Disney over New Years? Are you insanely NUTS? (TR moved see Pg. 2 Post 30)

[cj9200]

Good report, subbing!

Thanks. I hope to get the next installment up later today or more probably tomorrow. Shopping with DD. OMG, scary.

 

[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 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

Up next Seeing Vickie and Al

 

[happymommy]

I am really enjoying you report!

We love the BWV - stayed there twice (no we don't own DVC, wish I did though) and just went to the Boardwalk resort in December - it was great as well!

I have to agree about Flying Fish. We had dinner there one year on NYE, and it was the second worst dinner I've had at Disneyworld ever! Took about 2 hours (service was horrible) and my fish was cold and undercooked. Horrible. I guess it's hit or miss there. So many love it - our meal sucked.

 

[cj9200]

I am really enjoying you report!

We love the BWV - stayed there twice (no we don't own DVC, wish I did though) and just went to the Boardwalk resort in December - it was great as well!

I have to agree about Flying Fish. We had dinner there one year on NYE, and it was the second worst dinner I've had at Disneyworld ever! Took about 2 hours (service was horrible) and my fish was cold and undercooked. Horrible. I guess it's hit or miss there. So many love it - our meal sucked.

Sorry to hear about the FF experience. Our service was very good, my food was just OK. I love BWV, my favorite place to stay. Thank you for reading,

 

[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.

 

[cj9200]

I was up early and took the camera to the lobby to take some pics. The resort was asleep so I was able to get some photos with no one around.

Have to love the Boardwalk lobby.

I went to the Bakery and had to wait for it to open at 6:30. Mom and SIL were leaving today and DD and I were headed to the parks. DD and I had our breakfast while they got ready to leave. Goodbyes were said and our half of the party walked over to Hollywood Studios. Made the rope drop and in fact were in the front of the line at the kickoff (I mean drop). The first goal was to get Fast Passes to Toy Story Mania. There were two holding pens, one by the Brown Derby and one to the left of that off the main drag. We made it to the front of the line at that rope. They give the all clear and the CMs kept us down to a brisk pace. Then they detour the left line to the area by Ariel which cost people in our area some time. What a madhouse. Get to the fast pass machines and there is already a pretty good line. One guy is asking people what this line was for and I told him fast passes. For what ride he asked. Duh? The one we are standing next to, Toy Story.

I wanted to get in line for the ride but it probably was a minimum of 30 minutes plus to ride and this was only 15 minutes post rope drop. DD suggested no and it was a good idea. We headed over to Tower of Terror which had a posted wait of 13 minute. Princess was a bit confused at the off time but I explained that is the opening wait signifying the hotel’s13 floors. When we turned the corner to head to the entrance the posted time started flipping out and finished at 30 minutes. It was pretty much an accurate estimate to the time it takes is to enter our elevator. A good ride with many big drops.

It was almost time to get another FP, so we waited by Rock and Roller Coaster for a few minutes. Got the fast pass there and by now it was time for TSMM. Love the ride along with the rest of the masses. We will not talk about who won between the two of us. I claim faulty equipment.

Daughter’s nickname is Andy so she had to take these pictures.

We happened to pass High School the Musical as it started.

I asked her if she wanted to see the show and her answer was, “Eew, NO!”

From there it was Star Wars, Muppets and then Disney Animation. We just missed getting into the Animation Academy where they teach you how to draw a character. It was close to our R&R FP time so instead of waiting for the next show we went over to ride our limo. We will do this another time because Princess can draw and I think she will like it. Of course I will be doing stick figures.

My American Idol

The wait times were getting long, so……

it was time to head back to the resort and have lunch

In hindsight, we should have had lunch at DHS. The one bad thing about Boardwalk is the lack of quick food places. The kiosk shops were not yet open (and they are terrible anyway) and I did not want to wait for ESPN. I really had a craving for a tuna sandwich. Decided to give a shot at Beaches and Cream not knowing how long it would take or if they have tuna fish. Forty minutes and no they don’t. Stopped at a number of places as we went through the maze that is Beach/Yacht Club hallways. Nothing really excited me so I went to the next stop, the next stop, and the next stop. Finally gave up at the Yacht Club’s Captain’s Grill. I asked for a menu and DD started to roll her eyes. OK, we will eat here.

After studying the menu I order a beer. I thought it was a Bud Light but was a designer Bud product. Note: I like good wine but only drink wimpy beers. They do not have wimpy beers here even though it is on the menu. Took it anyway and forced myself to drink most of it. Debated between the cheeseburger and the chicken sandwich when I discovered a soup and tuna sandwich combo. OH Boy (Best Mickey voice). DD ordered the wedge. It is big hunks of iceberg lettuce with blue cheese, egg, bacon (she had them leave the bacon off) with a green goddess dressing. My soup was corn chowder. Both picks were perfect.

Stop taking my picture

We still do not have the take a picture before you start eating thing down yet

This was what was left of the wedge. At least it was before she licked the plate. Really neat idea and we have since made it at home.

Since we are going to Hoop Dee Doo at 7:30, I took half of the sandwich and soup home with me. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing in the room and getting ready for the show.

 

[cj9200]

Of course when you say to yourself you have plenty of time, you end up squandering it. DD was running late and when we got to the bus stop it took forever for the bus to arrive. Made it to the MK and another long line for the boat to Ft. Wilderness. We went from having plenty of time to we are going to be late. Saw these little boats pull up for the other resorts and think this is going to take forever. Then here comes a big boat and I am saying please be for us. It was and I gave a sigh of relief. WE’RE GOING TO MAKE IT!

