PlutosRHM55
Currently: No HHN Depression
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
Omg that's crazy! I believe that someone was in the same park as me in this next update too. A very popular week for DISers down there apparently lol
-
Controversial Topics
Several months ago, I added a private sub-forum to allow members to discuss these topics without fear of infractions or banning. It's opt-in, opt-out. Corey Click Here
Third Time's The Charm At The DISNEY COLLEGE PROGRAM Fall '19! (COMPLETE - 8/14)
- Thread starter PlutosRHM55
- Start date
Omg that's crazy! I believe that someone was in the same park as me in this next update too. A very popular week for DISers down there apparently lol
PlutosRHM55
Currently: No HHN Depression
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
King Kong Says Merry Grinchmas To Me!
12/22/19: Pre-Christmas Universal Day
With that, we're back!
Today's mission was primarily Grinchmas, but I also had a much more full day than two days prior so I was gonna use the time I had to the fullest on this day. Funny story about this day, @missjackiemcg and I were in the park at the exact same time yet never once ran into each other. Too wild.
I will concur with her up front in saying that today was RAINY. It was very gloomy and the rain came and went often. It made the day quite difficult, but did I still stay the whole day? Yup. I'm a true Floridian. The rain don't bother me anyway.
ANYWAYS, I first began my day at the Studios park. I had two things I needed to pick up for myself. First, I went by the AP Lounge to get the holiday button.
I also asked about the AP magnet, but they were well out of those at that point. Sadness, but I still somehow have ended up with the HHN one, Mardi Gras and the 30th anniversary (shoutout to Adam for sending me that one along with the E.T. button). From there, I went across the park directly to Diagon Alley.
Click to watch!
If you hadn't already noticed, I was on a major Fantastic Beasts kick and my favorite character was Queenie Goldstein. I had money now to splurge on my new Potter kick sooo...
(Photo from Universal Orlando site)
I did a thing. And it's a pretty thing. I couldn't resist. Of course, now the problem was figuring out how to fit it into the lockers for any rides that required it.
Once I had that, I headed out of the park and headed on over to Islands of Adventure. I believe initially I kinda wandered a bit. Then, I happened upon Skull Island.
At this point, I had never been on it so I thought I'd remedy that today. However, standby was a long wait. I wasn't sure I felt like I was willing to wait in that even if I've heard the queue is really what you have to do to really enjoy this ride. I still went against my better judgement and decided to do single rider, which ended up being the wrong choice for a multitude of reasons.
Click to watch!
Me thinking optimistically, I thought I'd at least go through a little bit of the queue, but unfortunately it just goes right to unload. Then, it was kind of a mess pulling us to fill open spots, pulling from Express and the standby. So much a mess that they pulled me to get on the next tram, but I couldn't fit into my row so a TM had to get involved and pull me back around. They even had the gall to tell me "we didn't have room for you", yeah no duh Sherlock. I did make it onto the next one so it wasn't like they tried to fool me with that.
Now, Skull Island: Reign of Kong... It's alright. It very much is a more stepped up version of Fast and Furious. Also, note because it wasn't reigning, the trams weren't going out the front and around to go through the big gate so I didn't get to experience that coolness, we just cut into the caves early. It has a lot of animatronics and the 3D definitely is decent, the highlight of it all is seeing Kong at the end, he's one heckuva an animatronic. I'm not sure I'd be rushing to do it again if for anything but to experience the queue and it running outside too. I'll probably find someone else to do it with too so I can reason standby.
Once I got off, I was feeling pretty hungry so I headed on down to Marvel where I went to the little diner they have there. It was pretty quiet and I wasn't feeling adventurous so I just got some chicken nuggies with fries and a shake. Then, I also found the seating that overlooks the lagoon. Perfect way to just enjoy life for a moment.
Click to watch!
All I'll say is nothing like chicken nuggies, but gosh paper straws just have no right being in shakes. Give me a spoon at least. Geez.
I finished that up rather quickly so I ended up taking extra time out there since it was only me and just so peaceful. I love finding hidden areas like this. They always center me and unclutter the mind, which happens a lot for me throughout a day. Eventually I felt good enough to remove myself from there and headed back into Marvel.
I believe I decided to go on Spider-Man because... if it's there, you must ride. Either that or I just had to look at the Spidey merch.
Click to watch!
Then, I noticed this hidden detail. Any Daredevil fans here?
I'm not exactly sure what happened after Marvel, but I think I took the long route around because I somehow ended up by Hogwarts.
However, that was irrelevant since it was finally the moment you've been waiting for...
I was finally seeing Grinchmas! After a major missed attempt, I was going to see it. It was wild going through this queue since it took you all through backstage areas to the soundstages at Universal aka the ones used for HHN. It even wrapped around by where Ghostbusters was for HHN29 (and I think Exorcist for HHN26). I lived. Also, they had bathrooms there which I took advantage of right as we were about to go in for the show. I got there rather early so that waiting did result in needing to answer Mother Nature's call.
But then I went in.
I had actually seen this stage being put together during the Unmasking The Horror tour since we had to walk through this soundstage on the way to the park. Also, the fact they were using these old school bleachers for the seating. It was wild. I had heard good things about this show so I know the uncomfortable seating wouldn't deter that feeling.
And with that, let's celebrate some Grinchmas!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Soooo... what did I think?
I thought... it was cute. I wasn't sure what to expect. The best part was definitely Martha May Whovier (red dress), she had an amazing voice and was the most enjoyable part. Everything else... I don't know, it just wasn't for me. The set was fantastic as were the make-up and costumes, but it felt very much geared towards a younger crowd, minus some jokes from The Grinch. I don't know, it didn't land for me the way I thought it would. I know many people absolutely adore it, but for me... there are better Christmas shows and I'd much rather meet the Grinch or the Whos than watch them in a stage show.
Once the show ended, it was a bit difficult getting out. See, while we were in there, the skies had opened up and they couldn't just let us hang around the soundstages so we all kinda just had to brave it and find shelter elsewhere. Not the most fun way to let out a show. Props to Ops for handling all that well.
I'm not sure what I did to pass the time here. I think I might've hid in some store or under an overhang. The rain was just not letting up. Then, I just waited it out which ultimately led to me basically watching day turn into night rather quickly. Maybe I got Starbs? I'm not sure. There is a major gap of time in-between my photos from Grinchmas to the next thing I DEFINITELY did.
Once the rain started to subside a little, I ended up going back over to Hogsmeade and upon the realization I had not done a certain attraction at night, I decided to stuff my things in a locker (the wand fit fine) and went on...
Obviously.
The wait time was definitely on the longer side that would take me into after park close, but I still wanted to get a ride in. I had never been on at night and LOOK, the bikes have headlights on the ride at night. How cool is that!
Click to BOOMERANG!
I knew it was gonna be a rather long wait, especially since it was still pretty drizzly out. Good thing today wasn't a selfie day because my hair was not in the best shape. Luckily, where the line was when I first got in, I could watch the Christmas Hogwarts show.
Click to watch!
Ironically, Jackie was actually watching this too after she decided to ditch the idea to ride Hagrid's. IMAGINE if one of us had made the opposite decision than what we actually decided to do. IMAGINE.
It was once I no longer can watch the show without hurting my neck that I decided to FaceTime my family. Yup, it was raining and I decided to FT my sister. I believe she had tried to FT me a day ago so I was getting back since this seemed like the best place. We talked for quite a bit, not sure about what, but people gave me a lot of looks despite everyone talking around us. Granted I tend to talk like a volume knob turn louder when I'm on the phone for some reason. Once I got inside and was getting closer to the pre-show I said goodbye and ended the cool. It was nice getting to talk to them and it helped pass the time even if I had so much more time to go.
Eventually, I was in the pre-show.
Click to watch!
After that, the wait became horrendous, especially because I was in front of this dudebro who was being obnoxious beyond belief. I couldn't stand him. He smelled like beer and just UGH. He even made me more upset being around him when we got to the TM near the pre-load area who asked him that he was gonna have to sit in the side car because he was wearing a cloak and he made a huge fuss about it. He got so huffed that he took off his cloak, bundled it up and just hid it for the rest of the wait. I tried to distract myself with important safety information.
Then, at some point, this guy cut me off and got in front of me, which resulted him getting the bike ON THE FRONT ROW OF THE RIDE.
Yup, if he hadn't been such a... I can't say this word on here, but I'll leave that up to the imagination, I WOULD'VE HAD THE FRONT ROW. ON THE BIKE. SERIOUSLY. Oh, I was mad. I didn't let it ruin my ride, but it just added to my strong disdain for dudebros. They get away with everything. EVERYTHING.
Again, it was a fun ride nonetheless and actually my last ride on Hagrid's for the rest of my time in FL, which I have mixed feelings towards. Hey, at least I got to ride on the bike despite everything, but I hope Mr. Cloak Dudebro eats glass.
I think I might've had a little bit of time when I got off. The line sped up near the end so I got off before park closed so I ran to ride Spidey and grabbed some Auntie Anne's for my walk out, which ends my night. I wouldn't see Universal again until after Christmas, but I at least some fun and happy thoughts to hang on until then. I was in for a long work week though.
We'll see how that goes...
Continue Here
12/22/19: Pre-Christmas Universal Day
With that, we're back!
Today's mission was primarily Grinchmas, but I also had a much more full day than two days prior so I was gonna use the time I had to the fullest on this day. Funny story about this day, @missjackiemcg and I were in the park at the exact same time yet never once ran into each other. Too wild.
I will concur with her up front in saying that today was RAINY. It was very gloomy and the rain came and went often. It made the day quite difficult, but did I still stay the whole day? Yup. I'm a true Floridian. The rain don't bother me anyway.
ANYWAYS, I first began my day at the Studios park. I had two things I needed to pick up for myself. First, I went by the AP Lounge to get the holiday button.
I also asked about the AP magnet, but they were well out of those at that point. Sadness, but I still somehow have ended up with the HHN one, Mardi Gras and the 30th anniversary (shoutout to Adam for sending me that one along with the E.T. button). From there, I went across the park directly to Diagon Alley.
Click to watch!
If you hadn't already noticed, I was on a major Fantastic Beasts kick and my favorite character was Queenie Goldstein. I had money now to splurge on my new Potter kick sooo...
