Mum and moi take Orlando: the never-ending trip report (aka we are nuts) NEW 5/20 x4!!!

[LifeIsDis]

November 30th (part 2): Holidays around the World

We made our way through the International Gateway, got a holiday map, and walked counter clockwise around WS.

And the first thing I noticed was that we just stepped into Food and Wine Festival: holiday edition. Seriously, in several of the countries, they took the F&W booths, got new items, and decked them out for the holidays. And they even have the passports like they do at regular F&W. So now, F&W is almost 365 days a year. Not complaining though.

Example:

Our first stop was Italy so we could watch La Befana.

She was a really good actress and we enjoyed her very much. She was one of the best.

We walked towards China, but I got distracted by the train. Like always.

Heaven looks even better at Christmastime.

And then I got even more distracted by the blown glass ornaments.

The Monkey King was out when we got to China, so we stopped and watched. He was definitely my least favorite narrator cause 1) He was just weird, 2) I have never heard someone make monkey sounds that good in my life, and 3) it had like nothing to do with the holidays. At all.

I told you he was weird.

We stopped in NorVAY, and bumped into Susan (aka jecskc) and family so we talked to her for a little bit. It was great to see you again, Susan!

The decorations in NorVAY are just perf.

It was almost time for Sigrid to come out, so we got a spot.

Sigrid was my FAVORITE narrator. She was so funny and so was the Santa gnome dude with the fake beard. I just loved them and they were very entertaining.

Then we got in line to meet the Duffster since he had gotten into the holiday spirit and he looked so crappin’ cute.

While in line, I noticed THIS. Like, OMG. Duffy. In a FEZ. A FEZ. Like I can’t.

And a BARET! That is basically like the most perfect thing ever.

Anyways, here is yours truly with Duffy.

Oh look, it is the leaning Christmas tree.

We were getting hungry so we went to Promenade Refreshments and got the sweet potato waffle.

Here is the holiday menu:

Our waffle. It was good, but it didn’t have enough toppings for one, and for two, didn’t taste like a sweet potato. I would rather the turkey waffle though for next time.

After we ate our waffle, we looked around in Mouse Gear.

2014 merch…

These Christmas topiaries >>>>>

 

[iluvdoombuggies]

I finally caught up!!! Thanks for all the wonderful pics and updates. Loving your never-ending TR.

 

[leopardmickeyears]

Those snowman ornaments are adorable.

The Duffster in a fez. MOIS Duffy has a beret so

MY TWIN AND SANTA DUFFY I CANT SO CUTE OMG

 

[LifeIsDis]

I finally caught up!!! Thanks for all the wonderful pics and updates. Loving your never-ending TR.

Yay! Thank you!

Those snowman ornaments are adorable.

The Duffster in a fez. MOIS Duffy has a beret so

MY TWIN AND SANTA DUFFY I CANT SO CUTE OMG

And expensive.
WAIT WHAT HOW.
We are so cute.​

 

[tinkerbells mum]

I'm just eating my first attempt at magic cookie bars, they did not work at all! I know the quantities weren't right the recipe I've got is American so it's all in cups in the UK we don't use cups so I guessed and got it wrong! The condensed milk didn't seep through to the graham crackers so they didn't set and there was far too much coconut. I'll have to try again and use a conversion chart on google. It wasn't quite the little piece of Disney I was hoping for

 

[LifeIsDis]

I'm just eating my first attempt at magic cookie bars, they did not work at all! I know the quantities weren't right the recipe I've got is American so it's all in cups in the UK we don't use cups so I guessed and got it wrong! The condensed milk didn't seep through to the graham crackers so they didn't set and there was far too much coconut. I'll have to try again and use a conversion chart on google. It wasn't quite the little piece of Disney I was hoping for

Oh no, really?! That stinks. Yeah, maybe try converting the cups next time.​

 

[LifeIsDis]

November 30th (part 3): "You know you have a monorail on your head right?"

It was time for our Test Track FPs so we headed over there.

Here is our terrific car.

And our ride pic. Mum’s hair is just gorgeous.

We then walked over to France so we could get a spot for Pierre Noel.

Staring moi downnnnn.

