Why, My Little Guppy Has Groupies! - A Dec. 2013 TR *Completed

[USAFdad]

If you ask me I would say Landon really liked Figment. I didn't even know you liked that ornament. You should have bought it.

 

[amazingact21]

Wow, not bad! Of course, our night in 2010 was Whoopi Goldberg, so I suppose she drew a big crowd, hence the crazy long line.

Yeah, we saw Thomas Gibson. I'm pretty sure the CP people only took up 10 or 12 rows with him.

What a great plan to go to WDW for some family time before your hubby deploys later this year. I told my son and his wife when he got back from Afghanistan last year that we would take them on a cruise. We had to delay it until next year but I get the need to spend that time together.

A cruise is a perfect way to spend time together. Sort of hard not to when there's no place else to be.
In all seriousness, though, cruises are great and what a perfect way to wind down after a tough year.

I haven't been to Coral Reef in a few years but it is such a lovely restaurant. I almost prefer the 3rd tier seating since when we were seated at the aquarium we had a lot of visitor at our table. (The kid variety that were climbing on the walls next to us.) I am not a fish fan so haven't had a strong desire to return after our 2nd visit. Maybe I need to rethink that because it is a remarkably themed restaurant.

If that was the only meal for which Landon was grumpy, that is definitely pretty impressive.

Mmm, I never considered how much interruption there'd be by sitting near the tanks. I could see that becoming tiresome after the 6th or 7th kid knocked your booth.

That line for CP, wow! We saw Whoopi and the line was only to Morocco. NPH would have been my first choice - absolutely without a doubt. I was skeptical as far as how many people the theater would hold as well. Glad that worked out!

Love the grandma ears - very nice title - Queen of the Grandson. Looks like she wore them proudly.

I heard Whoopi was pretty busy, as well. It's amazing how many people go to Epcot with the express purpose of seeing a celebrity they love.

If you ask me I would say Landon really liked Figment. I didn't even know you liked that ornament. You should have bought it.

That's because you were off shopping in the shirts. Discovering that elusive red one you liked so much.

 

[teekathepony]

Glad Landon enjoyed (or at least tolerated!) Figment! So cute.
Love your mom's ears!
I've seen that baby care center and it is WAY out there! Not good if you really need something right away.
Holy cow... that line!!!

 

[amazingact21]

Glad Landon enjoyed (or at least tolerated!) Figment! So cute.
Love your mom's ears!
I've seen that baby care center and it is WAY out there! Not good if you really need something right away.
Holy cow... that line!!!

At the time, so long as he wasn't screaming or causing a scene, I classified it as a successful ride.


The line was ridiculous! You really understood just how big Epcot is when you see all those guests piled onto the sidewalks.

 

[amazingact21]

I wondered if I'd be able to write an update today. It's the weekend, and Alex has to work, so I've got solo baby duty. But, I decided to do something new and put on an animated show for him. First time in front of the television, and he's watching Snowed in at House of the Mouse (thank you, Netflix!). He is hooked!

Donald Duck, especially, has been keeping his attention. Future Duck fan? I do believe so...





Monday, December 2nd, 2013:

As I said at the close of my last update, my group did indeed make it inside the theater for the Candlelight Processional. By the time our point in the line made it inside, the far left and middle sections were filled, and we were directed to one of the first few rows on the far right hand side. Ironically, this was pretty much the same exact spot Alex and I had sat when we saw the show in 2010.

Guess that was just where we were meant to be.

Out of curiosity, I turned around to see how much space was left available for standby.

Not a lot, as it turned out. I'd say maybe 50 people got in. When you compare it to the line that we passed, barely anybody moved. I'm sure the guests who were back near the Italy pavilion had to wait until 6:45, at the very least.

That still makes me sad for them. To pay such a hefty park ticket price just to spend 5 hours sitting on the ground for nothing.

Makes me want to pass little business cards out with the DISboard website on them.




We all knew it would be a combined effort to keep Landon entertained while we watched the show, so my mom took first watch.










He stayed interested in all the people around him.



That is, until the chamber orchestra began the show by performing a few songs.








Landon LOVED the music.

I mean, he was having an absolute field day hearing all the loud noises. But in his mind, the show was missing something.

You can't have a performance without me!


My kid began screaming at the musicians. "More! More!"

