzzrelly !! I'll always remember our time together a few years ago and our wonderful time at Sanaa and sharing the room!

YUM!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Thank you so much! I hope you have the best time. I will be living vicariously through my Disfriends trips for a while.

Same here

I am so excited about Paris and the River cruise. Plus DLP will be the icing on the cake.

This trip sounds amazing! Have you settled on which DLP hotel you’re going to stay at? Is Ireland being added to this trip or will that be a future adventure?

Here ya go:

Key Lime Pie Martini

Thanks for sharing this recipe. I am definitely going to give this a try once I restock the drinks cupboard

 

[pkondz]

Thanks for sharing this recipe. I am definitely going to give this a try once I restock the drinks cupboard

You’re welcome.

 

[vamassey1]

BUT in happy news, we replaced Hawaii with a beautiful trip to France! We are doing 2 days in Paris, then 8 days on a Seine river cruise followed by 3 days in Disneyland Paris! So that should be a really lovely experience.

I'm sorry you cancelled your trips here but your replacement sounds AMAZING!

Kelly is such a warm and lovely human and we easily chatted away as we enjoyed our beverages and took in the festive decor of Hollywood Studios.

I've Kelly and she truly is a wonderful person.

. We enjoyed some snacks here including the fabulous chicken tenders (Choice of Parmesan-Garlic Sauce or Chipotle-Agrodolce Sauce with Truffle Aïoli) and the baked brie (Topped with Confit Tomatoes served with Crostini).

Sounds so good. I still have not made it there to eat.

Love this photo!

 

[suse66]

Key Lime Pie Martini

Ingredients:

1 oz vanilla vodka
2 oz key lime juice
½ oz triple sec (I used Grand Marnier. You could also use Cointreau)
1 oz cream
1 oz simple syrup

Garnish:

Cream
Graham cracker crumbs
Slice of fresh lime

Instructions:

• Begin by adding a bit of cream to the rim of a martini glass. Dip into graham cracker crumbs.
• To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vanilla vodka, key lime juice, triple sec, cream, and simple syrup.
• Shake vigorously.
• Strain int prepared martini glass. Garnish with lime slice.

Thank you!

We do love Canada! Last May we spent a week in Toronto! And in October we spent a week in Canmore/Banff. Currently looking at real estate in Canmore, we loved it that much!

Wow! Have you gone to the East Coast yet? You should plan a trip to my home province of PEI.

It was soooo nice to finally meet you and see Caroline and SuLynn again. Those drinks were incredible, but the company was even better! Such a fun night!

It sure was!

I’m so sorry about your cancelled trips but Paris sounds lovely and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time!

We are really looking forward to it. WDW and Hawaii will still be there when everything simmers down a bit.

Absolutely 100% true.

Although for the foreseeable future they're happening in Canada and/or Europe.

Same here

Sad but necessary.

This trip sounds amazing! Have you settled on which DLP hotel you’re going to stay at? Is Ireland being added to this trip or will that be a future adventure?

We are looking at Sequoia Lodge. I need to get hopping and book that.

I'm sorry you cancelled your trips here but your replacement sounds AMAZING!

We are really excited! Plus it will be so fun to check out Disneyland Paris.

I've Kelly and she truly is a wonderful person.

Totally agree!

Sounds so good. I still have not made it there to eat.

It's so yummy!

Love this photo!

Thank you! Hopping over to join in your new TR now!

 

[hpygrll]

Wow! Have you gone to the East Coast yet? You should plan a trip to my home province of PEI

Not yet- but it's on the list!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

We are looking at Sequoia Lodge. I need to get hopping and book that.

If you haven’t booked already check out prices for European/UK guests on Disney.co.uk site. I’ve heard they can save you some money. Worth checking out.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Hello Everyone!

I am back from my latest Disney trip! We had a wonderful time. The combo of daylight savings time happening the night we had to leave for the airport at 4:20am was just ugh!
I am still recovering from that.
Look for some high and lowlights on my December report coming up soon! I decided to do more of a recap TR for this recent trip!

Back to Christmas on this report, yay! The night flew by meeting up with Kelly and Su-Lynn! We had a wonderful time visiting! The chicken strips and Keylime Martinis yum! I highly recommend Bar Riva and Crew Cup!
Here is one last picture of us leaving the YC, Su-Lynn took a selfie of all of us!


Kelly was at Disney during my most recent trip, however, we did not connect, we tried and the timing didn’t work! She was visiting with her daughter! Hopefully there will be a next time to meet up with these wonderful friends!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I am back from my latest Disney trip! We had a wonderful time. The combo of daylight savings time happening the night we had to leave for the airport at 4:20am was just ugh!
I am still recovering from that.

Your departure day was our arrival day. We adjusted to the time change by booking the 7am flight out of Chicago Midway, rather than the 5am flight. But your early flight must have been hard.