We went to my fave bakery for dinner.

I got the amazing ham and cheese croissant. God, that thing is amazing.

THE CHRISTMAS CUPS THO.

Have to say, France’s decorations are awesome. Except the extremely tacky peppermints on the light poles on the bride leading into the UK.

We made our way over to Germany and got a chewy caramel bar, duh.

We brought it over to watch Germany’s narrator. I think her name was Helga or something.

She looks like a Helga.

We were walking over to UK, and in America, some CM asked me

“You know you have a monorail on your head right?”

Yes sir, yes I know.

We got to the UK and got a spot for Father Christmas.

While we were waiting, some woman was sitting on a bench right near us and this is what I wrote about her in my journal.

“Some lady basically crapped herself while we were waiting.”

I was DYING. Like, why on earth would you just rip one in public?! And it was LOUD.

Anyways…

We watched Father Christmas and he was… weird. I got no good pics of him, so yeah. And omg, he had this RIDICULOUS LAUGH. I found a video on YouTube of the same Father Christmas we had and just LISTEN to that laugh.

I got no good pictures of him because I was laughing for two reasons which were one, the woman who passed gas, and two, THE LAUGH.

We then went over to Japan to look around and decided to get a few Christmas gifts in there. We did one where we got candy from all around the World—except America and Morocco cause they had nothing—and sent them to a set of triplets we know because they would like it.

I found this bag in there. I am sorry, but THAT IS SO SAD OMG.

Anyone want some?

I went over to the bridge between France and the UK to set up my tripod while Mum went to look for more candy.

I set up about an hour before Illuminations and chilled.

Now, this is going to sound REALLY stupid, but I didn’t know how to tilt up the part where your camera sits on, so I had to manually hold it to get some good shots and totally cut off most of the fireworks. I really need to shoot Illuminations again because this was an epic fail.

And OMG THAT HOLIDAY ENDING HOLY CRAP.

My few good shots.

They are total crap, I know.

I packed up my tripod and then we walked back to the BW. HOW CONVENIENT!

Of course we had to stop in the Boardwalk Bakery because I was hungry.

STOP IT.

..

I got the strawberry cupcake and it was basically perfect.

We also got some hot chocolate and then headed back up to the room.

While I devoured the cupcake, I watched a loop of Stacey and HOLY CRAP there is so much new footage. I was dying, so there’s that.​

 

[leopardmickeyears]

Yes, yes she does look like a Helga...or better yet..Heidi

ahahahahha abahahaha muawahahaha evil laugh..

NO THAT IS SO SAD LOOK AT THE CUTE LITTLE POLAR BEARS


AWW YEAH ILLUMINATIONS WITH THE TRIPOD

Yay December!

 

[LifeIsDis]

Yes, yes she does look like a Helga...or better yet..Heidi

Yes, yes she does.

ahahahahha abahahaha muawahahaha evil laugh..

NO THAT IS SO SAD LOOK AT THE CUTE LITTLE POLAR BEARS

I KNOW I WAS CRYING

AWW YEAH ILLUMINATIONS WITH THE TRIPOD

Which turned out like crap...

Yay December!

​

 

[LifeIsDis]

December 1st (part 1): Epcot resort area decorations and CMs that smell good

We got up at like eight, got ready, and headed down to the boardwalk.

The poinsettias looked so pretty with the water on them.

Our destination.

Mum got some breakfast sandwich thing, but let’s be real now. My breakfast was ten times more important than hers. And I also forgot to say that I had the rest of my strawberry cupcake before we left the room. #poohsized

I really need to make a song called In Heaven that would be to the tune of In Summer. That is so how I am spending my winter break. It will hit iTunes soon.

“And I can’t wait to see, what the scale thinks of me. Just imagine how much happier I’ll be IN HEAVEN!” (of course I am talking about eating too many chocolate croissants here, folks).

Anyways…

We went back to our room to get our things, checked out, and put everything in the car.

But THE DECORATIONS.

We headed back outside and walked over to the Yacht Club.

I am sorry, but they need a shorter tree or something. It is literally touching the ceiling.

At least the ornaments are nice.

The train setup thingy was just ok. I wasn’t really impressed.

