In the Spirit of the Season

[annmarieda]

Glory and Hallelujah

After we finished playing around with the photo booths, we met back up with Steve and continued on our way to the line for CP.

We arrived 30 minutes before the show so they were already letting people in who had done the dinning package. Great for us so we didn't have to stand in line and wait any longer. We got pretty good seats. We were center and 4th row back from the main area. it would have been nice to be closer to be able to see better, but the sound could not have been better. I loved the show. Chita Rivera was our narrator and the conductor was mesmerizing! I was surprised at how much Steve liked it. Midnight mass has become a battle I just lose so I don't even fight him on it any more. I anticipated this being an extension of that. I am happy to say he came away thrilled. He found it inspirational...and was his favorite holiday moment.

Here are some of our not so great shots.

I had to take a picture of as many trees as possible. There were two tress like this; one on each side of the stage.

As the choirs from high schools around the country funneled in.

All of them up on stage

The singing was phenomenal.

Our narrator

the kids and the candles


One last one that is maybe not as bad as the rest. It was a beautiful performance. The closing from the narrator was amazing. Talking about how one man who did not own land...didn't hold office... etc. changed the world. Christian or not, that is an incredible message.

Unfortunately throughout the performance, Zoe was not feeling great and spent some time being fussy. She needed a bathroom break badly and was in quite a bit of discomfort. Stupid mom didn't stop to think that every female in that theater was going to make a beeline for the restroom when they got out. I held Zoe while she cried until it was our turn in line. It is rare that I wish that someone would give up their place in line or a seat...in fact, I am not certain I have ever hoped that someone would. This time though, I kept thinking "why isn't someone letting us go ahead of them" Zoe was vocal about hurting and crying and I was actually holding her in my arms.

After we finished with the potty break, we bought a cup of eggnog to try and cheer Zoe up. She was just feeling so sad and hurting. Sorry, I do not have a picture of it..and I don't even know what the name of the stand was that we bought it from.

We still had some fp tickets and while I realize that our next trip we would not be able to do this, we went to TT to use them.

After our ride on TT, we were all tired. Zoe was really tapped. We were suppose to watch illuminations with the priority seating pass from CP. We decided that we would catch Illuminations another night and so I got in touch with Heather to see if she would like to use them. She was in WS and so I began to walk in that direction. It was so funny because as I walked by the fountain, a giant wave from it flew out and drenched me. Just moments later, Heather and her family ran into me. I am sure I looked frazzled, but not because of the night or trying to find her...but because of all that darn water that just came down over me.

It was nice to see her one last time. I hated to miss illuminations, but I am glad that she could use the tickets.

We then went back to the resort and Zoe fell right to sleep before I could even get her into pajamas. I had a bit of time so I caught up on my journalling. Then at about 11pm, I too went to bed.

Next Chapter: And Another Beautiful Morning

 

[annmarieda]

Finished with Day 8, it is again time for my running tally.

Rides
BTMRR
HM
Cinderellas Carrousel
POTC
Finding Nemo
Journey Into Imagination
Living with the Land Boat ride
Sum of All Thrills
Toy Story Mania
Kilimanjaro Safari
Expedition Everest
Universe of Energy
Spaceship Earth
Test Track

Shows/Attractions
Enchanted Tikki Room
Living Seas Aquarium
One Man’s Dream (2)
Beauty and the Beast Musical
Osbourne Family Lights
Flights of Wonder
Pangani Trail
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Candle Light Processional

Parades/Firework Displays
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade(2)
Holiday Wishes
Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade

Characters Met
Seven Dwarfs
Terrance
Tinker Bell
Lady Trumaine
Cinderella (2)
Prince Charming
Druzella
Anastasia
Mickey (3)
Minnie (3)
Belle
Aurora
Ariel
Snow White
Marie
Duffy
Pluto
Goofy(2)
Donald
Daisy

Dinned At
Garden View Tea Room
EOS
Everything Pop (3)
Casey's Corner
CRT
CHH
Aloha Isle
Ohana
Sunshine Seasons
Coral Reef
Karamell-Kuche
Kringla Bakeri og Cafe
Roaring Fork (3)
Starring Rolls
Wolfgang Puck Express
Tusker House
Yak and Yeti Quality Beverage Window
Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
Safari Pretzel Kiosk
Safari Egg Rolls Kiosk
Sanaa
Le Cellier

 

[dizneeat]

Good to hear that you enjoyed the Candlelight Processional so much, Ann. It is wonderful. And for a great seat!
Not so wonderful that no one let you jump ahead with a Zoe in pain after the show.

