Who/When/Where:
Who: Sue (54), DVC member
SB (55), my husband
Dates: December 14 17, 2012
Travel Method: Personal car
Resort: Disneys Beach Club Villas Resort (studio)
Experience: Very experienced (27th stay at BCV)
INTRODUCTION:
It doesnt feel like the holidays without a trip to WDW (before the massive crowds hit), but due to other trips this year I had to make the holiday trip a short one, so it will only be 3 nights. Normally I wouldnt be interested in going for only 3 nights, but sometimes we have to settle on less or do without and I wasnt prepared to do without a chance to see the Osborne Lights and the Magic Kingdoms castle during the holiday season.
Although this is not a heavy crowd period for the theme parks and most resorts, it IS a time of year that fills up very quickly at the DVC resorts. For that reason, its essential to book the lodging exactly 11 months in advance. The means my choices were Old Key West, Beach Club, Boardwalk, Kidani Village or Jambo House. For 99.999% of my trips Old Key West has the least to offer and would be my absolute last resort. For this trip both Kidani Village and Jambo House also become second tier (although I love them both for certain other trips). That left Boardwalk and Beach Club, and I ended up booking Beach Club only because I had a few more available points there vs Boardwalk. For this trip either resort would be fine. I would have considered Bay Lake Tower, but since I couldnt book there until 7 months in advance I knew the odds of getting a reservation were well less than 100%.
We are not park commandos and have no desire to spend entire days inside the parks, and as dvc members we know well be back often and soon, so there is no need to try to cram a lot into this trip. Well likely not bother with Animal Kingdom at all (well be at Kidani Village in February), and if it wasnt for Osborne Lights probably wouldnt be at Hollywood Studios either. The only must do things are Osborne Lights and seeing the castle lit up at the Magic Kingdom. I dont care about Candlelight Processional and associated lines/crowds, and wont take time to try to tour all of the deluxe resorts to see their dcor (which doesnt change much year to year).
We have 2 meals booked both old favorites, and both lunches. We figure with a big lunch we wont need or want a traditional dinner, and if SB wants something else to eat well either have sandwich stuff in the room or will pick him up something relatively small. He does love the chilidogs at the kiosk on the Boardwalk, so thats always an option. Our restaurant meals will be Chefs de France and Le Cellier. Breakfast will be counter service, most likely at Beach Club Marketplace and Seasons.
The Fantasyland expansion is open now and we might check it out, but if not I know Ill see it with Pete & Judy before our cruise in early March. The weather looks nice for walking around (not too hot, not too cold), but on such a short trip I dont expect to have time for the pool. Monday morning we head back to Gainesville so I can be at work before my first meeting at 10am.
The plans so far are:
Friday 12/14: Work, Drive to WDW, Osborne Lights
Saturday 12/15: Magic Kingdom, Chefs de France, Castle lights
Sunday 12/16: Epcot, Le Cellier, Osborne Lights
Monday 12/17: Drive to Gainesville
DAY 1 Friday 12/14/12
Who: Sue (54), DVC member
SB (55), my husband
Plan: Work, Drive to WDW, Osborne Lights
Actual: Normally wed be on the road at noon but today was the holiday luncheon for people working in my building. I was able to get that to start at 11:30 in order for me to get away a little sooner, and after a nice lunch/party I was out the door at 12:30. SB picked me up and we stopped at the house to pick up the cooler and to microwave the plate of food (from the party) for his lunch.
The drive was easy, and we were at Disney in 2 hours. At Beach Club Villas the security cast member was very friendly and welcoming. SB dropped me at the front door and 3 cast members with tablets were huddled together but didnt notice me. These are the people who greet arriving guests and take them inside to expedite the check in process. I had to do it the old fashioned way, by myself, which wasnt the end of the world. It was busy at the front desk but soon the online check in counter was free so I stepped over there and learned our studio was ready.
I liked the room number and knew it was near the main elevators, but I didnt realize until we got there that its a handicapped unit. The bathroom is larger than normal, and the single sink is inside the bathroom. The sink is pedestal rather than a vanity, so theres no real counter space. Theres also no closet since that space is part of the bathroom now. Instead, there are 2 skinny wardrobes on either side of the tv. Unfortunately one has the porta-crib taking up most of the space and the other has the luggage rack, ironing board and iron. The kitchen counter is lower, and the bed is really low it comes to my knees! Overall its not terrible, but Im glad we got stuck with this on a short trip!
