The Speed Walkin',Triple Split Stay,Holly Jolly Holiday**NEW 1/12 Last Day

[jenbear123]

Aw man....it's done?

Well, glad you had a wonderful time and that you'll get to go back a couple more times very soon. I'll be watching your progress on your PTR.

It's been great getting to follow along with you jenbear! Thanks for taking the time to record it and sharing it with us.

Thank you for being such a loyal reader. It's been great having you along for the ride. Especially with you being such a great TR writer yourself. It's TR's like yours that inspire me to write my own Looking forward to sharing our travel plans on our PTRs.

Aww.. I get sad when TR end... I am so glad you got to have a blast with your sister and really glad to hear you've got a couple trips in the works! Nothing helps ease the pain, like planning your next trip!

Tell me about it. If it wasn't for future trips, I'm not sure I'd ever be able to leave Disney! It is sad to see the TR come to an end. It's like the end of an era but there's so much more to look forward to and plan for! Hope you'll join me on the road ahead.

I enjoyed your TR, Jen and look forward to more!

You betcha! Thank you so much for being such a dedicated reader. It makes writing these things all worthwhile

Aww so sad it's over. But that sunset picture is amazing! And, like you said, you have at least 2 more trips to look forward to! That's more than me!

I took that sunset photo somewhere over New England/Ontario. It's surprising the amount of beautiful sunsets us Ontarioians miss out on due to cloud cover.... I hope you'll continue to join in and read my other trip adventures! Looking forward to sharing our travel plans

Hey Jen,

Came over from Glenn's PTR, and now have some new reading to do! Hooray!!

I'll be back over the next few days to catch up and comment

Liesa

Better late than never! Great to have you along.

I'll have to say, I totally agree with your tour being made more enjoyable by a younger set. I used to work at DLR (back like 4-ever ago) and costuming was always amazing!! Even for cast.

Yes, the older crowd tend to, um, hmmm, how to put this gently.... take their time.... I loved costuming! I can imagine it would be an amazement for cast too. I don't think you can ever get used to seeing so many costumes in one spot.

So far you weren't having much luck with food! Nothing seemed spectacular to you yet. Dang! I hope it gets better as I read on!

I won't ruin it for you but I will say that not everything was a complete disappointment.

WOW! 2 PM, and SE is a walk-on. Nice! Gotta love that!

I know! I was expecting huge crowds with it being so close to Thanksgiving. Well I guess part of me was right but.... well you'll find out as you read on.

Well, I'll read a bit more tomorrow!

Liesa

Yay! Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoy the rest

 

[Belle_373]

I'm sad that your TR is already over. I can't wait to read the next one.

 

[All7OfUs]

Dinner at the Wave looked absolutely lovely!! Lovely, I say!

The desserts looked heavenly, but I"ll have to say, I'd have chosen the one you liked least. I love when they throw in odd flavors and make something fun and new.

I like that you're not trying to rush to this and that. I'm sure Illum. was just as fun from where you were.

WOW!! you were ambitious- after that you went to DTD?!! THAT had to be fun!! Love the shirt!

 

[disneyaddicted]

I am almost all caught up on your TR. I am so tired but want to keep reading, my eyes are playing tricks on me now.

It's a bummer you didn't get to your first Le Celliar ADR on time, and a bummer that your fish was yucky. I love fish and always feel let down when I get some that just doesn't work for me.

MVMCP sounded fun, I missed out in it on my trip but I had done once before.

I have so much I want to comment on bu tI can't remember it all.

The specticle of lights is amazing, I love it so much and I'm glad you got to see it, I kind of just walked through it bu tnow I wish I would have sat and watched it like you did.

I would love to go to Disney with my sister someday, I'm not giving up hope on that, even if we end up going as little gray hair old ladies, I want a sisters trip.

I am enjoying your TR so far and will finish catching up on it tomorrow, but so far so good!

