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

[jenjolt]

It's a Date C!!! We'll go find more waiters to flirt with you LOL!!!

 

[Donald is #1]

Wasn't it fantastic! Did you like the candlelight processional itself? Who did you see narrate?

I absolutely loved Candlelight Processional! It was everything that I expected and more. I saw Brian Stokes Mitchell. He was extremely good. I think that I am going to do the processional package again this coming December.

 

[brookelizabeth]

HE WAS TOTALL FLIRTING WITH YOU!!!!!!!! You gotta go back and get him! As a waiter I mean, when you go eat there again...

I love all your WS pics, and yes, those birds are so very out of control!

I am subscribed to Alan's report! I loved his report last year and can't wait to hear about their adventures this time. A DIS meet in Dec. would be awesome! I've been feeling jealous of the gang who are meeting in May!

I think they took the Skyway away for safety concerns. As I understand it there were a few accidents where some CM's got hurt.

Are you talking about the Swan boats? I miss those too!!

I love that the WDW to do/to try list is never-ending! There's always something!!

Yes, a mini DIS meet is all in order! Donald is #1 who is also reading your TR here is going to be there at the same time! It's gonna be great!

I am jealous over the May meet too! I am going to price out a quick May trip...since we are AP holders...and airfare has been cheap...maybe a solo trip for me... We'll see!

That is sad about the skyway and the CMs getting hurt. I do hope they do something with the building at some point, it's so cute!

I never saw/experienced the Swan boats, I only have read about them...I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see your pics!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Oooh, C, you were so getting hit on, you go girl!! Sounds like a great lunch/dinner at Chefs! Yummy and the champagne cocktail sounds delish and just perfect for the afternoon.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I showed Charles your food photos this morning, and do you know what that silly man said? "I don't know if I could do creme brulee this early in the morning." Like I was asking him to eat it right then and there.

He is a silly man. Of course you weren't talking about for breakfast. But then again, would that really be so wrong?

Hope that you are able to try Chefs sometime soon. Like maybe a weekend in September?

It's a Date C!!! We'll go find more waiters to flirt with you LOL!!!

I can't wait, Jen!!!

I absolutely loved Candlelight Processional! It was everything that I expected and more. I saw Brian Stokes Mitchell. He was extremely good. I think that I am going to do the processional package again this coming December.

I'm so glad you liked it!! The Christmas story is so beautiful. I don't know who Brian Stokes Mitchell is. I am also planning on doing it again and really hoping to get Neil Patrick Harris. Unfortunately, though, it seems like you have to book your trip and tickets before you know who the narrator is.

HE WAS TOTALL FLIRTING WITH YOU!!!!!!!! You gotta go back and get him! As a waiter I mean, when you go eat there again...

Oh you are good for my ego!!

I love all your WS pics, and yes, those birds are so very out of control!

Thanks so much! Serioiusly, the bird problem has to be stopped! Your story about the birds at the Space Center still has me creeped out. I would have a nuclear meltdown the likes of which Disney has never seen. They'd end up having to give me DVC membership to alleviate my mental trauma. Hmmm....

Yes, a mini DIS meet is all in order! Donald is #1 who is also reading your TR here is going to be there at the same time! It's gonna be great!

That will be fantastic!!

I am jealous over the May meet too! I am going to price out a quick May trip...since we are AP holders...and airfare has been cheap...maybe a solo trip for me... We'll see!

Hope it works out!

That is sad about the skyway and the CMs getting hurt. I do hope they do something with the building at some point, it's so cute!

I know! I love that building.

I never saw/experienced the Swan boats, I only have read about them...I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see your pics!

I'm going to look for vintage pics this weekend!

Oooh, C, you were so getting hit on, you go girl!! Sounds like a great lunch/dinner at Chefs! Yummy and the champagne cocktail sounds delish and just perfect for the afternoon.

Oh, thank you! You are also good for my ego. Of course I suppose I should now come to confession that this "kid" was likely on the college program and potentially young enough to be my son. Just call me cougar Christine.

 

[princess&her4princes]

LOL!! Cougar Christine!! Grrrrrrr.....

 

[2xcited2sleep]

LOL!! Cougar Christine!! Grrrrrrr.....

Happy to amuse you! Granted I would have had to have given birth at age 13 but still... is there a specific definition of a cougar? I think I'll just take the ego boost and move on!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Happy to amuse you! Granted I would have had to have given birth at age 13 but still... is there a specific definition of a cougar? I think I'll just take the ego boost and move on!

