The ABCs of a Very Merry Christmastime Land and Sea Adventure- V is for: VERY Bad Ending to an Otherwise Very Good Day (7/12)

[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.

 

[zanzibar138]

I've been reading along on this TR, but not commenting. Thoroughly enjoying it nonetheless!

I just had to come out of lurkdom to comment on the Chinese pavilion. What's with them having a Lunar New Year celebration with a Lion Dance at Christmas time and not at actual Lunar New Year time??? We were literally there at LNY and I would have loved to have seen all this - would have given EPCOT a much-needed bonus point

 

[buzzrelly]

Just catching up and love reading about Christmas! It's only June and I am so looking forward to our December trip!

You need to book the CP dining package and watch this at least once! You would love it and it deserves to be watched without some doofusses talking through the whole thing. My new favorite thing is the Spice Road Table dining package for the early show. The food is amazing and you get in the show before too many over-imbibers ruin it.

Your MK day was just about perfect and exactly what I would have done!

Are you going back this year?

 

[missjackiemcg]

What an absolutely lovely rest of your MK day!! I had written off Tony's for YEARS after having two subpar experiences back to back, but went back on our first post-Covid trip and had a really great meal and service. We've gone a few times since and it's a nice solid option. Jimmy's favorite is to ask if Lady and the Tramp are available to sign his autograph book--they take the book "out to the alley" and bring it back with fresh pawprints on the pages.

I absolutely loved your Epcot pictures! They have me SO excited to be back at WDW for Christmas this year. We always have so much fun looking for Olaf, hearing the storytellers and snacking/drinking our way around. Jimmy and Rob also like doing the Cookie Stroll. What an absolutely perfect day.

 

[Steppesister]

T is for: Tipping the Dishes and Trees, Trees, Trees!!!
Dec. 19- Part 4​

With my heart full of patriotic pride, I was feeling a bit peckish and had a long list of Christmassy/Holiday-ish stuff to still do on my last couple of days!! I’d had a LONG day in the park, and was wanting to have less noise, chaos, and rushing. Let’s find some holiday trees!

I’d carefully planned to do a monorail Tree-Crawl after this MK Day and hopped on the monorail resort loop. First stop: Contemporary! While definitely one of my least favorite resorts, I will say it is much lovelier at Christmas. The main, big tree is actually outside, so I went to find that first. It’s a bit “vanilla” with just big, bright, colorful balls for the most part, but I’ll hand it to them…. It is HUGE!

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Mary Blair style is the Contemp's jam!

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Next stop: The Gingerbread Display. I’ll just say here, while I saw almost all of the gingerbread creations at WDW by the time I was done, it was impossible to choose a favorite. Each one was so beautiful or whimsical or unique, in its own way, and each had things to admire. Here are the few photos I grabbed from the Contemp’s offering:

(There he is!)​

Naturally, I had to go upstairs and find the 5-legged goat!

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Now… while it was definitely NOT on the plan at all, I did a very impulsive move and, on a whim, approached the Cali Grill podium to ask if I could get into the lounge at the bar for a cocktail and small plate. I was as shocked as you probably will be that I was told, "We don’t know how long it’ll be, but, we are taking names tonight”. When I tried to do this when I traveled with my daughter a few years back, it was a no-go and we ended up down in the Wave Cave.

I took a seat on one of the couches nearby and literally sat for about 10 seconds before my phone buzzed. I was stunned, not only did I get in at all, I didn’t even have to wait. I was seated at a bar stool next to a mom and daughter duo on my right and a couple on my left. The mom and daughter were loving their time together noshing on sushi and the couple seemed rather icy. She scrolled on her phone and the guy struck up a conversation with the guy next to him. So weird!

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I ordered the $149 cocktail and sipped it while watching the most amazing sunset over the lake.

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Just kidding. There is no alcohol on the planet I’d pay $149 for. If you’re ordering that you’re either A) pretentious, or B) wasting your money. Probably both.

I did order a glass of pinot noir, my often-go-to when dining. Disney still gouges for this, but at least they can’t water that down.

I also ordered a gorgeous plate of sushi. I knew it was about to arrive and that’s when things took a colossally embarrassing turn. I reached for my napkin on my left, but had NO idea that there was a bread-and-butter plate under it. Before I knew it, it went crashing to the floor with a huge explosion of breaking ceramic and the whole restaurant turned and looked at me, the obvious source of social faux pas and mayhem. There was no table to duck under; my shame was bare to 200 people.