(Photo from Universal Orlando site)
I did a thing. And it's a pretty thing. I couldn't resist. Of course, now the problem was figuring out how to fit it into the lockers for any rides that required it.
Once I had that, I headed out of the park and headed on over to Islands of Adventure. I believe initially I kinda wandered a bit. Then, I happened upon Skull Island.
At this point, I had never been on it so I thought I'd remedy that today. However, standby was a long wait. I wasn't sure I felt like I was willing to wait in that even if I've heard the queue is really what you have to do to really enjoy this ride. I still went against my better judgement and decided to do single rider, which ended up being the wrong choice for a multitude of reasons.
Click to watch!
Me thinking optimistically, I thought I'd at least go through a little bit of the queue, but unfortunately it just goes right to unload. Then, it was kind of a mess pulling us to fill open spots, pulling from Express and the standby. So much a mess that they pulled me to get on the next tram, but I couldn't fit into my row so a TM had to get involved and pull me back around. They even had the gall to tell me "we didn't have room for you", yeah no duh Sherlock. I did make it onto the next one so it wasn't like they tried to fool me with that.
Now, Skull Island: Reign of Kong... It's alright. It very much is a more stepped up version of Fast and Furious. Also, note because it wasn't reigning, the trams weren't going out the front and around to go through the big gate so I didn't get to experience that coolness, we just cut into the caves early. It has a lot of animatronics and the 3D definitely is decent, the highlight of it all is seeing Kong at the end, he's one heckuva an animatronic. I'm not sure I'd be rushing to do it again if for anything but to experience the queue and it running outside too. I'll probably find someone else to do it with too so I can reason standby.
Once I got off, I was feeling pretty hungry so I headed on down to Marvel where I went to the little diner they have there. It was pretty quiet and I wasn't feeling adventurous so I just got some chicken nuggies with fries and a shake. Then, I also found the seating that overlooks the lagoon. Perfect way to just enjoy life for a moment.
Click to watch!
All I'll say is nothing like chicken nuggies, but gosh paper straws just have no right being in shakes. Give me a spoon at least. Geez.
I finished that up rather quickly so I ended up taking extra time out there since it was only me and just so peaceful. I love finding hidden areas like this. They always center me and unclutter the mind, which happens a lot for me throughout a day. Eventually I felt good enough to remove myself from there and headed back into Marvel.
I believe I decided to go on Spider-Man because... if it's there, you must ride. Either that or I just had to look at the Spidey merch.
Click to watch!
Then, I noticed this hidden detail. Any Daredevil fans here?
I'm not exactly sure what happened after Marvel, but I think I took the long route around because I somehow ended up by Hogwarts.
However, that was irrelevant since it was finally the moment you've been waiting for...
I was finally seeing Grinchmas! After a major missed attempt, I was going to see it. It was wild going through this queue since it took you all through backstage areas to the soundstages at Universal aka the ones used for HHN. It even wrapped around by where Ghostbusters was for HHN29 (and I think Exorcist for HHN26). I lived. Also, they had bathrooms there which I took advantage of right as we were about to go in for the show. I got there rather early so that waiting did result in needing to answer Mother Nature's call.
But then I went in.
I had actually seen this stage being put together during the Unmasking The Horror tour since we had to walk through this soundstage on the way to the park. Also, the fact they were using these old school bleachers for the seating. It was wild. I had heard good things about this show so I know the uncomfortable seating wouldn't deter that feeling.
And with that, let's celebrate some Grinchmas!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Soooo... what did I think?
I thought... it was cute. I wasn't sure what to expect. The best part was definitely Martha May Whovier (red dress), she had an amazing voice and was the most enjoyable part. Everything else... I don't know, it just wasn't for me. The set was fantastic as were the make-up and costumes, but it felt very much geared towards a younger crowd, minus some jokes from The Grinch. I don't know, it didn't land for me the way I thought it would. I know many people absolutely adore it, but for me... there are better Christmas shows and I'd much rather meet the Grinch or the Whos than watch them in a stage show.
Once the show ended, it was a bit difficult getting out. See, while we were in there, the skies had opened up and they couldn't just let us hang around the soundstages so we all kinda just had to brave it and find shelter elsewhere. Not the most fun way to let out a show. Props to Ops for handling all that well.
I'm not sure what I did to pass the time here. I think I might've hid in some store or under an overhang. The rain was just not letting up. Then, I just waited it out which ultimately led to me basically watching day turn into night rather quickly. Maybe I got Starbs? I'm not sure. There is a major gap of time in-between my photos from Grinchmas to the next thing I DEFINITELY did.
Once the rain started to subside a little, I ended up going back over to Hogsmeade and upon the realization I had not done a certain attraction at night, I decided to stuff my things in a locker (the wand fit fine) and went on...
Obviously.
The wait time was definitely on the longer side that would take me into after park close, but I still wanted to get a ride in. I had never been on at night and LOOK, the bikes have headlights on the ride at night. How cool is that!
Click to BOOMERANG!
I knew it was gonna be a rather long wait, especially since it was still pretty drizzly out. Good thing today wasn't a selfie day because my hair was not in the best shape. Luckily, where the line was when I first got in, I could watch the Christmas Hogwarts show.
Click to watch!
Ironically, Jackie was actually watching this too after she decided to ditch the idea to ride Hagrid's. IMAGINE if one of us had made the opposite decision than what we actually decided to do. IMAGINE.
It was once I no longer can watch the show without hurting my neck that I decided to FaceTime my family. Yup, it was raining and I decided to FT my sister. I believe she had tried to FT me a day ago so I was getting back since this seemed like the best place. We talked for quite a bit, not sure about what, but people gave me a lot of looks despite everyone talking around us. Granted I tend to talk like a volume knob turn louder when I'm on the phone for some reason. Once I got inside and was getting closer to the pre-show I said goodbye and ended the cool. It was nice getting to talk to them and it helped pass the time even if I had so much more time to go.
Eventually, I was in the pre-show.
Click to watch!
After that, the wait became horrendous, especially because I was in front of this dudebro who was being obnoxious beyond belief. I couldn't stand him. He smelled like beer and just UGH. He even made me more upset being around him when we got to the TM near the pre-load area who asked him that he was gonna have to sit in the side car because he was wearing a cloak and he made a huge fuss about it. He got so huffed that he took off his cloak, bundled it up and just hid it for the rest of the wait. I tried to distract myself with important safety information.
Then, at some point, this guy cut me off and got in front of me, which resulted him getting the bike ON THE FRONT ROW OF THE RIDE.
Yup, if he hadn't been such a... I can't say this word on here, but I'll leave that up to the imagination, I WOULD'VE HAD THE FRONT ROW. ON THE BIKE. SERIOUSLY. Oh, I was mad. I didn't let it ruin my ride, but it just added to my strong disdain for dudebros. They get away with everything. EVERYTHING.
Again, it was a fun ride nonetheless and actually my last ride on Hagrid's for the rest of my time in FL, which I have mixed feelings towards. Hey, at least I got to ride on the bike despite everything, but I hope Mr. Cloak Dudebro eats glass.
I think I might've had a little bit of time when I got off. The line sped up near the end so I got off before park closed so I ran to ride Spidey and grabbed some Auntie Anne's for my walk out, which ends my night. I wouldn't see Universal again until after Christmas, but I at least some fun and happy thoughts to hang on until then. I was in for a long work week though.
We'll see how that goes...
Continue Here
Last edited:
cindianne320
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2010
What a jerk- I'm so sorry that guy cut you off. Lines make me so angry sometimes!
I can't wait to experience Hagrids and Kong for that matter- man it's been a long time since I've been to Universal! (2014)
I can't wait to experience Hagrids and Kong for that matter- man it's been a long time since I've been to Universal! (2014)
PlutosRHM55
Currently: No HHN Depression
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
I can't believe how entitled some people think they are! Sorry Dudebro was such a jerk.But how was the ride at night?
As a former Cast Member, I'm so used to it. It was really cool at night. I mean, there were lots of lights around it so it didn't feel much different, but there was a nice ambience to it. Any theme park at night is better to me, something more magical about it.
Luckily, it was one of the only times that really happened to me.
I'm so excited for you to experience all of that. So much has changed since 2014, which was when I first visited. Some things added are not great, but some are pretty stellar like Hagrid's.
PlutosRHM55
Currently: No HHN Depression
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
Princes Like To Hang Out With Me At Breakfast Too
12/23 – 12/24/19: The Christmas Eves
December 23rd, 2019
It was an early morning once again on this here Christmas Eve Eve. Love those quieter morning transports to BSO.
I'm not sure what to say other than that. I just know I probably was pretty beat from the night before and struggled. Again, morning shifts are difficult for me. Some really like them, myself on the other hand... if I had them regularly, maybe, but for the most part I'm a night person so I feel I'm more productive then than during the time. Oh well, you get through it and go home.
Then, tomorrow is Christmas Eve!
December 24th, 2019
Merry Christmas Eve... 6 months late or 6 months early, whatever way you slice it.
But...
Today was not only Christmas, but it was Cassidy's, my friend from SWGE's, birthday! We had been planning for a few weeks for what to do. Most people had to work, myself included, but she wanted to do at least something. We ended up planning on a character breakfast and I suggested Trattoria Al Forno. We got quite the turn-out for it so it required about three reservations to get us all together. It was quite the undertaking, but it was happening and I was once again up early.
Yup, the struggle was real this week.
I got up fairly early to make sure I made it on time. I knew I was gonna get there early so I ended up getting off the bus at Studios, where I dropped off all of my costume and just walked from there all the way to the BoardWalk.
Click to BOOMERANG!
It was kind of a gloomy morning, little rain here and there, but nothing unlike what we had been dealing with on the days prior. It was just cold and rainy, not fun but that don't deter a good celebration.
Upon arriving at the BoardWalk, I noticed there were some cute little decorations that people had put out on their balconies overlooking the main walk.
Click to watch!
It was after taking this that I noticed Cassidy so I slowly snuck up on her and wished her a surprise Happy Birthday lol She actually just got out of the little BoardWalk gift shop with a pair of Birthday cupcake ears. She seemed in good spirits and was really glad I was around so she wasn't alone while we waited for everyone to show up. Everyone after that started to pour in. Sydnee, Dina, Dina's cousin, Brianna, Eric, Jenna, Dayzee and Kyleigh, which ended up being the group that went to breakfast. Kristen, who became one of Cassidy's housemates along with Sydnee & Dayzee, ended up joining us later on, but this was the group for breakfast.
