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

[Circusgirl]

I am REALLY looking forward to trying this. I always wanted to be Nancy Drew as a kid so I think this will be as close as I can get. Hopefully the game allows for time to stop for cocktails... :

One of the great things about the game is that you set the timing. There are a number of individual missions to each game. When you finish a mission, the last thing that happens is that the Kimmunicator contact tells you where to go to start the next mission. All of the missions of a particular game are in one country. It will be a super fun way to drink around the World. I hope we can play together next December!! It will be great fun during Gnomefest.

 

[Charleston Princess]

This is indeed how it works. When I was there in January they were in soft open so it was pretty casual. There were Kimmunicator stands near the International Gateway, Norway and Italy that I visited, don't know where the others are. When you get the Kimmunicator you start the unit and begin receiving your instructions, including which country to go to to start the adventure. It is super fun. You could get one unit per family or several if you have several kids and each wants to have one. You're going to have a blast!!!!

Oh, that's so wonderful because sometimes my two don't like sharing.

I am REALLY looking forward to trying this. I always wanted to be Nancy Drew as a kid so I think this will be as close as I can get. Hopefully the game allows for time to stop for cocktails... :

One of the great things about the game is that you set the timing. There are a number of individual missions to each game. When you finish a mission, the last thing that happens is that the Kimmunicator contact tells you where to go to start the next mission. All of the missions of a particular game are in one country. It will be a super fun way to drink around the World. I hope we can play together next December!! It will be great fun during Gnomefest.

This summer while the kids are helping Kim Possible solve her mission, I will be on my own mission of finding drinks in the particular country.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

One of the great things about the game is that you set the timing. There are a number of individual missions to each game. When you finish a mission, the last thing that happens is that the Kimmunicator contact tells you where to go to start the next mission. All of the missions of a particular game are in one country. It will be a super fun way to drink around the World. I hope we can play together next December!! It will be great fun during Gnomefest.

It sounds great. I bet it would be fun with a big group! I can't wait. Can't you just picture a big group of grown-ups running around with the Kimmunicators? I've never seen Kim Possible... maybe I'd better study a bit to find out who she is!

This summer while the kids are helping Kim Possible solve her mission, I will be on my own mission of finding drinks in the particular country.

Now that is a perfect mission!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

WOW!
What an INCREDIBLE night!!!!!!!!! I haven't looked at the official pictures yet, but I will - it sounds like it was just beautiful, plus FUN!

And free Itzakadoozies?

I really do hope the DIS plans something (and not just for free food ), I would love to meet the DIS Podcast Crew and all my DIS friends!

Your shot of the moon is really cool!!

Gosh, what an awesome day - incredible food, amazing friends, the Osborne Lights and this party!

I am REALLY looking forward to trying this. I always wanted to be Nancy Drew as a kid so I think this will be as close as I can get. Hopefully the game allows for time to stop for cocktails... :

I wanted to try it back in January, it looks REALLY FUN. I saw a kid dropping one of the Kimmunicators in a box in Mexico. But the thing is the box they have is totally themed to Mexico, you would NEVER know it wasn't part of the Mexico set and for a game unless you looked rillllllllly closely and saw the "KP" logo on the side engraved into the box. The kid looked like he was really into it, all sleuth like. So cute!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

WOW!
What an INCREDIBLE night!!!!!!!!! I haven't looked at the official pictures yet, but I will - it sounds like it was just beautiful, plus FUN!

And free Itzakadoozies?

I really do hope the DIS plans something (and not just for free food ), I would love to meet the DIS Podcast Crew and all my DIS friends!

Your shot of the moon is really cool!!

Gosh, what an awesome day - incredible food, amazing friends, the Osborne Lights and this party!



I wanted to try it back in January, it looks REALLY FUN. I saw a kid dropping one of the Kimmunicators in a box in Mexico. But the thing is the box they have is totally themed to Mexico, you would NEVER know it wasn't part of the Mexico set and for a game unless you looked rillllllllly closely and saw the "KP" logo on the side engraved into the box. The kid looked like he was really into it, all sleuth like. So cute!!

Hi Brook! I really hope a December event works out and would love to meet you, Joe and Henry!

