We did the unthinkable!We Left the teenagers home: DH & I do Disney solo:update 1/15

[MEK]

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

Hi! I'm joining the fun - I was interested in your TR, because we are going "just us" in March, and we also own at SSR. Our boys are grown - I can really relate to "are you freakin' crazy" Our first stay was in Grandstand - brand spankin new! I think I'll request that again, based on your room report.

I'm excited about AI - how do you become a part of the audience? Is it just a wait in line before show time, or do you pick up tickets somewhere?

I'm looking forward to the rest of your report!

Hey - thanks for joining in. I hope you have a great adult trip in March. I agree with requesting the Grandstand. We stayed in a 2BR in Carousel last June and it was brand, spanking new. Maybe they rehab'd the larger units first. But those original studios need a rehab.

I don't know if there are FP's for the audience or not. I don't remember our tour leader talking about that, but there was so much to take it. With 7 show a day, I guess the audience can just line up and wait in line. FP's would make it easier, though.

[MEK]

Originally Posted by podsnel

I think anyone who has traveled south through DE knows the toll I was talking about!! We don't have points in HHI, we used the cash discount. But, we did meet several families that week who booked with points and their points were from elsewhere. We all enjoyed our time there, can't wait to go back! Our plan is to buy a HHI resale contract this spring after tax season, DH is a CPA. However, he did just give me pts at BCV for Christmas ...that's he WILL when the waitlist comes through! Anyway, thanks for reading my TR!

OK- I'm going to go read the rest of your TR now-

E

Points at BCV - I am so jealous. I would really like to purchase a resale there. If DH and I had decided to go in Jan, instead of Dec of this year, every DVC resort had availability. I would definately have picked BCV. The next time DH and I go solo, I think Jan will be the month. But this year my AP was going to expire on 1/6 and I figured out that I would only get 2 1/2 park days. I don't plan to get another AP till June!

I never thought about a cash discount at HHI. smart. I think I will look into that for next summer, since this summer is already planned.

[MEK]

Well, I must say. It is nice to have readers. It give me incentive to tell keep telling this tale.

I loved touring AI. I haven't done anything new at Disney for awhile, so learning about a new attraction really peaked my interest. I used to be a big fan of AI. There were a few seasons when I wouldn't miss it for the world. I think the contestants are amazing from the standpoint that they are under tremendous pressure week after week and they handle it with such grace. They have to work fast to learn a new song and they have to be creative enough to make that song "work" for them. It's a daunting experience. When I was that age, there is NO WAY I could have ever handled that pressure.

After the AI tour we had about a 1/2 hour to kill until our ADR at the Brown Derby. We really didn't have enough time to "do" anything, so we just walked around the park. Touring plans was correct - the crowds were pretty heavy. It was still light out, but we ventured back to the Osborne lights anyway.

I took this picture while I was back there. I like that Disney doesn't worry about being politically correct. They aren't afraid to put up a nativity scene


We decided to check in about 10 minutes early. I was looking forward to this meal. This was my first time eating at BD. I have eaten at Sci Fi once, 50's Prime time twice, and Mama Melrose three times (with fantasmic package). I have never eaten at Hollywood and Vine. I really wanted to do the fantasmic pckg, but we were using the DDE card (now Tables in Wonderland) and the fantasmic pckg or candlelight processional are not included. I was hoping that we might catch the second show of fantasmic.

Here are some pictures I took in the lobby and dining room









We had a very nice server. I wish I could remember his name. All I can remember is that it was an unusual name and had an A and a V in it. He recommended the grouper and that is was I decided to have. But first, DH and I split a Cobb Salad. The salad was good. Nothing spectacular, but good. But my entree was fabulous. I love to order fish and seafood when I am out. This was a beautiful piece of fish. It was thick, white, flavorful, and covered with a fine baked coating. It was barely there. Under the fish were thin slices fo zucchini and beans. Yummy

OK - I started to eat this before I remembered to take a pic



DH had me taking pictures in the "natural light" setting, hence the yellow glow to everything. He was trying to preserve the batteries by avoiding flash photography.

I think that DH had the salmon. He also enjoyed his entree, but I personally think the grouper was the better dish. We skipped dessert because we were full on Cobb Salad, bread, and our entrees. It was a good dinner. I would equate it to Le Cellier (with Le C having a slight lead). I don't think it is worth 2 TS credits, but whatever!

After dinner we headed over to see the Osborne lights.



















gotta take a break now, but I'll be back soon because our night is not over yet!

[Lady Lallie]

We loved Brown Derby. I agree though, I am not sure if it's quite worth the 2TS credits.

The Osborne Lights looks so amazing!

[ILuvCrush]

I love that you took pics INSIDE the BD!! I wanted to see what it was like... but all I keep finding are food porn pics

Your grouper looks delish!!

paula

[MAGICFOR2]

We loved BD too. I'm disappointed that most of the good restaurants are now "signature" dining and take 2 TS credits. We did the Fantasmic package when we were there - someone came and got the "VIP book" to be signed while we were waiting, and we had a great time speculating about who it might be for.

