Just Pretend the Raindrops are Snowflakes!~A 12/11 TR! *Trip Wrap Up! Pg 21, 2/23!*

[TanzUnited99]

Oh no on feeling rotten and not getting much sleep

The lights sure do look pretty in the dark

Lol I love your description of the obstacles you have to face on the way into the park! I have to agree that the CMs sure do have the patience of a saint to deal with all that!

Wow the MK Christmas tree looks soo festive...it must have been amazing to see that in person

Good call to stick with the chicken and ugh at the lasagne tasting horrible Oh no at being stuck on HM and in front of something so scary!

Looking forward to reading about the sleigh ride at FW!

 

[Nermel9]

Oh no on feeling rotten and not getting much sleep

The lights sure do look pretty in the dark

Lol I love your description of the obstacles you have to face on the way into the park! I have to agree that the CMs sure do have the patience of a saint to deal with all that!

Wow the MK Christmas tree looks soo festive...it must have been amazing to see that in person

Good call to stick with the chicken and ugh at the lasagne tasting horrible Oh no at being stuck on HM and in front of something so scary!

Looking forward to reading about the sleigh ride at FW!

Thanks, I loved my Mickey lights, it was so nice coming back to our room and seeing them lit up!

The MK tree is so pretty! Tony's was awful, I'll be staying away from there in the future!

I'm finally going to get to my sleigh ride update in a few minutes!

 

[Nermel9]

Sleigh Ride!!​

Saturday 12/10

We arrived at the dock for the boat to Fort Wilderness around 9:30. Our sleigh ride was at 10:30 so I figured an hour was plenty of time to get over there. There was only one family in front of us, so I assumed a boat would be there in a few minutes. So we waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Brandon started getting annoyed there there was NO boat coming. Boats came and went for the Wilderness Lodge. We watched the ferry go back and forth like 10 times. The Water Pagent floated by. But no FW boat. Brandon suggested we just go to the car and drive, but I said that would take too long. The whole waiting area was full of people by that time.

FINALLY a boat came! We all piled in and impatiently waited to get going and dock at FW. After a very quick boat ride, we got off the boat, and I heard music, and saw lots of people standing around...

Then I realized, you can see Wishes from the beach!

"You can see Wishes from this beach, let's watch!"

So I stopped to watch for a second and realized the fireworks were way off in the distance, it seems like they were miles behind MK from that angle!

It kind of bothered me that they were so far away so we just continued walking. We had no idea where to go, so we just followed everyone, they all seemed to be walking in the same direction!

There was a horse and carriage in front of us, so Brandon went up to them and asked where we get the sleigh ride, and she said right there! Well, that's lucky!

Brandon sat on a bench to wait for the carriages to come back, I guess they just left when we got there for the 10:00 ride, they were running a little behind schedule, so I walked around a little and looked at everything.

So pretty! I loved this tree!

Seems like we're in the right place!
​

The sleigh rides all came back at the same time and we were directed to our sleigh. Our driver was a guy, the only guy driver that I saw there, and I wish I remember his name, because he was SO nice, and told us so many stories! We hopped in, made ourselves comfortable, and went for our ride!

The driver told us our horse's name was John, and Brandon said "yeah, he looked familiar, we had him for the Haunted Carriage ride in October!" Strange that we got the same horse! The driver said he's very stubborn so he kind of lets him lead the way with the sleigh rides.

This is the only picture I got because we were moving, and they were coming out blurry:

The decorations were amazing! People have been coming for years and have their own personal sites and everything...it's crazy how detailed these campsites are! I wish I had more pictures for you, but if you do a search, I'm sure you can find some!

Our driver chatted with us the whole time, which was nice, because I thought if he was quiet it might have been awkward, but it wasn't at all, he was so sweet and knew so much about Disney! He said he was a performer in the parades years ago, but hurt his knees so they sent him over to FW to work with the horses and he's been there ever since! Sounds like an awesome job!

Once our ride was over, our driver offered to take a picture of us in front of the horse, so we said sure!

He took another one a little closer, but it's terrible, Brandon looks like he's going to claw my arm off, so that one will have to do! I loved the Holiday Sleigh Ride, it was a lot of fun, I can't believe we did both in one year! I can't believe I got to this ride in this TR first and I'm still not even on the day of the Haunted Carriage Ride in the other TR!

