The Making of Disney Dreams and Christmas Memories: A December 2008 Trip Report

HollyBelle · Jan 2, 2009

After dinner Kathy and Danny headed back to the resort while Brett, Derek and I high tailed it to Future World to ride Test Track before the start of Illuminations. It was truly the quickest we’ve ever gotten on a ride. We chose single rider and when we got to the front the CM sent us directly into the holding room where they play the spiel while the doors on the other side were still open. So we walked right through and up to a CM who immediately loaded us into cars.

Test Track signage:

We watched Illuminations from World Showcase Plaza where Derek was able to take a few pictures of the fireworks. The show was great, as always, and proved itself again as my favorite nighttime fireworks extravaganza; as if it could ever let me down! I was looking forward to the Peace on Earth holiday tag, which was as sparkly and deafening as I remember it.

After witnessing the explosion that was Reflections of Earth we called it a night and made our way to the busses, where we were lucky to be the last three loaded on an OKW bus that was about to take off.

OhioDisneyLover · Jan 2, 2009

Love, love, love the pictures in your last installment! Wow! I love LeCellier...yummy.......

sweetpee_1993 · Jan 2, 2009

I'm lovin' your trip report! Keep it comin'! As if I wasn't anxious enough for our upcoming trip...reading yours is getting me even more jazzed. I love your writing style. THe pics are all perfect. The tailgate party sounded incredible. I feel like I'm on the journey with ya. Yaaayyyy!!!!

I was interested in what you said about saving your 1st trippie in a Microsoft format for a keepsake (?). I juuuust started my very 1st trip report (yeah, I know, 3 weeks prior to departure but I was anxious) and think using my journaling and pics to create a keepsake sounds perfect. What format/program did you use???

erstwo · Jan 3, 2009

Love the report!

:sohappy:

HollyBelle · Jan 3, 2009

OhioDisneyLover said:
Love, love, love the pictures in your last installment! Wow! I love LeCellier...yummy.......

Thanks! I have to give Derek credit for the Illuminations shots, they came off of his camera.

sweetpee_1993 said:
I'm lovin' your trip report! Keep it comin'! As if I wasn't anxious enough for our upcoming trip...reading yours is getting me even more jazzed. I love your writing style. THe pics are all perfect. The tailgate party sounded incredible. I feel like I'm on the journey with ya. Yaaayyyy!!!!

I was interested in what you said about saving your 1st trippie in a Microsoft format for a keepsake (?). I juuuust started my very 1st trip report (yeah, I know, 3 weeks prior to departure but I was anxious) and think using my journaling and pics to create a keepsake sounds perfect. What format/program did you use???

Thanks, sweetpee! I've read your pre-trip report... great start! We stayed at the Contemporary for the first time last September and loved it. I can certainly see why you're so anxious to get back!

As for the journal/keepsake I used Microsoft Word for the first one, and it was a real pain to get the text to wrap around the pictures the way I wanted them to. So for this one I plan on using Microsoft Publisher (which comes with MS word if you get/have the Office Suite package). I use Publisher sometimes at work; it's geared more towards newsletters, brochures and such whereas Word focuses more on text. Either one will work; Word is just a little more frustrating to work with if you're OCD about things like spacing and such, which I am.

If you'd like, I can post links to them both once I complete this one and you can see the difference in the two programs.

erstwo said:
Love the report!

:sohappy:

Thank you, thank you!

HollyBelle · Jan 3, 2009

Day 4: Around the World Segway Tour/Epcot/Winter Summerland Mini Golf

On Wednesday morning it was time to partake in the Segway tour at Epcot… something Brett and I had spent months looking forward to. Derek and Kathy chose to forego the tour and wrap up their Christmas shopping at some outlets while Danny, Brett and I participated. Shortly after making reservations last summer Brett and I started talking about how we were going to zoom around Epcot. Zooming became the topic of many conversations and I’m happy to say that it was even more fun than I expected.

We entered Epcot early and headed to Guest Relations to check-in for our 8:30am tour. The park was empty, save the princesses heading to Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, allowing us to get some people-free shots of the entrance area:

Once all participants (a total of 10) showed up we were taken over to Segway Central at Innoventions. After watching a short video and being talked through the basics we were able to get on our segways.

