PlutosRHM55
Currently: No HHN Depression
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
Hello my esteemed TR readers!
I apologize for the wait between this update and the last. Things got a little busy. I'm leaving for school in about an hour if that's any indication of how life got in the way. However, things got really fun too because on Saturday I got to go see...
LADY GAGA!!!
I have more photos and such, but unfortunately many of them are FAR from "DIS-appropriate", but I will still post an update over on my PTR (link in my signature) with a more elaborate run-down of the night because it was A NIGHT in the best possible way. To briefly summarize everything, it was AMAZING. I mean, just seeing my favorite musical artist perform was unreal alone, but we had fabulous seats, Gaga was on a whole other level performing many of my faves, obscure faves, EVERYTHING and I've never felt like a bigger fan of my Mother Monster more than I do now. If the Joanne World Tour is coming anywhere near you I 30/10 would recommend. Great time. Also, you will seriously meet the nicest, most chill people ever at her concerts. Best, most diverse crowd I have ever been a part of. LOVE IT!
Anyways, let's get back to my trip report. WE'RE ALMOST AT THE END!! Time to get things moving again before life gets in the way. Enjoy!
One Last Epcot Christmas Starring J. B.
December 27th, 2016
I'm sure you can guess what happened based on the title. After much deliberation and realizing that going back to Pop, I'd have to bring someone with me to let me into the room leaving only two family members to enjoy Epcot, I'd stick around. I apologize in advanced, this will be another very photo sparse chapter since I was kinda taking things slow and didn't bother to get many photos. I will supplement as much as I can.
The bus lines for the parks were pretty full. Epcot's was probably the shortest if I recall with Studios being the longest. Magic Kingdom busses were coming fast and furious so the line never got too long. Bless the fact we weren't dealing with that. However, the Epcot bus was taking FOREVER to get to DAK. I mean, I think it DAK are the furthest apart aside from MK to essentially every other park, but it was a bit ridiculous, especially since the line continued to get longer and longer and LONGER. We got on a bus eventually, forced to stand, which was not exactly what I needed sneezing all over the place and just being a yucky sick puppy.
We got to Epcot in no time and were inside soon enough, no problems. It was pretty crazy at Epcot, which I expected. Next to MK I knew, Epcot was probably the worst, although it wasn't blocked out, there are some cool holiday offerings here that I doubt most would pass up. I'm not exactly sure. Might've been a bathroom run, might've been Spaceship Earth, but after we were bent on getting to the World Showcase to scout out a spot for Illuminations, which also featured the Holiday tag tonight, my personal favorite holiday fireworks!
I didn't get to see it my last night in Epcot because I went to meet Baymax & Joy and Sadness instead so I guess there really was a need to get back over here.
As we started getting closer to the World Showcase, I started making a quiet turn towards Club Cool. We never went in Club Cool back in 2010 so I had to get them to try the infamous Beverly. I didn’t really say much and just handed them all a cup with it in it and I took a video:
Click to watch!
Not really the reaction I had hoped for, but luckily we had an interesting vid-bomber to make up for it.
We were starting to feel a bit famished again and when we started going through the World Showcase, we stopped by La Cantina de San Angel. I realized the other day that they do take the CM discount here for food so I thought I'd try and use it. They got us in pretty quick. I ordered nachos, Siobhan got some tacos, Alyssa got churros and my mom got a margarita. I handed my ID to pay, come to find out, it didn't work for dinner. It was LUNCH when the CM discount worked. Ugh, sometimes this discount. All was ok though. My mom was then able to pay with her card and soon enough we were on our way.
I had discovered a special spot that was very uncrowded by Germany for the fireworks and it was particularly unobstructed, away from the wind and so that's where we were bringing all our food. Yup, I made my family traverse that far. Don't worry, our trays were left back in Mexico. When we got to Germany, the German story of the Nutcracker was being told so we stopped to watch.
Click to watch!