I am getting more and more excited for the Kim Possible game... I am such a nerd!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So last I left you, dear readers, I was drifting off to dream-land with thoughts of the most special, amazing and magical night ever dancing in my head. Sunday dawned quickly and although I slept in, it was still a bit too early. But I didn’t come to WDW to sleep! And I had things to do today… including the Candlelight Dinner Processional !

So what was first on the agenda? Well it doesn’t seem possible but I hadn’t been to the Magic Kingdom yet!! I had planned a day one visit but the rain interfered. So I needed to get myself over there, pronto!

So pretty with the holiday decoration:

It was still fairly cool outside but you can see more sunshine than we’d had any other day!

As I walked under the train station—I always go to the left… which way do you go?—I noticed that Santa was visiting.

And checked out the Town Hall in all of its finery

To be truthful, I can’t remember if I saw the following that day or another but since I’m thinking about it now and it seems to fit I’ll tell you that I saw Disney paramedics for the first time. They were assisting an older gentleman- hopefully with something that did not turn out to be serious. The family and another CM were looking on. They were very unobtrusive and I really almost wouldn’t have noticed them at all. I just mention it b/c I am continually awed by all of the processes that Disney has in place behind the scenes “just in case” and how everything runs so smoothly like clockwork. So I wished that gentleman well in my mind and moved on.

The Main Street Christmas Tree

I wonder who I could have been thinking of when I took these next photos? Seriously, if you have not yet caught the light fixture bug, turn back now. You’ll never tour WDW in the same way once you realize the variety of light fixtures out there!

I can’t believe I waited until Sunday of my trip to visit MK! How many years did I spend watching the Christmas parade dreaming of seeing this? And now I see it in person?

I made my way slowly up Main Street grinning from ear to ear the entire way. Is there anywhere better than Main Street USA? I’m generally not one to watch the “castle show” but since it was in progress I took a quick look. Cute, I guess. I still probably wouldn’t make a point of seeing it.

What to do next? Hmmm…. I know! The Wedway People Mover!!!! On my way over, I took my time noticing some things I’m not sure I ever really paid attention to.

I think this is so pretty. Now I am dying to go sit under the yellow umbrellas!

Since when has there been a waterfall? Umm… I don’t know, Christine… since 1971?

And look at these guys in Tomorrowland:

I know none of these “finds” are exactly awe-inspiring but to me it just symbolized how much fun I was having on my second trip in ~2 months and just taking my time without the pressure to do everything.

cont'd in the next post

 

[2xcited2sleep]

OK… so finally… the Wedway People Mover/Tomorrowland Transit Authority. There were more people riding it than I thought there would be but still nowhere near crowded! People are missing out!!!

Forgive the photo overload.

I just love this ride!!

And now what? Well, Carousel of Progess, of course! No pictures, sorry. I get such a kick out of this ride and my goodness is that song catchy.

And now what? I just meandered through Tomorrowland, heading toward Fantasyland. Scrooge McDuck (that’s his name, right?) was selling Christmas Trees.

I saw some old friends heading to a meet.

Crowds really weren’t too bad … this was around noon time or maybe a little later.

I haven't been on Dumbo in eons. I think I will have to fix that...despite the DIS debate of "grown-ups" taking up space on a kids ride and making the wait longer. I hope that it is as great as I remember it.

So as I was walking around Fantasyland, I had a thought. Yes, I did. Right there in Disney World. And what was that thought? It was of something that has long been on my list – ever since I heard of them- and I had yet to try it. The infamous Figaro Fries!!!

Figaro Fries - French Fries served with bacon & cheddar cheese. $3.69​

The original “recipe” also called for lettuce and tomato toppings but they have discontinued that. Too bad b/c that sounds good to me. That’s the way I like to eat greens and veggies… with french fries!! So how were they? Well first some food porn since I was really hitting my groove with food photography!

And the verdict?? Eh. They were ok. I wasn’t wild about the cheese sauce so I mostly ate around that. Plus I had my lunch ADR at Chefs as part of the Candlelight Processional package so I didn’t want to spoil my appetite for that. Bottom line – I’m not sure I’d get them again. But Pinnochio’s Village Haus was very cute. It was packed – I couldn’t get a seat outside but since I just had the fries I put the tray on a stone wall and ate standing up.

cont'd in the next post

 

[2xcited2sleep]

More Fantasyland details:

Do you remember the old skyway? So sad this building isn’t used anymore. Well that’s not entirely true, I’ve heard it can be used for special private events… how cool would that be?

