Mele Kalikimaka WDW Adventure 2015-COMPLETED

[juneaubiscuits]

Fantastic photos! Can't wait to see your Disney pics.

Thank you... although I have a lot more Universal photos, I think I'll stop here and head on to the WDW portion!

UPDATE! Going back and continuing my report on our Universal Studios portion of the trip! Here we go:

After watching the shows, I'm pretty sure it was close to lunch time (according to my growling stomach). I'm not even sure if Celestina Warbeck and the Frog Choir were in the same parks...LOL! I did do a bit more shooting of Diagon Alley. Again, amazed at the detail and overall immersive experience. Disney definitely needs to keep a close eye on the rear view mirror as Universal gained a lot of ground with Potter and company.

Daytime @ Diagon Alley Universal Studios Orlando 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Daytime @ Diagon Alley Universal Studios Orlando 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Daytime @ Diagon Alley Universal Studios Orlando 05 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Eternelle's Elixer of Refreshments @ Diagon Alley 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Eternelle's Elixer of Refreshments @ Diagon Alley 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Pushing the Pumpkin Juice @ Diagon Alley by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Bowman E. Wright Blacksmith @ Diagon Alley by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Diagon Alley may have been the most crowded area of all the parks, including Disney, that we visited during the Christmas season. Partly due to it being relatively new, but more likely, it's just an awesome place. As crowded as the outside was, we found the shops even more congested. I went in and turned right around at Ollivanders'. Erin, who was with our travel group, did manage to purchase a couple of wands. I saw lots of folks using their wands to activate stuff like water, so they're very interactive. I would have gone nuts over something like this as a kid (and spent a fortune). Fortunately, as an adult, I spend my money on stuff like camera gear now..hah!

Wand Testing @ Diagon Alley by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Daytime @ Diagon Alley Universal Studios Orlando 07 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Daytime @ Diagon Alley Universal Studios Orlando 06 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Hopping Pot by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Hogwart's Instructor @ Universal Studios by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Shop details @ Diagon Alley 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Hogwart's Emblem by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Now where was I? Yes....LUNCH! We decided to have our meal at Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeades so we jumped aboard the Hogswart Express to head towards Islands of Adventure. Focused on food, the group headed straight into the long lines for grub. Three Broomsticks, like everything else Harry Potter, was a sight to behold. The detailing in the window and food displays were visual feasts. The lines, although long, moved briskly but giving us just enough time to decide on the menu choices. Sue went with the Fish & Chips, while I opted for the Shepard's Pie with Garden salad. This was one of the few times our entire group was together. Besides us were the other two couples of our traveling party - Colleen, Kelly, Erin and Jesse. Erin is the daughter of Coll and Kel, and her and Jesse were married a couple of months earlier. This was sort of like their honeymoon. We teased the newlyweds about having to spend their wedding retreat with parents, but they laughed and said they didn't mind.

Due to the big crowds, I told Sue I was going to see if I can find a place to sit. I was a little worried about finding a table to accommodate all six of us, but quickly found out that workers would assign you an area once you appeared with your trays of food...way cool! After picking up our order, we headed to our table and enjoyed a relaxing lunch!

Three Broomsticks Dining Display @ Hogsmeade 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Three Broomsticks Dining Display @ Hogsmeade 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Three Broomsticks Interior @ Hogsmeade 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Three Broomsticks Interior @ Hogsmeade 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Three Broomsticks Interior @ Hogsmeade 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Fish and Chips @ Three Broomsticks in Universal's Islands of Adventure by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Shepherd's Pie w/ Garden Salad @ Three Broomsticks in Universal Islands of Adventure by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Sue, Kelly, Colleen, Jesse, & Erin @ Three Brooms in Hogsmeade 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Islands of Adventure is kind of a conundrum to me. I love the concept, although "Islands" seems to have little to do with the overall theming. Perhaps Universal was hesitant to call it Lands of Adventure, fearing a lawsuit from the Mouse House. When I think of Islands of Adventure, I imagine a port of calls similar to Disneysea with a strong nautical theme present. What IOA actually comes across as is a mishmash of licenses and available properties without a strong vision and cohesive focus. Marvel, Dr. Seuss, Dudley Doo Right...and now Harry Potter, all get thrown together into one big mumbo jumbo of a park! The shifts in characters and themes are jarring at times and it works against the immersive environment that Disney pulls off so well. However, Universal does an admirable job when you're in a specific area, whether it be superheroes or wizards. Don't get me wrong, I truly enjoy IOA...but I just can't shake the feeling that they missed the mark a bit.