Segway Central:

And before anyone says it, I agree... the crash helmet makes for a lovely accessory:

I was surprised by not only how unsteady it felt at first, but how quickly I got used to the sensation of standing on something that was in constant motion based on my movement. We were taken through a series of exercises, including turns, ramps, tight spaces, zig zags and abrupt stops before earning the right to leave Segway Central.

We zoomed (if you can call 6.5 mph zooming) out of Innoventions as a single file snake following a sweeping route led through Future World by our guide. Before heading to World Showcase we stopped for a potty break and some stretching (you’d actually be surprised how sore your knees and back can get from being on one of those things).

Brett, excited to get back on his segway:

Our guide led us through Mexico, and Norway before taking us through obstacles in China and stopping to give us some fun facts about the pavilion. Next up was Germany and a trip through the Biergarten waiting area and over the path surrounding the miniature village. We went zig zagging through the pillars in Italy (my favorite obstacle) and then they sectioned off a larger area of the pavilion for us to play in. Zoom, zoom! Next up was America followed by Japan where we zoomed around the koi ponds. We got bits of information in Morocco and France before heading back to Segway Central via England and Canada.

The tour was great and well worth the money. If you’re interested in riding a segway and considering the tour than I would say go for it. It more than met my expectations. The only thing that was lacking a bit was the information about the countries, but there are other tours for that!

Zoooooooooooooom!

HollyBelle · Jan 3, 2009

After the tour the three of us went to ride Soarin before we parted ways with Danny. He headed back to the resort to get a little pool time in and we grabbed a breakfast snack at Sunshine Seasons before going to World Showcase. I love the bakery foods there!

We were in search of the new Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure because we both love scavenger hunt type experiences and thought this one looked like fun. It’s still in a testing phase so we didn’t quite know where to sign up, but kept our eyes peeled for it as we made our way through the countries beginning in Mexico.

I really like this shot of SSE across World Showcase Lagoon:

When we got to France we noticed a couple of different families huddled around cell phones and looking for clues so we knew we must be getting warmer. Team Possible was set up at a small cart between France and England. We told them we were interested in helping Kim rid the world of evil and they quickly activated a phone, told us to move away from the booth and follow the instructions found on the Kimmunicator.

The Kimmunicator... featuring Wade, our Team Possible dispatcher:

Brett contemplating whether or not danger is his cup of tea:

I would love to go into detail about the Team Possible experience in England; I have about 15 pictures chronicling our triumph over Duff Killigan! However, I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I will say though that we thought it was extremely clever and interactive and we had a blast. I see this experience being a real success for World Showcase. I was amazed at how well the Team Possible props fit into the surroundings. And if you weren't playing the game, you'd think nothing of these items being out of the ordinary; they blend seamlessly into the pavilion.

We were told it would take us about 30-45 minutes to complete the mission, but it took us more like 20-25. I would certainly plan on the 30-45 if you have young ones or if you aren’t too familiar with the country you are helping Kim save. However, you aren’t held to any time restraints and can move at your own pace, taking time out for lunch or character greetings if you want!

After putting an end to Duff Killigan’s reign we made our way back to Germany for lunch at Biergarten. This was our first time eating here and I really like how immersive the atmosphere is. We were also lucky enough to hear and watch the band for awhile before helping ourselves to the buffet selections. Everytime we do a buffet though, I’m reminded of the fact that we never get our money’s worth. We're just not big eaters... I guess you could say we prefer quality over quantity. My thoughts: the food was good, the beer was better!

Biergarten signage:

Outside the restaurant:

The band celebrating Octoberfest:

Some surprisingly empty tables:

Mmmm… beer! Brett double-fisting (that’s my man):

After lunch we spent a little more time in World Showcase, and met Donald Duck before riding the Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico. We decided to head back to the resort and relax a bit before getting ready for our “date night” at the California Grill!

disneyfamilyjd · Jan 3, 2009

Holly, by far my favorite picture is of Brett standing with the Segway's holding his adorable Vera Bradley clutch. He is so fashionable I must say...LOL!!!

HollyBelle · Jan 3, 2009

disneyfamilyjd said:
Holly, by far my favorite picture is of Brett standing with the Segway's holding his adorable Vera Bradley clutch. He is so fashionable I must say...LOL!!!

