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

[2xcited2sleep]

Sorry for the extended absence, DIS friends! Life has been pretty hectic these past few weeks! But I’m ready to get back to the Disney goodness. So without further ado…

Where did I l leave you? Ah yes… I was at my one of my happy places within the happiest place on earth. The Hollywood Brown Derby. I can’t tell you how much I love it there. Well, maybe I can... let's see. And it’s more than the food (which I think is amazing). The service is fantastic. The cast members all seem so proud to be working there. From the person checking me in, the person seating me, to my waitress, they all welcomed me, asked if I’d been there before and then thanked me for returning, asked where I was from, was I having a good time… You get the idea. Just a great time.

So for lunch I had the Christine special. No food porn pictures… yet. You’ll have to wait and see if I take any later in the trip. So the Christine special is the Cobb salad with blue cheese on the side so I can add just the right amount, those yummy rolls and grapefruit cake for dessert. YUM-O!

Now at this point, I think the secret is out that I am a big nerd. A big Disney nerd. In addition to DIS’ing I listen to a lot of Disney podcasts and am also an obsessive All Ears reader. So imagine my giddiness (is that a word?? ) when I look up from my lunch to see Deb Wills from All Ears, Mike Scopa from All Ears and WDW Today and then a bit later Lou Mongello from WDW Radio. This was way better than seeing Lance Bass in Tutto Italia!

So lunch was as delicious as it always is and over too quickly. But I had things to do and people to see. Going back to my nerdiness (another questionable word), I had WDW Today’s 500th episode taping to attend in the backstage prop shop area. Our instructions were to meet over by the giant Coke bottle. I had no trouble finding it (I was a little worried b/c there were very strict instructions that you had to get there early and get checked in that they wouldn’t be able to accommodate you if you were late- which I perpetually am.

I was there in time and got myself all checked in. I met some great people while standing in line. Disney fans are all so friendly! We got special VIP passes for our Mousefest lanyards:

A quick word on the Mousefest lanyards. Well before a word, perhaps a picture so you know what I’m talking about. Registering for Mousefest, you received a yellow lanyard with a name tag to which you can add the pins you acquire in your travels.

Anyway, these yellow lanyards were like a beacon in the parks. In a way they remind me of the helping hand program when I was a kid. We had a little poster in our living room window facing out to the street with a red background and a hand – it was supposed to tell kids that ours was a “safe” house where they could get help if they needed it. Well to me these yellow lanyards were a sign of friends I just hadn’t met yet. Safe people to talk to who would be friendly and wouldn’t even question why I was in WDW by myself. It was really cool.

Pretty soon it was time to be led into the backstage area. I don’t remember this but I’m told that the Prop Shop used to be on the backstage tour and was the place where you’d see how Honey I shrunk the Kids was done. So when we walked in, the gang from WDW Today was standing in a bit of a receiving line as well as Deb Wills of All Ears. Each attendee made a donation to her breast cancer fund. It was VERY cool to meet each of them in person and chat for a few minutes. The room had maybe 10 round tables of 10 set up with tablecloths and in the middle of each table was a bell. DING! You have to be a WDW Today fan to get that joke. There was a little buffet set up with water and soda and cake. I was stuffed from Brown Derby but I didn’t want to be rude so I had a little cake… good stuff.

They taped two quick episodes of the podcast and again it was very cool to not only hear their voices but see their faces as well.

After the taping, I wandered around a bit checking out all the props in the prop shop:

You can see the remains of the buffet table in this one:

Anyone remember this Home Improvement episode with the “souped up” lawn mower?

I made my way over to the next Mousefest event , Podfest, by way of my friends, the Muppets. Fozzie is my favorite! And a light fixture bonus for LL!

I got over to Podfest which they were holding at the fast food place next to Star Tours but when I got there it was VERY crowded and looked a bit overwhelming. I was meeting some DIS’ers at 5:30 in Epcot so I just decided to walk over early and check out the resort decorations on my way.

So that is what is coming up next!

 

[julezdisney]

Oh Christine! I LOVE this installment! I really want to go to Mousefest this year and am so sad now that we're having to cancel our Dec. trip. The prop shop is neat too.

And DING! Yes I know exactly what you're talking about.

 

[punkin413]

very cool about the podcast! that's really neat.

are you the one that said you thought you saw me at DHS near TSM while you were there? someone said that and i can't remember who!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I want those AK tree ornaments! In a big way!

