Very Merry D23 Holidaze Dec 2009 TR - 7 magical park days! updt 7/1

[praisehisname]

I'm jumping onboard!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

Impressive time you made!

And ohhh that master bath looks heavenly lol

 

[MyMuse]

Hi Michele!! I just found your TR and I'm so excited to read it as we're planning a trip to WDW this December!! I'm sooo excited b/c we've never been to WDW at Christmastime!! I'm interested to hear what you thought of the crowds the week you went and if you would recommend your dates? I also noticed that you were going to be attending a D23 event--I received a D23 charter membership from my DH for Christmas!! I'd love to hear about this event!!

Welcome!

The crowds were okay to me. Then again, I was a party of 1 so I zipped through.

I thought my dates were pretty good; I would go again. Stayed tuned for the D23 event!

You're off to a great start! I can't wait for more!

Thank you!!!

I'm jumping onboard!

Welcome!

Impressive time you made!

And ohhh that master bath looks heavenly lol

I *tried* to get something up there as quick as I could before my connection blinked out again.

The master bath was cool, but I never did just the spa bath. I actually took showers in the 2nd bathroom; the one in there wasn't comfortable.

Onward, my peoples!

 

[MyMuse]

Just thought I'd interrupt this TR with this important news....at least for NYers.

Disney Store will take over former Virgin Records space in Times Square CrainsNewYork reports: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20100105/FREE/100109984

It's going to be close to their theaters as well tourist/local traffic, pretty much a perfect spot! but it's not going to open until Fall 2010, the last of the country-wide stores to open.

 

[MyMuse]

After settling in a bit, I head back out at 2:25pm to meet the 3pm ADR time for Raglan Road! The condo is literally a 5 minute drive away if not less. Awesome! I met Jennifer & her mom at the pub. They semi-lost their way, even though has lived in Orlando for years before recently moving 40 minutes or so away. It was also *still* pouring outside.

Raglan Road Pub is gorgeous inside! Oh my!

whoo-hoo! at my first ADR at @RaglanRoadPub!
2:52 PM Dec 4th

I ordered Irish coffee, liver pate as a starter, Sheppard’s pie for dinner. The liver pate was incredible and I just did not do it justice; the 2 of the 3 of us was eating it and just could not finish. It came with bread, apricot chutney. RR also served served “honey-like” (beer & sugar) sauce with muffins. Had I known that, I would not have ordered the pate! Sheppard’s pie was beyond delicious. It looked small, but it was much bigger when actually eaten. LOL!

I should have come hungrier in order to appreciate. I had no idea it was so much food. Jennifer had some sort of salad & her mom (Virginia) had a fish dish.

@disneygirlinnj no bread pudding, the liver pate completely filled me! i still have shep pie to go @raglanroadpub
3:30 PM Dec 4th

We definitely declined dessert, since we were all beyond filled. The bill total was $66 for 3 of us and we were done about 4:10pm or so. The service was very good and I would definitely come here again.

Here are the fab pics! (which I did tweet as well)

Christmas Tree at Raglan Road

Jennifer & her mom

Sheppard's Pie

Up Next: Deluxe Resort Holiday Decor Tour!

 

[MyMuse]

At this point, we have finished with Raglan Road & staying at DTD in the pouring didn't seem like a good time. We decided to resort hop in the pouring rain, no less.

But I was happy to do, since it was on my list of things to do, but the rain was just brutal. I also had my trusty GPS with a custom POI for all things Disney thanks to MouseSavers, so no problem getting around. We went to Grand Floridian, but no one but guests checking in were allowed since filming was going on (heard later, that it was Celine Dion filming). It was definitely true but the entire parking lot was film of trucks & lights. This would explain the huge traffic jam. We originally thought there was a shift change or maybe a road was flooded. No, it was the filming holding up traffic.

We decided to go to Polynesian instead, but ultimately decided to go to Wilderness Lodge. Perfect thing to do!

