*~~Official December 2016 Thread~~*

Hey guys...I haven't even turned on the computer in two days, I've been down with a wicked stomach bug that I wouldn't wish on anyone :sick::faint:
I am rarely ever sick, and I HATE being unable to do my usual things...laying around not able to move makes me a very cranky patient. For the worst part of it Friday I was home alone so no one had to deal with me. No one needed to be around any of that anyway!

So...I'm behind on reading and updating since the last time. I'll try to get caught up tomorrow.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!
Hope you feel better!!!
 
Following the trend of posting our semi Grizwald-esque itinerary:

12/8 Arrive MCO at 9ish. Take a town car to POR. We love the town car services. If possible, bring our bags to our room, if not, leave them at the lobby luggage area and take the ferry to Disney Springs. Take it easy, walk around DS, hit the pin store (BDLsgal has a bit of a 'problem') and have dinner and Irish dance show at Raglan Road. After that, "hopefully" get a table for Yee Haw Bob.

12/9 EPCOT (yes, I still use all caps for EPCOT)
Walk from room to main bus depot at POR. Btw, the morning walk from anywhere to anywhere else on POR is amazing. Get to EPCOT and TRY to walk past Mouse Gears without going in. But we all know that BDLsgal and I will fail at that. We have a 1pm Tutto Italia, 1 of our favorite restaurants, CP dining combo for the 5pm CP show (narrator still TBD). Then a little walking around, take in some story tellers, (possibly 'Drinking Around the World') til our CP show time. After the show, we'll have a 6:30 dinner at Rose & Crown. I know it's too early in the hopes of seeing Illuminations from there, but should I keep stalking and looking for a later dinner in the hopes of a patio table? Then 1 way or another it will be Illuminations to cap off our 1st park day. Still miffed that they moved the EPCOT late EMH away from Fridays.

12/10 AM=AK PM=DHS
We start the day at Tusker House. Great buffet breakfast, and we can't get enough of the Jamba juice and the great character interaction. Then it will be Safari, Everest, Dinosaur (if it's open), maybe Everest again, and taking in the animals. Especially the monkeys that hang out at the temple. They are amazing to watch.

Then it's off to MGM... whoops, I mean Disney Hollywood studios (if I can ever figure out how to post pics again, I'll show you the MGM clothes BDLsgal's mom found in the attic from the 80's). I am definitely more partial to the rides here than I am at the other parks. They are perfect for a Sci-Fi, classic rock fan boy like myself. I do have a SEETHING RAGE that I am still trying to suppress though. The lack of Osbourne Lights. I understand they are developing the land, but couldn't they have put them someplace else on property? pheeewwwww.... In and out, in and out... Ahhhh uuuum... Ok. We are both looking forward to seeing the Star Wars fireworks display. But BDLsgal is really looking forward to the Hollywood & Dine w/ Minnie and Pals. She LOVES seeing the Disney characters in Victorian holiday garb. And, let's face it, the pics will make a kick-*$$ 2017 Christmas card.

12/11 AM=Resort hop PM=MVMCP
Get a little extra sleep and then it's time for the best food for breakfast on all property. Kona Cafe and the Tonga Toast. I have tried to make this myself a couple of times at home and it just never comes out as good. This is 1 of BDLsgal's favorite meals. I'd have better luck getting 1 of her kidneys than getting a bite of her Tonga Toast. Me, I go with the Big Kahuna. I like the macadamia nut pancakes and the multiple meats. From there, it's riding the monorail to see how the Grand Floridian and the Contemporary are decorated for the holidays. Especially the life-sized gingerbread constructs. From there, it's back to POR to rest up for MVMCP.

Go through the turnstiles (I know there's no more turnstiles) at 4pm using our MVMCP tix. Then it is a walk up Main St for our 4:30 Crystal Palace dinner. We just gotta have our pics with Pooh and Tigger. After dinner, it's off to the stage and see the breath taking show that is the lighting of the Castle. Then it will be merch shopping, meet n greets, free ho-cho and cookies and amazingly short ride lines. And let's not forget, without the Osbourne Lights, this is now the only place to get Snow(p).

