Disney over New Years? Are you insanely NUTS? (One last thing)

[cj9200]

We had some down time but much of it was spent hearing giggling over something or another between Mom and DD in the bedroom. After the giggling stopped, everyone spent a while resting. I went out on the balcony to read. Mom decided that she was up for a visit to Epcot. We did the walk over instead of taking the boat. DD loves to race with the wheelchair down the hill where Yacht/Beach Club and Boardwalk paths join. Their own personal thrill ride. Once in, we toured the World Showcase. The goal was shopping. Oh, goody.

While the ladies were shopping, I watched the World Showcase Players.

Years ago and pre DD, Mom and I went to WDW a couple of times. One trip we stayed at the Grand Floridian (plush). On that trip she got picked to be in the Players’ skit. Her main line was, “But I can’t pay the rent.” Pretty funny. Wish I had a video of it. The current edition is as funny as ever.

The globe getting ready for Illumination

The golf ball from Japan

We saw some of the Candlelight Processional from the peanut gallery. I screwed up here. I thought the Candlelight Processional was over with already (doh!) and if I had known it was not, we probably would have done the dinner/CP package. SIL sings in a choir and would have loved it. As it was, she was singing along. There were two narrators this night but I did not find out who they were.

Here is La Bafina the Christmas witch at Italy, the homeland (at least for half of me)

More shopping for them while I was walking around getting hungry. Have to admit, I got a little cranky. I wanted something quick to eat so DD and I had dinner at America while Mom and SIL continued shopping in Italy. Ummm, not great eating. Double Cheeseburger and applesauce that DD wanted. $10.63 no tip or discount.

Mom and SIL decided they were shopped out so they headed back to the room while DD and I took the long walk from Epcot to DHS. Another reason to love the Boardwalk. We go in and the place was packed. The wait for Toy Story Mania was 130 minutes. I mean, I love TSM but over two hours of my life used up waiting in line? Not to be critical but if you plan ahead, your Disney experience will be so much better.

See. If I am lying, I’m dying

We spent some time looking at the Osborne lights and sat through Sounds Dangerous because I heard it was closing soon. It is now listed as opened “seasonally.” Osborne was amazing as always and Sounds Dangerous needs to be put out of its misery. One of the highlights we saw at Osborne was of course, the dancing light show. Very cool and a nice addition. Feliz Navidad.

I do miss the residential street with the different house sets that was part of the Backstage Tour but this is still pretty good.

Hidden Mickeys

Snow

Peace, love Mickey

What kind of ticket would Sounds Dangerous be? E? I think not.

RIP. DHS was packed but there were still only about 20 people who joined us for the show.

This needs to be put out of its misery. When we went in, the seat I had was nearly broken and the earphones didn’t work. I had to grab the ones in the next seat and they didn’t have the foam on the earpieces. All in all glad we did for what I am sure the last time.

This is one of the sound proof rooms in the ride spill out area where you listen to a surround sound experience.

The scenario is that you are promoted to a new executive and things happen including getting your hair cut. I still get the heebee jeebees when they are “cutting my hair.” Couldn’t believe DD was eager to experience it. It is actually better than the main Drew Carey show. That doesn’t say much about either experience though.

One of the many exhibits that were not working

Walked by the American Idol Experience. Can’t see liking this very much.

We had the choice of waiting forever in lines or hit the road. Decided it was time to leave DHS so we took a stroll back to the room. It was soon lights out to get ready for New Years Eve tomorrow.

Next up: We are going to party like its….2009

 

[irenep]

Another excellent instalment and some useful tips as well.

We are going over New year this year and I also thought we would miss the CP. Good to know it carries on after Christmas. Plus I didn't know it 'snowed' in DHS.

Thanks

 

[2xcited2sleep]

What a great TR. I'm so glad I found it! You got some really fantastic photos!

I was also going to ask about the room # but totally understand the internal conflict on revealing. I wonder what I'd get if I just asked for "the room."

Thanks for sharing your trip!

 

[bellazachmom]

I know EXACTLY how you feel about revealing the room number -- we have a favorite at VWL, too, and I don't want to reveal the number, either!!

