Nibblesandbits Amazingly Wonderful Trip Report (Number 6) Dec. 10 - 14

(I'm up to TR #6 already?!)

It seems like this year, I just couldn't get enough Disney. :lol:

I am back from my current trip, which was from December 10-14.

Now, this trip was quite different from any other the others I've really ever taken. First of all, the major difference was that my DH didn't travel with me on this adventure. So, no What's His Face for you this time. :lol: This time, I went on the trip with my mom. So, it was just us gals doing it up Disney-style. My mom hadn't been to the Magic Kingdom in 5 years, hadn't been to Epcot or the Studios in 8 years and hadn't been to AK ever. So it was really exciting to get to bring her along this trip, especially since this was the first trip she'd gone on with me, since I'd become the big Disney nut I have. Also, new this trip was it was my first time staying at a Moderate Resort, up from always Values.

The second thing that was different was I was going down for the annual event known as Mousefest. I am the co-host of a podcast (cheap plug, Be Our Guest Podcast), and all of us co-hosts, save one of us who couldn't make it down, were all going down to enjoy the festivities and celebrate our first ever Mousefest. So, a quick warning, a good portion of this trip report is going to relate back to Mousefest or the podcast because of that.

So, on that note...Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

 

[nibblesandbits]

Wednesday December 10, 2008
The Trek to Disney and the MK

As per usual, the night before you know you're flying down to Disney, is a sleepless one. Even when you attempt to go to sleep early, you simply can't sleep. And my night was no exception. I honestly laid in bed for 2 hours trying my hardest to go to sleep, which, of course, just keeps you awake longer. Finally, around midnight, I drifted...and unfortunately, I had to get up in 4 hours.

4 hours later...I was up and tired. How was I supposed to manage today with only 4 hours of sleep? (I'll give you a hint...I managed to do it using what I can only assume was adreneline. )

My dear and lovely husband willingly got up early to take us to the airport. (I owe him big time!) And we got through check in and security easy as pie. No problems what-so-ever. Got some breakfast from the Burger King in the airport (although I'm not sure I should have ate it, it smelled kind of bad in the restaurant's vacinity). Finally it was time for the flight! Yay!

We arrived in Florida and got checked in for ME easily. The line went by really fast compared to last time. We did have to wait a while to get on the bus though. Finally, we were off to Port Orleans Riverside.

Once we arrived...I could easily see why everyone raves about this resort! OMG! It was so incredibly gorgeous! I loved everything about it. It's so laid back and it feel absolutely wonderful inside. I loved the lobby. I loved everything. I really am in trouble b/c I'm sure I'm going to want to stay there again. This does not bode well for my fiscally responsibly husband.

We ended up in the Alligator Bayou section. A section that at first I didn't want...I wasn't sure I'd like the rustic nature of the rooms. Turns out, I loved our location. I would gladly stay at the Bayou section again. Room setting aside, that area of the resort is simply wonderful!

So, now off we were to the parks! We decided on the MK first...b/c well, it's our favorite and we wanted to make sure we'd spend enough time there, as this trip was going to be a whirlwind and I wasn't entirely sure what I'd be able to fit in. Today was my only for sure day, as there was nothing else planned besides this.

I'd seen the Christmas decor once before, but it was after the Christmas season was over. This was my first time seeing it before the holidays and it truly was a great way to put you in the mood for the season.

We walked on, up through Main Street, taking in everything and made our way to Adventureland, where we decided to ride the Jungle Cruise.

This was honestly one of my best experiences on the JC EVER. We had an amazing CM, who's name, I specifically went back to find out once we got off. His name was Nicholas. He was so into his role, he made the ride funny, unique, singing songs and quoting from other attractions on property and even when the ride ended up getting backed up at the end, he entertained us with trivia.

This was the only pic I took of him...and it's granted, not a very good one, but if you have the opportunity to ride in his boat...take it!

From there, we made our way to Pirates. One of our favorites. We FPed BTMR and stood in line for Splash but determined the line was too long, so we left that one for later.

We then did the HM, which I was so excited to take my mom on. This ride has such sentimental value to me and it was so great to go on it with my mom, especially since they did the refurb. I think she loved it!

After that, our FP for BTMR was ready, so back we went. We also got FPes for Splash. Unfortunately, we never did end up using them that day.

We took ourselves then to see those good old bears. Liverlips, Big Al, Teddi Beara...gotta love them all. And this one has sentimental value for us too, as I was terrifed of it when I was a kid and made my mom leave before the show started. She was MAD. :lol:

 

[nibblesandbits]

From there, we went to Fantasyland. We did IASW--where there was the most fun CM working in the booth! I loved watching him. He kept spreading pixie dust on the boats. Then we did Philharmagic, which was my mom's first time on that. I think she enjoyed it. And of course, we hit up Snow and her Adventures.

