I've fallen in love with the VGF - TR (pics from Jan. trip, 2/23, p.22)

[Pinkocto]

After our fabulous lunch at Restaurant Marrakesh we headed to Japan. We stopped in the store for a few minutes, and then went to stand in line for the CP. I think we got in line about 4:00 and they let us in at 4:35, not bad at all, and that gave us some more time to chat.

We got some perfect seats with no one in front of us



We didn’t wait long until the action started. The orchestra played a medley of songs before the choir came out.









My only proof that we actually were with Corinna



With everyone situated it looked gorgeous









Whoopi!!! She was absolutely fabulous, it seemed that she really enjoyed being there.














This guy was doing sign language and seemed very passionate about his job.



Our conductor



Sorry, a few more Whoopi pictures.









It was a truly beautiful event all around, the music was absolutely amazing and Whoopi was a wonderful narrator. I was moved to tears several times. We will definitely do the CP dining package again.

 

[Pinkocto]

We waited until the theater had mostly filed out before we left. I hate fighting crowds. We walked with Corinna until Innoventions and then parted ways. It was so nice to spend the afternoon with her, definitely one of the highlights of our trip.

We had a FP+ for Soarin between 8-9 pm but it was only 6:15 when we said goodbye to Corinna and we really didn’t feel like waiting around for two hours. So I checked to see if we could change the FP time. There was indeed an earlier time slot for 7:35-8:35 so I changed it to then. Not that much earlier but any little was good for us. While I was playing around with MDE mom was looking at the weather.

For Orlando



Back at home. They had actually gotten some snow that morning. We were very glad to be in FL!



We had about an hour before our window opened so I suggested we go over to the aquariums and enjoy the animals. Mom was totally up for that idea so we headed that way. Nemo was a walk on so we did that first. Some things in the ride weren’t working which was odd but still a cute ride.

We stopped and watched this dolphin for a little bit. I tried for some good pictures but really didn’t succeed. This is the only one that semi turned out.



Then we headed over to watch the manatees for a few minutes. Again, not the best pictures, sorry.







Good bye beautiful creatures!



Then we went to the little tanks to check out the animals there. They had all the lights dimmed in that area, like it was time for sleeping.



I think this guy is too cool





We watched a hermit crab make its way around the tank and then headed out. We both really enjoy watching animals so that was a nice little side trip. Then off to the Land where we found this great display.










We still had about 20 minutes to wait until our window opened so Mom called her DBF and I found a table to do some journaling. We swiped our MBs right at 7:35 and only waited about 10 minutes inside for a ride, the standby line was 70 minutes. We were really loving FP+ by this time in the trip.

After our fabulous trip to CA we headed out of the park and back home. We were old pros with the monorail by now and luckily with the early hour had no problem getting seats. It seemed like we were back to the GF in no time.

They had gorgeous flower displays all around the lobby



I thought this orchid looked like an alien.



Lobby



Our usual walk to the side door to go to the villas



The grounds were so peaceful at night



In the VGF lobby



And look what we were able to see from our balcony!









It made its way around the lagoon and I think repeated the show in front of each resort. It was a cute show. In about half an hour the fireworks started. No pictures, I’m absolutely terrible at fireworks pictures, but it was so cool to have a perfect view of the fireworks from our room. Mom loves fireworks, and I mean LOVES fireworks, so she was in heaven.

We had a light dinner of bagels and rolls while watching Modern Family on the television. It was another perfect day!

 

[Pinkocto]

Thanks!! Never again, though....we're done with schooling!

I can't imagine! I need to go back myself but I am not a fan of school...

We're all good. Running around like crazy people most of the time but that's life Well....our last minute trip didn't give us many options. Originally we were booked at AoA. When we tried to add another room (my parents and my sister's family went, too) no availability. Because we were only going to be there a few nights, we decided to go the Value route We ended up at ASMu. It was super clean, grounds were very nice, and definitely a great place to stay if you don't plan on being at the resort for any length of time. The first thing the kids asked...."where are the balconies???" My reply..."non-existent".... We did the HDDR the day we arrived and ventured around FW campgrounds (love that place!!) Went to MK the next day - got there when it opened at 7am and stayed until midnight...no lie. We had a ball despite the huge crowds!!! Next day we went to the MK resorts to eat and look at the Christmas decorations.

Anyway....that's the lowdown on our mini trip. Totally thinking about doing it again next year....with a bit more planning though. Two weeks prior just isn't enough!!

Sounds like a fabulous whirlwind of a trip! We've stayed at ASMu before and enjoyed it as well. Nothing fancy but super clean and great theming. Too cute about the kids and the balcony. Wow, I can't imagine being at the parks for that long of a day! Glad you had a great time There's nothing like Disney and the holidays, I love it!