After we finished eating, we headed towards the Marvel section. Kelly and I are both big comic geeks (or at least were, I pretty much stopped reading/collecting several years back). I actually bought the 1st appearances of Wolverine and the X-Men (not the original Kirby run, but the new group featuring Storm, Colossus, and Wolvie) at the newsstand, so seeing these comic characters explode into the mainstream has been interesting.

Our wives let us do our nerdy thing and take photos with the various heroes and villians. My only regret is not doing a photo op with Captain America, my all time favorite Marvel character.

Rogue, Kelly, Len, & Storm @Universal Studios Orlando 2015 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Green Goblin, Len, Dr. Doom, & Kelly @ Islands of Adventure by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Kel, Erin, Jesse, & Sue take a ride @ Islands of Adventure by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The photo below of Wolverine is with another visitor. I have no clue who she is, but it's the only photo of Wolvie I snapped as he was leaving.

X-Men's Wolverine 01 @ Islands of Adventure by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Captain America @ Islands of Adventure 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

X-Men's Rogue 06 @ Islands of Adventure by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Doctor Doom's Fear Fall @ Islands of Adventure by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Universal Studios Islands of Advetnure 10 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The shops in this area featured a ton of Marvel junk..er, merchandise. Very cool theming and on par with Disney.

Marvel Superheroes Store @ Islands of Adventure 05 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Marvel Superheroes Store @ Islands of Adventure 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Marvel Superheroes Store @ Islands of Adventure 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Marvel Superheroes Store @ Islands of Adventure 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

By late afternoon, Sue and I decided to head back to Portofino Bay for dinner. Although I really wanted to photograph the park at night, the air travel and lack of sleep convinced us we needed to get a good night's rest. Also, since we were at Portofino for just one night, we wanted to sample at least one of the restaurants. The rest of the group decided to head back to Diagon Alley so we parted ways upon exiting the park. I didn't really have time to explore much more of IOA, but I did take a few photos including one of a tall wizard/magician on stilts. This guy looked cool, but I was soon to be blown away by DiVine at Animal Kingdom. She is probably the most mesmerizing stilt walker I've seen in person.

Tall Guy @ Islands of Adventure 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Tall Guy @ Islands of Adventure 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Across the Bay @ Islands of Adventure by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Universal Studios Islands of Adventure Trading Company 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe @ Islands of Adventure by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

We also paid a visit to a few more of the shops on the way out. Cracks me up to see Cinnabon in IOA...LOL...hey, how about a Dunkin' Doughnuts, or better yet, Krispie Kremes!

Cinnabon @ Islands of Adventure by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Croissant Moon Bakery @ Islands of Adventure by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Sue & Dobby the House Elf by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Powdered Candy @ Universal's Snookers & Snookers Sweet Candy Cookers 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Stocking the Candy @ Universal's Islands of Adventures 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Christmas Treats @ Universal's Snookers & Snookers Sweet Candy Cookers 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Dr. Seuss Treats @ Universal's Snookers & Snookers Sweet Candy Cookers 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Store Display @ Universal's Islands of Adventure by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

It was late afternoon when we returned to our hotel. Since we dropped our bags off in the morning, I needed to pick up our key cards from the front desk. I think Universal has cooler access cards than Disney and I like how they have a variety of designs.

Portofino Bay Resort Hotel Key Cards by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

We quickly headed up to our room, anxious to see the inside. I try to take pictures of our rooms before we mess it up...LOL! Poor Sue always has to wait in a far corner while I do my thing. Truth to be told, photos of rooms are not much of interest to anyone except those who have or are planning to stay there. At least that's my feeling, but I could be in the minority...haha!

Portofino Bay Resort Room @ Universal Studios Orlando by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

I had earlier made reservations at Trattoria del Porto, but we decided to check out the restaurants in person before our dining time. For some reason, we ended up eating at Sal's Market Deli! Sue and I liked the laid back vibe and the pizzas baking in the ovens smelled enticing. After battling crowds all day, the near empty deli was very, very appealing. We placed our order, grabbed a booth, and sat down to a relaxing dinner.