12/12 AM=MK PM=Hoop Dee Doo Revue
This is slowly becoming the day that we are really starting to look forward to. The reason for that is that we have a CRT breakfast pre-rope drop. We can't wait to walk down Main St. in an abandoned park. Just can't wait for the awe factor. From there it will be a day of trying to hit all 3 mountains and the "Jingle" Cruise.

After that, we may, or may not take a quick break and then head to the 4pm show of HDDR. Pretty good BBQ, Bud Lights are included (even though I'm a Bud man) and the show is always going to put smiles on faces. After the show, we'll stroll about and take in all of the campsite decorations.

12/13 AM=DHS PM=MVMCP
Back to my fan-boy rides and breakfast at Hollywood & Vine. From there, we'll take a little time back at the resort. Maybe hang by the pool (aka pool bar) and/or jacuzzi. Ahhhhhhhhh...

Then it's back to the MVMCP, and knock out any merch, meet n greets and rides that we didn't get to at the 1st Party.

12/14 EPCOT
The drinking around the World continues. Once again another great day of taking in story tellers. Maybe listen to JOYFUL or the acopella (sp) singing at the American Pavilion. Also, ride Ellen Energy and Journey while they are still in existence. We will have lunch at Biergarten, and I had forgotten, this, but we have a 7:30 dinner at Rose & Crown. Going back to what I said before, would dinner at 7:30 be late enough that we'd catch Illuminations? Maybe eat slow or have a couple of extra pints? And I know I gloss over the storytellers, but if you can catch them, definitely do so. Grab a nationally-centric snack or drink and enjoy the show.

Our last 2 days will be spent park hopping. Catching all of the shows we missed, rides we didn't get to go on and more and more photopasses.

I hope I get to run into some of you.
 
Sitting with my kids watching a little tv before bed and my son says "Mom next time we go to Disney can we stay at All Star Sports? It looks really cool!" So back to All Star Sports we go! Can't wait to see his face when we go!

That's awesome. You gonna surprise him by gift, airport or car trip?
 

That's awesome. You gonna surprise him by gift, airport or car trip?

I haven't decided yet! I have bought an Olaf Magic Band he wanted and a couple awesome shirts from Esty, so I thought about putting all of that together and giving to him early, but have also thrown the idea around of waiting to do it the night we leave to go to our airport for our flight. We are planning a whole family trip next year so we are in the planning stages for that, so he is getting to help plan, he just doesn't realize that it is happening this year! I am excited to do this for him as he is in the middle of 2 sisters that I have been able to take on a couple awesome dance conventions on their own and all the extra fun that goes along with that and he has felt kind of left out. We have talked to the girls when we first came up with the idea of doing something special on their own for birthdays and they chose some other fun options (water parks and a Mall of America trip)! I love that they all have their own personalities!
 
I know I have seen some mentions of Star Wars fireworks on this thread. Has is been confirmed that there will be Star Wars Fireworks in December? I don't see it on the calendar anywhere. Am I missing something?!?!?!?!
 
We aren't doing MVMCP that night. I was thinking it would be an early night for us. If the kids are up for it then maybe we'd hop over to another park. Or check out the chip n dale campfire sing along. I'm all over the place!

Chip n dale campfire? I have never heard of this...we're first timers though. Where is this?
 
I know I have seen some mentions of Star Wars fireworks on this thread. Has is been confirmed that there will be Star Wars Fireworks in December? I don't see it on the calendar anywhere. Am I missing something?!?!?!?!
Not confirmed, but info has been coming out a month at a time for a while... so most think it will happen, but they are just pokey on announcing. October info came out in early September, so that may just be the timing of sharing info for now.
 
Following the trend of posting our semi Grizwald-esque itinerary:

12/8 Arrive MCO at 9ish. Take a town car to POR. We love the town car services. If possible, bring our bags to our room, if not, leave them at the lobby luggage area and take the ferry to Disney Springs. Take it easy, walk around DS, hit the pin store (BDLsgal has a bit of a 'problem') and have dinner and Irish dance show at Raglan Road. After that, "hopefully" get a table for Yee Haw Bob.