I have even gone so far as to chat up a lovely CM from MS who told me that VWL was her favorite resort and when I mention "The Room" to her she told me that she had gotten it once, too, and she agreed that it was the best at the resort. She then went on to tell me the absolute best way to word my request to maximize my chances of getting the villa on future trips!

Keep the TR coming, I am really looking forward to reading more!

 

[cj9200]

Another excellent instalment and some useful tips as well.

We are going over New year this year and I also thought we would miss the CP. Good to know it carries on after Christmas. Plus I didn't know it 'snowed' in DHS.

Thanks

Very nice comment on the report, I appreciate it. Snow was only at the Osborne lights and added to the festive nature of the area. It is not as good as walking down Main Street at the MK but cool nonetheless. DD loved it.

 

[cj9200]

What a great TR. I'm so glad I found it! You got some really fantastic photos!

I was also going to ask about the room # but totally understand the internal conflict on revealing. I wonder what I'd get if I just asked for "the room."

Thanks for sharing your trip!

Thanks so much. Who knows, what would happen if you asked for the room. Maybe if you jumped and down and yelled, give me THE ROOM, Give ME THE ROOM. NO NOT THAT ONE, THE ROOM. Let me know if you are going to do that so I can watch. Love your screen name. As you can see by my report that is how I feel on my trips.

 

[cj9200]

I know EXACTLY how you feel about revealing the room number -- we have a favorite at VWL, too, and I don't want to reveal the number, either!!

I have even gone so far as to chat up a lovely CM from MS who told me that VWL was her favorite resort and when I mention "The Room" to her she told me that she had gotten it once, too, and she agreed that it was the best at the resort. She then went on to tell me the absolute best way to word my request to maximize my chances of getting the villa on future trips!

Keep the TR coming, I am really looking forward to reading more!

I will tell you mine if you tell me yours (wink, wink).

We are staying at VWL in June unless our waitlist comes through for BCV. Our last room there overlooked nothing but trees and it was a very relaxing atmosphere. Thanks for reading.

 

[cj9200]

Woke up at a reasonable time this morning. Did not hit the Bakery because today was for leftover breakfast stuff and snacks. Hey snacks are Ok, we are on vacation. Everyone was still asleep so I had a coke and a smile out on the patio. Read a little while and watched as the place came alive.

Here is the “stage” they were putting up for the festivities for tonight

Also took some picks of the rooms around me. To the right.

Above

To the left

ESPN and the Golf Ball

A closer look

I thought that today was a non-park day but Mom and SIL decided they were going to Hollywood Studios for the morning. Found out later that they took a wrong turn going to DHS and ended up on a very scenic route. They only did the Little Mermaid and verified how packed the park was.

DD and I were off to Downtown Disney for some shopping for her friends. This was definitely a day to skip the parks. We heard from various people how crowded they were. The Magic Kingdom was closed to outside guests at anywhere from 10:30 to 11:30 depending on who you asked. Ouch! Much talk of wall to wall people. Again, I thank my lucky stars that: 1. I live within driving distance, 2. We are able to afford DVC and 3. Finally woke up to the fact that because of 1 & 2 there are other things to do in WDW that are not park related.

We did the hunt for a parking space safari that is Downtown Disney, finally ending up in Huntsville, Alabama. It was crowded but not mind numbingly so. First stop was the World of Disney store. One of Princess’s Christmas presents was $100 in Disney dollars and she was determined to put it to good use. She told all of her friends that they will be getting their Christmas gifts on our return.

She was pretty efficient and got through it relatively quickly. Ended up doing pretty well but had to sacrifice the last $10 Disney denomination that she was going to keep as a souvenir. There were a number of sales going on that spoke of the economic situation we are going through. Fifty percent off Christmas items and forty percent off all T-shirts were two of them. I passed on buying anything for myself.

Arrrrg

The Disney Mecca of shopping

From there we toured a bit picking up little things here and there. Ghirardelli’s Chocolates was a must for the free candy. They gave her a mint peanut butter sample. I think it was not as much of a hit with her because I wasn’t sent in for seconds. She did really well shopping and got something nice for everyone. Well, that is if you don’t count the kid that spent her ENTIRE gift allowance on her boyfriend. I tried to talk her into getting the girl something but she was adamant. “It would be different if she did not have the money but her parents gave her $100 for gifts and she BLEW IT ALL ON THAT IDIOT” I was later informed that they broke up a couple of weeks later. Money well spent, I see.

