MagicBands + Margaritas + Muggles + Minions = TRP. New TR link is up! 10/31

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

We decided that Norway would be as good as a spot as any to watch the fireworks.

Except there was still some time.

Guess what was next door?

Guess who had never been next door?

Big Eric!

That seemed WRONG to Jeff and I.

So while the rest of the crowd saved spots, we got in line



Yeah, we had our priorities straight



and yes for those counting, I'd had wine in the afternoon, a poisoned apple, and a beer with dinner. I was in fact slightly concerned about the mix but well, it WAS NYE! Plus it had been over a pretty long period of time. Like 10 hours. LOL!

NYE at Epcot. Drinks from the Ditch. Kind of a nirvana combo for Jeff and I.





Big Eric heartily approved of the Ditch.

While we were gone, Eric had found a noisemaker



And...

This would appear where the photos stopped. I think I just stopped even trying. And enjoyed the moment. Or well, 30 minutes or so that we still had until the show would start.

As we waited, though we were fairly well back from the crush, the crowds (and I was told later, the drunks...which I have to admit I didn't notice anyone right there being bad) got to Kolby and Quin.

They decided to head back and watch from the villa.

The rest of us hung out.

I had NO idea what to expect.

Remember I mentioned that Illuminations was my favorite?

I lied.

Epcot NYE wins.

HAND DOWN

They started with ringing in the New Year in the order that the various countries had run it in. As they mentioned the countries, fireworks would go off over that country and it would light up, along with music themed to that country. Then it would continue. Finally it got to the USA. And the countdown began! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!


Followed by what to me, was kind of like Illuminations on Steroids.

LOVED

LOVED

LOVED

It!

I don't have pictures.

Not one.

I knew the iphone couldn't capture it and didn't even try. I just wanted to be in the moment, and I was. It was MAGICAL. I can’t express enough how much I enjoyed it. As did all of us that stayed.

However.

Getting out?

Not so Magical.

From Norway, clearly it would be closest to walk around the entry to the WS to get to the IG. Except they wouldn't let us. It was blocked. We were "forced" to go right at Mexico and head backstage.

This seemed like a REALLY bad idea to me. Not so much from a crowd perspective but from a walking one, with my mom.

Both Jeff and Eric wouldn't try to get through and keep going around. I was frankly, up for it. I saw others doing it. But no. NOW Jeff wants to follow the rules.

So we did.

Which mean we walked

Behind Test Track

Around SE

Fully back through the entire FW to Soarin’

And then through the same backstage overflow path we’d done twice that night already.



It was a HIKE. Really, at that hour, for all of us.

My mom was NOT happy. Neither was Evan (who we told to suck it up lol).

As we approached the UK I made an executive decision.

YOU.

SIT HERE.

that'd be me talking to my mom, dad and Kerri


They all meekly agreed and gratefully sat on a bench with the E's.

I grabbed Jeff and bBig Eric and we headed here







Jameson for the boys and Bailey's for the girls. The non pregnant ones that is. I decided to use my glow cube!

The look of relief on my mom’s face?

Priceless.

Though Evan was NOT happy about the delay it really gave my mom a chance to rest (Dad too), and regroup for the rest of the walk.

It also let the crowd thin out.

Finally we were on our way. Except mom wasn't quite done with hers

Sneaky lady

She tucked it inside her camera bag and VERY carefully walked through.

Jeff did something similar (like up inside their sleeve or another one of the guys did)

It was pretty classic.

Though the boat was appealing, the line was very long and all agreed that walking at that point would get us all to bed faster.

And it did! I was so incredibly grateful to be walking home to the Boardwalk it wasn't even funny. I can only imagine how long it may have taken some folks that night that weren't in walking distance of their resorts. I was grateful too that Mel and the boys had left when they did. They'd have hated that end crowd mess and the long walk.

