Everything Old Is New Again! - A Dec 2010 Trip Report : THE FINAL ENTRY page 45

[FreezinRafiki]

I'm planning on this entry being fairly light on talk and heavy on pictures. But then again, I may get rambling and you'll be stuck with lots and lots of words.

By the time we finished up at Pizza Planet, it was well past nightfall, which means that the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights was in full swing. We made the brief walk and were greeted by millions of lights and just about as many people looking at them.

We got in line for the Photopass photographer and patiently waited our turn. Finally, the family ahead of us got their picture taken and moved on. We set our stuff down, walked into place, posed, smiled and....the lights started dancing. The photographer said he couldn't take pictures while the lights were dancing to the music because the flickering lights mess with the camera and the pictures don't come out right. So we danced and grooved along to the song, then posed for our picture.

There were several hidden Mickeys in the lights....

Madison and Kayden dancing to the Christmas music.

I had read somewhere that the Imagineers decorate the balconies based on the people they imagine live inside. So what's a cowboy doing living in New York City?

I know what you're thinking, but despite the temperatures, it really was fake snow.

Bambi actually gave me permission to do this to our house, provided I use the blue and white. And if I use LED bulbs, it really won't cost that much to power them.

Disney really shines with this light display. (Get it? ....ah, never mind) But seriously, it really is awesome what you can do with 5 millions lights, 32 miles of extension cables and a small army of workers. And it all dances perfectly in time to music. It really is a fantastic display!

As great as it is, though, it was getting late and cold. We made out way out of the park and back to the treehouse, ready to get a good night sleep and do it all over again the next day!

UP NEXT: EPCOT!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Which brings up another valid point...

Why exactly did you have the camera out taking pictures in the restroom???? Please tell me you were the only one in there.

It was with my cell phone. And no, I was not the only one in there...

 

[afwdwfan]

Excellent family picture!

Kind of reminds me of my college apartment. We had a steer skull hanging on our balcony. For Christmas, we wrapped it in white lights and put a Santa hat on it.

Bambi actually gave me permission to do this to our house, provided I use the blue and white. And if I use LED bulbs, it really won't cost that much to power them.

It won't cost much to power them, but you might spend a small fortune buying the lights.

Disney really shines with this light display. (Get it? ....ah, never mind)

I think Bambi's grip just tightened on that cord.

But seriously, it really is awesome what you can do with 5 millions lights, 32 miles of extension cables and a small army of workers. And it all dances perfectly in time to music. It really is a fantastic display!

Yes it is... I can't wait to see it later this year!!

It was with my cell phone. And no, I was not the only one in there...

You probably should have lied about not being the only one in there.

 

[Flossbolna]

That's a great picture of your family with the lights! It looks like dancing with the lights before taking the pictures made all of you look really happy and excited in this one.

 

[KatMark]

I'll be short on words--awesome family picture and the light pictures are terrific too.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

Just read through your whole trip report. We're going this year and can't decide Halloween or Christmas. We keep going back and forth. Everything about Christmas looks so lovely.......EXCEPT the darn cold. That's what scares me.

Can't wait to read more, looks like everyone had a blast. Your little Evan seems like quite the character and Madison is gorgeous.

 

[dvczerfs]

great pics barry. some how i missed the basketball hoop while we were there. aznyway, nice update!

 

[Emma's Dad]

Very cool pictures! We will one day get down there when these lights are up. Good luck with the house lights

It was with my cell phone. And no, I was not the only one in there...

I can see you giving the elbow to the guy at the sink... "Can you BELIEVE this?!?"

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Excellent family picture!

Thanks. Every once in a while the kids let us stand behind them in a picture.

Kind of reminds me of my college apartment. We had a steer skull hanging on our balcony. For Christmas, we wrapped it in white lights and put a Santa hat on it.

