Hanging with Earl the Squirrel and The Grinch. A Christmas TR 12/1-12/9. Updated 1/4**

[disneyAndi14]

I'd love a trip sometime with you and maybe Donna could join in! I enjoyed her company too!

I would love that and Donna often talks about meeting you and having a nice visit at WBG!

You'll pay as much as the Cake place as you will at the others. LOL! It IS pretty though!

I know it is crazy the cost but honestly I have heard good reviews, we would likely share something there

Yes, my order as well. F&W is getting too crowded and doesn't have much "other" mixed in.

Exactly! Great minds think alike!

I'll never outrank Beaver. It is just not going to happen.

Same here!

Had NO idea this was a thing. Next time... I'll be a little bit wiser.

Yes and it is the way to go if you don’t mind missing the preshow!

 

[pkondz]

Yes! I can’t believe it is less than 60 days away!

Coming up quick!
My next trip to WDW is in... oh... wait... I don't have a trip to WDW.

Mardi Gras at USO is so much fun! Parade and food booths at US.

I'll have to try to remember this. Sounds like fun.

I’ve only been one time like 10 years ago! Donna wanted to check it out.

I'll need to make a point, if/when I get back there.

I wish they had the cool Future world tour they had years ago when it was future world. It really gave an in depth experience of the aquarium in a private suite area, Donna would have loved that.

Nice. Was it the suite with the baby grand piano? (It's still there, last I looked.)

It is new on the Boardwalk, it took over the ESPN space.

Huh. I learning things.

I’d have to say Via Napoli is a favorite in Epcot for me.

Because of the food... or the waiters???

I want to try the new restaurant which took over Tokyo Dining. I think when Andi and I travel in the summer/fall we will try it.

AK, I have to say Satuli Canteen and Nomad Lounge, hands down!

I've never been a fan of Satuli, but Nomad is good. I need to try the churros there, right?

Right! 40 degrees here in December is warm! Today is going to be a high of 7 at least it is sunny!

Nice. Here our high today is -10F with a low of -20. But Thursday is supposed to be 32!
So much for my clean car.

Very true! I did see some northerners (I assume) wearing shorts and t-shirts

I knew I liked you

 

[pkondz]

You look sky-high happy.

The delicious cheese fondue bread bowl was calling me, however, I have had this the last 3 years

I've avoided this... it just sounds so rich and (over) filling! But... now I'm having second thoughts.

I wanted to try the Sushi Tree, well the line was crazy so I moved on

Don't think I know this one.

Vegetable Spring Rolls in China

I love spring rolls. Yum!

I didn't even notice Dale on your shoulder until after I quoted this!
I was going to say that it was cute they put a little festive hat and scarf on Chip.

I stopped in the Odyssey building to see if Santa was meeting. His sleigh was empty at this time.

Wow. What a slacker. Get out there, mister, people are waiting!


Um...

I just got put on the "naughty" list, didn't I.

The Encanto musical show was performing and it was wonderful. They sang a funky version of “We don’t talk about Bruno, no no.

This was amazing! I loved it

I need to watch this (the movie) again. I barely remember it.

I love Reubens and we have a food truck in Duluth that makes the best Reuben Balls, haha the trucks name not as refined as croquettes.

So what's in them? Corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut? I presume?

I saw many people buying the gingerbread tile of SE and I could tell most people did not care for it and it was $10.00 for a cookie tile.

Sounds like you made a good call.

Andi told me about this guy on social media he apparently was asked who is the prettiest girl at school and he says the Epcot Ball haha

What?!?

This was amazing and every 6 minutes it would light up and play music. It also had little hidden Mickeys all over it.

Oh! Cool!

The narration is even different,

Did not know that! I knew there was an overlay, but not that as well. Huh!

I had a FP$$ for Soarin next. Dude! They fixed the Eiffel Tower and the ending is new Epcot. Way better in my opinion. Subtle changes which make a difference.

Were you in the middle or on the side?

I got to the monorail and debunked a myth. If you only thought the cow barn smell on the monorail happens in the sweltering hot months of summer, well you are wrong! It even smells awful on cool crisp days! What is that smell and why does it have to smell like cow manure??

Thanks for doing the research on this for us!

I took the train to Storybook circus from Mainstreet and had a FP$$ for Dumbo.

You... paid... for Dumbo????
The only thing crazier than that would be paying for Little Mermaid!

I went in to meet the boys in Pete’s silly sideshow! Wow, I am not going to lie, I got rather teary eyed after meeting them! I told them about all my trips with Andi and how MK was always our first park as soon as we arrived at WDW, and meeting Donald and Goofy was top of our list. I have so many pictures of us meeting the characters here over the years.

