Hello Again!!!!

Finally uploaded my photos and 1 video I have to share.

While I was uploading my pics, I realized that I really didn't take too many this time.

My report is gonna be a (not so) brief description of what I did each day, with several pics scattered between.

I also realized that I have an addiction to taking pictures of Cinderella's Castle... I must have taken a few hundred shots - I may need a 12 step program... Anyway - Off we go!!!

Day 1 - Thurdsay 12/10/09 - Travel Day

My flight was delayed for over an hour, not too bad, but come one - I have plans!!!!

Once on the plane, my flight down was as smooth as smooth can be. Jet Blue - can't say enough about them!!! I chose an aisle seat, and as the plane was loading up I was wondering who I was gonna get stuck sitting next to... This very nice gentleman shows up and has the seat next to me. We are sitting for a few minutes and he started a conversation about how he only booked his flight 2 days before and he got the last seat on the plane. While we were chatting, the flight crew closed the doors to the plane, and started the safety presentation. The seat next to the window was empty!! So he scooted over and we had plenty of room during our flight - what a nice surprise. I watched Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince on my iPod - and the flight seemed to take no time at all...

When I arrived in Orlando, my FIL (father in law) picked me up at the airport. I had hoped to dash into the Magic Kingdom or DHS for fireworks or lights, but I got in too late for either - so I decided that I would get my first dose of Pixie Dust at DTD. On the way, we stopped at Waffle House for a bite to eat (surprise surprise...) The weather was great - not too cool. I did some shopping and after an hour or so - we headed to the house. I wanted to get an early start to my day!!




Day 2: Friday 12/11/09 - MK and meet up with friends!!

My friend Cori and her Mom were coming from Tampa to spend a few days at Disney. My FIL had some things to do that day, so I was glad that they were coming in - had friends to hang with. I met them at their resort (Port Orleans Riverside).. As always, I was early - so I decided to grab an early lunch. I have to say that I don't think I have ever tasted a more disgusting burger ever, in all my trips to WDW... It was AWFUL!!!! After a few bites, I pushed it to the side and enjoyed my fries and iced tea... Just after I finished my lunch - I went to sit in the check in area to wait for Cori. They showed up about 10 minutes of sitting there - not too bad...

Once they got checked in, they went to their room and dropped their stuff - and off we went to the Magic Kingdom. We rode some rides - and then Cori and her Mom realized that they wanted some lunch. We headed to Columbia Harbor House in Liberty Square. They had their lunch and I had a hot chocolate. On the way out of the building, Cori's mom twisted her knee - so she was not really in the mood, or the shape to do much walking. We s-l-o-w-l-y walked to Fantasyland and went to see PhilharMagic. LOVE that show!!! After the show - her mom decided that she didn't want to walk around much to save her knee for the next day - we had plans from early AM until 1 AM on Saturday... She headed over to the hub to find a good seat for the Castle lighting ceremony - where we would meet up with her.

Cori and I decided that would be the best time to go check out Space Mountain and the refurb there... So we did... yeah, not so impressed.... We were in the fastpass side of the queue - the line was fairly long on the regular line side. We kept walking up towards the loading area when we came to the new additions to the queue... The games they added were holding up the line!!! There was a LARGE gap in front of the people who were playing the games, in fact almost all the way to the control tower - and the line was building up behind them... In my semi-obnoxious way, I loudly pondered how the new games were blocking up the line for the people down the way - and the people who were playing the games snapped their heads around and realized what they were doing, and moved on... I see this becoming a big issue...

The new loading area was just OK. Other than some paint, some shiny new gates, new trains, and the fact that you can no longer see or hear the tracks from the loading area - I can't see what 6 months worth of refurb was for.... They added an on ride photo, and updated the upside down astronauts on the uphill - whoopie!!! I did notice that the ride was quite a bit darker - but I do have to say that it was a pretty big disappointment...

After that we headed back to find Cori's Mom at the hub. The temperature was starting to drop, so Cori and I went to get her some hot coffee and look for some gear in the shops. I found the cutest hat and gloves!! And I also took full advantage of Cori's 50% holiday discount and bought another fluffy sweatshirt in a lovely green color...

Not the best picture of me:


We sat and watched the Castle lighting ceremony and then proceeded to the Polynesian for some dinner - where my FIL was gonna meet up with us. The MK closed at 7pm that night because of a MVMCP - so we were planning on touring the monorail resorts to check out the decor and then wind up at the Poly to watch Holiday Wishes - but Cori's Mom was not feeling too great - so we just found a spot in the lounge and not too long after my FIL showed up - they decided they were gonna head back to their resort. We didn't stick around for the fireworks - and I thought it best to go home and get a good nights sleep - as I was planning on picking Cori up at 7:30am the next day.

