Our National Lampoon Christmas Vacation~Day 17

[shadowryter]

We rode the elevator to the eight floor and found room 4422 in the East Tower. DD opened the door, a tradition from so long ago and we entered. The room was just as I had expected, the Bay view was absolutely beautiful. I took pic’s of the room and by then we were getting hungry and decided to look around and hopefully find a place for lunch. We came upon the Contempo Café…not LeCellier but the choices really caught our eye. I sent DD to find a table while DH and I tried to decipher the how-to’s of placing an order. Once done we headed to the cashier and it wasn’t until later that I realized she used our meal credits from our deluxe dining plan for lunch. I had these all planned out and that wouldn’t do so I had the poor woman remove them from our account and paid with my KTTW card. Hey I was new to this dining plan thing and I forgot that we just missed LeCellier so this would have been fine. Oh well.
Our room…

These sinks were so big we used only one and saved the other for like a vanity

…and our view!

Welcome packet and celebration buttons…oops on the Happily Ever After!

Contemporary

Cheese Danish

Chocolate croissant

Brownie

B-b-q steak & sun dried tomato flatbread….sooooo yummy

Southwestern chicken salad…another winner

To be continued...again...

 

[shadowryter]

CR Gingerbread tree

After lunch we hopped on the monorail and rode to the Magic Kingdom. We had a few hours before dinner at Narcoossee’s and MVMCP after that. I knew that our reservations would run into the beginning of the party but that it would be a nice break for a long night ahead. When we got off the monorail I remember thinking, geeze this is kind of cold for Florida. I was wearing a sleeveless top under my DCL sweatshirt and hoped that we wouldn’t be underdressed for Narcoossee’s later but it was brisk. We got in line so I could get our party tickets and put them in a safe place for later. We went in through Adventureland planning to ride POTC, catching Captain Jack along the way. After the ride we saw the parade coming through and grabbed a spot to watch while enjoying a Dole Whip. I took some pictures, we had our Photopass pictures taken, stopped at the shops where DD found yet more Vinylmation’s. We stopped just long enough to take in some traditional Christmas songs by the Dapper Dans and slowly made our way out of the park for our 5:30 dinner ressie.

Captain Jack

Dole Whip

A little bit of the parade

A picture of me, DH & DD

Magic Kingdom

Dapper Dan’s

You know...

Next Dinner at Narcoossee’s and MVMCP!

 

[shadowryter]

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party night…part 2

View from Monorail

Grand Floridian reindeers

We arrived in plenty of time only to see some poor little boy walk face first into the front door of Narcoossee’s. Bang…you heard his poor little forehead smack that door and then the silence and the wailing. I felt so bad as it seemed his dad opened the door right into the poor kids face. By the time we checked in it was all over and he was smiling. Our server was terrific. We told him we were headed to Mickey’s party after dinner so he timed everything and we were out of there within the hour. Not even rushed we had a great meal, complete with complimentary anniversary menus and desserts.
Special Menus

Warm bread and butter

Blue Glowtini

Magical Star Cocktail

Tropical smoothie

Prince Edward Island Mussels

Shrimp and Crab Chowder

Steamed Whole Main Lobster(taken out of the shell)for DH & DD

Surf and Turf

Dessert Menu

Anniversary desserts
Almond Crusted Cheesecake for me

Crème brulee Duo for DH

Ozark Apple-Walnut Cake - DD loved this

MVMCP tickets

After our dinner we dashed into the restrooms to change into our party t-shirts which I had stashed into the backpack we were carrying. After all my hard work we were going to wear these even if no one could see them under our zipped up hoodies. We stepped outside and it was like OMG…is this how it’s going to be all night? When we entered the Magic Kingdom we checked through the turnstile and was greeted by rows of cast mates with MVMCP wristbands in hand. We traded in our tickets for our bands and were on our way. It was just about 7, cold and windy so we made our way to the nearest hot cocoa and cookie station which happened to be in Tomorrowland. The line was long but quick and that hot cocoa tasted so good going down. It was then that I remembered that you could get special party things at some of the stores. We walked into Mickey’s Star Traders and I quickly scooped up a couple of the party pins that was on display along with a special edition Vinylmation. We so wanted to have some character pictures taken especially with the seven dwarfs but it was just too cold to wait in line though others seemed to brave it just fine.
Our Party Picture

Hot cocoa and cookies

Cookie close-up…Yum!

