It's gonna take a lot to take me away from this view! 7/10 - Finished!

[MidnightParade]

Joining in! Loving the TR and the gifs!! Oh the gifs! Are you making them yourself or just have a great source? Love the AKL pics too! Can't wait to read more...and now I will need to head over and start your PTR!

 

[teekathepony]

I was looking for a good TR to read to get me excited for our upcoming trip, and yours caught my eye! I know I'm jumping in late, but I just wanted to say that you and your DH remind me SO MUCH of me and my DH! Looking forward to reading more

aboard! So glad to have you!! Thanks for stopping by

I hate feeling ill at WDW. But we do normally take half days at the resort to rest

I think I'll plan it more often, it really helped.

I'm a big fan of the muppets too

I can't wait to see the movie. I hope it never leaves.

I got to see the new movie in theatres, it was pretty good!

Never seen that light up scarf! I'd have a hard time choosing between the two.

It's cute! I can't wait to pull it out of storage this year! lol

Joining in! Loving the TR and the gifs!! Oh the gifs! Are you making them yourself or just have a great source? Love the AKL pics too! Can't wait to read more...and now I will need to head over and start your PTR!

Thanks for joining me! I don't make the gifs myself, I find most of them on several different Disney gif blogs on Tumblr!

 

[teekathepony]

Hello, good morning, how is everyone?

Hope you're all having a splendid weekend so far (and we're only mere hours into it!) I had a great day yesterday. I was getting a painting ready for a local art show and posted a photo of it to Facebook. Within 4 hours I sold the original and three prints! The painting in question?

This silly little thing!

I'm not sure why it generated so much interest, but I'm not asking questions. Anything I make from that is going into my "Yacht Club Jar" -- I just posted a little about that on my PTR in case you'd like to know some more.

So! Who's ready for a picture-heavy update? Because I've got one ready for you.

Friday, November 15th
A Change of Seasons
It was dinner time! Where were we headed?

It was a restaurant that I had been to but Johnny hadn't, meaning I hadn't been there since 2007. I really wanted Johnny to see the place, but the food is only just ok. We decided to pay out of pocket for this one since we had a few too many meals planned, and this would be a less expensive of our restaurants.

So? Where was it?

IMG_0835 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Sci-Fi Dine In!

Last time I ate here it was interesting, good atmosphere, bad food, which is why it never made the cut for Johnny and I. I really wanted him to see the awesome inside though, so I figured we'd go for it.

I don't remember much about the exact orders. I ordered just the spinach dip appetizer, and Johnny got a steak, that I do know.

I also got a milkshake:
IMG_4842 by teekathepony, on Flickr

We watched the movie clips and Johnny couldn't get over how awesome it was inside. We were seated in the back of a car behind a family of four. Our waiter was funny and kept joking about the young couple parking in the back seat.

IMG_4843 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4844 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Our service was pretty good and our food came out prompt.

IMG_4847 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4845 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Our thoughts?

[Dining Review --

Our waiter was friendly and enthusiastic without being over the top or hovering. He was quick to bring refills of our water and anticipated any need we could have.

Service: 5/5 *****

The atmosphere in there is so cool. They really do a great job of making it look like you're outside at a drive-in. I love the look of the place and couldn't stop staring around. The film clips are wonderfully old fashioned short clips of silly horror movies, mostly. It is quite loud there at dinner time, with the films playing, families separated by the "car seats" trying to chat, and the usual din of a Disney restaurant. It suits the type of place though.

Atmosphere: 4.5/5 ****

The food... was terrible, just as we'd anticipated. Our server talked up the steak, so Johnny tried it, but later said it was one of the worst steaks he's ever had that was still edible. Dry, flavourless, and with a lot of fat. He used a lot of ketchup to get through it! My spinach dip was ok, definitely nothing special, but I can't say it was bad. The chips were a little stale tasting. We did not have dessert. Milkshake was good, but then I'd be really shocked if you could screw up a milkshake.

Food: 1/5 *

Total: 3/5 *** (And that's only for the atmosphere)

The bottom line: I will not be going back. Now that Johnny's seen the place, I can't see us ever really wanting to go back. I would recommend it for maybe a quick lunch (and I have heard that their burgers are good, but I don't eat burgers so can't say for sure!) but don't expect too much of the food.]

I won't say we had a bad meal, because we were expecting bad food and therefore were not disappointed! We did love the atmosphere in there. We were still in a good mood and now we were ready for something really special that we had been looking forward to all year. Even the rain couldn't get us down!