Some Castle shots from that night:









After the Dream Lights:

Day 3 – 12/12/09 – More time with friends!!

Early start this day!!! Headed back to PO Riverside to pick up Cori and her Mom, and to drop off my bag of stuff (I was crashing in their room that night – so we could make the most of the 1am close at MK). Cori’s Mom was still having issues with her knee, so she decided to hang back at the room and see if a warm bath and some rest would do it any good.

Cori and I were dropped of at the Polynesian – where we met up with Ranch and his Mom. We headed into the MK. On our way up Main Street, I went into the shop that sells collectibles – I wanted to see if they still carried the Partners statue and how much it might be. To my delight – they had it – and it was $135.00. Cori offered me her CM holiday 50% discount, and my FIL spotted me the $79 I was going to get from Disney in the form of a gift card 2 days later from the Free Day at Disney Birthday offer (he was going to treat us to dinner as a birthday gift anyway – so he figured he would use the GC for that and handed me the cash). Needless to say – it was a no brainer. I pretty much got it for free. Partners was going home with me. So we made the purchase and had them send it to the gate to be picked up later that night, as to not have to carry around a heavy bronze statue all day…



After my shopping spree – we headed into the Kingdom for some fun!! Here is Joey and his Mom



We tackled a few rides – and then Cori’s Mom called and was just outside the gates and was on her way in. We met her in the hub and continued on a few more rides. It was slow going, but she was a trooper!!

We then all hopped on the ferry and then a bus and headed over to the Studios.

This was their tree


Toy Story Mania – this ride ROCKS!!!! I beat everyone’s scores this time – photographic evidence is always necessary when competing against Ranch…
WOOT!!!

As it started to get dark – we headed over to the Streets of America to see the Osbourne Spectacular. It is just breathtaking!!! I will post some pictures down a little further…
The hour was getting late – and it was nearly time for our dinner seating in Mexico at EPCOT. We rushed out of the Studios and hopped a boat over to EPCOT. As our boat was docking, I received a call from Rocky and LouLou that they arrived at Mexico and they checked in for our seating. We all skedaddled from the Gateway to Mexico – had 3 seconds to say hello, when our buzzer buzzed for our table – talk about timing!!!

We sat and enjoyed a delicious dinner while soaking up the atmosphere. Ranch enjoyed the candle shade – made a good hat…


After dinner, the plan was to head back to MK and hit some more rides. I was ready to go, but could see that everyone else was getting tired. I am not sure what comes over me when I get to WDW – I am energized by that place. I wish they could bottle whatever it is and sell it – I would be HOOKED!!!

Anyway, Rocky and LouLou both had to work early the next day and headed home. Cori’s Mom was ready to go back to the room, and Cori went back with her, instead of having her travel back alone. Joey, his Mom, and I headed back to the gates of the MK. I had to go pick up my Partners statue, and Joey’s Mom made a purchase as well that needed to be picked up. They were also tired, and had a 2 ½ hour ride home ahead of them. I thought it best that we just walk onto Main Street so his Mom could see the castle all lit up, as she had never seen the dream lights… Here is Main Street all lit up.




We headed over to package pick up, grabbed our goodies, and made our way out of the park. Joey and his Mom headed to the resort monorail to head back to their car at the Polynesian, and I worked my way over to the busses so I could head back to the resort to crash with Cori and her Mom. I got back to the room rather quickly and Cori and I sat beside the pool and chatted the night away…

Day 4 – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Not such an early start to this day. We slept in a bit, but had to be up and checked out by 11am. So we got everything packed up, checked out and headed to the food court to grab some breakfast. French toast – yummmm!!

Cori and her Mom had to drive back to Tampa (I think Cori had to work later that afternoon). I had plans to meet up with my FIL at the MK for the Christmas party. He had some errands he had to run that day, so he was gonna meet up with me around 5:30pm at the lounge in the Polynesian (see a trend?? This is where we like to park ;) ). I stupidly forgot to bring my phone charger with me to the hotel the day before – so I was without a phone.

I had my bag of clothes and statue with me from the day before, so my plan was to go straight to the MK and rent a locker to put everything in – so I didn’t have to haul it around with me all day. That went off without a hitch. I stuffed the locker full and then left the MK to head over to EPCOT. Off to the monorail!!!

I headed over to World Showcase and strolled along, taking in the sights. Stupidly, I left my camera in my locker – so I don’t have any pictures to share from this part of the day. I really enjoyed walking around the countries by myself. The time drew near for me to head back to the Poly to meet up with Pop, so I headed out and back to the monorail.