We said goodbye at the ramp to the Swan and went upstairs to find Mel in the living room awaiting us. Apparently as they'd left, they’d made a tactical error. They tried to take the boat. The kids had gone on and if memory serves they'd gone ahead of Melissa. They shut the line before she got there. It took a lot of talking for her to get on, to convince them that her kids were on there without her.

And then they found the platinum blonde and her dancing companion were also on the boat. And he apparently, was quite drunk. And loud. And swearing up a storm over something. Kolby started to freak out a bit. Mel, who does not have a shy bone in her body approached him and said he was making her child uncomfortable. To which he replied pretty nastily, basically something along the lines of "that's your problem, not mine". While the CM’s and and boat captain tried (unsuccessfully) to calm the man down, they did not ask him to get off the boat. So, Melissa and her kids did and walked back. Fortunately by the time they were safely in the villa, the fireworks had just started and they were able to watch them from the balcony.

I felt bad. None of us honestly, had been all that uncomfortable in the crowds and didn't really see much of folks behaving too badly, at least not at the level that made us uncomfortable, certainly nothing the E's mentioned at all. I am not sure if that's simply due to more exposure to it, less sensitivity, or simply height. Kolby is by far the tiniest of our gang and I can easily see where that might really make a difference in the experience. At any rate, they had enjoyed a great night and her in words, survived an annoying blip. With that, and given that it was now around 1:15 am, we all gratefully stumbled to our beds.

Time for Tea

 

[jedijill]

Wow...what a night! I would love to see the fireworks but the crowds scare me! I'm glad the night went so well for all of you guys.

Jill in CO

 

[glennbo123]

This was a great chapter Cynthia! Lotsa crowds, but it sounded like an unforgettable night.

Yeah, I'm with you on the moving up in the line thing. I would be completely uncomfortable with that.

I'm glad that you all loved the food at Biergarten. As you know, I can't get my family to let me try anyplace else in WS!

Loved the pictures with the troll.

Wow, the NYE fireworks at Epcot sound amazing!

 

[KatMark]

First off, loved the pic of you and Ann at the race.

What a wonderful update, Cynthia.

The crowds...oh my!

But you all seemed to manage it well. And you got on the three biggest attractions too before your dinner. We've not been back to Biergarten in about three or four years; we were not happy with it last time. Perhaps we will give it another shot down the road a bit.

The pictures in Norway are a total hoot!

Love that you got into the Ditch while everyone held your spot for Illuminations. Illuminations is my least favorite show, but it sure sounds like the New Year's Eve one was very special. I'm glad you got to experience it. If my memory serves me correctly, Andy and his crew gave up on the crowds and went back to the resort to ring in the New Year with their brews.

Smart call on your part to get drinks for the "adults" and give your mom a chance to rest.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Ok truthfully, when I started this update, sessions were going for another 45 minutes and then there was a 30 min break before the evening reception and dinner. It seemed a FAR better use of my time to come and sit on my villa verandah and work on my update with a cool glass of…

Water.

Don't worry. I won't tell anybody.

It's like a 12-13 second per mile difference and if you were using this race as a "proof of time" for a Disney it would kind of bite as the pace the official race results show, aren't what you'd get credit for if you submit it as a 12K. And that's enough to put you in a different corral!

As the fat slob and non-runner in the group, I'm just going to nod and smile and pretend I know what all of this stuff means.

Once inside, it was a bit of a different story. The WS itself was crowded but not unmanageable. They were however, directing FW traffic backstage

And they let you take pictures?

The lines were INSANE. Who would wait three hours for ANY ride?

At some point in that winding queue my sister tried to get us to move up in line to be with them.

I refused. I do NOT do that. That then made her crabby. She had "checked" with everyone in between our two groups and they were "ok" with it. Honestly I didn't care if they were ok (and they probably were not but told her they were, she is persuasive like that), I was not ok with it. But between my sister and all the saps she conned, we were urged forward with me being mortified and apologizing to each soul as we walked by. If anyone reading this was there, I am sorry.

Yeah, I would have struggled with that as well. You hate to be That Guy (or gal) in the line.

