Oh Come All Ye Faithful... DIS TR Addicts... UPDATE 4/19

[princess&her4princes]

Great update, C! Great World showcase pics!!!! You got some really great ones and since I was there at the same time and didn't get to see all of World Showcase with the little ones, it was fun to live vicaroulsy though you!!!! Thanks!

 

[nts4wdw]

What a wonderful tour of Wolrd Showcase! I needed that today!

 

[kschafer]

How did I miss an update?

Great pics of WS, how I would love to take a walk around there today!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Great update, C! Great World showcase pics!!!! You got some really great ones and since I was there at the same time and didn't get to see all of World Showcase with the little ones, it was fun to live vicaroulsy though you!!!! Thanks!

Glad you enjoyed. I'm sure it is tough to really meander around the World Showcase with little ones in tow. You'll have to do an adult trip... :

What a wonderful tour of Wolrd Showcase! I needed that today!

Happy to oblige!

How did I miss an update?

Great pics of WS, how I would love to take a walk around there today!

I wish I was there today too!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So I finished checking out the beautiful holiday decorations at the Boardwalk and walked on over to DHS. I think I have finally accepted its new name. I very rarely call it MGM anymore.

As I approached the turnstiles it was VERY crowded. I think a combo of it being a Saturday night and lots of locals come to see the Osborne lights and I think that was also the day that the ticket readers at the turnstiles went haywire. I waited for quite a bit (no matter what line it is- WDW, supermarket or other- I can always be depended upon to pick the wrong one! )

I went over to package pick-up to get the special AP holder 3-D glasses for the Osborne lights. They were being very careful checking passes before handing these out. They were the standard paper 3-D glasses not the plastic ones you get in the movies.

I stopped to say hi to Bo. He’s doing well. Misses all of us terribly. We didn’t take a photo though.

As I headed up the street I noticed some lights out …. Uh oh… where is that attention to detail?

I still had some time before dinner (which I think was at 7) so I thought I’d head over to the Osborne lights. Along with every single other person in the entire park (or so it seemed). It was wall to wall people. No joke. Like can hardly move packed with people. I started along and you literally just shuffled along in the sea of the crowd. You couldn’t break out or go “against stream” if you wanted to. It actually made me a little nervous. If you had small children you would have had to pick them up there’s no way they could have walked along in that crowd!

All that said, the lights were still breathtaking!! Pictures really can’t do them justice. It’s just astonishing. And all the more so when you realize that all these lights were on someone’s house! Well not just the house but apparently every available surface plus the homes on either side, which the Osbornes purchased when running out of room!

BTW- these pictures are a mix of those taken before and after dinner. More on the after dinner experience later.

A hidden mickey up in the building’s tower:

This is one of my favorite sayings

Peace. Love. And Mickey Mouse. I have a coffee cup with that on it.

Can you see all the people in the above shot??

The Osbornes' stockings:

cont'd next post

 

[2xcited2sleep]

More Osborne lights. Hope I'm not boring you. It was just so magical I kept clicking the camera. As I said the pics can't even begin to do it justice. If you haven't seen these, start planning a trip NOW!

Another hidden mickey

Truly every available surface was covered in lights. Even the bikes and a basketball hoop!

Once I got up to the front of the street I turned around to take an “after” shot to match the “before” I’d taken earlier in the day.


It was finally time for dinner at Brown Derby. I’d been looking forward to dinner all day and was of course getting excited for the Toy Story Mania Party. When I got there it was crowded but saw Heather in the lobby and she told me that she and Eben had already been seated. We had a lovely banquette on the lower level in the dining room. Dinner was as fun and excellent as I’d hoped. Both Heather and Eben were delightful dinner companions. I don’t even really remember what we talked about but I don’t think the conversation ever lulled and I had a great time. I remember feeling very lucky to have met all of the people I have met through the DIS.
In addition to sharing an amazing meal with me, Heather also inspired me to take my first food porn pictures. EVER. I feel like there should be some applause. So what did I dine on?

I think I had a fruity martini of some sort after coming out of the crowd at Osborne Lights. I’ve never really recognized that I had crowd or claustrophobia issues but between this and the Mission Space experience (was that this trip or Oct? I don’t even know! ) I think I have recognized a new psychosis (to join my others!).

For an appetizer I had the ravioli – description courtesy of All Ears.