We met up and worked our way to the MK. My first stop was at the locker to grab my camera. We then went to Cosmic Rays to have a bite to eat, as all the table service places were booked… We enjoyed our meals, all the while watching Chip, Dale, Goofy, Pluto, and Minnie interacting with the crowds at one of the dance party locations. I love to people watch – it is truly some of the best entertainment there is!!!

After our meal, we took in some attractions and then headed over to the hub to grab a spot for the castle lighting. I don’t think I would ever get tired of seeing that castle light up like that – it is nothing short of breathtaking!! We had some time to kill between the lighting and when Holiday Wishes would begin – so we headed over to Adventureland to ride Pirates... Well, we got there and the line was roped off – apparently the ride had a breakdown, and we were told to come back a bit later. I suggested that we hang near the entrance to wait – we did and within 2 minutes the line was opened and we were the only ones on line. We walked right up to the boat and got in. We basically had the entire ride to ourselves.

The time for Wishes was coming up quick, so we walked back to the hub area. I like to stand right at the start of the hub – I think it is the best spot to watch the fireworks from. My spot is right in the center of the street where the trolley tracks meet. Pop didn’t want to stand all that while, so he sat on a bench nearby. While he was sitting, he started chatting with a lady next to him. It turns out that she had been a winner of one of the sweepstakes that Disney had online back during the YOAMD promotion. She told him all about how she won a trip for 6, all expenses paid to WDW – with a nights stay in the Castle Suite. The prize package she described was unreal!!! From now on, when I see an online sweepstakes – I’m entering!!!

Here are some pictures from the fireworks:





Oh Christmas Tree…
















On our way out, I noticed this little touch of magic that I had never seen before. It was right outside Tony’s Town Square Restaurant





Day 5 – MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

I slept in a bit this day. I decided that we would go to Hollywood Studios for the day. I went straight to the Will Call window to claim my birthday reward. The cm handed me the $79 gift card and my birthday button – off we went!!

I handed Pop the gift card, as he spotted me the cash 2 days prior. He said that he wanted to use it to treat me to dinner that night, so I read the restrictions on the card – and it was not valid for dining… bummer… so, he handed me the card back and said Happy Birthday!! Turns out he knew the card was not good for dining all along, because he received one for his birthday back in August and found that out. We headed over to Guest relations to try to get a seating for dinner later that evening. I HATE their new reservation system – there is absolutely no logic to it whatsoever… We tried to get a seating at the Brown Derby – the system said it was booked and recommended the Biergarten in Germany… WTF – we are in the Studios… Anyway – the CM was not able to help, and he hinted that they were less than thrilled with the new system as well… I thought it best to just try to do a walk up seating when we were ready to eat. An alternate plan was that if we were not able to get a seating anywhere, that we would leave after the Osbourne lights and head to a restaurant off property or at a resort.

Some sights from the Studios:
















We walked over to One Man’s Dream, and enjoyed it alot!!! Other than that attraction, we really didn’t go on much else. We sat and talked and just enjoyed the atmosphere of the park. We headed over to Streets of America to wait for the Osbourne lighting. This place always cracks me up:


















As dinner time came near, I walked over to the Brown Derby to see of there were any walk ups available. There were none. So we headed over to the good old stand by The 50’s Prime Time Diner. The CM told me that they had seating available and that it would be a few minutes. It was literally, a few minutes. We were shocked it was so fast!! So we sat and had dinner and our server was HYSTERICAL!!

Her name was Auntie Claire, and she made us all take a spelling quiz. Then she spotted my birthday button. She asked me where I was visiting from. When I told her NY, she asked me if I drove or flew down. I told her I flew and she made me stand up and demonstrate my flying technique to the rest of the “cousins” in the restaurant… so I did – what a blast… I explained that one must cup their hands to achieve lift… she was so impressed that she brought out a birthday card and had everyone in our section sign it for me… LOL I love that restaurant!!!

Day 6 – M-I-C, see ya real soon K-E-Y, why? Because I love it here!!!!

This was my travel day home…

I had a few hours before my fight home, so I had to make one last visit to my happy place – The Magic Kingdom. Guess where we parked?


We found my friend Scoop on Main Street. He was not himself – apparently his contract was up for renewal with Disney, as were the contracts of all the street entertainment ( Streetmosphere for both MK and Hollywood Studios) There was some talk that Disney may not be renewing contracts, and he seemed pretty down in the dumps about it. I cannot imagine Main Street without Scoop, Mayor Weaver, Dewey Cheatum, Smoky, and all the others. I believe tomorrow 1/10/10, as Scoop put it, is the day of reckoning… Please keep them all in your prayers that Disney doesn’t do something stupid and lose these fine performers!!!