Jeff looks like he is napping

The engineer who only wanted things that could REALLY be done on the car. Oh he likes to think he let Eric and Kolby pick whatever they wanted but they did listen to his input and rather strong reactions at some parts that were too unrealistic for his liking.

This is Disney World! Stop using your imagination!

The Standby wait for Soaring was 4 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ugh. I don't know if I would have handled these crowds so well!

I don't know if the menu really changed, food quality just improved, a new chef or if I was just absolutely starving but it was one of those nights where everything tasted amazing. Ok not everything but darn close. It was really really good and I had seconds. Thirds!

I am on a mission to try this place!

I have to admit, I think we all liked the movie at the end better than the ride. We didn't quite get it.

It's a boat, and trolls, and an oil rig painting. What's not to get?

Remember I mentioned that Illuminations was my favorite?

I lied.

Epcot NYE wins.

HAND DOWN

They started with ringing in the New Year in the order that the various countries had run it in. As they mentioned the countries, fireworks would go off over that country and it would light up, along with music themed to that country. Then it would continue. Finally it got to the USA. And the countdown began! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This sounds AWESOME.

And then they found the platinum blonde and her dancing companion were also on the boat. And he apparently, was quite drunk. And loud. And swearing up a storm over something. Kolby started to freak out a bit. Mel, who does not have a shy bone in her body approached him and said he was making her child uncomfortable. To which he replied pretty nastily, basically something along the lines of "that's your problem, not mine".

You may not like how I choose to deal with that problem.

Anyway, I'm glad this was such a memorable experience!

 

[elphie101]

Oh boy. What a crowded chapter!

The NYE fireworks at Epcot sound amazing!! I've only ever seen MK's myself (while on the clock! ) but I'd rather not YouTube Epcot's show in the hopes that I'll see it someday.

I'm very impressed with your adult beverage count for the day - Happy New Year indeed!

I hope everyone slept in and you had a relaxing start to 2014

 

[Chilly]

Not fun getting out but I bet the fireworks were worth it. Well done on your 12K race, went to the London marathon yesterday, my BIL was hoping to run it in around 4 hours, he was under 3h40 so very proud of him.

Have a great Easter and good luck Evan.

 

[khertz]

Those wait times! At least the FP+ helped.

I can imagine that walking through World Showcase (or trying to, rather) after those fireworks can be pretty intense. It's really great that y'all were lucky enough to be staying at a resort within walking distance to Epcot. It seems like that might be the best or only way to do it when you are visiting for NYE!

 

[Leshaface]

Caught up!

Are the gingerbread cookies pretty good? I've heard varying reports on it smelling delicious, but the taste not living up to expectations. I LOVE Gingerbread so much, I decided to skip it when were were there in 2012 because of the reviews.

Too bad Jeff couldn't find his own mug to use...and too bad that was more time wasted for him!

I'm so jealous of all these amazing trips you have coming up!

I completely agree with you on the line 'jumping'. DM tries to do that all the time, but I always make her come back to me, unless the folks in front of me insist that we move ahead of them.

I just don't get the 3-4 hour waits! There is absolutely no way I would ever do that to myself or my party! No thank you.

Still need to check out Biergarten...

I love Illuminations too, and can't imagine it getting any better than it already is. I should try and find it on YT.

Great choice about stopping and grabbing some drinks for the rest of the trek home. Super smart!

 

[Poolrat]

Hopefully you can rectify that before too long.

Cynthia your night sounds and all at once. Glad you were able to get done what you wanted and sorry about the final exit.

Great job on the drinks and your recap of the NYE Illuminations sounds awesome. For that is the only one left to do.

If I ever get the chance- stay at BCV or BWV and watch from France. or at least on that side to make the getaway easier.

I was at DHS and the walk home can't be beat.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

the Highlanders are their mascot. Apparently when the school was founded, mascot and colors chosen etc they basically found a clan plaid that matched the colors, and then were able to get permission from the head of the clan to use that plaid as thier official tartan. we have 4 different versions (much as my family's tartan does) and you'll see the different ones specifically on the band, pipers and lassies.