Then we walked over to the Beach Club to check out the carousel and such.

I thought it was really cute and very detailed.

The names tho.

We looked in the Marketplace for a few minutes and then we walked over to Epcot.

We needed to finish getting candy from every country so that is exactly what we did.

First stop was Canada. (mum got candy from france and the UK while I was waiting for Illuminations).

Canada’s decorations >>>>

After we got the candy, we continued on our way and stopped in the Port of Entry.

I can’t deal with that artwork.

Why hello there, 2014.

The Duffster should also be a tree topper. End of story.

I’m sorry, but that tree is so tilted.

Next up, Mexico.

They had a HUGE selection of candy, so we had plenty to pick from.

After we paid, we continued to NorVAY and got some chocolate cracker things.

Then Mum was looking at that expensive perfume and we were standing next to a custodial CM came up next to us and was spraying the perfume all over them and their towel. I was standing there like “…what.”

And here is the best part.

It was a guy.

Moving onto China.

A lot of the candy there was like the same thing Japan had so we just skipped it.

 

[LifeIsDis]

December 1st (part 2): The end of the candy hunt and in which I LET IT GO

The details in China are pretty awesome.

We pretty much got caramel in Germany, duh.

We made our way to Italy next.

STOP IT JUST STOP.

I CANT.

We skipped America for candy, cause why on earth would be buy a Twix or a Milky Way. Seriously.

We were pretty much done with getting candy so we walked back to the International Gateway.

I told you they were tacky.

We walked back to the BW parking lot and we drove over to DTD.

We had to park on West Side because parking was nuts at Marketplace, and it was still crazy on WS. Seriously, I hate that parking lot. With a burning passion.

It is a very good thing DTD has cool decorations.

We went all the way over to Earl to get a late lunch.

Like ALWAYS, it was so insane in there and the line stretched into Mickey’s Pantry. Like why.

I got the holiday sandwich and oh my god, it was SO good.

Mum got the holiday ham and I guess she liked it…

After we ate, IT WAS TIME TO SEE FROZEN!

Oh my god, that movie. We have seen it another time thus far and it keeps on getting better. I am kind of in love with it and THOSE SONGS GAHHHHHH. So yeah. I love it. The end.

After the movie got over, we wanted ice cream, so we walked all the way over to Marketplace.

It was worth it though.

And then we had to walk all the way BACK over to the West Side parking lot. And of course, we couldn’t find our car. What else is new.​

 

[leopardmickeyears]

omg that poinsettia pic


AAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY 2014!!!!!!!!


THE DUFFSTER DOE >>>>>>
He is TOO CUTE and I love the lighting behind him so perf

 

[iluvdoombuggies]

That sandwich looks so yummy!!!!!!!!!!! Love all the pictures of the decorations. Thank you for sharing with those of us who cant be at Disney during Christmas

 

[LifeIsDis]

omg that poinsettia pic


AAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY 2014!!!!!!!!


THE DUFFSTER DOE >>>>>>
He is TOO CUTE and I love the lighting behind him so perf

In love with it too.
WHOOP WHOOP!
That pic is just perf.

That sandwich looks so yummy!!!!!!!!!!! Love all the pictures of the decorations. Thank you for sharing with those of us who cant be at Disney during Christmas

Oh it was!
Aw glad I can do that for you!​

 

[LifeIsDis]

December 6th: DISAPALOOZA!

After Mum got out of work, we drove over to Chick Fil A to grab some dinner and I GOT MY COW CALENDAR. Guys, it is perf. Like, I am still dying over it. And it has so many coupons so YAY!

We then headed over to MGM for DISapalooza! Seriously, I was so excited.

Of course, we got there about 45 minutes early because I have OCD about time and all, and I wanted to get there. Of course we waited around but I didn’t care. And we could see Sorcerer Mickey from the parking lot so I wasn’t complaining.

We went up to the turnstiles at about 8:35 and met up with Kevin and Kaelea, friends of ours who we met at one of the DISmeets. We talked for a bit, met up with Matt, and God knows who else.

We were let into the park at about 9:30, but the party didn’t start... UNTIL WE WALKED IN!

Yeah...