The hosting crew were there within 2 seconds with a broom and pan and skirted the folks leaving towards the elevators behind me to the edge of the wall. They were very apologetic, and I explained to my seatmates and the hosts that I didn’t even see the plate at all and was sooooo sorry (and not sorry, knowing that one $149 cocktail would easily pay for brand new bread plates for the entire restaurant).

Moments after the mortifying accident, my beautiful sushi arrived:

(Ok, that's a cool detail!)​

Spicy Kazan Roll: Crab, shrimp, scallops, tuna, fireball sauce- $29

The presentation was so pretty and the fish absolutely creamy and fresh. Yum!! Worth every penny of the $29. Oh my heck, was this fantastic!!

The server, a really sweet lady who’d been working there for years, and I reminisced about “the good old days of Disney” having a great time. She was easily chatting with everyone at her bar and keeping busy with her work of pouring and managing the barware and then it happened....

She was putting a few more glasses into a dishwasher rack and pulled it out a bit too far… it was her turn to cause a LOUD crash of glassware. Oopsies! I left completely vindicated after paying my bill, full and happy.

The next stop on my monorail crawl was the Poly. It too was all decked out in tropical finery with several trees adorned with some really creative décor. No gingerbread creation here though, which kind of surprised me.

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But here are a few things that amused me just as much. Most of us are too young to know or remember that Annette Funicello went on to perform quite a bit more after her stint with the Mouse Club. I knew a little but am certainly not versed in her music career. Here’s a quick and dirty for you, should you care:

“After "The Mickey Mouse Club" ended in 1959, Annette Funicello continued her performing career for several decades. She remained under contract with Disney and appeared in various television shows and movies. In the 1960s, she became known for her roles in the "Beach Party" film series alongside Frankie Avalon. She also had a successful music career, releasing hit songs like "Tall Paul" and "Pineapple Princess". In later years, she continued to make public appearances, including a nostalgic concert tour with Frankie Avalon in 1989 and 1990. She also made two final public appearances in 1998.”

The last, perhaps only (?) nod to her at the parks will go the way of the dodo when they tear down The Muppets. ☹

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One last monorail stop at the Grand completed my circuit tour. Of them all, this was perhaps… the grandest. The tree is massive and as always with anything at the Flo, classy and opulent. I do like the Victorian era theming on the garlands and other festoons.

​

The gingerbread house is certainly the granddaddy of them all. Gigantic and detailed, it’s no wonder that it’s always busy and hard to get photos! Here are the few shots I managed to get before the pumpkin hour threatened some you’ve-been-out-too-late damage.

​

Mono to bus, I made my way home to the ASMu and tucked in for another day of park time.

 

[Steppesister]

Replies here (yes, I know I’m back-logged again) and on others’ threads in the next day or so…

 

[Steppesister]

Duplicate post.

 

[buzzrelly]

I ordered the $149 cocktail and sipped it while watching the most amazing sunset over the lake.

Whattttt???

Just kidding. There is no alcohol on the planet I’d pay $149 for

Oh, thank goodness! I didn't know if we could still be friends!

I reached for my napkin on my left, but had NO idea that there was a bread-and-butter plate under it. Before I knew it, it went crashing to the floor with a huge explosion of breaking ceramic

Oopsie!!

Most of us are too young to know or remember that Annette Funicello went on to perform quite a bit more after her stint with the Mouse Club. I knew a little but am certainly not versed in her music career. Here’s a quick and dirty for you, should you care:

“After "The Mickey Mouse Club" ended in 1959, Annette Funicello continued her performing career for several decades. She remained under contract with Disney and appeared in various television shows and movies. In the 1960s, she became known for her roles in the "Beach Party" film series alongside Frankie Avalon. She also had a successful music career, releasing hit songs like "Tall Paul" and "Pineapple Princess". In later years, she continued to make public appearances, including a nostalgic concert tour with Frankie Avalon in 1989 and 1990. She also made two final public appearances in 1998.”

I'm old enough to remember all that! Plus the famous line in the Grease song, "would you pull that crap with Annette?"