Pizza & Salad @ Sal's Market Deli in Universal's Portofino Bay Resort by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

After we had our fill of pizza, salad, and wine, Sue headed back to the room while I toured the grounds for some evening picture taking. Portofino, modeled after an but Italian city, is a beautiful resort. But after having visited the Mediterranean Harbor at Tokyo Disneysea, I couldn't help feel a bit underwhelmed by the entire resort. It feels even less than Mediterranean Harbor Lite...if that makes sense. What Portofino charges for a day, I could stay two nights at Cabana Bay and have enough left over change for a nice dinner!

Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel Lobby 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel Lobby 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel Exterior 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

After a good night's sleep, Sue and I got up early to make the most of our last day at Universal. On our way to the docks to catch a boat transport, my hammy wife posed for some pics along the pathway.

Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel Exterior 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Sue Takes Off From Portofino Bay 4 in a Series of 4 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr





Our plan of attack for day two was to do Universal Studios first in the morning. We all met up in the front and did the obligatory Universal globe pictures. Check out the girl posing like she's holding up the globe in the photo of Sue and I...LOL! At first I was a bit bummed, but it's actually pretty funny.

Kelly, Colleen, Erin, & Jesse @ Universal Studios Orlando Icon by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Sue & Len @ Universal Studios Orlando Icon by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

At the gate entrance, one of the ticket takers named Vanessa (what do they call Universal park employees anyway? Pretty sure cast member is copyrighted by Disney...hah) asked me about my camera since I was already taking shots like a madman. Not once did she mention that my gear might be prohibitive inside the park. Not wanting to hold up the line, I took a couple of shots of Vanessa and her co-worker and proceeded through the turnstile.

Universal Studios Ticket Takers 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Ticket Taker Vanessa @ Universal Studios 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Entrance to Universal Studios Florida by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

I had to stop into Beverly Hills Boulangerie to check out the pasteries. My obsession with this place comes from my visit to Universal in Osaka. While I pretty much love all foods in Japan, their pastries tend to be a lot less sweet to my liking. However, Japan's packaging and souvenir type promotions are off the wall! I bought this sweet chocolate cake that came with a ceramic "Peanuts" cup back in Osaka. The japanese will serve you the dessert on a plate, and give you the cup wrapped in an ornate box. I was hoping to find something similar here, but to no avail. Ahh, probably for the best..I need another park cup like I need another hole in my head.

Beverly Hills Boulangerie Patisserie Sign by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Sue Outside Beverly Hills Boulangerie Patisserie. jpg by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Beverly Hills Boulangerie Patisserie Counter @ Universal Studios Orlando 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

And now on to Disney...

 

[juneaubiscuits]

It's funny, I will immediately remember and recognize buildings and areas whenever I return to Main Street USA, but walking down Universal is always like seeing a new park...LOL! While the production and detailing is solid, Universal just does not seem to imprint much on my nostalgic memory. Probably more a testament to my aging brain, and nothing to do with the awesomeness of this theme park. I'm wondering too if Universal built their shops to actual scale. I know Disney uses force perspective and smaller scales for their Main Street building to give it a more intimate feel. I think it's this "intimacy" that is lacking from Universal, but by golly, that didn't stop me from taking pictures! P.S. If you're not a fan of fish eye lens photos, you may want to skip over some of these pics!

Sue @ Universal Studios Cab Service by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Universal Studios Classic Monster Cafe 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Downtown @ Universal Studios Orlando by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Macy's & Co, @ Universal Studios Orlando by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Vendor Stand @ Universal Studios Orlando by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Fruit Stand @ Universal Studios Orlando by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Lombard's is a favorite place of mine to eat (love the fish and chips), although we didn't get to stop there this time around. It's quite depressing to think of how many things we didn't get to see or do. Maybe I did spend too much time behind the camera...

Lombard's Landing @ Universal Studios Orlando 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

I also ran into the Blues Brothers. I only saw that movie once eons ago and didn't really think much of it. However, the guy impersonating John Belushi's character was spot on (see I don't even know the character's name...maybe Jake?)!