Ty

 

[All7OfUs]

The Segway Tour looked great except the guide who is probably in the wrong job. We stayed there last trip and I LOVED it!!! The campfire is a ton of fun, it's an easy boatride over to the MK, it's quiet, all that good stuff.

WL looks lovely! We ended up there one evening and waited out a rainstorm hanging out in the lobby. So purty!!

 

[onelilspark]

I don't know where I've been! Totally missed that you finished!

Thanks for sharing your TR! I'll hop over to your PTR

 

[All7OfUs]

Honestly, Le Cellier has never been on my must-do list. I"m just not a big steak kinds of person. But I'll have to say your review makes it go pretty far up on my check-it-out-some-more list. The steaks look so yummy, as do the desserts. I may pop in there just for the brulee! Zummo!

 

[glennbo123]

Honestly, Le Cellier has never been on my must-do list. I"m just not a big steak kinds of person. But I'll have to say your review makes it go pretty far up on my check-it-out-some-more list. The steaks look so yummy, as do the desserts. I may pop in there just for the brulee! Zummo!

Yeah, that's an idea. Hey jenbear, if I pop in and ask for the server called "Bubba" from Canada, will they know who I'm talking about?

 

[jenbear123]

I'm sad that your TR is already over. I can't wait to read the next one.

All good things must come to an end, I'm afraid. I can't wait to write the next one!

Dinner at the Wave looked absolutely lovely!! Lovely, I say!
Oh it was to die for. It is definitely in my top 5 list of restaurants now

The desserts looked heavenly, but I"ll have to say, I'd have chosen the one you liked least. I love when they throw in odd flavors and make something fun and new.
It was a neat combination. As I say, you should always try something at least once.

I like that you're not trying to rush to this and that. I'm sure Illum. was just as fun from where you were.
It was still a good show, despite the pillar blocking our view. I'm not normally like this, waiting such a short time before the show to grab a spot. At least now I know I don't need to panic when it's 30 minutes before the show and we still don't have a viewing spot!

WOW!! you were ambitious- after that you went to DTD?!! THAT had to be fun!! Love the shirt!
We still had energy to burn after Illuminations ended plus we hadn't had much opportunity to shop. I nearly burst when I saw that Bambi shirt. I knew I just had to have it!

I am almost all caught up on your TR. I am so tired but want to keep reading, my eyes are playing tricks on me now.
Hey, don't beat yourself up if you're too tired to read. My TR isn't going anywhere

It's a bummer you didn't get to your first Le Celliar ADR on time, and a bummer that your fish was yucky. I love fish and always feel let down when I get some that just doesn't work for me.
It was a total bummer It really was a bad way to start of my trip.

MVMCP sounded fun, I missed out in it on my trip but I had done once before.
MVMCP made up for the crappy fish earlier, that's for sure! When the opportunity comes, you should definitely do the party again!

I have so much I want to comment on bu tI can't remember it all.
Uh oh, brain fart!

The specticle of lights is amazing, I love it so much and I'm glad you got to see it, I kind of just walked through it bu tnow I wish I would have sat and watched it like you did.
On any other trip, I probably would've rushed through it. I was glad to see it not once but twice. To sit and enjoy it really made you appreciate the fine details of the show.

I would love to go to Disney with my sister someday, I'm not giving up hope on that, even if we end up going as little gray hair old ladies, I want a sisters trip.
Here's some pixie dust to make it happen

I am enjoying your TR so far and will finish catching up on it tomorrow, but so far so good!
Thanks for reading! I've been procrastinating too....I need to catch up on yours!

Ty

The Segway Tour looked great except the guide who is probably in the wrong job. We stayed there last trip and I LOVED it!!! The campfire is a ton of fun, it's an easy boatride over to the MK, it's quiet, all that good stuff.
The guide was off his rocker I agree, definitely in the wrong line of work. I've never done the campfire. I heard that Chip & Dale are there? If that's true, I'm there on my next trip!!! What's it like?

