The ABCs of a Very Merry Christmastime Land and Sea Adventure-S is for: Story Tellers, Santas, and Snacks, OH MY! (6/23)

[Steppesister]

Great MK day! You enjoyed a full circle of fhe park and many attractions!
I really like the new County Bears! I look at it as a way to tap my foot and enjoy a little air con!
We have had nice meals at Tony’s lately! The garlic bread and salad have been a favorite for us!

I hit everything I really wanted to. My feet were calling it quits, and while I def had time to either park hop or go to DTD, I really just wanted some rest.

There are definitely mixed reviews of CBJ now. LOL! I liked the old soundtrack as it was originally tunes, not just re-makes of new Disney movie soundtracks.

Sadly, the dining scene at MK just really misses it in general. The few TS places there are aren't great- adequate, but not top notch. Skippers is a nice addition for sure, and Tony's has improved over the last decade, but everything else is really lackluster. I will say, I've never tried the Castle, but usually stay well away from character meals ($$$$$$$$$). I hear, though, that the food is really very good. GF and Contemp are so close that it's easy to get a really GOOD meal there.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Because Tiana’s was new to me, I went a little crazy and WAY overboard with photos. I’m very late to the picture posting party with this one, but here are my contributions anyway. (More commentary after the (too many) photos.

I'm glad to see your pictures of Tiana. My sister and I breezed through this line, and I think I missed a lot of it.

I think the best-done parts of Tiana’s Adventure are the queue and the swamp bits right after the first drop. After that, meh. I dunno, “let’s find some musicians” seems like such a vanilla storyline comparatively.

I agree. Most of the ride is really boring.

By the time I was on this trip, the announcement had been made that Tom Sawyers Island, the Liberty Belle, and the Rivers of America itself was doomed to “progress” I made sure to catch at least one last spin around the circuit. I won’t lie that didn’t make me sad and that I’m pretty salty about this in general. Like… WHY?!

I dragged my sister and sister-in-law through Tom Sawyer's Island because it would soon be gone. My sister-in-law as not impressed. I think it is fun and will be sorry to see it go. But I think the replacements will be really exciting if it is anything like what they have in Disneyland.

The re-make gets a resounding thumbs down from me. It’s NOT new material, but rather it’s a mash-up of Disney’s pop culture songs re-arranged in a country twang.

I like it. I'm not a fan of country western but the show is called "country" bears. And it needed to be refreshed.

 

[pkondz]

no lines and no cranky people melting down.

Two things one always hopes for at Disney.

the beauty shop was still working on the same gal (does her hair EVER get dry?!)

It does... but she always gets caught in those Florida showers and needs it re-dried every day.

Feet up, My Friends!

[][/]

It must be done.

Because Tiana’s was new to me, I went a little crazy and WAY overboard with photos.

I'm glad you did. I've not seen very much (if any) of it.

I miss the familiar, uplifting songs from the movie. I miss the funny antics of the Brer characters. I miss the happy ending in the laughing place after a suspenseful storyline.

I'm sure I'll miss those too.

I dunno, “let’s find some musicians” seems like such a vanilla storyline comparatively.

Really? That's what they went with?

The whole psychedelic bit with over-sized mushroom is reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland and makes me wonder what similar drugs the Imagineers were taking when they designed this part.

Wait... what?????

From the Bayou, I hopped on the WDWRR and rode to Main Street, USA. Saves the feet and some mileage.

pausing to watch the glass blower,

hmmm...

listen to the Casey’s Piano Player

One of the best things to do at MK.

I imagine they'll get rid of it and replace with a techno-funk DJ or something.

So... Is this what you meant when you said glass blower? I know they do occasionally do glass blowing there, but this ain't it.

You didn't think you'd escape with a bird-free chapter, did you?

I suppose not!

Hooded mergansers are probably the loveliest of all the ducks!

Sure look pretty.

A really tough 50th statue to find!

I can imagine!

found myself inside Crazy Aviary.

I always find it hilarious when unsuspecting parents take their toddlers in there thinking it’s a completely benign “bird show” with catchy tunes then end up having to carrying out their screaming, traumatized kiddos. It’s dark; it’s loud; there is lightning.

Oh dear.