I had seen all of the storyteller shows prior and really enjoyed this one. My favorites are Julenissen in Norway and La Befana in Italy, but this one was especially cute. It just had a nice sweetness to it and I think the part where they make you close your eyes to will the Nutcracker to life and then he appears is such pure magic. Also, tonight the Nutcracker was being particularly sassy. When asked if he would be ok with taking pictures by the storyteller, he paused then shook his head. It didn't happen when I saw it the other times so I thought that was hysterical.
My mom wanted us to get a photo with the Nutcracker and the Storyteller, but I wasn't feeling it. I really was pushing through tonight and I'm not sure I was ready for more M&Gs. I thought about Anna & Elsa, but in the end decided it wasn't worth it (their lines were getting pretty ridiculous again). Anyways, back to Germany, after the show, we went to go sit down in my little spot across from where the Holiday Storyteller performed. After eating one nacho, I felt I needed a little refreshment and with some time until IllumiNations began, I decided to run over to the American Adventure to get me an American Dream, my favorite drink in Epcot. Siobhan was wanting a Sprite so I went to go grab her one too.
I inadvertently left my phone with them to let it charge in my bag. I always had a portable battery charged and with me whenever I was in the parks or at work. Honestly a lifesaver, highly recommend. Many parks have fuel pods that can be recharged at various stations throughout the parks so those work well. Going back to my trek to America, it was a bit unnerving not having my phone, but I knew my family wasn't going far and I'd be back so it was no big deal.
When I got to the pavilion and the little kiosk where you can get the American Adventure, they started the first announcements for IllumiNations. Nobody was in line there so I quickly got my drinks and was on my way. When I turned around however, I saw a line of people outside the American Adventure stage. I thought that was strange then I saw a plaid guest relations cast member walking the line. Even weirder. But then I saw what they were lining up for.
The Candlelight Processional was still happening this week and guess who was the guest narrator? Jodi Benson.
Guess who was about five feet away from me?
JODI. FREAKIN. BENSON.
If you don't know who I'm talking about, I don't even understand why you are on these boards and I'm going to politely ask that you leave this trip report immediately. Do not come back until you've read up on your Disney history. If you're stubborn like moi, you're still reading so I might as well tell you. Jodi Benson is the original voice of Ariel. Yes, that is who Jodi Benson is, you uncultured swine. She's also a bonafide Disney legend mind you. Prior to voicing Ariel, she also worked with the late Howard Ashman and the late Marvin Hamlisch on a more obscure musical known as Smile, where she originated the lead role and sang the standard, "Disneyland". She also performed on Broadway in the revival of the Gershwin musical, Crazy for You for which she was nominated for a Tony (if you don't know what a Tony is... I'm not even sure I should be writing a TR anymore). Yeah, Jodi Benson is pretty amazing and thank goodness you have me to tell you all about her.
In short, I was shockingly exuding an incredible amount of self-restraint. I was F-REAK-ING OUT. If only I had my phone with me, maybe I could've asked to meet her. But I didn't so I kinda just sidled by and looked onward longingly, as she so sweetly and graciously greeted all her other undeserving fans. This was the first time in my program I just randomly stumbled on a celebrity. Yeah, I got to see Starship and Wilson Phillips perform during Eat to the Beat. I also saw Neil Patrick Harris when he did the Candlelight Processional as well as a little bit of Meredith Viera during her stint. All on top of Kelly Clarkson, Julianne & Derek Hough, Sofia Carson, Cameron Boyce and Alessia Cara during the Christmas Parade filming. Add into the mix the Chicago Cubs in the special pre-parade after they won the World Series. The list continues on and on including a moment where apparently Kourtney Kardashian & Co. had come by in a spot I had been near only five minutes before while working that I'm still bitter about. BUT THIS. This was the first time it wasn't a mis-encounter or going somewhere knowing there'd be a celebrity there, I just happened to see Jodi Benson and I'm a huge huge fan. "Part of Your World" is probably my favorite princess song and I was only a few feet from the women who originally sang it. I can't even properly describe what that feels like. Ugh, if only I had gotten to see her read about the story of Christmas for the Candlelight Processional. Oh well, at least I had this to go freak out about to my mom and sisters (who also had no clue who she was). Needless to say, I practically ran back having this amazing story to tell.