I actually had to laugh when you described being drenched by the fountain. Not so much because it HAPPENED, but this is something that usually happens to ME! And I was picturing myself being drenched. Sorry for getting carried away.

At least you all got a good night's sleep! Rest is a critical item at WDW - or you'll need a vacation AFTER your vacation!

 

[momabaarjo]

I know how you felt exactly at the final narration of CP...I was in tears! It has been a long time that something has moved me that much!

I was thinking the same thing FastPasses...how we hoarded them to the end of day and then took in the rides before we left the park. I know I was one of those bad people that they talk about on the DIS . But that way of touring really worked for my family...and sometimes well, we were left holding a lot of Fastpasses and giving many away...that made me feel good!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I'm sorry to hear your lunch at LC was disappointing! It seems to be pretty hit or miss there, unfortunately!

The phone booths in the UK are fun, aren't they? I've never called random people, but my mom and I did once coordinate to surprise my dad and call him. (They were at Disney, she told him to stand in the phone booth for a picture, then texted me to call) He was completely surprised!

The Candlelight Processional sounds simply magical. I've only seen small snippets from the sidewalk passing by, it's so well-done!

 

[annmarieda]

Thanks for phone numbers, Ann!
This is something we sure are going to try (even if it costs an arm and a leg from Tom's Austrian phone )

If it helps you with planning, Ann, we will be at DL from Wednesday to Saturday after Labour Day. We are hoping to snatch a DVC room at the Grand Californian, so we can stay smack inside the magic! And we would LOVE to meet you and Zoe!

I will definitely keep your dates in mind! I have always always ALWAYS wanted to stay at GC!. I think it looks a bit like an upscale version of WL. I doubt we would be heading there though... I think with DVC it would be great, but without... a bit pricey.

Good to hear that you enjoyed the Candlelight Processional so much, Ann. It is wonderful. And for a great seat!
Not so wonderful that no one let you jump ahead with a Zoe in pain after the show.

No one needed to let us jump ahead... I was just surprised no one did. I am sure that there have been enough times that I have allowed someone else to jump ahead of us in the restroom that I would think karma would have allowed for it... but Oh well...

I actually had to laugh when you described being drenched by the fountain. Not so much because it HAPPENED, but this is something that usually happens to ME! And I was picturing myself being drenched. Sorry for getting carried away.

You too? Somehow, I am always the one to get the most wet on a ride. Wouldn't you think I would be safe when not even on a ride? It just came out of no where...or so it seemed. It was in fact funny though.

At least you all got a good night's sleep! Rest is a critical item at WDW - or you'll need a vacation AFTER your vacation!

Yes, and I can't tell you how many times that has been the case. I need a break to get caught up on sleep both right when we arrive and then shortly after we get back.

I was thinking the same thing FastPasses...how we hoarded them to the end of day and then took in the rides before we left the park. I know I was one of those bad people that they talk about on the DIS . But that way of touring really worked for my family...and sometimes well, we were left holding a lot of Fastpasses and giving many away...that made me feel good!

Betsy and I talked about it today.. I think the new fast pass implementation of rules is ultimately not going to work. I suspect the unspoken reason for allowing admittance for "late" fast passes in the first place took into account several things.