Usually his outburst was followed with dancing up and down and short bursts of laughter.

"Encore!"


He was being so loud, people in the rows in front of us and behind us all turned our way to watch Landon sing and dance. I captured him carrying on a few times so you guys could get an idea of how loud he was.

I think I like this processional, guys. Everyone showers me with attention.


The loud outbursts were cute the first few times, but it didn't take long before I began to worry that Landon was going to ruin the show for everyone else. He was drawing such a crowd with his antics that I knew I'd have to carry him out if he kept on when Neil Patrick Harris was talking.

It seemed like everyone on the right side of the theater turned to look at the laughing baby, and I pretty much wanted to melt into the bleachers. I couldn't even count the number of times I leaned forward or turned backwards to say, "I'm so sorry! I'm sorry! I'm trying to keep him quiet."


Thankfully - oh, I wish I could truly convey how grateful I was - Landon calmed down once the music hit some slower notes.


And once all the choir members and Voices of Liberty and the sign language interpreter were in place, he really settled down. Apparently, singing wasn't as interesting as instruments.

I think I let out 5 minutes worth of air after that, though. All that attention and uncertainty over the rest of the show had me anxious.


That'd be about right. We freak out over whether or not we'll get into the show, and then when we do get inside, I get us kicked out because my kid doesn't have a quiet bone in his body.


THAT stressful, yet utterly adorable incident over, I was able to sit back and start to enjoy the show.


Everything about it is so beautiful.





It wasn't long before Neil Patrick Harris took his place center stage. In case anyone wants to know what some of his opening comments were, I took a short video of it.


And, of course, the second I hit the end button on the video camera, NPH made the crack, "So, this is my first narration of the night. I guess you could call this my dress rehearsal. Or better yet, my SUIT REHEARSAL."

Anyone who watches How I Met Your Mother will get a kick out of that joke.






Between the two of us, Alex and I took too many pictures of the processional in the beginning. About halfway through, I directed Alex to put down the camera and simply enjoy the show.









I took over baby duty after ten minutes or so. Fair's fair, and all.




Apparently, my mom was concentrating very hard on the story. The look of focus.




At one point, the choir was singing, I was rocking with a smiling Landon, and I was swept away by the joy of the season. It was easy to do in that setting. The Processional is such a traditional Christmas event; it's a nice reminder to not only enjoy the newer celebrations, such as seeing the lights and baking goodies, but to also appreciate the older favorites, like the classic carols that were being sung.

If you haven't seen the Candlelight Processional, I don't want to say too much and give away what makes the event so special, so I'll just say attend a show at least once. You won't regret it.
And for those that have been, I don't need to tell you how bright and joyous you feel while listening to it.


At one point, when all of us were humming and swaying along, I turned to Alex and said, "NPH is looking at Landon."

"You're ridiculous. No he's not."

"Uh huh. Look, he's looking right this way and smiling."

"Alicia, this stadium is huge, you really think he found you in a sea of a million faces."


"Um, hello, it's a baby with glasses-yeah."





Alex just shook his head.

"Look, everyone and their brother has seen this kid so far, why can't NPH?"

So, I might've been intentionally giving Alex a hard time, but who cares? I did see NPH staring in our direction, and Landon was being extra adorable at that time, so what's it matter if I was right or wrong? That's my assumption, and I'm sticking to it.




Before I knew it, the processional was winding down.

Dsc02364 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr




And Alex was getting some last minute shots of the theater.

Dsc02366 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr



Overall, I am grateful I decided to see the show again; you don't lose anything by knowing what to expect. And I was even happier to learn that my mother absolutely LOVED it.

She proclaimed it her favorite moment of the trip. (And she still says that after everything.)


To her, it reminded her of going to Christmas services growing up, and to her, THAT'S what got her in the Christmas spirit. It was like a dose of comfort and tradition and nostalgia for her, and she was so pleased with Epcot for putting on such an event.



When we exited the theater, we were met with a massive traffic jam. It seemed like everyone leaving the processional had no clue what they wanted to do next.

And, you know, standing in the middle of street is the perfect spot to try to decide.





Some folks were trying to go left, some right, most were standing around idly, looking at maps or checking their phones.

And, of course, these people completely interrupted the outrageous number of men and women that were simply trying to walk through the American Pavilion. Regular guests touring the World Showcase who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.


