Ho! Ho! Ho! Away we go - A Disney Christmas - 2/15 Dec TR final thoughts and FEB TR!

[Charleston Princess]

Happy Forty Days!!! What a great upgrade!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

40 days! Wow - it'll be here before you know it!

 

[MeMom]

SO true to form the Beach Club did NOT disappoint. faced with a bad case of indigestion, but there it is…


They would have spent HOURS here.


So as the mass exodus began we really couldn’t go anywhere but with the crowd… as we were getting next to the Plaza Ice Cream shop, a CM was guiding traffic through a quick exit, which she said paralleled Main Street, so willing to try it out, we followed her guidance -- we were ready to get out of that crowd anyhow, so we followed that side path, which basically took you in the BACK of Main Street, where the CMs and the characters pop in and out – the CM only entrance and exit areas… It wasn’t anything to look at,obviously, no music or snow!, but it got us all the way down mainstreet in ½ the time, and we exited right next to the candy shoppe. We had seen Mainstreet already, and Christine just went up a little way and took some pictures.This is another example of how they manage the crowds in advance I guess, because I have never seen CM’s offering an exit like that before. Has anyone else?[/SIZE]

The girls will love it someday when we are able to stay at Beach Club. We will be planning for lots of pool time!

Those pictures have me longing for warm weather!

We have gone through the back exit down Main Street a couple of times. When it is so, so crowded, I guess it is better to let people see the not so magical side of things and have a safer, more effective exiting system.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I am so homesick for the Beach Club! And for pool weather, as MeMom said! It's downright balmy here today... 45.

I am over the flask hidden in the faux point and shoot camera. I need one of those!! And while we're on the topic of drinks, I still haven't tried a Lost on Safari! Must try next time!!

Looks like you had a great time. All your pictures are terrific. That new camera was a good investment!

Looking forward to more!!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

The Pool at the Beach Club looks like so much fun for the little guys...almost like a mini water park unto itself...

I am glad that you had a good experience at the Cali Grill...I think that I should consider it a lovely place to have birthday dinner for Em...(do you know how do you figure out what time to make reservations so that you are able to see the fireworks?)

well if you think the drinks are too weak in the World that is a fun and subtle way to doctor them...I've never seen a flask disguised as a camera...clever...

How detailed is Disney that they even decorate the village setting for the Cars show in the Studios?

I love the photos of your little man in his "Don't Make me put on my angry eyes" shirt......Love that shirt

great updates...

 

[Happydog]

Well, Christmas was finally here… Christmas Eve that is!!!

We were so excited to spend our day in Epcot! That morning began with my DBIL and Christine showing up on our doorstep. They came over and had Christmas cookies (which I brought from home) and Eggnog -- it was fun! Once we had a little bite we made our way over to the International Gateway (you know, Christine and Anita’s private entrance) into Epcot. For whatever the reason, as we were passing England, I grabbed this photo! I think I just liked the doorway...

Here we are making our way through the WS...

This morning was probably the most beautiful sunny start. Here is a photo of the sky that morning.

We made our way over to Future World ...

And my DH went to get FPs for Soarin, we continued on our stroll over to Test Track. We rode Test Track, and then DS4 and I visited the coffee kiosk and walked around enjoying the sunshine, while the group rode Mission Space (the green one!)

DS4 and I also went into Mouse Gears and into Innovations ...

After, the rides, we went into the World Showcase, to grab some lunch.

We decided on Mexico as there was something for everyone there, including a margarita! We continued over to Norway and went on Maelstrom. Which we had to wait for – 20 minutes – that was a first!
I tried to get a photo in front of the fountain as I have these past few trips, they cooperated more or less!