OMG!! Gorgeous!!! Took plenty of pics (see below with descriptions) and oooh’d & ahh’ed over everything & anything. Jennifer has never been even though she lived in Orlando for years, but recently moved about 40 minutes away. I think we spent an hour or more just gawking. The tree was amazing! It took almost the whole lobby. Absolutely beautiful. Do you agree?

I also noticed what could be a busy Photopass photographer at the tree and went to ask at what I think is a Photopass desk. It was and it is; the guy at the desk looked at me like I was nuts and asked very polite smile whether I wanted a card. Then we all broke out laughing so hard and I very calmly said yes and started doing my dance of joy.

However, since Photopass seemed to be so busy, we walked around the resort, checking out gift shop & counter service and the nooks & crannies. Blissful!!

Thankfully, when we finally went back to the lobby, the Photopass (PP) had no line so we jumped in. If I had realized, I was going to do this, I would have dressed differently. Anyways, the 3 of us took pics in a couple of different positions and then me alone. I should have touched up my make-up. Lordy! We had fun and as soon as I get the CD the pics will be up.

I should also warn here & now, that I was a Photopass fool all during the trip. Each time, I saw one, pow! I was there. Only 1 photo didn’t make it, so it was all good. Number is the key and besides, you never know which kind of “magic shot” they have. I already ordered the CD, so as soon as I get it, I will post all the shots! Can't wait!!

While we were at WL, I also hit their gift shop and picked up 2 Holiday Vinlymations for $21.20 at 5:50pm. I love them! The little ones are in blind boxes, so you never know what you are going to get. The only real downside, is that it was raining, raining, raining. It just did not let up. Thank god, today was not one of my park days!

Wilderness Lodge pics: (I also tweeted a few pics)

The gorgeous tree; it reached the ceiling!

Close-up of ornament on tree

Pole in lobby to reflect Pacific Northwest theme

LOL!

Jennifer & her mom; see how big the tree is?

Another pic of tree

Light fixtures & can see the wrap around rooms

Little tree at the back wall

Bridge attraction in lobby

Decor

I seem to have a fascination with carpets

Fireplace in lobby - cool hang-out spot & warm!

In fireplace; see hidden mickey?

Cute tree in gift shop

My purchase: 2 Holiday Vinylmations
Mickey tree & rabbit!

Up Next: Onward Deluxe Resort Holiday Decor Tour!

 

[MyMuse]

Day 1, continued!

We finally tore ourselves away from WL and decided to keep on going with the theme and headed for Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL). We got there & it almost seemed like a let down after WL. Sounds horrible of me, doesn’t it?

Still very beautiful! The lobby was awesome looking & pretty darn busy! First thing we did, was head to Mara for some food & try those famous zebra domes! Call me an idiot, but I could not FIND the place. What the…? We were getting so frustrated and it was so very busy, but finally we just tagged along with another group who we heard was heading to Mara. To our huge surprise, we had to go down one level and walk *outside* to get there. I didn’t get that from the map at all. I'll blame it on the rain.

I shared a chef’s salad with Jenn’s mom, got ourselves 2 drinks and got zebra domes for $14.45 at 6:47pm. The chef’s salad had a alot to be desired & I wasn’t into the zebra domes at all. I thought Mara wasn’t all that either & people rave about it. Obviously, I’m missing something.

After dinner, we swung back to the lobby, took pics of their tree & investigated their lobby & cool stuff. We decided against the PP b/c, well, it was late, we have been in rain & it just wasn’t looking good.

I then tried to find where the animal viewing was and couldn’t. Again, blaming it on the rain. So, I went to concierge while the other two went into giftshop. After a very long time (idiots in front of me *sigh*), rec’d a quick answer that it take splace at the Sunset Lounge during rains. I got the other 2 and there it was, plain as day, a sign that pointed right to it. We waited our turn for the night vision googles. No animals to speak of, but we had fun looking & talking with the CM for awhile.

Animal Kingdom Lodge pics:

The tree

Cool lobby!

Close-up of ornament on tree

Ceiling lights

In lobby:

Close-up

The carpet

Looking down (at Boma?)

