It's a Marshmallow World...at New Year's!The End! Future trip?? 7.21.14 Update

[sherylcin]

Finally had a minute to catch up on your report. I, for one, am very thankful you're not zooming through it! A few comments:
1) Aren't the country Storytellers a great Epcot Christmas tradition! I think I got to see all of them except for the one in France (I was running back to China to pick up one last Christmas present during the very last opportunity to see that one. Saving something for next time.)
2) Love all the nighttime pics you've posted. Epcot is so beautiful at night anyway and with the added Christmas lights and decorations, it is really breathtaking! I really am enjoying your pics on this report because I know exactly where you were standing and I even have some of the same pics myself. I loved the window displays at HS and I see you did too! The Christmas tree pic with the reflection in the water is gorgeous!
3) So glad you enjoyed your meal at Chefs de France. We usually go there for lunch because my adult kids love the French onion soup and they have a Prix Fixe Menu that includes that for lunch. We've always enjoyed it. Such a pretty setting, especially at night!
4) We did the Candlelight Processional package too (only we ate at Germany) and I agree it is totally worth it! When I saw the lines hours before the first show, I have to admit I was shocked and so glad I had that little ticket in my pocket! I'll wait for your review to comment any more but I wanted to say I would do that package every time. I hope I get the chance to do it again soon!!

Love your report and will eagerly await your next post!!

 

[TinksThree]

Finally had a minute to catch up on your report. I, for one, am very thankful you're not zooming through it! A few comments:
1) Aren't the country Storytellers a great Epcot Christmas tradition! I think I got to see all of them except for the one in France (I was running back to China to pick up one last Christmas present during the very last opportunity to see that one. Saving something for next time.)

They really are great! I missed several I wanted to see but there is always next time!

2) Love all the nighttime pics you've posted. Epcot is so beautiful at night anyway and with the added Christmas lights and decorations, it is really breathtaking! I really am enjoying your pics on this report because I know exactly where you were standing and I even have some of the same pics myself. I loved the window displays at HS and I see you did too! The Christmas tree pic with the reflection in the water is gorgeous!

Thank you! So glad you are enjoying them! I have several more night pictures coming up!

3) So glad you enjoyed your meal at Chefs de France. We usually go there for lunch because my adult kids love the French onion soup and they have a Prix Fixe Menu that includes that for lunch. We've always enjoyed it. Such a pretty setting, especially at night!

We loved it!I think next time I may try for a lunch to compare the differences!

4) We did the Candlelight Processional package too (only we ate at Germany) and I agree it is totally worth it! When I saw the lines hours before the first show, I have to admit I was shocked and so glad I had that little ticket in my pocket! I'll wait for your review to comment any more but I wanted to say I would do that package every time. I hope I get the chance to do it again soon!!

The lines were so scary! That is definitely what put that slight cost difference more than worthwhile!

Love your report and will eagerly await your next post!!

I am slow in posting even when I intend not to be! Time just slips away! More coming soon!!

 

[TinksThree]

Joyeux Noël​

Now that we were sufficiently stuffed from our lunch, we decided to make our way to World Showcase. I had looked up the times of the Storytellers weeks before and knew that Pere Noel would soon be telling his story...so we made our way to France!



We got there just as Pere Noel was getting started so perfect timing!!





Pere Noel was so great! He had the perfect personality and demeanor!



I also loved that he had a Madeleine doll!



We watched as clouds rolled in and just as Pere Noel was finishing up we began feeling drops falling on our heads. The threat of rain had been there all day and it appeared the threat was over! So we decided to make our way very quickly to the stores. We found ourselves in the waiting area for the movie and decided waiting to see Impressions de France!

We had about a 15 minute wait which we decided was much better than being in the now pouring rain! As a matter of fact A LOTof people thought the same thing because the waiting area was soon jam packed with people! While we waited, Madison and I took a couple of selfies:





I had to be sure my wet hair didn't look like a soaked dog!!

Before long the doors swung open and we found seats close to the front. We really love this film...dated or not!

Patiently waiting...



Chris before the movie began. This is shortly before his 20 minute nap!

The Split!!​

So the time has come that we part ways. See, this was on a Sunday and what I am about to say will make so much sense about Keith's preoccupation today and not totally "in" the Disney spirit. Not only was this a Sunday but it was week 16 of the NFL season...anyone that follows the NFL knows that a season is 16 weeks. This means that today was the last regular season football games.