Seeing all your beautiful Christmas decoration shots really is making me want to go back to WDW at Christmastime...

I used to play Star Wars as a kid, too! I was always Princess Leia! I had a chalkboard where I would do attack diagrams and pretend I was briefing all the rebel pilots.

I don't think I responded to this one... Jackie, I can totally see you briefing the rebel pilots! That is perfect!!

We just picked our dates for December - December 8-15, Mousefest is right in there - I'm so excited!! (and I really like staring at my rotating ticker )

I am VERY tempted to go back again this year for Mousefest so maybe we'll be able to meet!

Great Tree of Life pictures!!

Thanks!

I love Star Wars, too. I am old enough to remember when the original film was released. Everyone was so into it, but me. It wasn't until my kids started watching the original 3 episodes, many years later, that I started to really enjoy it. It's so classic. Love it! Wish I could see your pics, but I am at work. Will check back later!

Glad you finally got into Star Wars! I have some friends who have never even seen the movies... criminal!

Fingers crossed that you get a chance to update this weekend! I love reading about your trip!

Looking forward to the next update..no pressure, of course!! Have missed you over at my TR, too!!

Well Kristen is nicer than me

pressure pressure pressure!!!! LOL!!!

i wanna update

paula

Hmmmm.....



Yup! Pressure Pressure Pressure!

I want an update too! Disney Jonesin' here!!!!

OK ladies. I did one update for you and I might have another one (or two) in me for today.

Oh Christine! I LOVE this installment! I really want to go to Mousefest this year and am so sad now that we're having to cancel our Dec. trip. The prop shop is neat too.

And DING! Yes I know exactly what you're talking about.

Thanks! I highly recommend Mousefest. But it's not going anywhere. There is always 2010!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

very cool about the podcast! that's really neat.

are you the one that said you thought you saw me at DHS near TSM while you were there? someone said that and i can't remember who!

No wasn't me. I wish I'd seen you! You're like another celebrity to me! I read your TRs so much I feel like I know you guys.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I headed back down what I have come to think of since the October trip as my own personal walkway to Epcot/Boardwalk area. I really like it. I think it’s my control issues coming out but even with all the walking you already do in WDW I much prefer to be under my own power. It was pretty cool out (and would only get colder ) so I wasn’t worried about getting sweaty and gross.

Over at the Yacht Club they were getting ready for a wedding:

I tell you what… Disney knows how to throw a party. Between this and the beach dinner I saw them setting up for in October I am sold! Now all I need is the husband!

The Yacht Club lobby was beautiful!

As was The Beach Club

Pirates shout-out!

Seahorse light fixture.

Up next... sunset at Epcot and Drinking Around the World!

 

[punkin413]

No wasn't me. I wish I'd seen you! You're like another celebrity to me! I read your TRs so much I feel like I know you guys.

that's just too funny! i feel special.

I headed back down what I have come to think of since the October trip as my own personal walkway to Epcot/Boardwalk area. I really like it. I think it’s my control issues coming out but even with all the walking you already do in WDW I much prefer to be under my own power. It was pretty cool out (and would only get colder ) so I wasn’t worried about getting sweaty and gross.

if this was friday, december 12th, it was COLD!!!!!! and you're right - it got even colder as the sun went down. hope you bundled up at epcot!

i love all the christmas decorations at the resorts. can't wait to go back. only 23 months to go!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

if this was friday, december 12th, it was COLD!!!!!! and you're right - it got even colder as the sun went down. hope you bundled up at epcot!

i love all the christmas decorations at the resorts. can't wait to go back. only 23 months to go!

That is exactly when it was and it was FREEZING!!

23 months to go... you've got the countdown going! Good thing we have the DIS to tide us over in between visits!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Finished taking in the resort Christmas decorations I reluctantly bid the Beach Club adieu. I really fell in love with it in October and I don’t mind saying that I was a tad bit grumpy leaving it behind and knowing I was going back to Pop that evening. The truth comes out… I am a deluxe kind of girl… with a value budget.

I used my private entrance to Epcot (aka the International Gateway) and headed straight away to get some

Then I headed back toward England and made my way lazily around the lagoon balancing my champagne and my camera to get some pictures.

Over in Canada I caught one of the storytellers:

5:30 was the designated meeting time for the DIS Drink Around the World meet. This was a group of folks mainly from the DIS Unplugged podcast board. I was nervous but I needn’t (what’s up with me and the non words today??) have been. Everyone was super nice. We started the night in Mexico with a margarita. It was really fun meeting people and kind of weird when I’d say 2xcited2sleep and someone would say – Oh I’ve “seen” you on there. It was already cold with the sun out. Colder as it went down. A frozen margarita might not have been the best choice…. Brain freeze!!