12/9 EPCOT (yes, I still use all caps for EPCOT)
Walk from room to main bus depot at POR. Btw, the morning walk from anywhere to anywhere else on POR is amazing. Get to EPCOT and TRY to walk past Mouse Gears without going in. But we all know that BDLsgal and I will fail at that. We have a 1pm Tutto Italia, 1 of our favorite restaurants, CP dining combo for the 5pm CP show (narrator still TBD). Then a little walking around, take in some story tellers, (possibly 'Drinking Around the World') til our CP show time. After the show, we'll have a 6:30 dinner at Rose & Crown. I know it's too early in the hopes of seeing Illuminations from there, but should I keep stalking and looking for a later dinner in the hopes of a patio table? Then 1 way or another it will be Illuminations to cap off our 1st park day. Still miffed that they moved the EPCOT late EMH away from Fridays.

12/10 AM=AK PM=DHS
We start the day at Tusker House. Great buffet breakfast, and we can't get enough of the Jamba juice and the great character interaction. Then it will be Safari, Everest, Dinosaur (if it's open), maybe Everest again, and taking in the animals. Especially the monkeys that hang out at the temple. They are amazing to watch.

Then it's off to MGM... whoops, I mean Disney Hollywood studios (if I can ever figure out how to post pics again, I'll show you the MGM clothes BDLsgal's mom found in the attic from the 80's). I am definitely more partial to the rides here than I am at the other parks. They are perfect for a Sci-Fi, classic rock fan boy like myself. I do have a SEETHING RAGE that I am still trying to suppress though. The lack of Osbourne Lights. I understand they are developing the land, but couldn't they have put them someplace else on property? pheeewwwww.... In and out, in and out... Ahhhh uuuum... Ok. We are both looking forward to seeing the Star Wars fireworks display. But BDLsgal is really looking forward to the Hollywood & Dine w/ Minnie and Pals. She LOVES seeing the Disney characters in Victorian holiday garb. And, let's face it, the pics will make a kick-*$$ 2017 Christmas card.

12/11 AM=Resort hop PM=MVMCP
Get a little extra sleep and then it's time for the best food for breakfast on all property. Kona Cafe and the Tonga Toast. I have tried to make this myself a couple of times at home and it just never comes out as good. This is 1 of BDLsgal's favorite meals. I'd have better luck getting 1 of her kidneys than getting a bite of her Tonga Toast. Me, I go with the Big Kahuna. I like the macadamia nut pancakes and the multiple meats. From there, it's riding the monorail to see how the Grand Floridian and the Contemporary are decorated for the holidays. Especially the life-sized gingerbread constructs. From there, it's back to POR to rest up for MVMCP.

Go through the turnstiles (I know there's no more turnstiles) at 4pm using our MVMCP tix. Then it is a walk up Main St for our 4:30 Crystal Palace dinner. We just gotta have our pics with Pooh and Tigger. After dinner, it's off to the stage and see the breath taking show that is the lighting of the Castle. Then it will be merch shopping, meet n greets, free ho-cho and cookies and amazingly short ride lines. And let's not forget, without the Osbourne Lights, this is now the only place to get Snow(p).

12/12 AM=MK PM=Hoop Dee Doo Revue
This is slowly becoming the day that we are really starting to look forward to. The reason for that is that we have a CRT breakfast pre-rope drop. We can't wait to walk down Main St. in an abandoned park. Just can't wait for the awe factor. From there it will be a day of trying to hit all 3 mountains and the "Jingle" Cruise.

After that, we may, or may not take a quick break and then head to the 4pm show of HDDR. Pretty good BBQ, Bud Lights are included (even though I'm a Bud man) and the show is always going to put smiles on faces. After the show, we'll stroll about and take in all of the campsite decorations.

12/13 AM=DHS PM=MVMCP
Back to my fan-boy rides and breakfast at Hollywood & Vine. From there, we'll take a little time back at the resort. Maybe hang by the pool (aka pool bar) and/or jacuzzi. Ahhhhhhhhh...