Keith is a huge football fan and had spent the morning portion following the Miami Dolphins game...he likes the Dolphins mostly back when Marino was quarterback but he still follows them. But he LOVES the New Orleans Saints! And they were playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 4:15pm so he had one thing on his mind...FOOTBALL!

At this point he decided to go find a TV and Chris tagged along. This left Madison and I to do WHATEVER we wanted!!!

To make this portion of the story quick...Keith and Chris went to ESPN Club because it would be easy to meet up with us later after the game. Lots of people had this same idea so they wound up taking the boat to DHS and then catching a bus to POP. At the end of the afternoon, the Saints won in a superior fashion and we were all happy! Unfortunately...they didn't make it far into the playoffs...

Just the Girls!!!​

Once the guys and gals parted ways...Madison and I had to decide what to do!!! Since the Candlelight Processional was to be towards America, we walked that way. And of course the next country is Morocco!! I love, love, love looking through this country...so many pictures!

I have a million and one pictures here!



And speaking of taking a million and one pictures...Madison and I had fun doing what we wanted without people making us feel rushed! This afternoon/evening becomes my favorite part of the trip...well, almost...mostly as a whole since lots of greats still occur but also some not so greats...BUT I am getting way ahead of myself! Madison doesn't mind me taking pictures or playing with my camera features so I felt free to snap away too!

Spice Road was close to opening but just wasn't ready...I can't wait to try this new little spot out!



And then we hit the shops!!! One day I may actually purchase something!
We attempted to find a Genie and make three wishes but alas, it wasn't meant to be!



I really liked these vases and this is one of the things I would actually purchase:



It's Hump Day!!! No it is really Sunday...BUT TODAY IS HUMP DAY!!!!





A lantern I fell in love with!!



I love how the shops flow throughout Morocco and the surroundings are so pretty!



And lamps that I also fell in love with. I am thinking I may make a room in my house Moroccan just so I can go shopping!



Continued in the following post...

 

[TinksThree]

We then wandered into a place we have never entered:



There were displays showing the different Moroccan costumes and jewelry as well as the history and a little folklore thrown in!







I seriously want this lamp shade...uhm...hat!



And then a picture of this because no one can have too many pictures in Morocco!!



We had spent a good bit of time in Morocco and decided to move on to Japan.



The clouds were clearing and the birds were enjoying the sun!



We wandered over towards the big store and I noticed this smoking...I know there must be a purpose but I didn't see anything explaining:



Christmas decorations in Japan:





This is when we noticed the line forming for the Candlelight Processional ticket holders. It was around 4:20 - 4:30 by this time so we had about 45 minutes before we could be seated. We decided to not wait and line up. And what do you do while waiting in line? Take pictures of course!!





We were right next to this bird house thingy and just as I went to take a picture of the bird sitting on top, he flew off but perfect timing!!



He came right back and I got the shot I was originally trying to get!



And lucky us! We got to see a little entertainment as we waited!!!







And how about a little crowd perspective!?!?!



A few more pictures from our line waiting location:







And a couple of selfies to prove it really was us taking the pictures!





Before long we were being let into the theater!! The wait really wasn't terrible and the drummers broke up the wait time as well!

Next up: Candlelight Processional!!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I can see the need for splitting up 'cause watching football kept the guys happy and the gals got to do some window shopping. Speaking of window shopping, I am with you on Morocco. I love looking around in the stores there. Well, actually just the country itself. The buildings and surroundings are beautiful!

 

[scottny]

Love riding TT but hate the design part.
MMM, Coral Reef.
All the food looked good.
I can’t wait to try Spice Road also.
Great Update and pics.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I have to say, I have nothing but admiration for a lot of these story tellers. Early December was so hot, and these outfits were not made for that. They must have been so very uncomfortable. I really enjoyed the ones I saw too.

Haha, I have a feeling a lot of the show's attendance grows substantially when it rains.

Ahh, so nice to see Morocco getting more and more love all the time. It's always been one of my favourites.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

ah lot's of wonderful pictures! I especially love the one with the bird just "taking off". Oh, and I am with you on the lights/lanterns they have for sale at Morocco

Oh, just in case you get quizzed in the future, there are actually 17 weeks in the NFL season - each team has 16 games plus a bye week, so the last week is actually week 17

Quite the crowd, looks like it was a good choice to get in line for the procession when you did!