We all went in together into Trattoria and checked in at the podium. I will be honest up front, the cast members at Trattoria were not the friendliest. We understood we had a crazy request, but it was very clear from certain CMs that they didn't like having to deal with us. I've heard this is nothing new for Trattoria and I gotta say overall they were not your typical CM. I remember our waitress being an exception but everyone else... WHEW.
Anyways, they told us we did have to wait to get us to sit all together, which we were fine with, especially since the amount of reservations we made for the amount of people we expected did not end up equating at all. We waited and before long, we were being seated at our table and getting drink orders. I don't remember what I got, my guess is water since I was trying to be frugal. Then, we got a few sets of those cute Frying Pan pastries.
I don't remember much about the pastries, but I know they were lovely and I just loved the hidden theming to Little Mermaid and Tangled. So so cute.
Our food orders took a bit so while we waited, we started to meet characters. The first one we met was Flynn Rider who was fantastic. He was so funny. I can't remember what exactly he said to us, but he was just so effortless, we were all dying and he clearly was vibing with our energy. Most everyone got individual photos, but then we did a group photo, which I can't seem to find anywhere. For the record, I didn't get photos with the princes since they seemed to take the most time and it was pretty difficult to get out to take photos from where I sat. Here's however a photo of him talking with Cassidy.
Rapunzel was almost right behind him. She literally photobombed our group photo, which makes me sad as to how I can't find it. But she came next. I believe we got a group photo with her too, but I can't find that either. Here is moi with her.
She was super sweet from what I remember and I honestly really love our photo. I believe she commended me on how festive I looked. As you can tell, Eric was right behind her but before he could actually talk to us, we got our food!
Tangled Eggs: Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato-Basil Open-Faced Omelet, and Sunday Gravy with Breakfast Potatoes served with Bacon or Sausage
Obviously, I chose sausage instead of bacon and OMG this was GOOOD. It was so filling though I couldn't finish it, but I really enjoyed it. One of the best dishes I've had at a character meal. I'm really glad they've slowly moved away from generic food at these meals to actually really nice well done food. Also, I have to laugh at the fact that Sunday Gravy is really just tomato sauce lol (I am Italian so I should know what that is, but... still, it's tomato sauce lol)
After getting a few bites in, Prince Eric came over to say hi to the birthday girl and get a proper photo. Very familiar sailor right there.
After Eric left, which YES, we did get a photo of him with Eric, it just had to be done. Again, another reason why I sat out a photo with him. Also, Prince Eric was kinda wooden so it was a bit off-putting to me unlike Flynn who I was more than ready to get a photo with. ANYWAYS, there was a gap in-between Eric and the last character to meet which was Ariel so I took that time to eat my food as well as chat with everyone. I got to really meet Dina's cousin and figure out what to do after we finished at Trattoria since most of us had plenty of time before work or were off. Epcot was thrown around, but we'd have to see.
Eventually, all the characters returned in quite the grand fashion.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Then they had a little parade around the restaurant. We all encouraged Cassidy to join and she ended up pulling in Dayzee, I believe. That was pretty fun to watch and they got great photos of that. Again, don't know where those are.
Not long after, Ariel finally came by for photos. We apparently had a really deep conversation.
After meeting her, we all whispered about how we think Ariel might be friends with Rey on planet. Some tried to test her on it and she had some great responses sooooo possibly?
At this point, we were mostly finished eating so we asked for checks and boxes for some of us who can only take so much food. I believe Flynn made a few more rounds at our table since we were there for so long. We hyped him up so much so he just loved coming back to us. I believe Eric also stopped by once or twice. What can I say, princes just gravitate towards me hehe
Eventually, we got the financials of the breakfast situated and we all headed out. We all hung around the lobby area as people took bathroom breaks before doing anything else. Then we noticed the neighboring bar was empty so we thought that would be a good spot to take a group photo again. Dina's cousin became photographer again and got this great shot of the squad.
L-to-R: Brianna, Kyleigh, Eric, Cassidy, Dina, Sydnee, Dayzee, Jenna, ME!
Flynn Rider came by once again on his way to check on Maximus and said hello. I believe Eric also came by. It was then we peaced out and headed out into the cold and rainy BoardWalk. Right then, Kristen showed up to join us. Some people left since they were tired and wanted rest, which I believe included Brianna, Eric, Dina and Dina's cousin. A little less than half the group we bid adieu to.
The rest of the group ended up not going with that first plan to go into Epcot, but just hung around Yacht and Beach. We explored the gift shops, the solarium, little nooks, crannies and the like, losing each other than getting back together. It was quite the adventure. We even spilled major work tea in the Beach Club solarium. Fun stuff.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Eventually, it was time to go to work for Kristen, Jenna and a few others. Kristen drove those whose shifts started sooner while Jenna and I walked back from Yacht & Beach to Studios, which officially ended our morning.
My shift that evening ended up not being too bad. In my experience, days that started out on a good note ended on a good note and this was what happened. I had hope that Christmas Day and New Year's Eve would grant me the same energy. Stay tuned with that hope in mind.
Continue Here
12/23 – 12/24/19: The Christmas Eves
December 23rd, 2019
It was an early morning once again on this here Christmas Eve Eve. Love those quieter morning transports to BSO.
I'm not sure what to say other than that. I just know I probably was pretty beat from the night before and struggled. Again, morning shifts are difficult for me. Some really like them, myself on the other hand... if I had them regularly, maybe, but for the most part I'm a night person so I feel I'm more productive then than during the time. Oh well, you get through it and go home.
Then, tomorrow is Christmas Eve!
December 24th, 2019
Merry Christmas Eve... 6 months late or 6 months early, whatever way you slice it.
But...
Today was not only Christmas, but it was Cassidy's, my friend from SWGE's, birthday! We had been planning for a few weeks for what to do. Most people had to work, myself included, but she wanted to do at least something. We ended up planning on a character breakfast and I suggested Trattoria Al Forno. We got quite the turn-out for it so it required about three reservations to get us all together. It was quite the undertaking, but it was happening and I was once again up early.
Yup, the struggle was real this week.
I got up fairly early to make sure I made it on time. I knew I was gonna get there early so I ended up getting off the bus at Studios, where I dropped off all of my costume and just walked from there all the way to the BoardWalk.
Click to BOOMERANG!
It was kind of a gloomy morning, little rain here and there, but nothing unlike what we had been dealing with on the days prior. It was just cold and rainy, not fun but that don't deter a good celebration.
Upon arriving at the BoardWalk, I noticed there were some cute little decorations that people had put out on their balconies overlooking the main walk.
Click to watch!
It was after taking this that I noticed Cassidy so I slowly snuck up on her and wished her a surprise Happy Birthday lol She actually just got out of the little BoardWalk gift shop with a pair of Birthday cupcake ears. She seemed in good spirits and was really glad I was around so she wasn't alone while we waited for everyone to show up. Everyone after that started to pour in. Sydnee, Dina, Dina's cousin, Brianna, Eric, Jenna, Dayzee and Kyleigh, which ended up being the group that went to breakfast. Kristen, who became one of Cassidy's housemates along with Sydnee & Dayzee, ended up joining us later on, but this was the group for breakfast.
We all went in together into Trattoria and checked in at the podium. I will be honest up front, the cast members at Trattoria were not the friendliest. We understood we had a crazy request, but it was very clear from certain CMs that they didn't like having to deal with us. I've heard this is nothing new for Trattoria and I gotta say overall they were not your typical CM. I remember our waitress being an exception but everyone else... WHEW.
Anyways, they told us we did have to wait to get us to sit all together, which we were fine with, especially since the amount of reservations we made for the amount of people we expected did not end up equating at all. We waited and before long, we were being seated at our table and getting drink orders. I don't remember what I got, my guess is water since I was trying to be frugal. Then, we got a few sets of those cute Frying Pan pastries.
I don't remember much about the pastries, but I know they were lovely and I just loved the hidden theming to Little Mermaid and Tangled. So so cute.
Our food orders took a bit so while we waited, we started to meet characters. The first one we met was Flynn Rider who was fantastic. He was so funny. I can't remember what exactly he said to us, but he was just so effortless, we were all dying and he clearly was vibing with our energy. Most everyone got individual photos, but then we did a group photo, which I can't seem to find anywhere. For the record, I didn't get photos with the princes since they seemed to take the most time and it was pretty difficult to get out to take photos from where I sat. Here's however a photo of him talking with Cassidy.
Rapunzel was almost right behind him. She literally photobombed our group photo, which makes me sad as to how I can't find it. But she came next. I believe we got a group photo with her too, but I can't find that either. Here is moi with her.
She was super sweet from what I remember and I honestly really love our photo. I believe she commended me on how festive I looked. As you can tell, Eric was right behind her but before he could actually talk to us, we got our food!
Tangled Eggs: Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato-Basil Open-Faced Omelet, and Sunday Gravy with Breakfast Potatoes served with Bacon or Sausage
Obviously, I chose sausage instead of bacon and OMG this was GOOOD. It was so filling though I couldn't finish it, but I really enjoyed it. One of the best dishes I've had at a character meal. I'm really glad they've slowly moved away from generic food at these meals to actually really nice well done food. Also, I have to laugh at the fact that Sunday Gravy is really just tomato sauce lol (I am Italian so I should know what that is, but... still, it's tomato sauce lol)
After getting a few bites in, Prince Eric came over to say hi to the birthday girl and get a proper photo. Very familiar sailor right there.
After Eric left, which YES, we did get a photo of him with Eric, it just had to be done. Again, another reason why I sat out a photo with him. Also, Prince Eric was kinda wooden so it was a bit off-putting to me unlike Flynn who I was more than ready to get a photo with. ANYWAYS, there was a gap in-between Eric and the last character to meet which was Ariel so I took that time to eat my food as well as chat with everyone. I got to really meet Dina's cousin and figure out what to do after we finished at Trattoria since most of us had plenty of time before work or were off. Epcot was thrown around, but we'd have to see.
Eventually, all the characters returned in quite the grand fashion.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Then they had a little parade around the restaurant. We all encouraged Cassidy to join and she ended up pulling in Dayzee, I believe. That was pretty fun to watch and they got great photos of that. Again, don't know where those are.