It was important to get early because when I called them to make sure they have DD’s vegetarian needs met I asked where our seats were. We are priority 2 and we can be either on the sides, back or up top center. They had us placed on the second floor. Did not really like that so I asked if we can be changed to the first floor. The person on the phone was very nice and I said I would be willing to go get new tickets if necessary. She does some magic and says to exchange the ticket when we get there that night.

So we stand in line to check in. Did the yes, I called and they were going to change my seats to the first floor. Was told I had to go to the ticket booth. OK, go to the ticket booth and the CM asks another person about the cj9200 family table she gets the answer and writes it on our tickets. Then back to the check in line to guess what, check in. We pass on getting the family photo and are left with about a 15 minute wait before they open the doors. Decided to explore a bit.

The Fort Wilderness Tree

A tricked out golf cart. We did not tour the area to see what I hear are amazing Holiday displays of guest’s motor homes.

A family rings the dinner bell and we are let into the joint. Check in was very efficient and we are escorted to our table. Bob is our server and he is fantastic. He has been there forever and you can tell he enjoys his job. I explain that DD is a vegetarian and he tells me that he has it noted. She gets a grilled vegetable plate and pasta. She orders a coke and I opt for a beer. Both drinks are promptly brought to the table.

The salad and cornbread are waiting for you when you sit down and people were digging in before the players come out to get the crowd into the evening’s entertainment.

The salad was really good

The cornbread was also tasty. A little on the sweet side but very good.

Part of the cast getting the show started

Bob brings out our vittles and more beer. Way to go Bob.

DD’s pasta and grilled veggies. They were rated as OK, nothing to get excited about.

My food

The chicken was excellent. The beans were OK, mashed potatoes good, the ribs not so much. Way too much food but mostly tasty. The show was corny but fun. The cast is very professional and the audience is definitely involved. They ask for birthdays and other special celebrations. Of course I called them over for DD’s birthday.

Here is the “Blonde” announcing DD’s birthday. Notice the beauty queen wave Princess is doing.

The girls

One of the guys, he is the one lampooned through the show

Near the end when we are given washboards to play along

Desert was strawberry shortcake which was presented with great flair on stage. Ours is to be shared by the two of us. We could not do it justice because we were both so full. I have to admit my favorite was the salad and cornbread which we kept on the table so I could have extras. That and the fried chicken.

It was over with all too soon. DD needed to use the restroom so I told her to hike it over there before the masses departed. She did and man was that a timesaver. The line for the women’s restroom got really long.

We really liked doing this. The show itself is a hoot. They play with the guests and each other. Would I do this every time I visited, no? Would I do it again, Yes. Surprisingly, the wait for the boat was not long and we were soon at the Magic Kingdom where we decided to stop in and look around.

The Contemporary from the water

A blurry picture of the train station

Ran out of picture space so our night at the MK will be in the next post.

 

[cj9200]

My favorite place to be at WDW during Christmas is either at the Grand Floridian (sorry Boardwalk) or on Main Street. What a festive atmosphere here.

How can you not love the castle all lit up

These are a couple of the bazillion pictures I took of the castle

Looking back down Main Street

The secondary goal was to do some shopping so we did. I bought a couple Tees and a Mickey/Minnie/castle “throw” blanket type thing that could be purchased if you spent more than $50. DD also bought a few little things. It is rare when I am the one to be spending the money shopping.

This place in the castle walkway is special to me.

When the DDE started out, they offered its members special dining/wine tasting experiences. One of those was a black tie, wine makers dinner at the castle for about 100 people. We made a special trip just to do this. What a night.

After the park closed, they boarded us on a ferry where we took a meandering boat ride to the MK while everyone munched on hors d'oeuvres and drank wine. We were escorted down Main Street to the walkway under Cinderella Castle. The carousel was lit up and running and there was a long table set up. Mom and I were seated right in front of this part of the mosaic. By luck, the VP and GM of the MK and their wives were seated across from us. Great conversation and special insight into the day to day workings of the MK. After the dinner some people rode the carousel. I tried to talk the GM into getting the keys to Splash Mountain and go for a ride. He chuckled. At the end of the night we walked down a deserted Main Street with the music playing in the background. To this day, I still think of that evening when I hear that music.

Anyway, back to now. DD and I did not do or attempt to do one ride tonight. Funny how our park habits have changed. In hindsight, we should have done Space Mountain though because it will be down for a while for a refurbishment. As we were leaving we saw part of the parade.

We had good luck catching our bus back home before the masses exited after the parade. Wound down a little bit on the patio before it was off to bed because we were getting up early for EPCOT opening.

Another fun day. We did what we wanted to do at DHS and Hoop was great fun. The only problem was that it was starting to hit me that the clock was ticking and our vacation was going to be over soon.

 

[kty]

Hey CJ,

are you going to finishe the report

 

[cj9200]

Sorry, I should have posted an update here. The TR started on both the Trip Report board and the DVC Miscellaneous board. It got too cumbersome to keep up both so I finished it on the DVC board. You can see the whole thing here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2067846

If you want to pick up where I left off on the TR board, this is the next post over there:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30384328&postcount=77

Thanks kty for your interest and I apologize for keeping you hanging.

 

[kty]

CJ -

THANKS

I was wondering what happened - Have a great time in June.