If I had to compare the madness to anything, I'd say it was similar to the Crystal Palace walkways during Wishes time.

You weren't going anywhere.

Ugh, it was ugly.

C'mon, guys, now's not the time to decide if you want Moroccan or Chinese for dinner. Move on!

You'd think these people had never been in a crowd before. Or, better yet, that they were the only people in Epcot. At least the only ones who's space mattered.


After I returned home from Disney, I saw someone on my December Disers Facebook group talk about how those crowds were a big contributing factor into why her trip was awful.

It was that ugly.

I guess with the MK crowds, you go in expecting to be run over by strollers and encountering rude firework viewers. But here, it was so out of the blue and completely chaotic compared to the peaceful seats we had just vacated.



Alex, my mom, and I were the unlucky ones who had to leave on the far left part of the theater and had to jostle our way back to Japan, where our stroller was parked.

And, naturally, the masses of confused and stationary guests overflowed into right in front of the strollers. I saw so many parents become furious that their stroller was buried behind people who just would not move out of the way.

My mom and I stayed back while Alex muscled his way through and sort of lifted ours up and out of the chaos. By that point, Alex was fed up with the rudeness and was like, "We're getting our stuff and getting the heck out of here!"




I took this while I waited for him.

Dsc02369 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr

So many people!



My mom and I had decided ahead of time that we wanted something small to eat and were happy with the Liberty Inn across the way.

That was before we knew how difficult moving about was going to be. While we could have changed gears and moved on towards France, we figured the mass mayhem was going to be nuts no matter which way we went. Might as well eat where we'd initially chosen and prevent being one of those families just standing around, undecided.


We made it back to America, and you want to hear the most asinine thing?

The space in front of the American Adventure building...that huge open courtyard-


EMPTY.



I mean, there was the random family or two, but for the most part it was unoccupied.

Why all those people didn't get off the sidewalks and stand around there, where they'd be out of the way of people walking past and be less likely to get pushed and shoved, I haven't a clue.

People confuse me...




Alex happened to spot the pin cart on our way inside, and we both bought a few Limited Edition Candlelight Processional pins.

Nothing calms you down better than some pin therapy.



When we made our way inside, my mom and I staked out a table with the baby while Alex went and ordered.

Are you seeing a trend here?

Us two send the husband off on all the tasking errands while we find the most comfortable seat.

It's a good system.




Landon was out like a light by this point, so my mom and I just sat and people watched for a bit.

Dsc02379 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr




None of us were really extremely hungry, so we all split the chicken strips and fries with water cups for each of us, and for dessert we had the Rocky Road Mousse Brownie.
Dsc02381 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr

The brownie was good, but it was so rich I don't think I could have finished one on my own. Honestly, splitting it between three people was perfect.




After dinner consisted of feeding and changing Landon and getting to listen to a little more of the later CP show.

The crowds had finally spread out, making it to where I wasn't terrified to venture out on the streets anymore.

Dsc02371 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr

Epcot looked especially regal that night. I love that you can see the Christmas tree from all the way across the showcase. Makes Future World seem so festive.



My group had our third and final Fastpass to use up at that time, so I led us back in the direction we'd originally come from, only this time we got to see the countries lit up in their holiday lights.



Italy was my favorite, if only for these:
Dsc02386 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr

I have no idea what kind of plant/flower/foliage they were, but I loved them.


It was a nice break from the traditional poinsettias. Then again, the more I think about it, the more I wonder if these were regular plants and Disney just added lights for Christmas. I don't know. Either way, they were a hit with me.


And who wouldn't love these?

Dsc02392 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr




Holiday season or not, nothing beats the globe lit up across the water:
Dsc02402 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr



In Germany, we all made pit stops at the restrooms and waited to meet back up next to the railing along the lagoon.

I tried to get one of those especially beautiful nighttime shots of my mom and Landon with Spaceship Earth displayed in the background, but all I managed to do was make my mom make silly faces at Landon for five minutes while I took crazy blurry pictures.


Dsc02417 by Alicia Wolchick, on Flickr


Couldn't hurt to try, though.






Up Next: That's Not Very Norwegian.

 

[USAFdad]

I just have to say of course he likes Donald... He is my son after all. He has good taste.

If you ask me he was adding to the CP it made it that much better.