I unpacked while SB watched coverage of the school shooting in CT. Im so sick of the piece of crap people out there doing stuff like this. We tried to get online and this is where the real problems began neither of us could get online. I called tech support and they walked me through some stuff, basically exhausting everything we could do by phone. She put in a ticket for a technician to test the modem remotely, and suggested we go about our day and check back later. That didnt do us much good since our plan for that moment was to get online, and we cant. She did say if they couldnt fix it remotely theyd have to send a technician out in person. Lets hope its working later, because that would be a real hardship on both of us!
It was 3:45 or so and without internet we decided to head out earlier than planned. We walked to the bus stop and had a short wait for the Magic Kingdom bus. Entry wasnt too bad, which surprised me. They were only doing bag checks on the right side, and then we had to cross to the left turnstiles since those on the right were for people with tickets to the party tonight. We were going to ride the train around to Fantasyland but it left as we were walking up the stairs. I took a few pictures, then we headed back down and walked up Main Street.
The show was going on in front of the castle, and we were able to get through the area before it ended. As expected, the Fantasyland expansion was very crowded! We werent planning to ride anything, so it wasnt that big of a deal. SB was shocked to see a 60-minute wait for the Pooh ride, lol! The wait for the story thing with Belle was either 60 or 70 minutes, and I didnt even bother to check the wait time for the Ariel ride (after seeing the huge queue full of people). I took a few pictures here and there, but with the crowds there wasnt much point in lingering. Be Our Guest was inaccessible except to dinner guests (which is only fair), so we werent permitted onto the bridge over the moat.
From there we wandered into Tomorrowland and rode People Mover twice. I was surprised to see fastpasses were still available for both Buzz Lightyear and Space Mountain (return time around 35-45 minutes away), and I noticed the standby waits for both attractions increased from our first People Mover ride to the second. By now it was around 5:15 so we headed out to the hub and found a bench. SB wanted a hot dog from Caseys, so we walked over there and he changed his mind when he saw the hot dogs are $9. That IS a bit ridiculous ok, more than a bit ridiculous, lol! He really wanted ice cream, so we checked the menu at Plaza Ice Cream and I pointed out the no sugar added butter pecan choice.
The line wasnt too long, and we ordered a kids cone (cookies & cream) for me and a regular cup of the no sugar added butter pecan for him. Together it was just under $8 (less than the price of a hot dog, lol)! He was really impressed with his butter pecan, and so was I. It didnt taste any less than the full-sugar version! Hes been cutting out extra sugar for months now, and really enjoyed this treat although later he said his stomach was a little upset. Maybe his system isnt used to it any more, and it was a pretty big portion!
We ate our ice cream on a bench in the hub, and soon the Move It Shake It dance party thing arrived (at 5:45). That finished up around 6 and we just waited for the castle to be lit. The pre-show didnt start until almost 6:20 (Id thought it would happen at 6 or just before 6) and is the same as last year. When the lights came on I took a few pictures and then we headed down Main Street to the exit.
The monorail platforms were mobbed, but it wasnt too bad at the bus stops. We had a short wait for the bus to Yacht & Beach Club, and it was standing room only by the time we left. Since the castle lights were a little later than Id expected, wed abandoned plans to also do Osborne Lights tonight. SB suggested tomorrow night, so most likely well see them in the huge crowds and then Ill go back again on Sunday (most likely he wont want to go twice, and there may be a football game hed rather watch that night).
We walked through the lobby to see the gingerbread carousel it always smells great in there! The dcor doesnt really do much for SB. Other than admitting yeah, its pretty thats the extent of his excitement and appreciation for it all. We went back to the room and the internet still wasnt working, so I called tech support once again.
They were able to find the ticket and knew what time Id called before and who Id spoken to. The service tech was out in the field but it was unlikely hed be here before tomorrow morning. The guy on the phone determined I have an invalid ip address in the computer so he was going to have the next level try to run a diagnostic and reset the modem he suggested I try again in about 20-30 minutes.
SB was all pissed off because of the internet, and soon I was ready to kill him. I was NOT in the mood for his ranting about $9 hot dogs and Super8 having better internet than Disney. Ugh. Thankfully soon the internet started working, so SBs life was spared for now. Im not willing to make any long term promises, though <g>. He wasnt able to get his aol to work, but mine was fine so it wasnt a Disney problem.