WL looks lovely! We ended up there one evening and waited out a rainstorm hanging out in the lobby. So purty!!
WL still remains my favourite deluxe resort. It makes me feel so warm and cozy, just like home I was spoiled this trip with staying in a villa. The regular rooms are just as nice. Hope you get to stay there one day, if you want to of course.

I don't know where I've been! Totally missed that you finished!
OH sure.... you've just been shunning my poor TR.... Only joking!

Thanks for sharing your TR! I'll hop over to your PTR
Yay! Come join the fun of planning my next trip.

Honestly, Le Cellier has never been on my must-do list. I"m just not a big steak kinds of person. But I'll have to say your review makes it go pretty far up on my check-it-out-some-more list. The steaks look so yummy, as do the desserts. I may pop in there just for the brulee! Zummo!
I'm not a big steak person either, so that's saying something about Le Cellier. The filet is to die for. They offer other options also, not just steak. All of it is incredibly yummy. As you say, you could also pop in during lunch hour for an appetizer and dessert.

Yeah, that's an idea. Hey jenbear, if I pop in and ask for the server called "Bubba" from Canada, will they know who I'm talking about?

It depends on who is at the podium. You might get a funny look from the host/hostess if they don't know my sister. If you get someone who knows my sister well, they will probably laugh and tease my sister for the rest of the day. To avoid my sister possibly murdering me for spreading the word that her nickname is Bubba, you can ask for "Ali". She might not be there when you go in June though

 

[lindsayp]

great TR! can't wait to try the filet at le cellier!

 

[All7OfUs]

As promised, I'm making my way slowly through your report!! It's been so fun!!

First off, about the campfire/singalong at the Fort---

When you first get there, the firepits are stoked up with a nice fire. However, for the first while there really aren't any coals worth doing a marshmallow properly (too many flames). After a bit, someone with a guitar comes out, and leads the crowd in a bunch of songs like the hokey-pokey, It's a Small World, etc.... That lasts for about 1/2 hour. They also call the birthday kids up for a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday.

Then Chip and Dale arrive for Meet and Greets. It's pretty organized, and the handlers are pretty good at keeping them from getting mobbed. They make their way from row to row of benches.

After they have hugged all the little (and big) kids, they leave and the movie starts. On the camping board here on the forum they always have the current month's movie line-up posted. It varies from night to night being cartoon or old-style Disney (Herbie, Apple Dumpling genre). WE loved it!! It was a nice chance to chill out and have some old-fashioned family time.


Now, onto your All-Stars check-in post. Values do look small, and you're right about the the mods. and deluxes having all the same stuff, but "with extra pampering". I know for my next trip, I want ALL the extra pampering I can get- so I went with mods and deluxe. I guess it depends on the "style" and "feel" you want for the trip- if that makes sense. I know if I were on a budget, a value would be perfectly fine!

The crowds looked scary at the DHS!! I hope you had enough elbow room to see the lights!!

Ah, I see you did. In fact, enough to actually sit down and enjoy the view for a while!! Excellent.

So, you got your choco on after this!! I have plans to hit DTD too for a little bit o' Goofy!! Looking at your menu, if I were to choose right now, I'd take pretzel rods, in dk. choco. and nuts- no drizzle to cut the sweet! Wow! Now I'm drooling like a Pavlov's dog.

 

[All7OfUs]

Made it through your dinner at the Grill. First though, I'm also planning to spend a fair amount of time just strolling through our resorts (Poly and POR) just soaking in the atmosphere and taking a bucket load of pictures!! So fun!

Your'e right it did look a bit "grungy" around the pool. Yes, it needs some updating!

We are planning on a dinner at the Cali too, so I was stoked you did a review of it. I'm a scallop fiend- love, love love them!!!! I think I may either get that or the pork with polenta. Haven't decided yet. I do know I'm for sure getting the cheese plate and sushi; funny, I had decided that months ago, and you got them BOTH!! We may also try a flatbread and skip the main dishes altogether though. Wine- you know it!!

So after this you still had an EMH to go?? You 2 just don't stop!!!

 

[jenbear123]

As promised, I'm making my way slowly through your report!! It's been so fun!!