 

[Wood Nymph]

Next stop: The Gingerbread Display. I’ll just say here, while I saw almost all of the gingerbread creations at WDW by the time I was done, it was impossible to choose a favorite. Each one was so beautiful or whimsical or unique, in its own way, and each had things to admire. Here are the few photos I grabbed from the Contemp’s offering:

The gingerbread display at the Contemporary has expanded over the years. But it doesn't come close, imo, to the BC carousel or YC train. The GF display is unparalleled. Nothing comes close to that one.

Before I knew it, it went crashing to the floor with a huge explosion of breaking ceramic and the whole restaurant turned and looked at me, the obvious source of social faux pas and mayhem. There was no table to duck under, my shame was bare to 200 people.

That would be embarrassing. But they are used to that kind of accident.

The server, a really sweet lady who’d been working there for years, and I reminisced about “the good old days of Disney” having a great time.

I remember when it was called Top of the World, and a man had to wear a suit and tie to dine there. It was more like a nightclub with entertainment than just a restaurant.

 

[disneyAndi14]

I love the monorail resort tour at Christmas. I think I might try for the CG bar walk up with Andi! I really want to see and hear HEA without being in MK.
I will try to get a 148.00 cocktail to save a buck!

 

[DLo]

When I saw you say you ordered the 149 cocktail - I was like wait a minute isn’t this Steppe’s report ?!?! Good one

 

[missjackiemcg]

Love, love, love your eye for capturing the best details!! (and Hidden Mickeys!!!!) These are a few of my favorites.

Also, you definitely got me on the $149 cocktail! My mouth dropped at first then I was like, 'wait a minute...' and scrolled down to just kidding. That was a good one!

I enjoyed your monorail tree crawl. I love seeing all the resort decorations and how beautifully they fit the theme of each resort. And what an awesomely lucky moment to be able to get a seat at the California Grill!!!

 

[pkondz]

I’d had a LONG day in the park, and was wanting to have less noise, chaos, and rushing. Let’s find some holiday trees!

So I quickly rushed off to see trees!

While definitely one of my least favorite resorts, I will say it is much lovelier at Christmas.

I'd think that would probably apply at all the resorts!

The main, big tree is actually outside

Really! Had no idea.

Next stop: The Gingerbread Display. I’ll just say here, while I saw almost all of the gingerbread creations at WDW by the time I was done, it was impossible to choose a favorite.

Hmmm... I'd have thought the GF one would be the fave.

Looks like a painting!

I was as shocked as you probably will be that I was told, "We don’t know how long it’ll be, but, we are taking names tonight”.

I'm shocked! I'm shocked!

I took a seat on one of the couches nearby and literally sat for about 10 seconds before my phone buzzed.

What?!?!? Impossible. Are you sure you didn't black out for an hour or so?

the couple seemed rather icy. She scrolled on her phone and the guy struck up a conversation with the guy next to him. So weird!

I don't get it either.
It's like they're saying "I want to be with you... I just don't want to be with you."

I ordered the $149 cocktail

You can't fool me! I knew there was no way.

Beautiful. And from a wonderful vantage point.

Just kidding. There is no alcohol on the planet I’d pay $149 for. If you’re ordering that you’re either A) pretentious, or B) wasting your money. Probably both.

Before I knew it, it went crashing to the floor with a huge explosion of breaking ceramic and the whole restaurant turned and looked at me, the obvious source of social faux pas and mayhem.

Oh dear. Nothing like having the entire world stop and stare at you.

I explained to my seatmates and the hosts that I didn’t even see the plate at all

I don't think they probably much cared, TBH. It happens. I broke my favourite travel mug just the other day.

and not sorry, knowing that one $149 cocktail would easily pay for brand new bread plates for the entire restaurant

(Ok, that's a cool detail!)

That's cool! I've never seen anything like that. And am positive that it's real wasabi and not the paste you normally get with sushi.

The server, a really sweet lady who’d been working there for years, and I reminisced about “the good old days of Disney” having a great time.

That must've been fun.

She was putting a few more glasses into a dishwasher rack and pulled it out a bit too far… it was her turn to cause a LOUD crash of glassware. Oopsies! I left completely vindicated after paying my bill, full and happy.

Shame on you for being happy at her breaking all those glasses.

No gingerbread creation here though, which kind of surprised me.

I'm not. I think I would've been a bit surprised if they did have one.

The last, perhaps only (?) nod to her at the parks will go the way of the dodo when they tear down The Muppets. ☹

I'm hoping that they'll bring that net over to RnRC when they make the change. That'd be nice.

Just stunning.