Not long after, Ariel finally came by for photos. We apparently had a really deep conversation.
After meeting her, we all whispered about how we think Ariel might be friends with Rey on planet. Some tried to test her on it and she had some great responses sooooo possibly?
At this point, we were mostly finished eating so we asked for checks and boxes for some of us who can only take so much food. I believe Flynn made a few more rounds at our table since we were there for so long. We hyped him up so much so he just loved coming back to us. I believe Eric also stopped by once or twice. What can I say, princes just gravitate towards me hehe
Eventually, we got the financials of the breakfast situated and we all headed out. We all hung around the lobby area as people took bathroom breaks before doing anything else. Then we noticed the neighboring bar was empty so we thought that would be a good spot to take a group photo again. Dina's cousin became photographer again and got this great shot of the squad.
L-to-R: Brianna, Kyleigh, Eric, Cassidy, Dina, Sydnee, Dayzee, Jenna, ME!
Flynn Rider came by once again on his way to check on Maximus and said hello. I believe Eric also came by. It was then we peaced out and headed out into the cold and rainy BoardWalk. Right then, Kristen showed up to join us. Some people left since they were tired and wanted rest, which I believe included Brianna, Eric, Dina and Dina's cousin. A little less than half the group we bid adieu to.
The rest of the group ended up not going with that first plan to go into Epcot, but just hung around Yacht and Beach. We explored the gift shops, the solarium, little nooks, crannies and the like, losing each other than getting back together. It was quite the adventure. We even spilled major work tea in the Beach Club solarium. Fun stuff.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Eventually, it was time to go to work for Kristen, Jenna and a few others. Kristen drove those whose shifts started sooner while Jenna and I walked back from Yacht & Beach to Studios, which officially ended our morning.
My shift that evening ended up not being too bad. In my experience, days that started out on a good note ended on a good note and this was what happened. I had hope that Christmas Day and New Year's Eve would grant me the same energy. Stay tuned with that hope in mind.
Continue Here
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PlutosRHM55
Currently: No HHN Depression
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
Why Do Travelers Keep On Bringing Up This ‘Christmas’?
12/25 – 12/28/19: Peak Season Christmas Week
December 25th, 2019
Merry Christmas, friends! The day has arrived. Yes, it is June but we're gonna celebrate Christmas for a moment on this TR.
Once again, as I did back in 2016, I lucked out with only a short little shift today so I was able to rest after my crazy Christmas Eve. Then, when I woke up, I was able to leave the presents I got for my roommates in their room. Today was going exactly as planned.
Then, I arrived on planet and it all went downhill.
As far as really difficult, awful shifts, I think Christmas day this past year takes the cake. I was only working for 6 hours, but it felt so much longer and I was very much on the verge of tears by the end of it. I won't go into details, but there was a lot of bad attitudes today. Obviously working the holidays is no fun, but the energy was very negative and I got a lot directed towards me for really ridiculous reasons. I did my job the way it's supposed to be done and I was getting attacked.
One bright spot was a friend of mine, Victoria, showed up for her appointment. At the time, we hit a bump in the road with our friendship, but this ended up being a positive experience that has helped us patch things up. I had a great build helping her then after she pulled me aside asking how many cast members were in the workshop. Obviously, I stayed in theme, but she eventually told me that she had cards for all of us. I had to go back in to deal with a situation while my co-worker Katie went out with her and came back with the cards and candy canes she had given us. They were really sweet and had little notes thanking us for working the holidays. It definitely lifted the spirits a bit, but it didn't help much. We all still made it through, but we do not look back on this day fondly.
At home however, when I got back, I made it home before Will did so I got to see him open his present. He was beside himself since he hadn't even thought to get me or anyone anything. It was the sweetest reaction. Carlos also thanked me. I told them I didn't expect anything in return, ruins the spirit of giving that still keeps me attached to the Christmas holiday. It also made me smile again, which was hard after the day I had.
Merry Crisis, indeed.
December 26th, 27th & 28th, 2019
The next few days were a little better, but still quite difficult. I can't speak to much on what happened on the the 26th, but I'm guessing nothing significant or as awful as Christmas happened so... a better day. Same with the 27th except I got this lovely sparkly photo of the Millennium Falcon at the end of the night.
On the the 28th, not much to say about the shift but they were playing Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in the break room so that made me happy to watch. The association between Harry Potter and Christmas is so funny, but it makes me smile. Again, really what I needed around this time.
I made it through it all. The craziness wasn't ending any time soon, but I somehow managed to get a day off in the midst of it. It was one of the last days off I'd potentially have with certain people so, despite all odds, I was gonna make December 29th last year a GOOD DAY.
Continue Here
12/25 – 12/28/19: Peak Season Christmas Week
December 25th, 2019
Merry Christmas, friends! The day has arrived. Yes, it is June but we're gonna celebrate Christmas for a moment on this TR.
Once again, as I did back in 2016, I lucked out with only a short little shift today so I was able to rest after my crazy Christmas Eve. Then, when I woke up, I was able to leave the presents I got for my roommates in their room. Today was going exactly as planned.
Then, I arrived on planet and it all went downhill.
As far as really difficult, awful shifts, I think Christmas day this past year takes the cake. I was only working for 6 hours, but it felt so much longer and I was very much on the verge of tears by the end of it. I won't go into details, but there was a lot of bad attitudes today. Obviously working the holidays is no fun, but the energy was very negative and I got a lot directed towards me for really ridiculous reasons. I did my job the way it's supposed to be done and I was getting attacked.
One bright spot was a friend of mine, Victoria, showed up for her appointment. At the time, we hit a bump in the road with our friendship, but this ended up being a positive experience that has helped us patch things up. I had a great build helping her then after she pulled me aside asking how many cast members were in the workshop. Obviously, I stayed in theme, but she eventually told me that she had cards for all of us. I had to go back in to deal with a situation while my co-worker Katie went out with her and came back with the cards and candy canes she had given us. They were really sweet and had little notes thanking us for working the holidays. It definitely lifted the spirits a bit, but it didn't help much. We all still made it through, but we do not look back on this day fondly.
At home however, when I got back, I made it home before Will did so I got to see him open his present. He was beside himself since he hadn't even thought to get me or anyone anything. It was the sweetest reaction. Carlos also thanked me. I told them I didn't expect anything in return, ruins the spirit of giving that still keeps me attached to the Christmas holiday. It also made me smile again, which was hard after the day I had.
Merry Crisis, indeed.
December 26th, 27th & 28th, 2019
The next few days were a little better, but still quite difficult. I can't speak to much on what happened on the the 26th, but I'm guessing nothing significant or as awful as Christmas happened so... a better day. Same with the 27th except I got this lovely sparkly photo of the Millennium Falcon at the end of the night.
On the the 28th, not much to say about the shift but they were playing Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in the break room so that made me happy to watch. The association between Harry Potter and Christmas is so funny, but it makes me smile. Again, really what I needed around this time.
I made it through it all. The craziness wasn't ending any time soon, but I somehow managed to get a day off in the midst of it. It was one of the last days off I'd potentially have with certain people so, despite all odds, I was gonna make December 29th last year a GOOD DAY.
Continue Here
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buzzrelly
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
Holy cow! Did I just finally reach the end?? You weren't kidding when you called this trip report a monster! 
But I loved every installment! What an amazing way to commemorate such an awesome time in your life! And you were really living your best life! If I weren't super old, I'd be really jealous! I may have mentioned that my DD @olafofwarmhugs wants to apply for the DCP someday. I have finally convinced her to join the DISBoards, and the only reason she did finally was to read your TR because I was telling her how awesome it is!
I was waaayyyy too far behind to quote, but there was one picture of you at HHN with your gray makeup…stunning. Your eyes looked amazing! I love all your make-up looks, but think my favorite was your MVMCP look. You are so talented
How funny that you and Jackie @missjackiemcg almost crossed paths over at Universal! I got to ride Hagrid's in December and it was outstanding! My kids would love that kind of thing, too bad we don't have any plans to go back soon.
I'm sorry Christmas Day brought out so many Grinches. I'm sure the craziness of the parks makes people cranky, but they chose to go and you are just working, trying to help. There's no excuse for that.
Note to self…do not get behind on this TR again!
But I loved every installment! What an amazing way to commemorate such an awesome time in your life! And you were really living your best life! If I weren't super old, I'd be really jealous! I may have mentioned that my DD @olafofwarmhugs wants to apply for the DCP someday. I have finally convinced her to join the DISBoards, and the only reason she did finally was to read your TR because I was telling her how awesome it is!
I was waaayyyy too far behind to quote, but there was one picture of you at HHN with your gray makeup…stunning. Your eyes looked amazing! I love all your make-up looks, but think my favorite was your MVMCP look. You are so talented
How funny that you and Jackie @missjackiemcg almost crossed paths over at Universal! I got to ride Hagrid's in December and it was outstanding! My kids would love that kind of thing, too bad we don't have any plans to go back soon.
I'm sorry Christmas Day brought out so many Grinches. I'm sure the craziness of the parks makes people cranky, but they chose to go and you are just working, trying to help. There's no excuse for that.
Note to self…do not get behind on this TR again!
PlutosRHM55
Currently: No HHN Depression
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
Holy cow! Did I just finally reach the end?? You weren't kidding when you called this trip report a monster!
Haha, I mean... I was working there for around 10 months and this covers about 8 sooo... yeah lol I'm glad you've finally caught up.
Awww, thank you! I'm so glad you've enjoyed it. I really was living my best life, which I sometimes forget when things got a little tough, but every day getting to follow my dreams was truly a blessing. I miss it so much. Also, if you were jealous, I wouldn't blame you, no matter your age.
@olafofwarmhugs! What an honor that you've joined up just to read my TR. Good luck lol So excited to hear you are interested in the program, I cannot recommend enough. If you or your mom have any questions about the program, I'm more than happy to be a source. I've done multiple programs, been through the application process multiple times and the daunting logistics that come with that along with making it through to the end of the PI (Professional Internship) process by some miracle so I know a thing or two about the Disney Programs. Always happy to help with that.I was waaayyyy too far behind to quote, but there was one picture of you at HHN with your gray makeup…stunning. Your eyes looked amazing! I love all your make-up looks, but think my favorite was your MVMCP look. You are so talented
Oh my gosh, you are so sweet. That really means a lot. I'm still such a newbie at it, but I'm glad my most daring looks paid off (and gosh, the amount of bathroom stops I'd make at MVMCP I would make just to make sure it didn't get ruined... this TR would be endless if I wrote about that too lol)
I found out by reading her TR funnily enough too. If only we had been better in contact, but usually I made these choices to go to the parks day of so... we'll meet up one day.