You're such a trooper! I'm guilty as charged.... I haven't been able to keep up with your PTR quite yet. I'll keep at it this week.

First off, about the campfire/singalong at the Fort---

When you first get there, the firepits are stoked up with a nice fire. However, for the first while there really aren't any coals worth doing a marshmallow properly (too many flames). After a bit, someone with a guitar comes out, and leads the crowd in a bunch of songs like the hokey-pokey, It's a Small World, etc.... That lasts for about 1/2 hour. They also call the birthday kids up for a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday.

Then Chip and Dale arrive for Meet and Greets. It's pretty organized, and the handlers are pretty good at keeping them from getting mobbed. They make their way from row to row of benches.

After they have hugged all the little (and big) kids, they leave and the movie starts. On the camping board here on the forum they always have the current month's movie line-up posted. It varies from night to night being cartoon or old-style Disney (Herbie, Apple Dumpling genre). WE loved it!! It was a nice chance to chill out and have some old-fashioned family time.

Sounds pretty neat. Love how Chip & Dale are there. Is it too kiddyish or would someone like me and mom enjoy it?

Now, onto your All-Stars check-in post. Values do look small, and you're right about the the mods. and deluxes having all the same stuff, but "with extra pampering". I know for my next trip, I want ALL the extra pampering I can get- so I went with mods and deluxe. I guess it depends on the "style" and "feel" you want for the trip- if that makes sense. I know if I were on a budget, a value would be perfectly fine!

I must admit I'm a resort snob sometimes but I'm glad we see eye-to-eye on this one

The crowds looked scary at the DHS!! I hope you had enough elbow room to see the lights!!

Ah, I see you did. In fact, enough to actually sit down and enjoy the view for a while!! Excellent.

And surprisingly we never got trampled

So, you got your choco on after this!! I have plans to hit DTD too for a little bit o' Goofy!! Looking at your menu, if I were to choose right now, I'd take pretzel rods, in dk. choco. and nuts- no drizzle to cut the sweet! Wow! Now I'm drooling like a Pavlov's dog.

I think I'll try the pretzel rods next time. The rice krispie was too big. It's hard to share too. Pretzel rods are much easier to spread around with your travel companion. MMMMmmmm I want a treat from Goofy's right now!

Made it through your dinner at the Grill. First though, I'm also planning to spend a fair amount of time just strolling through our resorts (Poly and POR) just soaking in the atmosphere and taking a bucket load of pictures!! So fun!

People spend so much time planning which resort to stay at. Then they end up spending the majority of their time at the parks, making all that resort choosing hoopla a big waste of time. When we were at VWL, I knew I wouldn't have another chance to stay there again (or at least for a few years) so I had to fully document the place! Not sure if I mentioned this but I even took a video of the walk from the elevators to our room.

Your'e right it did look a bit "grungy" around the pool. Yes, it needs some updating!

Yeah, it was definitely a bit gross. Not the type of place I'd want to spend excessive amounts of time at.

We are planning on a dinner at the Cali too, so I was stoked you did a review of it. I'm a scallop fiend- love, love love them!!!! I think I may either get that or the pork with polenta. Haven't decided yet. I do know I'm for sure getting the cheese plate and sushi; funny, I had decided that months ago, and you got them BOTH!! We may also try a flatbread and skip the main dishes altogether though. Wine- you know it!!

Great minds think alike Everything was delicious. You will LOVE the sushi. Oh my gawwwwd. So good! Oh and the cheese......uh oh, I'm drooling like a saint bernard over here!

So after this you still had an EMH to go?? You 2 just don't stop!!!

What can I say? I make sure we get our monies worth!!!

 

[disneyaddicted]

That was a nice trip report, I'm glad you got to have that time with your sister.
AKL rooms look amazing, I love the theming that Disney does for all it's resorts and rooms.
I'm very excited to try TSM, I missed it last time, but it's #1 on my list for my Spet. trip.