Their neato lounge area, a firepit

Zebra Domes

Hang on! Day 1 *still* doesn't end!

 

[MyMuse]

Day 1, Back to where we started

After WL & AKL visits, we headed back to DTD to drop Jenn & her mom at their car since we took mine, but got our second (third?) wind and decided to check out DTD, since it was still a bit early. We visited various shops. You know I had to go into Art of Disney! David Doss was there signing his artwork. I never catch anything like this. I think my credit card starting crying though.

back at dtd & david doss is at art of disney!!
9:26 PM Dec 4th

Also to my horror and sadness, found no more “surprise bags” at Mickey Mart any longer! I was sooo looking forward to that.

no more surprise bags at dtd!! *sad face*
10:08 PM Dec 4th

I also checked out the holiday windows. So pretty!

Also visited Goofy’s Candy Co, Tren-D, Mickey’s Pantry, Once upon a Toy & stopped at Ghirardelli’s for the coffee fix – this time a white chocolate mocha for me & hot white chocolate for Jenn’s mom at 10:10 for $7.20. We got a table & enjoyed our drinks while Jenn checked in with her fam.

Art of Disney, Jim Shore - Sleeping Beauty Castle

Days of Christmas - love the Victorian theme!

I had my eye on this, but decided against it. I ended up buying it just a few days ago at Target for $2.49!!

Goofy's Candy Co

Once upon a Toy

Tren-D

My purchases:
1) Days of Christmas at 9:01pm for $10.60, a Victorian Mickey & Minnie w/their initials on back, but since it was my initials too, I got it. Ordinarily, I would not have, but I do love the theme.

2) Art of Disney at 9:14pm for $84.14. David Doss was there signing his drawings! So I had to have it. It was mini-drawing of 4 parks in one. He signed mine with "4 parks, 1 World" & I did speak with him for a few minutes. I told him he was killing me. lol AND he spelled my name right! Whoo!

Individual park pics:

3) Once upon a Toy at 9:38pm for $21.25, I got myself a filled box chock full of Mr Poato Head parts, all kinds of good stuff incl Santa hat! The box was bursting but I got away with it. *wink*

The classic mickeys ears had "Mr Potato Head" stitched on the back. How cute! And check out the mickey bar!!

We finally said our goodbyes after finishing our drinks. I waited for them to start their car & go off bedore I left. I did stop at Walgreen's since it was across the street from condo. I picked up some water, ice tea, oatmeal & almonds at 11:26pm for $11.63.

finally back @westgateresorts after a very long & exhausting day! will try to post some pics if i don't fall asleep!
11:41 PM Dec 4th

Back at the condo, I unpacked my purchases, I did twitter a couple of pics, showered, journalled and got organized for the next day. I donned my new Mickey winter wonderland PJs!

I've been up forever (but whatta day! ), about 22 hours on 3 hours of sleep the night before. I finally got to sleep a little after 2:30am. The family upstairs were like a herd of elephants as well as it took awhile to do all of the above.

I set the alarm for 6:55am, so I can see Rope Drop at Epcot!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

wow awesome day you had! Mara didn't do it for me at all either. It was nothing special IMO and didnt even try the zebra domes b/c they didnt sound appealing. I thought the same aobut Tonga Toast but had to try it since people raved about it and umm... what's the big hoopla?

OMG the night vision goggles! I completely forgot about them when we were there. GRRRR now I'm sad! I'll have to definitely make it over there next trip to try them out.

I need to go to Wilderness Lodge too...wow it's gorgeous!

 

[dawnbu40]

Wow what a day! Your pics of the resorts are lovely! We visited both of those last Dec. and you captured just how beautiful they looked!

Love your purchases especially the David Doss art! I love his work and I'm already thinking of what I want to pick up in September

Can't wait for more!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

Hi I have been waiting for you to start and now I am a little behind

I have that same Easter Bunny Vinylmation

I am also not a huge fan of the Mara I had some gross vegetarian flat bread when I was there so I also don't understand the hype

beautiful pics of both WL and AKL!