The party didn't start until ten so we had to wait around for a few, which was fine BECAUSE BARBIE AND KEN WERE OUT NO BIG DEAL.

I can’t.

Still crying.

And they had like 1000 outfit changes throughout the night and everyone LOVED them. They had the movements and character down so crappin’ well.

Just before 10, we were led to Pixar Place.

EMPTY PARK!

So there were about 400 people and we all agreed that that would feel pretty crowded and it didn’t at all.

We said hi to most of the DISunplugged team as we came in and I dropped donations off for GKTW.

They had all of these tables set up and it just looked really nice.

Mr. and Mrs. Incredible were out so I had to get my picture with them because like Mrs. Incredible is never out.

Mum takes great pictures, as you can see. (and idk what is all over my pants. I promise I didn’t pee myself).

Mike and Sulley were also out for a little bit but I sadly didn’t get my picture with them.

After I met them, moi, Mum, Kevin, and Kaelea all went on TSM for the first time that night. We walked right through the FP line and literally walked right on the ride. AND THAT MY FRIENDS IS WHY DISAPALOOZA IS WORTH IT.

TSM #1 scores. #iloseeverytime

Then we got some food and HOLY CRAP THEY HAD A TON OF IT. I had meatballs, cheese, veggies, bread, god knows what else… It was SO good too omg.

They also had popcorn, mickey pretzels, cotton candy, and the list goes on.

Of course, it was dessert time.

Donuts and ice cream FTW. AND MICKEY JIMMIES YO!

While we ate, we watched the balloon artists and all I have to say is wow. They were so good.

Then we went on TSM again cause why not.

LOOK AT ALL OF THE PEOPLE SO RIDICULOUS WHAT IS THIS CHRISTMAS OH MY GOD I CANT TAKE IT SOMEONE HELP ME.

TSM #2 scores. #iloseeverytime

We then sat down by the backlot tour. There was no one back there. It was so nice though.

IT IS A HOT SET, PEOPLE.

And then we went straight back to TSM.

TSM #3 scores. #iloseeverytime

We sat down for awhile because my arm was killing me from TSM and we talked to Matt. Then we all went on TSM for #4 and I sat with Matt. And what do you know. I LOST. I mean, Matt is good at the game anyways, but still.

It was almost midnight so I thought they were going to shut down the ride but they let us go on again and I was like “YAY but MY ARM!”

#iloseeverytime

The party was over when we got out, so we headed out to the parking lot.

I LOVE EMPTY PARKS!

LOOK AT ALL OF THE PEOPLE OH MY GOD I FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO GET TRAMPLED ITS LIKE TSM MAD DASH WATCH OUT EVERYONE WHAT IS THIS CHRISTMAS.

We said bye to Kaelea and Kevin for the night and headed home.​

 

[LifeIsDis]

December 7th: CAMERAS EVERYWHERE!

We got to AoA at about 12 or so. I don’t even remember what time actually…

As we pulled through the gates, they scanned Mum’s Magic Band instead of looking at ID. Very interesting…

Kind of in love with this place.

The lobby was packed for some reason. Like, people were everywhere. Kind of like TSM the night before.

THIS TREE IS DA BEST.

We were going to have a quick lunch and then head over to Pop to pick up Kaelea and Kevin to head to the podcast recording.

I got the chicken burger for my lunch. Hands down one of the BEST quick service meals I have EVER had. It was so fresh and yummy and I am pretty much in love with it. IT WAS JUST SO GOOD and VERY high quality.

Mum got the make your own pasta and I have no clue what she put in it, but she liked it.

After we ate, we headed back out to our car and drove two whole seconds down the road to Pop.

We picked them up and headed another two seconds down the road to the Boardwalk.

They were having the podcast in the promenade ballroom and it was really nice in there.

They had a ton of snacks and drinks out for everyone, which was really nice.

Like always, the podcast was awesome, and of course, we didn’t win a thing. What else is new.

We hung around after and talked to Kathy and Matt.

We said bye to Kaelea and Kevin and then drove over to the TTC.

The monorail always welcomes moi.

We took the monorail to MK and found an iPhone on the monorail that was just sitting there and OF COURSE it was locked. So we turned it in at City Hall. I hope the person got it!