To be continued...

 

[shadowryter]

We made our way over to the POTC and then the Haunted Mansion stopping at the Columbia Harbor House for more cocoa and cookies. By then it was nearing time for the Holiday Wishes Fireworks and we didn’t want to miss that. And neither did anyone else I guess. We were behind the castle and I’ve never witnessed such pandemonium. Mostly mothers with carriages running with their children, darting back and forth. Now as you may recall I had dislocated my toe before our vacation even started but I had been doing very well. Until now. For some reason, I shall never know why, a woman on a scooter decided to cut me off and ran over my entire foot, leaving a tread mark across my sneaker and she just kept on going. My DH had to grab me so I wouldn’t keel over and just as I was getting my bearings and swallowing the pain I was rammed from behind with a stroller on the heel of my other foot. I admit I shouted some things I shouldn’t have and that poor dad pushing his child took off like a bat out of you know where shouting…I’m sorry…I’m sorry. I felt so bad.

I limped my way to a spot to catch the fireworks determined not to budge an inch. I braved a little closer than DD and DH did and as usual Holiday Wishes did not disappoint. We hung around Main Street after the show and did some more shopping where DD found a cute little rhinestone key pendant that she fell in love with. Remembering the missing diamond Dragonfly, it was a poor substitute at best but she loved it regardless. With shopping behind us we found a place to watch Holiday Wishes grabbing a great spot with Tinkerbelle practically flying over our heads. This was the 2nd time we had the pleasure of catching this fabulous fireworks extravaganza and it affected me the same way, especially the finale. A lump in my throat, a chill down my spine. Afterwards, we hung around to catch the second showing of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I opted to use my camcorder so sorry no pic’s here but I did make you a little video if you care to check it out.
Holiday Wishes

MVMCP Video

The party went on until midnight but we decided to head back a little early and slowly meandered with the crowd until we were out of the park on the monorail and back at the CR. One more photo at our resort and it was time to call it a night.
Contemporary at night

Next...a day at Disney's Animal Kingdom

 

[MNTwinsMom]

Great Update.

Bittersweet to have to get off that beautiful ship, but at least you had more fun to look forward to at WDW!

Have you stayed at the Contemporary before? We stayed at Ft. Wilderness in 2009 and spent quite a bit of time at the Contemporary since it was just a quick boat ride away. I love the concourse area. My kids still talk about the giant wreath and the monorail going through the building. We ate at Contempo Cafe a couple of times in 2009 and 2010, which I thought was one of the better Quick Service restaurants on property.

What a beautiful view from your room! Is that the old Discovery Island you can see in the middle of Bay Lake? (I might be way off, but I think that's the direction that picture is taken)

Do you have any pictures of our MVMCP shirts? I bet you came up with a very cool DISign and were disappointed that no one got to see them!

I see you get to go on another cruise. I've heard cruising is addicting. . .

 

[GoofyWife]

Wow, what a great update! We've never stayed at CR, although I think my sister did on her very first trip way back, it looks beautiful and dinner looked amazing. And your pictures of the Castle at MVMCP were great! Were you using your point and shoot for those?

 

[shadowryter]

Great Update.

Bittersweet to have to get off that beautiful ship, but at least you had more fun to look forward to at WDW!

Have you stayed at the Contemporary before? We stayed at Ft. Wilderness in 2009 and spent quite a bit of time at the Contemporary since it was just a quick boat ride away. I love the concourse area. My kids still talk about the giant wreath and the monorail going through the building. We ate at Contempo Cafe a couple of times in 2009 and 2010, which I thought was one of the better Quick Service restaurants on property.

What a beautiful view from your room! Is that the old Discovery Island you can see in the middle of Bay Lake? (I might be way off, but I think that's the direction that picture is taken)

Do you have any pictures of our MVMCP shirts? I bet you came up with a very cool DISign and were disappointed that no one got to see them!

I see you get to go on another cruise. I've heard cruising is addicting. . .

