There's a First Time for Everything! A Christmas In November TR

[Lovemy3babes]

Oh wow!!! I have heard of Mickey's Backyard BBQ but have never read much about it in anyone's TR. I cannot believe how very cool it is! It sounds like it was well worth the cost. Great pictures! I think it's okay that your dd had a little meltdown. It happens all the time in WDW. I think she handled herself pretty well, calming down right away and enjoying herself for the rest of the night.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Oh wow!!! I have heard of Mickey's Backyard BBQ but have never read much about it in anyone's TR. I cannot believe how very cool it is! It sounds like it was well worth the cost. Great pictures! I think it's okay that your dd had a little meltdown. It happens all the time in WDW. I think she handled herself pretty well, calming down right away and enjoying herself for the rest of the night.

I don't know why you don't hear more about the BBQ either. It doesn't make much sense to me. Maybe b/c it is only offered twice a week. I'm not sure though. We thought it was fantastic!

Yeah, I know most kids have a meltdown at some point on the trip, especially after 8 days. It was ok as long as she managed to get it together in a reasonable amount of time. We all want Disney World all to ourselves, but that isn't reality. I am very glad that she was able to get over it and have a good time. I would have been very upset if we had to leave.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

It was around 8:00 on this Sunday morning, and I was slowly waking. After a late night of dancing and good times at the BBQ, I was finding it difficult to get moving. DH and DD both were still out like a light!

Suddenly, I heard something at the door which sounded like someone trying to come into the room. It startled me because I thought maybe I had forgotten to slip the privacy card into the key slot, and I thought it was mousekeeping coming in! We definitely were not dressed and presentable for that! So I jumped up and threw my shorts on quickly. I peeked out of the window and didn't see anyone in the hall, so I opened the door to make sure the privacy card was in place. That's when I saw this awful, wretched thing which had been the culprit of the noise!

Now that was literally a rude awakening! Why must they put these out in the morning? I wish they would hang it up around dinner time so that you could go about the last full day of your trip blissfully ignorant to the harsh reality that awaits you! But alas, it was not to be. I opened the envelope to find all of our departing instructions. I had that sinking feeling as if I was reading a Dear John letter.

I was shocked when I got to the part that informed us that Magical Express would pick us up at 8:30 a.m. the following day!!! What??? 8:30! Our flight wasn't until 12:00! I didn't want to be booted out that early! That meant that we basically wouldn't be able to do anything on our last day. I had really wanted to get up early and be at Downtown Disney when they opened to squeeze in some last minute shopping, but that wasn't going to happen now.

I sat for a moment and pondered what to do. After some thought, I decided we had better go on to Downtown Disney now so that DD could spend the last of her souvenir money. There was a heavenly soft throw with the Castle Dream lights on it that had my name written all over it too. I had been eyeing it all week and had finally broken down and decided to buy it. I don't buy much for myself in the way of souvenirs, but I really wanted that throw.

So I woke my two sleeping beauties and we all got dressed and headed out for another perfectly gorgeous day.

We arrived at the Marketplace. DD walked by this little area where water randomly pops up. She couldn't resist and had to go back and tempt fate!

She made it out dry by the skin of her teeth!

The mops were hard at work keeping DTD sparkling clean!

Our first stop HAD to be Goofy's Candy Company! We missed this last year and I was very excited to do the create-your-own pretzel rods! I had seen so many of these on other TRs and they looked so good! You could get three made anyway you want for one snack credit. What a deal!

Looking through all the goodies! Don't those apples up top just make your mouth water!

We filled out the little toppings card for our pretzels and told the CM that we wanted to use a snack credit. That's when I started having flashbacks of my time in Germany. The CM regretfully informed us that "it will not be possible" to use a snack credit for the pretzel rods!! She was very apologetic, but what a bummer! She told me that you can get them dipped in your choice of chocolate, but you can't have any toppings. Oh well, we had enough junk food in the last week anyway, so I thanked her and accepted them naked.

I handed one to DD and this was the look I got. She was saying, "What happened to my M&Ms!"

We all enjoyed them anyway.

We moved on from Goofy's and saw these pretty birds outside Rainforest Cafe.

It was time for an early lunch once again. I wanted to eat at

but the line was too long for DH. Remember, he doesn't do well waiting for his food! So we went back to

since we had enjoyed it so much last year. DH had mentioned their mashed potatoes about a hundred times since our meal here in '08. They pour melted garlic butter over the top of them and they are VERY good! About 4 million calories, but VERY good! DH got the rotisserie chicken with his potatoes, and DD had a cheese quesadilla with homemade parmesan chips. That beautiful little disc towards the front of the picture was my barbeque chicken quesadilla. It was wonderful!!! I loved it.