Nice! Believe it or not, we had cheeseballs in our college apartment. We lived on the top half of a duplex that was directly on one of the city's holiday parade route. We would crawl out the bedroom window and sit out on the roof of the porch during the parades, eating cheeseballs and throwing them down to the people below us, seeing if they could catch them in their mouths. Ahhhh...good times.

It won't cost much to power them, but you might spend a small fortune buying the lights.

I figure that if I start selling 1 pint of blood a week from now until Christmas, I could buy 3 or 4 strands. Hmmm...better think of a plan B.

You probably should have lied about not being the only one in there.

Nah, you're OK as long as you keep the camera pointed directly at the floor. Nobody wants to have to deal with "wandering lens syndrome"

That's a great picture of your family with the lights! It looks like dancing with the lights before taking the pictures made all of you look really happy and excited in this one.

Thanks! We're in Disney World! How can you not be happy and excited!

I'll be short on words--awesome family picture and the light pictures are terrific too.

Thank you. I guess you're over the whole "insulting Illinois" incident? Because if not, I can come up with a few more...

Just read through your whole trip report. We're going this year and can't decide Halloween or Christmas. We keep going back and forth. Everything about Christmas looks so lovely.......EXCEPT the darn cold. That's what scares me.

We've done WDW at both times of the year. The last time we were there in October we had record highs (90+), then a week later we were bundled up in jackets and sweatshirts. Same with December - we've gone swimming some years, and others...well, you've seen the pictures. (Average high during December in Orlando is still right around 70, we just happen to hit a cold spell.)

Can't wait to read more, looks like everyone had a blast. Your little Evan seems like quite the character and Madison is gorgeous.

Thanks!

great pics barry. some how i missed the basketball hoop while we were there. aznyway, nice update!

It's easy to miss lots of stuff in there - there is just so much going on things to look at!

Very cool pictures! We will one day get down there when these lights are up. Good luck with the house lights

I highly recommend it! Of course, you have to finish your TR first...

I can see you giving the elbow to the guy at the sink... "Can you BELIEVE this?!?"

I can think of far worse things you can say to a stranger in a bathroom.

 

[petals]

Fab pics of the lights and I am luvin Madisons Minnie Mouse Xmas hat. I knew there was a Mickey Mouse one but not Minnie and I want it

Nice to see ya keeping up the puns as well!

 

[Poolrat]

Those lights are just amazing aren't they????


That is a great family picture.


A great way to end the night. Sorry it was soooo cold.

 

[KatMark]

Thank you. I guess you're over the whole "insulting Illinois" incident? Because if not, I can come up with a few more...

No, not over it...just ignoring it. And I didn't want to stoop so low as to pick on Wisconsin and why I didn't invite you over to my PTR.

 

[E3yore]

No, not over it...just ignoring it. And I didn't want to stoop so low as to pick on Wisconsin and why I didn't invite you over to my PTR.

Ignoring him really is the best option. Although, he can be very child like so I would expect a few more insults before he realizes that you are ignoring him. I learned to tune him out years ago.

Actually, insulting Wisconsin has been my thing for years. I hope that by insulting it enough he will decide to move closer to WDW. Please feel free to join in.

 

[E3yore]

This is one of my favorite pictures of Evan.

 

[E3yore]

I think Bambi's grip just tightened on that cord.

I have decided to take another approach. My threats did not work so I am going to just roll my eyes and move on. I will give a small groan and shake my head. I will remember all the other reason that I love him. I hope that will stop these horrible puns (knowing full well that they will never stop).

 

[DisDadDoc]

Great update and pics!

I know this look. I've also given it once or twice

 

[stopher1]

Great update Barry! I love those lights. Can you just imagine them all in a neighborhood?!? I remember reading about them when they were the Osborne's lights in Arkansas, and thought wow - what a crazy family. I'm sure those neighbors are so glad each year that they gave them all to WDW.

That's a nice family picture, but the colors in your own shots are so much more vibrant than in that one. Sometimes I wonder about those Photopass people.


Did you also go around and find the many hidden Mickey's in the lights? I counted at least 10 while I was there, but there are more than that.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Evan.