Hi there, it was sad to leave the ship but I was certain we would return one day. Who knew it would be so soon. This was our first stay at the Contemporary and I loved everything about it. The room, the view...loved the Contempo Cafe. We ate there a few times. I'm not sure about the old Discovery Island but it was a beautiful sight to see every morning. I did come up with some cool MVMCP shirts...each one of us have our favorite character.

I think cruising is addictive and I'm hoping to find out.

Wow, what a great update! We've never stayed at CR, although I think my sister did on her very first trip way back, it looks beautiful and dinner looked amazing. And your pictures of the Castle at MVMCP were great! Were you using your point and shoot for those?

Thank you for the compliments. I did use a simple point and shoot. It was a Kodak M420. Nice little camera but I wanted to do more with my shots. I have recently upgraded to a Nikon S8100. Love...love...love it. Can't wait to use it on our next vacation.

 

[shadowryter]

I'll be back on Monday with another update...For now I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Easter!
Linda

 

[shadowryter]

Hi everyone...so sorry for the delay...most of you have probably lost interest by now...But...I have been missing because my DD's best friend's father passed away unexpectedly Monday morning. Heather has been trying to be there for her friend and I have been there for her. I'll be back very soon as I get my photos and my thoughts in order. Thanks so much for reading.
Linda

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Sorry for your loss...

 

[shadowryter]

December 10th…Off to Animal Kingdom

We woke up to an amazing sunrise overlooking Bay Lake. Everyone was ready in no time so we hopped on the monorail to head to the Ticket and Transportation Center where we would catch a bus to the Animal Kingdom. I thought it was a little to easy to get a spot so early in the morning but soon realized there was a reason. The monorail was down and they didn’t know when it would be up and running again, so we followed the crowd down the stairs and to the main entrance where we then boarded an already over crowded bus but we were off to the AK.
Sunrise over Bay Lake

When we arrived we made our way directly to get a Fastpass to see the Yeti and then to Tusker House for our 9:30 ADR at Donald’s Safari Breakfast. I checked us in and we were buzzed within minutes. We got in a short line to have our picture taken with Donald and wouldn’t you know that because I went up the wrong way the CM made me go back down the stairs and take the proper entrance, chanting, “Nice tourist. Nice tourist!” DH got a little hot under the collar but I just laughed. I think it was suppose to be funny. We were behind one family when DH saw that someone’s cap fell to the ground so he bent to pick it up and the woman (who owned it I guess) ripped it out of his grasp and shot him such a dirty look like he was going to steal it. So much for chivalry.
Picture taken at Tusker

We had our picture taken and was escorted inside where we had a great breakfast and interaction with the characters. DH was wearing his birthday button and was presented with a cupcake complete with candle and also a birthday card signed by all the characters. He acted like it was no big deal but I think inside he really enjoyed it. After breakfast we took our time to Expedition Everest and easily got onto it with a short wait. The wait was so short that when we got off DD and DH hurried back on, while I looked around the gift shop and shot a random picture of the coaster heading down, realizing after, though blurry, I captured DD and DH on the ride.
Breakfast at Tusker

Random Character Shots

DH with his cupcake

Shots of EE queue

Our Picture(lady in red...hitchiker)

Blurry pic of DD & DH on EE(in the back with hands raised)

From there it was Kilimanjaro Safaris, where we saw about the same things a our last visit in 2008...not too much. Way to cold for the animals I imagine. Then the Maharaja Jungle Trek which is always fun. Love the Tigers. We hit Primeval Whirl, which is a favorite of ours, stopped for a Mickey Bar before watching the riders on Kali River Rapids getting soaked and freeze to death. Hey, we’re from the North but cold and water just doesn’t mix especially when you throw in wet clothes and shoes. But some people will brave it.
Tiger at MJT

Various pic’s

To be continued...