By the time I was on this trip, the announcement had been made that Tom Sawyers Island, the Liberty Belle, and the Rivers of America itself was doomed to “progress” I made sure to catch at least one last spin around the circuit. I won’t lie that didn’t make me sad and that I’m pretty salty about this in general. Like… WHY?!

Yeah...

Gone is the depiction of America’s history of river transportation and life along its banks.

Now that is really unfortunate. I mean... Mark Twain! Does no one remember him, now??

I still stand by my sadness that instead of adding, the model is replace.

And Disney deliberately bought tons of land so they could expand...

One of the last attractions I fit into my day was Country Bears. The re-make gets a resounding thumbs down from me. It’s NOT new material, but rather it’s a mash-up of Disney’s pop culture songs re-arranged in a country twang.

Well, that doesn't sound exactly like glowing praise.

About 3:00 I stumbled across the Dapper Dan’s and was able to catch about 2/3’s of their set.

Finally.
You've had a depressing bit, there.

To my surprise, they were able to get me in with only about a 10-minute wait.

Nice!
I've grown to really enjoy Tony's.

I found an outlet right under my table where I could plug in my quickly dying phone. My server joked with me that I had found the most prized possession in the parks.

Looks pretty good. Is that tortellini?

Between my carb-load dinner and the AC there, it was nearly lights out.

I'm surprised that it wasn't lights out!

I needed all the rest this old fart could get.

Nighty, night!

 

[Steppesister]

S is for: Story Tellers, Santas, and Snacks, OH MY!
December 19, 2025​

I was up very early again, perhaps because I was extra motivated in knowing that a RD strategy might be my only chance of getting on Ratatouille. At 6:30 sharp I jumped out of bed, threw on my clothes for the day, and grabbed the gross frozen breakfast bowl meal and a V8 Energy drink. Did I mention it was gross? Cheap for sure and gave me some guilt-free snacking later in the day, monetarily-speaking, but ew. However, as a point of order, in case you do your snacks or breakfasts, both microwaves and toasters are available in the food courts for your convenience.

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I was at the bus stop by 6:58 after going back to the room for my bag and was tapping through at 7:36. I think I was stopped at no less than 4 corrals by the time I claimed my prize of a 20-minute Ratatouille line after speed walking all the way from the last corral.

(Yes, I was first at the rope, and 20 minutes behind the IG horde)​

I still feel like the walkers from the front of the park should get a 3 or 4-minute head start over the IG folks. It would even the RD playing field. Eventually, I got to France:

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Remy was a cute ride as always and with that I was happy to not work too hard at any more attractions for the day. Instead, I had other goals in mind, namely getting every single Story-Teller, every single Olaf, a few yummy snacks, several hidden Mickey’s, and one show of VOL. Tall order, no? Let’s see how I did!

(pilfered...)​

May as well begin this quest right nearby- in France! Here is a hidden Mickey at one of the restaurants I dearly love. I’ve have such wonderful, intimate moments here. The prix fixe is served with gracious hospitality and impeccable timing, slow and savoured, just as a fine French meal should be enjoyed.

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Since we’re finding hidden Mickey’s let’s add another…

FRANCE's OLAF:

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…before heading off to Morocco on the empty Promenade. This is definitely my favorite time of day in any Disney park!

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I wandered to the back of Morocco in search of a little known HM but got more than I bargained for. I’m definitely NOT one who seeks out character interactions, but when I realized where my quarry was, there was no escaping it. Jasmine was all alone with no other guests, and I told her I was on a treasure hunt- she warned me of dangerous caves whilst on that sort of pursuit, but I grabbed my prize, struck a pose with her, and made my escape!

(Do you see it?!)





MOROCCO's OLAF!!


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Backtracking a short hop to France, it was time for Pere Noel to tell his Christmas Story. While I’m sure I was entertained in the moment, looking back now, I recall very little of his story time. I think of all I took in that day, this one was least memorable.

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Because I was a complete tightwad on this trip- recall this was JUST prior to me getting my full-time NP position and I was completely broke from extended unemployment and a full-time student- I did not purchase the Olaf Game Card. Instead, I shamelessly screenshot a photo of someone else’s online so I could know where to hunt. It proved very handy as I continued my quest.