I have to admit I have never tired sushi and probably never will, one thing I kept thinking through your whole TR is that you and your sister try alot of new things, my fear is I won't like it and then the money is wasted or worse yet I will toss my cookies, I have a very sensitive gag reflex, if macoroni and cheese is over cooked, I can't eat it, it makes me gaggy.

Wow, did you and Bubba ever do some walking, I got tired just reading how much and how fast you all walked.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us, I really enjoyed it.

Ty

 

[All7OfUs]

Got in a few more installments tonight, and I'll have to say, I'm a little worn out from all the talk about speed walking like, everywhere! Phew! Good move to walk though, instead of taking the tram.

I think you both did a very impressive job at the Anim Studio. Pooh and Eyore look great!!

So stoked for you that you got to meet your Chip and Dale! So what? You felt like a 5 yr. old. That's what Walt was intending when he built the parks. By the way, at the Fort, I don't know. I think if you sat near the front and were able to see Chip and Dale right away, it would be good. They work their way from front to back of the amphitheatre. Yes, the songs might be kinda childish for 2 grown ups, but you could arrive a teensy bit late and skip that part.

Osbourne Lights looks amazing. I love how you describe them as shock and awe. and that the 2nd night you could slow down and "see" more of them.

Your lunch at Sanaa looks so tantalizing. We will be going there too, and I'm very excited for it. I think I want to try a cheese plate here too, and some African wines. I love curries and am just dying to soak in the atmosphere here.

EWWWWWWWW!! Your room wasn't ready??!! Blecho!! Good call on getting the mousekeeping back in there!

 

[jenbear123]

AKL rooms look amazing, I love the theming that Disney does for all it's resorts and rooms.
I wish I could hire their interior decorate to do my room!

I'm very excited to try TSM, I missed it last time, but it's #1 on my list for my Spet. trip.

You missed TSM?!!!? How did you manage that?

I have to admit I have never tired sushi and probably never will, one thing I kept thinking through your whole TR is that you and your sister try alot of new things, my fear is I won't like it and then the money is wasted or worse yet I will toss my cookies, I have a very sensitive gag reflex, if macoroni and cheese is over cooked, I can't eat it, it makes me gaggy.

If that's the case, I'd suggest steering clear of sushi. Not that it's all bad or tastes funny. Really, rice and shrimp aren't very exotic flavours... but the sheer size of the sushi pieces are enough to make you gag sometimes too. I have a really tiny mouth so sometimes I have to take two bites or else I'll choke!

Wow, did you and Bubba ever do some walking, I got tired just reading how much and how fast you all walked.



Thanks for sharing your trip with us, I really enjoyed it.

Ty

Thanks I had tons of fun writing it! I can't wait to write the next one.

Got in a few more installments tonight, and I'll have to say, I'm a little worn out from all the talk about speed walking like, everywhere! Phew! Good move to walk though, instead of taking the tram.

I'm telling you right now, this speed walkin' business is going to END in Feb!!!

I think you both did a very impressive job at the Anim Studio. Pooh and Eyore look great!!

Thanks

So stoked for you that you got to meet your Chip and Dale! So what? You felt like a 5 yr. old. That's what Walt was intending when he built the parks.

You know, you are absolutely right. No wonder I love that place so much

By the way, at the Fort, I don't know. I think if you sat near the front and were able to see Chip and Dale right away, it would be good. They work their way from front to back of the amphitheatre. Yes, the songs might be kinda childish for 2 grown ups, but you could arrive a teensy bit late and skip that part.

Hmmm okay. Thanks for those tips. I don't think I'd enjoy sitting through hokey kiddy songs....

Osbourne Lights looks amazing. I love how you describe them as shock and awe. and that the 2nd night you could slow down and "see" more of them.

If you ever get the chance to go to Disney when the lights are there, DO IT!

Your lunch at Sanaa looks so tantalizing. We will be going there too, and I'm very excited for it. I think I want to try a cheese plate here too, and some African wines. I love curries and am just dying to soak in the atmosphere here.