All night the CT shooting stuff was on tv (at least the channels SB was watching). Such a heart-breaking tragedy for all those families. I wish there was a way to identify and exterminate the scum in our society who do things like this before they have a chance to hurt innocent people!
We were in for the night, and Im waiting to see if we have a view of the Illuminations fireworks at 9:30. Theres a big tree that might block a lot of it, but well see. The internet problems earlier were a major stressor, and its sad knowing weve had yet another senseless mass shooting in this country. Despite that, its still great being here although a 1-bedroom would be nicer than sharing a studio for 3 nights, lol! We had a nice time at Magic Kingdom, and Im glad to get the castle lights checked off the to do list for this trip.
Tomorrow wed planned to go to Magic Kingdom but since we were there today were not going to bother tomorrow. If I was here solo Id probably still do it, but I know hed only be going for me so Ill save it for a future trip. Well probably do Epcot tomorrow morning and Osborne Lights tomorrow night.
DAY 2 Saturday 12/15/12
Who: Sue (54), DVC member
SB (55), my husband
Plan: Magic Kingdom, Chefs de France, Castle lights
Actual: Last night around 9:15 SB announced he was hungry and wanted to get a sandwich from the Beach Club Marketplace. I knew better than that the line would likely be long and we could do better elsewhere. So, I suggested we walk over to Boardwalk to get him something at the kiosk out there and Id go with him. I knew wed be able to catch the Illuminations fireworks on the way back <g>. He agreed, so we got dressed & headed out.
There were already people lined up on the bridge waiting for Illuminations, so we passed them and went to the Boardwalk. We had no wait to order and SBs burger and fries ($8.00) were ready in just a few minutes. I helped eat the fries and everything was very good. Compared to the $9.00 hot dog at Caseys it was a fabulous deal, too! Once hed put the toppings on his burger we walked back to the bridge, where Illuminations had just started.
I was mainly interested in the special Let there be peace on earth finale, and they shot off a lot of fireworks. When it finished we walked back to BCV and got ready for bed. We both slept well even being so close to the floor, lol! I got up with the alarm at 6 and went out for a run to Hollywood Studios and back. It was really foggy and barely 60 degrees, but for running that was fine. Coming back I missed the turn to Yacht/Beach and ended up realizing I was at Swan/Dolphin and had to find my way back, lol!
SB was still asleep, so I took my shower and got dressed, then went to Beach Club Marketplace for a side of the potato casserole. Id turned on the hot water in the coffee pot on my way out the door, so it was ready to make my cappuccino upon my return. SB got up and decided to put off going to the gym. He had some oatmeal before we left the room at 8:45 for Epcot.
They hadnt started letting people through the bag check yet and the line was pretty backed up, so we went to the ticket window to take care of our passes. Id decided while running that if we bought 2 of the premium annual passes (special dvc price $300 off the regular price) and made our February anniversary trip a no parks trip we could delay activating the voucher until April for me and perhaps May or October for SB. That leaves me (or us) with 1 day in March wed be without park access when here with Pete & Judy before the cruise, but in the grand scheme of things that isnt the end of the world. For me this years April trip starts on the 10th and in 2014 my April trip will be the first week, so in theory this PAP would cover both trips and then Ill go back to the usual FL Resident Seasonal pass in Sep/Oct 2014.
Purchasing the vouchers took hardly any time at all Disney can be very efficient at taking your money, lol! We went to the back of the line and soon it started moving through the silly bag check area and then through the turnstiles. We decided to head to Test Track first, and once there I was shocked to see the long standby line. I dont remember for sure, but I think the wait was already posted as 50 minutes! We did single rider line, walking right into the loading area. They no longer have the pre-show movie. There were machines to do something with a card, but we didnt know what they were or where to get a card, but Im assuming single riders dont get to do that.
We were seated together in a car with basically no wait, and were off on the ride. I imagine if wed had a card and had done whatever youre supposed to do (design your ride) we would have had something meaningful on the screen, but without that we just had a ride through the attraction. Everything inside has been redone except the track. It was a nice ride, although a little chilly on the outside track! SB thought it was an improved version, too.