JAPAN's OLAF!


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The next Storyteller I came across with just a minimal wait after Pere Noel was in Japan- The Daruma Doll Seller. This teller was super animated and portrayed the part extremely well! Her 15-minute story told us about how every family buys a Daruma Doll symbolizing good luck in the new year and about some other New Year traditions with food and other good things. I really enjoyed this one a lot. The little bonsai that flank the sides of the Temple were decorated with little ceramic “origami” cranes. So cute!

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Continued in next post...

 

[Steppesister]

Continued from previous post...

I headed to America next hoping that I wouldn’t have to wait too long for a VOL showing. Luck was on my side today and I plopped my fanny right on down on the floor at the edge of the “red circle”. IYKYK.

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They were superb; I have NEVER heard them miss a note. Ever. They make my heart happy every single time I watch them.

From there I needed to find my little Patriotic Olaf. This one took me longer, by far, to find than any other. It was super tricky and not on, or near, any of the buildings as all of the others are. Instead, he was hanging out under the Christmas Tree at the front of the Pavilion.

AMERICA's OLAF!!

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Successful at last, I moved on, but this time, back-tracking again. I will say, if you have a goal to hit all off the things I’ve listed, you’ve got to 1) HUSTLE from place to place and, 2) Do a bit of back-tracking. With a little planning it’s definitely do-able, but I did spend some time pre-planning the times and routes ahead of time.

Between France and Morocco is a little area tucked back a bit that represents Israel. Here is the L’Chaim Kiosk and the area for the Hanukkah Storyteller. This was one that was less visited, I’d like to think mostly due to its location. This is another that I truly enjoyed. I didn’t know nearly as many details of the origins of this holiday and was thoroughly entertained at his telling of the history and the traditional songs he performed on his guitar. Another win!

(Yes, the Menorah is lit each night accurately on Hanukah's schedule)​

To celebrate my successful day so far, it was time for lunch! L’Chaim had a couple of items that I’d put on my list of Festival treats I wanted to try so got myself this tasty little number:

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• Smoked Salmon Potato Latke — $6.25

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Yum!! It was pretty large and definitely filled me up for a while. The tables back there are quiet and it’s quite a nice place to find a bit of a break from EPCOT’s growing afternoon crowds.

L'CHAIM's OLAF!!



(I'd taken this on a previous evening's visit- you know, the one with rude guests around the Candlelight Procession...?)​

It was only 12:20, and now I was already on my way to Italy. Another day of efficient touring and seeing the things I’d hoped to. La Befana was the next Storyteller I was able to add to my findings. She told the most familiar/traditional Christmas story I knew and shared that she shows up to leave treats for children on Epiphany as she looks for Gesu Bambino. The actress was very animated and told the story perfectly.

ITALY's OLAF!!


(I'd taken this on a previous evening's visit- you know, the one with rude guests around the Candlelight Procession...?)​

Still on my counter-clockwise stroll, I came to Germany. No cruise through there is complete without a stop at the trains. It was delightful to find that they had added a dedicated Holiday choo-choo loaded with goodies and treats. There’s plenty of coal for the naughty as well.

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Germany does not have a Storyteller per se, but its holiday entertainment is a musical act there in the front of the pavilion. I passed on this instead walking through the shops looking for more items to add to my Christmas Alphabetical Scavenger Hunt. Loved the garland made with Werther's caramel!

GERMANY's OLAF!

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Let’s keep trekkin’!

I shared in a past chapter that Kari and I watched the Chinese musical trio a few days prior, but today I was able to see the Chinese Lion Dance. The athleticism struck me; those poor dancers must have been sweating a bucket under there!

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From there I headed deeper into the pavilion to find Olaf. While I did, I amused myself with translating the various signs on doors and over the storefronts. Highly entertaining!!!

( )


CHINA's OLAF!

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I also found a sweet little frog out for a morning sunshine soak and another hidden Mickey near the entrance.

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With loads more plans still ahead for my day, I needed to keep moving! Next door is Norway, and I was ready to watch Norway: A Mischievous, Magical Barn Santa. This was my 2nd time watching this one, but just to prove that it can be all done in one day, should you want to, I did.