So, this trip to MK was only to take pictures of Flat Stanley for a friend back in MA and we thought that parade filming was going to be over by then.

Boy, were we wrong.

For cryin’ out loud, it was like 4:30 and it was still going on.

In which my kingdom is taken over by equipment and cameras:

Can those presents always stay there though like I AM IN LOVE.

And that concludes my coverage of parade filming. Seriously, it was not fun.

And um the wreaths were down because of filming and main st doesn’t look right without them. Like ew. We also heard that this *might* (not confirmed) be the last year for the wreaths because of the new daytime parade and I guess the floats are so tall that they would hit the wreaths. Like I DON’T THINK SO.

After we went all over to take pictures of Flat Stanley, we left MK because I was not dealing with those crowds anymore. Like no.

We had a DISmeet at the Poly to go to so we took the highway in the sky over there.

♥

Christmas at zee Poly >>>

I was meeting up with Shelly aka dawnmichele and I was very excited.

Shelly was so nice and I was only a little jealous that she was going to Ohana…

It was so nice to meet you Shelly! I hope the rest of your trip went well

After our DISmeet, we took a bus over to DTD. Oh my god, it was so crowded. Not a surprise though.

We got some dinner at Splitsville. This is actually an appetizer and HOLY CRAP it was huge but so good.

We were going to split the nachos and then a dessert but we were so full.

I did some Christmas shopping at WoD afterwards. The only people I needed to buy for were Mum and my twin so yeah.

I think we went into a few other stores and then we took a bus to the G Flo so we could get back to the TTC.​

 

[jecskc]

All caught up !! It was great seeing you guys on that day, too. Sorry I was in such a cranky mood.

DD is obsessed with Frozen. She saw it four times on the ship and is going to see it again with my daughter-in-law on Monday.

Loving all of your Boardwalk photos. I just love the Boardwalk. I agree about the room decor. It needs an update.

We need to do the "get some candy in every country" thing. On my Disney bucket list.

We meant to catch the holiday ending to Illuminations, but we were sooo exhausted. Maybe someday ......

So jealous you got to go to Dispaloosa - or however you spell it.

Freaking over Barbie and Ken !!! WOW. I would LOVE to see them !!!

I hope you girls had a Merry Christmas !! Looking forward to reading more !!

Susan

 

[leopardmickeyears]

OR YOU KNOW THE WEBSITE CAN RELOAD FOR NO REASON WHILE IM IN THE MIDDLE OF A POST. UGH.

Wonderful photo skills mum ft. half of Mr. Incredible. Speaking of moms and cameras....what settings do you hand your camera on when you hand it off to mum?
_
I love their tree. Colors on white >>>
Mom hates our fake white tree (our 2nd* fake white tree) and if we ever find a new one I would like to see if a fake white one exists that has white AND colored lights. Like you can switch between the lights...for the reason I just stated up there #sprinkles

What is this CHICKEN burger you speak of? And idk what mum got either but it looks like alfredo and I see broccoli so >>

THE POLY DECORATIONS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Christmas shopping

 

[LifeIsDis]

All caught up !! It was great seeing you guys on that day, too. Sorry I was in such a cranky mood.

It's ok! I understand why you were upset with FP+.

DD is obsessed with Frozen. She saw it four times on the ship and is going to see it again with my daughter-in-law on Monday.

Frozen is like (one of) the best movies ever.

Loving all of your Boardwalk photos. I just love the Boardwalk. I agree about the room decor. It needs an update.

It needs an update like now. They are doing WL villas over which I do not understand. Why not the BW?!

We need to do the "get some candy in every country" thing. On my Disney bucket list.

We need to do it for us!

We meant to catch the holiday ending to Illuminations, but we were sooo exhausted. Maybe someday ......

It is AMAZING.

So jealous you got to go to Dispaloosa - or however you spell it.

Freaking over Barbie and Ken !!! WOW. I would LOVE to see them !!!

THEY WERE THE BEST!

I hope you girls had a Merry Christmas !! Looking forward to reading more !!

Susan

You too!