I was in Phoenix. Mornings and early evenings would have been lovely but there just wasn't time with the schedule I had. I think it was good that I took the time off, this morning likely went a bit better as a result and my knee still isn't 100%

That is such a cool history, and having the "real" tartan makes it even better. It's awesome that they are marching in kilts!

Good thing you took care of your knee - you have a trip coming up!

 

[emmysmommy]

On Monday, Evan was "fitted" for his Marching Band Uniform! It was fun helping to hand out the pieces, my goodness is it complicated and my vocabulary has grown as a result!



I've also firmed up 2 more DISmeets I think, one for California with Brenda (emmysmommy) and then one for WDW with LadyLallie

YAY!

Very nice! I love the kilt.

I'm so looking forward to seeing you next weekend!

All I cared about was the end part and that hadn't changed.

Jeff hated it. He got VERY hung up in the design piece and couldn't get past it. Enginerd. LOL!.

I agree, at least they didn't mess with the best part of the ride!

Enginerd!

What is not captured was the very "entertaining" couple dancing. I'm not really sure how else to put it other than they were quite memorable. Especially the to the waist length unnatural blond ponytail on an approximately 60+ year old woman. I have no issues with age, long hair at any age, ponytails or bleaching ones hair. But when something is so glaringly fake on so many levels, it just gets noticed is all. It was likely a wig. Or just a bad dye job, not sure. I am quite sure I am too old for my hair to be as long as it is, or in a ponytail either. It is probably obvious I color mine. But it’s almost better when it's an obvious color than one trying not to be…but is so not natural that it sticks out. Anyway, it's not about her hair but the two dancing as a couple…they were VERY memorable and I can't even really explain why. Just something. Like an "we think we are so fabulous look at us" kind of something. And there is a difference between pure enjoyment of the moment, being a decent dancer and being very um, cosmetically or surgically enhanced, in your looks on many levels and then blatantly showing off. Or trying to. Yes. I sound catty and mean.

Gotta admit, I loved this story in your update! And more drama to follow from the guy.... wow!

Now that I've entered into another decade in age, I'm thinking some color will be necessary very soon to hide the grey that I'm starting to sport.

It's a funny thing. I’d been to Biergarten once before, back in 2008 on our first full "family" trip that had all 4 of our kids after Jeff and I had gotten married. I liked it, but didn't love it. Jeff LOVED it, as did the E's and I think the big kids, K&T were ambivalent. I don't know if the menu really changed, food quality just improved, a new chef or if I was just absolutely starving but it was one of those nights where everything tasted amazing. Ok not everything but darn close. It was really really good and I had seconds. Thirds! Like Ohana, it is a great large group spot and truly I think, everyone loved it

I owe Biergarten to my DH from years ago when I ditched it since I was picturing bratwurst and sauerbraten on the menu and nothing else that I would like. I was wrong...Now that I've seen photos of the buffet and the entertainment, I really need to make it there one trip.

Nice troll antics and photos!

Remember I mentioned that Illuminations was my favorite?

I lied.

Epcot NYE wins.

HAND DOWN

They started with ringing in the New Year in the order that the various countries had run it in. As they mentioned the countries, fireworks would go off over that country and it would light up, along with music themed to that country. Then it would continue. Finally it got to the USA. And the countdown began! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!


Followed by what to me, was kind of like Illuminations on Steroids.

LOVED

LOVED

LOVED

It!

How amazing was that? I love how they incorporated all the countries into the show. Wow! What a great way to ring in the New Year!

Those crowds!!!! Yikes! That's some crazy detour to exit. I suppose it is no surprise given the crowds.

Awesome updates Cynthia!

 

[PrincessInOz]

WOW! I've always wondered if it was worth being at WDW for NYE and what it would be like. The crowds sound insane...as do the wait times. But it sounds like you had a great night.