It was time!

We headed slowly over toward the Streets of America for the flicking of the ON switch, if you will.

I have no photo of the moment the switch was flipped, nor do I have video. I have something better.

An incredible memory.

We positioned ourselves in the middle of the street, in the middle of the crowd of people who all stood breathless, silent, and waiting. Phones everywhere were at the ready and eyes were lifted up as everyone stared around waiting for the big moment.

Then came the announcement, the story behind the lights and then finally, the incredible music and dazzling dancing lights. The gasps and "Ooh!"s and "Aah!"s from the crowd only served to make the moment even more incredible.

Then came the waterworks.

(My own personal addition to the Festival, courtesy of my emotions and tear ducts.)

I just stared around, adding my own "Ooh!"s to the chorus.

A few quick facts about me:

My favourite place: Walt Disney World
Favourite time of year: Christmas
Favourite Christmas song: Carol of the Bells
Favourite version of it: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

What do you think was the first song they played? The first song the lights danced to?

Carol of the Bells - Trans-Siberian Orchestra

I could barely contain myself!

Then I kicked into gear and got the camera and phone going with some photos and videos. For the video of Carol of the bells, click the above link. Here are the rest for your viewing pleasure!:

Another video
And one more.

IMG_4860 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4866 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4869 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4870 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Stop everything!

Let me take a #selfie
IMG_0841 by teekathepony, on Flickr

And maybe another angle:
IMG_0842 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Yeah that's good. More photos!

Umbrellas were prevalent, making it a little hard to get around.
IMG_4874 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4875 by teekathepony, on Flickr

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We spent a long time drinking in every detail. Then, as we were standing by the sidewalk, a CM came by, politely excusing herself, and putting up a rope waiting line. We asked what that would be for and she said it was for a photopass photographer who was coming soon. We asked if we could get in line now? Sure! It might be a couple of minutes but we would be the first ones! Well alright, sounds great to me!

We got a few more pictures while we waited.

IMG_4897 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4898 by teekathepony, on Flickr
(It was on this night that Johnny really and truly fell in love with my 50mm lens!)

IMG_4902 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Then after not too long at all, out came the Photopass photographer! Many people had lined up behind us (after asking what we were lined up for) but of course as soon as the Photog set up, people were running up, hands out with their Photopass cards. Sorry folks! There's a line and it starts way back there!

No matter, we were first!

wdw201331921278322_6885638052 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Ta-daa!

And after that?

More pictures!

 

[teekathepony]

(Continued from previous)

IMG_4910 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4911 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4912 by teekathepony, on Flickr

The people started to slowly clear out and we were able to move around much easier.

IMG_4913 by teekathepony, on Flickr

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IMG_4921 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Sick of Osborne pictures yet? I hope not because I've got a bunch more.

IMG_4922 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4924 by teekathepony, on Flickr

As you can probably tell from that smile, we were happy. We were excited. We were in great moods!

IMG_4935 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4937 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4681 (2) by teekathepony, on Flickr

We got a few more photopass pics taken too:

wdw201332021287355_6887857627 by teekathepony, on Flickr

wdw201332021286529_6885348869 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Then we saw something exciting that I didn't even know would be there -- (So much for my being a good Dis'er!)

IMG_4742 (2) by teekathepony, on Flickr

I was pretty excited so we jumped into what was already a long line. As soon as we got into line, the mist turned into rain. I wasn't worried, our luck from that day would last just a little longer, I knew it.

[Facebook: Check in

Waiting to meet Santa Goofy! — with Johnny at The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.
11 Likes]

I took a few shots while in line:

IMG_4940 by teekathepony, on Flickr

He's so cute!
IMG_4943 by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4712 (2) by teekathepony, on Flickr

A CM was coming around to each family and saying that because the rain was getting heavier, they weren't sure how much longer Goofy could stay out, and if everyone could please have their entire group ready to go, bags off and jackets off, whatever else they needed to do, be ready before you got to Goofy, then a quick picture for each family and then please make way so everyone in the line can get a chance to meet him. Then they closed the line, no more people to meet Goofy tonight, sorry folks! The rain is getting heavier and heavier!

Our luck?

 

[teekathepony]

...Held up.

wdw201332021288241_6885346455 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Oh yes, we got to meet the adorable Santa Goofy.