Cremini Mushroom Chevre Raviolo - with spinach, veal stock reduction, and shaved parmigiano $9​

It was quite yummy! I think Heather had the scallops and Eben had a soup I don’t think I see on the menu anymore. I think it had brie in it? I only took pictures of my own food (I’m a beginner, afterall) but Heather took pics of all the food so you will have to be on the lookout for her TR.

For dinner I wasn’t really feeling any of the things on the menu so I asked for the Cobb salad as my dinner. No problem, they said. Now this picture doesn’t look particularly appetizing but good lord is it delicious.

I don’t think I had any dessert (no pictures) but I think Heather might have had a special birthday dessert since she was wearing her pin.

As I said dinner was absolutely positively delightful. It flew by and before we knew it, it was time to settle the check and get on with our evening plans. Both Heather and I were headed for the Toy Story Mania party presented by the DIS. Eben, I believe, was heading to Downtown Disney to see Cirque de Soleil.

Heather and I headed over to the “check in area” near the big coke bottle but they weren’t quite ready to start checking us in. So we went over to the Osborne Lights. Turns out that they keep the lights on for an hour after official park close. Remember this. It was SO much more pleasant when it was less crowded! I cannot recommend highly enough waiting to see these until after park close. The photos above were a mixture of the photos I took both before and after dinner. You can probably tell which was which based on the crowds – the difference was that noticeable.

Somehow it seemed even more magical after dinner. Perhaps it was the lower crowds, the martini, the delicious dinner and delightful conversation, excitement for the event yet to come or just experiencing it with a new friend. But whatever it was I loved it. And I felt like a little kid again. They were pumping “snow” just like on Main Street in MK and when the lights would “dance” to Feliz Navidad or some other song it was just perfect. Heather and I both just kept laughing and pointing and saying “look at that!” “did you see that??”

Heather was kind enough to share her photopass pictures with me. I know she has shared photos of herself on her TR so I’m assuming she won’t mind my sharing here.

But before you see us, here's a shot from the daylight:

And here it is at night. I’m on the left in the blue fleece that got FAR too much wear this trip. Heather is on the right.

I know I keep teasing on the TSM party but this seems like a natural place to break. Plus I’m still figuring out what photos I can post of the party. When we first signed up we got a notice saying we couldn’t publish any photos. But some of the photos – like on the ride- wouldn’t be any different no matter what time I took them so I wonder if those are ok? I’ll have to do some research. I’m looking forward to sharing the party with you… just don’t want to get myself banned from any future events!

 

[kschafer]

SOMEDAY I will get to see the Obourne Lights. My plan for now is to spend my 40th birthday (after Thanksgiving 2011) in WDW so I will get to see all the holiday decorations then. Good tip about waiting until closing!

Not applause but... for food porn!!!!!!!

I am DYING to read about the TSMM event

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh, you look so adorable in the photos with Heather!! We see far too little of you enjoying Disney.

I am so very proud of you for taking food porn pictures!! That cobb salad is just delish.

 

[Circusgirl]

Thanks for sharing lots of photos of the lights! It was so spectacular and fun, and it's great to feel immersed in the moment again.

Disneyland was special and very fun, although cold and rainy the whole time. We had a few patches of sun here and there but it was mostly umbrellas and hats and being wet and chilly. I did succumb to Disney math and upgraded my park hopper ticket to an annual pass and hope to go back for my birthday in November. The annual pass gives 15% off at most food venues and 10% off merchandise, and hopefully a hotel discount for the next trip. The Grand Californian was beautiful, with its best feature being total proximity to the parks. When I walked out of the hotel I was either in Downtown Disney and a scant five minute walk to the turnstiles of both DL and DCA, or at the private hotel turnstiles to DCA. My standard room was the same size at the rooms at the CBR. The furniture was Arts and Crafts style, nice but not as luxurious as I would expect for their regular room rates. It felt about right for the heavily discounted rate that I had. The lobby is reminiscent of the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge (they were designed by the same architect). There was a fireplace in a massive nook with comfy chairs (including rocking chairs) that was delightful to rest in after being in the cold rainy outdoors. There was a lovely turn-down service at which they left a schedule of special events for the next day, chocolates and a beautiful little card with a sweet saying. Oops! I didn't mean to hijack the thread quite so far, but I haven't had a chance to catch up much since I got back (work has been a 12 hour marathon most days) and it was fun to share a little bit!

 

[punkin413]

yay....food porn! when i first started that DH was so embarassed, but now (almost 2 years later) he holds up the plate so i can get a better angle without me even asking.