By the time I got back, it was inching ever closer to IllumiNations to start. This was actually the one fireworks show my family had seen and I believe the first time we saw it we also watched from Germany, but in a different spot. Or was it Norway? Ack, can't remember but there was nobody around. Here, some people kinda had the same idea as us, they were no bother however. We were enjoying all our good eatings and drinkings when finally the torches went out and it was time for a "story as old as time itself".
My DSLR was at the ready once again and I got some of the best fireworks shot yet, but I still wasn't sure how to play with exposure and shutter speed to get the cool "neon light" type effect (I'm sure you know what I'm talking about if you've seen pro fireworks photos).
My mom took this one. Taken with an iPhone.
"WEEEEE GOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNN."
I think this was about where the Holiday tag started.
I also got a video for those of you who haven't seen it. It's far more unreal in person but omg the amount of fireworks coupled with the music and the message... it's AMAZING. I was SHOOK every single time. My family was feeling the same way and was so glad that of the fireworks shows they got to see this trip, this was the one. Sorry, Jingle Bell Jingle Bam and Holiday Wishes.
Click to watch!
Once the Holiday tag ended, EMH began. I technically wasn't allowed at EMH since I wasn't exactly on the reservation, but we decided to try it out. The Fam wasn't interested in Frozen Ever After so we ditched that idea. Alyssa hadn't ridden Test Track the last time we were here. Unfortunately, it was the BETTER version back then and I tend to skip Test Track 2.0 nowadays, but it was EMH so the waits probably weren't nearly that bad. We headed that way, hoping I wouldn't have to wait outside.
Continued Here
I apologize for the wait between this update and the last. Things got a little busy. I'm leaving for school in about an hour if that's any indication of how life got in the way. However, things got really fun too because on Saturday I got to go see...
LADY GAGA!!!
I have more photos and such, but unfortunately many of them are FAR from "DIS-appropriate", but I will still post an update over on my PTR (link in my signature) with a more elaborate run-down of the night because it was A NIGHT in the best possible way. To briefly summarize everything, it was AMAZING. I mean, just seeing my favorite musical artist perform was unreal alone, but we had fabulous seats, Gaga was on a whole other level performing many of my faves, obscure faves, EVERYTHING and I've never felt like a bigger fan of my Mother Monster more than I do now. If the Joanne World Tour is coming anywhere near you I 30/10 would recommend. Great time. Also, you will seriously meet the nicest, most chill people ever at her concerts. Best, most diverse crowd I have ever been a part of. LOVE IT!
Anyways, let's get back to my trip report. WE'RE ALMOST AT THE END!! Time to get things moving again before life gets in the way. Enjoy!
One Last Epcot Christmas Starring J. B.
December 27th, 2016
I'm sure you can guess what happened based on the title. After much deliberation and realizing that going back to Pop, I'd have to bring someone with me to let me into the room leaving only two family members to enjoy Epcot, I'd stick around. I apologize in advanced, this will be another very photo sparse chapter since I was kinda taking things slow and didn't bother to get many photos. I will supplement as much as I can.
The bus lines for the parks were pretty full. Epcot's was probably the shortest if I recall with Studios being the longest. Magic Kingdom busses were coming fast and furious so the line never got too long. Bless the fact we weren't dealing with that. However, the Epcot bus was taking FOREVER to get to DAK. I mean, I think it DAK are the furthest apart aside from MK to essentially every other park, but it was a bit ridiculous, especially since the line continued to get longer and longer and LONGER. We got on a bus eventually, forced to stand, which was not exactly what I needed sneezing all over the place and just being a yucky sick puppy.