And YES, ugh such a fantastic attraction. I'm still debating whether I prefer it or Rise more, but either way, we really are winning with having both of them exist, they are INCREDIBLE. I hope you get to go back to ride it sooner than you think.
I mean, in all honesty, it wasn't really the guests that necessarily made this day as bad as it was. I'll hold my tongue there. It all adds up and that day, it was just a lot for everyone.
Note to self…do not get behind on this TR again!
Haha, I update daily, usually trying to get in at least a full day a day so... prepare yourself. Also, we're almost at the final few updates so hopefully you can't get too far behind.
buzzrelly
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
Haha, I update daily, usually trying to get in at least a full day a day so... prepare yourself. Also, we're almost at the final few updates so hopefully you can't get too far behind.
Well I just started your DL report too so I better clear my whole schedule to keep up!
PlutosRHM55
Currently: No HHN Depression
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
The Single Greatest Horror Make-Up Show EVER Plus Some
12/29/19: Last Universal Visit of 2019 & Jellyrolls
I was really feeling that Universal bug again so I headed back on over to enjoy the last day I'd get to spend in the parks before we said goodbye to 2019 and rang in the New Year!
Click to watch!
It was clearly quite busy once again and my hair was a whole mess (I needed a cut BAD), but CARPE DIEM, we were gonna have a good time today anyways.
I first headed straight back into Diagon Alley and did some quick initial browsing through the area.
Also, the Niffler had a pouch in him so you could keep money or gold in him if you so wanted to.
In actuality, there were two things I really wanted that were available to me in the Alley. One was one of the Slytherin sweatshirts they had and the other was to get chosen for a wand at Ollivander's. I, first, went looking for the sweatshirt which I found fairly easily in Wiseacre's. Then, I got in line for Ollivander's.
Click to watch!
I only recently discovered that they had an Ollivander's on the Diagon Alley side too, which makes more sense than the one in Hogsmeade since he only has a shop in Diagon. Nonetheless, I got into this one rather quickly as a solo wizard. It was pretty cool how this one worked since they couldn't have the same set up as Hogsmeade and so had this whole back area that brought you around to where the entrance to the Wandkeeper's area was. I switched off my jean jacket for my Slytherin one in hopes that maybe it would get the attention of the Wandkeeper.
Unfortunately, my smiling and trying to exude as much positive excited energy as possible wasn't enough to defeat the large family I was with with one kid who was put right up front so I wasn't able to have my wand choose me today. I still got to experience this wonderful show again.
Click to watch!
I did however end up purchasing the Alder wand in the adjacent shop after the show because I still wanted it in the end. That was the wand I was given after taking the Pottermore wand quiz so I had to have it, upping my total of wands owned to 3, 2 being interactive. I put the wand in my bag and headed out of Diagon.
Everything was quite busy. All the lines were up to their longest waits so I ended up just sauntering around as if I were at Horror Nights when it would get busy. Eventually I came upon Kidz Zone and saw that the Kidz Zone Pizza Co. was opened!
That can only mean one thing...
PIZZA FRIES!!
That wonderful trash food goodness and HHN meal of my life was back! With barely any line at that. It was really the quietest part of the park. It was truly a sign having that in my life. After near swallowing that plate whole, I continued my loop around the park to the Horror Make-Up Show.
The show itself doesn't tend to fill up so I expected it to not be too too bad. It was still pretty busy but my timing was perfect and I was able to get into their next showing, no problem. Of course, as a solo visitor, I was able to sneak into the front area of the audience, but they actually filled up all the way to the back of the theater. Crazy.
The show ended up absolutely fantastic. For one reason and one reason only.
Marty James AND Female Alex Ross.
The power that all that had. Oh, when I tell you this was the best show I had experienced, I wasn't kidding. More women performers at Horror Make-Up please and thank you. *standing ovation*
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
I wish I had more videos, but the entire audience was in stitches. Tears of laughter were flowing. Also, anytime they put Lizzo into a show, it's ten times better. They had no chill today and were going off-book in ways I never expected. Also, the family behind me with their child... I couldn't. Clearly, everyone was having a good time. It put me in the best mood. I believe I managed to yell over to Alex and Marty about how fantastic they were, it was THAT GOOD a show. Horror Make-Up 5ever, best theme park show EVER.
After this, I think I did one more lap around the park. I might've done Mummy I'm not sure. I just know somehow I ended up over here.
Click to watch!
And people say that Universal just can't compare to Disney with their entertainment. Oh PUH-lease.
I then decided to hop on over to the other park at this point. I originally thought about doing the Hulk but nixed that idea since my wand was rather large so I wasn't sure I'd be able to fit it into the lockers. No Hulk for me yet. I then went directly to Spider-Man. Again, the waits were INSANE today and luckily single rider was opened so I hopped in line for that. It was backed up almost all the way to the gift shop so I preoccupied myself with Instagram filters.
I think it's pretty hilarious watching this while hearing the Spider-Man theme playing in the background.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
I'm not sure what I did to pass the time after that. I think I was texting people and maybe making instagram posts? I'm not sure. I think I might've talked with Adam on the phone at one point. The wait still dragged nonetheless, but eventually I got to help save the city from Sinister Syndicate with my boy Spidey. I swear, this attraction is one that gets better with each ride.
I'm not sure I ended up doing much of anything else at Islands. Again, all the waits were astronomical and not every ride had single rider so I headed out eventually. I was craving Starbs though so I stopped in the one they have at Port of Entry to get something to keep me going. Strawberry Acai Lemonades are always good for that.
I drank that up as I walked back over to the Studios. I decided that with seeing these waits not let up that you know? I got in one really fantastic Horror Make-Up show, let's up it to TWO.
I got a much better seat this time around right up front so much more classic Timmy view at Horror Make-Up. Unfortunately, did not luck out with a female duo, but it was still fun. No complaints here about this show. Ever.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to BOOMERANG!
I could live in there if they would let me. I'd sleep on all the fake dismembered limbs, it would be great.
After that show, I came out to find a text from my friend, Alex, as in the Alex I hung out with at the Halloween party a few months before as well as HHN on Halloween. Her program was ending in a few days and she had hoped to go to Universal, saw that I was there so hit me up. She was already on her way and I said we could meet up at the front then do a mad dash of a few rides before park close.
While I waited, I decided to stop by the Prop Shop that is across from Horror Make-Up. I had heard about this store before but never knew where it was. Of course, just like the AP lounge, it was directly in front of my nose. My videos and photos don't really do the place justice, but if you're ever in Universal you have to check it out at least once. Even if you're not going to buy anything, it just is the coolest thing to look back at a little of the park's and the company's history since they fill this little shop up floor-to-ceiling with it.
Click to watch!
Alex eventually texted me that she had parked and was on her way in so I did one last little one through the shop then went out to the front to go grab her. The Christmas parade was just about to start and the park was still only opened for about an hour or so. Stay tuned to see what we manage to do before park close.
Continue Here
12/29/19: Last Universal Visit of 2019 & Jellyrolls
I was really feeling that Universal bug again so I headed back on over to enjoy the last day I'd get to spend in the parks before we said goodbye to 2019 and rang in the New Year!
Click to watch!
It was clearly quite busy once again and my hair was a whole mess (I needed a cut BAD), but CARPE DIEM, we were gonna have a good time today anyways.
I first headed straight back into Diagon Alley and did some quick initial browsing through the area.
Also, the Niffler had a pouch in him so you could keep money or gold in him if you so wanted to.
In actuality, there were two things I really wanted that were available to me in the Alley. One was one of the Slytherin sweatshirts they had and the other was to get chosen for a wand at Ollivander's. I, first, went looking for the sweatshirt which I found fairly easily in Wiseacre's. Then, I got in line for Ollivander's.
Click to watch!
I only recently discovered that they had an Ollivander's on the Diagon Alley side too, which makes more sense than the one in Hogsmeade since he only has a shop in Diagon. Nonetheless, I got into this one rather quickly as a solo wizard. It was pretty cool how this one worked since they couldn't have the same set up as Hogsmeade and so had this whole back area that brought you around to where the entrance to the Wandkeeper's area was. I switched off my jean jacket for my Slytherin one in hopes that maybe it would get the attention of the Wandkeeper.
Unfortunately, my smiling and trying to exude as much positive excited energy as possible wasn't enough to defeat the large family I was with with one kid who was put right up front so I wasn't able to have my wand choose me today. I still got to experience this wonderful show again.
Click to watch!
I did however end up purchasing the Alder wand in the adjacent shop after the show because I still wanted it in the end. That was the wand I was given after taking the Pottermore wand quiz so I had to have it, upping my total of wands owned to 3, 2 being interactive. I put the wand in my bag and headed out of Diagon.
Everything was quite busy. All the lines were up to their longest waits so I ended up just sauntering around as if I were at Horror Nights when it would get busy. Eventually I came upon Kidz Zone and saw that the Kidz Zone Pizza Co. was opened!
That can only mean one thing...
PIZZA FRIES!!
That wonderful trash food goodness and HHN meal of my life was back! With barely any line at that. It was really the quietest part of the park. It was truly a sign having that in my life. After near swallowing that plate whole, I continued my loop around the park to the Horror Make-Up Show.
The show itself doesn't tend to fill up so I expected it to not be too too bad. It was still pretty busy but my timing was perfect and I was able to get into their next showing, no problem. Of course, as a solo visitor, I was able to sneak into the front area of the audience, but they actually filled up all the way to the back of the theater. Crazy.
The show ended up absolutely fantastic. For one reason and one reason only.
Marty James AND Female Alex Ross.