That is an awesome picture

 

[jason4024]

Great trip report. We were there about the same time as you guys. I still cant believe the weather. It was nice with the very little rain we had though. I have a very similar picture to Evan on your shoulders, except my DS is sleeping. HAHA

Again, a great report!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Fab pics of the lights and I am luvin Madisons Minnie Mouse Xmas hat. I knew there was a Mickey Mouse one but not Minnie and I want it

Nice to see ya keeping up the puns as well!

Bambi's parents had hats embroidered for all of the kids with their names. They came in handy in the cold, too!

Those lights are just amazing aren't they????


That is a great family picture.


A great way to end the night. Sorry it was soooo cold.

The lights really are cool. The weather wasn't tooo bad, as long as you kept moving. It hit the kids the worst because they were sitting the strollers so much.

No, not over it...just ignoring it. And I didn't want to stoop so low as to pick on Wisconsin and why I didn't invite you over to my PTR.

You need an invitation to read your PTR? Do you have bouncer with a list? And if so, can I bribe him?

Ignoring him really is the best option. Although, he can be very child like so I would expect a few more insults before he realizes that you are ignoring him. I learned to tune him out years ago.

Actually, insulting Wisconsin has been my thing for years. I hope that by insulting it enough he will decide to move closer to WDW. Please feel free to join in.

I'm sorry, what was I saying? I tuned myself out years ago too.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Evan.

Mine too.

I have decided to take another approach. My threats did not work so I am going to just roll my eyes and move on. I will give a small groan and shake my head. I will remember all the other reason that I love him. I hope that will stop these horrible puns (knowing full well that they will never stop).

It is a pretty long list, isn't it? Funny, I don't think humility is on there, though.

Great update and pics!

I know this look. I've also given it once or twice

Thanks! As you can see from my hair, he was trying to steer me, Rattitoulie-style.

Great update Barry! I love those lights. Can you just imagine them all in a neighborhood?!? I remember reading about them when they were the Osborne's lights in Arkansas, and thought wow - what a crazy family. I'm sure those neighbors are so glad each year that they gave them all to WDW.

I would love to live in that neighborhood! When you build your Haunted Mansion house, and you going to deck it out for Christmas?

That's a nice family picture, but the colors in your own shots are so much more vibrant than in that one. Sometimes I wonder about those Photopass people.

I know. Some are so nice and really know what they're doing, others just push the button and send you on your way.

Did you also go around and find the many hidden Mickey's in the lights? I counted at least 10 while I was there, but there are more than that.

I wasn't specifically looking for them, but I came across a few.

Great trip report. We were there about the same time as you guys. I still cant believe the weather. It was nice with the very little rain we had though. I have a very similar picture to Evan on your shoulders, except my DS is sleeping. HAHA

Again, a great report!

Thanks and There's more awesome coming up, so don't go away!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

No sooner had we gone to sleep on Tuesday night, when Wednesday morning rolled around and we all jumped out of bed, ready to embrace the fun-filled day before us! Or something to that effect. The kids were getting harder and harder to coax out of bed.
But why would you want to stay snuggled up in hot old bed when there is a glorious Florida morning outside ready to great you?

Wait, is that frost on the fairway!?!

Let's turn out attention to the East-facing window out of the master bedroom.

Ahhh, that's a little more like it. That last picture really makes it look lilke you're really high up in the trees. Some times if felt that way, but you're really only about 10 or 12 feet up.

I always liked dawn at Disney World. Everything seems refreshed, renewed and just waiting for you to explore. Disney has a small army of people that work overnight to make everything perfect for the guests and I don't think they get the credit they deserve. So if any of you graveyard shift CMs are reading - thank you! (And not just the ones that work the actual graveyard shift at the Haunted Manison)

After everyone had some breakfast and the coffee drinkers had their coffee, we decided to try the bus today. The Treehouse Bus Stop was just outside our door. The bus came after only a few minutes and whisked us to Saratoga Springs. As fast as a 40,000 pound vehicle can whisk, anyway.

