Saturday, December 1

Our Day Of Disney Christmas

Before we get started, thanks for your worry about my "ickiness". All has passed and I've fallen into that "behind in blogging" hole and I need to get started! So...get the lead out and let's get going...

It was a scrumptious day. Very, very Florida...just about 77 degrees, clear skies and a great breeze. I think that's why what should have been a 3 hour trip turned into a full day-into-night trip (kind of like Gilligan). But, we got to the Haunted Mansion (our main goal) and the changes are sooo cool that even those of you that have ridden this ride a milion times or so will be amazed! Great stuff. Anyway...AGAIN...I took tons of pics and it's just so hard to choose which ones will make you feel like you are there. Get ready...there's lots to see ;)

Oh yeah...remember that whole"this is supposed to be a slow time" theory? We got to the Magic Kingdom about an hour after it opened and here's one of the first things we saw. Crap.












We didn't get to do this because the wait was 55 minutes, and at this point, we were still planning a 3 hour trip.



This guy looks like Captain Jack, doesn't he? Have I ever told you that I know Johnny Depp?




Look at these little crocs..notice that the croc holes are little Mickey ears! Do you have crocs? I do and wear them everywhere...



Looking down main Street towards the castle. They used to have a big tree here, but now it's over by Tomorrowland.



Poinsettia tree.


More Main Street decoration




Isn't this guy just the best Santa ever? I got in trouble for taking this picture.. :(

How cute is this?




Yes. Peanut Brittle.




Main Street train station


Goofy in green at Epcot

Donald was there, too!



Dancing waters



At the American Adventure in Epcot, they have a new traveling history gallery. Since I am a Civil War NUT, Abe Lincoln's signature was a huge deal for me....
(sorry these are fuzzy but I had to take them inside without a flash)

but, even "huge-er" (is that a word?) was his stovepipe hat!!



AND.....(ta-da) a life sized Gingerbread House

with a gingerbread deer



We gained 5 lbs. just reading this....
(notice it says "baked in a very large oven". Ya think??)



Okay...this is when we decided to stay longer. It was one of the first nights of the Candlelight Processional. This takes place 3 times a day through December 30 and a celebrity reader narrates the Christmas story. During the 114 performances almost 24,000 vocalists from over 20 states and the United Kingdom will participate. These are mostly kids from high schools all over as well as Disney employees that volunteer to take part. The guest narrator was John O'Hurley and he was supah! There is a professional orchestra and with the twinkling lights and cool breeze it was so special. Neil Patrick Harris is reading , Chita Rivera, Andie MacDowell, James Olmos, Marlee Matlin and I am hoping to see Gary Sinise.


These are the trumpeters in front of "stained glass" windows.


And, after all of that, we were still able to watch Mickey & Minnie light up the Epcot World Showcase tree! Ah, yes...life is good indeed...


That's enough...I forget that not everyone is as coo-coo over Disney as I am, but this is the most special time of the year to visit. I am almost embarassed to tell you that I am going back on Sunday...and the guest reader is Dennis Franz! Can't wait for that..
Have a wonderful weekend...we gotta find time to finish up our decorations....oh, sheesh....

10 comments:

Susie Q said...

Oh Cassie! We are all coo coo over Disney! We used to go all the time when we lived in Tampa. Have taken Grace once and hope to return with her next year. WE went a few times during the holidays and it was wonderful! Your pictures brought back loads of great memories.
I am so glad you had a great time and that you over that lousy ickiness, which I hear, is the actually medical term for what you had.

Ooh! Dennis Franz! That would be fun!

He is no Brian D. but then, who is? *laugh* BD was last year so you have to have another rough and tough but with a big heart guy and Dennis fills that bill!

You KNOW Mr. Depp?? How cool is that! I know people that knew people that know him...does that count? *laugh* He was born in the same town lots of Bill's relatives live and some knew his family.

Have a great Disney weekend!

Hugs,
Sue

Susie Q said...

Oh Cassie! We are all coo coo over Disney! We used to go all the time when we lived in Tampa. Have taken Grace once and hope to return with her next year. WE went a few times during the holidays and it was wonderful! Your pictures brought back loads of great memories.
I am so glad you had a great time and that you over that lousy ickiness, which I hear, is the actually medical term for what you had.

Ooh! Dennis Franz! That would be fun!

He is no Brian D. but then, who is? *laugh* BD was last year so you have to have another rough and tough but with a big heart guy and Dennis fills that bill!

You KNOW Mr. Depp?? How cool is that! I know people that knew people that know him...does that count? *laugh* He was born in the same town lots of Bill's relatives live and some knew his family.

Have a great Disney weekend!

Hugs,
Sue

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

What fun. I love it all. The crocs with the micky mouse ears. Way too cute. I know that it was a good time for all. Mary

Andi said...

A 3 hour trip to Disney...is that possible??? So much to do and see.

Love your pictures Cassie. I live so close I should go more often. Will have to put that on my "to do" list for 2008.

ShabbyInTheCity said...

We went to DW two Christmases ago and had a blast :)
About that Depp thing...

Sandi McBride said...

gee Cassie, since I couldn't go, this is the next best thing...thanks so much

Kari (GrannySkywalker) said...

So let's talk a little bit more about you knowing Johnny Depp (wa-wa-wa!!) and maybe a little more detail into that peanut brittle! lol

Hey - send me your address if you would like to receive a Christmas card from yours truly! 'Tis the season, you know.

Merry Christmas!
Kari

Jessie said...

Oh Johnny - lucky you!

We are going to be coming to FL this weekend and I have a quick Disney Q for you, would you email me?
jessie[at]thelucaszoo[dot]com

Thanks mama!

Sandi McBride said...

Cassie, you're not feeling Icky again are you? Just stopped by to peek at the pictures again...
xo
Sandi

Anonymous said...

Disney all decked out for the Holidays! Is there anything more fabulous than that!?!!! Thanks for the terrific pictures (and memories too!) I love the mickey crocs for sure!