Ok....so now to your TR. I've read ALL! And oh my gosh!!!! The villas are absolutely beautiful!!! I can't get over the studio (if that's what you want to call it ) Two showers and sleeps 5!!!! It's already added to my list. My kids would totally love that Murphy bed for sure. And I'm with your mom....love a good view. My husband is like you - he says it doesn't matter. I could spend hours on that very large balcony. Glad it exceeded your expectations! That's always a plus for the trip.

That room was absolutely gorgeous. I'm a little sad we won't be back for a while but that will make it even more special. Mom loved that balcony. I think she read her book and enjoyed the sun every morning, and of course her coffee.

The crowds look fairly low thus far in your TR. My parents went last December during the week and there was no one!! Empty parks.

This is the third year we've gone early December and the crowds are pretty low. This year it seemed a little more than usual, until we got to Monday and nobody was there at all... We decided next time we'll take a week and not go in the parks during the weekend.

We've also wanted to try Marrakesh but just never seem to book it. And of course, we didn't book it for our June trip either

Definitely worth a try, it was super delicious. That's another thing I love about WDW, there's always another thing to try.

Ok...the crazy lady with the car alarm cracks me up!!! Did she really set off the alarm??!!! How ridiculous is that?! There are better ways to get things done. Ya never know what you're going to encounter at Disney! Always an adventure.

I really think she had some screws loose. I couldn't believe she set off the alarm. I'm sure the CM on the phone kept getting less and less inclined to help her the ruder she got.

Hope y'all are staying warm up MD!!! Looking forward to more!!!
Heather

It is so cold!!!!

 

[franandaj]

Sounds like a great day! I love staying on a monorail resort, transportation is so easy! You're getting me really excited about staying there!

 

[MEK]

crap. I should have gotten a lake view studio. darn! I wanted something to look forward to, but that just looks so darn close! Oh well, I am already plotting a Christmas 2015 return to the world and it will be lake view!

I love the CP. I only did the dinner package once and it was wonderful because you know I LOVE that type of music and the story is so moving. I am so glad Disney has thrown political correctness to the curb and continues to do this wonderful production. I would love, love, LOVE to sing in one of those choirs. My friend's niece is a CM and she sang in one of the choirs this year. How fun.

I've heard that Whoppi is a great narrator.

 

[PrincessInOz]

What a great update. Looks like you and Corinna had a fabulous time at the CP, I would love to see it someday.

That view from the Villa is fantastic. Would have been fabulous to see the fireworks from there.

 

[dolphingirl47]

It was quite funny to read this tonight. I am pre-typing my trip reports and I am working on that day at the moment. I am about half way writing about the Candlelight Processional. It really was magical and made all the more special because I was able to share it with you and your mom.

I am glad that you managed to move the Fastpass+ reservation for Soarin forward. Is that Gingerbread display in The Land not adorable? I can't recall seeing this last year. The Seas with Nemo and Friends was one place I never made it to this year. I love all the photos from the hotel and the Water Pageant is lovely.

Corinna

 

[GiantsNiners11]

Great photos!! Thanks for posting your TR! Makes me want to go now!!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Oh re CP dining package that sounds the biz! Added that to my ever growing list of things to do! What great seats you had and fab view

The stage looks amazing. Did Whoopie ( love that woman ) sing or just talk? Great photos. I had no idea what to expect with the CP I don't know why I didn't realise it was a sit down event how great! I thought it was like a parade. This is miles better!

Oh Jo and I just adore Soarin we do this several times when we are there. Love the golf ball! Good you managed to move your times if your FP+ did you get offered additional FP+ when you had used all yours? Some people said they did.

I think it's odd you can't book just one FP+ so if you only want one you end up booking two dummy FP+ and what a waste for some other folks!

Love the animal shots. I love dolphins! I have a Dolphin tattoo and the little mermaid on my shoulder

I had never seen a Manatees before coming to Florida. What lovely creatures! Me and my Mum did a double take when we first saw them. Never seen anything like them before!

Wow re light pageant from your room! What a resort! Love the horse in reception

How nice bagels and modern family. Perfect end to a perfect day. Thanks for sharing your day!

 

[rentayenta]

Your view is so cool and I love Whoopi too. What a wonderful day. So cute how the singers are shaped like a Christmas Tree.


Could you not have rode Soarin' if there wasn't another FP time?

 

[Leshaface]

I would really love to do CP someday! Is it about an hour long?

Sounds like you guys had a very nice evening!

 

[Pinkocto]

Sounds like a great day! I love staying on a monorail resort, transportation is so easy! You're getting me really excited about staying there!

I know this is probably sacrilegious to say, but I really wasn't a fan of the monorail before this trip. Now I'm a big fan, it was super convenient to get to MK and Epcot.

 

[Pinkocto]

crap. I should have gotten a lake view studio. darn! I wanted something to look forward to, but that just looks so darn close! Oh well, I am already plotting a Christmas 2015 return to the world and it will be lake view!