After that, we went to my favorite land...TL. We FPed Space and then I took my mom onto the COP. This was, at least in her memory, the first time we went on that. I think she liked it too...I know she was singing the song later in the day. We did Space then. We also hit up the TTA and Buzz--in which I got creamated...I suck at that game. Then I took her to see MILF for the first time, which she enjoyed and Stitch, which she also had no major problems with...which I was surprised about. I thought for sure she wouldn't like it b/c I remembered her enjoying AE a lot.

After that, I wanted to see the castle all iced up...so it was off to the hub. This was my first time seeing the Castle lights...and OH MY GOD! Honestly, words cannot express how beautiful it is. Pictures and videos simply do not do it justice. It is the most beautiful I've ever seen the castle. I did try to take some photos to capture the essence of the castle, but I'm not sure I succeeded.

 

[nibblesandbits]

From there, we watched Wishes...in which I learned something. Don't stand so close to the castle. You don't see a lot of fireworks.

 

[nibblesandbits]

Some more castle pics after Wishes...I had a thing for the castle, in case you couldn't tell...

After the pic taking madness...we went back to the hotel and had dinner at Port Orleans' food court. Oh, it was so good! And then, it was time for bed. Somehow, we'd lasted the whole day, but we really were pooped!!!

 

[nibblesandbits]

Thursday December 11, 2008
MK, Mousefest activities and DHS

Today was the day I was dreading. Yes, it was the beginning of Mousefest, but that was not what I was dreading. No, I was dreading getting up early in the morning today. See, I usually sleep in til around 9 or 10 on my Disney vacations. Unfortunately, that wasn't a posiblitity today. Because today was our podcast's very first meet ever...and of course, we made it be the very first meet of Mousefest. It was the Magic Kingdom Rope Drop Blast Off meet. (I think it was more of my co-host Mike punishing me b/c I don't get up early! :lol: ) And of course, today wasn't just rope drop, but Extra Magic Hour Rope Drop, so I had to get up even EARLIER!!!!

So, I got up at the very early time of 6:30, got dressed and headed to the busses. (Do they run that early?! :lol: ) I made it to the rope drop meet in time and it was weird b/c as I was walking down the ramp from the busses, I got a little nervous. I mean, here I was, going down to meet strangers, who were wanting to meet me! That's got to be one of the strangest sensations in the entire world. Then the fear kicked in of, what if no one showed up!

Luckily, as I got down the ramp, my fears were quelled. There was a modest size group standing there of about 13 people. Not bad for the first meet for a brand new podcast.

So, I got to see the revised version of the welcome show (they don't do the full one on EMHM) and our group headed straight to Space as that's my co-host Mike's favorite attraction.

In case any of you want to see, here's the whole group who met us for our meet:

After that, we all rode Buzz, in which I got an abysmal score of 2, 800. I really do stink at this game. They were giving me pity points, I don't think I hit anything.

We were going to go to POTC, but forgot it wasn't open during EMHM, so we went to FL and rode Peter Pan and then did the HM. From there, Adventureland was finally open, so we rode POTC and then did the JC, which was the meet we had for me. Unfortunately, we had one of the worst skippers. I don't think he got the memo that the ride was supposed to be funny now, b/c he went through the entire ride, completely deadpan. It was a totally different experience than the one I'd had the previous day. It was actually painfully bad. I wanted to get up and tell the jokes! :lol:

After that, our group seperated and I met up with my mom and we rode Splash. And then the downpour started. So, we decided to head over to the Contemporary for Mousefest 101.

On the way out:

We had a little time to kill, so we shopped around the Contemporary for a while. Then we headed down to the ballrooms.

Part of the crowd waiting to get in:

Mousefest 101 was an interesting experience. The room was completely 100% full. We had to sit on the floor in the front. And basically what it was was a speech from Mark Goldhaber of MousePlanet and Mike Scopa of AllEars.net and WDW Today talking about tips for navigating Mousefest, the history, some dos and don'ts and various other aspects. It really is a great tool for people who have never been to Mousefest. Unfortunately, I had been hearing about Mousefest for 3 years, waiting and wanting to go, so in those 3 years, I'd already gained a lot of the information from other sources that were stated in the speech. It was still a nice speech.