1. Guest has an adr that runs late (either because the restaurant is behind, the service is slow or simply the meal takes longer than anticipated)

2. Guest is stuck on a ride longer (either the ride actually shuts down while the guest is on the ride or the listed wait time is not as long as the ACTUAL time it takes to wait)

3. Guest has a fp for a return time when the ride is down for whatever reason

I am sure that those reasons plus just the curtesy (if a guest is ill..goes back to their resort for a nap...ends up needing a restroom break) were all reasons behind the overlooking of return times(other than the front end of the window)

I'm sorry to hear your lunch at LC was disappointing! It seems to be pretty hit or miss there, unfortunately!

It has been a bit hit or miss... more miss though than hit. I doubt we will go there on our next trip.

The phone booths in the UK are fun, aren't they? I've never called random people, but my mom and I did once coordinate to surprise my dad and call him. (They were at Disney, she told him to stand in the phone booth for a picture, then texted me to call) He was completely surprised!

It was definitely a high point on the trip...especially for Alex. I rarely am "cool" in my 16 year old son's eyes... but I may have briefly..maybe for a second been so while we did this.

The Candlelight Processional sounds simply magical. I've only seen small snippets from the sidewalk passing by, it's so well-done!

If I were to EVER go during the holidays again this would be a must. The MVMCP, no.. but his would be!!!

 

[momabaarjo]

I just have to tell you that I am so jealous to see a ticker on your signature! And what on earth are you doing on the computer so late last night?

 

[annmarieda]

I just have to tell you that I am so jealous to see a ticker on your signature! And what on earth are you doing on the computer so late last night?

Yes, I am excited. It will be a completely different trip than December, for sure!!

As for my late night... well, I have been working more lately and then Steve has been working from home more... and so my computer time ends up being later. Except today... all done and playing around.

 

[momabaarjo]

Yes, I am excited. It will be a completely different trip than December, for sure!!

Have you started training yet for the run? I have been toying with the couch to 5K thing once the weather gets a little better in the evenings (our factor is the wind again this year being awful) and before it gets way too hot! Sigh...guess I wil have to live through your next trip.

As for my late night... well, I have been working more lately and then Steve has been working from home more... and so my computer time ends up being later. Except today... all done and playing around.

At least you are finding time to get on...my time seems to be only before everyone gets up in the morning.

 

[annmarieda]

Have you started training yet for the run? I have been toying with the couch to 5K thing once the weather gets a little better in the evenings (our factor is the wind again this year being awful) and before it gets way too hot! Sigh...guess I will have to live through your next trip.

I have started a bit... mostly walking but some jogging. It was a beautiful day yesterday and Zoe and I walked a couple miles in 30 minutes... so I am hopeful that once in shape I will be able to maintain a 16 or less minute mile.

I too contend with the weather here... or rather am discouraged by it. I know I watched as people continued with their runs this last week when it snowed. Not for me... wind..that will keep me inside too. Then...heat will be my next fear.

 

[tinacaplan]

1. EE is amazing. When Mark and I rode back in 2010, we were thinking the same thing you were: anything that goes up like that must come back down like that. I was so relieved when it didn't! I love EE, but I haven't been on it since then. Hopefully I'll fix that in April.

2. Isn't AKL beautiful? I so want to stay there someday, but it does seem so far from MK. Do you remember how long the ride was? Just curious. I know if we stay deluxe again, I won't be able to convince Mark to stay there, but...who knows?

3. Sorry that Le Cellier wasn't better. We did not have a great meal there, either. Way too salty. I was so disappointed, as so many people rave about it.

4. The processional does look beautiful. And I miss Midnight Mass, too.

5. Why wouldn't people notice that Zoe wasn't feeling well and give you some space and a bathroom stall, possibly???

 

[annmarieda]

And Another Beautiful Morning

Oh my goodness, can you believe we are now on day 9? More than half way through the trip, I think this TR has lost its momentum and I need to wrap it up. Rather than just say.. yup, day nine was this park and day 10 this and so on and so forth and then we went home... I will continue on. Doing so, hopefully without dragging it out too much thus boring you all to tears.

So as noted, this was day nine and a friday. The park was MK and like many mornings it was just Zoe and I. You will see that yes, she was in fact wearing her Belle dress again. Where else can she wear this?(yes, I know a birthday party not too far off in the future ) I figured she might as well enjoy it.