We stayed in Mexico for quite a bit just laughing and chatting. We called into the podcast voicemail and left the first of what would be a few messages that evening. If you listen to the podcast they did play them … I was there! I feel so cool. Next stop was Norway. Bakery snacks all around. We headed over to China. I think I was still finishing my margarita (not normally an issue for me but with the cold I was out of my element). Some of the gang got some snacks and wine, which they said was quite good. The full moon was beautiful that night… this picture doesn’t do it justice.

At one point I hear two of the ladies saying “ooh… light fixture!” So of course I say “you like light fixtures too?” Note: only to another DIS’er would this conversation seem remotely normal! So I met two other aficionados…. LL you’ve really started a craze!

The gang had some “flat people” along with them and it was funny to see what crazy poses they would put them in. You should have seen some of the looks we were getting!

At some point we realized that it was hard to coordinate the group and for everyone to know where we were going. So Tanya had the brilliant idea to purchase a “light saber” that she would hold up in the air like she was leading a Brazilian tour group. More funny looks but it was very effective!

Next stop was Germany where I had a glass of Reisling. It was good! The Germany pavilion looks so nice decorated for the holidays! Still learning about night shots so this isn't the greatest. Hard to hold still enough. And I know what you're thinking... it was the drinking. But I think it more likely it was the shivering! It was COLD!

Group Photo (you can also see the “light saber”):

From Germany it was on to Italy and a glass of prosecco. Some others had shots of limoncello here. I didn’t know they sold shots… note to self

By now it is really cold. I have my gloves on! I had intended to break from the group and head over to the Poly to meet Lynn and Chuck for Wishes viewing. I’m still sad I didn’t. But the cold was one factor and for another I was feeling a little nervous about heading over there by myself in the dark not ever having been to the Poly or knowing exactly where I’d be going. So I didn’t go. Thankfully I was able to meet Lynn and Chuck the next day!
Next stop was France (no drinking in Morocco – just a bathroom break) and you know what that means!

CHAMPAGNE!!

From there it was over to England where I got some chips (no fish… just chips). Those hit the spot! And then we staked out a spot for Illuminations. I didn’t take any pictures! But it was really great to be watching it with my new friends.

After Illuminations it was extra magic hours so we decided to take advantage of the rides. We headed with the masses toward the front of the park.
We went Soarin’ next. We had a pretty long wait – maybe 30-40 min but we were having a good time chatting in line so it was all good. We had just the right amount of people (maybe 10?) to fill a complete row. It was awesome as always although I couldn’t help but notice that the screen or the movie or both is spotty. And once you notice the spots it’s like you can’t look away.

Next we hit Spaceship Earth. No line! As we (4 ladies) were boarding our little car, the CM says to us, “excuse me , ladies? We have a 2 princess per car maximum. Please don’t let this happen again.” Too funny. As if four 30-something women were “doing it” for a 20-year old kid but hey… I’ll take it. And clearly I remembered it so he definitely spread some pixie dust (so what if it came with some bull you-know-what!)

By now I am exhausted- I think it was after midnight. This was quite a full day and I haven’t really slowed down at all! Tanya was also staying at Pop so we headed to the bus stop. Madness. Pure insanity. And don’t forget it is freezing. Literally. I could see my breath. That is not supposed to happen in Florida! We finally fit on the 3rd bus. UGH!

When I came “home” to Pop and found this little guy waiting for me:

Up next: Resort switching to AKL!

 

[julezdisney]

You are an updating machine! You rock!

AND you are 100% forgiven for the break you took.

Love ya! Awesome time ~ wish I coulda been there for Drink Around The World. The phone calls were hilarious- I did listen, I think they played it on the Christmas show? Or New Years? Anyway- it was rioutously(sp?) funny and I was TRYING to wash my dishes while listening but kept having to stop because it was so funny.

 

[kschafer]

Love the pics of WS
Love the fun of the Dis Meet
Love the update!!!

But champagne and chips?

Sounds like a really fun night

 

[2xcited2sleep]

You are an updating machine! You rock!

AND you are 100% forgiven for the break you took.