Light fixture outside of Peter Pan… I thought this was cool. I think I am completely over my awkwardness at taking light photos. The strange looks don’t even phase me anymore!

Poking around in Liberty Square. The detail is just incredible! I wouldn’t mind living here!!

At this point, I needed to head out and get myself over to Epcot for my ~2pm ADR at Chefs de France. Some details I noticed along the way…

I think this is the bridge that they re-did recently? Only on the DIS would I be posting two pictures of a bridge!! I thought it looked really pretty.

Back on Main Street… no it hadn’t changed during my walk through the park but somehow I needed more pictures!

I’ll leave you there, for now. Next stop: Epcot!

Thanks for reading!

 

[kschafer]

Ooooooohhh, Aaaahhhhhhh

Since all my trips as a kids were at christmas time (and when there was only MK) your pics just tug at my heartstrings. I WILL return in 2011 to see it all decked out and celebrate my 40th b-day, I can't imagine anyplace I would rather be on that day. I think I may even have to try for one of the coveted seats at CRT on that day since we always ate there too.

SIGH, I'm anxious for the next posting (sorry if I split them up, I was just too excited to wait to comment)
ETA: oh good I didn't. And I glanced to see pics of the wooden soldiers...I love them!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Sigh. What I would give to be able to spend the day at MK today.

Let's see if I remember everything....

Did you have the ranch dressing with the figaro fries? These are on my list to try in May. I have heard that they will add the lettuce and tomato for you if you ask.

I am so sad that the People Mover will be closed in May. It's one of my favorite relaxing things to do. I love it when you can just stay on it too and not have to get off and have two or three rides in a row.

I am loving the light fixtures of course. The main street ones are very pretty! I also love the one near Peter Pan.

I think if I had to pick a MK land to live in, I would pick Liberty Square. Even though there aren't a lot of rides or anything, I just love it. I love the way it is themed. I think that is the historian buff in me or my fascination with Colonials.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Ooooooohhh, Aaaahhhhhhh

Since all my trips as a kids were at christmas time (and when there was only MK) your pics just tug at my heartstrings. I WILL return in 2011 to see it all decked out and celebrate my 40th b-day, I can't imagine anyplace I would rather be on that day. I think I may even have to try for one of the coveted seats at CRT on that day since we always ate there too.

SIGH, I'm anxious for the next posting (sorry if I split them up, I was just too excited to wait to comment)
ETA: oh good I didn't. And I glanced to see pics of the wooden soldiers...I love them!

I'm so glad you liked the pictures. Your 2011/40th plans sound awesome. Your childhood trips sound heavenly. We also used to eat in the castle... King Stefan's it used to be called, I think. One of the things I love the most about WDW is that as you're going about my day I can randomly get flashbacks to different family trips (plus a couple of high school band trips)-- all good memories.

Sigh. What I would give to be able to spend the day at MK today.

Let's see if I remember everything....

Did you have the ranch dressing with the figaro fries? These are on my list to try in May. I have heard that they will add the lettuce and tomato for you if you ask.

I am so sad that the People Mover will be closed in May. It's one of my favorite relaxing things to do. I love it when you can just stay on it too and not have to get off and have two or three rides in a row.

I am loving the light fixtures of course. The main street ones are very pretty! I also love the one near Peter Pan.

I think if I had to pick a MK land to live in, I would pick Liberty Square. Even though there aren't a lot of rides or anything, I just love it. I love the way it is themed. I think that is the historian buff in me or my fascination with Colonials.

Me too, LL, me too. I just looked up the weather to torture myself and it's 70.

I did not have the ranch dressing. Rut roh... maybe I did it wrong. I thought about asking for the lettuce and tomato but it was in the middle of the lunch rush and I didn't want to be difficult nor did I want to wait forever. So maybe I will give them another try with the lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing.

I like Liberty Square too- all the little shops. So cute. But I think Adventureland may be my favorite. Or maybe Main Street. Or is it Fantasyland? I like it all!!

With your love of the colonials no wonder you like LTT so much!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Me too, LL, me too. I just looked up the weather to torture myself and it's 70.