We also share a love of coffee

can't wait for the next update!

 

[jenseib]

What a wonderful start. You spendt my whole trip budget in one day. LOL! Just kidding.
So what do zebra domes taste like? I hear about them, but jsut really have no clue what they are. I've seen the pictures, but can't get them figured out. WL is my dream resort. I would like to even spend just one night there. It would be awesome!

 

[John316]

Thanks for the posts!

 

[disneyaddicted]

wow, what a busy day especially for getting up so early after going to bed so late.

I hated the rain that day, it rained other days too but for some reason that day just seemed to be rain never ending.

We were at DTD at the same time, I wonder if we passed by eachother at anytime, If you were one of the people I nearly took out with my umberella I am so sorry.

 

[ladybugmom]

What an impressive day!! I love all of the resort pictures!! Beautiful!!

 

[MyMuse]

wow awesome day you had! Mara didn't do it for me at all either. It was nothing special IMO and didnt even try the zebra domes b/c they didnt sound appealing. I thought the same aobut Tonga Toast but had to try it since people raved about it and umm... what's the big hoopla?

OMG the night vision goggles! I completely forgot about them when we were there. GRRRR now I'm sad! I'll have to definitely make it over there next trip to try them out.

I need to go to Wilderness Lodge too...wow it's gorgeous!

The zebra domes were....ok. I don't see the lure, but I tried it and it's off my list of "to-dos". LOL! I have yet to try Tonga Toast, but it seemed you have to be mighty hungry!

I don't know if anyone actually sees any animals at night. The CM told me that AKL does not border with AK's animals. Hopefully, I'll get to do it another day.

The WL was beyond gorgeous!!! Oh. My. God.

Wow what a day! Your pics of the resorts are lovely! We visited both of those last Dec. and you captured just how beautiful they looked!

Love your purchases especially the David Doss art! I love his work and I'm already thinking of what I want to pick up in September

Can't wait for more!

Oh, thank you. *blush* I'm so glad you like them!!

David Doss was really nice. I updated the pics on the above post to show his artwork better. Though, I was trembling with the cost of it, I am glad I bought it. They really are beautiful along with his signature really gives me pleasure to look at them.

Hi I have been waiting for you to start and now I am a little behind

I have that same Easter Bunny Vinylmation

I am also not a huge fan of the Mara I had some gross vegetarian flat bread when I was there so I also don't understand the hype

beautiful pics of both WL and AKL!

We also share a love of coffee

can't wait for the next update!

Sorry it took so long! I'm glad you are here to join me as I relive my trip.

I lurve Vinylmations. Really. I think I need help with it.

Jennifer wasn't too impressed with her food either. The place was quite cramped; I just didn't get a nice impression at all.

Oooohhhh, I love my coffee. Thankfully, so do my bosses, so we get *gourmet* coffee at work. Whoo!

What a wonderful start. You spendt my whole trip budget in one day. LOL! Just kidding.
So what do zebra domes taste like? I hear about them, but jsut really have no clue what they are. I've seen the pictures, but can't get them figured out. WL is my dream resort. I would like to even spend just one night there. It would be awesome!

Hi! How are you? Are you planning to go down in 2010? How hubby's hip?

The big ticket item was David Doss, which I wasn't planning. But worth it.
I'm glad I didn't go crazy on the victorian theme stuff, pics do just as welll. And to get the stocking I resisted buying for $2.49 was pretty cool.

Zebra domes are mousse on top of a flat cookie, very tiny. nothing special, but I'm also not a big fan of mousse. They were fine, but not worth a repeat performance.

WL was beautiful, but deluxes always seem to be out of budget.

Thanks for the posts!

Thanks for coming by!

wow, what a busy day especially for getting up so early after going to bed so late.

I hated the rain that day, it rained other days too but for some reason that day just seemed to be rain never ending.

We were at DTD at the same time, I wonder if we passed by eachother at anytime, If you were one of the people I nearly took out with my umberella I am so sorry.

That was YOU?!