Thanks for sharing the Nativity scene - it is beautiful! The lights are really pretty, too!

[gbpackfan9]

I finally got caught up with your report. We've never been to the BD yet. Maybe we'll try it in April. Aren't AP and DVC points and adult trips wonderful??!!!!!!!!

Can't wait for your next installment

[MEK]

Originally Posted by Lady Lallie

We loved Brown Derby. I agree though, I am not sure if it's quite worth the 2TS credits.

The Osborne Lights looks so amazing!

I think our meal was about $80 for two of us with the 18% gratuity. (That was with the 20% discount) DH had a beer. I did not drink alcohol this meal. Yeah -its just not quite worth 2 TS, but I really did like it and might have to do the Fantasmic pckg here in June.

Originally Posted by ILuvCrush

I love that you took pics INSIDE the BD!! I wanted to see what it was like... but all I keep finding are food porn pics

Your grouper looks delish!!

paula

My pics really aren't that good - too yellow and grainy, but you get the idea! I liked the inside. I thought all the drawings were so interesting. It was really sparce of the Christmas decorations, though. The grouper really was very good. One of the best pieces of fish I have had, ever.

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

We loved BD too. I'm disappointed that most of the good restaurants are now "signature" dining and take 2 TS credits. We did the Fantasmic package when we were there - someone came and got the "VIP book" to be signed while we were waiting, and we had a great time speculating about who it might be for.

Thanks for sharing the Nativity scene - it is beautiful! The lights are really pretty, too!

Oh - I didn't know there was a VIP book. Cool! I'm glad you like the nativity. It was very pretty. I wonder if that belonged to the Osbournes, too.

__________________

[MEK]

Originally Posted by gbpackfan9

I finally got caught up with your report. We've never been to the BD yet. Maybe we'll try it in April. Aren't AP and DVC points and adult trips wonderful??!!!!!!!!

Can't wait for your next installment

The perfect trifecta!!!!!!!! Thanks for joining in!

[MEK]

Well dinner was great and the Osbourne lights were beautiful. My pictures don't begin to do them justice. But I will add a few more anyway.







When we had our fill of the lights, we walked over to ride Star tours. I pretty much gave up on the idea of seeing Fantasmic. I just could not bring myself to stand in a line. In June - its the dinner package all the way! Wow - 3 trips to Disney in 1 year and no fantasmic. My last fantasmic view was August 07! Well, it will just be that much more special when I see it in June!

Star tours had a 20 minute wait time posted, but the wait was more like a 5 minute wait. They had both sides open and we were cruising to Endore in no time. Only bad thing about our trip was I got the first row and the very last seat to the right. Of all the possible seats in our star cruiser, I ended up in that one (not my first time there either). Oh well, we still had a nice flight! I like Star Tours. It's still one of those rides I could ride over and over.

At this point, I got a bright idea! I asked DH, "Do you want to take the boat over to Epcot?" "What boat?" replied DH. Sheesh! It didn't really surprise me that DH didn't know anything about the friendship boats. We actually had never been on one. You know, I like to do something knew each trip. So far this trip I had - stayed at POFQ, seen the AI attraction, eaten at Brown Derby, and now we were going to take the Friendship boat to Epcot. Welcome almost!! !!! When we got outside the park and started walking to the dock, we noted that the line was very long. There was no way we were getting on that boat!!!!!

So I got another bright idea and I know you smartie pants Dis'ers know what it was! I said, "Why don't we walk?" I only said it was a bright idea, right? It was not necessarily a smart one. I should have said, "Why don't we drive the car over to the beach club and walk into Epcot?" That would have been the smart idea. But I was caught up in the moment. I was driven by the discovery of seeing a part of Disney I had yet to see. Plus it was a perfect night. I couldn't think of a better night for a walk.

Here are some pics of the HS Christmas tree as we were leaving the park




I know I must be saying, "Would you hurry up, slow poke!"


Here's the boat we couldn't fit on


Are we there yet?



It was about this time that DH asked, "how much further?" Of course, I told him I had no idea. I really don't know how far it is from HS to Epcot. Can one of you Disney trivia gurus tell me?

We took a rest once, we reached the Boardwalk region. I was surprised at how spread out the Boardwalk resort is. I assumed the first buildings we passed were the Boardwalk villas. Again, I need some help from my Disney gurus.

Here's some pics that DH took of the Boardwalk area








My DH took all the pics and I think they are all really blurry looking. Surreal in a way.

After our short break to rest our feet, we decided to proceed past the Yacht and beach club. If you read my June trip report, you know there is no place I want to stay more than the Beach Club. I am working my way, although slowly, in the direction. I am seriously considering staying somewhere in the Boardwalk region this summer.

Of course, I had to take pics of Stormalong bay because someday I WILL swim there!