DH and I both had the crème brulees, and DD had the brownie for dessert. It was all perfect and very filling. DD and I couldn't eat it all. DH, on the other hand, didn't leave a crumb! Can you believe that?

This place is the best counter service meal at Disney in our opinion. To me, it has table service quality food. Our bill was about $60, so this is a fantastic deal if you are on the dining plan. It is pricey if you are paying out of pocket though.

Continued in next post...............................

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

It was time to get moving and walk off some of those calories. We browsed through Pooh's Corner.

And Tren-D

Then onto World of Disney for some serious shopping!

Even a wooden puppet boy could walk better than us after that big lunch.

When we were at the back of the store near the BBB, this sweet CM came out and offered DD some pixie dust. She excitedly accepted!

I had mentioned to DH when we were in the fairy store at MK earlier in the week that I wished they would sprinkle the adults with pixie dust too. He told me to ask the CM for a sprinkle, but I would never do that because I am too shy. So he took it upon himself to ask this CM if she would pixify me as well, and of' course she said yes. I may have looked like an idiot to everyone in the store, but I didn't care! DD thought it was so fun that I got pixie dusted too!

I can't believe I just posted that horribly unflattering picture of myself on the internet!

DD always wants to try on the silly hats.

DD ended up choosing a pack of Disney twistable crayons to use at school and a Princess and the Frog coloring book with stickers. However, I had looked that store over (and every other store in DTD) for that throw and couldn't find it! I finally asked a CM who told me that they only sell it at MK! I couldn't believe it. I had already been to MK three times and could have bought it, yet I was leaving empty handed! Live and learn!

We walked around the streets some more and enjoyed the chalk artists. There were some very talented people drawing artwork on the sidewalks that day.

I had promised DD that if it was warm enough, we would go swimming again, so we left DTD and headed back to the resort. It was about 2:00 by the time we got back to Pop and it was pretty warm (78-80, but sunny) so we took another dip in the Hippy Dippy pool. I didn't take my good camera this time. I gave DD a disposable waterproof camera to take pictures with instead. I absolutely cracked up when I got those things developed. Let's just say there wasn't much in there worth posting here, so you'll just have to imagine a good time in the pool under the warm Florida sun!

Well folks, we are down to the last evening of our trip. I can't believe it is almost over. I have that same gut wrenching feeling in the pit of stomach right now as I write this that I had in my last moments at Disney. Why must our time always come to an end? It just doesn't seem fair, does it?

Firsts tally: 77 (Goofy's Candy Co., new DTD shops, chalk artists, getting my own pixie dust!)

Up Next: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day, a savior!"

 

[Stasieki]

I was behind, but am caught up now. Your Epcot/Mickey's BB looked like so much fun. I have got to spend more time in World Showcase - we seem to always zip through it. I think since Abby is younger it is harder to keep her interest, but she just turned 4 so maybe the Kidcot stations or passport will hold her interest - what do you think? We drove home on this day. I remember how pretty it was while we were driving.

I am still planning on posting our Fri pictures when we were in the areas you were in. I have to do it from home since the pictures are on that computer and I seem to be able to post more from work.

Looking forward to the rest of your report!

Edited to add that it looks like we posted at the same time. Your DTD day looked nice and relaxing, but I am so sad you didn't get your throw. You are a lot like me. I hate buying for myself. I always have regrets once we get home. This past trip it was just the mickey head sandwhich/cookie cutter. Not a lot of money, but I always talk myself out of things. Next trip I am coming home with that thing.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

My heart sunk too when we got that little checkout envelope! I wish they would just disappear. You had a fun day at DTD. That's too bad the pretzels no longer qualify under a snack credit. That's silly. We ate at both Earl and Wolfgang's and they both were yummy. Your pictures look great! I'm happy you were able to be sprinkled with pixie dust too.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Oh wow, it's almost over??? That stinks! LOL

I think it's awesome that you got pixie dust! I would totally do that too!

I know the throw of which you speak! I have been snuggling up with it every night on the couch! I sure hope you get it! That same experience happened to me on one of my first trips with the Sorcerer Mickey plush. I ran all over trying to find it and later discovered it was only at DHS (MGM then). Lucky we had hoppers. I made DH go back with me to get one. Fast Forward 10 years - kids's school has a carnival with "Adopt a pet" room. For $2 I adopted another Sorcerer Mickey!