LOL! I didn't see you, but I was there only for the Raglan Rd ADR for 3pm and only walked around after 8pm-ish that night, until about 10:30pm or so.

The next day was a park day (Epcot), but the rain wasn't as bad as the day before at least. Annoying, but it wasn't brutal, thankfully.

What an impressive day!! I love all of the resort pictures!! Beautiful!!

Thank you!!!

 

[MyMuse]

I updated my last TR post with more pictures to give you a better idea of my purchases as promised.

I will, hopefully, have the next installment of Epcot, up tonight.

Fair Warning: I was on a hunt for Hidden Mickeys!!!!

 

[MyMuse]

Ok, so I lied. I wasn't able to get an update done last night as I was in the midst of *trying* to set-up a Facebook page with a little help from my friends. I really don't like it much?

I was also buying a modem, since my internet connectivity (cable connection as well as my cable tv was getting spotty too) at home was nil. I bought a new modem at Best buy with dismal customer service help. After wasting much time, I finally arrive home to find my connection to be on FULL power. *sigh*

Another day in the life...

Anyways, what I did want to tell you when I bought my nifty Minnie stocking at Target for $2.49 that I was eyeing at DTD during my trip:

I also bought these babies for $4.75 each!

Peter Pan, Corpse Bride, Charlie & Chocolate Factory!
They are all the wide/full screen version, but just the DVD. Fine by me!

 

[MyMuse]

FYI!!!

Per @DisneyParks...

Mobile Magic New touch-screen devices added. We've updated the list
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...-first-disney-parks-mobile-app-now-available/

All phones:

Here’s the list of phones that the app is currently available on:

– LG Glance
- LG VX Chocolate
- LG Chocolate 3
- LG Decoy
- LG VX 8700
- LG Venus
- Moto Adventure
- Nokia 7205
- Samsung Renown
- Moto 325
- Samsung 540
- Samsung 550
- LG 5500
- Nokia 6205
- Moto 755
- UT Starcom 8950
- UT Starcom GC1-c711
- GZ1 – S Boulder
- Moto K1 -M
- Moto – L7c
- LG 8350
- Samsung Trance
- Moto V3m
- Moto Barrage
- Moto VU204
- LGE VX-8360
- Motorola RIZR Z6TV
- Motorola VU30 (Rapture)
- Motorola Z6c
- Samsung SCH-A990
- Samsung SCH-U620
- Samsung SCH-U900 Flipshot
- LG VX 9100 – enV2
- LG VX 9200 – enV3
- LG VX 8300
- LG VX8370
- Motorola V9M
- Motorola W766 Harmony
- Motorola VE
- Samsung U640 Buddy
- Samsung SCH – U650 (Sway)
- Casio Hitachi Exilim C721
Update: New Phones Added

- Nokia 6315i
- Nokia 2705 Shade
- CDM – 8975
- LG VX 8600
- LG VX9400
- LG VX9800 V
- LG VX9900 enV
- Nokia Twist 7705
The Following Touch-Screen Devices Added

- LG VX8575 – Chocolate Touch
- LG VX 9600 – Versa
- LG VX 9700 – Dare
- LG VX 10000 – Voyager
- LG VX 11000 – enV Touch

 

[MyMuse]

Saturday, Dec 5th: DAY 2 - EPCOT

I was up at the alarm at 6:55am; thankfully I did get to sleep fairly quickly last night.

I did forget to mention that my Donner Overland Pratically Perfect Parkbag did a very well job last night. The little side pocket held my travel umbrella quite nicely.

good morn! up & getting to do some epcot! i hope please rain stay away!
7:06 AM Dec 5th

I ran around for a bit getting organized, getting in a new pair of contacts (need fresh ones after yesterday’s epic journey!) and getting a “car bag” ready as well with extra jacket, snacks, umbrella, etc. I figured since I had the car might as well get full use of it & carry any emergency stuff, so I don’t have to load up my parkbag. I grabbed my GPS & AAA Diamond parking pass, heading out to the car at 8:20am. I got to Epcot in minutes! The condo location rocks!