The power that all that had. Oh, when I tell you this was the best show I had experienced, I wasn't kidding. More women performers at Horror Make-Up please and thank you. *standing ovation*
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
I wish I had more videos, but the entire audience was in stitches. Tears of laughter were flowing. Also, anytime they put Lizzo into a show, it's ten times better. They had no chill today and were going off-book in ways I never expected. Also, the family behind me with their child... I couldn't. Clearly, everyone was having a good time. It put me in the best mood. I believe I managed to yell over to Alex and Marty about how fantastic they were, it was THAT GOOD a show. Horror Make-Up 5ever, best theme park show EVER.
After this, I think I did one more lap around the park. I might've done Mummy I'm not sure. I just know somehow I ended up over here.
Click to watch!
And people say that Universal just can't compare to Disney with their entertainment. Oh PUH-lease.
I then decided to hop on over to the other park at this point. I originally thought about doing the Hulk but nixed that idea since my wand was rather large so I wasn't sure I'd be able to fit it into the lockers. No Hulk for me yet. I then went directly to Spider-Man. Again, the waits were INSANE today and luckily single rider was opened so I hopped in line for that. It was backed up almost all the way to the gift shop so I preoccupied myself with Instagram filters.
I think it's pretty hilarious watching this while hearing the Spider-Man theme playing in the background.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
I'm not sure what I did to pass the time after that. I think I was texting people and maybe making instagram posts? I'm not sure. I think I might've talked with Adam on the phone at one point. The wait still dragged nonetheless, but eventually I got to help save the city from Sinister Syndicate with my boy Spidey. I swear, this attraction is one that gets better with each ride.
I'm not sure I ended up doing much of anything else at Islands. Again, all the waits were astronomical and not every ride had single rider so I headed out eventually. I was craving Starbs though so I stopped in the one they have at Port of Entry to get something to keep me going. Strawberry Acai Lemonades are always good for that.
I drank that up as I walked back over to the Studios. I decided that with seeing these waits not let up that you know? I got in one really fantastic Horror Make-Up show, let's up it to TWO.
I got a much better seat this time around right up front so much more classic Timmy view at Horror Make-Up. Unfortunately, did not luck out with a female duo, but it was still fun. No complaints here about this show. Ever.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to BOOMERANG!
I could live in there if they would let me. I'd sleep on all the fake dismembered limbs, it would be great.
After that show, I came out to find a text from my friend, Alex, as in the Alex I hung out with at the Halloween party a few months before as well as HHN on Halloween. Her program was ending in a few days and she had hoped to go to Universal, saw that I was there so hit me up. She was already on her way and I said we could meet up at the front then do a mad dash of a few rides before park close.
While I waited, I decided to stop by the Prop Shop that is across from Horror Make-Up. I had heard about this store before but never knew where it was. Of course, just like the AP lounge, it was directly in front of my nose. My videos and photos don't really do the place justice, but if you're ever in Universal you have to check it out at least once. Even if you're not going to buy anything, it just is the coolest thing to look back at a little of the park's and the company's history since they fill this little shop up floor-to-ceiling with it.
Click to watch!
Alex eventually texted me that she had parked and was on her way in so I did one last little one through the shop then went out to the front to go grab her. The Christmas parade was just about to start and the park was still only opened for about an hour or so. Stay tuned to see what we manage to do before park close.
Continue Here
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PlutosRHM55
Currently: No HHN Depression
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
Omg, GOOD LUCK. I mean, that one has long been complete so it shouldn't be a race against time, but WOW. Props to you for reading both my DCP TRs at the same time lol
PlutosRHM55
Currently: No HHN Depression
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
All The Way To The Green Planet And That End Of Program Sadness
12/29/19: Last Universal Visit of 2019 & Jellyrolls
I met Alex right by the entrance as she came in. We could hear the parade starting to come through so we knew we were gonna have to sneak around those crowds. Alex was all energy though and was ready to go. She really wanted to ride Mummy which I agreed was a great choice so we went in that direction, somehow managing to sneak through the oncoming foot traffic as well as the crowds formed around the parade route all the way to Mummy.
Mummy ended up having almost NO WAIT. We practically walked on. It was great and we had a fantastic ride. I also recall having a pretty decent ride photo this time. We almost did a second round, but as we got off the parade ended so it was a mad dash inside so we decided against that since we only had so much time left in the park. It was Alex's last time in the park for who knows how long so I let her guide the rest of the evening.
The next ride she wanted to do was E.T. so we hustled across the park to get there. The wait had dropped significantly over there so it was good timing.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
We had a wonderful ride with E.T. I believe Alex might've gotten the bike with E.T. on it and we also had E.T. clearly say BOTH of our names. Ugh, nothing like E.T. truly. We stan one of the only opening day attractions left at Universal.
When we got off, we decided to look around the store and I fell in love with a few of the shirts that were there. I didn't buy anything since I had already given an arm and a leg for the sweatshirt and the wand. I believe the park was still opened for a little bit so I think we did one or two more rides. I'm not sure if it was Gringotts or Men In Black, but we got something in then decided to head out before the park officially closed. We did not want to deal with that traffic.
At the front of the park, we took some end of the year photos, me donning my Slytherin hoodie and flexing my wand.
And with that, we said goodbye until next year (since Alex definitely said she would be back for HHN30... if it happens).
Click to watch!
I believe we stopped quickly at Auntie Anne's for some cinnamon pretzel niblets as I like to call them on occasion, but then we quickly bounced. Alex offered to drive me home since her family was staying at the hotel nearby. Tonight was also the last night we'd get to hang out so as long as we could be up to our usual mischief, the better.
While in the car, I got a text from Dina asking if I was still down for Jellyrolls. I asked Alex if she wanted to join, but she politely declined. I told Dina I was down and so my evening did not end here.
I'm not sure how I got to Jellyrolls. I'm not sure if we split an Uber with Kevin or Dina and I met up on a bus ride over. I believe we had another quick pre-game then zoomed over as best we could. We ran into a lot of people tonight since it was the last Sunday for most CPs and it was the holidays so it was PACKED inside. The energy was fabulous though.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
It was a bit earlier in the night I got a text from @Lesley Wake asking if I was around. She had just gotten back from her cruise I believe and was staying through the New Year. She told me she had a little gift for me from Tokyo Disney. If you know anything at this point, you know I'm obsessed with the Asia parks, but I was still shocked to think she had thought to get me something. My friend, Kaitlyn, who saw Frozen 2 with me, sent me back stickers from her Asia parks tour so I assumed it would be something like that. It was still so sweet and thoughtful. She however had had a long day in the parks so by the time I got to Jelly's, she was still refreshing from that but then texted me mid-way through my time there saying she was on her way down.
I managed to sneak my way out and leave my things with Dina as well as some friends we had met up with. Lesley was hanging out right by the entrance so it made it super easy to slip out then slip back in. In her hands, she had a cute little Tokyo shopping bag with this inside.
I was speechless. Literally speechless. I gave Lesley like twenty hugs. I wanted these little bags more than anything in the world. I already know preemptively that on my Tokyo trip I'm gonna leave with at least 5 and now I already have one and it's OSWALD. She told me she had hoped to find Pluto, but they didn't have him, which was fine. The fact she got me one was beyond me. Granted, Lesley's generosity knows zero bounds, but that is a story for another day. This was everything. I gave her one last hug and thanked her again then rushed back inside while Lesley went to rest before her early morning the next day.
Inside, I flexed the bag so hard to everyone. Needless to say, this became a pretty necessary accessory for me. Currently haven't used it much since I don't leave the house too often, but it hangs on the bed frame where I can just look at it every so often (just picked it up as I wrote it and pulled out my park tickets that I keep in it). I really love it so much.
We were back inside Jellyrolls to party the night away for the last time in 2019 (for us at least) and for all CPs.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Easily, one of the best nights I've had at Jellyrolls. There was so much energy. People were emotional, but I was running into everyone, I was drinking more than I ever had before at Jelly's, Dina tried to twerk to It's A Small World, we took quite afew tequila shots, I think I ran into my roomie Carlos and we even made new friends. As much as the pianists and everyone made it all out to be an ending, it felt like a new beginning.
Before we left when Jellyrolls closed, Dina and I got a photo with Amanda, a co-worker of ours, and her friend who we had become buddies with that night. Amanda's program was ending, but she was staying with the company so we wouldn't be seeing her as much anymore so a photo was necessary. Make it last longer, y'know?
Amanda's friend did say she had a car, but couldn't fit us sadly so Dina and I had to end up taking the bus home. Dina and I were both certifiably inebriated once again, as was most every other attendee was, so we were kind of a mess walking to find a way out to the busses. We also needed a restroom and because Jellyrolls closed and it was well into the evening, that proved difficult. When we did find one that was unlocked, we ended up getting a really cute mirror selfie together (aka she was washing her hands and I was like "SELFIE" and somehow it came out nice).
We then came upon a ton of people getting photos in front of the BoardWalk Christmas tree so we offered to take a photo for them then they took one for us. They were pretty adorable.
You would've never known that there was alcohol in our systems lol (Until I did a sad little cartwheel on the grass that is)
We saw Carlos and some of their friends as we walked to the bus, unfortunately no one still to take us home, which was fine. Again, we still had Transdev, as depressing as that may sound. The next bus however was gonna be a minute so we ended up plopping on the ground for a bit to wait. We just chilled and talked, even talked with some other CPs that came by. Eventually, the bus showed up and we were headed home, officially ending this night.
Somehow, Dina was the one who fell asleep on the bus while I was wide awake after the eventful day I had. Good thing I didn't or she might've missed the Chatham stop if I hadn't woken her up. It felt like the perfect ending to the day, even if it was a reminder that there were many 'See Ya Real Soons' coming my way in the next few days. I'd been through many CP goodbyes before, but not in the case of where I was the one staying so this was gonna be quite a different emotional experience.
Goodnight for now and I'll see you back here as we traverse the last few days of 2019.
Continue Here
12/29/19: Last Universal Visit of 2019 & Jellyrolls
I met Alex right by the entrance as she came in. We could hear the parade starting to come through so we knew we were gonna have to sneak around those crowds. Alex was all energy though and was ready to go. She really wanted to ride Mummy which I agreed was a great choice so we went in that direction, somehow managing to sneak through the oncoming foot traffic as well as the crowds formed around the parade route all the way to Mummy.