Congrats on the run.

 

[emmysmommy]

Oops! I forgot to congratulate you on your 12K run last weekend! That's great that you have a running buddy with your hubby and a Dis running pal with Ann!

That's some crowd for the first mile. I would imagine it could be annoying since you just want to bound out of the group and run unhindered!!

 

[TinkyCheeks]

Great veranda pic! When I was a kid, I thought it would be so very glamorous to travel for work, thinking of all the places they could go. It took becoming an adult for me to realize that they rarely get to even leave the hotel. The pool looks lovely, though. Lol!

Look at you, another race. Congrats!

Wow, 120 minutes for single rider?!? I can’t even imagine. I’m with you, no ride is worth that. People regularly wait for coasters at Cedar Point for that long, and I just don’t get it. No thank you!

I am like you; I don’t like shoving my way in front of others. DH has a horrible habit of doing this during certain rides. He rushes through and then yells for me to push forward through the line. I always feel terrible about it.

Poor Jeff, wanting it to be realistic! And out of caramels, too. Boo! Isn’t that always the way of it?

Wait, four hours for Soarin? No, no, no! Days like this make FP+ seem like the most genius idea ever.

That drink sounds wonderful!

We tried Biergarten in 2009 and didn’t like it, but thanks to your comments and a few others, I think I’d like to give it another chance some day. And if there’s ever a time to mix your alcohol, NYE would definitely be it.

I totally understand not taking any pictures. Enjoying the moment is so much more important. I’m glad you enjoyed the show so much! I’d love to go once, just for the experience. Sounds like a drink break on the way out (or around…) was a fantastic decision.

So sorry to hear that Melissa and the kids had a bad experience with that man. That’s great that they were still able to enjoy their evening, though.

Wow! I have to say, getting in bed by 1:15 is pretty darn good, considering the crowds and how long it took to get out of there. If you were at a bus resort, you probably still would have been in line by then!

 

[afwdwfan]

And hey, I did have coffee on the balcony, once!

We'd be shocked if you didn't!

We did not allow for 45 minutes on the off-ramp of the highway!

Yikes! Glad you at least made it in time to run the race.

Yeah, my running knickers are totally obnoxious. I love them.

But between my sister and all the saps she conned, we were urged forward with me being mortified and apologizing to each soul as we walked by. If anyone reading this was there, I am sorry. It kind of got to the point of pick which will make the lesser of scenes in a sea million people squished into a very small space.

Sorry. I would have felt the same way you did about it. At least you were able to ride together and the situation didn't end up ruining the evening for anyone.

It had a handicap.

Jeff.

The engineer who only wanted things that could REALLY be done on the car.

I get it. I'm not an engineer, but I was the same way my first time through. I was even complaining that they didn't have diesel engines. I finally convinced myself to just go with it and tried to make it as good as I could. I guess just because something hasn't been done yet, doesn't mean it can't be done in the future.

Only to be told they were running up to an HOUR behind.

WOW!

I had seen folks carrying them and lit up, it looked like a poisoned apple.

Ok, just to carry around a poisoned apple to drink from, that would almost be worth it even if the drink wasn't all that good.

A wait on our ADR was both a good and a bad thing. The good....NYE itself was still hours away, this made the "event" closer and we were sitting (albeit on the floor) but out of the crowds. The bad.... kids, adults and pregnant mama's started to flag. The better? The hour really wasn't an hour! It was probably a solid 40 minutes.

All valid points, although it is a little bit scary that a 40 minute wait is even considered to be a "better"

And there is a difference between pure enjoyment of the moment, being a decent dancer and being very um, cosmetically or surgically enhanced, in your looks on many levels and then blatantly showing off. Or trying to. Yes. I sound catty and mean.

Not really. I think we've all seen "these people" before and we get it.

I have to admit, I think we all liked the movie at the end better than the ride. We didn't quite get it.

Never, in all my life, have I seen or heard this phrase in regards to that attraction.