Yes, thanks for the laugh!! I'm considered a cougar by my friends and DH is only 2 years younger...so you may have qualified!!! LOL!! Run with that ego boost girl, you completely deserve it!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Thanks so much! Serioiusly, the bird problem has to be stopped! Your story about the birds at the Space Center still has me creeped out. I would have a nuclear meltdown the likes of which Disney has never seen. They'd end up having to give me DVC membership to alleviate my mental trauma. Hmmm....

Not such a bad plan.... ...totally worth it!

The KSC Bird Incident was so creepy. I literally shudder when I think about it every single time. Ew. ew. ew!

I'm excited for the vintage pics!

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

I just finished looking through your last batch of pictures and boy, you really got some great shots! Are you planning on going back for the holidays this year?

I hope you get to meet Jordan when you go back for F&W Fest. I know she'll be spending most of her free time wandering around World Showcase, talking to the cute chefs at the food booths.

 

[29apr00]

That's the 2nd review of Chefs i've seen this week and both gave it a !! sounds like another one to add to the list.

Oh yeah, and the waiter was totally flirting with you!

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I've got an ADR for lunch at Chef's on my next trip. I've picked out the same lunch. So I was so excited to hear you liked it and see pictures of it. Thanks!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Not such a bad plan.... ...totally worth it!

The KSC Bird Incident was so creepy. I literally shudder when I think about it every single time. Ew. ew. ew!

I'm excited for the vintage pics!

Still working on the vintage pics!

I just finished looking through your last batch of pictures and boy, you really got some great shots! Are you planning on going back for the holidays this year?

I hope you get to meet Jordan when you go back for F&W Fest. I know she'll be spending most of her free time wandering around World Showcase, talking to the cute chefs at the food booths.

Thanks, Michelle! I am hoping to go back again in December. It was SO magical! I hope I can meet Jordan too. Maybe she can give me a personalized map of the food booths with cute chefs noted. I'm so excited for her to do the college program!!

That's the 2nd review of Chefs i've seen this week and both gave it a !! sounds like another one to add to the list.

Oh yeah, and the waiter was totally flirting with you!

Thanks. You must put Chefs on your to-do list!

I've got an ADR for lunch at Chef's on my next trip. I've picked out the same lunch. So I was so excited to hear you liked it and see pictures of it. Thanks!

I'm glad it helped! I think you're going to love it!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So I floated – or maybe rolled would be a better word!- out of Chefs de France onto the World Showcase promenade. In France:

To give you a perspective on the weather, I was feeling pretty good. I was still wearing jeans but had taken off the fleece jacket and just had my short sleeved t-shirt. Well apparently Jasmine felt differently… she was wearing her coat! Although I suppose it was a bit cool for a bikini top!

I can’t remember exactly where else I went after lunch but I know I didn’t have that much time between lunch and the first show and I didn’t want to stray too far from the theater. So I think I headed back to France and got myself a Grand Marnier slushie since it was finally sunny outside! Then as I was walking back they were letting the dinner package people into the theater so I just fell into line and went on in. I found myself a nice seat—felt a little weird being there solo but amused myself with finishing up my slushie. For whatever reason I didn’t take too many pictures.

Here are some of the set of Candlelight Processional from earlier in the day

And a couple from the actual show:

Overall, I liked it. The Christmas story is always moving and adding the music it was really beautiful. Monique Coleman did a nice job. I’ve never seen High School Musical so she really could have been anyone. I’d really like to see a celeb I like narrate it. I especially want to see Neil Patrick Harris! All of the musicians, Voices of Liberty, high school choir etc. were very good. The woman who did the sign language “translation” was amazing. She was really into it and almost danced along with the music. I watched her much of the time!

I thought the dinner package was worth it. Don’t really like that you have to eat before the show… I’d prefer to see the show and then go off to dinner. But it is definitely nice to not have to get in line early in the afternoon and be guaranteed a seat!

So after the show-not sure what time it was- maybe 7? I was deciding what to do and decided I’d go over to the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and see if I could buy a ticket at the gate. But first, I wanted to see some of the lights of winter. And before that, I needed to stop in Italy for a little treat. How many times have I been in the wine shop and not seen the hidden mickeys???