We got to Epcot in no time and were inside soon enough, no problems. It was pretty crazy at Epcot, which I expected. Next to MK I knew, Epcot was probably the worst, although it wasn't blocked out, there are some cool holiday offerings here that I doubt most would pass up. I'm not exactly sure. Might've been a bathroom run, might've been Spaceship Earth, but after we were bent on getting to the World Showcase to scout out a spot for Illuminations, which also featured the Holiday tag tonight, my personal favorite holiday fireworks!
I didn't get to see it my last night in Epcot because I went to meet Baymax & Joy and Sadness instead so I guess there really was a need to get back over here.
As we started getting closer to the World Showcase, I started making a quiet turn towards Club Cool. We never went in Club Cool back in 2010 so I had to get them to try the infamous Beverly. I didn’t really say much and just handed them all a cup with it in it and I took a video:
Click to watch!
Not really the reaction I had hoped for, but luckily we had an interesting vid-bomber to make up for it.
We were starting to feel a bit famished again and when we started going through the World Showcase, we stopped by La Cantina de San Angel. I realized the other day that they do take the CM discount here for food so I thought I'd try and use it. They got us in pretty quick. I ordered nachos, Siobhan got some tacos, Alyssa got churros and my mom got a margarita. I handed my ID to pay, come to find out, it didn't work for dinner. It was LUNCH when the CM discount worked. Ugh, sometimes this discount. All was ok though. My mom was then able to pay with her card and soon enough we were on our way.
I had discovered a special spot that was very uncrowded by Germany for the fireworks and it was particularly unobstructed, away from the wind and so that's where we were bringing all our food. Yup, I made my family traverse that far. Don't worry, our trays were left back in Mexico. When we got to Germany, the German story of the Nutcracker was being told so we stopped to watch.
Click to watch!
I had seen all of the storyteller shows prior and really enjoyed this one. My favorites are Julenissen in Norway and La Befana in Italy, but this one was especially cute. It just had a nice sweetness to it and I think the part where they make you close your eyes to will the Nutcracker to life and then he appears is such pure magic. Also, tonight the Nutcracker was being particularly sassy. When asked if he would be ok with taking pictures by the storyteller, he paused then shook his head. It didn't happen when I saw it the other times so I thought that was hysterical.
My mom wanted us to get a photo with the Nutcracker and the Storyteller, but I wasn't feeling it. I really was pushing through tonight and I'm not sure I was ready for more M&Gs. I thought about Anna & Elsa, but in the end decided it wasn't worth it (their lines were getting pretty ridiculous again). Anyways, back to Germany, after the show, we went to go sit down in my little spot across from where the Holiday Storyteller performed. After eating one nacho, I felt I needed a little refreshment and with some time until IllumiNations began, I decided to run over to the American Adventure to get me an American Dream, my favorite drink in Epcot. Siobhan was wanting a Sprite so I went to go grab her one too.
I inadvertently left my phone with them to let it charge in my bag. I always had a portable battery charged and with me whenever I was in the parks or at work. Honestly a lifesaver, highly recommend. Many parks have fuel pods that can be recharged at various stations throughout the parks so those work well. Going back to my trek to America, it was a bit unnerving not having my phone, but I knew my family wasn't going far and I'd be back so it was no big deal.
When I got to the pavilion and the little kiosk where you can get the American Adventure, they started the first announcements for IllumiNations. Nobody was in line there so I quickly got my drinks and was on my way. When I turned around however, I saw a line of people outside the American Adventure stage. I thought that was strange then I saw a plaid guest relations cast member walking the line. Even weirder. But then I saw what they were lining up for.
The Candlelight Processional was still happening this week and guess who was the guest narrator? Jodi Benson.
Guess who was about five feet away from me?
JODI. FREAKIN. BENSON.