We walked back to the dock and there was a boat letting people on, and we saw the very last people getting on, so we started running! The person who was letting people on told us we made it, so we stopped running and got right on...that was close, I didn't want to be waiting for so long again!

When we got back to MK around 11, the Main Street Electrical Parade was going on again!! Ugh, no escape! I swear, that music makes me feel like I'm going insane!! (I am SO ready for Spectro to be back...maybe when the new Fantasyland is opening we can get some Spectro?) We walked up Main Street on the sidewalk as quickly as possible and tried to get to Tomorrowland, but Brandon wanted to stop first and use the bathroom, so I took a lovely picture of the castle:

​

Once Brandon came back, we went to Tomorrowland to use our Space Mountain FP's, and had a bit of a wait even with the FP's, but it was much, much shorter than the standby line, which seemed really long for that time of night! Space was fun as always, I wasn't in the back which made me happy, I can't stand being in the back of Space anymore!

I wanted to go to Adventureland when we were finished, and since there were no parades or fireworks left, we could actually just walk through the hub and not get caught in a mob of people! First, though, I had to stop and admire the castle a little more:

We went to Adventureland, went on Pirates, and then made our way back to Main Street. I didn't take any Adventureland pics, which is strange for me, since it's probably my favorite area in MK. I do remember being pretty tired at that point though, which is why we went to Main Street, I think we were getting ready to leave.

However, as we started walking, Brandon all the sudden said "what is that, I want one of those!"

I looked around, had no clue what he was talking about, and said "what?"

He said "some guy had a huge ice cream cookie sandwich, there was ice cream all over the plate, I want one!"

"Ohhhh, ok, I know what you're talking about, those are at the Main Street Bakery"

So we went in the Main Street Bakery, and surprisingly, there wasn't much of a line, and there were tables available! The ice cream cookie sandwich wasn't on the menu, but I assured him he could get it here, and to just ask for it, and within minutes, he had this amazing looking ice cream cookie thing!

I didn't get anything, I just shared with Brandon, and it was SO good! The cookie was so soft and the ice cream was so yummy, I was so tired at that point, but that snack revived me a little! Finally got to go to the Main Street bakery!

We finished up and headed out, but of course, I had to get one last picture of the tree...

and then one more picture of the entrance, without people this time!

We hopped on the tram, found our car and went back to Pop. I think we got back around 1am, and I was exhausted at that point! I couldn't wait to crawl into bed and go to sleep, I was hoping I'd feel better after a good night's sleep! Since we were kind of doing whatever on this trip, and didn't have plans for the days, just the night when we had our ADR's, we decided that night to go to Animal Kingdom the next morning!

Up next...Animal Kingdom, of course!

 

[DisneyFirefly]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like MSEP! Everyone else I know seems to love it, but I don't like it and want Spectro back Then again, I have so many good memories of dancing with my coworkers during the parade... That's probably why.

Anyway, the sleigh ride sounds fun! I'm glad you guys enjoyed it

 

[marDgreen88]

YAY update!
Ya know, I'd never want to stay at Fort Wilderness because honestly all I've ever heard about the transportation there is that it's terrible. That would drive me crazy waiting every single time!

The sleigh ride looks so cute! How fun.

Mmmm the ice cream cookie looks GOOD.

 

[pinkxray]

The sleigh ride looks so cute. It must have been pretty cool to see all the decorations at FW. Did you like this one or the Haunted carriage ride better?

 

[dara00]

the ice cream looks awesome! you really just ask for it? how much does it cost?

I've never seen spectro, but I'm pretty excited for msep. I remember seeing it as a kid and all I remember is Pete's Dragon, but the pics I've been seeing lately have me looking forward to seeing it all!

 

[MEK]

Not sure how I ended up two updates behind. I guess because this week has been crazy.

OMG - the lasagna sounds terrible. He really should have sent it back. I do that now if I ever get something that is super nasty. I honestly think that's what you should do. I feel better after I do. Otherwise, I would just dwell on it. I'm like that.

Stuck in front of the bride. You are SO lucky.

More great night time pics. That candlelight setting is def doing the trick for you.

Sleigh ride sounds pretty cool, although a lot of frustration to get there. WOW - what a long, exhausting day.

 

[Simba22]

wow what a great night, you guys had! If it makes you feel any better (which it probably won't) when we to FW for the Haunted Carriage Ride, we waited FOREVER too and we took a bus!