 

[TinksThree]

I can see the need for splitting up 'cause watching football kept the guys happy and the gals got to do some window shopping. Speaking of window shopping, I am with you on Morocco. I love looking around in the stores there. Well, actually just the country itself. The buildings and surroundings are beautiful!

Yes! One of the many lessons learned over our trips...everyone is much happier when they do their own thing or else sit out from doing something the do not want to do! Morocco has always been a favorite but the more I go the more I can really look at the details!

Love riding TT but hate the design part.
MMM, Coral Reef.
All the food looked good.
I can’t wait to try Spice Road also.
Great Update and pics.

We have had 50/50 luck with the design part so I'm still not sold but I'm glad TT is still there unlike so many of the former attractions that have disappeared! Coral Reef was very good...another choice I was glad I'd made!

I have to say, I have nothing but admiration for a lot of these story tellers. Early December was so hot, and these outfits were not made for that. They must have been so very uncomfortable. I really enjoyed the ones I saw too.

Haha, I have a feeling a lot of the show's attendance grows substantially when it rains.

Ahh, so nice to see Morocco getting more and more love all the time. It's always been one of my favourites.

The Santas had those heavy coats so I can't imagine how hot they get!

Yes, rain tends to push people indoors...the bad times are in the summer when people are all sweaty...then get wet...then jammed into areas! Thankfully, it was a cooler day!!

I've always loved Morocco but I really just appreciate it more and more each trip!!

ah lot's of wonderful pictures! I especially love the one with the bird just "taking off". Oh, and I am with you on the lights/lanterns they have for sale at Morocco

Oh, just in case you get quizzed in the future, there are actually 17 weeks in the NFL season - each team has 16 games plus a bye week, so the last week is actually week 17

Quite the crowd, looks like it was a good choice to get in line for the procession when you did!

Aw..thanks! I was upset when he flew off until I looked at the picture itself and thought it was pretty cool that I'd timed it just right!

Oh no being technical on me!!! You're right...17 weeks, I just think of it as Game #16 although I love football so much that I count pre-season, regular, post-season, draft day, training camp.... Baseball is the same way for me...I am itching for Major League play to begin but loving Spring Training right now!

Oh we definitely made the right decision...for more reasons than one... But that comes up next!!

 

[TinksThree]

I'm soliciting advice from many places...so thought I'd try here too!

In 35 days I will be heading to Orlando!!! But to Universal with Madison's high school band. This is her senior year so my last chance to chaperone... We will be there for two days...a Saturday and Sunday...but also the weekend BEFORE Easter (April 11-14 are the trip dates). So I know all of the things I should really be doing but since I have no control over 1) where we are staying and 2) when we arrive (although we probably will be there until closing each night)...any tips? Also what rides and attractions should I focus on? I know the Harry Potter section...I want to see the Dr. Seuss area too. I have heard Transformers is great even for non-fans. That wasn't on my initial list. Also...can your take drinks and snacks in like at Disney? For all the things I know about Disney...I know even less about Universal. I have read the "guide books", made my lists and now turning to people maybe "in the know" so anything at all is helpful!! Oh and one more thing! Any preferred eating locations?

 

[amandaw]

Your meal at Coral Reef really looks yummy! I would like to try that place but I was always worried that Ed wouldn't like it since he's not big on seafood. But, the steak looks good so maybe he would be ok.

All of your pics in the World Showcase are so pretty! I especially like the detailed ones like the genie lamp.

Woo Hoo! for being back in Orlando soon. Universal & Islands of Adventure are so fun. I will say that we prefer Islands of Adventure. The Harry Potter & Seussland areas are my 2 favorites. Definitely ride the ride in Hogwarts. They did an incredible job on theming. And lunch @ the 3 Broomsticks is always yummy in our opinion!

 

[saintstickets]

GREAT TR....until I read this -

... At the end of the afternoon, the Saints won in a superior fashion and we were all happy! Unfortunately...they didn't make it far into the playoffs...

You didn't have to remind me of this! Oh well, much better than that OTHER black & gold team!

Can't wait to read your take on Candlelight Processional. More please?!

 

[TinksThree]

Your meal at Coral Reef really looks yummy! I would like to try that place but I was always worried that Ed wouldn't like it since he's not big on seafood. But, the steak looks good so maybe he would be ok.