NORWAY's OLAF!


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[Steppesister]

Continued from last post...

By the time I got to Mexico, it was time for 2nd lunch. Haha, I felt like a Hobbit! I have a soft spot for empanadas and luckily, that is one of the featured holiday treats at the Las Posadas kiosk. It wasn’t bad either. Not amazing, but not bad either. I found a little table under some shade and ate my little pie while I waited for the next showing of the Las Posadas Celebration- Mexico’s Christmas festivities. Of them all, I think this one was most photographic and fun. It involves some fun guest interaction and the music of Mariachi Cobre is always amazing!

MEXICO's OLAF!

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I still had to get to both Canada and the UK, so made my way there as the sun grew warmer and the crowds grew thicker. It was getting to be time to finish things up and head out of the park. Canada, like Germany, only offered music for the holiday “stuff” and I’d have to maybe fit that in another day (#spoiler, I did) But I did find Olaf. (Picture from my first day there, with Kari)

CANADA' OLAF!

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I did spend some time, once again, poking around the shops as I hunted for Olaf and waiting for the start of the Father Christmas show. This guy was a real cut-up and had fun joking around with a couple of kids (brother-sister) and in the end let them pose with his staff.

UK's OLAF!!

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On the way out, I still had one more Olaf to find and spent WAY too long doing it. As a reward, I bought a sweet treat, which sadly, wasn’t very good at all. I ate it on the way to the Monorail for my evening adventures and tossed over half of it just before boarding.

COMMUNICORE's OLAF!!



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Where was I headed? Stick around and find out what completely embarrassing mischief I got myself into next… !

And that was that. I’d done every Storyteller around WS and had found all 13 Olafs over the last 2 visits. My HM hunt waxed and waned, but I was able to find a few new ones which is always fun. Always something fun when “touring with Steppe”!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I still feel like the walkers from the front of the park should get a 3 or 4-minute head start over the IG folks. It would even the RD playing field.

It would be great if the main gate got a head start. There are too many resorts that have access to the IG.

Have you tried doing the single rider line for Remy? The four of us did it in March and we were on the ride in five minutes. They placed us two and two, so we were somewhat together.

Instead, I had other goals in mind, namely getting every single Story-Teller, every single Olaf, a few yummy snacks, several hidden Mickey’s, and one show of VOL.

This is very tricky. You must have carefully choreographed this one.

Jasmine was all alone with no other guests, and I told her I was on a treasure hunt- she warned me of dangerous caves whilst on that sort of pursuit, but I grabbed my prize, struck a pose with her, and made my escape!

I'm surprised that she was out this early. Her cave warning is cute.

. La Befana was the next Storyteller I was able to add to my findings.

This story is really cute. It is one of our favorites.

Norway: A Mischievous, Magical Barn Santa.

This is another "must see" story.

Father Christmas show. This guy was a real cut-up and had fun joking around with a couple of kids (brother-sister) and in the end let them pose with his staff.

Father Christmas is very short and not as interesting as some of the other stories.

 

[pkondz]

a RD strategy might be my only chance of getting on Ratatouille.

RD for the win.

At 6:30 sharp I jumped out of bed

Ah yes... only on vacation will you jump out of bed at 6:30am.
At home... it's more of a groan and a stagger.

grabbed the gross frozen breakfast bowl meal and a V8 Energy drink. Did I mention it was gross?

Ew... just... why? There's a plethora of food at your disposal. Yes I know you were doing this on the cheap, but... I mean... if you can afford Disney at all, surely you can spend $5 on something edible?

Cheap for sure and gave me some guilt-free snacking later in the day, monetarily-speaking, but ew.

See above.

Cool early morning shot!

Interesting. I've never heard of a V8 Energy drink. Huh!

a 20-minute Ratatouille line

Not too shabby.

(Yes, I was first at the rope, and 20 minutes behind the IG horde)

Knowing that... I'll keep it in mind next time I'm wanting to RD it. I'll go through the IG.

I've never seen that! Huh!

Remy was a cute ride as always and with that I was happy to not work too hard at any more attractions for the day.

It is a cute ride.

The prix fixe is served with gracious hospitality and impeccable timing, slow and savoured, just as a fine French meal should be enjoyed.