The Blues Brothers @ Universal Studios Orlando 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Blues Brothers @ Universal Studios Orlando 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Blues Brothers @ Universal Studios Orlando 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr


After 2 days at Universal, our transportation picked us up on Sunday morning, November 29th to take us to Walt Disney World. Our friends (whom I know I've yet to formally introduce) were dropped off at Disney's Pop Century, while Sue and I headed to Disney's Art of Animation. This was the 1st of 5 different hotels I had booked for our trip. This was definitely a picture taking trip for me and I admire the detail and theming of the Disney resorts. Since getting to Orlando is far and few in-between, I went a bit crazy trying to experience as much of the different hotels as possible. In hind sight, this ended up proving quite exhausting...LOL! I don't think I would ever stay at 1 hotel if I ever make it back to WDW, but I think 2 hotels would be my cap (maybe 3). I booked a standard "Little Mermaid" room and found it very nice. The little touches throughout the room always catches my eye...or rather the camera's eye.

Sue and I dropped off our luggage and toured the hotel for a bit. Our plan for today was NOT to visit the parks, but rather to do a hotel tour. I wanted to photograph the various lobbies with their respective Christmas decorations as well as experience the overall ambience/atmosphere. I'm pretty sure I will never be able to stay at all the resorts, so this was a good way to get a small taste...

Disney's Art of Animation Lobby 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Art of Animation Lobby 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Art of Animation Bedroom 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Art of Animation Bedroom 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

The first stop on our Hotel Tour was the Polynesian Village Resort. I remember a co-worker of mine would always stay there for the entire trip, every trip! I use to think what a waste...we live in Hawaii, why not experience something different cultural or theming wise? After visiting this resort, I now understand why she chose this place. I've been to Aulani several times, and while I enjoy the resort, it does not come close to the Polynesian. It could be completely bias, but there's something about a theme park hotel that makes it extra special. I loved the overall touches and those great tiki statues placed among the hotel. The lobby was magnificent with a cool juxtaposition of colors. I would definitely stay here for a few nights...

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Lobby 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Lobby 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Lobby 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Lobby 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

The Christmas tree in the lobby was also a sight to see. I took quite a bit of photos at BouTiki (love that word play) where those immense tiki statues were...kinda scary. Hawaii has its share of ghost stories and urban legends. One of the more famous ones involves the old Pali Highway. It's believed this road was built on ancient burial grounds and the kahuna spirits there are strong. I've heard tales of people driving down that highway late at night and their cars suddenly stalling out. Drivers would throw out fresh pork over the railing as an appeasement and find their vehicles mysteriously starting up again. Don't know who would have fresh pork in their cars at that time of the night, but I did keep a can of Pork 'N Beans in my trunk just in case. You would also see a line of torches coming out of the mountain tops around midnight. These were thought to be dead warriors marching towards some unseen battle. The state eventually closed down the old Pali road and built a new highway bypassing the haunted area...

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Lobby 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Lobby 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

BouTiki @ Disney's Polynesian Village Resort 05 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

BouTiki @ Disney's Polynesian Village Resort 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

BouTiki @ Disney's Polynesian Village Resort 07 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

BouTiki @ Disney's Polynesian Village Resort 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Pineapple Lanai @ Disney's Polynesian Village Resort by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Lilo & Stitch Surf's Up @ Disney's Polynesian Resort by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Lobby Art @ Disney's Polynesian Village Resort by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Moana Mercantile @ Disney's Polynesian Village Resort 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Lobby 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Bou-Tiki Store Entrance @ Disney's Polynesian Village Resort by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Bou-Tiki Window Display @ Disney's Polynesian Village Resort by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

We left the Polynesian and hopped aboard the monorail for our next stop...the Grand Floridian. While it's a very impressive hotel, I don't think I would ever stay here unless I got a super great rate. The Christmas tree in the lobby excluded that same sense of grandeur as the overall place. Sue got to meet a good friend of hers who drove out from North Carolina to spend a few days in the parks. I waited in line to buy some gingerbread cookies, but the wait was super long and we needed to head out to our next stop for a lunch appointment. I couldn't figure out why most of the photos of the gingerbread house looked....rather bland. It was only then that I realized brown being a dominant color can be detrimental to a picture that pops...LOL!

