Trip Report **COMPLETED** The Story of Two Nuts Who Decided to Go to Disney for NYE

Who?
The two nuts - my Mom (Mary) and myself (Megan)

Where?
The Contemporary - strategically picked to help us survive the New Years crowds

When?
December 28, 2018 - January 2, 2019

Why?
For New Years! We had been to Disney once before for New Years which is the reason for the title On our first time there for New Years we had no clue it would be crowded but this time we willingly went for New Years well knowing the crowds would be awful! We are NUTS!

What to expect?
Slow moving days, a lot of pictures of crowds, a LOT of phone pictures (I did not film this trip so I got lazy and most days did not even carry my good camera - helped me manage the crowds), and a pretty big purchase

Day 1 - December 28, 2018
I had to work but was able to start my day a bit earlier so that I could make it to my flight on time My parents drove me to work and picked me up so we could head right to the airport. I was stressed (especially after last trip) that the weather would be bad but it was actually 45 degrees at home - unseasonably warm! We had to take our usual date signs at the airport

As usual we made it though check in and security very quickly and we headed to get some food at Anchor Bar.

We shared a quesadilla and boneless wings. Both things were delicious!

After eating we headed to our gate

Next up: more travel randomness

 

[Doc Disney]

I have just read your entire trip report in one sitting. You have a gift for sharing your trips. Your photos of the castle at the beginning of your trip are stunning (they look 3 dimensional)!! Thank you for sharing your trips so we can enjoy and follow along!

Aw thank you thats very sweet of you!!! And welcome to the boards!

 

[krisri18]

AGREED!!!!! Those are all some of my favorites!!

How great would a coaster be based on Yzma's secret lab entrance?!

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 5 continued
Ok ... so we booked Storybook Dining as soon as we heard it was open for reservations. We LOVE Grumpy so we were pretty excited to meet him. The food looked intriguing and it got good reviews so we were cautiously optimistic. I'm disappointed in myself for not bringing my camera to this dinner - my laziness got the best of me.
First observations: 1. the Cast Members were super friendly and excited when we walked up - they played their role as "forest guides" very well 2. They did a great job adding in little touches to make it look like a forest - these lights changed colors during songs depending on which character was involved

(and some cute Christmas decor)

And 3. it was not crowded at all! The tables were super spaced out and it was very quiet in there!
The menu was super cute...

And the apple that was on our napkins doubled as an autograph souvenir

This little tree stand is where they placed the food

We were going to try two different cocktails but my Mom still wasn't feeling that great (my cold had pretty much finished by this point) so I got the Enchanted Apple martini and my Mom tried it
FYI we typically do not share drinks - especially when sick - but a. it was alcohol - hopefully kills the germs and b. I had the same cold already

Next up: more dinner

 

[Doc Disney]

How great would a coaster be based on Yzma's secret lab entrance?!

That would be fantastic! Write to Disney with that idea !!! haha

 

[krisri18]

That would be fantastic! Write to Disney with that idea !!! haha

There needs to be the whole "pull the lever" sequence, otherwise I'm not riding. Lol

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 5 continued

Snow White came around before our appetizers came The characters were very interactive and spent a lot of time with everyone! Again...why oh why did I not bring my camera - blurry phone pictures

So the food comes to you for this dinner (which IMO is fantastic - way better than the stress of getting up to a buffet). The only thing you order is an entree - the appetizers and desserts all come together and everyone gets one essentially.
Appetizers:
Wicked Shrimp Cocktail: Soy, Miso, Avocado, Thai Chili, Greens

So there were 2 of us so there were 2 shrimp. I can't eat shrimp because it gives me hives but my Mom said it was good. I tried some of the sauce base (and to be honest a VERY tiny piece of shrimp) and it tasted good.
Hunters Pie: Chicken black truffle, stone fruit preserve

This was OK - I wanted to like it more than I actually did
And Winter Squash Bisque: with a caramel lollipop and granola
It came in this adorable cauldron

This was by far the best of the 3 - it was delicious!!! The wand sounded weird but it worked perfectly! I was happy with the size of the appetizer portions because it offered a good amount to taste but not too much that it ruined our dinner (although we are not big eaters).
Each character had their own little song that they danced around to which was cute - Grumpy looked super into it

Next up: more dinner

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 5 continued
For entrees I ordered the Brother's Grimm Chichen with Confit Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Apples, and Chestnut Butter

I ordered this based on the reviews I read that said not to order the Prime Rib which is what I would usually order (because its pretty fatty according to the reviews). One review I read said that this was the best chicken they ever had on property and I have to agree! It was so good!!! Everything just worked super well together and the chicken was so tender and crispy!
My Mom ordered A Stroll Through Nature Butternut Squash, Arugula, Gnocchi, Sage, Parmesan

We knew we wanted to order this one based off reviews as well and I am so glad we did. This was also fantastic!!! Super rich and filling.
Then we got to meet some characters

The Evil Queen is a PP picture and she meets in the middle of the restaurant. You can meet her anytime she is out throughout your dinner.
She asked us if we were prepared to meet royalty and I said "can anyone ever be prepared to meet royalty" and she said "good answer."
Also when she came out Dopey was hiding behind walls and people to get away from her

Next up: more dinner...almost done haha

 

[HauntedMansionFLA]

I don't remember it being more expensive but I booked it like 7 months ago so I could be wrong - maybe @Megbutnotmegan knows ?
The parties at the Contemporary looked amazing but the line to get in the parking lot (and out) was super backed up just as an FYI - although I guess NYE traffic is always that bad



Yes - hitting the tail end of it because we are running the Princess 10 K - you ?

