Surprise, Santa, and a Shiny new AP Holder… A GDF Trip Report

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

I would have been mesmerized by that glass blower too! Sorry you didn't get back to pick up an ornament.

I was really cool! Maybe we'll be back next year, and I can get one then.

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Is Mr. GDF wearing an orange shirt and orange MB?

I am surprised you allow that.

Go Gata!

TCD

You wish! He doesn't own an orange shirt. It and his MB are red. It probably looks orange because my Fort shirt is burgundy.

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Stop, he's a closet Tennessee fan.....Go Vols!!

Best Regards,

Norm

You guys are funny.

[twiceblessed....nacole 433]

Great pics :)  Bummer about the ornament... especially since it looks pretty darn close to Gator blue

[alexwyattmommy 181]

I am looking forward to the food photos coming up.  We have an ADR for there in June, if things pan out.

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Great pics :) Bummer about the ornament... especially since it looks pretty darn close to Gator blue

I actually love the color blue. Orange is a different story.

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

I am looking forward to the food photos coming up. We have an ADR for there in June, if things pan out.

I think I took a couple. :-)

[h2odivers...Ray 952]

You wish! He doesn't own an orange shirt. It and his MB are red. It probably looks orange because my Fort shirt is burgundy.

Nope. It's definetely an orange shirt and MB.

But I'd say it's more Oklahoma State orange.

Go Cowboys!

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Nope. It's definetely an orange shirt and MB.

But I'd say it's more Oklahoma State orange.

Go Cowboys!

 

You guys are funny. Look at my Magic Band. It's red too. 

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

It’s time for an update! And this one even includes a cute Anna pic! I’m expecting lots of up arrows, so don’t let me down. Oh yeah, DIT was there too. DIT, where are you?

 

So we headed to Germany to meet the DIT crew at Biergarten.

 

 

Sometime during the planning, I booked the Candlelight Processional at Biergarten. Since Dave also reads my boyfriend’s crowd calendars, he was going to Epcot that day too. And guess what? They had an ADR about 30 minutes later than ours. So we hatched a plan. What if we went together and asked to sit together? I’ve had great luck checking in early, so I thought it would work.

 

We ran into the older DIT daughters almost right away. Dave was running a little late. They were back in Morocco trying to talk security into letting them stay in the park after Anna felt up Jasmine. OK, the last part is slightly embellished.

 

I went to the desk and talked to the hostess. She changed our reservation to one big party, so we’d be seated together. It wasn’t even a problem that my family was doing the CP package and Dave’s wasn’t. Awesome! They gave me a pager to wait for our table.

 

Here are the Biergarten show times in case you’re interested.

 

 

 Decorations

 

 

Meanwhile, Anna got broken out of Disney jail, and the rest of the DIT family arrived. She and Z chatted.

 

Yes, Z is in his stroller because we knew this was going to be a looooooooooong day.

 

 

And then we were at our table. Cheeese!

 

 

I wanted to get more pictures of the buffet, but it was busy. Plus, I had to make a plate for Z and for me. So you just get the carving station.

 

 

But here’s my plate!

 

 

That’s carved pork, a pretzel roll, AWESOME mac and cheese, green beans, potatoes, and chicken. I was a little sad that they didn’t have the potato dumplings I fell in love with on our last visit, but the food was yummy.

 

And of course, we had to order Biers.

 

 

You may remember from some DIT trip reports that fries are Anna’s favorite food. They asked if it would be possible for her to have some fries. They said they thought so and went back to the kitchen. Our waitress came back, and it turns out the fryer was down. Bummer…. Except then Disney did something awesome, something very Disney-like.

 

A little later, these arrived!

 

 

Now you can see that Anna is very happy there. I just wish I could have captured her squeal of delight and clapping excitement. It was one of the highlights of my trip. The chef had sent someone to get Anna fries… apparently they traveled all the way to the American pavilion to get them! Isn’t that awesome? Too bad there isn’t a video.

 

We chatted and watched the entertainment.

 

 

Random Z picture

 

 

Boys and their biers

 

 

And this reminds me. DIT can confirm that Jason WAS NOT wearing orange.

 

Our waitress was pretty, so Z wanted a picture with her.

 

 

Here are the “adults” of the group.

 

 

After that, we parted ways. DIT and INC got to have some adult time together, and we headed the direction of the Candlelight Processional.

 

Sorry it’s a short update. I need to upload more pictures tonight. But hey, this one included a dirndl, an Anna pic, and Bier. That's quality. 

[twiceblessed....nacole 433]

 

 

Yes, Z is in his stroller because we knew this was going to be a looooooooooong day.

 

 

And then we were at our table. Cheeese!

 

 

 

 

 

I think it's great that you brought Z's stroller!  Heck...if they made one large enough for me, I'd sit in it too :)

 

You and Dave look like siblings...haha :)

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

 

Sorry it’s a short update. I need to upload more pictures tonight. But hey, this one included a dirndl, an Anna pic, and Bier. That's quality. 

 

That is quality!

 

Good job!

 

I'll bet that meal was a lot of fun.