Darn it! I never even considered giving the wines a try while I was there. Oh well. Just gives me another reason to go back I'm glad to find another person that likes curry as much as me.

EWWWWWWWW!! Your room wasn't ready??!! Blecho!! Good call on getting the mousekeeping back in there!

It wasn't terrible, just a bit freaky. It makes you wonder how much they actually cleaned the room....

 

[praisehisname]

Great picture! I loved reading your report; thanks so much for taking the time to write it! Can't wait to read your next one!

 

[All7OfUs]

Tokyo Dining:

The sushi looks fabulous! I like the raw stuff myself. Don't have a gut worm yet, so I'll keep eating and loving it!

#1 Rule- Fresh is best!

I love the wasabi, but too much can ruin it. Bummer you had to scrape to save. I love the ginger even more!

That server was indeed a cutie- picture worthy, for sure!

Green tea cold sounds yummy and refreshing to me, but sake ANY style is disgusting!! Tried it once and nearly barfed.

 

[All7OfUs]

I'm sad to see this one end, but all good things must.

The crowds look insane anyway. I was bummed to see you only got one attraction in before having to say good-bye.

Recycling- good to see that! Hope people will walk the 2 extra steps necessary to do it right. But I'm cynical, and I'm afraid they probably won't. People are so lazy nowadays.

I love the trolley shot! and the plant one is actually pretty creative too.

Your sunset picture is lovely, too!! All that clean Canadian air. See you on the pre-trippie, my Canuck friend.

Great job over here!

 

[jenbear123]

Great picture! I loved reading your report; thanks so much for taking the time to write it! Can't wait to read your next one!

Thank you! I'm counting down the days until my next trip. Can't wait to share it with you. Hope you'll come along for the ride. In the meantime, I shall indulge myself in your TR

Tokyo Dining:

The sushi looks fabulous! I like the raw stuff myself. Don't have a gut worm yet, so I'll keep eating and loving it!

Um. Gut worm? Yuck. I've heard that it actually isn't raw. They steam it or something I should ask the Japanese friends of mine on how sushi is made.

#1 Rule- Fresh is best!

Agreed!

I love the wasabi, but too much can ruin it. Bummer you had to scrape to save. I love the ginger even more!

Wasabi still isn't my favourite. I used to like it but slowly got turned off by it. I guess I ate too many wasabi peas one day Ginger is disgusting. Too slimy and tasteless for me.

That server was indeed a cutie- picture worthy, for sure!



Green tea cold sounds yummy and refreshing to me, but sake ANY style is disgusting!! Tried it once and nearly barfed.

It was rather refreshing. Sake is an acquired taste. At first, I thought I'd hate it. I can describe the taste like vodka but without the harsh kick at the end. Instead, it has a very smooth finish. Can't say I could drink every day but if the chance arises, I'll have a glass.

I'm sad to see this one end, but all good things must.

I know

The crowds look insane anyway. I was bummed to see you only got one attraction in before having to say good-bye.

Now that I think of it, we actually got to stop for a Dole Whip before leaving. I completely forget to mention that in my TR. It took us the whole trip to finally get one. Dole Whips are a mandatory trip every time I'm in MK (or at the Poly)

Recycling- good to see that! Hope people will walk the 2 extra steps necessary to do it right. But I'm cynical, and I'm afraid they probably won't. People are so lazy nowadays.

Tell me about it. When I was on the Keys to the Kingdom tour, they told us that they sort all the garbage and recyclables since those recycling bins aren't always around. Whether you believe that or not is up to you.

I love the trolley shot! and the plant one is actually pretty creative too.

Bubba wanted me to take a picture of the plants to show my grandma. She's dying to know what those plants are called

Your sunset picture is lovely, too!! All that clean Canadian air. See you on the pre-trippie, my Canuck friend.

Sure it's Canadian, but I wouldn't call it clean

Great job over here!

Thanks, All7OfUs! It's great to have you along as a reader. I'll see you on your PTR too