Anyway, we end up walking by the monstrosity that is T-Rex.

Why not go in and check it out? There was a small line at the door which we bypassed because we just wanted to look around. What can I say? Interesting? Yes. LOUD? Definitely. Want to eat there? Not so much. There was a cool bar that had a large aquarium set up and I suggested we have cocktails. Let me tell you up front that I am not a good shopping partner. Here is how our conversations usually went. DD: What do think about this for so and so? Me: Yea, sure, fine. DD: Or would this be better? Me: Yea, sure, fine. DD: Or this? Me: CAN WE JUST MAKE UP OUR MIND ALREADY? I actually had more patience than normal and as I mentioned, she was pretty quick so congratulatory cocktails for making it through another shopping trip were in order.

The aquarium

I looked at the menu and it was what I call “Disney priced” but not overly outrageous. We decided to pass on appetizers and just ordered drinks. Princess went with a two type of slushy thing that was served in a hollow bone of a dinosaur. Funny, found out dinosaur bones are made of plastic. No wonder they became extinct.

Did I say the place was LOUD? Various previously extinct animal noises were going on continuously. Here is the Wholly Mammoth.

And the place’s namesake

The meteor shower was unbelievably LOUD. There was one really cool thing watching the aquarium though. They have two small sharks in the tank and one decided he (or she) did not like the other. Think of the music from Jaws. It really went after the other one. Some people at the bar freaked out a bit. Hey relax; it is a Circle of Life thing. After a while I guess, the bully made the point and left the other one alone.

Not too great a picture but here is the bully (spouse maybe?) biting the other’s fin.

Needing to drive, we passed on a second round. You can never tell how DD will react after two slushy things. Returning to the resort, we all met up in the room to get ready for Victoria & Albert’s. We relaxed for a while and DD displayed the purchased items to much delight. The ladies then got busy preening themselves for dinner.

If you have a 15 YO daughter you might know what preening entails. Many hours of labor. The last time we were at WDW we took her best friend and they literally took almost two hours to get ready to go to, wait for it………….

a water park. They even woke up early because they knew I wanted to make the park opening and if they were not ready when I wanted to leave, they were out of luck. After all this preparation, we make the opening at Typhoon. Five minutes after entering, we were on Crush n Gusher. They went down together and at the end of the ride they looked liked drowned rats. Hair out of place, makeup gone. Where was Photopass when you needed them? I laughed for hours afterward. Teenagers. A pain in the neck but entertaining.

Back to here and now. On the stage, the DJ was getting things ready doing sound checks and testing out the lighting system. They had party hats and noisemakers downstairs so I went down to get one for each of us. It looked like it was going to be a good time. While they were still preening, I spent some time on our (did I say large) veranda sipping a cocktail anticipating the evening. Hey, we are taking SIL’s car so I am not driving. They eventually emerged and joined me.

They finally emerged and looked marvelous. You may have noticed that Mom and SIL are not pictured in this report. It is mainly because they are shy. We did take many pics of them for DD to have over the years. I will probably do a private TR for her and Mom and include more pictures of the two of them. I am not seen because no one thought to take the camera away from me to take my picture.

The Lawn getting ready to party

A blurry close up

Some early fireworks from Epcot

Oooh

Ahhh

Next up: Vickie and Al's Place

 

[irenep]

Thanks again - your photos of the fireworks are great - I am beginning to wish I was a BWV owner now

 

[cj9200]

Thanks again - your photos of the fireworks are great - I am beginning to wish I was a BWV owner now

Thanks. The great thing about a digital camera is that the delete button is there to wipe out the bad ones. BWV is the place to be. For me at least. I know there are fans of the other villas but give me Boardwalk anytime. It is coming up to the time to reserve a Grand Villa for DD's sweet 16. Wish me luck.

 

[irenep]

What a lovely way to celebrate turning 16 - I am sure she will appreciate it. Good Luck .
My own DD turns 16 in 3 weeks time so I have been having good chuckle at your comments about the teenagers - same the world over!