 

[kittylady1972]

Sounds like an AWESOME evening to me! Love the photos and the sleigh ride sounds fun. I'll have to keep that in the back of my mind as a future TO-DO at Disney item!

 

[Nermel9]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like MSEP! Everyone else I know seems to love it, but I don't like it and want Spectro back Then again, I have so many good memories of dancing with my coworkers during the parade... That's probably why.

Anyway, the sleigh ride sounds fun! I'm glad you guys enjoyed it

Ugh, I thought when they brought back MSEP I'd like it, because I remember it from my childhood, but NO! Bring back Spectro! I keep hearing it might be coming back this year, if it does I might die of happiness!

YAY update!
Ya know, I'd never want to stay at Fort Wilderness because honestly all I've ever heard about the transportation there is that it's terrible. That would drive me crazy waiting every single time!

The sleigh ride looks so cute! How fun.

Mmmm the ice cream cookie looks GOOD.

I couldn't believe the wait for the boat was so long, it seemed like we were standing there forever! Fort Wilderness is so adorable though, I'd love to stay in one of those cabins!

The sleigh ride was so much fun! And that cookie was fantastic!

The sleigh ride looks so cute. It must have been pretty cool to see all the decorations at FW. Did you like this one or the Haunted carriage ride better?

I loved seeing the decorations at FW! I'm not sure which carriage ride was better, they were both kind of different...I think I'd probably say I liked the Haunted Carriage ride a little better, just because it has a story and you follow a specific path, and you see the headless horseman and everything, but I liked the sleigh ride almost as much!

the ice cream looks awesome! you really just ask for it? how much does it cost?

I've never seen spectro, but I'm pretty excited for msep. I remember seeing it as a kid and all I remember is Pete's Dragon, but the pics I've been seeing lately have me looking forward to seeing it all!

Yep, you just ask and they will make it! I don't remember how much it was, I think I walked away when Brandon was paying, but it was probably something crazy like $10 or something! You know Disney prices!

MSEP is cute, but the music is annoying! If the music was different I would enjoy it more but it just sounds like crazy circus music! The floats are really nice though, just try to block out the music!

Not sure how I ended up two updates behind. I guess because this week has been crazy.

OMG - the lasagna sounds terrible. He really should have sent it back. I do that now if I ever get something that is super nasty. I honestly think that's what you should do. I feel better after I do. Otherwise, I would just dwell on it. I'm like that.

Stuck in front of the bride. You are SO lucky.

More great night time pics. That candlelight setting is def doing the trick for you.

Sleigh ride sounds pretty cool, although a lot of frustration to get there. WOW - what a long, exhausting day.

I know he should have sent the lasagna back, but he waited til he was almost finished with it to say it was awful! At first he said it was ok! It almost seemed like he was nervous to insult Disney food in front of me! I don't care, I didn't make it! If it's not good, send it back!

Haha, I thought I was lucky for a few minutes, but then I just got scared she might kill me...she seriously looks right in your eyes!

Thanks! I love some of my pictures, although I don't like how the sky looks in some of them, I need to figure out how to edit that!

The sleigh ride was fun, but the wait for the boat was not...I try to be patient with Disney transportation, but after a while, you're like "COME ON ALREADY!!!"

wow what a great night, you guys had! If it makes you feel any better (which it probably won't) when we to FW for the Haunted Carriage Ride, we waited FOREVER too and we took a bus!

Thanks! Haha, it does make me feel a little better!

Sounds like an AWESOME evening to me! Love the photos and the sleigh ride sounds fun. I'll have to keep that in the back of my mind as a future TO-DO at Disney item!

Thanks! You should definitely do one of the carriage rides at FW, they are both a lot of fun! They're a nice little break from the parks!

 

[DisneyFirefly]

Ugh, I thought when they brought back MSEP I'd like it, because I remember it from my childhood, but NO! Bring back Spectro! I keep hearing it might be coming back this year, if it does I might die of happiness!

That would be fabulous! I think I'm so attached to Spectro because of the sheer number of times I saw it. It was also the first night MK parade I ever saw, since I never went as a kid.

 

[ronnmel]

The music from MSEP is. so. ANNOYING! Ugh! I cannot wait for them to bring back Spectro.