It's so funny you commented on that because as soon as I posted it he laughed and told me how manly he looked with my camera case in his hand! I told him at least it's not a pink one :lol:!

sweetpee_1993 · Jan 4, 2009

HollyBelle said:
If you'd like, I can post links to them both once I complete this one and you can see the difference in the two programs.

That would be wonderful! Thank you! I know after I got my laptop in August I bought Microsoft Office but I think I got the student edition. I just checked my program line-up and it looks like I don't have Publisher. :shrug: I'd be interested to see the layout, tho. I may look into purchasing it if it looks easy enough to do.

Thanks for the compliment on my pre-trippie. I'm started early like this so I'm committed to seeing this thing thru. We'll see how I do. I'll have to continually make time to jot down notes. I plan to carry a small Tink spiral in my cross-body bag with me so whenever I have a moment (in line, at meals, taking breaks, etc.) I can write a few notes. If I don't I'll never remember things straight. I'm so scatter-brained!

Oh! I forgot to mention you & Derek take some adorable pics. Y'all look so sweet and happy together. Looks like a fun family, too. I loved the pic of all 3 guys together. They share the same smile. :animwink:

Can't wait to read more!

sweetpee_1993 · Jan 4, 2009

Oh wow! Isn't the Segway tour the best?! We did it in December 2007 while my aunt took my boys to DHS. It was so fun! At the end of the tour my shins were really tender and my back was stiff. It's amazing what muscles you tense/stress just standing shifting your weight. LOL!

Keep the report rollin'! I love it!

lovegrumpy · Jan 4, 2009

Love it so far. We are surprising the kids with a trip in Nov.

HollyBelle · Jan 5, 2009

sweetpee_1993 said:
That would be wonderful! Thank you! I know after I got my laptop in August I bought Microsoft Office but I think I got the student edition. I just checked my program line-up and it looks like I don't have Publisher. :shrug: I'd be interested to see the layout, tho. I may look into purchasing it if it looks easy enough to do.

Thanks for the compliment on my pre-trippie. I'm started early like this so I'm committed to seeing this thing thru. We'll see how I do. I'll have to continually make time to jot down notes. I plan to carry a small Tink spiral in my cross-body bag with me so whenever I have a moment (in line, at meals, taking breaks, etc.) I can write a few notes. If I don't I'll never remember things straight. I'm so scatter-brained!

Oh! I forgot to mention you & Derek take some adorable pics. Y'all look so sweet and happy together. Looks like a fun family, too. I loved the pic of all 3 guys together. They share the same smile. :animwink:

Can't wait to read more!

I just tried to send you a PM with the MS Word trip report attached but realized I couldn't send an attachment through private messaging and I can't link it because it's not out there on the web. So if you want to PM me with your email I can send the TR attachment to you.

I use my pictures as a way to remember what happened throughout the day when I write my report. Then again, I take so many that they usually chronicle the exact steps we took along the way and it triggers what I wanted to write about as I look through them.

That's actually Brett in all the pictures with me, Derek's his brother! Thanks for the compliment though... we are very happy. And I too like the one of the guys, I think Brett was trying to appear as tall as Derek... ain't gonna happen!!

lovegrumpy said:
Love it so far. We are surprising the kids with a trip in Nov.

Thank you! I think a surprise trip sounds like so much fun and can't wait to do something like that for my kids one day!

HollyBelle · Jan 5, 2009

Our dinner reservations for the California Grill were at 6pm, a little earlier than we usually schedule dinner, but it easily beat out 8pm for the obvious reasons when I was given a choice of the two while making reservations. We left OKW a little early to stop at the World of Disney store to pick a few Christmas gifts up for my nieces on the way over to the Contemporary.

World of Disney plush wreath and tree:

We got to the Contemporary a little bit early, so we wandered around the property and reminisced about our recent stay at the resort before checking in on the second floor. We were seated almost immediately in a small room offset from the main dining room; it looked out over Bay Lake with SSE marking the horizon. Our server, Alicia, was great and at the end of the meal we added to her tip, especially considering we took up her table for almost 2 hours. We ordered a bottle of wine and enjoyed the view for awhile before our entrees arrived: for Brett, a perfectly cooked med rare filet with cream cheese mash potatoes and bbq glaze, and for me, diver scallops with cauliflower puree. Delicious! The scallops were seared beautifully, which helped to make this my favorite meal of the trip. Brett’s Le Cellier filet beat out this one, but only because the risotto made for a better pairing than the broccolini and potatoes.