All of your pics in the World Showcase are so pretty! I especially like the detailed ones like the genie lamp.

Woo Hoo! for being back in Orlando soon. Universal & Islands of Adventure are so fun. I will say that we prefer Islands of Adventure. The Harry Potter & Seussland areas are my 2 favorites. Definitely ride the ride in Hogwarts. They did an incredible job on theming. And lunch @ the 3 Broomsticks is always yummy in our opinion!

The steak was reported as very good! I always look to see if there's a steak if I want to eat somewhere I don't think Keith will like the rest of the menu! Wait...Ed doesn't like seafood??!! In LA and doesn't like seafood...that's not normal!!

Harry Potter and Seussland are on the top of my list! I saw pictures from 3 Broomsticks and think this may be the place for lunch! Thanks!!!

GREAT TR....until I read this -


You didn't have to remind me of this! Oh well, much better than that OTHER black & gold team!

Can't wait to read your take on Candlelight Processional. More please?!

Sorry I brought up bad memories!! I am ready for ALL my black and gold teams to start getting on track!

More coming soon!!!

 

[TinksThree]

So how many people thought I had disappeared totally...completely??? Nope, it was just Spring Break and we took the week to head for the hills of East Tennessee. I call it my "other Disney" since that is Keith's favorite place and also a place I love going too! We go to the Smoky Mountains about as often as we go to Disney! But I am back and ready to give my next update!!!

Candlelight Processional​

The Candlelight Processional was one of my most anticipated events for this trip! When I was planning the Thanksgiving week trip, I waited with baited breath for the list of performers to be released. When it came out that Gary Sinise was going to be the narrator, I was over-the-top excited!!! I love Gary Sinise (in a perfectly innocent way! ) and I ride Mission Space just to see him! Cancelling the Candlelight Processional package for that trip was literally painful! I had to take deep breaths and tried not to cry as I hit the "CANCEL" button!

Planning the New Year's trip gave me another surge of excitement when I found out that Amy Grant was one of the narrators while we were in town! I have loved Amy Grant since the 1980's and was very excited when I saw her name. So, it was pretty much a no-brainer that Amy Grant would be the show I'd choose to see!

Madison and I had stood outside for about 40 minutes in the line to enter, which I really didn't feel was too bad. But as my previous post discussed, it could have been due to the entertainment we had in Japan and taking many, many pictures! Once we got into the theater we had choices to make...where to sit! Once we sat this was our view:





Now, as I sat down, I realized that I was NOT in the best position to see the narrator. However, we had two choices to make...sit close to the front (although on the far left) or sit in the center where I'd have a great view...and we could have easily made the change, however, if you will look at this picture...well, there was a little something that made my decision very simple:



Rain! And while it really only rained a little before the performance I really did not want to stress about the possibility of getting wet. So, we remained in this spot.

Before long these trumpeters came out and the show got started!!



The orchestra made their appearance and got things rolling even more...the excitement was building!






Continued in the following post...

 

[TinksThree]

And then the Processional began...and it went on and on and on...so many!! I knew there would be but wow! It seemed as though people kept filing into the theater!!





This window was right next to our seats so we got a great up close and personal view!!







Amy Grant made her entrance and the best I got to see was her red dress through the bells...







The performance was so amazing! I loved every second of it!! Even though I could not see Amy Grant at all, it was still so wonderful!! There were moments with so many people singing that the moment was just powerful. I know that some parts had been removed (or so I heard in Podcasts, and since I refrained from looking at any You Tube videos, I didn't miss the removed portions but then I am also not sure exactly what those parts were. As they say...ignorance is bliss...and I had chosen ignorance!!

This is one experience I will put on my "must" list if I am ever fortunate enough to go during the holidays again!! I have a few short videos I am going to post. Most are around 25 - 30 seconds. They aren't in the right order particularly....I'm just a little lazy tonight!

The show is getting started!



This one features the trumpeters:



"Hark the Herald Angels"







Amy Grant narrating and "What Child is This?"



One of my most favorite Christmas carols/songs: "O Holy Night"!



"Joy To The World"



And finally "Silent Night"



There were many,many beautiful songs through out the whole performance. Looking at these videos now to post, it brought back the memories! And these videos weren't that great since I took them with my I-phone but it captured the moments!