I do agree there about not "getting" the ride though. It is kind of an odd way to tell a story about the history of Norway.

and yes for those counting, I'd had wine in the afternoon, a poisoned apple, and a beer with dinner. I was in fact slightly concerned about the mix but well, it WAS NYE! Plus it had been over a pretty long period of time. Like 10 hours. LOL!

Really? Why are you even trying to justify it? All you have to say is NYE...

NYE at Epcot. Drinks from the Ditch. Kind of a nirvana combo for Jeff and I.

I knew the iphone couldn't capture it and didn't even try. I just wanted to be in the moment, and I was. It was MAGICAL. I can’t express enough how much I enjoyed it. As did all of us that stayed.

I tend to be that way about all the fireworks shows... especially one of the special events. Sometimes you've just got to stand back, soak it in and enjoy the moment!

From Norway, clearly it would be closest to walk around the entry to the WS to get to the IG. Except they wouldn't let us. It was blocked. We were "forced" to go right at Mexico and head backstage.

Wow... that is just brutal!!!! How many extra miles did you have to walk when it should have just been a short stroll???

So, Melissa and her kids did and walked back. Fortunately by the time they were safely in the villa, the fireworks had just started and they were able to watch them from the balcony.

Yuck... well, at least they made it back in time to be able to watch the show.

 

[franandaj]

Wow! I'm glad your crew wasn't too bothered by the crowds. I woukd have freaked out. I don't handkerchief crowds well.

Those wait times! Why would someone even consider waiting 4 hours for any ride?

I enjoyed our lunch at Biergarten, and I even selected how it would be perfect for a big group. There's something for everyone.

I'm surprised you didn't herniated for taking pictures backstage. At DL they frown on that big time.

Less than a week now until DL!

 

[rentayenta]

Taking me through back stage would have been a enough to send me running! You are a trooper. Dedicated party girl.

Those wait times a barf worthy. But I guess what else are folks going to do other than wait, eat, or leave?

Love the race pics and food/drink porn. Way to go!



ETA: your FP+ strategy worked awesome! I'm glad you got to bypass those crazy wait times.

 

[eandesmom]

Wow...what a night! I would love to see the fireworks but the crowds scare me! I'm glad the night went so well for all of you guys.

Jill in CO

It was crowded, no doubt. But it's funny. Thanks to FP+, an ADR and a resort next door, outside of the end of the night extra hike and the wait for our dinner table it really was pretty painless. We had a lot of fun, got in all the main rides, had a great meal, a show, fun drinks and fireworks. And you know, even though the "hike" at the end kind of sucked, the nightcap was really kind of special and a neat wind down.

Put it this way. I wouldn't hesitate to go again. And, make similar plans.

This was a great chapter Cynthia! Lotsa crowds, but it sounded like an unforgettable night.

It was an unforgettable night! We all had a great time, no regrets at all. Well other than not thinking to position ourselves in the UK for fireworks so as to not get blocked. Or me not forcing the issue of going that way anyway.

Yeah, I'm with you on the moving up in the line thing. I would be completely uncomfortable with that.

It was awful. And bless her heart she made such a stink about it and had everyone between us urging us on that what could you do but go?

UGH!

I'm glad that you all loved the food at Biergarten. As you know, I can't get my family to let me try anyplace else in WS!

It was perfect for the large group. Just perfect!

Loved the pictures with the troll.

Aren't those a riot? It's a neat shop, I'd never been in it before.

Wow, the NYE fireworks at Epcot sound amazing!

They were incredible. I had no idea they'd ring it in that way, in the order the countries had. It was SOOO cool! And they'd play music themed to each country for those segments.

First off, loved the pic of you and Ann at the race.

Thanks! It was fun. Crazy crowded but incredible weather and great people

What a wonderful update, Cynthia.

The crowds...oh my!

But you all seemed to manage it well. And you got on the three biggest attractions too before your dinner. We've not been back to Biergarten in about three or four years; we were not happy with it last time. Perhaps we will give it another shot down the road a bit.