After cleaning our plates, we took some time to finish our bottle of wine before heading outside to view Wishes from such an elevated vantage point. I was really excited for this because during our last visit to the California Grill we didn’t get to see Wishes. The show was great, but I must say that I wholly disagree with all of those who say this is the best place from which to view the fireworks. My preference is actually from the balcony of Narcoosee’s. I prefer my fireworks to be larger than life and raining down on all below. The view from so high up made the fireworks appear much less grand than they actually are when viewed from the ground. Still a great experience!

Finishing our bottle of wine:

And waiting for Wishes to begin:

HollyBelle · Jan 5, 2009

We were lucky enough to be on the first elevator down after the show and quickly got to the car. We headed over to Winter Summerland to meet Danny, Kathy and Derek for a round of mini golf. They had come from dinner at Shula’s at the Dolphin and said while it was pricey, it was really good.

Winter Summerland signage:

The golf ball tree at Winter Summerland:

Surfin’ Santa:

After choosing the summer course (Brett and I had played the winter one a couple of year ago) we were off to the races. Now please bear in mind… this was a serious game; no one was playing for second place! The rules were decided at the outset: we played “honors” (the person that shot the best on the previous hole had to go first on the next, and so on) with one mulligan each, and a 5 stroke max. We’re not fooling around here, people!

See, I’m telling you folks… look at the intensity on those faces as we each line up to putt. This is no joke:

So we were moving right along and all was well until we came across Sandy Claus laying dormant on Hole 11. Now let’s just say that Kathy was none too happy to have to use her mulligan here for not hitting the ball hard enough to make it over his belly, so on her second try she blasted the thing clear over Santa and off the course. I think the pressure got to her and if it weren’t for the 5 stroke max we might still be there!! We continued to laugh about this the rest of the trip.

Sandy Claus:

It appeared that I had a nice lead as we approached Hole 15: Over the Ribbon, You’re Through the Woods. I had already used my mulligan on a previous turn and due to my approach of hitting the ball slow and steady, which I must say had served me well until now, I miscalculated and didn’t make the loop! Arrggghhh! Brett truly enjoyed taking a picture of me trying desperately to rectify my mistake; not only was it my demise, it also earned him top honors:

And so it goes…the final rankings: Brett in first, Derek, Danny and myself tied for second place and Kathy bringing up the rear (all thanks to Sandy Claus)! After mini golf we headed back to Old Key West to get some sleep for our next and final day.

disneychic71 · Jan 6, 2009

What a wonderful report! You have a real gift. Please, please adopt me, so I can join you on one of your wonderful trips!

DTM93 · Jan 6, 2009

Me aswell. :lol:
I love reading this trip report.

HollyBelle · Jan 6, 2009

disneychic71 said:
What a wonderful report! You have a real gift. Please, please adopt me, so I can join you on one of your wonderful trips!

David2008 said:
Me aswell. :lol:
I love reading this trip report.

Thank you both for the kind words! I'm really trying to capture the fun we have when we're there. And all Disney lovers are welcome in this family :sohappy:!

HollyBelle · Jan 6, 2009

Day 5: Magic Kingdom/Animal Kingdom/MVMCP

Thursday morning we woke up with that sense of urgency and sadness that you feel when you know your vacation is nearing the end and you have to pack in as much fun as possible on your last full day. We arrived at the Wilderness Lodge around 7:45 am for our breakfast ADRs at the Whispering Canyon Café, which is for all intents and purposes not a place where you’re reminded to keep your voice down. Brett and I have had both breakfast and dinner here before and we wanted his family to experience the festivities and uniqueness that we’ve come to enjoy. Unfortunately, it was a truly quiet morning at the Whispering Canyon. I’m guessing this has to do with the fact that the place wasn’t nearly seated to capacity and it was quite early, but we’ve had breakfast here at about the same time before and were privy to much more hullabaloo. Nonetheless, the food was still good and the service fast.