Italy

Looking across the lagoon

Germany- not the greatest photos but since I took them, I'll share them.

cont'd in the next post

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I headed toward Future World. I'd seen the Lights of Winter structures in the daylight but had yet to see it at night. They are truly amazing. Pictures hardly capture it.

From there I hopped back on the monorail and back over to the MK. It was no problem to buy my MVMCP ticket at the gate. Some other folks were doing the same. I had debated quite a bit but I am so glad I did this! I forget how much the ticket was but in my mind it was worth it just to see the castle lights. I could do a whole chapter just with those pictures!!

At the train station:

cont'd in the next post

 

[2xcited2sleep]

The Castle. What a beautiful sight. I didn’t see the lighting ceremony where they light it one section at a time. I’d like to see that another time. But this was just stunning. No other word fits. When I’d first heard about the lights with the netting I had my doubts. Flashbacks to the pink castle they did for the birthday celebration. But this is perfect. Spectacular. I could have taken 100 more photos… at least!

I love the “lantern tree” or whatever the proper term is.

So at some point I decided that I was hungry. Or perhaps I am just perpetually hungry in WDW? As a cheeseburger aficionado, it was just unacceptable that I had not yet visited Pecos Bill’s and the fixings bar so I decided that I needed to head over there.

On my way, I walked by Pirates. Don’t laugh at me. Well, ok, it’s funny, laugh a little but not too much. I wanted to ride. But there was NO ONE around. And I thought about some other TRs where people had boats all to themselves. And I chickened out!

Pecos Bills was not at all crowded. Of course at this point it might have been 8pm – well past the dinner rush. I got my standard fare… cheeseburger and fries. As an aside, I just love charging everything to the Keys to the World card… well, until check-out , that is!

As I said, it was pretty empty and CMs were straightening up around me as I ate my meal. I think they were anxious to get out of there. Can’t blame them, I suppose. No food porn for you… sorry.

When I came out the parade was going by and I couldn’t have gone anywhere if I wanted to. So I watched the parade! It was neat seeing things I knew I’d seen in previous years on the TV.

How does the green army guy breathe in this costume??

Hello, Santa! I’ve been a good girl all year (mostly )

For some reason I didn’t get a picture of the gingerbread men but with their flat backs b/c they came off the cookie sheet they were too cute.
Then there were some little cars that “elves” were driving that were adorable!

cont'd in the next post

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Back on Main Street:

Main Street is even more magical during this party if you can even imagine that. The “snow” is falling, the Christmas carols are playing and it is pure magic. I was tired (it was a long day!) but wanted to see the special Wishes. So I browsed in and around all the shops. I don’t think I bought anything but I’m sure I was tempted by a number of things.

Eventually I made my way down toward the beginning of Main Street by the Christmas tree and waited there to see the fireworks. I was able to lean against a railing and figured I’d be in a good position to exit the park and get on a bus before the crowds.


It was not an ideal fireworks viewing spot but I didn’t care. I didn’t even try to take pictures; I just wanted to experience it.

My strategy worked and as soon as they were over I was out the gates and heading to the bus.

I never got tired of walking into the lobby and seeing this

Oh how I love that lobby!

And that was my jam-packed Sunday. Up next: my last full day, Yuletide Fantasy tour and dinner at Jiko!

Thanks for reading.

 

[Donald is #1]

I'm so glad you liked it!! The Christmas story is so beautiful. I don't know who Brian Stokes Mitchell is. I am also planning on doing it again and really hoping to get Neil Patrick Harris. Unfortunately, though, it seems like you have to book your trip and tickets before you know who the narrator is.

He is a star from Broadway. To be honest, I had to post a question when the schedule came out to find out who he & the person that you saw were.


I'm gald that you liked MVMCP. I really enjoyed it also. I will probably do it again this year but will maybe take my tripod with me so that I can get some better night time shots.

 

[jenjolt]

What a beautiful Christmas filled update C!! I loved it!! Really made my spirits soar! One day I'm going to make it there to see it all for myself!! Thank you for sharing this all with us!!

Pescos Bill's was down for refurb when I went and I was so disappointed...I hear they make a great cheeseburger LOL!!!!

 

[punkin413]

this was sunday, december 14th, right? we were at that party too!!!! that was also our last night. wasn't the party great? not crowded at all. and the castle it just GORGEOUS! i got to see the lighting that night (barely) and it was just beautiful. when you were in frontierland during the first parade me and ray were just down a little ways in the christmas shop buying christmas ornaments. funny how we were so close!