From there we walked over to the Land, where they had the ropes up to indicate theyre expecting huge crowds. The wait for Soarin was 45 minutes, so we grabbed a couple fastpasses (10:50-11:50) and then rode Living with the Land with a couple minutes wait. This is always a nice relaxing ride. When we got off the boat I saw the Soarin wait was now 20 minutes so we decided to do that rather than come back at fastpass time.
The wait was pretty much exactly 20 minutes. We were in the center section, but last (bottom) row. After Soarin I was shocked by how crowded the pavilion was. Living with the Land had a huge queue now and the food court was mobbed. We went upstairs to the Circle of Life movie and walked right into the theater. Just as the movie started I checked my phone and saw 2 emails. The first was from SB a long time ago (but never heard) and the second was from my friend Linda calling from Beaches & Cream. I had no idea when the call was made, as my voicemail doesnt tell me the date & time of the call. I figured Id check with her later, as I didnt think she was here this weekend (wrong assumption on my part).
After the movie SB took charge of our day and we walked back to World Showcase to see the movie in Canada. We got there about 10 minutes before 11 and had to wait until 11 for them to drop the ropes to the pavilion. We saw the first show of the day, enjoying Martin Shorts sense of humor and also the beautiful scenery in Canada. Next we walked to France and walked right into the Impressions de France movie, which let out shortly before they started checking people in at Chefs de France. He made sure to point out how impeccable his timing is, compared to my snafu last night thinking the lights on the castle would come on at 6pm <g>.
While he was in line at Chefs de France I walked back over to the new Monsieur Paul (former Bistro de Paris) to check the menu and safe to say we wont be eating here now that it has a new name. Anyone care for a bowl of soup on the appetizer menu for a mere $29??? I rejoined SB in line and soon we were checked in and waiting for our name to be called. For the first time in a very long time we werent seated by the window but were inside the main part of the building. I like the window better, but the line to check in was so long we didnt make the cut.
Our server was somewhat snooty (those crazy French <g>) and female, so no eye candy for me. I had the house chardonnay and the French onion soup. SB had a glass of iced tea, house salad and the half chicken. He loved his salad, but was a bit taken aback when his chicken arrived. The portion of chicken was very small more pigeon than chicken. There were LOTS of potatoes to fill in the empty part of the plate <g>. My soup looked like it always did, and was excellent. When Ms. Snooty checked on us we questioned the tiny size. She said we ordered chicken, and thats the chicken. We agreed, but said its always been a much larger chicken so with a slight huff she took the plate away and soon another plate with a bigger half chicken (with fewer potatoes) was delivered.
SB was much happier, and the food tasted excellent. He got full and had trouble finishing it, but after complaining didnt dare NOT finish it <g>. We were way too full for dessert, and with Tables in Wonderland lunch was $44.86.
After lunch he headed back to the resort and I stayed in World Showcase for a while. I walked 2 loops around the countries, got a glass of prosecco in Italy, and at one point sat in the Africa area and watched people walk by for a while. Thats always an eye-opening and interesting experience. I forgot to mention last night at Magic Kingdom I saw (and photographed) what might be the ugliest shoes seen in a theme park. Imagine black high-top Converse basketball sneakers the ones with the white rubber on the toe. Those are ugly enough, but now turn them into high heels with a tall skinny heel and then if youre not barfing yet make the heels WHITE! These were absolutely hideous, and worn by a woman older than me, who clearly should have had better taste than that!
I was back at the resort around 3 and updated the report & checked emails for a while. The internet tech had stopped by and left a note saying the wifi was working. My friend Linda called before I had taken the time to call her, so I was glad we got to touch base briefly. I cant believe I forgot she & Frank were going to be here!
It was barely 4pm when SB suggested we walk over to Hollywood Studios. I knew he was thinking of the Great Movie Ride, because he mentioned it earlier and its one of his favorites. We walked over to the Studios and were shocked at the huge lines at the bag check area. SB waited for me on the side, and then we went to the turnstiles. This area was also mobbed, with every turnstile having a line that extended back to the ticket booths.
I noticed a cast member holding up a photo of a resort I.D. on a stick so I left the line to see if he was indicating resort guests could enter by him (no line). He said yes, so I waved SB over. Turns out they had the new machines that read your key/pass when you tap it (like the new door locks) and our paper annuals dont have that technology. It was no problem though, because they had cast members with handheld devices that were able to scan our passes. We were able to bypass the entire line and got right into the park!