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Lobby 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Lobby 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Lobby 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Lobby 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Merkleins & Sue @ Disney's Grand Floridian Resort 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Balcony Stairs @ Disney's Grand Floridian by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr


Summer Lace Shop @ Disney's Grand Floridian by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

M. Mouse Mercantile @ Disney's Grand Floridian 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Gingerbread House @ Disney's Grand Floridian 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Gingerbread House @ Disney's Grand Floridian 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Gingerbread House @ Disney's Grand Floridian 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

Our next destination was Disney's Beach and Yacht Club resorts. We had a 1:00 lunch appointment at Beaches and Creams where we met our friends. The two couples had decided to go to Epcot in the morning since they would be flying out to Miami for a day to visit a car museum. One of guys...Kelly, is a big fan of TV cars and the chance to see the Batmobile and Black Beauty in person was to good to pass up. Anyway, it seems I haven't processed any photos from the two resorts yet, so we'll have to settle for some pics from the restaurant...

Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Wreath by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Ashley @ Beaches & Cream Soda Shop by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Prior to the trip, I read good reviews on the restaurant and Colleen (one of our friends) was looking forward to picking up a Mickey Pants bowl to take home. The detailing was up to the usual high Disney standards, but the food was a big disappointment. Our burgers were bland and rather tasteless, and our fries were greasy and cold. I would have gladly traded my meal here for one from In 'N Out Burgers (and I would have paid the same prices too)...

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr


Beaches & Cream Soda Shop 05 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[tinawv]

Thank you... although I have a lot more Universal photos, I think I'll stop here and head on to the WDW portion!

I'm in awe of your photos; just awesome. Would love to see more of US also. Haven't felt a need to go anywhere else but WDW, and after seeing your photos I wondering if I can sneak in a few days during our June trip to WDW- lol.

 

[juneaubiscuits]

I'm in awe of your photos; just awesome. Would love to see more of US also. Haven't felt a need to go anywhere else but WDW, and after seeing your photos I wondering if I can sneak in a few days during our June trip to WDW- lol.

No worries...I will return to Universal after I wrap up the WDW portion! I didn't want to mislead people who clicked on my tab to see a Disney report. It pains me to lose two days of WDW for Universal, but glad we went. They really have upped their game especially when it comes to Harry Potter.

 

[seashell724]

Oh my goodness. I can't wait to see more of your trip! I checked out your Flickr page and your photos are amazing. I feel like I could reach out and touch everything in them. I have never seen photos like this before. WOW.
I have to admit, your title drew me in first! I LOVE Hawaii and even gave our daughter a Hawaiian name because of it. I am in awe that you get to live with such beauty surrounding you.
Keep it up!

 

[juneaubiscuits]

Oh my goodness. I can't wait to see more of your trip! I checked out your Flickr page and your photos are amazing. I feel like I could reach out and touch everything in them. I have never seen photos like this before. WOW.
I have to admit, your title drew me in first! I LOVE Hawaii and even gave our daughter a Hawaiian name because of it. I am in awe that you get to live with such beauty surrounding you.
Keep it up!

Mahalo...glad you're aboard for my haphazard trip report...LOL! I'm half way through processing my photos, so once I'm finished, I'll open up the WDW album to the public (but be warned, there's almost a thousand photos).

Glad you have a soft spot for the islands. I do feel blessed to live in Hawaii, although I wish Orlando wasn't so far away.

 

[mamamary]

I'm really enjoying your trip report. The pictures are beautiful. Can't wait for more!

 

[juneaubiscuits]

I'm really enjoying your trip report. The pictures are beautiful. Can't wait for more!

Glad you're enjoying the trip report Mamamary!

 

[juneaubiscuits]

After lunch, our groups split up...with our friends heading back to Epcot, while my wife and I continued our hotel tour with more of the Beach & Yacht Club as well as the Boardwalk area. I really liked the laid back, slow paced feel of these hotels. Boardwalk, especially was very empty...almost deserted. We leisurely visited a couple of stores while I took more photos of the lobby areas as well as the Christmas decorations.

Lobby of the Disney's Yacht Club Resort 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Beach & Yacht Club Resorts 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Wreath 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Lobby of the Disney's Yacht Club Resort 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Garland Detail@ Disney's Beach & Yacht Club Resorts by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

I think I would definitely stay at either the Beach or Yacht Club resorts if I ever get back to Orlando.