 

TCD

[dvccamper 32]

 

You and Dave look like siblings...haha :)

 

That's so funny. I looked at that picture and said out loud "They look like brother and sister."

 

Great update...those biers look like pitchers.  My husband would love it there.

[Littleolwoman.aka.Kristie 119]

And that is why I have no problem spending money to go visit WDW. Their customer service is outstanding. Super happy that Anna got her fries.

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

I think it's great that you brought Z's stroller!  Heck...if they made one large enough for me, I'd sit in it too :)

 

You and Dave look like siblings...haha :)

 

You know what? I see it too now that you mention it. That's pretty funny. 

 

That is quality!

 

Good job!

 

I'll bet that meal was a lot of fun.

 

TCD

 

It was a great time!

 

That's so funny. I looked at that picture and said out loud "They look like brother and sister."

 

Great update...those biers look like pitchers.  My husband would love it there.

 

Yes, yes, and yes.... I have evidence of the pitcher size in the next update. 

 

I think Dave and I need to talk to our moms. 

 

And that is why I have no problem spending money to go visit WDW. Their customer service is outstanding. Super happy that Anna got her fries.

 

My experience with their service has been stellar for the most parts. I really wish I could have captured Anna's reaction to her fries. It was priceless. 

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

I mean really, I posted an Anna pic and went to Biergarten with the DIT family, and I get 4 comments... none of which are from Ray. You people need to step it up. 

 

I'll continue anyway. 

 

We headed out of Biergarten and towards the American Pavilion. It was mentioned that the biers at Biergarten are the size of a pitcher. I submit exhibit A to support that fact. The cup in my hand is my leftovers.

 

 

Family photo

 

 

During our late lunch, Dave had suggested we get to check in fairly early but told me not to worry if there was what looked like a long line.

 

While Jason and Z hung by the fountain, I checked out the scene.

 

 

The line was already really long, so I went to suggest we just wait in line. And yes, I realize that’s funny since I refuse to wait in lines for rides.

 

Not too crowded here.

 

 

I had to snap a couple pics of my cuties before we got in line.

 

 

 

These people are waiting in the non-package line. I had serious doubts about them getting in.

 

 

It wasn’t long before they let us in.

 

We got seats here… We’re about 10 rows back. Winning!

 

 

Here’s the program that includes the narrators.

 

 

From what I understand, the singers in the middle of the stage are professional while those on the sides are from high schools. My school actually went last year.

 

The performance began. We’re at the 5:00 show, so it wasn’t dark at the beginning.

 

 

 

It was still cool though.

 

Filing in

 

 

 

 

Everyone in place

 

 

Our narrator was Marlee Matlin. Since she’s deaf, she signs the story and her interpreter narrates the story. It was really cool. During parts, she also signed the music, and you can definitely tell she feels the songs.

 

 

 

 

 

We loved the show! Seeing and hearing the story of the birth of Jesus so close to Christmas really reinforced the reason for the season. And I was so glad that we had the dinner package because every person I saw in the theater had the package sticker on. I don’t know if any of the standby guests got in.

 

As we exited the show, Epcot as just a little busy.

 

 

But that’s okay because we’re about to hop to DHS. Yes, the GDF is hopping! You know we never do that right? We're going to see some Osborne lights... FINALLY!

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Love BOTH of these updates :)

 

I can just see Anna's little squeal. Boy is she getting tall!! I think she's grown since I saw her last :)

 

And it looks like Jason has some beer drinking catching up to do on Dave!

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

Great updates!

 

I've heard Marlee Matlin is a really good narrator.  And the CP overall is such a moving experience.

 

Looking forward to your Osborne Lights pictures! 

[twiceblessed....nacole 433]

We're usually at the Fort in October, so I've never even heard of the CP.... sounds like a really neat experience!  We should definitely try to attend one year :)

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Love BOTH of these updates :)

 

I can just see Anna's little squeal. Boy is she getting tall!! I think she's grown since I saw her last :)

 

And it looks like Jason has some beer drinking catching up to do on Dave!

 

It was my first time meeting Anna, but I know she's gotten bigger because she was able to ride some of the rides she hadn't before. 

 

Trust me, Jason can hold his own! 

 

Great updates!

 

I've heard Marlee Matlin is a really good narrator.  And the CP overall is such a moving experience.

 

Looking forward to your Osborne Lights pictures! 

 

She was very good. I'm so glad we went!

 

We're usually at the Fort in October, so I've never even heard of the CP.... sounds like a really neat experience!  We should definitely try to attend one year :)

 

It's great. You need to see it. And it's a good excuse for a trip, right? 

[h2odivers...Ray 952]

Whew! Caught up.

First of all missy. Some of us have to work and I had to have my iPhone, iPad, and computer monitor worked on yesterday. They said they were working just fine but there still making men's red shirts look ORANGE! Lol.

Ok two updates to comment on.

The first update was, well let's just say...I laughed. I cried. It moved me Kelly. What more could I ask for.

You were at Epcot, you ate at my favorite restaurant with an awesome family. There was pood forn, bier. And a great Anna pic. ( I'm weeping rigjt now as I type.).

For all of you who want to how to write a great TR take notes. Kelly nailed it with that update.