 

[Dugette]

Great update! I'm glad you got to see the Candlelight Processional without (too much) incident. We skipped it this year, but did sit in the American Pavilion seating area and listen to part of it. We actually saw it back in 2010, though.

At any rate, I don't understand how people can wait in those giant standby lines with such a small chance of getting in! It'd be one thing if that was the only option, but I can think of better ways to use my Epcot time.

What is it with babies and music? It's like they're all born into the musical theater - the second they hear music, it's "gotta sing, gotta dance!" Silly kiddos! Cute video, but I can also totally relate to your worry about him drawing too much attention. I'd be doing the same thing. So glad he quieted down soon and was okay for the rest of the show.

NPH looked like fun. I like the HIMYM reference. Glad your mom enjoyed it so much - it is really festive in a different way than you usually get at WDW.

The crowds afterwards sound just awful. Glad you were able to get out of there unscathed.

I love pictures of Epcot at night, even if they're a bit blurry! Just so pretty!

Oh, and OF COURSE NPH was looking at Landon! Who wouldn't be?

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Wow, I'm actually thinking the standby might be waiting until next year's shows.

Awww Landon really really did enjoy the music. Too cute.

WAIT!!!! Voices of Liberty sing during this show?????? OMG I would die. Actually I already died watching them, so I would die again.

I bet NPH WAS looking at Landon. He's cute... He has glasses so he must be smart... He just found the new Doogie Howser!!!

I just looked it up and the only thing I could find said that the theatre holds around 1800 people. I can definitely see that causing jams after the show. Unreal that people would just stand there like that. I'm just glad I wasn't nearby when a show let out.

Ahhh World Showcase at night. I personally find it so peaceful and calming. Just beautiful.

 

[amazingact21]

I just have to say of course he likes Donald... He is my son after all. He has good taste.

If you ask me he was adding to the CP it made it that much better.

Yeah, he does seem to like the same characters as you. Donald, Sulley...that's okay, when he gets a little older I'll brainwash him with The Lion King to the point where he begs you and begs you to stay at Art.

Great update! I'm glad you got to see the Candlelight Processional without (too much) incident. We skipped it this year, but did sit in the American Pavilion seating area and listen to part of it. We actually saw it back in 2010, though.

If we were there with Landon at his age now, we'd probably have skipped it, too. We really lucked out and our trip happened RIGHT BEFORE he became too restless and active.

What is it with babies and music? It's like they're all born into the musical theater - the second they hear music, it's "gotta sing, gotta dance!" Silly kiddos! Cute video, but I can also totally relate to your worry about him drawing too much attention. I'd be doing the same thing. So glad he quieted down soon and was okay for the rest of the show.

They do love music. But, hey, it's easy entertainment. Whenever Landon's being fussy, I usually sing his favorite nursery rhymn and he forgets whatever he was being grumpy about.
If only everything was that easy.

NPH looked like fun. I like the HIMYM reference. Glad your mom enjoyed it so much - it is really festive in a different way than you usually get at WDW.

The crowds afterwards sound just awful. Glad you were able to get out of there unscathed.

I'll admit, it was pretty cool listening to NPH narrate. Definitely something we'll remember.
Ugh, I don't think the crowds would have been so bad if people moved out of the way.

Oh, and OF COURSE NPH was looking at Landon! Who wouldn't be?

Wow, I'm actually thinking the standby might be waiting until next year's shows.

Hahaha.
And a few of them might actually make it in.

Awww Landon really really did enjoy the music. Too cute.

He's a character, I'll give him that.

WAIT!!!! Voices of Liberty sing during this show?????? OMG I would die. Actually I already died watching them, so I would die again.

Yep, they sing a song or two before the rest of the choir. If I'm not mistaken, they perform while the other singers are walking up to the stage.

I bet NPH WAS looking at Landon. He's cute... He has glasses so he must be smart... He just found the new Doogie Howser!!!

Hey, if his talent escalates the way NPH's did, I'd be fine with that.
Although, just the other day I watched him crawl straight into a wall, so I don't know how smart he actually is.

I just looked it up and the only thing I could find said that the theatre holds around 1800 people. I can definitely see that causing jams after the show. Unreal that people would just stand there like that. I'm just glad I wasn't nearby when a show let out.

Ahhh World Showcase at night. I personally find it so peaceful and calming. Just beautiful.