So we went over to the Osborne Lights. Turns out that they keep the lights on for an hour after official park close. Remember this. It was SO much more pleasant when it was less crowded! I cannot recommend highly enough waiting to see these until after park close.

the o-lights were my FAVORITE part of our trip! we were actually there the night before you. anyway, i totally agree about going right before closing. we didn't get over there until after 8:00 (the park closed at 8:00 that night) - it was like 8:15. when we first got there it was moderately crowded but by the time we left (around 9:00) there was NO ONE around! we had the streets almost to ourselves save a few lingering guests and it was so fun - luke was running around in the snow to the music! i would definitely recommend this to everyone too!

 

[jenjolt]

Oh C!! What a great update and you are right the Osbourne Lights are to die for!! I will have to settle for your pictures until I get to see the real thing!! Great pictures by the way!!!

Well we all know I love Brown Derby...so yummy and thanks for the food porn pictures!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

SOMEDAY I will get to see the Obourne Lights. My plan for now is to spend my 40th birthday (after Thanksgiving 2011) in WDW so I will get to see all the holiday decorations then. Good tip about waiting until closing!

Not applause but... for food porn!!!!!!!

I am DYING to read about the TSMM event

Your 40th b-day plans sound AWESOME!!

Oh, you look so adorable in the photos with Heather!! We see far too little of you enjoying Disney.

I am so very proud of you for taking food porn pictures!! That cobb salad is just delish.

Thanks. I so wish I was having Cobb salad for dinner. Not to mentione those rolls!!

Thanks for sharing lots of photos of the lights! It was so spectacular and fun, and it's great to feel immersed in the moment again.

Disneyland was special and very fun, although cold and rainy the whole time. We had a few patches of sun here and there but it was mostly umbrellas and hats and being wet and chilly. I did succumb to Disney math and upgraded my park hopper ticket to an annual pass and hope to go back for my birthday in November. The annual pass gives 15% off at most food venues and 10% off merchandise, and hopefully a hotel discount for the next trip. The Grand Californian was beautiful, with its best feature being total proximity to the parks. When I walked out of the hotel I was either in Downtown Disney and a scant five minute walk to the turnstiles of both DL and DCA, or at the private hotel turnstiles to DCA. My standard room was the same size at the rooms at the CBR. The furniture was Arts and Crafts style, nice but not as luxurious as I would expect for their regular room rates. It felt about right for the heavily discounted rate that I had. The lobby is reminiscent of the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge (they were designed by the same architect). There was a fireplace in a massive nook with comfy chairs (including rocking chairs) that was delightful to rest in after being in the cold rainy outdoors. There was a lovely turn-down service at which they left a schedule of special events for the next day, chocolates and a beautiful little card with a sweet saying. Oops! I didn't mean to hijack the thread quite so far, but I haven't had a chance to catch up much since I got back (work has been a 12 hour marathon most days) and it was fun to share a little bit!

No hijack at all! I can't wait to hear more about your trip. So sorry it was rainy but that cozy lobby sounds like heaven to come "home" to. Share more when you can!

yay....food porn! when i first started that DH was so embarassed, but now (almost 2 years later) he holds up the plate so i can get a better angle without me even asking.



the o-lights were my FAVORITE part of our trip! we were actually there the night before you. anyway, i totally agree about going right before closing. we didn't get over there until after 8:00 (the park closed at 8:00 that night) - it was like 8:15. when we first got there it was moderately crowded but by the time we left (around 9:00) there was NO ONE around! we had the streets almost to ourselves save a few lingering guests and it was so fun - luke was running around in the snow to the music! i would definitely recommend this to everyone too!

Too cute. You've trained Ray well! The more I took the food pics (yes there are more coming!) the more I realized that no one is really paying any attention to what you're doing anyway. Osborne lights after close is definitely the way to go!! I'm still sorry we didn't run into eachother this trip. Oh well.. there are always future trips!!

Oh C!! What a great update and you are right the Osbourne Lights are to die for!! I will have to settle for your pictures until I get to see the real thing!! Great pictures by the way!!!

Well we all know I love Brown Derby...so yummy and thanks for the food porn pictures!!