 

[shadowryter]

Mickey Bar…Yum!(not my image)

Before long it was time for our lunch ADR at Yak & Yeti. This was the only repeat ADR we had at DD’s request. We were promptly seated on the second floor overlooking the street below. DH and I ordered drinks to warm up our insides and poor DD only 9 months away from 21...a Pepsi for her!
Yak & Yeti Menu

Shanghai Express

Everest Avalanche

Pork Pot Stickers (DD)

Dim Sum Basket for 2 (me & DH)

Tempura Shrimp with Plum Sauce

Duck with Anandapur Glaze

Crispy Mahi-Mahi

Fried Wontons all around

After another wonderful meal we hit the shops for what else…Vinylmation’s. We found a few special edition Animal Kingdom ones and right in the middle of my shopping Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade came through. This was on my list of Christmas to do’s. Though I only caught a few minutes of it basically because we were stuck by the parade traffic.
After shopping and the parade we strolled around while DD took some pictures of her own. She was stooped down really low trying to get this lovely shot when all of a sudden I heard a splash and DD yell. A bird decided to drop his laundry from the trees above and she was his target. All over her hoodie and her hand. We had to stop everything so I could try and clean her off and she insisted that she would not wear the soiled hoodie though I cleaned it perfectly, drying it under the hand dryer. It wasn’t until a while later that we ran into a young boy around 13 or 14 and a familiar outcry except the bird targeted his head. On our way out of the park I stopped to take a picture of a steel drum band that was playing Christmas tunes when all of a sudden they pointed to my DH and started playing Happy Birthday. He was a little embarrassed but thanked them for the tribute. Such memories!
DD’s picture just before

Expedition Everest

Tree of Life

Steel Band

Christmas Tree at Entrance

Since the night before we had such a fantastic dining experience at Narcoossee’s followed by Mickey’s Party, the only that I missed and had to see was the Castle Dream Lights. So we left Animal Kingdom after a couple of farewell pictures by the huge Christmas tree with plenty of time to spare and boarded the bus to the Magic Kingdom. We still had about 5 hours to kill before our dining reservations at the California Grill and we planned on using all that time.

Next…Castle Dream Lights and our Anniversary Celebration!

 

[GoofyWife]

Looks like a great day at AK, still have not ridden Expedition Everest - they closed it last time we were there because of thunder storms so definitely on my to do list next time. Poor DD, bird poop is not nice! I thought the birds at Disney were trained not to poop

 

[MommaMouse411]

i love Ak......too funny about the birds....my brother got pooped on yesterday by a duck...lol....i know my time will come.

 

[shadowryter]

Looks like a great day at AK, still have not ridden Expedition Everest - they closed it last time we were there because of thunder storms so definitely on my to do list next time. Poor DD, bird poop is not nice! I thought the birds at Disney were trained not to poop

Love Expedition Everest. Too bad they changed the Yeti. Unfortunately this wasn't the first time this has happened to her.

i love Ak......too funny about the birds....my brother got pooped on yesterday by a duck...lol....i know my time will come.

Been there...done that!

 

[shadowryter]

December 10th…part 2...Castle Dream Lights & a perfect evening!

When we arrived at MK we did the usual…more shopping. Then we inched our way down Main Street until I got an up front view of the show. I have to admit that it was everything I imagined it would be. Such a beautiful sight to see at the Christmas holidays. When the show was over we were out of there as it was another night for MVMCP and I wasn’t going to break the rules. Out before 7 pm.
Castle shots & Castle Dream Lights

We weren’t the only ones leaving and the monorail was backed up so we did the unthinkable with our ADR less than two hours away. We walked back to the Contemporary. It was cold. It was brisk. It was fun. When we got to our room I swiped our key and the door flew opened only to startle a CM who was leaving our room. Literally…startled. I forgot that I had ordered a white chocolate Tinkerbell with chocolate covered strawberries to be delivered on our anniversary night and there she was setting on a table with an anniversary card…so lovely. It was only around 8 pm and our reservations for Cali Grill were at 9:10. So we spent the hour, taking our time getting ready, munching on strawberries and gasp!!! Poor Tink.
Contemporary at night

White chocolate Tink with Chocolate covered strawberries…yummy

Anniversary card

When it was time to leave for dinner we hopped the elevator down to the second floor where you check in for the California Grill. We were greeted at the counter cheerfully and the CM’s behind the desk commented on how nice all of us looked??? I always thought that you were suppose to dress for a signature restaurant, at least business casual and since that didn’t exactly happen on our first night a Narcoossee’s and since it was our anniversary celebration we decided to pull out all the stops and dress up for the occasion.
Within moments we were escorted to the elevator that whisked us up to the top floor. We were again greeted by another CM who asked us to sit briefly while our table was prepared. A few minutes later we were led to our table which was decorated with little Mickey’s sprinkled over the white table cloth. Our server came over and introduced himself, congratulating us on our 21 years together and quickly taking our drink orders so we could take them with us to view the fireworks outside which was merely minutes away. Before I realized we were with drinks in hand and standing outside of the Cali Grill.
Mickey sprinkles on table…loved this