I'm sure I posted this story on someone else's thread, so it must not be uncommon to miss out on souvenirs!
Lesson - buy it the first time!

I'm guessing you get to go to OL and see baby Jesus in the manger next!!!

 

[Tinkermom76]

I also bought that throw!!! it was so pretty with all those lights. I have it up on my bedroom wall so I see it when I lay in bed at night, almost like being there???

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Oh no! Not the envelope of doom! That is the worst feeling.


WOW what a great day at DTD. We just love going there. We usually end up there at least 2-3 times each trip.

How sweet of your DH to get you pixie-dusted too!

I knew what was coming when you were posting about Goofy's Candy store. Two trips ago we could get 3 pretzel rods dipped in chocolate and rolled in one topping each for 1 snack credit. One trip ago we could get one pretzel rod dipped in chocolate and rolled in one topping for 1 snack credit. In November we were told (by a very rude CM at Goofy's) that we could get one pretzel rod dipped in chocolate (no toppings) for 1 snack credit. We were not happy! Plus there were other things there that we got at other locations at WDW with a snack credit that they would not let us get there. We were pretty disgusted by the time we left Goofy's and DH said we aren't going back next time!

Sorry about the throw you wanted. But hey, this gives you an excuse to go back next November, right?!

Can't wait to hear how you spent your last evening. . .

 

[DisneyJo]

Why do they keep changing what you can get for a credit, how annoying!!!

Wow I've seen several photos of the WGP creme brulees but never realised they were that huge

Sorry about your throw

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Don't know if it's too late now or not, but you can always call a shop and order the item and have them send it to you. If you have any of your MK receipts left, just check for the # and call the shop. They'll be more than happy to take some more of your money.If you don't have any receipts, just ask a CM to give you the phone# to the Emporium. If they still have that item in stock, you will be able to get it.
Great update!! I know that sinking feeling of the ME papers all too well.I have, at times, contemplated a cab to the airport just to get a little extra time.I hate that thought of having to leave.

 

[praisehisname]

It's an awful feeling, isn't it?

The CM regretfully informed us that "it will not be possible" to use a snack credit for the pretzel rods!!

They must have been losing a lot of money, but it sure was a bargain when they allowed it! I remember getting them in 2007 and loving them!

All of that looks yummy! I didn't know about the mashed potatoes!

So he took it upon himself to ask this CM if she would pixify me as well, and of' course she said yes.

That was so sweet of him to ask! I bet all the other moms were secretly jealous of your pixie dust!

We walked around the streets some more and enjoyed the chalk artists.

Those drawings were amazing!

Up Next: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day, a savior!"

Oh, that HAS to mean you saw Osborne Lights!!!

Denise

 

[Charleston Princess]

I do think the Magical Express envelope ranks right up there with Maleficent on the evil scale!

Your DD has the cutest clothes! That shirt she was wearing that day is just darling!

In my present mood, I will take one of everything in that Goofy's display case!

I can't believe you weren't able to get the Castle Lights throw. That stinks!

I am so glad DH asked if you could get pixie dusted, too! I think that's adorable!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I was behind, but am caught up now. Your Epcot/Mickey's BB looked like so much fun. I have got to spend more time in World Showcase - we seem to always zip through it. I think since Abby is younger it is harder to keep her interest, but she just turned 4 so maybe the Kidcot stations or passport will hold her interest - what do you think? We drove home on this day:. I remember how pretty it was while we were driving.

We had that problem last year with my DD when she was 4. She did not like the countries at all so I didn't get to spend much time there. This year it was much better. I think as your DD gets a little older, she will cooperate more. I'd try the masks with her next time and see how that goes. It might be a bit much to try to do the passports and masks at 4. My DD was almost 6 on this trip so we did both. And the masks are free, so if she doesn't like it, you aren't out any money.

Sorry you had to go home on Sunday but at least you had nice weather for the drive home.

I am still planning on posting our Fri pictures when we were in the areas you were in. I have to do it from home since the pictures are on that computer and I seem to be able to post more from work.

No rush. Whenever you can. And don't worry about it if it takes too much of your time. I know life is busy.

Looking forward to the rest of your report!