I'm a pretty patient person, but I wanted to start shouting, "WALK, PEOPLE!"
I think what got me were the folks standing in front of the strollers getting grumpy when they were being tapped by wheels or jostled by little kids trying to sit in their seats.
The Cast Member working the pin station looked so tired at what was happening. One of us made a crack about herding cattle probably being easier than clearing those sidewalks, and the guy just rolled his eyes and said something like, "You have no idea."

 

[marDgreen88]

That video is adorable! Goodness. I'm glad he decided to quiet down for the show though, because sometimes people just don't understand that babies don't understand how to not be disruptive.

I'm so glad y'all enjoyed the show! I haven't seen one in its entirety, but someday for sure!

Yikes. Those crowds sound horrendous.

 

[MEK]

I really enjoyed your two movie clips. Now I want to see NPH even more. He just seems so sincere. And the CP is really special. I love that the Christmas story is told so candidly . No one complaining about political correctness. It's a beautiful story and done so well. The combination of the narration, the orchestra and the choir. Love it. So glad your mom AND Landon loved it. And I am quite sure NPH was looking right at you!

Ugh to the crowds. Glad you were able to escape and grab a quick bite in America!

 

[dtr_angel]

It sounds like NPH put on a good show. I'm glad Landon cooperated and let NPH share the center of attention That video is really cute! We're hoping to see the CP this December. How early did you have to buy your tickets? Goodness those crowds sound crazy!

 

[IheartDDuck]

We'll be there from May 16th to the 25th. We land on the 16th at 5pm. I'm not sure that will work out with your schedule, but it would be awesome to meet if it did work out.

Agreed, a little courtesy does go a long way.

I often wonder about that. When you see people acting like fools, it's like "wait....have you ever been in public before?"

I would absolutely not put it past people to try to do a baby swap without a baby.

Hahaha! I'm sure your Mom was definitely regretting her bangs on Test Track.

That is a pretty awesome gingerbread display!

I love hearing the oohs and aahs on Soarin'! The best time I had was when I took my best friend to WDW for the first time, and she was the one making the oohs and aahs.

How awesome to meet up with a friend in Disney! It's definitely a place that brings everyone together.

I absolutely agree that more restaurants need to carry the high chairs that attach to the tables. They just make more sense.

Dude, those little rubber giraffes have been around FOREVER! We have a picture of me with one.

I am also a firm believer in the power of naps and pools. I spent plenty of time in my younger days doing the day to night thing at WDW. I'm all for smelling the roses.

Great choice for a first ride! And extremely fitting considering the adorable onesie that Landon was wearing.

That area by the baby care center is my secret walking path into World Showcase. You skip by TONS of people going that way.

I would definitely imagine that NPH draws a HUGE crowd for the Candlelight Processional.

Hahahaha! Man, your Mom was taking NPH down a peg or two. LOL.

I am a huge fan of How I Met Your Mother and will miss it after it ends this season.

Landon was so cute though! I would have thought it was awesome if I saw that.

I'm going to absolutely agree with your assumption and say that NPH was absolutely looking at adorable Landon.

People confuse me too. Every day they confuse me.

 

[afwdwfan]

Donald Duck, especially, has been keeping his attention. Future Duck fan? I do believe so…

Makes me want to pass little business cards out with the DISboard website on them.

Nooooooo!!!!!

I mean, I don't mind sharing tips and secrets with other Disers, but let's not let everyone in on them...

He was being so loud, people in the rows in front of us and behind us all turned our way to watch Landon sing and dance.

It sounds cute and entertaining. I can think of far worse noises he could have been making.

The loud outbursts were cute the first few times, but it didn’t take long before I began to worry that Landon was going to ruin the show for everyone else. He was drawing such a crowd with his antics that I knew I’d have to carry him out if he kept on when Neil Patrick Harris was talking.

I'm glad that he calmed down for the narration part. He was just excited for the music!!!

I'm hoping to see CP when we go this year. We've stood in the American Pavilion courtyard and listened to it, but never actually gone and watched an entire show... basically because of our fear that our kids wouldn't cooperate.

And, of course, the second I hit the end button on the video camera, NPH made the crack, “So, this is my first narration of the night. I guess you could call this my dress rehearsal. Or better yet, my SUIT REHEARSAL.”