Awww...

Andi isn’t a big fan of MK anymore

The what now?

I think the large crowds and pushy people have changed her love of MK.

<sigh>
Okay... guess I can see that.

I got a FP$$ for Little Mermaid next.

Can you find me on Pirates?

Argh! Thar she be, with her hook high in the air.

I couldn’t get any decent pictures of the display because kids were wild in there, literally jumping around and always in front of the display.

As in "where are your parent"? Or just normal kids in high spirits?

Guess what I had for dinner a little later in the evening? Andi knew, in fact she said to me did you live on kid’s hot dog meals, well sort of

I knew you would do a kids meal!

Today would have been the day Liesa was to arrive. I was very sad to miss her this trip and knew she was going through a lot at home!

It's a shame. I know you both were looking forward to that.

I lost my beautiful 90yo mom in September and it was very difficult

Sorry again for your loss.

We are going to travel together again one of these years!

Maybe even this year! You seem to go back every other month!

Stay tuned for A squirrel word game, a squirrel meet and greet, and basically Earl the Squirrel all day long, haha

 

[mickey916]

I got to the monorail and debunked a myth. If you only thought the cow barn smell on the monorail happens in the sweltering hot months of summer, well you are wrong! It even smells awful on cool crisp days! What is that smell and why does it have to smell like cow manure??

Yes! What is that smell? We usually avoid the monorail and take the ferry from the TTC. This past trip we got on the monorail, smelled the smell and said, "ferry it is!", got back off and waited for the ferry. My DH thinks it's the vinyl outgassing. I'm pretty sure it's something outgassing...lol.

 

[pkondz]

My DH thinks it's the vinyl outgassing. I'm pretty sure it's something outgassing...lol.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Now I do realize the bread bowl filled with delicious cheese is better than this, however, I still tried the spring rolls and these tasted very good and were fresh! I could tell they hadn’t been sitting under a heat lamp for long.

It seems like the festival food is best when the booths first open.

I've never heard of a Reuben ball. I'm surprised to learn that a truck in Minnesota is dedicated to them.

The Encanto musical show was performing and it was wonderful. They sang a funky version of “We don’t talk about Bruno, no no.

We saw this show for the first time in December and it was really cute. I think that Disney has made this show permanent instead of temporary.

It was a party day at MK and I arrived at 3:15. I knew it would get crowded soon with party guests arriving at 4pm.

We went to MK on a party day around 3:15 pm, like you did, and I couldn't believe how huge the party crowd was.

I am not going to lie, I got rather teary eyed after meeting them! I told them about all my trips with Andi and how MK was always our first park as soon as we arrived at WDW, and meeting Donald and Goofy was top of our list.

I had this happen to me in HS. I walked into the store when it was playing Rainbow Connection, and I teared up. My son was addicted to the first Muppets movie and that song reminded me of all the wonderful things about the days when the kids were young. It was totally unexpected, too.

I was looking forward to seeing Liesa again, too. But she was where she needed to be.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Ach now I’m more than a wee bit jealous you’ve been to all the festivals . I’ve only been to f&w and f&g ( is it bad that my phone changed both those to g&t ). I would love to see the others especially the holidays but so far flower&garden is my favourite.
Restaurant wise we really enjoy Trattoria on the Boardwalk or Flying Fish for a splurge.
You look gorgeous in your festive gear. Like Andi my kids are less taken with MK these days so we tend to spend a lot more time at Epcot over anywhere else. I miss Disneyworld especially now when is damp and grey out.
Not long until your next trip

 

[disneyAndi14]

next trip to WDW is in... oh... wait... I don't have a trip to WDW.

I am making use of my AP because I may not renew it. I’m planning some other trips in 2026. I hope you get one on the books in the near future

Nice. Was it the suite with the baby grand piano? (It's still there, last I looked.)

Yes it was! We loved that tour!

Because of the food... or the waiters???

Both!

I've never been a fan of Satuli, but Nomad is good. I need to try the churros there, right?

What causes you not to be a fan of Satuli? And yes try the churros

Nice. Here our high today is -10F with a low of -20. But Thursday is supposed to be 32!

We have had a cold week with a warm up coming this weekend

You look sky-high happy

I was! Love the Skyliner

I've avoided this... it just sounds so rich and (over) filling! But... now I'm having second thoughts.

It is so good! It isn’t real heavy honestly it is perfect!

I didn't even notice Dale on your shoulder until after I quoted this!
I was going to say that it was cute they put a little festive hat and scarf on Chip.

I didn’t notice at first either!

just got put on the "naughty" list, didn't I.

