Home Disney Vacation November 4-11, 2014 2014

With a goal of enjoying the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival and the Christmas Holiday decorations, we made our first trip to Walt Disney World in November. We were at Bay Lake Tower (BLT) at the Contemporary Hotel.

|≤ <<< Monday, November 10, 2014 >>> ≥| Background

At 0638, it’s 63. Although there is a 40% chance of rain in the forecast, the radar is clear. In the Contemporary Lobby, they have started construction on this year’s Ginger Bread House. It’s to be a Norwegian Castle in the style of Frozen, and should be ready in under a week. We entered The Magic Kingdom and walked straight back to The Seven Dwarves Mine Train, for which we had Fast Passes, and walked right in, once again skipping a long line. From the boarding area, there is a sudden drop and around a steep curve. We slowed down long enough, inside the mine, to enjoy, briefly, a view of the mining operation --- not long enough! OK, we have done The Mine Train and it was faster than expected and a little fast for us. It’s a roller coaster! The dwarf’s cottage is on the way out, as is Gaston’s Tavern. The Haunted Mansion was next and the Standby line was short. It’s a great ride. When we passed by the Country Bear Jamboree, the show was about to start, so in we went. Lines at Pirates and the Jungle Cruise were long, so we walked back to the Frontierland Train station, which is in the middle of Splash Mountain’s pre-show area. Back at the Main Street Station, we encountered a 14 year old Percheron, Dutch, pulling the trolley which we rode up to the castle. Our next stop was Casey’s Corner, for a Sausage Dog with Fries (9.49) for me and a Chili Cheese Dog with fries (10.29) for Lyd. It was hard to find a place to sit, so we commandeered a large garbage can for our lunch table until something opened up, nearby. My shirt is now adorned with mustard. The skies to the northeast were darkening, so we hustled back to the monorail to return to the room for naps and the printing of tomorrow’s boarding passes. A little after 6, we left to take the monorail to The Grand Floridian and Citricos. Following dinner, we went back to The Magic Kingdom and joined Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, with an intimate group of 24,000 guests, already in progress. The parade was enjoyable. We purchased a pair of Xmas light necklaces and returned to the room, before the 2130 fireworks.

Frozen Ginger Bread Castle Mine Train Dwarf Cottage Gaston The Haunted Mansion Country Bear Dutch Frozen Ginger Bread

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party