We basically ran in, got a hug, got a couple of quick pics, didn't bother with our own cameras, and ran out so the kids behind us could see him, but that was enough for me.

wdw201332021288242_6885348614 by teekathepony, on Flickr

wdw201332021288178_6887852092 by teekathepony, on Flickr

He was adorable and trying really hard to be excited and attentive while still quick, to see every kid in line.

Moving on!

IMG_4946 by teekathepony, on Flickr

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We were getting a little wet and so we decided to start to make our way out of the park. While everyone else was either rushing to get in or already seated for Fantasmic!, we made our way around the outside of the Osborne Lights display and headed out slowly.

IMG_4964 by teekathepony, on Flickr

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IMG_4741 by teekathepony, on Flickr

Another PP Pic:

wdw201332021292982_6885346422 by teekathepony, on Flickr

A little love for Bo
IMG_4749 (2) by teekathepony, on Flickr

IMG_4985 by teekathepony, on Flickr

A photobomb:
IMG_4752 (2) by teekathepony, on Flickr

And we were done. Onto the bus we went (with another long wait) and back to our rooms and there we crashed. Despite our lovely easy-going morning, we did have a full afternoon, it was nearing the end of our trip, and we were tired. We went to bed feeling very happy!

Up next: Around the resort!

 

[amazingact21]

I've heard that the dinners at 50's are nothing to write home about. I have eaten there during lunch and ordered the burger, which isn't bad, but I don't think I could ever convince myself to order anything else.
But, hey, now Johnny can mark it off his Disney bucket list.



Oh, YAY! Osbourne Lights.


I'll admit, I loved this update, simply because you made me feel like I was back in the Streets of America for a few minutes. Some really great shots of the lights. And there were a few little details that I never saw, so that was cool to see.


The picture of you with the umbrella is really good! You can just tell you're having an amazing time. Disney magic hard at work.

 

[MidnightParade]

That pic of you with the umbrella is so beautiful and magical!!! Love it!! You also look so giddy to be with Santa Goofy! lol

I know the food isn't great at SciFi but can't help loving the atmosphere. When I asked DBF which restaurants we wanted to go to in October thats the one he named, and admittedly I was planning on it too. I think we'll probably just end up splitting a meal and then getting dessert and DBF will fill up on turkey leg later. Happy though that Johnny got to experience it, it is pretty out of this world!! (lolz, see what i did thar?!

Your painting is so cute! I really like it. Its simple and colorful! I think you should post pics of more! (atleast on your PTR!)

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Disney milkshakes are the best!

I agree with your feelings on SciFi. I am excited to try breakfast there in a couple weeks though! I really hope it's better than their normal food!

I cried when I saw the Osbourne Lights too! It is such a beautiful display!

Sounds like a magical night!

Great pictures!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

WOW Congratulations Wendy!!! I didn't know you painted!!!! That's so awesome. AND AHHHHHH I have to get on your PTR!!!!! I'm just waiting until I actually get a trip planned (i.e. booked) so I can read without jealousy! I'll get get up though... I promise.

I don't think I've ever seen a place so popular for atmosphere and so derided for food. I've never been, so I can't add anything, but this seems a Universal feeling. I do want to see it though darnit.

Oh I remember seeing those lights the first time in 2009 and getting to see them turned on. So I completely get your feels.

What a fabulous Photopas Photo!!!!

I love those pictures of Johnny just smiling.

I was so happy I met Santa Goofy, but I really do wish I had met him there with that beautiful back drop.

BO!

I so love all your pictures so much Wendy. Of course now I'll feel lame posting my sucky ones. Maybe I'll just steal yours and pretend they're mine.

 

[khaleesi]

You paint, too?? Man. I can make spreadsheets... I love it and totally understand why it sold so quickly! I just love the whimsical feel to it. Great job and congratulations!

You can really see the lights on your scarf in some of these pictures. So cute. And I love that your selfie has the "snow emergency route" sign in the background!

I am close to tears just looking at your pictures! I can't even imagine what a blubbering mess I would be seeing this in person. Thank you thank you thank you for sharing all of these!!!

Yay for getting to see Santa Goofy! Is there anything these characters can't do?!

Off to watch your videos!

 

[natebenma]

Oh. WOW!!!

Just incredible pictures of the Osborne Lights!

So stinking good!



*********************************************

Love that painting!


Glad to hear your camera class went well. How many students? Is this a continuing series or was it just the one class? Will you be repeating it?

As you indicated, with peoples' changing photo habits, camera shops need to adapt and having classes that help people understand their cameras and teach them to be better photographers is one great option.