Edited to add that it looks like we posted at the same time. Your DTD day looked nice and relaxing, but I am so sad you didn't get your throw. You are a lot like me. I hate buying for myself. I always have regrets once we get home. This past trip it was just the mickey head sandwhich/cookie cutter. Not a lot of money, but I always talk myself out of things. Next trip I am coming home with that thing.

That is so me! I always say that I don't really need it or whatever and then I get home and kick myself for not getting it. You should have gotten that cookie cutter! That's one of the cheapest items! Look for it on ebay!

Replies in green.

My heart sunk too when we got that little checkout envelope! I wish they would just disappear. You had a fun day at DTD. That's too bad the pretzels no longer qualify under a snack credit. That's silly. We ate at both Earl and Wolfgang's and they both were yummy. Your pictures look great! I'm happy you were able to be sprinkled with pixie dust too.

That envelope is a nightmare!

I really want to try EOS. Everyone says it is delicious and I love a good quality sandwich.

The pixie dust was fun. I kept brushing it out of my hair for days! Then I realized it was b/c it was in my hair brush!

Oh wow, it's almost over??? That stinks! LOL

I think it's awesome that you got pixie dust! I would totally do that too!

I know the throw of which you speak! I have been snuggling up with it every night on the couch! I sure hope you get it! That same experience happened to me on one of my first trips with the Sorcerer Mickey plush. I ran all over trying to find it and later discovered it was only at DHS (MGM then). Lucky we had hoppers. I made DH go back with me to get one. Fast Forward 10 years - kids's school has a carnival with "Adopt a pet" room. For $2 I adopted another Sorcerer Mickey!

I'm sure I posted this story on someone else's thread, so it must not be uncommon to miss out on souvenirs!
Lesson - buy it the first time!

I'm guessing you get to go to OL and see baby Jesus in the manger next!!!

SHAME ON YOU for buying MY throw! Just kidding! You are right, I should have bought it when I first saw it! What luck you had in finding the Mickey at a sale like that! I'm sure I will never be so lucky with that throw!

So you think that means OL and baby Jesus, huh? Well, I'll tell you this much.......... we went to

I also bought that throw!!! it was so pretty with all those lights. I have it up on my bedroom wall so I see it when I lay in bed at night, almost like being there???

You guys are really rubbing it in! Does everyone own that throw except for me? Oh well, I'll know better next time.

Oh no! Not the envelope of doom! That is the worst feeling.

The evelope of doom YES, it is!


WOW what a great day at DTD. We just love going there. We usually end up there at least 2-3 times each trip.

One time is all I can get DH to stomach!

How sweet of your DH to get you pixie-dusted too!

Yes, he can be a sweetie sometimes. I was just impressed that he had actually listened to me a few days earlier!

I knew what was coming when you were posting about Goofy's Candy store. Two trips ago we could get 3 pretzel rods dipped in chocolate and rolled in one topping each for 1 snack credit. One trip ago we could get one pretzel rod dipped in chocolate and rolled in one topping for 1 snack credit. In November we were told (by a very rude CM at Goofy's) that we could get one pretzel rod dipped in chocolate (no toppings) for 1 snack credit. We were not happy! Plus there were other things there that we got at other locations at WDW with a snack credit that they would not let us get there. We were pretty disgusted by the time we left Goofy's and DH said we aren't going back next time!

What is the deal with that? They were not ugly about it thank goodness. But they let us have all three of them for one credit??? It seems to me that there isn't much consistancy with the snack credits from one place to another.

Sorry about the throw you wanted. But hey, this gives you an excuse to go back next November, right?!

Oh, I wish!

Can't wait to hear how you spent your last evening. . .

Replies in green.

Why do they keep changing what you can get for a credit, how annoying!!!

Wow I've seen several photos of the WGP creme brulees but never realised they were that huge

Sorry about your throw

Thank you. I'll see if I can find it another way but it won't be the same as knowing I bought it there.

Those creme brulees are HUGE! I could not even begin to finish it.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Don't know if it's too late now or not, but you can always call a shop and order the item and have them send it to you. If you have any of your MK receipts left, just check for the # and call the shop. They'll be more than happy to take some more of your money.If you don't have any receipts, just ask a CM to give you the phone# to the Emporium. If they still have that item in stock, you will be able to get it.
Great update!! I know that sinking feeling of the ME papers all too well.I have, at times, contemplated a cab to the airport just to get a little extra time.I hate that thought of having to leave.

I didn't know you could do that. Thanks for letting me know. I may do that if I can't find one on ebay. I don't know if they would even still have any Christmas stuff though, but it's worth a shot.