We then continued our slow walk around the lagoon. We stopped at the train display, listed to La Befana in Italy, and continued along to France. The weather was still nice, but was clouding up a bit. SO we decided to head back over to BCV and SAB one more time. We were only at Epcot for 3 hours or so, and unfortunately my camera battery died somewhere between Norway and Germany! So alas, I didn’t get many photos. But, so you can see a few of the things we saw, I have borrowed a couple photos from the "Only WDWorld Blog" by Jamie Collins -- take a look at this blog! Very informative I just recently found it an am adding it to my favorites... The pics are the trains in Germany and La Befana -- the trains were amazing because even the train sets were decorated! Amazing!!!

Anyhow, back to BC we went, and we basically repeated our afternoon from yesterday! So since I already posted our SAB photos, you should know that we basically hung out at the pool until we got closer to our ADR time at Le Cellier.

Christmas Eve Post #2 next!

 

[Happydog]

SO we had nice few hours at the pool, and then we all got cleaned up and headed back to Epcot. We had a few rounds of drinks there at the pool, this time I had the mango mojito and they were excellent!!, so we were definitely full of "cheer" ...

Once back in the park again, we made it over to Soarin’ for a ride and then finally, Le Cellier!!!

Here is a photo of the fountains as we were walking back over to the WS

I can only say that my DH’s love for this restaurant IS the reason why we have two reservations for Le Cellier this June…. on purpose!!!

So again, I was bad with the photos, but here is at least one!

We then strolled back toward France to watch Illuminations!!!

I need to get a better flash I think for these kind of photos, I got better pics of Holiday Wishes, but regardless, it was great to watch Illuminations there and then exit out of the IG!!! We had a wonderful evening, and the energy of it being Christmas eve was definitely in the air! We headed back to the BCV, grabbed some gelato, and decided to sneak over to the Yacht Club lobby to see the trains and the decorations there... here is the tree and the adorable train set up!

We got back to the room, and the already sleepy boys were put to bed. At this point it was 11...

DBIL and Christine agreed to meet us at MK the next morning. We told them we would be there early, I had the vision of 7am in my head... and they laughed. But agreed to try and be there by 8:30... Because we had great plans to get up really early, I didn’t want to stay up any later but I did Santa’s work and wrapped some gifts. We stuffed stockings and put the presents under the tree.

I knew it was going to be an early morning! I was so excited though. What a wonderful spirit of Christmas at Epcot. It really is worth spending more time there, I think we would have had we not been staying at the BCV... that pool was too tempting! So I know when we go back again at this time of year we will HAVE to spend more time there! It was my goal to see all the story tellers. Alas, my guys are not quite at the age where they would have sat through that many stops... so next time.

UP NEXT... WHAT TIME DO WE GET TO THE MK???? WAS IT REALLY RAINING BUCKETS?? HO! HO! Ho!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Great update! I don't blame you for being drawn to the pool that afternoon, it really was a lovely day!

Ok, I wanna know how early you set the alarm if you are going to be @ MK by 7am AND the boys will see that Santa came and have to open gifts first too!

And about the rain and the buckets, I remember.........

 

[Charleston Princess]

I would say this is the effect of having eggnog for breakfast! Lovely doorway though!

Epcot seems like the perfect place to spend Christmas Eve enjoying all the holiday traditions around the world!

Did Illuminations have a different ending for the holidays? I thought I read that somewhere, but I could be making that up.

Well, after all your rave reviews of Le Cellier and the cheddar cheese soup we had at the Food and Wine Festival, we are trying for Le Cellier on Tuesday. It is the first one I am going for so keep your fingers crossed.

 

[Happydog]

I would say this is the effect of having eggnog for breakfast! Lovely doorway though!

YOU are probably right... I wasn't going to say it, but you are probably right!!!

Epcot seems like the perfect place to spend Christmas Eve enjoying all the holiday traditions around the world!

Did Illuminations have a different ending for the holidays? I thought I read that somewhere, but I could be making that up.

It really was, and I would do it again, but of course add more time to get more in... I could spend hours there, and I still have not been able to do so after four trips!!!!

YES, it did! It was really pretty, and lots of red and green! So no, you were not making that up!!!!