Already, not even 2 weeks after Christmas

So what's in them? Corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut? I presume?

Yes, all of the above! It is like a Reuben sandwich condensed into a ball!

Were you in the middle or on the side?

I was in row B third row towards the end. It is a newer change. They don’t zoom into the Eiffel Tower like they use to

You... paid... for Dumbo????
The only thing crazier than that would be paying for Little Mermaid!

Well 3 days prior I paid for the service and could use it as much as I wanted during that day. I never would pick those as my first choices but it worked for me that day since I was mainly enjoying the Christmas atmosphere and MK was a bonus that day. I was only planning to do 2 parks today.

As in "where are your parent"? Or just normal kids in high spirits?

Hello parents where are you??

Sorry again for your loss.

 

[CariadMartin]

Just catching up with this thread - wow that travel day sounds hard work!

It's funny that you mention the local Floridians all bundled up for the weather, I've noticed that on a few Disney YouTube vlogs recently, everyone in the background is dressed up like they're going skiing, when I'm guessing as a Brit I would find the weather very mild and pleasant! My husband would definitely be in shorts haha.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Finally getting caught up. That tour sounds wonderful. And Max was a real dog??!! That is so adorable! I would have taken a long time with him because he looks like he needs all the pets and skritches.

I love when the Floridians get all bundled up when it is sweatshirt weather for the rest of us. But I also remember living in Florida for 2 years and became one of those people. It doesn't take long living there for your blood to thin out and anything below 65 to feel cold. I hear they are getting an artic blast right now. My CM friend said they are expecting 33 degrees for a high today. Sorry, not sorry. At least they aren't digging out from an inch of ice.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

You missed out by skipping the desserts in Communicore. That mint mousse wreath was the best thing I ate at Festival of the Holidays. The best drink was the frozen chocolate orange drink in the UK.

Ranking of Festivals (since I am still behind) - Festival of the Holidays, F&G, FArts, Food and Wine (or as I call it Drinks and Dessert)

Restaurants - Steakhouse 71 is a must every trip. In case I haven't said it in the last 10 minutes - that chocolate cake is EVERYTHING. I also enjoy LTT and Toppolinos for breakfast. None of these are small bite places though.

 

[pkondz]

I am making use of my AP because I may not renew it. I’m planning some other trips in 2026. I hope you get one on the books in the near future

Other trips, eh? Colour me curious.

Yes it was! We loved that tour!

Both!

What causes you not to be a fan of Satuli? And yes try the churros

I've only eaten there twice and both times, I wasn't particularly happy with what I got. Could also be a case of just not ordering the right thing.

It is so good! It isn’t real heavy honestly it is perfect!

Okay! Okay! I'm convinced!

Already, not even 2 weeks after Christmas

This way I don't have to worry all year long.

I was in row B third row towards the end. It is a newer change. They don’t zoom into the Eiffel Tower like they use to

Huh. I'll have to keep that in mind.

Well 3 days prior I paid for the service and could use it as much as I wanted during that day. I never would pick those as my first choices but it worked for me that day since I was mainly enjoying the Christmas atmosphere and MK was a bonus that day. I was only planning to do 2 parks today.

Ohhh...

Hello parents where are you??

 

[disneyAndi14]

Yes! What is that smell? We usually avoid the monorail and take the ferry from the TTC. This past trip we got on the monorail, smelled the smell and said, "ferry it is!", got back off and waited for the ferry. My DH thinks it's the vinyl outgassing. I'm pretty sure it's something outgassing...lol.

It must be outgassing Literally and figuratively
I can see taking the ferry as an alternative that smell is bad!

 

[disneyAndi14]

It seems like the festival food is best when the booths first open.

I've never heard of a Reuben ball. I'm surprised to learn that a truck in Minnesota is dedicated to them.

I totally agree with that, less heat lamp food!
This food truck has other things as well but the Rueben balls are a specialty food and they always have those available. Delicious

We saw this show for the first time in December and it was really cute. I think that Disney has made this show permanent instead of temporary.

I was really enjoying the Bruno song and the atmosphere was very light and charming

We went to MK on a party day around 3:15 pm, like you did, and I couldn't believe how huge the party crowd was.

The crowds are crazy at the front of the park, CMs with bull horns directing all the traffic when I left.

I had this happen to me in HS. I walked into the store when it was playing Rainbow Connection, and I teared up. My son was addicted to the first Muppets movie and that song reminded me of all the wonderful things about the days when the kids were young. It was totally unexpected, too.

I was looking forward to seeing Liesa again, too. But she was where she needed to be.

So many memories at Disney! I often have to stop for a minute and take it all in, remembering special times with Andi.