However, my euphoria was short-lived as I was beyond confused as to where to park with my diamond pass. The first parking attendant was a smartass & second didn’t lead me anywhere. Both said follow green line, but I didn’t see it. There are no signs or anything. I finally figured out that I was supposed to park in green lot, so I stayed there. Of course, I wasted precious minutes. I hoped I parked in the right place! It was a most excellent spot and I walked about 20 spaces to the security line.

I entered the park and took a pic of the plaque in front of the topiaries of Mickey & Minnie (CUTENESS!) and headed into the park at 8:48am. Here I am thinking, wow, we get in early? What happened to Rope Drop? I walked deeper into the park and realized I was hearing the middle/end of the Rope Drop. Epcot doesn’t have a ceremony per se, just the characters coming out to welcome you, but classic. I snapped a few pics of the gang the best I could as I wasn't very close and then they did a rope drop countdown. It was FUN!

just caught tail end of rd at epcot! argh. damm diamond parking! had NO idea where it was.
8:58 AM Dec 5th

99% of the people headed for Soarin’ (me being one of them, my all-time fav ride!). However, I got a FP as the CMs were waving big hands as we entered The Land Pavilion. After retrieving a FP (at the furthest machine = shortest line), got it for 9:48-10:48am, I wanted to take a look around Sunshine Seasons. I decided not to have anything; I can’t remember why, but it was either not ready or too many people, or something that caused me to leave.

I stopped to talk with a CM and asked a few questions about where is the various attractions. I was getting a little turned about in this area, even with the map since everything was so close together. He answered so nicely, that I bestowed to him my very first CM thank you.

I went over to Imagination Works & played around in Kodak Labs, which I have never done before. I sent home an email of me wearing a crown & other animation stuff. They don’t allow adding it to Photopass; I asked the Kodak Lab people there about it since they were also touting their own “magic shots”. After some fancy footwork, I finally got it uploaded from Kodak gallery.

I then played some music with Figment. Those things are cool! I played for quite some time! I never saw a CM in there either. But then again, it’s not like it was super-crammed-busy either.

After enjoying this, I headed over to “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” and hammed it up with the CMs there about the awesomely huge crowds they were having in the theater. LOL! There was no wait, other than the pre-show, but I tweeted a “where am I” pic. I got in and had a row all to myself!

where am i?
9:18 AM Dec 5th

Next up was Figment ride. I had a whole tram to myself! No wait at all. I didn’t realize that it emptied yet again into the Kodak Labs. It was very cute. So far, I’m liking my morning at Epcot!

It’s time for my FP for Soarin’! Little wait, it was great. I just think this ride is awesome with the beautiful scenery, smells, pre-show, everything. So much so, that I decided to get another FP; my times were 1:15pm-2:15pm.

I think at this point, I went back into Sunshine Seasons and grabbed a Breakfast platter & a water at 10:48am for $9.20. It was a lot of food (no pic tho?), traditional with eggs, potatoes & I think sausages. I took some time to journal & rest a bit. Attached to my receipt was a 20% off coupon! Whoo! It is only good for mornings at certain stores in the parks. Still, good deal!

My next adventure is something that I have never done. Turtle Talk with Crush! I LOVED it! I didn’t realize it was so interactive and in it’s own theater. I tried in the other trips to see this, but I either ran out of time or could not fit it in. I only waited about 15 minutes and there was so much to do in the “loading” area that it didn’t seem that bad. Jellyfish, stingrays, all fun good time-wasters.

Here’s a video:

Afterwards, I wondered over to Club Cool for some liquid refreshments. I hung out there for a minute or two; it's actually quite, well...cool! Then....my little eye spotted a special Holiday Vinylmation! You know I had to have it. CUTENESS! It was a little more expensive than the regular Vinylmations at $13.80 at 12:12pm.

the awesomest club of coooool
12:26 PM Dec 5th

The Holiday Tin Vinylmation

Closer look

Con'd on next post due to picture limitations.....