As we were walking down Hollywood Boulevard I asked SB where we were headed and he said he wanted to ride the Great Movie Ride <g>. The tip board had the wait time posted as 10 minutes, so that was perfect timing since we were meeting someone at 5:45 at Osborne Lights. I ran over to the Villains store quickly to confirm that they sell the carrot cake cookies my friend Lori always raves about, then rejoined SB to walk over to the Great Movie Ride.
I was a bit concerned when I saw the queue was outside the building, but we got in line. The so-called 10 minute wait was actually more like 20-30 and I was really concerned because we were not going to make the 5:45 meet and I had no way of reaching the other person. SB thought we would make it, but I didnt believe him. Part of the problem was theyre only running 1 set of cars at a time, even though the park is mobbed.
The ride ended right about 5:45 so we dashed over to Osborne Lights as quickly as possible and found the street PACKED with people! Luckily I knew how to get to the other end, so we cut behind the stage where Mulch, Sweat & Tears was performing, and then took the long (but uncrowded) back way (past Mama Melrose, Muppets, etc) to come out near the car stunt show.
Fortunately it wasnt crowded at this end and it was easy to meet up with Rick (from MouseOwners) and his family. We made introductions and chatted until the Osborne Lights began. Once wed watched the first song together SB & I left them to work our way down the crowded street. The crowds were horrific, and in the beginning Disney didnt seem to have control keeping the people going in the same direction. The problem was the street was full of people prior to 6pm so they were going in every direction. All new people were forced around the back (the way SB & I went to meet Rick) and then up the street with the lights so everyone was headed in the same direction eventually.
SB was a little unnerved by the crowds and number of people he hates strangers touching him and its so crowded people cant help bumping into each other. We made our way down to the other end of the street, then he was content to sit on a bench while I worked my way back to do the side street on my own. After that I rejoined him at the bench and we stayed for a couple more songs before heading out. The snow was cool, and its always preferable to be able to wear shorts and a sleeveless top when its snowing, like tonight!
Now there were hordes of people heading towards the exits, but also many staying in the park. We made our way over to the Villains store, where I bought a carrot cake cookie to bring back to the resort. As we exited the park I was shocked to see the turnstiles were still totally crowded, and there were still huge lines at the bag check. We didnt bother to try the boat, figuring the line would be long. Plus, since SB didnt make it to the treadmill it made sense to walk. It was tough getting to the path, because so many full buses were dropping people off everywhere there were even extra Disney buses dropping people off in the non-Disney bus area, so I assume theyre bringing them in for Osborne Lights.
Once on the path it was an easy walk back to Boardwalk. We cut through the main pool area and out on the boardwalk stopped at SBs food kiosk. Tonight he ordered a foot long chili dog and fries, which came to $9.50. The hot dog was not only a foot long, it was really thick the biggest hot dog Ive ever seen! A lady at the next table got the foot long corn dog, and it was huge too. The food was ready in no time at all, and we snagged an empty table with 2 chairs right by the railing. It was a beautiful night to be sitting out there!
When we were almost finished I noticed an elderly couple, each carrying an ice cream, looking for a table or place to sit. SB was ready, so I went over to the guy and asked if he was looking for a table. He was, so I told him we were basically finished and to come take our table. They were appreciative, and we continued on our way stopping briefly to watch the magician performing further down the boardwalk. From there we walked back to Beach Club Villas.
I made a small cup of cappuccino and cut a little piece of the carrot cake cookie (its 2 large soft carrot cake cookies with cream cheese icing holding them together). The cookie was good, but I dont see myself making a special trip to the Studios to get one. Unless it grows on me as I eat more of it, at least! I downloaded the photos off the camera, and will go through them tonight. SB is watching a movie on Netflix, plus we have Storage Wars on tv. Were such an exciting couple, lol!
Today was a really nice day we spent time in 2 parks, had great weather, and even did a few things we dont normally do (the 2 movies, Osborne Lights). Tomorrow was going to be our Epcot day, but we did that today. I thought SB might want to do Animal Kingdom instead, but hed rather just hang out at the resort so that will probably be the new plan. Our Le Cellier reservation isnt until 1:35 so well probably check in at 11:30 and see if we can be seated sooner. It cant hurt to ask!