I could skip the Sci Fi, but the boys love it so we go for lunch every trip. Yes, the burgers are the safest bet there. The reuben was ok too. But I once ordered the shrimp pasta and it was the single nastiest thing I have ever eaten at Disney!

 

[PopArtGal]

Yep we don't do sci-fi for the food hehe

Did you find the purple cat?

 

[BridgetR3]

Love your Osborne Lights photos!!! This past Thanksgiving was my first time ever to see them in person and man are they amazing or what!??!?!?!

I had the same waterworks reaction that you did when they lit them!

I am thoroughly enjoying your TR and your wonderful photography!

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Your painting is adorable! I can see why they sold so quickly. Yay Yacht Club jar!

I'm sorry your food at Sci-Fi wasn't better but glad that you set yourself up for kit so you weren't too disappointed.

Your photos of the Osborne Lights are gorgeous! It is such an amazing atmosphere, and I cried too so you aren't alone lol

 

[KatMark]

First, congratulations on the success of selling your painting.

Sci Fi...you either love it or you don't. I learned the hard way by ordering the pasta to stick with the burgers and onion rings (Mark LOVES the Reuben sandwich).

WOW! WOW! WOW! Your Osborne Light pictures are absolutely fabulous. Love the photopass pictures as well.

I can't believe you didn't know about Santa Goofy. We got our picture with him on the first trip, but skipped him this past December...the girls were too infatuated witht he lights and Nicki and Todd.

 

[MonsterWDWmom]

Wow I just caught up to your report! I was there last Dec and we did not get to see the Osborn lights but your pictures are amazing! Congrats on selling your painting.

 

[eandesmom]

I love your "silly little painting" it's just flat out adorable. And happy. And somehow makes me think of AKL...which is a good thing.

UGH on your meal but not surprised. It will be interesting to see how our breakfast is there next week.

I LOVE that song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How magical. How sad am I that I missed the "on" switch!

I must must must go back. Someday.

Your pictures are absolutely amazing.

 

[jedijill]

That painting is awesome!

The pics of the Lights are awesome. It's such an amazing display.

Jill in CO

 

[teekathepony]

I've heard that the dinners at 50's are nothing to write home about. I have eaten there during lunch and ordered the burger, which isn't bad, but I don't think I could ever convince myself to order anything else.
But, hey, now Johnny can mark it off his Disney bucket list.

Yep, if for no other reason, I'm glad we did it just to say we did!

Oh, YAY! Osbourne Lights.


I'll admit, I loved this update, simply because you made me feel like I was back in the Streets of America for a few minutes. Some really great shots of the lights. And there were a few little details that I never saw, so that was cool to see.

Ahhh I'm so glad. They do the same for me, every time I look at them!

The picture of you with the umbrella is really good! You can just tell you're having an amazing time. Disney magic hard at work.

Thanks! Disney Magic at its best indeed!

That pic of you with the umbrella is so beautiful and magical!!! Love it!! You also look so giddy to be with Santa Goofy! lol

Thanks!! I was so so so happy and yes, very giddy that night!

I know the food isn't great at SciFi but can't help loving the atmosphere. When I asked DBF which restaurants we wanted to go to in October thats the one he named, and admittedly I was planning on it too. I think we'll probably just end up splitting a meal and then getting dessert and DBF will fill up on turkey leg later. Happy though that Johnny got to experience it, it is pretty out of this world!! (lolz, see what i did thar?!

Out of this world, nice one!!
I do love the atmosphere, but probably not enough to try the food again! lol Good plan though to share a meal and then get a turkey leg!

Your painting is so cute! I really like it. Its simple and colorful! I think you should post pics of more! (atleast on your PTR!)

Thank you!

Disney milkshakes are the best!

Agreed! You can't go wrong there!

I agree with your feelings on SciFi. I am excited to try breakfast there in a couple weeks though! I really hope it's better than their normal food!

I hope so too, especially because it's a really high profile event!

I cried when I saw the Osbourne Lights too! It is such a beautiful display!

I knew I would have company in this around these boards!

Sounds like a magical night!

Great pictures!

Oh it was indeed, absolutely perfect.
Thanks!!

 

[JulieODC]

What a cool painting!! Congrats!!

We had Sci-Fi booked for lunch on our last Nov trip....but canceled right before the trip and opted to head back and get QS at the YC. I think it would have been a fun experience...but I don't think we missed out on the food!

GORGEOUS photos of Osborne Lights! Like, maybe the best I've seen!