Ach now I’m more than a wee bit jealous you’ve been to all the festivals . I’ve only been to f&w and f&g ( is it bad that my phone changed both those to g&t ). I would love to see the others especially the holidays but so far flower&garden is my favourite.

Haha Gin and Tonic is a festival drink I’m sure. Good choice with F&G being your favorite! Great minds think alike!

Restaurant wise we really enjoy Trattoria on the Boardwalk or Flying Fish for a splurge.

I have heard so many good things about Flying Fish we may need to try it! I really like Trattoria as well!

You look gorgeous in your festive gear. Like Andi my kids are less taken with MK these days so we tend to spend a lot more time at Epcot over anywhere else. I miss Disneyworld especially now when is damp and grey out.
Not long until your next trip

Thank you! I was very glad to have my Merry Sweater it came in handy several times since it was chilly more often than not.
MK seems to bottleneck the most of all parks except Mexico in Epcot, always packed! We have finally had a week of sun here and it is cold but seeing the sun is the trade off!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Just catching up with this thread - wow that travel day sounds hard work!

Thank you for joining in and reading along!

It's funny that you mention the local Floridians all bundled up for the weather, I've noticed that on a few Disney YouTube vlogs recently, everyone in the background is dressed up like they're going skiing, when I'm guessing as a Brit I would find the weather very mild and pleasant! My husband would definitely be in shorts haha.

It is fun to see how people respond to the cold weather in a southern state!

Finally getting caught up. That tour sounds wonderful. And Max was a real dog??!! That is so adorable! I would have taken a long time with him because he looks like he needs all the pets and skritches.

He was real and such a good boy! He loved a good ear scratch!

I love when the Floridians get all bundled up when it is sweatshirt weather for the rest of us. But I also remember living in Florida for 2 years and became one of those people. It doesn't take long living there for your blood to thin out and anything below 65 to feel cold. I hear they are getting an artic blast right now.

It is amazing how you do acclimate to the weather and a Minnesotan can even be cold in Florida after living there for a period of time! My folks lived in Tucson, AZ for 20 years and my mom was always cold if it was less than 70 degrees

You missed out by skipping the desserts in Communicore. That mint mousse wreath was the best thing I ate at Festival of the Holidays. The best drink was the frozen chocolate orange drink in the UK.

I heard the desserts were good there. I wanted to try so many things and only sampled a couple!

Ranking of Festivals (since I am still behind) - Festival of the Holidays, F&G, FArts, Food and Wine (or as I call it Drinks and Dessert)

Drinks and Desserts is a good way to describe F&W, nothing really special with that festival anymore!

Restaurants - Steakhouse 71 is a must every trip. In case I haven't said it in the last 10 minutes - that chocolate cake is EVERYTHING. I also enjoy LTT and Toppolinos for breakfast. None of these are small bite places though.

I loves Steakhouse 71 lounge, I haven’t been to the actual restaurant! I also agree with you on LTT and Topolinos both are on my favorite lists! Topolinos dinner is very good as well!

Other trips, eh? Colour me curious.

Europe in 2026, London, Paris, and Croatia!

 

[pkondz]

Europe in 2026, London, Paris, and Croatia!

Wonderful! Haven't been to Croatia, but heard it was beautiful.

 

[vamassey1]

I'm sorry I was so far behind.

What a terrible travel day but sounds like the rest of your trip made up for it.

I want to see US & IOA at Christmas someday. I still have a hard time peeling myself away for the Disney bubble. I do have tickets for when Epic opens in May so I'm really venturing out.

Your outfits are so cute and Christmasy. You know how to dress warm and cute. I'm having a real hard time coming up with that for next week. It's going to be cold there and of course I have that thin Southern Blood.

I've enjoyed all the food you have reported on. I think I would like the Rueben Croquettes the best. I love a good Rueben.

 

[disneyAndi14]

What a terrible travel day but sounds like the rest of your trip made up for it.

It was a bad one! I haven’t had one like that in years!

I want to see US & IOA at Christmas someday. I still have a hard time peeling myself away for the Disney bubble. I do have tickets for when Epic opens in May so I'm really venturing out.

It is fun to see at Christmas! We hope to check out Epic Universe in September

Your outfits are so cute and Christmasy. You know how to dress warm and cute. I'm having a real hard time coming up with that for next week. It's going to be cold there and of course I have that thin Southern Blood.

Thank you! I was glad to have some warm layers since it was definitely needed this trip.

I've enjoyed all the food you have reported on. I think I would like the Rueben Croquettes the best. I love a good Rueben.

Thanks, I wish I would have tried more of the Holiday festival treats!