I still don't think I translate very well how deeply moving this was...at least for me it was extremely moving and a wonderful evening. I hate Keith missed it, because I know he would have enjoyed it!

Coming up next...Do Madison and I head back to the resort...do we meet back up with the guys or (well) what DO we do!?!?

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm soliciting advice from many places...so thought I'd try here too!

In 35 days I will be heading to Orlando!!! But to Universal with Madison's high school band. This is her senior year so my last chance to chaperone... We will be there for two days...a Saturday and Sunday...but also the weekend BEFORE Easter (April 11-14 are the trip dates). So I know all of the things I should really be doing but since I have no control over 1) where we are staying and 2) when we arrive (although we probably will be there until closing each night)...any tips? Also what rides and attractions should I focus on? I know the Harry Potter section...I want to see the Dr. Seuss area too. I have heard Transformers is great even for non-fans. That wasn't on my initial list. Also...can your take drinks and snacks in like at Disney? For all the things I know about Disney...I know even less about Universal. I have read the "guide books", made my lists and now turning to people maybe "in the know" so anything at all is helpful!! Oh and one more thing! Any preferred eating locations?

One of my Dis friends has been to Universal and wrote a trip report. Here's the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3145638

Dee is a super lady and I am sure that she wouldn't mind answering any questions that you have.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Well, if you couldn't see Gary Sinise, then Amy Grant is a good second choice. I've always loved her! I've always heard that the Candlelight Processional performances are worth the wait and those videos prove it.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I've been reading so much about the Processional on the boards recently. It has never been something I really had any interest in at all. But reading about the wonderful experiences everyone had (not one bad one) and it just gets praised to the heavens, I may just have to include it on another holiday trip.

 

[scottny]

Amy Grant looked like a great person to see. Nice pics.

As for US. I would recommend Harry Potter and have a butterbeer.

Spiderman is a must.

Transformers and Minion rides are a must.

E.T. is very cute.

The Simpsons is good.

The Mummy is a great rollercoaster.

Suess Land is very cute.

Try to carry as little as possible as US makes you put stuff into lockers (i find it very annoying).

Lombardis Landing is a great restaurant to eat in and so was Margaritaville.

 

[TinksThree]

One of my Dis friends has been to Universal and wrote a trip report. Here's the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3145638

Dee is a super lady and I am sure that she wouldn't mind answering any questions that you have.

Thanks for the link! I will have to read up on it! 3 weeks from today we will be at Universal!!

Well, if you couldn't see Gary Sinise, then Amy Grant is a good second choice. I've always loved her! I've always heard that the Candlelight Processional performances are worth the wait and those videos prove it.

Candlelight Processional was so great! I KNOW you'd love it! I hope you can experience one day!

I've been reading so much about the Processional on the boards recently. It has never been something I really had any interest in at all. But reading about the wonderful experiences everyone had (not one bad one) and it just gets praised to the heavens, I may just have to include it on another holiday trip.

I really recommend seeing it! For me, it was beautiful and touched me deeply. It represented everything Christmas really means to me! I haven't seen any negative reviews of it either. I do know Neil Patrick Harris is the highest in demand celebrity!!

Amy Grant looked like a great person to see. Nice pics.

She really was ! Thanks on the pics!

As for US. I would recommend Harry Potter and have a butterbeer.

These are starred on my list!! I also think 3 Broomsticks will be one meal option from what I have read.

Spiderman is a must.

Transformers and Minion rides are a must.

I love the Minions! I really wasn't too interested in Transformers but you're the 5th person to say it is a must so notes definitely made to include!

E.T. is very cute.

The Simpsons is good.

The Mummy is a great rollercoaster.

Suess Land is very cute.

These are all pretty high on my original list, if nothing else (like Suess Land) to walk through and soak up the atmosphere.

Try to carry as little as possible as US makes you put stuff into lockers (i find it very annoying).

I was reading about this and I have already found aspects of it annoying. I know I'll have my camera since I'll be taking pictures of the kids for their DVD but otherwise I plan to carry little. But still it seems I will be annoyed! At least they are offered free and, well, they offer!

Lombardis Landing is a great restaurant to eat in and so was Margaritaville.

Thanks so much for your tips!!! I wasn't sure if Citywalk would be an option but now that I know it is, I may definitely check out Margaritaville! Lombardis Landing was one that I noted for in the parks along with Mythos.