Well, after all your rave reviews of Le Cellier and the cheddar cheese soup we had at the Food and Wine Festival, we are trying for Le Cellier on Tuesday. It is the first one I am going for so keep your fingers crossed.

Oh you must must go! It is devine! You know DH had the prime rib and he said it was amazing, so that is why we are going twice.... so he can have steak and Prime Rib...

Well I was told to try and put those "popular" places towards the end of your week to maximize your chances... and you know with the change back to 180 I bet you will have better luck with availability than it was with the 90 days.... I got three reservations (cancelled one) for prime dinner time and only one I made at the 180 day mark on 12/22... the others I made a week ago. SO I bet you will be okay. Having your Reservation linked will give you that 10 day window so that gives you access...

It won't disappoint. AND the SMORES dessert is the best ever ever ever.

 

[stace208]

Great update! Epcot looks so fun at Christmas! We loved Le Cellier too--my DH said the prime rib was uber delish.

Can't wait to hear about Christmas day

 

[wigdoutdismom]

What a lovely Christmas Eve! You all are such a happy group! The picture of the boys running to future world is so them! Love it!

I'm guessing Le Cellier was wonderful as usual since you are going back twice! I think we are going once, our first night, in May, hope there aren't any glitches in the flights.

Can't wait to read all about Christmas Day, and I too know all about the weather.

 

[shannn]

Looks like a gorgeous day. Nothing like a Disney sky, right?? That doorway in England was just lovely. I'm pretty sure I have a picture of a doorway in Canada if it makes you feel any better!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Epcot looks beautiful all decorated for Christmas!

 

[Charlefours]

great updates as usual. Thank you for the head's up for the Only WDWorld site--not one I had previously visited.

 

[Happydog]

Happy Forty Days!!! What a great upgrade!!!

We were very excited! We knew it was a long shot but it was a great surprise!

40 days! Wow - it'll be here before you know it!

Yes! I know. Very excited about that!

The girls will love it someday when we are able to stay at Beach Club. We will be planning for lots of pool time!

Those pictures have me longing for warm weather!

We have gone through the back exit down Main Street a couple of times. When it is so, so crowded, I guess it is better to let people see the not so magical side of things and have a safer, more effective exiting system.

IT was strange exiting that way, but it was like you said, an easier exit! They have me longing for warmer weather too!!!

I am so homesick for the Beach Club! And for pool weather, as MeMom said! It's downright balmy here today... 45.

I am over the flask hidden in the faux point and shoot camera. I need one of those!! And while we're on the topic of drinks, I still haven't tried a Lost on Safari! Must try next time!!

Looks like you had a great time. All your pictures are terrific. That new camera was a good investment!

Looking forward to more!!

HI! It was a great gift, I am very happy with it. I bought a great camera strap, that I will be trying out when it arrives! And yes, the flask is a hoot! I don't know where she got them but we were laughing!!! We have the same balmy weather!!!

The Pool at the Beach Club looks like so much fun for the little guys...almost like a mini water park unto itself...

THat is what we thought, too! NO stress so they can play and we can lounge!

I am glad that you had a good experience at the Cali Grill...I think that I should consider it a lovely place to have birthday dinner for Em...(do you know how do you figure out what time to make reservations so that you are able to see the fireworks?)

That is a good question. I have heard if you have reservations around 7:45 or so that it would be timing about right for a 10pm Wishes... Depending how you do dinner... I would say that Cali Grill is a 2 hour meal. SO, If you are going in the fall, and the fireworks are at 9 or 9:30 -- I would say 7:15 would be perfect....

well if you think the drinks are too weak in the World that is a fun and subtle way to doctor them...I've never seen a flask disguised as a camera...clever...

How detailed is Disney that they even decorate the village setting for the Cars show in the Studios?

Crazy right??!! Oh, the level of detail amazed me. You could write a whole book on just this along for the Christmas season. I didn't see half of it, and probably missed some altogether! But there is always next time... I guess this is why they get you coming back for the next time!!