If you don't know who I'm talking about, I don't even understand why you are on these boards and I'm going to politely ask that you leave this trip report immediately. Do not come back until you've read up on your Disney history. If you're stubborn like moi, you're still reading so I might as well tell you. Jodi Benson is the original voice of Ariel. Yes, that is who Jodi Benson is, you uncultured swine. She's also a bonafide Disney legend mind you. Prior to voicing Ariel, she also worked with the late Howard Ashman and the late Marvin Hamlisch on a more obscure musical known as Smile, where she originated the lead role and sang the standard, "Disneyland". She also performed on Broadway in the revival of the Gershwin musical, Crazy for You for which she was nominated for a Tony (if you don't know what a Tony is... I'm not even sure I should be writing a TR anymore). Yeah, Jodi Benson is pretty amazing and thank goodness you have me to tell you all about her.
In short, I was shockingly exuding an incredible amount of self-restraint. I was F-REAK-ING OUT. If only I had my phone with me, maybe I could've asked to meet her. But I didn't so I kinda just sidled by and looked onward longingly, as she so sweetly and graciously greeted all her other undeserving fans. This was the first time in my program I just randomly stumbled on a celebrity. Yeah, I got to see Starship and Wilson Phillips perform during Eat to the Beat. I also saw Neil Patrick Harris when he did the Candlelight Processional as well as a little bit of Meredith Viera during her stint. All on top of Kelly Clarkson, Julianne & Derek Hough, Sofia Carson, Cameron Boyce and Alessia Cara during the Christmas Parade filming. Add into the mix the Chicago Cubs in the special pre-parade after they won the World Series. The list continues on and on including a moment where apparently Kourtney Kardashian & Co. had come by in a spot I had been near only five minutes before while working that I'm still bitter about. BUT THIS. This was the first time it wasn't a mis-encounter or going somewhere knowing there'd be a celebrity there, I just happened to see Jodi Benson and I'm a huge huge fan. "Part of Your World" is probably my favorite princess song and I was only a few feet from the women who originally sang it. I can't even properly describe what that feels like. Ugh, if only I had gotten to see her read about the story of Christmas for the Candlelight Processional. Oh well, at least I had this to go freak out about to my mom and sisters (who also had no clue who she was). Needless to say, I practically ran back having this amazing story to tell.
By the time I got back, it was inching ever closer to IllumiNations to start. This was actually the one fireworks show my family had seen and I believe the first time we saw it we also watched from Germany, but in a different spot. Or was it Norway? Ack, can't remember but there was nobody around. Here, some people kinda had the same idea as us, they were no bother however. We were enjoying all our good eatings and drinkings when finally the torches went out and it was time for a "story as old as time itself".
My DSLR was at the ready once again and I got some of the best fireworks shot yet, but I still wasn't sure how to play with exposure and shutter speed to get the cool "neon light" type effect (I'm sure you know what I'm talking about if you've seen pro fireworks photos).
My mom took this one. Taken with an iPhone.
"WEEEEE GOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNN."
I think this was about where the Holiday tag started.
I also got a video for those of you who haven't seen it. It's far more unreal in person but omg the amount of fireworks coupled with the music and the message... it's AMAZING. I was SHOOK every single time. My family was feeling the same way and was so glad that of the fireworks shows they got to see this trip, this was the one. Sorry, Jingle Bell Jingle Bam and Holiday Wishes.
Click to watch!
Once the Holiday tag ended, EMH began. I technically wasn't allowed at EMH since I wasn't exactly on the reservation, but we decided to try it out. The Fam wasn't interested in Frozen Ever After so we ditched that idea. Alyssa hadn't ridden Test Track the last time we were here. Unfortunately, it was the BETTER version back then and I tend to skip Test Track 2.0 nowadays, but it was EMH so the waits probably weren't nearly that bad. We headed that way, hoping I wouldn't have to wait outside.
Continued Here
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