I did not have the ranch dressing. Rut roh... maybe I did it wrong. I thought about asking for the lettuce and tomato but it was in the middle of the lunch rush and I didn't want to be difficult nor did I want to wait forever. So maybe I will give them another try with the lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing.

I like Liberty Square too- all the little shops. So cute. But I think Adventureland may be my favorite. Or maybe Main Street. Or is it Fantasyland? I like it all!!

With your love of the colonials no wonder you like LTT so much!

I know! I am still toying with adding LTT one day for lunch. I'm also thinking of giving up Narcoossee's until I go again with Marc. He was looking at the menu and got really jealous.

 

[jenjolt]

Wow great update C!! And the pictures are just gorgeous...wow just gorgeous!! I so want to see Disney at christmas time!!!!

Don't you just love the people mover or TTA it is just great and I totally agree with you about the Carousel of Progress it is a timeless classic and that song gets me every single time.

I'm another one those who wants to try those fries, I'll be like LL and ask for the lettuce and tomatoes and make sure there is ranch on them LOL!!! They just look so delish!!

Thanks again for a great update!

 

[Quacktatty]

Great pictures! Isn't it nice to be able to just sit back and take in the scenery sometimes? I'm hoping that with my AP I will allow myself to do that. And not worry about running back into line as fast as I can!

 

[tinkerbell87512]

The TSM event sounds fantastic! What a cool experence.

Sounds like you had a great morning at the MK! I love the people mover too and I'm so bummed it wont be open on my next trip.

Looking forward to hearing about your Epcot afternoon!

 

[punkin413]

i think my favorite part of any TR is when one first visits MK. it just love it! it's my favorite place in the entire world. well, so far at least!

this is the day we were at AK and it was a really pretty day! it was the first day of the trip i didn't have to wear a jacket. i was so happy to see some sunshine.

you got some great pics of MK with the christmas decorations. i'm jealous! the morning we were there i was wogging my way over to get in line to meet tink so i didn't get any pictures. but i got some later so it's okay.

To be truthful, I can’t remember if I saw the following that day or another but since I’m thinking about it now and it seems to fit I’ll tell you that I saw Disney paramedics for the first time. They were assisting an older gentleman- hopefully with something that did not turn out to be serious. The family and another CM were looking on. They were very unobtrusive and I really almost wouldn’t have noticed them at all. I just mention it b/c I am continually awed by all of the processes that Disney has in place behind the scenes “just in case” and how everything runs so smoothly like clockwork. So I wished that gentleman well in my mind and moved on.

funny you should mention this. as you know, the title to my TR includes the word, "bloody nose." we had a personal experience with the paramedics at MK and let me tell you - they are a well-oiled machine!!!!! i can't tell you what happened as not to ruin my TR but i was VERY impressed by how they handled everything. only at disney! that will be coming up much later in my TR. it's one of the last things that happened!

I’m generally not one to watch the “castle show” but since it was in progress I took a quick look. Cute, I guess. I still probably wouldn’t make a point of seeing it.

it stars my favorite villian of all time, maleficent. 'nuff said (for me at least!).

The original “recipe” also called for lettuce and tomato toppings but they have discontinued that. Too bad b/c that sounds good to me. That’s the way I like to eat greens and veggies… with french fries!!

just a tip for future trips if you ever have a figaro fries craving again - you can ask for that stuff on the side and they will give it to you at no charge.

Do you remember the old skyway? So sad this building isn’t used anymore. Well that’s not entirely true, I’ve heard it can be used for special private events… how cool would that be?

i don't understand why they don't do something else with this area? it's such a big space and it's in a perfect location - it could be considered either fantasyland or liberty square. it just seems like it's wasting so much space!

can't wait to read about chefs!

 

[cdotla]

Wow Christine - your updates just reminded me again why I have to get to WDW at Christmastime...so beautiful!

Can't wait for more!

PS - I think you are being kind about those Figaro Fries...they look vile! That is one cult food that I just don't get! LOL!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I know! I am still toying with adding LTT one day for lunch. I'm also thinking of giving up Narcoossee's until I go again with Marc. He was looking at the menu and got really jealous.