Zoe waiting for the bus at WL

I did have intentions to make rd, but we arrived at MK just a bit too late. The ceremony was just ending.

Since rd had happened already thought there was not a pushy mob of people to get down main street. Since I love the windows, I got this (albeit bad) picture. Aren't they cute?

We were happy to find though that the park was SO SO empty. We literally walked onto Tommorrowland Speadway.

We then walked to AO and didn’t have to brave the crowds to get there. Normally, I don’t care for this ride. It goes up and fast and I kinda wanta be sick most of the ride. I in fact had my hand over my face much of that ride. So when no one had come up the elevator and the cm asked if we wanted to stay on, he thought he was pretty funny cause he knew that I looked a bit green. Being the good mom I sometimes can be... I braved it for Zoe a second time. She afterall, loves that ride!

After we came off AO we saw Stitch. He was just wandering without a single person to visit with. We were happy to run over to see him.

We then rode the people mover. Now that is a ride I can handle.

And just to show how empty it was..

Next we went to ride the Buzz Lightyear ride. Again, there was so few people!

And while it is a horrid picture of me.. there are so few of the trip so...

Zoe is sad to be in jail with the Emperor

Since we were trying to hurry when we left WL that morning, we had skipped breakfast. Then seeing the park empty we skipped it longer. (see only sometimes can I be a good mom) It was now time though to eat something. What did we stop for? An ooey, gooey, yummy cinnamon roll from Main Street Bakery!

After we had a little something in our belly’s, it was time to go to watch the Country Bears. The lobby was empty and so we had the opportunity to really enjoy the decor... ceiling to nail scratched floor.

We usually have done this late at night so I am pretty sure Zoe has never been awake for it. So a first for Zoe. Since we were first into the theater, we chose a spot up front and center. Again, wonderful seats!!!

Continuing on in Frontierland, we went to BTMRR. Now, remember early in the trip we wondered if she could ride this since there is the sudden jolt at the end. I was a bit nervous, but figured if I had the timing down to brace her across her shoulders rather than let her belly hit the bar it would be fine. Sure enough.. .fine!!! So we went on a second time since the park still was rather empty.

I am not sure if I was just giddy from how much we were doing or the fact that we were not needing to shuffle along at a snails pace through the crowds, but when we came to Splash Mountain and there was hardly a wait, I decided we should go.

I don’t normally go on this ride, so this was in fact a big deal. I am not a big fan of getting wet on rides...nor of falling. Splash is not normally the ride for me. We went on it and I actually enjoyed it enough to pay attention to the story. Hmm... maybe this isn’t such a bad ride. Down the drop and we didn’t get wet. Not a drop. Ok, so I kinda enjoyed that ride. Maybe conquering EE has made me a bit braver.

When we got off Splash, the guys let us know that they were up and ready to meet us. It was about noon. Yes, the guys favorite time to go to the park was around noon and their favorite time to leave the park? Around 3. Oh well, at this point in the trip it was fine cause Zoe and I were having fun!

Next Chapter: Traveling Back to before the Age of Technology Wasnt on MY Itinerarary

 

[momabaarjo]

I am so jealous of your empty park...what I would have given for a couple of days like that! It melts my heart to see you and Zoe having such a great time just the two of you...and her in her princess dress along with all the smiles is just priceless remembering how close a week ago prior to these moments the trip was almost cancelled!

Glad you enjoyed splash mountain...I too loved the story and so did the kids simply because we had taken the time to watch Song of the South and read a couple of Brer Rabbit stories before we went!

 

[annmarieda]

1. EE is amazing. When Mark and I rode back in 2010, we were thinking the same thing you were: anything that goes up like that must come back down like that. I was so relieved when it didn't! I love EE, but I haven't been on it since then. Hopefully I'll fix that in April.

I am so excited you are going back soon again!!

2. Isn't AKL beautiful? I so want to stay there someday, but it does seem so far from MK. Do you remember how long the ride was? Just curious. I know if we stay deluxe again, I won't be able to convince Mark to stay there, but...who knows?