OR YOU KNOW THE WEBSITE CAN RELOAD FOR NO REASON WHILE IM IN THE MIDDLE OF A POST. UGH.

Always. Happens.

Wonderful photo skills mum ft. half of Mr. Incredible. Speaking of moms and cameras....what settings do you hand your camera on when you hand it off to mum?

I just put it on auto with no flash/or with flash because manual is over her head, let's be real.
_
I love their tree. Colors on white >>>
Mom hates our fake white tree (our 2nd* fake white tree) and if we ever find a new one I would like to see if a fake white one exists that has white AND colored lights. Like you can switch between the lights...for the reason I just stated up there #sprinkles

I think their tree is gorgeous. Like, if you get a white tree, you have to do it right.

What is this CHICKEN burger you speak of? And idk what mum got either but it looks like alfredo and I see broccoli so >>

IT WAS AMAZING TWIN. It was basically chicken in burger form and so yummy.

THE POLY DECORATIONS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Christmas shopping

Um yeah. They are the best. Both of those things.​

 

[LifeIsDis]

December 14th: Of course it rains at the worst park but LONG EXPOSURE!

So the goal for today was to see the Osborne Lights and see Wishes so I could do long exposure pics.

The first part was a total fail but we will get to that in a minute…

We got to MGM and we wanted to get a pair of mousekears for some kids back in MA and we were going to get them embroidered and the CM was like “…well we would have to ship them to your house.” Why you ask? Those stupid blankets and towels they embroider there.

So we just said forget it and moved on.

We headed to Animation for a class but of COURSE the line was five miles long. What else is new.

Mum was obsessing over this statue thingy though.

And then we decided to do that which character are you thing.

Ok then…

THIS IS WHO I GOT WHAT KIND OF CRAP IS THAT IDK.

.

And Mum got this person. Oh the irony… And I am sorry, but I think Cinderella has been spending way too much time in the sun or at a tanning bed. Just sayin’.

Then we saw this little girl that was lost and Mum was basically crying because she felt so bad for her and I was just like “…really?! Can we move on?!” And then I was like “Ok we can stalk this little girl cause idk what else we are going to do at this park.”

Yes, folks. We stalk little girls that are lost.

Ok, now we sound like creepers which I PROMISE WE ARE NOT.

Moving on…

We made our way down to the Streets of America and I met Santa Goofy sans “the other people.”

Then we went to the Writer’s Stop to get a snack.

I got a chocolate croissant… and it was just weird. It had like white chocolate or something on it and it was definitely not the best croissant I have ever had.

Then we waited around for my lights and it was just awful.

It started POURING all of a sudden and we didn’t have an umbrella because that morning I said “Oh, it won’t rain today I will just leave my umbrella home!” How stupid of moi.

Thankfully, a nice/weird guy let us use his umbrella and then we talked to him for a while. He wrote for WDW Magic, which I am familiar with and he was very interested in my photography.

Now, my pics from this night came out like CRAP. Half of the lights weren’t working because of the rain and it just didn’t look right.

Here is some bokeh anyways.

We headed out of the park—hallelujah—and drove over to the TTC.

The tree was finally up at MK.

We went into the Chapeau and that were able to embroider hats right away so we got some.

While we waited, I admired the decorations and listened to the phone, which is like amazing.

We were making our way down Main St and I recognized a photopass photographer because I follow her on Instagram and Flickr and her pictures are just gorgeous. She had no clue who I was of course but she was happy/shocked I stopped and said hi and that I love her pics.

After we said bye to her, I got my spot for Wishes and set up my tripod. And seriously, tripods were taking over. There were at least five others over there. I was with my peeps.

We were talking to one of them (one of my peeps, not a tripod) and I felt so bad because it was his family’s first trip to WDW and his son was sick at the hospital the whole time and they only got to go to the park one day. Like, that’s not cool.

Here was my view. We were over by Crystal Palace.

LONG EXPOSURE FIREWORK TIME EEE!

My settings were not prepared for this shot…

You’re welcome.

After I packed up zee tripod, we went on a mission to find a calendar for someone and no one had it because we were looking for it. Always happens.

We were looking for like 5ever and couldn’t find it so we just left and headed back to the TTC.​