I love the photos of your little man in his "Don't Make me put on my angry eyes" shirt......Love that shirt

great updates...

Yes I loved it too! Alas, it is slowly getting too small! I don't think he'll be wearing it this summer

 

[Happydog]

Great update! I don't blame you for being drawn to the pool that afternoon, it really was a lovely day!

Ok, I wanna know how early you set the alarm if you are going to be @ MK by 7am AND the boys will see that Santa came and have to open gifts first too!

And about the rain and the buckets, I remember.........

Well that Christmas post will probably take three entries to get it all in!! It was a very full day and I took a lot of photos surprisingly! I also have to get my PhotoPass CD ordered! I will do that tomorrow.... I have been dragging my feet! To give you a sneak peak, yes we did get up while it was still dark (you will see the photos!!) and yes we were at the MK very very early... I didn't set an alarm... I never sleep well on Christmas Eve. Ever. It was WORSE at WDW!!!! I am worse than the kids!!!

Great update! Epcot looks so fun at Christmas! We loved Le Cellier too--my DH said the prime rib was uber delish.

Can't wait to hear about Christmas day

Well I will start that later tomorrow or Monday (thank goodness for 3 day weekends!) Yes we have been big Le Cellier fans since this past summer!!!

What a lovely Christmas Eve! You all are such a happy group! The picture of the boys running to future world is so them! Love it!

I'm guessing Le Cellier was wonderful as usual since you are going back twice! I think we are going once, our first night, in May, hope there aren't any glitches in the flights.

Can't wait to read all about Christmas Day, and I too know all about the weather.

Oh yes it was a fun morning!!! We are going twice, yes, can you believe it??!! I would rather go to another restaurant, another new one, but he wants to, and said just book another lunch somewhere, so I figured it was a win win for everyone!!

Yes they tend to run everywhere...

Looks like a gorgeous day. Nothing like a Disney sky, right?? That doorway in England was just lovely. I'm pretty sure I have a picture of a doorway in Canada if it makes you feel any better!

OH good! Random door photos! Frankly I wish I took more! Looking back I didn't take many of the decorations around the park, I was too easily distracted myself enjoying everything!!! It was an amazing day... it did cloud up, but it was still great.

Epcot looks beautiful all decorated for Christmas!

There was so much to see!!! It really was so festive!

great updates as usual. Thank you for the head's up for the Only WDWorld site--not one I had previously visited.

Thanks! I want to go back and check that blog out myself!

 

[ladybugmom]

Great update! Le Cellier--we are eating there for the first time in May and I cannot WAIT!!! So booking it for 2 meals must mean you REALLY like it!! Can't wait to read about Christmas morning!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

YOU are probably right... I wasn't going to say it, but you are probably right!!!

It really was, and I would do it again, but of course add more time to get more in... I could spend hours there, and I still have not been able to do so after four trips!!!!

YES, it did! It was really pretty, and lots of red and green! So no, you were not making that up!!!!

I know what you mean about World Showcase! There just never seems to be quite enough time to see everything.

Oh you must must go! It is devine! You know DH had the prime rib and he said it was amazing, so that is why we are going twice.... so he can have steak and Prime Rib...

Well I was told to try and put those "popular" places towards the end of your week to maximize your chances... and you know with the change back to 180 I bet you will have better luck with availability than it was with the 90 days.... I got three reservations (cancelled one) for prime dinner time and only one I made at the 180 day mark on 12/22... the others I made a week ago. SO I bet you will be okay. Having your Reservation linked will give you that 10 day window so that gives you access...

It won't disappoint. AND the SMORES dessert is the best ever ever ever.

Well, I will keep trying if we don't get it the first time. My family loves their steaks. Have you tried the mousse? Are the smores dessert better than that?

 

[Native NYer]

Great photos!
SAB must have made afternoon breaks a not-to-be-missed part of the day.