Thanks. I cannot wait to eat at Brown Derby again. 7 months and counting... :

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Well, I just received a very sad email regarding the Mousefest event. It is not happening in 2009. I'll attach a link to the announcement below if you're interested. I had such a great time and was so looking forward to this year (I already have my hotel booked - Wilderness Lodge) I'm very disappointed. But on the other hand I totally appreciate the time and effort it takes to pull off an event like this and that those who have done so have done it on top of their day jobs... not to mention families I presume they'd like to spend time with! So I get it... but am disappointed. Sounds like events may still continue but can't use the MF name. I guess we'll stay tuned to see what happens. I hope that the event comes back in 2010. It would be a shame for it to end. The experience of being together with so many other Disney nuts is indescribable! I am SO glad I went this year.

http://www.mousefest.org/

 

[wdwgirl03]

Awesome update! I just love the Osborne Lights...they are amazing and I wish we would've spent more time exploring but oh well, guess that gives us more reason to go back! haha The photopass pics are really cute too.

I am with you on finally accepting Hollywood Studios as Hollywood Studios instead of MGM. In fact, the name is actually starting to grow on me.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am so thrilled that I get to finally try the Brown Derby in June -- I want to order the Cobb salad for my dinner entree as well -- it looks so yummy!

After more than a year, I have finally adjusted to not calling DHS, MGM for the most part -- there are times I still slip up though.

The Osbourne Lights are just gorgeous, aren't they?

 

[princess&her4princes]

Hi C!
Great MGM, oops, DHS update! Loved all the pics from Osbourne lights, great job! Dinner sounds great with your DIS friends and looked so yummy, great choices! I loved the pics of you and Heather, we don't see enough pics of you!! Keep them coming!!

Sorry to hear there will be no Mousefest this year, will you still keep your ressie for WL?

 

[Lady Lallie]

I am so saddened by Mousefest being canceled for the year. I know you were looking forward to it. Hopefully though, it will be back better than ever in 2010.

 

[julezdisney]

Awww, C! That's a bummer on Mousefest! But just remember, it's on hiatus, not cancelled indefintely!

 

[sunny_stace]

What are the Wonder Twins??

I loved the Osborne Lights! They are one of my favourite Holiday features! And you got great pictures!! What did they look like in 3D? Any different? I just was awed! Hollywood Brown Derby always looks so good! I would never eat the food but it looks great!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Awesome update! I just love the Osborne Lights...they are amazing and I wish we would've spent more time exploring but oh well, guess that gives us more reason to go back! haha The photopass pics are really cute too.

I am with you on finally accepting Hollywood Studios as Hollywood Studios instead of MGM. In fact, the name is actually starting to grow on me.

Thanks. The lights were awesome-- once it was less crowded. Glad to give you a reason to go back! Yeah, I hated the new name at first too but now it doesn't bother me at all.

I am so thrilled that I get to finally try the Brown Derby in June -- I want to order the Cobb salad for my dinner entree as well -- it looks so yummy!

After more than a year, I have finally adjusted to not calling DHS, MGM for the most part -- there are times I still slip up though.

The Osbourne Lights are just gorgeous, aren't they?

I can't wait for you to experience Brown Derby. You are going to LOVE it!!!

Hi C!
Great MGM, oops, DHS update! Loved all the pics from Osbourne lights, great job! Dinner sounds great with your DIS friends and looked so yummy, great choices! I loved the pics of you and Heather, we don't see enough pics of you!! Keep them coming!!

Sorry to hear there will be no Mousefest this year, will you still keep your ressie for WL?

Thanks! As a solo traveler I don't generally use photopass a lot and this Dec trip I didn't use photopass at all.

I'm not sure what I'll do with my WL reservation. It's a room only res so I think I have up to a week before to cancel with full refund so I won't make any decisions just yet!

I am so saddened by Mousefest being canceled for the year. I know you were looking forward to it. Hopefully though, it will be back better than ever in 2010.

Thanks. I was looking forward to it. There was a post on the DIS Unplugged page that teases that maybe they'll still do an event even if there is no Mousefest.

Awww, C! That's a bummer on Mousefest! But just remember, it's on hiatus, not cancelled indefintely!

Thanks. Yes, hiatus is a good thing. I can't imagine it would go away forever. It's too popular. But it is a HUGE undertaking. The note says something about almost needing to pay someone full time to plan it. Umm... Me, me!!

What are the Wonder Twins??

I loved the Osborne Lights! They are one of my favourite Holiday features! And you got great pictures!! What did they look like in 3D? Any different? I just was awed! Hollywood Brown Derby always looks so good! I would never eat the food but it looks great!

I can't tell... are you kidding about the Wonder Twins or do you not know who they are?

They looked... 3D. I was trying to see if there was a way to take a picture through them but I couldn't find a way that would come out. To be honest it was hard to keep the paper glasses on your head so I didn't wear them too long. The lights were spectacular on their own... I'm not sure they needed any special effects!