Mike Scopa giving his portion of the speech:

After that, there was a reception where they offered up candy bars and Full Throttle energy drinks. An ironic choice considering they'd just told us during the speech to take it easy and not over-exert ourslves. :lol:

 

[nibblesandbits]

From there, Mike and his daughter Paige and my mom and I went over to the GF to see the Gingerbread house in person.

Ironically, it was smaller than I thought it would be, but I mean, it's still really, really cool. It's an amazing structure.

After that, my mom and I left for DHS.

We headed for Star Tours first and then decided we were hungry, so we had lunch at Pizza Planet, where we had the best CM who took our order named Megan. She was super sweet.

After that, we went to explore the GMR.

From there, we did TSMM where the wait, at 4:00 in the afternoon, was, I kid you not, 20 min. And I have proof:

The unfortunate thing was by the time the sign reflected the 20 min wait, the line had grown exponentially and was back to its usual 70 min.

After that, mom and I took in VOLM and I went to ride RNRC myself. She won't ride with. We headed to Muppets after that.

 

[nibblesandbits]

Then we made our way to the Streets of America to see the Osbourne Lights, which I love. They are so gaudy, but so beautiful all in one. It really is amazing to see them dance too.

After our walk around the "town", we headed to 50s Prime Time, where we tried to see if they had a chance ADR. Unfortunately, they didn't. However, the bar was available. So we sat down there and had dinner.

I have to tell you, Mario there at the bar, he's amazing. We had such fun with him. It was great getting to joke with him and talk with him. We even had a running joke with him. Since there are the viewfinders that they have to show desserts...well, my mom made the joke that Mario had left inappropriate pics accidentally in there. He was such fun...so if you get the chance to sit at the bar, I hope you get Mario to take care of you!

After dinner, we left since the park was closed.

When we got back to the hotel, we were met with this sight:

We then went to bed...we were pooped.

 

[nibblesandbits]

Friday, December 12, 2008
AK, DHS, and a Fireworks Cruise

We got up that morning, after sleeping in a little and headed over to AK for a portion of the day. Today was a relatively cool day for Florida...

First thing we went to was KS, in which we didn't see a whole lot of animals. But as soon as we got off, we then had to go to our podcast's second meet.

This one was at Flame Tree BBQ and we were recording a podcast episode. I got to meet one of my other co-hosts, Pam, whom, of course I talk to weekly, but had never met in person. I also got to meet her husband and daughter. It was so great getting to meet up with her and her family.

There were quite a few people who had already gathered by the time that I arrived and quite a few more showed up after we started recording.

The really neat part about it was that it was such a laid back atmosphere. We had people who were being interviewed by Mike and then others were just chatting with other listeners of the show. Some were eating their lunch. It was a really nice time and we got a great episode from it which we aired last Monday.

Recording our episode (we have such fancy equipment for this live stuff :lol:

A few of the people who came to the meet, plus us 3 hosts:

After our episode, we all went our seperate ways again and my mom and I took Mike's daughter (Paige) and we hung out at AK for a while more.

My mom and I got lunch at Flame Tree then b/c we were starving. It was so good. But then it was off to ITTBAB and my mom and Paige rode Dinosaur, while I made a run for the chicken exit. (I am terrifed of dinos...I know...an odd thing to be scared of...trust me...I got teased mercilessly by the kids the rest of the time.)

I then took my mom on Everest with a FP that Paige had gotten us earlier in the day. So, I knew this would be a ride that my mom would either love or hate. She might have liked it...had I warned her about the backwards portion. I kinda forgot to mention it to her, until we were already on the ride. Needless to say, she did not enjoy the ride.

Once we got off that, I had to book it. I had to be over at the Studios for an event called Podfest, which was put on by Lou Mongello. Luckily there was a bus right there, otherwise I'm not sure I would have made it.

I met up with Mike and Pam and got to experience a little bit of the BPB.

Once it was over, we went straight over to the Backlot Express, where Podfest was being held.

 

[nibblesandbits]

At first, we all were a little unsure of what would happen at Podfest. But then Lou gave a speech and off we all went running. It was really just a way for people to meet podcasters that they may be fans of or to learn about podcasts they may have never heard of. It was kind of a free for all, with people milling around talking to each other. Some podcasts, like ourselves, also took the opportunity to interview participants of the event...so I was in charge of the interviews and got some good ones. I interviewed listeners, non-listeners, book authors, well known podcasters in the Disney community, a few more unknown podcasters in the community...just about anyone I could stick a microphone in front of their face. :lol: (And for those of you who want to listen to the interviews, that episode came out today.) I had a great time though, meeting listeners and getting to interview the people I listen to, Lou Mongello, Matt Hochberg, and Len Testa.