The Whispering Canyon Café signage:

We spent a few brief moments enjoying the intimate (albeit gargantuan) lobby and taking in the Christmas décor before Brett, Derek and I couldn’t stand it anymore and took off for the boat launch to the MK while Danny and Kathy did a little shopping. Morning extra magic hours were still in play and we just had to get into the park and get the day started.

Wilderness Lodge Tree:

Character totem pole outside the mercantile:

One of the carved pillars in the lobby:

Our wait at the boat launch was minimal and we were soon on our way to the MK. During our boat ride I mourned the loss of my sunglasses, which had snapped in two as I was trying to clean the smudges off. Not that big a deal, but considering they were bought at the Hess outside of Epcot two years ago, left at the Liberty Tree Tavern and spent a night at Central Lost and Found before I rescued them last May, I was sad to finally bid farewell. So being the big baby I am when it comes to bright light, Brett let me borrow his for the remainder of the day… also bought at the Hess, but only a few days earlier on this trip. He left his original Hess station sunglasses at home. Is anyone noticing a pattern here?!

Our ride on its way to pick us up:

When we got to the Magic Kingdom and looked down Main Street, Cinderella Castle was looking fine in all her glory. It was shaping up to be yet another beautiful day at the happiest place on earth.

Our plan of attack was to hit up as many rides as possible before those who slept in showed up to ruin our next to nothing wait times. So off to Fantasyland… where we rode The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Snow White’s Scary Adventure. Not surprisingly, Peter Pan had a wait, so we skipped the flight and headed around to the Haunted Mansion.

Fantasyland architecture, which bears a close resemblance to that found in World Showcase's Germany:

The old skyway building:

The Haunted Mansion:

And Madame Leota’s tombstone:

HollyBelle · Jan 6, 2009

After the Haunted Mansion we went back in time to Frontierland and caught a ride on BTMRR. Derek had to bypass the ride but got some great pictures while he waited. Following the ride, we met up with Kathy and Danny and all went to Splash Mountain… best ride ever!

When we left the briar patch I made my way to Aloha Isle to indulge in a pineapple vanilla swirl, while everyone else strolled through the recently refurbished Swiss Family Robinson Tree House. Okay, so I think there’s something wrong when the line for dole whips far exceeds the sum of all ride lines we had waited in that morning. Not that I mind waiting for thy precious dole whip, it’s just that I think they should maybe anticipate this and open all registers. That being said, my dole whip was well worth the wait.

With dole whip in hand we made our way over to Toontown and rode the Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm.

Donald’s Miss Daisy:

Then, just as we always do, Brett and I checked out the teardrop on the off chance that there would be some random characters back there…. and there were! Jane and Max were both out. We missed Max who was heading in, but Jane was great! She must have been participating in some kind of training exercise because two upper echelon CM’s were taking photos and videoing her with each family. She talked with Brett for awhile and then asked him if all that hair on his face helped him blend in better with the apes. When he said yes, she replied with “All right then, let’s hang our arms and hunch down low… and don’t forget to make that gorilla face.” Little did she know, he’d practiced that face earlier in the trip!

Gorilla Brett, with Jane (does anyone else think her hair is too blonde? She’s supposed to be a brunette):

We all headed to Tomorrowland via the walkway from Toontown. Once there we got fastpasses for Space Mountain and watched the Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor, where Kathy was put on the screen with the caption that she didn’t know she was sitting between two monsters, aka Danny and Brett. I thoroughly enjoyed the show this time; my favorite monster was the doubleheaded Sam and Ella; Brett's partial to Buddy Boil. Following MILF, Derek rode Buzz Lightyear while the rest of us cashed in our fastpasses on SM.

Monsters of Comedy:

Space Mountain:

After Space Mountain we parted ways. Danny and Kathy went to Saratoga Springs for lunch, while Brett, Derek and I headed over to the Plaza for our ADRs. We waited about 25 minutes to be seated (not bad considering it was our longest wait for an ADR the whole trip). I love the Plaza… like Beaches and Cream I think it is a perfect lunch spot and it never disappoints.

When we finished lunch, Brett and I took off for the Animal Kingdom, more specifically Camp Minnie Mickey, to meet some characters since we missed out on the area the first day. And Derek chose to spend a little solo time in the MK.