I am not 100% sure how long it took. I would say 20 minutes? Maybe a bit more.

3. Sorry that Le Cellier wasn't better. We did not have a great meal there, either. Way too salty. I was so disappointed, as so many people rave about it.

Yes... salty. TOOO salty. My other experiences have been wonderful. Not sure if it was just a certain chef... maybe he/she likes salt?

. The processional does look beautiful. And I miss Midnight Mass, too.

It was beautiful. Honestly, I enjoy midnight mass more... but Steve really was impressed by CP. I am glad... I worried he would not at all like it.

5. Why wouldn't people notice that Zoe wasn't feeling well and give you some space and a bathroom stall, possibly???

I think everyone really needed a bathroom break was the problem. If Zoe had really had a medical emergency, I did have options... but the line ended up moving fast enough.

 

[annmarieda]

I am so jealous of your empty park...what I would have given for a couple of days like that! It melts my heart to see you and Zoe having such a great time just the two of you...and her in her princess dress along with all the smiles is just priceless remembering how close a week ago prior to these moments the trip was almost cancelled!

Glad you enjoyed splash mountain...I too loved the story and so did the kids simply because we had taken the time to watch Song of the South and read a couple of Brer Rabbit stories before we went!

As you will see in my next update or two, the park didn't remain empty. I think that the closer to Christmas it got, the harder it was to have those "quieter" moments in the parks.

It was a nice morning with Zoe for sure!!! And believe me, I was counting my blessings to be there with her. Hard to believe we almost didn't go.

And... I will likely enjoy Splash again. I think I get it in my head that I don't like something and it is hard to get over that fear. Once over it though... I should be able to handle it. Question is though...am I over it.

 

[tinacaplan]

I doubt you're boring anyone. Its more time to "hang out." Looks like you and Zoe had a great morning at a nearly empty MK. Isn't that the best? I think I've been spoiled and that's why I beat a path out of there so fast when it starts to get busy.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I don't think anyone's bored here, don't worry!!!

Wow, I can't believe how empty the park was that morning! How fun to be able to walk right onto pretty much any ride you wanted!

 

[dizneeat]

and update! I am SOOOOOOO enjoying it! Not a bit bored!!!!

Zoe is just adorable! And I cannot believe HOW empty the park is!!!! Wish we could go at a time like this!
Love all the rides you were able to do and for braving so many "thrill" rides!

 

[annmarieda]

I doubt you're boring anyone. Its more time to "hang out." Looks like you and Zoe had a great morning at a nearly empty MK. Isn't that the best? I think I've been spoiled and that's why I beat a path out of there so fast when it starts to get busy.

Glad to know I won't be boring you. I just tend to ramble on... and on... and on.

Zoe and i did have a great morning. I think this was one of my favorite mornings of the entire trip and MK being so empty helped that.

I don't think anyone's bored here, don't worry!!!

Wow, I can't believe how empty the park was that morning! How fun to be able to walk right onto pretty much any ride you wanted!

Good, I won't worry so much then.

And..the park being empty was amazing! I just wish the entire trip could have been a bit more like that.

and update! I am SOOOOOOO enjoying it! Not a bit bored!!!!

Zoe is just adorable! And I cannot believe HOW empty the park is!!!! Wish we could go at a time like this!
Love all the rides you were able to do and for braving so many "thrill" rides!

Glad you are not bored.

thank you, I think Zoe was particularly cute on this day.

I too wish the park was more like this when we go. It rarely is except in the early morning. This was even a friday morning so I am not sure was was going on. maybe it was the friday before Christmas and people were traveling to WDW? In any case, it didn't last and I am so glad we to got to take advantage of it.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

What a terrific morning for the two of you!! The happiness on Zoe's face all morning must have been a pleasure for you. Although it would have been nice to see your eyes, I think you look lovely in your picture; my hair usually is pulled into a messy bun.

I agree the days closer to Christmas grew crazier and crazier. I really enjoyed our Christmas trip, but I am not anxious to return at that time.