Mummy ended up having almost NO WAIT. We practically walked on. It was great and we had a fantastic ride. I also recall having a pretty decent ride photo this time. We almost did a second round, but as we got off the parade ended so it was a mad dash inside so we decided against that since we only had so much time left in the park. It was Alex's last time in the park for who knows how long so I let her guide the rest of the evening.
The next ride she wanted to do was E.T. so we hustled across the park to get there. The wait had dropped significantly over there so it was good timing.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
We had a wonderful ride with E.T. I believe Alex might've gotten the bike with E.T. on it and we also had E.T. clearly say BOTH of our names. Ugh, nothing like E.T. truly. We stan one of the only opening day attractions left at Universal.
When we got off, we decided to look around the store and I fell in love with a few of the shirts that were there. I didn't buy anything since I had already given an arm and a leg for the sweatshirt and the wand. I believe the park was still opened for a little bit so I think we did one or two more rides. I'm not sure if it was Gringotts or Men In Black, but we got something in then decided to head out before the park officially closed. We did not want to deal with that traffic.
At the front of the park, we took some end of the year photos, me donning my Slytherin hoodie and flexing my wand.
And with that, we said goodbye until next year (since Alex definitely said she would be back for HHN30... if it happens).
Click to watch!
I believe we stopped quickly at Auntie Anne's for some cinnamon pretzel niblets as I like to call them on occasion, but then we quickly bounced. Alex offered to drive me home since her family was staying at the hotel nearby. Tonight was also the last night we'd get to hang out so as long as we could be up to our usual mischief, the better.
While in the car, I got a text from Dina asking if I was still down for Jellyrolls. I asked Alex if she wanted to join, but she politely declined. I told Dina I was down and so my evening did not end here.
I'm not sure how I got to Jellyrolls. I'm not sure if we split an Uber with Kevin or Dina and I met up on a bus ride over. I believe we had another quick pre-game then zoomed over as best we could. We ran into a lot of people tonight since it was the last Sunday for most CPs and it was the holidays so it was PACKED inside. The energy was fabulous though.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
It was a bit earlier in the night I got a text from @Lesley Wake asking if I was around. She had just gotten back from her cruise I believe and was staying through the New Year. She told me she had a little gift for me from Tokyo Disney. If you know anything at this point, you know I'm obsessed with the Asia parks, but I was still shocked to think she had thought to get me something. My friend, Kaitlyn, who saw Frozen 2 with me, sent me back stickers from her Asia parks tour so I assumed it would be something like that. It was still so sweet and thoughtful. She however had had a long day in the parks so by the time I got to Jelly's, she was still refreshing from that but then texted me mid-way through my time there saying she was on her way down.
I managed to sneak my way out and leave my things with Dina as well as some friends we had met up with. Lesley was hanging out right by the entrance so it made it super easy to slip out then slip back in. In her hands, she had a cute little Tokyo shopping bag with this inside.
I was speechless. Literally speechless. I gave Lesley like twenty hugs. I wanted these little bags more than anything in the world. I already know preemptively that on my Tokyo trip I'm gonna leave with at least 5 and now I already have one and it's OSWALD. She told me she had hoped to find Pluto, but they didn't have him, which was fine. The fact she got me one was beyond me. Granted, Lesley's generosity knows zero bounds, but that is a story for another day. This was everything. I gave her one last hug and thanked her again then rushed back inside while Lesley went to rest before her early morning the next day.
Inside, I flexed the bag so hard to everyone. Needless to say, this became a pretty necessary accessory for me. Currently haven't used it much since I don't leave the house too often, but it hangs on the bed frame where I can just look at it every so often (just picked it up as I wrote it and pulled out my park tickets that I keep in it). I really love it so much.
We were back inside Jellyrolls to party the night away for the last time in 2019 (for us at least) and for all CPs.
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Click to watch!
Easily, one of the best nights I've had at Jellyrolls. There was so much energy. People were emotional, but I was running into everyone, I was drinking more than I ever had before at Jelly's, Dina tried to twerk to It's A Small World, we took quite afew tequila shots, I think I ran into my roomie Carlos and we even made new friends. As much as the pianists and everyone made it all out to be an ending, it felt like a new beginning.
Before we left when Jellyrolls closed, Dina and I got a photo with Amanda, a co-worker of ours, and her friend who we had become buddies with that night. Amanda's program was ending, but she was staying with the company so we wouldn't be seeing her as much anymore so a photo was necessary. Make it last longer, y'know?
Amanda's friend did say she had a car, but couldn't fit us sadly so Dina and I had to end up taking the bus home. Dina and I were both certifiably inebriated once again, as was most every other attendee was, so we were kind of a mess walking to find a way out to the busses. We also needed a restroom and because Jellyrolls closed and it was well into the evening, that proved difficult. When we did find one that was unlocked, we ended up getting a really cute mirror selfie together (aka she was washing her hands and I was like "SELFIE" and somehow it came out nice).
We then came upon a ton of people getting photos in front of the BoardWalk Christmas tree so we offered to take a photo for them then they took one for us. They were pretty adorable.
You would've never known that there was alcohol in our systems lol (Until I did a sad little cartwheel on the grass that is)
We saw Carlos and some of their friends as we walked to the bus, unfortunately no one still to take us home, which was fine. Again, we still had Transdev, as depressing as that may sound. The next bus however was gonna be a minute so we ended up plopping on the ground for a bit to wait. We just chilled and talked, even talked with some other CPs that came by. Eventually, the bus showed up and we were headed home, officially ending this night.
Somehow, Dina was the one who fell asleep on the bus while I was wide awake after the eventful day I had. Good thing I didn't or she might've missed the Chatham stop if I hadn't woken her up. It felt like the perfect ending to the day, even if it was a reminder that there were many 'See Ya Real Soons' coming my way in the next few days. I'd been through many CP goodbyes before, but not in the case of where I was the one staying so this was gonna be quite a different emotional experience.
Goodnight for now and I'll see you back here as we traverse the last few days of 2019.
Continue Here
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NancyLuvsMickey
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2009
Awwww, that was so sweet of Lesley to get you something from Tokyo Disney!!! Dis friends are the best!!! 
Lesley Wake
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2017
It's always good to check off multiple things! I still really want to get over to Universal one year for Christmas! Maybe in 2021?
But I also didn't love Rise of Skywalker. Even though it's on Disney+ I still haven't rewatched it!
I didn't realize performers worked at both Disney and Universal!
Yup, agree! She just keeps digging herself a bigger hole.
I do love seeing all the critters in the movies! And I think they will add to the new land at Epic Universe well!
Ugh! No need to be rude when it's their fault!
That's too bad since I liked the outdoor area one of the best! It's pretty similar to the version at Hollywood, though with more physical sets.
That would have been crazy!
Yeah, thats BS!
Lol!
I soooo wish I could have seen the Peter Pan themed carousel!
Yeah, those days were crazy! It was helpful staying at Boardwalk though!
I'm so glad you like it! Like you, I love giving gifts, so it was fun for me too!
And I wish I could have hung out more, but the early morning Rise doesn't wait for anyone! Next time we are in the same place at same time I will carve out time to properly hang out!
cindianne320
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2010
What a fun update! Jellyrolls looks so fun, an awesome gift, and smiles with friends. Why can't 2020 be just as good?! LOL
dolewhipandpixiedust
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2018
Omg it’d take like a million dollars to get me to ride E.T. He has scared me since I was really little lol
dvc lover 1970
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 29, 2013
Congratulations on the Disney College program!! My son (20) was thinking of doing that. Where can he find info on the program and how to apply?
PlutosRHM55
Currently: No HHN Depression
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
Awwww, that was so sweet of Lesley to get you something from Tokyo Disney!!! Dis friends are the best!!!
It really was and they really are. I'm so grateful for so many of mine. Absolute angels.
Yeah, it's definitely something to check off. I think Mardi Gras is the better of the non-HHN events, but Christmas is still pretty cool.
Oh gosh so glad I'm not alone. Yeah, I haven't watched it either. I'll stick to Last Jedi, Rogue One and Revenge of the Sith lol
Yup, I know many who work at both parks or who have worked at both parks. One of the equity performers I work with actually is actually a part of Universal Creative and is very involved with the Horror Make-Up Show. There is so much crossover, it's pretty common for CMs to also be TMs (if you're a CM or former CM, Universal basically hires you on the spot I've been told).
Mhm. Done with her.
Oooo, that would be cool. We'd love to see it.
They weren't being rude. Frankly, I understand why they were saying what they did because they had to, but it was like "Yes, I'm aware, just tell me you'll get me on the next tram."
UGH, I want to do the Hollywood Tram Tour so so bad. It's pretty much the one reason I want to visit USH.
SO CLOSE.
Mhm.
This has since been CONFIRMED.
It was SOOOO CUTE.
Oh definitely. BoardWalk really was the perfect place to be.
I brought it with me most anywhere. I felt so kawaii. I can't wait to wear it on my own Tokyo trip some day.
Oh for sure. It's crazy to think how easy it was for us to run into each other at Disneyland compared to WDW, but that just goes to show how way more intense WDW is about planning things.
SERIOUSLY. Fingers crossed there's a turn around somewhere.
Awww, really? I loved him. I watched that movie so much as a kid, one of my favorites. I even had a plush of him. To each his own I guess since you're not the first person I've heard who was traumatized by E.T. lol
Thank you! He can go to disneycollegeprogram.com to find the application and everything. As far as I know, the hiring freeze also extends to the DCP so it might be awhile until they start it up again, but I'm also willing to answer any questions you might have. This wasn't my first time in the program or going through that process.
PlutosRHM55
Currently: No HHN Depression
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2010
The Curse Of Spending New Year’s Eve With Timmy
12/30 – 12/31/19: Ringing in 2020!
December 30th, 2019
I believe I returned for a rather longer shift on this day, but it was mid-day so I got out before park close. All I have to show for this day is on the bus ride back to Vista, I saw Epcot Forever going off over at Epcot. *happy sigh*
Click to watch!
A nice preamble to the New Year's Eve... or was it?
December 31st, 2019
The last day of 2019 had arrived and by some miracle, I managed to get off at 8pm on this day when the park was opened until midnight (and probably for good reason). This also was the last night for many CPs so it was gonna be a crazy night. I hoped that the energy surrounding today would mean good things for the shift and not a repeat of my Christmas day experience.
Of course, that was not the case.