We got off at the Carriage House stop to wait for the Epcot bus.

EVAN! DUCK! Oh, sorry, they're actually seagulls. My bad.

After watching 3 Animal Kingdom busses come and go, we finally hopped an Epcot-bound bus. The bus rides all kind of blend together, so this one may have been crowded or very sparse. Feel free to use your imagination and make it as full as you want.

In no time at all we pulling into the Epcot bus depot, got our bags checked and missed rope drop by about 15 minutes. The streak is still alive! I gathered tickets and did a Soarin' FastPass run while everyone else headed over to The Seas with Nemo & Friends.

Kayden, don't worry. Fish are Friends, Not Food! Then again, you're not a fish. So you're right, you're probably going to be eaten. Go ahead and panic!

Meanwhile, the Soarin' FP line was pretty crazy - or so it seemed. They have about a dozen machines in there, arranged more or less in a line going away from you as you approach. The line for the first machine had about 30 people in it. The 2nd machine's line was about 25, then 20 or so in the next. I just kept walking past all of these lines until I got to the very last machine, and the only person at it just gathered their FPs and left. Sometimes it pays to stop and look around a bit. I got my FPs and walked out with a big, satisfied grin on my face.

But now was my dilemma. I had to catch up with everyone else. Clearly, the easiest way would be to follow the Buzz Lightyear Video Game tip and use the secret entrance in the shadows to the left - otherwise known as the gift shop. But that doesn't get me a ride on the clamshells, now does it? The posted time was still 5 minutes so I zig zagged through the queue and took a nice leisurely ride in the clamshell. Well, it would have been even more leisurely if the person in the next shell wouldn't have been using their flash every 7 seconds. Can't wait to see those 49 pictures of flash bouncing off of the glass.

I finally caught up to everyone as they were exploring the tanks and fish. We headed down to Turtle Talk with Crush and got in line. Well, actually we started the line, since the group ahead of us just finished filing into the theater. We decided to use the time to check out the rays and other fish in the tanks in the waiting area. After a few times of the CM teasing us by coming out and telling us that the show would start in a few minutes, she let us in and we got front row seats.

Evan didn't feel like sitting down on the green carpet, so he stayed on the bench with us. But both Kayden and Madison got to talk to Crush. As Crush was talking to Madison, he asked her where her parental units were. I raised my fin and got to have a little talk with the dude myself. Unfortunately, we don't have video so I don't recall what we talked about, but I do know I used my most excellent surfer voice. Totally.

After Crush, we still had some time before our Soarin FPs, so we crossed the park to Test Track. Both kids love this ride for the thrills (who doesn't?) but one of the coolest things to me is that all 6 of us can ride in one vehicle!

Madison! Look Out! You're going to crash into that wall!

The downside is that all 8 of use can't. But I'm sure Kaylene and Kayden had a pleasant time with that nice boy with the skull on his cap.

Another awesome thing about that ride is that you can scan your picture directly onto your Photopass card. Why don't more attractions offer this?

The group split up after Test Track. I took Kaylene on Mission: Space. Green team? Heck no! Orange!

I suppose this is where I tell you where everyone else went. Umm...I'm sure Bambi will help me out here later.

But I can tell you with almost 80% certainty that we met up for lunch over as Sunshine Seasons - hands down the best counter service restaurant in Disney World. The selection is awesome and the quality is good enough for any table service restaurant. The food is so awesome, in fact, that I forgot to take any pictures of it. But we did end up with about 30 pictures of the decor

So once all the food was eaten and the bathroom breaks were - um - broken(?), we secured our tray tables, returned out seats to their upright position, and prepared for departure because it was time to go...

(I risked life and limb to get that picture. No, really, the CM was telling everyone to sit down and get buckled in. She looked pretty mean and could probably break me in half)

The verdict on the ride from the first timers? Loved it!

UP NEXT: What the Beverly was that?