DAY 3 Sunday 12/16/12
Who: Sue (54), DVC member
SB (55), my husband
Plan: Epcot, Le Cellier, Osborne Lights
Actual: At 9:30 last night I watched the Illumiinations fireworks from inside the studio and out on the verandah. The music and fireworks were both closer & louder from here than they were on the bridge last night, so this was definitely the better spot! We turned out our lights at 10:30, hoping for a good nights sleep again. Not too much later we could hear a baby crying and since it didnt fade away I knew it wasnt coming from the hall. This studio does not connect to another room, and in fact on one side its a cast member area. SB thought it was coming from the studio beneath us, which is really obnoxious! We heard the baby again at 3, at 5, etc. It wasnt loud enough to wake us up, but as I drift in and out of sleep, I could hear it in the distance at times.
I woke up around 5:30 but fell back asleep and didnt wake up again until 6:39. Since we werent going anywhere (or so I thought) it was nice sleeping in so late! I got up just before 7 and went for a run to Hollywood Studios and back. Today is a much prettier day blue sky, sunshine, and no fog! When I returned I showered and SB was talking about wanting to go to Animal Kingdom. Ugh had I known, I would have done my run at 6. He likes to be Mr. Spur-of-the-moment <g>. He also decided to get breakfast from Beach Club Marketplace, so while he went down there I made my cappuccino and cut another piece of the carrot cake cookie. He retuned with a breakfast platter and a side of just the potato casserole everything was delicious! He really likes the breakfast here.
Around 10:45 we left to walk over to Epcot, surprised to see a line at the bag check area. Thankfully it moved quickly, as the cast member was barely looking at the bags. We walked a loop around World Showcase, starting with UK, and arrived back in Canada for the second time just before 11:15. The podium outside LeCellier was not manned yet so we walked down the hill to check in inside.
I explained we had a reservation at 1:35 but hoped to get in now, and we were told no way. She said they were fully booked, so they could not take anyone early. I asked if Id be charged if I canceled, and she said no because we showed up. SB & I discussed the situation and decided to cancel. We didnt have anything we wanted to do for the next 2 hours in Epcot, and didnt feel like leaving and returning. I canceled the reservation and we headed back out of the park through the International Gateway.
Wed talked about Beaches & Cream, Big River Grille, Captains Galley, and Downtown Disney I let SB pick. At the top of the hill he led me down towards Boardwalk, so Big River Grille was the choice. I was surprised see several people already seated outside, so they must open at 11. There was a huge line outside ESPN, a mere 1.5 hours before the first game!
We were seated right away at Big River Grille and had a great lunch! We shared the nachos ordering chicken nachos. Wed been torn between the chicken or beef and SB left it up to me, so I picked chicken. When the plate arrived it was half chicken and half beef, so I assumed the server had arranged that. We dug in, and he showed up apologizing for the wrong nachos being delivered to us, lol! He asked if we wanted him to take these and bring the correct ones, or just keep these and we were happy to keep these. SB had an iced tea and I had a glass of pinot grigio after Tables in Wonderland the check was $26 and change.
The tables were in the shade and it was just beautiful out there! Sharing the nachos was more than enough food for us, too. The party of 4 at a nearby table were talking about getting the Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream, so SB chimed in to talk with them. They were headed there next good luck! I can see 4 people doing that FOR lunch, but not AFTER lunch!
After lunch we walked back to our studio at Beach Club Villas, where SB settled in to wait for the 1pm football game and I changed into a swimsuit and headed out to the quiet pool. It was nice & quiet out there until a family with 3 young kids arrived. The youngest kept crying off and on I wasnt sure whether it might be the people we heard last night or not! The kid was playing in the pool, but would still cry from time to time its possible something was wrong with him developmentally because I couldnt figure out any reason for the crying and he didnt seem to speak like someone his age should. I pity the people in the room next to them! The parents were both very attentive the kid was just noisy and crying despite their efforts and they (and the other kids) seemed quite used to it.
I stayed out there for an hour or so, then went inside and hung out with SB while he watched football games. I checked facebook and saw a local friend had sent me a message on Friday asking if I could meet for a drink somewhere today. Ugh I suck at getting messages timely. I wrote back, but given that it was 3-4pm on Sunday already and I was headed to Osborne Lights I dont know that well have the chance to catch up with each other. If not, hopefully in early February!