It was another very difficult shift and in the midst of it all, I didn't have surprise guests with candy canes so I just suffered inside the workshop. It was the worst. I tried to keep it together and not let my negative energy be too evident during builds or while interacting with guests. Then, by some magical happenstance, I was pulled out of the workshop by the Dok's coordinator, David. He put me on the Legacy Counter, that big counter in Dok-Ondar's where they sell all the legacy hilts, the ones that are replicas of each character's own saber hilts, which I HAD NEVER DONE BEFORE. However, I was taking it because anything to get out of the workshop.
It was crazy over there. They had had hour long lines for legacy for the past week so I didn't really have time for someone to train me, even though Audrey who was on transactor kinda helped pick up my slack and taught me a bit. I was kinda thrown to the Rathtars and had to hope for the best. Luckily, I catch on quick and I had a few friends there who were super helpful. I even got to see Kevin, who was leaving on the 2nd so I got to say goodbye to him. He was there until the end of the night though so when I bumped out, I had to say goodbye in the midst of the madness. I also ran into some Droid friends on my way out like Alex, so I got to say goodbye there. Lots of hugs, a few tears, but I was more than happy to clock out and head home to ring in the New Year.
Dina and I got off at the same time so we planned to have our NYE fun together! We were both pretty beat after the shift so an original plan to go to DAK was scrapped in favor of just staying home. We would've run ourselves into the ground for sure.
Dina went home to change while I was in my apartment and realized that I hadn't done my laundry so I didn't have a change of clothes which meant I stayed in my Batuuan garb for the evening. When she got over was when we made the decision to not worry about going to DAK, but we still had to celebrate.
Before I go into the rest of this evening, as of recently, I have the worst track record with NYE. The year before I made this huge plan with my friends from Skidmore, Kate and Gabi (the one who visited me earlier in the fall), to go to a drag show. It was fool proof or so we thought until somehow tossing away a few nips that we drank while waiting to get into the club resulted in Gabi not being allowed inside. It was this whole ordeal and basically resulted in me being in this club on my own for the countdown then spending the rest of the evening wandering Boston in the freezing rain. Gabi thought she ruined the night. It was not a good time. There also was mad drama from years before regarding NYE, but after last year I was determined to make up for it.
So far I had to manage my expectations on this evening, but it didn't exactly improve.
Dina and I both were hungry so we went over to Wendy's in hopes of getting something quick but IT WAS CLOSED. Yup, no Wendy's on NYE. Then, as we realized that, Chick-Fil-A was closing up so we got NOTHING. It was almost exactly the same energy as my last NYE. I'm good at finding solutions and trying to stay positive so we ended up going to Walgreen's where we got some sparkling rosé along with some snacks and such. There wasn't much there in terms of proper NYE celebration food, but we made due. I also texted Emily about our plans and she said she might join a bit later since she was still at work. Ok, maybe things were looking up now.
When we got back to the apartment, Dina and I plopped down ready to finally relax after we hit every obstacle imaginable. I facetimed my parents in one of the most hilarious calls ever. I had never popped a cork before so I wanted to make sure I didn't hurt myself. They were at a friends so they basically all watched me pop this cork. I'm not the most coordinated person so the whole thing was like watching a really terrible gymnastics performance. I ended up fine in the end until I took a swig of it and brought it down too quickly getting some bubbly on the floor. Truly iconic.
I poured some into glasses for Dina and I. I pulled up my Netflix and Dina decided she needed to show me Billy On The Street so we watched that as we counted down. The night started to finally feel like a party.
Click to watch!
Eventually, we switched over to the live stream for New Year's Rockin' Eve. It was also at this time that Emily finally showed up. We also finally decided to have a proper dinner at this time as you can see by Dina making herself some ramen lol
Click to watch!
Then, we finally toasted to the New Year. Goodbye 2019 and hello 2020!!
We may or may not have run out the door to scream Happy New Year to the masses lol
If only we knew how awful this year would turn out to be, but at the moment, the possibilities seemed wonderfully endless. We were bubbly off the bubbly and as much as the night was rocky, it all ended in the loveliest way. I called my parents again as well as my sisters and Dina called her mom to wish everyone a Happy New Year. It truly was a celebration. It might not have been as glamorous as DAK, but it was still a celebration.
We were all pretty pooped so not long after getting that last burst of adrenaline, everyone headed home. Emily and I both walked Dina out to the bus.
Click to watch!
Again, a great energy in the air. Everyone excited. We said goodbye to Dina at the bus stop then Emily and I headed back to our apartments, looking forward to the blessings 2020 would bring.
Hopefully this second half of 2020 will have those aforementioned blessings lol Yeah, I know, this update should've probably been a bit happier in retrospect if I actually live reported better than I did, but here we are. I think maybe I'll look at this year this way: not all years can be winners, but they can have their winning moments. Let's manifest 2020's that they come soon.
*chugs rosé*
Continue Here
12/30 – 12/31/19: Ringing in 2020!
December 30th, 2019
I believe I returned for a rather longer shift on this day, but it was mid-day so I got out before park close. All I have to show for this day is on the bus ride back to Vista, I saw Epcot Forever going off over at Epcot. *happy sigh*
Click to watch!
A nice preamble to the New Year's Eve... or was it?
December 31st, 2019
The last day of 2019 had arrived and by some miracle, I managed to get off at 8pm on this day when the park was opened until midnight (and probably for good reason). This also was the last night for many CPs so it was gonna be a crazy night. I hoped that the energy surrounding today would mean good things for the shift and not a repeat of my Christmas day experience.
Of course, that was not the case.
It was another very difficult shift and in the midst of it all, I didn't have surprise guests with candy canes so I just suffered inside the workshop. It was the worst. I tried to keep it together and not let my negative energy be too evident during builds or while interacting with guests. Then, by some magical happenstance, I was pulled out of the workshop by the Dok's coordinator, David. He put me on the Legacy Counter, that big counter in Dok-Ondar's where they sell all the legacy hilts, the ones that are replicas of each character's own saber hilts, which I HAD NEVER DONE BEFORE. However, I was taking it because anything to get out of the workshop.
It was crazy over there. They had had hour long lines for legacy for the past week so I didn't really have time for someone to train me, even though Audrey who was on transactor kinda helped pick up my slack and taught me a bit. I was kinda thrown to the Rathtars and had to hope for the best. Luckily, I catch on quick and I had a few friends there who were super helpful. I even got to see Kevin, who was leaving on the 2nd so I got to say goodbye to him. He was there until the end of the night though so when I bumped out, I had to say goodbye in the midst of the madness. I also ran into some Droid friends on my way out like Alex, so I got to say goodbye there. Lots of hugs, a few tears, but I was more than happy to clock out and head home to ring in the New Year.
Dina and I got off at the same time so we planned to have our NYE fun together! We were both pretty beat after the shift so an original plan to go to DAK was scrapped in favor of just staying home. We would've run ourselves into the ground for sure.
Dina went home to change while I was in my apartment and realized that I hadn't done my laundry so I didn't have a change of clothes which meant I stayed in my Batuuan garb for the evening. When she got over was when we made the decision to not worry about going to DAK, but we still had to celebrate.
Before I go into the rest of this evening, as of recently, I have the worst track record with NYE. The year before I made this huge plan with my friends from Skidmore, Kate and Gabi (the one who visited me earlier in the fall), to go to a drag show. It was fool proof or so we thought until somehow tossing away a few nips that we drank while waiting to get into the club resulted in Gabi not being allowed inside. It was this whole ordeal and basically resulted in me being in this club on my own for the countdown then spending the rest of the evening wandering Boston in the freezing rain. Gabi thought she ruined the night. It was not a good time. There also was mad drama from years before regarding NYE, but after last year I was determined to make up for it.
So far I had to manage my expectations on this evening, but it didn't exactly improve.
Dina and I both were hungry so we went over to Wendy's in hopes of getting something quick but IT WAS CLOSED. Yup, no Wendy's on NYE. Then, as we realized that, Chick-Fil-A was closing up so we got NOTHING. It was almost exactly the same energy as my last NYE. I'm good at finding solutions and trying to stay positive so we ended up going to Walgreen's where we got some sparkling rosé along with some snacks and such. There wasn't much there in terms of proper NYE celebration food, but we made due. I also texted Emily about our plans and she said she might join a bit later since she was still at work. Ok, maybe things were looking up now.
When we got back to the apartment, Dina and I plopped down ready to finally relax after we hit every obstacle imaginable. I facetimed my parents in one of the most hilarious calls ever. I had never popped a cork before so I wanted to make sure I didn't hurt myself. They were at a friends so they basically all watched me pop this cork. I'm not the most coordinated person so the whole thing was like watching a really terrible gymnastics performance. I ended up fine in the end until I took a swig of it and brought it down too quickly getting some bubbly on the floor. Truly iconic.
I poured some into glasses for Dina and I. I pulled up my Netflix and Dina decided she needed to show me Billy On The Street so we watched that as we counted down. The night started to finally feel like a party.
Click to watch!
Eventually, we switched over to the live stream for New Year's Rockin' Eve. It was also at this time that Emily finally showed up. We also finally decided to have a proper dinner at this time as you can see by Dina making herself some ramen lol
Click to watch!
Then, we finally toasted to the New Year. Goodbye 2019 and hello 2020!!
We may or may not have run out the door to scream Happy New Year to the masses lol
If only we knew how awful this year would turn out to be, but at the moment, the possibilities seemed wonderfully endless. We were bubbly off the bubbly and as much as the night was rocky, it all ended in the loveliest way. I called my parents again as well as my sisters and Dina called her mom to wish everyone a Happy New Year. It truly was a celebration. It might not have been as glamorous as DAK, but it was still a celebration.
We were all pretty pooped so not long after getting that last burst of adrenaline, everyone headed home. Emily and I both walked Dina out to the bus.
Click to watch!
Again, a great energy in the air. Everyone excited. We said goodbye to Dina at the bus stop then Emily and I headed back to our apartments, looking forward to the blessings 2020 would bring.
Hopefully this second half of 2020 will have those aforementioned blessings lol Yeah, I know, this update should've probably been a bit happier in retrospect if I actually live reported better than I did, but here we are. I think maybe I'll look at this year this way: not all years can be winners, but they can have their winning moments. Let's manifest 2020's that they come soon.
*chugs rosé*
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