Pomegranate COZ

Twisted Mai Tai

Now everyone knows how cold it has been so far during the day and nights at the parks…well try it on the 15th floor with a blast of arctic wind blowing right through you. I filmed the showed regardless as my DH held my drink. When it was over I turned to him and poor dear…his teeth were actually chattering and his hands were shaking. Here he is with at least long sleeves and pants and DD and I in cocktail dresses. They may have been long but that didn’t stop the breeze.
Video clip of Holiday Wishes Finale

To be continued....

 

[shadowryter]

We hustled inside and took our seats, enjoying the warmth and our drinks. Ron our server explained the specials and took our orders. I looked around the room, thinking maybe we were a tad overdressed as a gentlemen and his dining companion next to us was wearing khaki shorts and a sweater with sneakers. Regardless, I felt just fine about our attire. Our meal was delicious and not rushed. Ron was very attentive and checked on us often. After it was time for dessert but we were already on the full side so we opted to share one dessert. So very good.
Cali Grill Menu

Flatbread appetizers
Grilled Flat Iron steak (DH)

Slow-roasted suckling pig (Me)

Roasted wild mushrooms and truffles (DD)

Rolls with sea salted butter

DD

Me & DH

Entrees
Oak-fired filet of beef with dauphin potatoes (DH)

Grilled pork tenderloin with goat cheese polenta (Me)

Pan seared Florida snapper with roasted fig risotto (DD)

Dessert - Valrhona chocolate cake

When we were finished Ron cleared our plates away and handed me some recipes from the meal we just enjoyed. We took our time enjoying our coffee and of course I knew what was coming next. I had been emailing Chef Brian from the Contemporary Private Dining for a couple of weeks before we left on our Winter vacation. He looked at me and smiled and said, “I’m not done with you yet,” and off he went into the back. You know I was just enjoying everything around me so much that though I remembered it was one of those…did they? Sure enough Ron came over to the table with the beautiful cake I had ordered for our 21st anniversary and it was beautiful. He placed a couple of candles into it and lit them. We ooo’d and ahhh’d, I took some pictures and then he whisked it off into the kitchen to be sliced and served. When he returned I gingerly placed my fork into this luscious creation…OMG…I thought I died and gone to heaven. A six inch chocolate cake, four layers high with Bavarian cream and strawberries and a thick layer of vanilla butter cream under Christmas red fondant. It was absolutely perfect and worth every penny.
Our beautiful cake

Yummy layers...Gold Mickey stamps and a hidden Tink

When dinner was over Ron boxed up our cake and told us how everyone was talking about it. He said a lot of cakes and celebrations were a part of the Cali Grill, but every once in a while a great one came along. He really loved our cake. We left that night knowing that this was an evening that we would never forget and slowly made our way back to our room to call it a late night. Tomorrow was an early morning character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare and another surprise to come.


Next…Characters…a surprise and another missed ADR!　

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Wow, what a beautiful cake!!! It looks too good to eat... They did an amazing job on it...

And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

 

[GoofyWife]

First - I think you need to dress up every once in a while, especially if its a special occasion; also, that cake was amazing, I've never seen red foundant and with the gold foil stamps and the decorations, it was gorgeous; they did a great job, what a special night!

 

[shadowryter]

Wow, what a beautiful cake!!! It looks too good to eat... They did an amazing job on it...

And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

Thanks so much. I thought Chef Brian did a fantastic job. We couldn't have been more happy with it.

First - I think you need to dress up every once in a while, especially if its a special occasion; also, that cake was amazing, I've never seen red foundant and with the gold foil stamps and the decorations, it was gorgeous; they did a great job, what a special night!

I agree with you. I do love dressing up. It was a great night. One I will always remember.