Around 4:15 or 4:30 I kissed SB goodbye, leaving him to enjoy his football, and walked back over to Hollywood Studios. It was still nice & warm, so I didnt need to bring a jacket or anything. I put my pass, room key and cell phone in various pockets to avoid the bag check line today! The bag check area had lines, but it was nowhere near as bad as the same time last night. At the turnstiles there were maybe 2-3 people in each line, and some actually had nobody in line. What a big improvement over Saturday!
The tip board said Star Tours had only a 10-minute wait (80 minutes for Toy Story) so I wandered in that direction only to find the posted wait time was really 20 minutes. Im not standing in a line for 20 minutes, so I passed on by, taking note of the fact that the tip board here is useless. I walked through the Osborne Lights area looking for the damn cat, but never saw it. Finally I asked a cast member, who wouldnt actually tell me but gave me enough clues to use when the lights came on later. Ive seen the cat in recent years and didnt realize it was a big deal (and heck, its NOT a big deal its the principle of the thing at this point, lol)!
As I wandered past Toy Story the wait was 110 minutes score another error for the tip board. I browsed through several of the shops on Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards, then headed towards Osborne Lights again. This time the posted wait at Star Tours was really 10 minutes, so I entered the queue. It actually ended up being only 5-10 minutes and it was a really fun attraction. I like how theyve changed it this is a huge improvement over the original!
I was finished with Star Tours shortly before 6 so I found a bench near Osborne Lights and sat there until the pre-show recording started. I stood at the end of the side street for a change, and when the lights came on it was very pretty and fun to hear the gasps of the first-timers, lol! I made my way to the end of the street near all the angels, and saw immediately that while it was crowded the crowds were a LOT smaller than last night! You could actually move on the street, without being gridlocked.
Between songs/dances I headed for the purple lights and soon found that silly cat. Hes fairly hidden away this year. Look for people taking pictures where it doesnt seem like thered be anything photo-worthy <g>. A lady there asked me to take her picture with the cat in the background, so evidently shes on the internet, lol! I wandered around a little while longer and then decided to head out.
It was much easier leaving the park tonight and I could have caught the boat back but that just seems too lazy to me. If I had a legitimate mobility problem Id think differently, but I have 2 functioning legs so theres no reason to sit on my butt. At Boardwalk I detoured through the lobby to check out their holiday dcor and I was shocked to see its different from previous years! The gingerbread house (to SELL gingerbread) is large, so they had to cut back on some of the other stuff. The fireplace was very pretty with a tree on either side and garland strung above this would be a great spot for a special photo.
Once I finished in there I continued around to Beach Club Villas and went up to the studio. SB was laying in bed watching football, having earlier gone downstairs to buy a couple sandwiches from Beach Club Marketplace. The second one is for his breakfast in the morning cant believe a sandwich would be more appealing than a bowl of tasteless oatmeal <g>. I finished up todays photos, fixed some crackers & cheese, poured a glass of wine, and headed out to the balcony with the laptop. The band in UK was finishing up their show so I had musical entertainment, and it was a beautiful warm evening. I finished up the trip report out there, and now have my kindle to occupy myself until I no longer see football on the tv in the room!
This has been a really nice trip, with terrific weather! The only negatives were the internet issues at the start (theres no excuse for that) and the crying baby last night (no excuse for shoddy construction letting us hear that, either). SB had a really nice time, too. When I came back tonight and told him about my evening he commented that I have more fun without him than with him. I replied thats true depending on how hes acting at times it IS more fun without him! I also told him he was far too intelligent for me to lie to him <g>. Try that ladies it worked, lol!
In the morning well be heading back to Gainesville. I have a meeting at 10, so well probably be on the road by 7 so we get back at 9 to give me time to have breakfast & get dressed for work. The photos are on shutterfly at
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/w...ZNGTdm2bMWjFEA
Our next trip will be 4 nights in mid-January at Disneys Hilton Head Island Resort. Normally were here at WDW but this year were doing something different. SBs daughter and her boyfriend are coming down, and my son & his girlfriend are coming up, and well finally all get to meet each other. Hopefully everyone will get along well! After that, SB & I will be back at Kidani Village for our anniversary in early February.
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Sue (Holland) Rayford, Beach Club Villas, Dec 14-16, 2012
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