After we got to the airport, I told DH I wished we had stayed and taken a cab! I may do that next time!

It's an awful feeling, isn't it?

Yes, it really is!

They must have been losing a lot of money, but it sure was a bargain when they allowed it! I remember getting them in 2007 and loving them!

I always thought it was too good to be true myself. I guess I wasn't really shocked when she said they no longer allowed it.

All of that looks yummy! I didn't know about the mashed potatoes!

It was very yummy! It's one of the few places we have eaten where EVERYTHING was good!

That was so sweet of him to ask! I bet all the other moms were secretly jealous of your pixie dust!

It was sweet. He can surprise me sometimes.
Those drawings were amazing!

They were great. There was something going on called "Festival of the Masters" which was an art show. I'm not sure if that was part of it or not.

Oh, that HAS to mean you saw Osborne Lights!!!

Maybe, maybe not........

Denise

Replies in green.

I do think the Magical Express envelope ranks right up there with Maleficent on the evil scale!

Yes, it does! Even worse though, I think!

Your DD has the cutest clothes! That shirt she was wearing that day is just darling!

Thank you! I am quite proud that that is one of about 10 outfits that I bought her last October (end of season) on clearance at Belk for about $2-$3 each!!!!!! And they all had macthing hair bows too! I didn't use them on the trip though since we used the Disney bows. I told you, I am a bargain shopper!!!!

In my present mood, I will take one of everything in that Goofy's display case!

Hmmm, let me guess. Your students were in rare form today! Been there, done that, and trust me, all the candy at Goofy's or all the liquor at the ABC store won't make it any better!

I can't believe you weren't able to get the Castle Lights throw. That stinks!

One time that my cheapness didn't pay off!

I am so glad DH asked if you could get pixie dusted, too! I think that's adorable!

He really surprised me with that. Most of all I couldn't believe he had actually been listening to me earlier in the week!

Replies in green.

 

[sharonW]

oh gee I wish it wasn't coming to the end, your TR has
been so much fun. You have a great style of writing and
I honestly enjoyed each and every post to the max...anxiously
awaiting the final disney adventure!!

 

[martinolichfamily]

Backyard BBQ looks great! I may have to switch out HDDR ressie for BBQ!!
That's if they have an open ADR for me!! Gotta check that out in a minute!

Boo to the last day.... That day always comes too fast!

 

[lexmas]

The full-of-milk sleeping baby and I loved the update! I gave her a kiss for you and she let out a contented baby sigh. She's a light sleeper too. So was DS. He didn't sleep through the night until he was 2 1/2, and he didn't nap without someone right there until he was almost 2. She's shaping up to be the same. I don't mind holding them or sitting near while they sleep though, I'll miss my sweet baby snuggles soon enough.

That magical express tag can really bring you down. They really should do it during the day so that you don't have to see it until you get back.

Not another disappointment! I honestly didn't know that there was merchandise that you could only get in the parks and not in downtown disney. That's so sad. You should try and call and see if you can get it! (But e-bay is always a good idea. E-bay is your friend. You said you were cheap, right? Me too! How I love e-bay, let me count the ways...)

I think we'll end up with the counter service dining plan this september, and WOW those pictures made me want to go to wolfgang puck's! That's so much food! And it looks so delicious! (BTW, I told DH about your own personal food and wine festival, and we're totally going to do that this year. Brilliant!)

I'm hoping you figured out some magical way to get back to DHS for the Osborne lights! I don't know how, but I'm hoping against hope for some disney magic! (Maybe your solution was to book another trip for this year? Doesn't add any cost onto the current trip... )

 

[BippityBoo]

UGH!!! I do not like when they remind you that you actually have to leave!

We have never been to DTD, but Wolfgang Puck looks AMAZING! We have always wanted to try Earl OS as well.

I love how your DD uses her money to buy her things. My daughter does the same thing and I hope to update about it on my next post!

 

[ladybugmom]

Uggh! I hate the dreaded ME envelope on the door--it's soooo UNmagical!! Not fun!

It looks like you had a wonderful day shopping at Downtown Disney!! For some reason, I did not realize that Wolfgang Puck was a CS meal!!! Yay! We might just have to eat there in May!! Your food looks incredible!! And the creme brulee--YUMMY!!!! I'm so sorry that you didn't get your castle throw. I put things off like that, too on our trips--then I'm kicking myself for not buying it when I see it!!