Pics from the event:

This guy had the coolest ear muffs!

Me with Matt Hochberg:

Me with Len Testa (he made some joke about me goosing him, which is why I'm laughing):

After that, we left the studios b/c it was time for us to go to the WL to meet for our Wishes Fireworks Cruise.

The WL is gorgeous at Christmas. Simply beautiful.

We had dinner at Roaring Forks (in which I had the most awesome dessert...the Magic Cookie Bar...*drools just thinking about it*) and then we met up with the rest of our group.

This was my first time going out on a fireworks cruise and of course it was the coldest day our whole trip. Luckily the people putting on the event had handwarmers for us and there were blankets provided on the boats. Otherwise I would have froze my patooty off!

It was so great though getting out on the water and seeing the parks in a new and different setting. I got to see the Electrical Water Pagent too for the first time and it was so unique to get to see it from a boat then on land.

The other really cool part about our cruise was that it was a MVMCP night, so we got to see Holiday Wishes. So, now I've seen every single verson of Wishes...but I didn't really like Holiday Wishes as much as the other two. Maybe it would have been better if I'd seen it actually in the park, but it didn't seem to resonate with me as much. The 360 fireworks were really cool though.

I attempted to take pics, but not one turned out...it was too rocky on the boat. It was a really neat view though. The fireworks looked huge!!!

 

[nibblesandbits]

After Wishes, we headed back to the WL and our group of Mike and Paige and Pam and her family, plus my mom and I went back to the Iron Spike Room and just relaxed and talked for a long time. OMG! The chairs there were so incredibly comfortable! It was so nice to finally see the room that I'd heard so much about. It was also nice getting the chance to bond with my fellow podcasters.

The fireplace:

Model of the train at the park:

The train from Walt's backyard:

After sitting in the room and chatting for a while, we all were tired, so we went back to the hotel to get ready for the next day.

 

[nibblesandbits]

Saturday December 13, 2008
Epcot and the Mega Mouse Meet

Today, mom and I got up and headed over to Epcot. We waited for a bus FOREVER. It never seems to fail when you're in a hurry, the busses take longer. This was our worst experience for it though the whole trip, which I consider pretty amazing.

I headed for Soarin to get a FP for my mom and I. Then we said bye for a while. She was going to tour Epcot and I was headed over to the convention center at the Yacht & Beach Club for the Mega Mouse Meet.

It was an interesting experience, to say the least. It really is like a giant convention, with booths set up with different authors, podcasters, travel agents, webmasters, stroller rental/wheelchair rental places, etc, etc, etc. Pretty much anything that could be related to Disney was there.

I walked around for a while, just soaking in the atmosphere and meeting other listeners to our show. It was really neat.

However, one of the best things that happened was I was standing there talking with someone and there were doing a raffle...all the sudden, I heard them call the number 157...I was like...wait...that's me!!! (Matter of fact, I screamed that...and everyone in the ballroom was staring at me...:lol: ) So, I won a XM Radio all thanks to Fred Block and Magic Meets, which I thought was pretty cool.

After that, the podcast crew and our families all headed back to Epcot for lunch at Sunshine Seasons. I love that place...so good. My mom didn't really care for it though, which was unfortunate.

From there, we went to experience Nemo and then did Turtle Talk all together. My mom liked that Turtle Talk a lot. Then mom and my FP was up for Soarin, so we said bye for a while, while we rode Soarin. Then we took in SSE, which my mom also really enjoyed. She liked the new changes a lot.

Once we got off, we started shopping, since Disney had just released those amazing shopping deals that day. We bought a bunch of ornaments...all at a much cheaper price.

We then met up with the crew again at the Japan pavillion. After that, we caught the Candlelight Processional. We saw it from the area outside the seating area...standing the whole time. We saw Monique Coleman, from HSM fame. It was a neat experience...and I'm sure it would be amazing to see it sitting in the theater.

From there, we had dinner at the Mexican pavillon in the CS restaurant. My mom and I took in the Gran Fiesta Tour. We stopped in Norway to get a pretzel and I got the chocolate mousse cake (something I would live to regret later...possibly)

After that, we went to Lou Mongello's Illuminations meet in front of the Torii gates. I'd never seen Illuminations from here and while it was a cool view...it was also where all the smoke and shells went. :lookaroun I did love the Holiday Tag at the end though.

I then walked back so I could take pictures of the Tree and the Lights of Winter.

Then I left with Pam and her family to go back to the resort.

