Originally Posted By darcy-becker Today I started at DL. As on every day I started at DL I went straight to Peter Pan. After I went to Star Tours and this time I got a different scenario. Then I did Small World. After I went to Main Street and did some browsing and watched them make Candy Canes. Next I headed over to DCA. When i got there Inoticed the flag was at half mast. I assume for Nelson Mandela. I watched kids meet Mickey for awhile and then I caught a performance of the Bell Ringers. I did the Single Rider line on Soarin' and went and checked out the Wilderness Explorer Ceremony at the Redwood Creek Challenge. It's cute but not something to make time for unless you have kids who want to do it. Next I wandered around Paradise Pier for awhile then I did the Single Rider line for Racers. I watched Its Tough to Be a Bug and had one more ride on Soarin'. I got an early dinner at Lucky Fortune Cookery and took it to wait for the tree lighting ceremony. It is a simple little show with the Bell Ringers and Citizens of Buena Vista Street and Mickey and Pluto. There was a short sing-a-long. It captured the spirit of the season perfectly. I was actually quite cold waiting for the ceremony so afterwards I bought a sweatshirt and hat and scarf and gloves since I was sure it would be colder at Fantasmic later in the evening. Once my purchases were complete I bid farewell to DCA and headed back to DL. The parade was going on when I got there so new arrivals were ushered back stage to the other end of Main Street. I decided I just had time to get to Mickey and the Magical Map for the last performance. Afterward I got my picture taken in front of a lit up Small World. Next I headed for the Train Station on Main Street. Along the way, I stopped to get my picture taken in front of the Castle. There was a short line and just as I got to the front the photographers changed. The one who was leaving told the other one that there had been a proposal while he was gone. While I waited for him to get ready, I asked how often they had proposals. He told me every day and there had been 5 that day. Next I boarded the train at Main Street and rode all the way around and continued to New Orleans Square. I rode the Haunted Mansion which a longer wait than I would normally do but I was killing time really. One more door on the ginger bread house had been opened since I last rode. Only one more to go. After the Mansion I got chicken nuggets at the Stage Door Cafe and took them back to NOS. My favorite bench was free in the shop area and I are my food during the first showing of Fantasmic. When it was over I worked my way down to the river front and got a spot a spot right by the railing for the fireworks and the second Fantasmic. Getting the extra clothes turned out to be a good choice because it was really cold with a slight breeze coming off the water. Next time I come at this time of year I'll make sure I have a blanket to sit on. After the show I went to get my picture taken in front of the fully lit Castle and in front of the tree. I bought the Christmas ornaments I'd been saving until last and took a few last pictures of Christmas Main Street and the Castle. As always I bid farewell to Walt's Christmas Tree (usually his candle) in the window above the Fire Station as I left the park. Final thoughts on the trip later.
Originally Posted By Pollyana Thanks for sharing such a well written report. I feel like I was with you....