Disney's Yacht Club Resort 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Boardwalk Inn & Villas Front Entrance by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Lobby of the Disney's Yacht Club Resort 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Wreath 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Lobby of the Disney's Yacht Club Resort 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Ceiling Detail@ Disney's Beach & Yacht Club Resorts by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Lobby of the Disney's Yacht Club Resort 05 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Swimming Pool Area @ Disney's Beach & Yacht Club Resort 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr



After a bit more of sight seeing, Sue and I decided to head back to the Art of Animation to freshen up and relax a bit before dinner.

 

[juneaubiscuits]

We had reservations for the California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort at 7:30 pm. Our plan was to have a leisurely meal with our friends and then head to the terrace for the fireworks show. Since I had a little time, I took my camera around the grounds of AOA to take some photos of the huge character statues. Due to time constraints and old age (haha), I only had a chance to shoot the Little Mermaid and Lion King grounds. Really wanted to see Little Nemo and Cars, but it wasn't meant to be...

The Lion King Grounds @ Art of Animation 05 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Lion King Grounds @ Art of Animation 06 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Lion King Grounds @ Art of Animation 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Lion King Grounds @ Art of Animation 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr
The Lion King Grounds @ Art of Animation 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Lion King Grounds @ Art of Animation 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

The Lion King Grounds @ Art of Animation 06 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

The Little Mermaid area...

The Little Mermaid Grounds @ Art of Animation 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Art of Animation Little Mermaid 12 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr


Disney's Art of Animation Little Mermaid 10 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Art of Animation Little Mermaid 08 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Art of Animation Little Mermaid 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Art of Animation Little Mermaid 04 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Art of Animation Little Mermaid 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Art of Animation Little Mermaid 11 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Art of Animation Little Mermaid 06 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's Art of Animation Little Mermaid 13 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

After finishing up photographing the grounds, we heading to the Contemporary for our dinner reservations at the California Grill. We went a bit earlier so we could check out the hotel and shops. I had to get a close up look at the Mary Blair mural since she is one of my all time favorite Disney artists. Her mastery of colors and stylized approach always amazes me. I never realized for the longest time what an impact her art had on the Disney animated classics as well as the theme parks. There were some bakers/chefs working some tables around that area with various goodies for sale. I was tempted, but wanted to save my appetite for our meal. At the designated time, we headed to the restaurant for check-in at the reservation counter.

Netti @ Disney's Contemporary Resort 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's California Grill 00 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

Upon entering, I was blown away by the design and look of the restaurant. I had seen photos on the internet prior to our arrival, but experiencing it in person was even better. We were quickly seated and handed menus. Earlier at lunch, Sue and I split the meal of burger, fries, and shake partly because we didn't want to feel stuffed prior to dinner. It's a practice we ended up sticking to for our entire stay at WDW! I normally prefer ordering my own dish (and not having to share), but it really worked out well for us. Besides saving on money, it left us leaving the restaurant feeling satisfied with maybe wanting just a little more (which is a good thing). By not stuffing myself to the hilt, I was able to indulge in the occasional snack or treat.

Disney's California Grill 03 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's California Grill 0000 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

 

[juneaubiscuits]

Our friends Kelly & Colleen, along with their daughter Erin and her newlywed husband Jesse, joined us for dinner. Although we planned the trip together, we found out fairly early that it was nearly impossible for all six of us to stay together. Our philosophy was get together when possible, but be flexible so folks can do what they want without worrying about the others in the group. Meals and reserved shows were two of the times where we all were together, so it made these get moments even more special. Sue and I decided to split a Dragon Roll, a Caesar salad, and the Oak-fired Filet of Beef. The waiter was kind enough to split up our food on separate plates, so we didn't have to portion it out ourselves. Besides making it less messy, this kept the presentation classy and appealing! I had to laugh when our steak entree arrived. The portion was small to begin with, so cutting in half...well....I remember Kelly looking at it and saying "Is that all you're eating?". I took my first bite and could not believe how tender and moist the beef was...it literally melted in my mouth. This was the one time I wish we had not split our meals...LOL!

Kelly & Colleen @ Disney's California Grill by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Jesse & Erin @ Disney's California Grill by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Sue & Len @ Disney's California Grill by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's California Grill 01 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr

Disney's California Grill 02 by Juneau Biscuits, on Flickr