 

[cj9200]

Time to go to the Grand Floridian. We waited a little while for SIL’s car at the valet. A short drive and the keys were handed over to their valet attendants. The valet told me that because we were eating at Victoria and Albert’s we get free valet service. Well yea, because it costs a billion dollars to eat there you can at least not charge me $10 for a car to sit in a parking space for a few hours.

Dressed like the royalty, we made our entrance into the Grand Floridian. Feeling like a scene out of My Fair Lady we majestically walked into the lobby. What a sight. Half expected to hear a footman announce, “The cj9200 family” as we enter. The mood was ruined when SIL yelled, “Sis, lookie at that gosh darn Christmas tree. It’s the biggest tree I ever did see. I’m fixin to clumb it. Of course SIL never said that. She is very proper at all times. The ones you need to look out for manners wise are me and DD.

This was picture time. Originally we were going to do a personal Photopass shoot at the resort but the latest they could do it was 4:30. That either meant we would sit around in our Sunday going to meeting clothes for hours or go back to the room. Tried to move up our dinner time but there were already 50+ people on the waiting list. So I cancelled the personal shoot. We toured the resort taking a few snap shots on our own.

How cool is the Gingerbread House

We were going to have a drink at the Mizner’s Lounge but no seats were available. The girls decided to sit tight while I went to see if we could get in before our 9:30 reservation. When I called previously to try to move our reservation up, the person on the phone said that you could probably get in earlier if you wanted. I went in to check and their response was…Sure! The ladies did a little window shopping before we headed into V & A. It was about half an hour early and the hostess and host could not have been nicer. They seated us shortly after arrival.

What can I say about V & A? The place is a whole different world. You are pampered. Don’t like the fish dish, pick something else or we will create something special for you. Vegetarian? No problem, you have an entirely separate menu. Leave the table and a new napkin is waiting for you when you return. The food is incredible. I won’t go through what everyone had but highlight some or their selections and what I had.

Thought about trying to steal this but didn’t.

We started out with our servers introducing themselves and wishing DD a happy birthday. They are no longer “Victoria” and “Albert” but they use their real names. Drinks were ordered (I had a Martini. Hey I am not driving) and we were given our personalized menus. The whole experience was amazing. Princess’ menu had a happy 15th birthday note on it. They saw Mom’s physical condition and asked if she would like for them to cut her food before they bring it out. This is just an indication of the service here. It is totally focused on you but not overly obtrusive. Last time DD’s strap on her dress inexplicably snapped as she first sat down. “Victoria” was there in a nano-second asking if she could get a pin to reattach it.

Many of the following pictures are pretty dark and sometimes blurry because I was intimidated to use the flash in such a setting.

You have a harpist playing in the background to set the tone.

Everyone started with the Amuse Bouche. For those that do not know, Amuse Bouche is a single, bite-sized hors d’oeuvre. Amuse-bouche are different from appetizers in that they are not ordered from a menu by patrons, but, when served, are according to the chef's selection alone. Thank you Wikipedia (I just looked it up) because I had no idea what it meant. I don’t remember exactly what it was (did not get a picture) but I do remember it was tasty and a good start for the night.

Next up for me was the Dungeness Crab Cannelloni with Baby Greens, Radishes and Italian Caviar. I actually ate caviar. First time that happened.

I wasn’t excited about the next two course selections elk or duck and the fish course so they had a few suggestions. I ended up adding the mushroom tortellini with yellow chanterelles and black truffles from the vegetarian menu (delicious) and a smaller portion of one of the entrees. It was the Kurobuta pork tenderloin. That was similar to the dish I had at the Flying Fish but what a difference. It was out of this world.

My tortellini

The pork dish

Don’t remember what this was or who had it. It looks nice though.

This was the Lamb dish that SIL had

DD’s main course. Fall squash risotto and mustard spaetzle with stewed French lentils, miniature vegetables, and carrot coufis.

My entrée was the Australian “Kobe” beef tenderloin with smoked garlic potato puree. Again, Delicious.

The coffee maker. The first time Mom and I went here years ago, she just had to have one of these things. She loves good coffee.