Lake view was absolutely worth the points, totally gorgeous. I don't see us ever doing a standard view now. Excellent on the 2015 plans! I'm trying to figure out if I can go Christmas 2014 but I'm not sure it will work.

I love the CP. I only did the dinner package once and it was wonderful because you know I LOVE that type of music and the story is so moving. I am so glad Disney has thrown political correctness to the curb and continues to do this wonderful production. I would love, love, LOVE to sing in one of those choirs. My friend's niece is a CM and she sang in one of the choirs this year. How fun.

I've heard that Whoppi is a great narrator.

I love that Disney does the CP too, I'm honestly surprised they do, but love it. They get such a positive response from the guests which is wonderful. I agree, singing in that choir would be great fun! I had to bite my tongue not to sing in the stands

 

[Pinkocto]

What a great update. Looks like you and Corinna had a fabulous time at the CP, I would love to see it someday.

That view from the Villa is fantastic. Would have been fabulous to see the fireworks from there.

The view from the villa was just amazing. Mom couldn't believe she could lounge in bed and watch the fireworks at the same time. She was on cloud 9!

 

[Pinkocto]

It was quite funny to read this tonight. I am pre-typing my trip reports and I am working on that day at the moment. I am about half way writing about the Candlelight Processional. It really was magical and made all the more special because I was able to share it with you and your mom.

I am glad that you managed to move the Fastpass+ reservation for Soarin forward. Is that Gingerbread display in The Land not adorable? I can't recall seeing this last year. The Seas with Nemo and Friends was one place I never made it to this year. I love all the photos from the hotel and the Water Pageant is lovely.

Corinna

I can't recall seeing that gingerbread display last year either. It was just too cute!

The water pageant was a total treat. I didn't think we'd be able to see it and it was even better watching from the comfort of our balcony.

 

[Pinkocto]

Great photos!! Thanks for posting your TR! Makes me want to go now!!

Thank you I want to go back now too!!!

 

[Pinkocto]

Oh re CP dining package that sounds the biz! Added that to my ever growing list of things to do! What great seats you had and fab view !

We'll definitely do the dining package again. Last year I really really really wanted to see Neil Patrick Harris but sadly couldn't get a package. We still listened from the back and I caught a glimpse of him between people. With the package there's no stress, you're going to get a seat. You still have to wait in line but that wasn't a problem at all.

The stage looks amazing. Did Whoopie ( love that woman ) sing or just talk? Great photos. I had no idea what to expect with the CP I don't know why I didn't realise it was a sit down event how great! I thought it was like a parade. This is miles better! !

Whoopie only talked, no sining. The narrators tell the story of the birth of Jesus. Inbetween narrating the choir sings a song that coincides with what point it is in the story. Its really a beautiful production.

Oh Jo and I just adore Soarin we do this several times when we are there. Love the golf ball! Good you managed to move your times if your FP+ did you get offered additional FP+ when you had used all yours? Some people said they did. !

Additional FP+!? No! I'm jealous.

I think it's odd you can't book just one FP+ so if you only want one you end up booking two dummy FP+ and what a waste for some other folks! !

I hope they're still in the testing phase and will fine tune these things later. I don't like that you can't choose the same ride twice.

Love the animal shots. I love dolphins! I have a Dolphin tattoo and the little mermaid on my shoulder

I had never seen a Manatees before coming to Florida. What lovely creatures! Me and my Mum did a double take when we first saw them. Never seen anything like them before!!

I think they're just gorgeous! I love animals of all kinds, but especially love sea creatures. I would love to swim with a manatee sometime, I think that would be too cool.

Wow re light pageant from your room! What a resort! Love the horse in reception

It was lovely to be able to watch the water pageant and fireworks from the room.

How nice bagels and modern family. Perfect end to a perfect day. Thanks for sharing your day!

It really was a perfect day. It was a pretty perfect trip now that I think about it. Can't wait to share about the next day. Probably will have to wait until the weekend though.

 

[Pinkocto]

Your view is so cool and I love Whoopi too. What a wonderful day. So cute how the singers are shaped like a Christmas Tree.

I am totally star struck, I couldn't believe Whoopi Goldberg was in the same area as I was!

Could you not have rode Soarin' if there wasn't another FP time?

We could have waited until the 8-9 window, we were just getting tired. Soarin is by far mom's favorite ride, so we would have stayed if I couldn't change the time slot. I was really surprised there was something available to change it to. I'm totally in love with FP+, it worked perfectly for us.

 

[Pinkocto]

I would really love to do CP someday! Is it about an hour long?

Probably between 30-45 minutes. It is a beautiful program, very worth watching.

Sounds like you guys had a very nice evening!

It was

 

[hstrickland]

I'm totally with your mom! I could certainly sit on the balcony and drink coffee...without a doubt!

We're still drooling over those rooms. Just showed DH the pics! Love it love it love it!!! Too bad you won't be back sooner than you'd like, BUT at least you know you'll return