Now to clarify something about Kelly and Dave. Yes they are brother and sister. So are me and Missy. Just ask Disney's Memory Maker people. And yes I got the good looks in our family. Lol.

CLP sounds so nice. One day I hope we get to see and hear it. Great tip on having the dinner package. We did it with the Fantasmic show and probably won't see it again without the dinner package.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Hey- I learned something new!  I didn't know you could get a to-go cup at Biergarten.  I wish I had known that, as I had to chug my bier the last time we were there so we could make it out in time for Illuminations.

 

You'd be surprised how many guests can still get seated at the Candlelight Processional without the dining package.  We were lucky to show up there 5 minutes before a show on New Year's Eve Eve (12/30) and we were seated not too far from your fancy reserved seats.

 

I wondered how Marlee Matlin could be a narrator.  Now I know. Her interpreter is a pretty cool guy, and is a celebrity in his own right.

 

TCD

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Whew! Caught up.

First of all missy. Some of us have to work and I had to have my iPhone, iPad, and computer monitor worked on yesterday. They said they were working just fine but there still making men's red shirts look ORANGE! Lol.

Ok two updates to comment on.

The first update was, well let's just say...I laughed. I cried. It moved me Kelly. What more could I ask for.

You were at Epcot, you ate at my favorite restaurant with an awesome family. There was pood forn, bier. And a great Anna pic. ( I'm weeping rigjt now as I type.).

For all of you who want to how to write a great TR take notes. Kelly nailed it with that update.

Now to clarify something about Kelly and Dave. Yes they are brother and sister. So are me and Missy. Just ask Disney's Memory Maker people. And yes I got the good looks in our family. Lol.

CLP sounds so nice. One day I hope we get to see and hear it. Great tip on having the dinner package. We did it with the Fantasmic show and probably won't see it again without the dinner package.

 

I'm glad you finally caught up, slacker! 

 

We're a dysfunctional family. LOL!

 

You need to see the CLP for sure. I'm surprised y'all haven't. 

 

Hey- I learned something new!  I didn't know you could get a to-go cup at Biergarten.  I wish I had known that, as I had to chug my bier the last time we were there so we could make it out in time for Illuminations.

 

You'd be surprised how many guests can still get seated at the Candlelight Processional without the dining package.  We were lucky to show up there 5 minutes before a show on New Year's Eve Eve (12/30) and we were seated not too far from your fancy reserved seats.

 

I wondered how Marlee Matlin could be a narrator.  Now I know. Her interpreter is a pretty cool guy, and is a celebrity in his own right.

 

TCD

 

I didn't know that either. Our pretty waitress offered it. 

 

I'm sure that many times guests without the package can get in, but this night at the CLP was super busy. Z had to go to the bathroom at one point, so I had to get up just before the show started. I made a point to look around and everyone had the sticker. I'm sure some got in somewhere, but very few. 

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Let’s wrap up December 22^nd. When we left off, we were about to hop to DHS. Over lunch we’d talked about how we might get there. After talking to DIT and INC, we decided to walk. We knew it was a good ways, but we were OK with that because we’d be able to see the Boardwalk area, and we’d  never seen that. Plus, we had Z’s stroller, and we’d eaten WAY to much at Biergarten, so a walk would do us some good.

 

We thought the Boardwalk was really cool!

 

 

 

 

I need to try this place.

 

Blurry

 

It wasn’t very crowded though. Maybe it is later?

 

 

We arrived at DHS. Here’s the tree.

 

 

This view will look a lot different soon.

 

 

We had FP+ for RnR, so we headed that way. We have to do rider swap here. Jason rode first and then me.

 

For some reason the PP photo disappeared on our account, but I don’t really care that much about ride photos. You know what’s funny though? The girl sitting next to me and I did the exact same thing without even talking about it beforehand.

 

 

From there, we walk towards the Osborne Lights.

 

I think this guy had too much Christmas cheer.

 

 

We arrived at the Osborne Lights, and all I can say is WOW!!! They are AMAZING! That’s right Troll, amazing.

 

 

Blurry, sorry

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, another selfie

 

 

 

 

 

A PP photographer was walking through the area to go somewhere else, but took this for us.

 

 

 

From there we headed back to the RV. I was ready to settle down, but we had a notice that a package has come. It was the pins that Mo sent! I knew the family was leaving in the morning, so we headed over to deliver them.

 

I made this note in case they were asleep or not around.

 

 

But they were around! We got to talk to them for a bit. They’re a great family. Z and their son played a bit, and I got a sneak peak of the little girl’s thank you for the pins.

 

 

Fiends are great! I know they were reading the pin thread and hope they’ll comment here if they happen to be reading.

 

From there, we put Z to bed, made a fire, and relaxed.

 

 

We saw some deer too!

 

 

 

After some relaxing, we headed to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a Fort and resort hopping day. I was excited to see decorations and take Jason to `Ohana for the first time!  

[h2odivers...Ray 952]

I can't believe you walked to HS. We've taken the boat a few times but never walked. How long did it take you?

That awesome that you got to meet the family and give the little one her new pins. I net she had a bunch of new ones.