Legen - wait for it - dary.

She proclaimed it her favorite moment of the trip. (And she still says that after everything.)

That's great! I'm really looking forward to finally getting a chance to see it.

If I had to compare the madness to anything, I’d say it was similar to the Crystal Palace walkways during Wishes time.

That is awful. I've never experienced anything like that in EPCOT... ever. And I've been there on the 4th of July.

My mom and I stayed back while Alex muscled his way through and sort of lifted ours up and out of the chaos.

Nicely done.

The space in front of the American Adventure building….that huge open courtyard…



EMPTY.



I mean, there was the random family or two, but for the most part it was unoccupied.

Looks like you chose the perfect place to grab a bite.

People confuse me…

Those 3 words are very powerful.

Are you seeing a trend here?



Us two send the husband off on all the tasking errands while we find the most comfortable seat.

I think I've seen that system used somewhere else before...

 

[lilmape]

I wasn't so sure we would go see the processional this year but reading your report has me convinced to go. My DD will be 2.5 but I think she will love the music. Loved the video of Landon singing he is too cute!

I also frequently find myself confused by people. I also don't understand how you can spend all that money at Disney and not have a general plan. Like 'after the processional lets go this way so we aren't stuck or in the way.. Or maybe I should avoid this area at this time because of this.'

I'm loving your report and cant wait to read more. We are taking our DD the first week of December this year and my mom has also decided to join us! I'm learning lots.

 

[amazingact21]

That video is adorable! Goodness. I'm glad he decided to quiet down for the show though, because sometimes people just don't understand that babies don't understand how to not be disruptive.

I'm so glad y'all enjoyed the show! I haven't seen one in its entirety, but someday for sure!

Yikes. Those crowds sound horrendous.

Thanks. I was relieved Landon settled down. I would've have felt so guilty if he hadn't. Not to mention, I did want to hear NPH.

I really enjoyed your two movie clips. Now I want to see NPH even more. He just seems so sincere. And the CP is really special. I love that the Christmas story is told so candidly . No one complaining about political correctness. It's a beautiful story and done so well. The combination of the narration, the orchestra and the choir. Love it. So glad your mom AND Landon loved it. And I am quite sure NPH was looking right at you!

Ugh to the crowds. Glad you were able to escape and grab a quick bite in America!

Thank you.
NPH put on a very good show. Despite the mass mayhem he causes, I do hope he returns in future years.

It sounds like NPH put on a good show. I'm glad Landon cooperated and let NPH share the center of attention That video is really cute! We're hoping to see the CP this December. How early did you have to buy your tickets? Goodness those crowds sound crazy!

Hmm, I'm trying to remember. I want to say I booked the package sometime around September/October. I already had a Coral Reef lunch booked, but I want to say as soon as NPH was announced for the 2nd, I switched it over to a package.

We'll be there from May 16th to the 25th. We land on the 16th at 5pm. I'm not sure that will work out with your schedule, but it would be awesome to meet if it did work out.

Man, I'm pretty sure we'll miss each other by hours.
We're driving back on the 16th, and we tend to head out around noon/1 o'clock.
If anything changes, though, I'll keep you in the loop. It'd be great to have a DISmeet!

I love hearing the oohs and aahs on Soarin'! The best time I had was when I took my best friend to WDW for the first time, and she was the one making the oohs and aahs.

That is the best. Because you try to explain the ride as best you can, but nothing can really prepare them for the actual experience.

Wow, I guess if it's not broke, don't fix it.

I am also a firm believer in the power of naps and pools. I spent plenty of time in my younger days doing the day to night thing at WDW. I'm all for smelling the roses.

Agreed. Not to mention, no matter where you stay, you paid for that resort. (Or rented points, whatever.) Might as well get your money's worth out of it.

My mother and I have joked about going to Disney one day and only going into the parks once or twice. Sitting by the pool with a drink in our hand sounds just as fun as running from FP to FP. (If not more.)

I am interested to see how the spin off of the show compares to this one...


The majority of people were cool with Landon being loud, but there's always that one group that's bitter about it.

There was a girl sitting in front of us who had facetimed someone during the show and directed the phone at Landon so he could hear him. Made me laugh.

I mean, I don't mind sharing tips and secrets with other Disers, but let's not let everyone in on them...