I've eaten there, and it's a wonderful experience to go along with a wonderful meal.

Since we’re finding hidden Mickey’s let’s add another…


[][/]

I had to look ridiculously long before I saw what you were talking about.

This is definitely my favorite time of day in any Disney park!

Mine is night... after the sun goes down and the lights come up.

Did you rub all of them?
Ya never know, ya know.

Jasmine was all alone with no other guests, and I told her I was on a treasure hunt- she warned me of dangerous caves whilst on that sort of pursuit

(Do you see it?!)

Saw that one right away.

Like this shot.

Backtracking a short hop to France, it was time for Pere Noel to tell his Christmas Story. While I’m sure I was entertained in the moment, looking back now, I recall very little of his story time.

Huh. I wonder because it's too similar to what you're familiar with?

I shamelessly screenshot a photo of someone else’s online so I could know where to hunt.

Counts!

Hmmm... I don't remember the ropes... are they new?

Japan- The Daruma Doll Seller.

Got me curious, so Googled... was very surprised to see what a Daruma Doll was! I was expecting something like this:


Not this:

(And yes, I do see them on the table behind the storyteller, but didn't recognize them as dolls at first.)

Her 15-minute story told us about how every family buys a Daruma Doll symbolizing good luck in the new year and about some other New Year traditions with food and other good things.

So different. I like that!

a VOL showing.

Always the best. And an inclusive song, too!

They were superb; I have NEVER heard them miss a note. Ever.

Nor have I. They're so good!

They make my heart happy every single time I watch them.

From there I needed to find my little Patriotic Olaf. This one took me longer, by far, to find than any other. It was super tricky and not on, or near, any of the buildings as all of the others are. Instead, he was hanging out under the Christmas Tree at the front of the Pavilion.

Sneaky.

With a little planning it’s definitely do-able, but I did spend some time pre-planning the times and routes ahead of time.

I can see that. Impressive.

Here is the L’Chaim Kiosk and the area for the Hanukkah Storyteller. This was one that was less visited, I’d like to think mostly due to its location.

Hmm... I won't get into the politics, of course... but do wonder if if it played a part in that.

Smoked Salmon Potato Latke

That looks and sounds good. I'd try that.

She told the most familiar/traditional Christmas story I knew and shared that she shows up to leave treats for children on Epiphany as she looks for Gesu Bambino.

You're familiar with that? First I've heard of it. Interesting too.
But... if you're a kid... having to wait until January...
Unless they celebrate with gifts at Christmas too... then double gifts! Woot!

(I'd taken this on a previous evening's visit- you know, the one with rude guests around the Candlelight Procession...?)

I feel like I've read this before...

Germany. No cruise through there is complete without a stop at the trains.

It was delightful to find that they had added a dedicated Holiday choo-choo loaded with goodies and treats.

Cool!

There’s plenty of coal for the naughty as well.

Germany does not have a Storyteller per se, but its holiday entertainment is a musical act there in the front of the pavilion.

Hmmm... I wonder why not?
Could have a really good show with St. Nicholas and Ruprecht.

I was able to see the Chinese Lion Dance. The athleticism struck me

Me too. Fun to watch.

I amused myself with translating the various signs on doors and over the storefronts. Highly entertaining!!!

Especially...

( )

This one!
The what now?

I also found a sweet little frog out for a morning sunshine soak

Awwww. Cute little critter.

You and your reptiles!

I dunno... think you're reaching on this one...

it was time for 2nd lunch. Haha, I felt like a Hobbit!

Mexico’s Christmas festivities. Of them all, I think this one was most photographic and fun. It involves some fun guest interaction

What did the guests do?

Canada, like Germany, only offered music for the holiday “stuff”

Here, I wonder if it's because our traditions are pretty much identical to yours.

I bought a sweet treat, which sadly, wasn’t very good at all.

Well, shoot.

I ate it on the way to the Monorail for my evening adventures and tossed over half of it just before boarding.

High praise indeed.

Does not look all that appetizing. Bit surprised you picked that. Was it a ginger cookie? If it was, I could understand why you'd try it.

Stick around and find out what completely embarrassing mischief I got myself into next… !

Oh, this should be good.