With aching feet, we finally entered the World Showcase. I walked directly over to the theatre near America. I really wanted to see the Candlelight Processional. We arrived just as the last row of choir members were entering the stage. Standing room only, but perfect timing. I was able to grab a spot near one of the ushers behind one of those pesky white lines, but I had a good 3/4 view of the stage.

When I return, I'll post some pics of the CP and I'll put this day to bed!

[podsnel]

1.16 miles from DHS to IG- I just saw this, I've been reading the BC thread all night!

http://mosa.unity.ncsu.edu/photos/misc/epcotdvc.html

[MEK]

Originally Posted by podsnel

1.16 miles from DHS to IG- I just saw this, I've been reading the BC thread all night!

http://mosa.unity.ncsu.edu/photos/misc/epcotdvc.html

Thanks! I knew someone would know! I guess that's about how it felt. Funny, running a mile seems a lot less to me than walking a mile. Now I'm going to check out your link!

[MEK]

Originally Posted by podsnel

http://mosa.unity.ncsu.edu/photos/misc/epcotdvc.html

Wow! I LOVE this map! And they were the boardwalk villas that I passed on the right. Interesting - some of those villas seem closer to HS than Epcot.

[MEK]

OK - I noticed that my posts say 4:30 in the am. It's actually a little later than that right now. I did get up early this morning because I have to work. I got up earlier than usual, but decided to get up and do some stuff - like unload the dishwasher and put some clothes in the dryer. Now I have time for a few minutes of Dis'ing.

So when I left off, DH and I had lined up outside the Candlelight Processional. OK - I really like this. I love the Christmas story in detail. I think it is so inspiring, and no matter what your religion, you have to respect the Christmas story because that is the real reason we celebrate this sometimes excessive holiday. I find the christmas story particularly compelling when it is told by a professional narrator. Last time we saw this presentation we heard John O'Hurley. Tonight it was Monique Coleman. I am embarrased to say I'm not really sure who she is. In fact, I have been meaning to google her, because I'm sure I know then. Anyway, she has a beautiful speaking voice and told the story with much passion.

Here is a list of this year's narrators (photo actually taken during the daytime)


I particularly enjoy the orchestra that accompanies the singing. They are superb musicians and I am a band qeek at heart. I played the flute all through high school, but quit when I went into college. This is a decision I regret, but I am still thankful that I layed down the pathways as a teenager, because now I can play the flute in an acceptable manor for the average ear. However, I would love to be good enough to play even in a community orchestra. I am not! I do play in a marching band, but that does not compare. Without getting too far off topic, I will mention that our volunteer fire company marching band has been invited to march in the Inagural parade in just a few short weeks. I guess that's because Joe Biden is from delaware and we will be marching with various firefighters from across the state. So, if you are watching the inaugural parade and you notice a piccolo player out of step (God forbid) , it will definately be me since I am the most inexperienced marcher in the woodwind section. I'm actually getting better, but there is one clarinet player in the band who loves to point out each and every one of my mistakes. It's now become my own personal joke to see how often she says, "Mary Ellen - you dropping behind or Mary Ellen - watch your line - follow the head in front of you" Ugggghhhh!

OK - back to the CP. Here are some pictures of the singers and the stage.

This is actually the stage during the daytime





Here we are at night







And a video clip



The whole presentation is about 45 minutes long and it was over in a flash. Since we had walked about 1.7 miles to get there (thanks Podsnel), and stood 45 minutes, when the show was over my feet were really hurting. I told DH that I did not think I was capable of walking back. My legs were OK, but my feet were on fire!

I also realized that I had pretty much hit the wall. So we decided to leave to see if we could get the boat back. I know if we had waited for Illuminations, there would have been a huge line to leave.

So we hopped on board this very boat and set sail for HS



Once we got inside the boat, it was quite stuffy. That's when I realized I had "hit the wall" again. I started feeling very claustrophic and almost regretted my decision not to walk. So I buried my head into my cell phone game Zuma and tried not to look up at all the people surrounding me. I just needed to get home and get in bed.

When we made it to DS there were still people going in for the late EMH. Then, to my surprise, we saw the fireworks from Illuminations off in the distance.







I have to tell you that, as lovely as the fireworks were, I had nothing left. I could not get to the car fast enough. I am glad that DH stopped to take pictures, but at the time I remember hurrying him along. "Please, let's go", I pleaded. I went straight to the car (which was in that stupid AAA lot), ran in front of buses, and hopped to barrier to get there faster. Never mind that I could have been hit , I just wanted to get to bed via the fastest route!

Wow - what a great, big, long day - running at POFQ, MK, CP for breakfast, check'in in at SSR, hot tub, AI tour, Brown Derby dinner, Osbourne lights and the Candlelight Processional. Three parks in one day. Time for some

Next up - The Adventure continues.... Epcot by day and California Grill by night

p.s. I noticed some of this photos are blurry (that's DH again), so I'll replace them with better ones tonight. Have to get ready for work now.

[Lady Lallie]

When you hit the wall at Disney, there is no going back. You have to get to where you want to be as soon as possible.

You had a very lovely, full day! You were able to accomplish a lot!