Before desert, I excused myself to go to the rest room. The rest room is outside V & A and when I went out I saw the people gathering for New Years in the lobby. Went back to get my camera. I also went down to get hats and noisemakers. Was able to get a couple of hats but they were pretty much gone. Nicer than the ones that were given out at the Boardwalk.

The gathering to ring in the New Year

The band entertaining the crowd

On the way back to dessert I caught a glimpse of fireworks at the Magic Kingdom from a window. Cool!

In addition to the desserts, I also previously ordered a white chocolate slipper from Disney for DD’s birthday.

This is my dessert a Caramelized Banana Gateau. I am not a big dessert fan but this was really good. The presentation was awesome.

Mom and DD ordered the same desert, the Tanzanian Chocolate Pyramid, Hawaiian Kona Chocolate Soufflé and Peruvian Chocolate Ice Cream and Puff Pastry. Very good by both accounts.

Then Vickie and Al brought out a wrapped pound cake and some additional cookies. We collectively shouted; Enough We’re Done! (Think Beauty and the Beast) We took DD’s shoe and the pound cake home and made a half hearted attempt at the cookies. Way too much food and such an indulgence, but what the heck.

With tip and no discount (it wasn’t available because it was a holiday) $790. Ouch! As I have said, for various reasons, I wanted to splurge this trip. New Years Eve at Vicki’s is a once in a lifetime experience that DD loved and we all had a great time. This is her second visit here and would go tomorrow if possible. It will probably be a while before we go back. Maybe the next time she will have a job and can pay. Three plus hours later and starting a New Year, we rolled out of the place and headed home. It took a while to get the car from valet but we were soon back at Boardwalk and off to bed.

Another great day. DD and I had fun shopping at Downtown Disney (Gasp). The cocktail at T-rex may have had something to do with it. The four of us rang in the New Year having a wonderful meal. Meal just doesn’t do it justice. An incredible experience.

 

[Donald is #1]

What an awesome meal!

Someday I am going to have to try V&A's.

 

[cj9200]

What a lovely way to celebrate turning 16 - I am sure she will appreciate it. Good Luck .
My own DD turns 16 in 3 weeks time so I have been having good chuckle at your comments about the teenagers - same the world over!

You have my deepest sympathy plus may I add a happy BD to your DD. They are a pain in the neck but hilarious at times (the world all over is right). On another thread they were talking about teenagers and someone wrote that a friend of theirs had a sign in their kitchen that said something like “Parent’s of teenagers know why some animals eat their young.” My reply to that was when we ride Dinosaur I always poke my daughter and point at the patricide scene. She knew the word patricide at an early age.

 

[cj9200]

What an awesome meal!

Someday I am going to have to try V&A's.

It was an awesome night. V&A is ridiculously expensive but what an experience. As I said, it was a time to splurge.

 

[Mommy2JulietJocelyn]

I have been reading your TR from the beginning and I have to say you have a nice style of writting - easy to read, humorous and you keep a nice pace. very enjoyable.

 

[Donald is #1]

It was an awesome night. V&A is ridiculously expensive but what an experience. As I said, it was a time to splurge.

Hmm, I have 2 stumbling blocks to going to V&A:
1) My trips tend to be solo and I am not sure if that is somewhere that I would want to do solo

2) For my non-solo trips, I think that cost for my sisters or friends would be an issue.

Oh well, it can go on the someday wish list.

 

[richardsa98]

V&A sounds great but i think my husband would lose the very expensive meal he just ate at the sight of the bill. He likes to splurge and spoil, but I don't think I could justify that one I will keep living vicariously through everyone else's trip reports...

 

[cj9200]

I have been reading your TR from the beginning and I have to say you have a nice style of writting - easy to read, humorous and you keep a nice pace. very enjoyable.

How nice of you to say that. Thank you. It is a long process producing this but an enjoyable one. It is probably going to be a couple of days for the next installment. Hope you keep interested.

 

[cj9200]

Hmm, I have 2 stumbling blocks to going to V&A:
1) My trips tend to be solo and I am not sure if that is somewhere that I would want to do solo

2) For my non-solo trips, I think that cost for my sisters or friends would be an issue.

Oh well, it can go on the someday wish list.

I agree this is an experience you want to share with others. Put it on your someday list. We went overboard but this was a splurge that Mom and DD enjoyed so it was worth it.