I can't complain. We walked into the park at 4:30 on NYE and by 9 had done the big 3 and had a fabulous dinner. FP+ absolutely made our night possible, there is no doubt about that. Walking on Malestorm like that though was a total shocker I have to admit.

The pictures in Norway are a total hoot!

We all look miserable from the crowds huh

Love that you got into the Ditch while everyone held your spot for Illuminations. Illuminations is my least favorite show, but it sure sounds like the New Year's Eve one was very special. I'm glad you got to experience it. If my memory serves me correctly, Andy and his crew gave up on the crowds and went back to the resort to ring in the New Year with their brews.

I truly have no idea how people without FP+ and ADR's managed it. I can't imagine. I'd have been on our balcony or the lawn at BWV for sure. We are not the "holding a spot" kind of crowd. The 30 minutes we waited for the NYE show (if it was that) is about our limit for that kind of thing. And thankfully, we managed it!

Smart call on your part to get drinks for the "adults" and give your mom a chance to rest.

Oh my goodness, she needed to rest. She is much better shape now and it would likely not be an issue but oh, we needed to just stop for a minute and the nightcap was actually quite lovely!

Don't worry. I won't tell anybody.

Well there was free wine waiting at the reception so water seemed like a good idea. LOL!

As the fat slob and non-runner in the group, I'm just going to nod and smile and pretend I know what all of this stuff means.

I can give you non runner. Fat slob? Hardly. In Disney races it could mean a lot actually. You have to submit times for placement. The farther in front you are, the less likely you are to get trampled, or really slowed down. Also if you do want character pictures during the race, the farther in front you are, means a better chance at a shorter line. It's a bigger deal now than it was.

So in my case, if I look at last years numbers I'd likely be in the same corral no matter what, either the time I already submitted or the time from this past weekends race. Theoretically my group will have about 2,000 people and about 2,100 will have started before I do. But if I was on the bubble, it'd be a group of 2200 and almost 4200 would have started before me. That makes a big difference. They will probably break the corrals down further so it could be a bigger impact. However, the time I already submitted is very close to bumping me up one. So if they change the cut off, by even one minute, it could make a huge difference for me. Don't turn in a time? You'll be in a group of 3,300 or so and a whopping almost 15K will have started before you.

BLEH.

Yeah, I would have struggled with that as well. You hate to be That Guy (or gal) in the line.

The only saving grace was I think it was clear that it was my sister being "that girl" and coercing everyone around her into it being ok.

This is Disney World! Stop using your imagination!

I kept telling him that it was FUTURE world...but he would have none of it.

Ugh. I don't know if I would have handled these crowds so well!

Well, we were mentally prepared and have been at some icky times before both WDW and Universal and I do think that helped but honestly, between FP+, an ADR and an Epcot resort it really was quite doable. For crazy people anyway. I would do it again, I think most of the group would. My dad would not.

It's a boat, and trolls, and an oil rig painting. What's not to get?

Well....we got the history of Norway...but as a ride???? I'll take Donald's boat over this one.

This sounds AWESOME.

It was amazing!

You may not like how I choose to deal with that problem.

Anyway, I'm glad this was such a memorable experience!

I imagine Jeff might have dealt with it more along your lines, than my sisters

Oh boy. What a crowded chapter!

Literally! I can't even imagine what MK was like.

The NYE fireworks at Epcot sound amazing!! I've only ever seen MK's myself (while on the clock! ) but I'd rather not YouTube Epcot's show in the hopes that I'll see it someday.

I'm glad I never YouTubed it for exactly that reason! It was pretty cool to not know ahead of time!

I'm very impressed with your adult beverage count for the day - Happy New Year indeed!

LOL! It was over 10 hours so that's what, 1 drink every 2?

I hope everyone slept in and you had a relaxing start to 2014

We shall see!

 

[chocolateMinnie]

fantastic report and huge envy that you seem to spend as long at Disney as you do at home