 

[nibblesandbits]

Sunday December 14, 2008
MK...and Home

I woke up this morning...not quite feeling right. My stomach was kind of queasy...but I knew I had a meet I had to get to. It was our final meet with our listeners and I knew there were people who were counting on me being there, as I hadn't met them yet...so, off I went to the MK. And of course, it was for a rope drop meet again...so, I was tired on top of everything.

We met up under the monorail again and I was slowly, starting to feel a little less queasy. Good. I got to see the real rope drop for the first time too, which was great.

Our group went off to Space, but unfortunately, it was down. So we went to Peter Pan instead. As we got off...the Dream Squad gave the first two in our group Dream Fastpasses, Mike and Paige got them and then when Pam and her husband got off, they said, Have a Magical Day and walked off. I was unfortunately behind them. :fork: I was so close!!!

After my near miss with the Dream Fastpass, we went and rode the HM and took a group photo outside.

I was starting to feel icky again, so I decided it was time for me to leave. Plus, we had to check out of the hotel anyway soon.

Now, warning, this next part is not for the queasy...so if you don't want to read it...skip to the next post.

So, I made it back and my and I checked out. She picked up her packages from the store there and I started feeling really crummy. Then I started feeling a tad better...so we decided to take the boat to DTD. I managed to do ok...and we went shopping.

Then...it all went downhill...I started getting that sick feeling again...so we headed back to the hotel. As soon as I got off the boat...I almost threw up. But, I held back and my mom and I went and got some soup and crackers for me at the food court. I could barely eat it.

It was time to get to the bus for the ME to pick us up. Unfortunately, I got the sick feeling again...thank god for a plastic bag my mom had given me.

Then, we got on the bus...and the guy stops at not 1, not 2, not 3, but 5 resorts total, before taking us to the airport. And it was FREEZING on the bus. I was bundled in my mom's coat, a scarf and a head wrap and I was still shivering. Finally, the bus got there and he said, we all needed to wait 5 min before we got off...I couldn't wait that long...nor did I make it to the bathroom. Thank god there are trash cans outside the airport.

My mom got me a wheelchair and I got first class treatment through the airport. I got checked in with the skycap immediately and the the wheelchair entrance for security. I looked a lot worse for wear though. Once we got to the gate, my mom got me some Pepto chewables, which I gladly took. I didn't want to :hurl: anymore.

The plane ride, luckily was uneventful. I managed to sleep on the plane and was feeling a bit better.

I was so glad to be home though. I got sick a few more times that night...I thought it was food poisoning from the cake at Norway, but now, after hearing all the reports...I think I got whatever disease is going around. It was definitely not fun, but I was luckily over it in 24 hours almost exactly.

 

[Uponastar]

Wonderful so far, Nibblies!
Love the castle pics!

 

[nibblesandbits]

Final Thoughts:

This really was a great trip. I had a blast getting to hang out with my mom. It was such great bonding time for us and it was a way for us to forget all our worries. I really enjoyed getting to show her around, especially since for so many years, it was because of her insistance that we went on vacation there.

I also really enjoyed getting to bond with my co-hosts and their families. I really do feel as if we formed an unshakable bond, one that will only help us with the podcast to be better in the future. We formed a sort of extended family. It was great.

Hopefully next year, I'll get to go to Mousefest again. For those of you who maybe are on the fence about going...do it. It really is a blast. It was an experience that has to be lived though. Because while it can be described, it's so much better to actually hear about it and know what the people are actually talking about.

I did miss my hubby though. It was the first time since we'd met that I'd taken a trip to Florida without him. I missed getting to experience things with him that we usually do, but we'll be back again in Feb. together, which isn't too bad.

I hope you enjoyed my report...if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer! (I'll also accept the occasional nice trip comment...:lookaroun :lol: )

 

[Nicole220]

Hell? :lookaroun Aren't you at Disney? :lookaroun

Great report, Nibblies! The castle pics are beautiful!

 

[PotteryGal]

Hell? :lookaroun Aren't you at Disney? :lookaroun

Great report, Nibblies! The castle pics are beautiful!

:ROFLOL::ROFLOL:That's what I thought it said at first too!! :lol:

Awesome trip report Nibbs! Love the pics of you and Mike and the gang. Mousefest sounds like such a blast.

 

[Nemo14]

Sounds like you and your mom had a great time Nibbs. Thanks for sharing!

 

[HollyBelle]

Great report and photos, I especially love the Lights of Winter pictures! I had heard about Mousefest before, but didn't really know what it was, so thanks for sharing. Looks like you all had a blast!

 

[George]

Nice report. I like how you several times commented on the fact that you "thought" your mom liked something. That's exactly how I feel when I'm with my dad. I'm kind of guessing.