Then it's back to the MVMCP, and knock out any merch, meet n greets and rides that we didn't get to at the 1st Party.

12/14 EPCOT
The drinking around the World continues. Once again another great day of taking in story tellers. Maybe listen to JOYFUL or the acopella (sp) singing at the American Pavilion. Also, ride Ellen Energy and Journey while they are still in existence. We will have lunch at Biergarten, and I had forgotten, this, but we have a 7:30 dinner at Rose & Crown. Going back to what I said before, would dinner at 7:30 be late enough that we'd catch Illuminations? Maybe eat slow or have a couple of extra pints? And I know I gloss over the storytellers, but if you can catch them, definitely do so. Grab a nationally-centric snack or drink and enjoy the show.

Our last 2 days will be spent park hopping. Catching all of the shows we missed, rides we didn't get to go on and more and more photopasses.

I hope I get to run into some of you.

Great plans! That's awesome that you guys are doing 2 parties. I've heard so much about the Tonga Toast and the pics I've seen look soooo good. Those macadamia nut pancakes sound really good too. I am for sure checking out some of the storytellers. I didn't even know about them until a few of you mentioned them and now it's one of the things I look forward the most.

Alright so what drinks should I try while in the WS? I can't drink around the world with the kids but I am going to grab a couple in Epcot. And probably AK & HS. I love my kids but mommy might need a drink after a long day of touring with them.


It looks so cute!
 
Does anyone have a BoG breakfast or lunch reservation for 12/1 (4 people) they are cancelling? Thank you for checking!!!

No but I've been seeing a lot of posts on here and a Disney December group that have BOG cancellations. So hopefully you get one soon.
 
Great plans! That's awesome that you guys are doing 2 parties. I've heard so much about the Tonga Toast and the pics I've seen look soooo good. Those macadamia nut pancakes sound really good too. I am for sure checking out some of the storytellers. I didn't even know about them until a few of you mentioned them and now it's one of the things I look forward the most.

Alright so what drinks should I try while in the WS? I can't drink around the world with the kids but I am going to grab a couple in Epcot. And probably AK & HS. I love my kids but mommy might need a drink after a long day of touring with them.

I think everyone should give Kona Cafe breakfast a shot. A few yrs ago, BDLsgal and I went down with her mom and sister. We all ordered our own breakfasts, and an order of Tonga Toast to split.

As for the Drinking Around the World... I am primarily a beer drinker, but when in EPCOT... I tended to go for the nationalistic drinks. Margarita in Mexico. Saki in Japan (I will NEVER have saki again). A gran marnier slushie in France. Limoncello in Italy. And a whiskey/warm cider in England. The rest of the countries, I had local beers. It was good to step out of my box, and explore these other drinks (including saki. Now I know to get Sapporo).

Also, if you look online, you might find some Drinking Around the World "passport" checklists.
 
Great plans! That's awesome that you guys are doing 2 parties. I've heard so much about the Tonga Toast and the pics I've seen look soooo good. Those macadamia nut pancakes sound really good too. I am for sure checking out some of the storytellers. I didn't even know about them until a few of you mentioned them and now it's one of the things I look forward the most.

Alright so what drinks should I try while in the WS? I can't drink around the world with the kids but I am going to grab a couple in Epcot. And probably AK & HS. I love my kids but mommy might need a drink after a long day of touring with them.

Both the Tonga Toast and macadamia pancakes are delish. We always end our trips with breakfast at Kona. The storytellers are so interesting and worth a stop for sure.
As for the drinks, just to add to the list, there are special holiday drinks as well. Check out disneyfoodblog for last year's info on some of those yummy concoctions.
 
Both the Tonga Toast and macadamia pancakes are delish. We always end our trips with breakfast at Kona. The storytellers are so interesting and worth a stop for sure.
As for the drinks, just to add to the list, there are special holiday drinks as well. Check out disneyfoodblog for last year's info on some of those yummy concoctions.

Oooooohhhh I didn't know about the specialty holiday drinks. I figured there might be a spiked hot chocolate but I need to find out more. I'll check out that food blog. Thanks!
 




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