Yes, I’ve been already and will be at the 10k. The animation academy is wonderful.

 

[Doc Disney]

Day 5 continued
Here is an example of the ceiling colors that change based on the characters

Onto the dessert:
Fairytale Gooseberry Pie (Meringue, Gooseberry)

"Poison" Apple (White Chocolate-Apple Mousse, Sour Center)

Miner's Treasures (Sponge Cake, Chocolate Gems, and Buttercream Icing)

\

And The Hunters Gift to the Queen (Crackled Maple Popcorn, Ganache Heart) which comes in a super cool way

The desserts were all yummy but all bit too sweet for me - I think I liked the apple and the popcorn the best
Overall our whole experience and meal : fantastic!!! 5/5 stars ! I would definitely recommend it and I feel like it actually was my favorite character meal we have EVER done. It is still pretty brand new so I'm sure things will change and they will probably add in more reservations (since it was pretty quiet) but if you are looking for a non-traditional character meal with unique foods and characters this is it! I can not recommend it enough! Every review I read said essentially the same thing too It was a nice change of pace from the usual pizza, chicken nuggets, chaos, etc

Next up: Magic Kingdom

 

[Doc Disney]

Yes, I’ve been already and will be at the 10k. The animation academy is wonderful.

Oh cool !!! I saw they are doing the Animation Academy I was excited !

 

[Tuvalu]

Looking at your Artist Point ceiling pics gave me an instant flashback to the constant hammer drilling....

 

[krisri18]

Day 5 continued
For entrees I ordered the Brother's Grimm Chichen with Confit Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Apples, and Chestnut Butter
View attachment 342981
I ordered this based on the reviews I read that said not to order the Prime Rib which is what I would usually order (because its pretty fatty according to the reviews). One review I read said that this was the best chicken they ever had on property and I have to agree! It was so good!!! Everything just worked super well together and the chicken was so tender and crispy!
My Mom ordered A Stroll Through Nature Butternut Squash, Arugula, Gnocchi, Sage, Parmesan
View attachment 342982
We knew we wanted to order this one based off reviews as well and I am so glad we did. This was also fantastic!!! Super rich and filling.
Then we got to meet some characters
View attachment 342984
View attachment 342985
View attachment 342986
View attachment 342987
View attachment 342988
View attachment 342989
The Evil Queen is a PP picture and she meets in the middle of the restaurant. You can meet her anytime she is out throughout your dinner.
She asked us if we were prepared to meet royalty and I said "can anyone ever be prepared to meet royalty" and she said "good answer."
Also when she came out Dopey was hiding behind walls and people to get away from her
View attachment 342990
View attachment 342991

Next up: more dinner...almost done haha

Love both your dresses!

 

[ELeigh]

Overall our whole experience and meal : fantastic!!! 5/5 stars ! I would definitely recommend it

Glad to read this I have it booked for my next trip. I have read that the menu will be seasonal I am excited to see what they will have for spring

 

[Swissmiss]

Love your mom’s grumpy face . We’re big Grumpy fans, so I can’t wait until we next get back to WDW in order to do this dinner

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

Glad Artist's Point was so amazing! I'm sure we will try it someday! Your and your mom's pics with the Dwarves are hilarious! Loved your response to the Evil Queen!

 

[Megbutnotmegan]

I don't remember it being more expensive but I booked it like 7 months ago so I could be wrong - maybe @Megbutnotmegan knows ?
The parties at the Contemporary looked amazing but the line to get in the parking lot (and out) was super backed up just as an FYI - although I guess NYE traffic is always that bad



Yes - hitting the tail end of it because we are running the Princess 10 K - you ?

I don’t think it was more expensive either. We had it booked for 11 people so I think if the price was a higher amount that would’ve stopped us from splurging

 

[HauntedMansionFLA]

Oh cool !!! I saw they are doing the Animation Academy I was excited !

Hey, I forgot to ask if you are running the 10K? I’ll be on the lookout for you and your mom.

 

[Doc Disney]

Looking at your Artist Point ceiling pics gave me an instant flashback to the constant hammer drilling....

I was actually thinking about that as I was writing it

Love both your dresses!

Thank you!

 

[Doc Disney]

Glad to read this I have it booked for my next trip. I have read that the menu will be seasonal I am excited to see what they will have for spring

Oh it is seasonal?! Thats awesome! I would like to go back even if it was the same menu but I'm excited to see what else is in store

Love your mom’s grumpy face . We’re big Grumpy fans, so I can’t wait until we next get back to WDW in order to do this dinner

Yes! You have to do it! We are huge grumpy fans

 

[Doc Disney]

Glad Artist's Point was so amazing! I'm sure we will try it someday! Your and your mom's pics with the Dwarves are hilarious! Loved your response to the Evil Queen!

My Mom cracks me up! You should definitely try it it was rather enjoyable

Hey, I forgot to ask if you are running the 10K? I’ll be on the lookout for you and your mom.

We are! We will be in the back of the pack Im sure - having a hard time training in the zero degree/2 ft of snow conditions - can't run more than 3 miles on a treadmill without going insane. We have already done 6.2 in training but in the last 2 weeks nothing over 4