I hate to say it, but I think a LOT of people are starting to clue in on the tips and secrets of Disney travel.
At least, the majority of folks on this trip did.

I don't know if it's because people are being forced to preplan due to MyMagic, but I saw a lot of guests taking afternoon breaks, getting to rope drop, staking out spots for the parade early on.
I definitely didn't feel like I had a leg up on this trip, which was kind of unnerving.

I'm glad that he calmed down for the narration part. He was just excited for the music!!!

I'm hoping to see CP when we go this year. We've stood in the American Pavilion courtyard and listened to it, but never actually gone and watched an entire show... basically because of our fear that our kids wouldn't cooperate.

Yeah, he could've cared less that NPH was talking.


Hearing it while walking or outside of the theater is nice, but there is an added element to sitting in the theater to view it. Mostly, there's no outside noises or conversations distracting you.

That is awful. I've never experienced anything like that in EPCOT... ever. And I've been there on the 4th of July.

I don't know what was going on with people that night.
At least with F&W people are moving and the booths and lines are off to the sides.

I think I've seen that system used somewhere else before...

I wasn't so sure we would go see the processional this year but reading your report has me convinced to go. My DD will be 2.5 but I think she will love the music. Loved the video of Landon singing he is too cute!

The narration might get a little boring for a toddler, but I think Epcot times it well so that there's not a lot of talking between songs. I think the music and lights keep most kids entertained.

I also frequently find myself confused by people. I also don't understand how you can spend all that money at Disney and not have a general plan. Like 'after the processional lets go this way so we aren't stuck or in the way.. Or maybe I should avoid this area at this time because of this.'

I am all for going with the flow at Disney, if that's what you want to do. But you can't just completely wing it. Even little things like, "Let's try Sunshine Seasons for dinner tonight," is enough of a guideline to follow.
But, I guess the price you pay for not having any set plans is sitting in the CP standby line for 5 hours...

I'm loving your report and cant wait to read more. We are taking our DD the first week of December this year and my mom has also decided to join us! I'm learning lots.

Thank you so much.
December is a fantastic time to visit. The holiday decorations are just so gorgeous. You won't want to leave them!
Having your mom along makes the trip extra special. I love that I was able to share some experiences and show her new things while there.

If you have any questions feel free to ask!

 

[emmysmommy]

I wanted to hear more of Landon in the video! He was adorable. He may have a musical future ahead of him. Whoppi was good but I still say NPH is my dream CP narrator.

Those were great photos during the CP show. Who's the awesome photographer in your family? Seriously good photos of WS at night too!

Ha ha! Pin therapy! I'm certain there must be a classification for this clinical treatment in the medical journals.

 

[teekathepony]

So adorable that Landon loved the music!! That video is so cute, he's right into it!
Wow, what a show. Amazing really, and I'm such a Christmas lover, I really, really NEED to see it!!
(Though those crowds aren't really appealing!)

 

[Marsheliz]

My Landen loves music too!!!

The Candle light processional looks like it would be a good experience at Disney! I need to get back there at Christmas time!

 

[amazingact21]

I wanted to hear more of Landon in the video! He was adorable. He may have a musical future ahead of him. Whoppi was good but I still say NPH is my dream CP narrator.

Those were great photos during the CP show. Who's the awesome photographer in your family? Seriously good photos of WS at night too!

Ha ha! Pin therapy! I'm certain there must be a classification for this clinical treatment in the medical journals.

Thank you. Alex and I usually take turns using the camera, but he definitely took thos pictures. He took a few courses in college and is a great photographer.


My mom's buying Landon a keyboard/piano for his birthday so I'm sure there will be plenty more music in his future.

So adorable that Landon loved the music!! That video is so cute, he's right into it!
Wow, what a show. Amazing really, and I'm such a Christmas lover, I really, really NEED to see it!!
(Though those crowds aren't really appealing!)

The CP is a really great show, and I always catch it during the first day of my trip, so it sort of puts me in the holiday spirit. I would definitely recommend everyone see it at least once, but make sure to get a package if the narrator is popular!

My Landen loves music too!!!

The Candle light processional looks like it would be a good experience at Disney! I need to get back there at Christmas time!

It was a really great show. I don't know if I'll watch it again until Landon gets past the toddler years, because it can have a short shelf life for kid's attention spans.