I think you should go for it with a LTT ADR! You keep coming back to that in your mind... that has to count for something! As for waiting for Narcooses to share with Marc that is very sweet. I forget... have you been there before? I hear it is very romantical. There is a funny running joke on the WDW Today podcast about the romantical nature of this restaurant but as it is not family friendly I cannot share it here.

Wow great update C!! And the pictures are just gorgeous...wow just gorgeous!! I so want to see Disney at christmas time!!!!

Don't you just love the people mover or TTA it is just great and I totally agree with you about the Carousel of Progress it is a timeless classic and that song gets me every single time.

I'm another one those who wants to try those fries, I'll be like LL and ask for the lettuce and tomatoes and make sure there is ranch on them LOL!!! They just look so delish!!

Thanks again for a great update!

Thanks, Jen. I highly recommend seeing WDW at Christmastime. Talk about magical!!

You and LL try the fries with the extras on your trip this spring and let me know...

Great pictures! Isn't it nice to be able to just sit back and take in the scenery sometimes? I'm hoping that with my AP I will allow myself to do that. And not worry about running back into line as fast as I can!

So nice. I don't ever want to go back to commando craziness. Which means I need to keep visiting regularly. See how that circular Disney logic works? :

The TSM event sounds fantastic! What a cool experence.

Sounds like you had a great morning at the MK! I love the people mover too and I'm so bummed it wont be open on my next trip.

Looking forward to hearing about your Epcot afternoon!

TSM was the coolest!! And long live the people mover!! I think it will have opened by the time I go in September... at least I hope so!

i think my favorite part of any TR is when one first visits MK. it just love it! it's my favorite place in the entire world. well, so far at least!

It's the bestest, isn't it? I am really sorry I waited so long to get there. That really signals Disney more than anything else to me. Wish I was there now!!

this is the day we were at AK and it was a really pretty day! it was the first day of the trip i didn't have to wear a jacket. i was so happy to see some sunshine.

Amen, sister. Scary how grateful I was for even a smidge of sunshine and warmth! I think I may try December again this year but I am certainly hoping for better weather!!

you got some great pics of MK with the christmas decorations. i'm jealous! the morning we were there i was wogging my way over to get in line to meet tink so i didn't get any pictures. but i got some later so it's okay.

Thanks! I am sorry to say it didn't even occur to me that Pixie Hollow had opened so I will have to check that out on a future visit.

funny you should mention this. as you know, the title to my TR includes the word, "bloody nose." we had a personal experience with the paramedics at MK and let me tell you - they are a well-oiled machine!!!!! i can't tell you what happened as not to ruin my TR but i was VERY impressed by how they handled everything. only at disney! that will be coming up much later in my TR. it's one of the last things that happened!

I have been wondering when the bloody nose would come into play on your trip. Oy, it involved paramedics?

it stars my favorite villian of all time, maleficent. 'nuff said (for me at least!).

For you, I will give it another try!

just a tip for future trips if you ever have a figaro fries craving again - you can ask for that stuff on the side and they will give it to you at no charge.

Thanks. I am definitely going to do that! The fries have such a cult following maybe I just got a bad batch. Or maybe those extras add a lot to the taste? I am on a mission to find out!!

i don't understand why they don't do something else with this area? it's such a big space and it's in a perfect location - it could be considered either fantasyland or liberty square. it just seems like it's wasting so much space!

I know! They totally should! Such a pretty building and like you said, great location. Disney... are you listening???

can't wait to read about chefs!

Can't wait to tell you. I think your TR was one of the ones that got me thinking about trying it!

Wow Christine - your updates just reminded me again why I have to get to WDW at Christmastime...so beautiful!

Can't wait for more!

PS - I think you are being kind about those Figaro Fries...they look vile! That is one cult food that I just don't get! LOL!

Yes, you do have to get there at Christmastime! I can't believe I'm saying this but, yeah, the fries were pretty bad. But given my love of things fried and potatoes, I am willing to give them another try.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Loving your trip report. Thanks for sharing with us!

Sorry the figaro fries didn't live up to your expectations.

I miss the skyway too.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Ahhh, lovely relaxing beautiful pictures of MK! The Skyway! There's another ride that I miss! A lot! I loved riding that!

Too bad about the Figaro Fries -- I have wanted to try those, too, but maybe not on this next trip after reading your review...