OMG, every time someone posts a picture of the castle with the Christmas lights I just about die and go to heaven. So amazingly pretty!

 

[Missyrose]

All caught up! Ugh, that sucks that you got sick right as you arrived at Disney! And having not read this before replying to your Disney dilemma on your other TR, maybe Brandon does need a bit of a Disney break. He doesn't seem to be enjoying much on this December trip.

I'm soooo glad you got to enjoy the sleigh ride, it sounds like so much fun! Dinner at Tony's sounded awful, and most reviews seem to point in that direction. Since people who enjoy meals at Tony's seem to be few and far between, I don't think I'll be trying it anytime soon.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

 

[Mrs T 2009]

Sounds like you had a wonderful night Glad you finally got a boat and the sleigh ride looked awesome

 

[Simba22]

Thanks! Haha, it does make me feel a little better!

And to make matters worse, once we were FINALLY on the bus (which, BTW, we were the ONLY ONES on it besides the driver...) you then have to actually DRIVE to FW which is out in the middle of nowhere! You're on these long dark roads for what seems like forever...I swear I felt like we had been kidnapped and were somewhere out in the everglades about to be fed to a bunch of gators

 

[Nermel9]

That would be fabulous! I think I'm so attached to Spectro because of the sheer number of times I saw it. It was also the first night MK parade I ever saw, since I never went as a kid.

I really hope they bring it back this year, I've seriously had enough of MSEP!

The music from MSEP is. so. ANNOYING! Ugh! I cannot wait for them to bring back Spectro.

OMG, every time someone posts a picture of the castle with the Christmas lights I just about die and go to heaven. So amazingly pretty!

I know, Spectro is so magical and MSEP is just obnoxious! I mean, the floats are very nice but it's just that music that makes me crazy!

The castle is so beautiful, isn't it! I wish it was like that all year!

All caught up! Ugh, that sucks that you got sick right as you arrived at Disney! And having not read this before replying to your Disney dilemma on your other TR, maybe Brandon does need a bit of a Disney break. He doesn't seem to be enjoying much on this December trip.

I'm soooo glad you got to enjoy the sleigh ride, it sounds like so much fun! Dinner at Tony's sounded awful, and most reviews seem to point in that direction. Since people who enjoy meals at Tony's seem to be few and far between, I don't think I'll be trying it anytime soon.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

I can't believe I got sick right when we got to Disney either...my worst nightmare come true! Haha, yeah, I think Brandon needs a little break, I can't keep making him go every couple of months! Now that we're settled on September, I think he will have a good time this year!

The sleigh ride was so much fun, the decorations at those campsites are insane!! Ugh, Tony's...I will definitely be staying away for a while!

Sounds like you had a wonderful night Glad you finally got a boat and the sleigh ride looked awesome

Thanks, it was a nice night! The sleigh ride is a lot of fun, a nice way to relax and see the campground!

And to make matters worse, once we were FINALLY on the bus (which, BTW, we were the ONLY ONES on it besides the driver...) you then have to actually DRIVE to FW which is out in the middle of nowhere! You're on these long dark roads for what seems like forever...I swear I felt like we had been kidnapped and were somewhere out in the everglades about to be fed to a bunch of gators

Haha, I know! We didn't take a bus, but we drove from the Boardwalk to FW when we did the Haunted Carriage ride and we were like, "uh, are we going the right way?" We were seriously the only car on the road, it was dark, and it was scary!

 

[Shannon84]

Im back from WDW but happy to be catching up on your TR

I have seen a special on all of the campsites during Christmas time, I am glad to hear that it is just like what I saw on TV I thought that looked so cool, it must be amazing to see in person. I think I need to do one of the carriage rides next time, it sounds like such a fun thing to do!!

I am a total Spectro gal myself too... DF LOVES the electrical parade though, so shhh dont tell him!!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Glad you made it to FW for the ride! Wishes is surprisingly far behind MK. The bigger ones that kind of surround the castle are amazingly far! I guess they need the distance to get them to match the castle! We could see them from our room at BLT and it was such an interesting prospective!!

Wasn't the sleigh ride great!? DH and I really enjoyed ours!!

One of these days we have to try one of the ice cream sandwiches!! It looks crazy good!!!!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Your carriage ride sounds like it was so nice! (The getting to said carriage ride, not so much..) I always forget about the ice cream sandwich at MSB! That does look fabulously awesome!