Anyway – enough rambling. I said my goodbyes to Scoop (hopefully not for the last time) and headed to Fantasyland to see PhilharMagic. Then it was over to Tomorrowland where we rode the TTA or as I still call it, the People Mover.

While in Tomorrowland, we saw the coolest thing. A custodial cm had his broom tied up at the end, so it looked like a big paint brush – and apparently he had some water in his bucket and he was drawing on the ground – I captured some of it on video – I had never seen him before!!! Here was what he drew…





[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQuQnjFAN2I[/YOUTUBE]

After that – it was time to go. I stopped to say goodbye to Walt and Mickey, and told them that I would see them soon. I always keep my word ;)



It was a great trip – can’t wait for March!!!!

That castle out there looks great at night! Amazing even. I have to admit that addition to the SM queue sounds like a really dumb idea. Definitely sounds like a major problem in general just waiting to happen with people constantly holding up the lines. Looking forward to the rest!

Woohoo for Waffle House! :woowoo:

Bummer that not much was done in Space Mountain. Even more bummer that people were holding up the line playing the game! I'd probably cut them, LOL!

You're not alone in your castle picture-taking obsession, you know :unsure:

Seems great so far, I can't wait for the rest!

Love it love it! Can't wait to hear more, and love the castle lights. I can only dream of seeing it for myself one day!

How were the crowds?

yay disneyworld.
the castle looks magnificent.

:clap:
:howze:

Somebody's been slacking on their trip report... :rolleyes: :hide: :whip:

OK OK - I can take a hint gosh!!!

Now that the holiday madness is done and over with - I promise to finish up my report... Check back tomorrow ;)

:P Sorry Friend! I know the holidays are stressful! I just love trip reports!

Day 3 added...

Day 4 & 5 will be up later tonight or tomorrow at the latest :)

Awesome, thanks for the update Friend.
I would love to see the dream lights!!! And the Osbourne lights!!!

Love the partners statue. Sounds like a great time!!!

Sounds like you had lots of fun! I love the pic of Ranch with his candle shade hat :P

I know what you mean about being energized by WDW. I always tire out my family because i'm just an endless spring of excitement whenever I'm there!

Can't wait for the next posts!

We are headed to FL in a couple of months. All plans not made yet but we will be taking in a cruise (not Disney themed) and then hitting the parks. Have yet to see Animal Kingdom.

Love your new birthday pics Jo. Such pretty castle pics. Disney is so magically delicious at Xmas time!

:rolleyes: Days 4, 5, & 6 added. Report done!!!

Enjoy :clap:

What a wonderful birthday you had! I hope Scoop and all them are kept by Disney. Streetmosphere is one of the most magical parts of the parks because it ties everything together!

Those water painters are so cool! Is that Genie I see upside down in that pic? Sweet!

Thanks for this wonderful trip report Friend!

Yup - that's Genie!!! Knew you would like that!!

Great report, Friend! Always love reading them.

I hadn't seen the new dining system in person when I was there, (they must have stopped it as it got closer to the insane holiday season) so we just kinda waltzed right in to places like Pecos Bills and Harbour House to reserve our seats.

Drew - the dining system I am referring to is the computer system that is used to book priority seating ressies. They changed it a while back when Disney started offering the dining package free with resort packages. Since they instituted the change - it has been near impossible to get a seating. It is also the same system that folks can use to book dining online at WDW.com.

I also did not notice any changes to the way they were seating people at the counter service locations. It was certainly crowded enough, I was surprised to not see it in action.

For those that read the last day of my report - I have an update. Scoop and the rest of the Main Street Acting Company have been resigned for another year!!! So relieved - cannot imagine Main Street without it's citizens!!!!

:woot:

Yay! I'm so glad! I've never been able to talk to any of them, but I see them out and about. Hopefully I'll get a chance to see them next trip!

Oh Doug - you should!!! They are awesome!!

If you ever stop and chat with Scoop - tell him Dumbogal sent ya!! LOL :dumbo:

I am happy they'll be back! they really do bring a lot to the experience.

Looks like another perfect get away! I would love to see the Osborn lights some day....

Next time....................TAKE ME!!!!!!

Will the DHS/MGM, streetmosphere be experiencing any cut backs either? I never really saw much of the MK Streetmosphere while i was there but the MGM branch seemed to be everywhere and they really made my day.

I just wanted to say great trip report, i've been studying for finals (ugh!) and i needed something uplifting before i get back to work and your trip report did so much more then that, so thanks!

:howze: < :dumbo:

I have a lot of this report to catch up on! Somehow I missed the last two days! American Idol...now they've got Ellen with even more presence in the parks with her on board eh?

I would've been ready to go on more rides at MK after that dinner if I was there, Friend! I agree with you and Doug about being energized!