Love ya! Awesome time ~ wish I coulda been there for Drink Around The World. The phone calls were hilarious- I did listen, I think they played it on the Christmas show? Or New Years? Anyway- it was rioutously(sp?) funny and I was TRYING to wash my dishes while listening but kept having to stop because it was so funny.

Thanks! 3 updates in one day... I am quite proud of myself! Of course I have totally ignored the housework and laundry I need to do and my butt is numb from sitting at the counter too long!

Love the pics of WS
Love the fun of the Dis Meet
Love the update!!!

But champagne and chips?

Sounds like a really fun night

Agree- that would be an unusual combo. But you should know by now that champagne doesn't last too long with me. I'm pretty sure I'd finished by the time we got around to England. I think I had soda w/ the chips.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Holy Updates Batman!! Talk about an update Sunday!!

Sounds like a great day you had. I have to say though that I still do feel like I am somebody special with those ladies knowing my light fixture thread.

I really can't wait to hear about AKL.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Holy Updates Batman!! Talk about an update Sunday!!

Sounds like a great day you had. I have to say though that I still do feel like I am somebody special with those ladies knowing my light fixture thread.

I really can't wait to hear about AKL.

I can't wait to tell you about AKL!

Note: CP- that is not a coded message to tell you to switch resorts... stay at Beach Club!!

 

[teacher2525]

I was in EPCOT the day of the rain that you speak of. We sisn't think the rain would ever quit There was also a Tornado watch posted that day. I am enjoying reading your solo trip report, good for you enjoying the world instead of waiting around. I am somewhat envious of all the freedom you had I would love to have some time to myself on one of these trips. Not that I don't love my family but sometimes a little bit of "me time" would be nice

 

[ILuvCrush]

I Love love love all your updates!!! I'm glad we put the pressure on

I am sooooo gonna plan on mousefest 2010...really. gnomefest and mousefest all in the same year...yep, I'm gonna do that!! Your awesome updates have me convinced it is a MUST DO EVENT!!!

P

 

[tinkerbell87512]

Great updates. Sounds like you had a great time with all the mousefest events.

Those deluxe resorts look beautiful all decked out for Christmas. I wish I could stay there sometime but my view is a value resort is better than not going! I'm sure you feel the same way!

Love that group shot you have of everyone at EPCOT. Sounds like a blast! Looking forward to more!

 

[kschafer]

Oh, and I forgot to mention...I am going to be expecting that Disney magical wedding invite when the time comes

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I was in EPCOT the day of the rain that you speak of. We sisn't think the rain would ever quit There was also a Tornado watch posted that day. I am enjoying reading your solo trip report, good for you enjoying the world instead of waiting around. I am somewhat envious of all the freedom you had I would love to have some time to myself on one of these trips. Not that I don't love my family but sometimes a little bit of "me time" would be nice

Hi! Thanks for joining in! Yep,the rain, rain , rain definitely came down, down, down that day! Luckily it was just that one day. But it sure was miserable!

By the way, Huey, Dewey and Luey (sp??) are adorable. I am heading over to read your TR!

I Love love love all your updates!!! I'm glad we put the pressure on

I am sooooo gonna plan on mousefest 2010...really. gnomefest and mousefest all in the same year...yep, I'm gonna do that!! Your awesome updates have me convinced it is a MUST DO EVENT!!!

P

I respond well to pressure. What can I say? I can't recommend Mousefest highly enough. I really liked it. It is so cool to be surrounded by Disney nuts. And some of the special events were just incredible. WAIT until you hear about the Toy Story Mania party!

Great updates. Sounds like you had a great time with all the mousefest events.

Those deluxe resorts look beautiful all decked out for Christmas. I wish I could stay there sometime but my view is a value resort is better than not going! I'm sure you feel the same way!

Love that group shot you have of everyone at EPCOT. Sounds like a blast! Looking forward to more!

Thanks! I definitely had a great time at Mousefest. Totally agree that value is better than not at all. And the value resorts (at least Pop) really is quite nice. I'm just spoiled.

Oh, and I forgot to mention...I am going to be expecting that Disney magical wedding invite when the time comes

Absolutely, Katie! If I am lucky enough to snag a guy who would agree to a Disney wedding it will be a DIS/Marcette event!! Poor guy... no idea who he is but imagine what he is in for!

 

[kschafer]

If I am lucky enough to snag a guy who would agree to a Disney wedding it will be a DIS/Marcette event!! Poor guy... no idea who he is but imagine what he is in for!

He would be in for a lifetime of Disney fun and magic, and you too. What more could a man ask for?