RocklandRVers Christmas: Read About 12/20 w/Chezp&Statelady01 About This Page:

[RocklandRVers]

DAY 3 (Monday, December 20) Relax, Decorate & SURPRISE!

After visiting WDW last December and seeing the lengths to which our fellow settlers at FtW went to decorate their campsites, DS was determined to make our site one of the best decorated during our stay. We brought with us an inflatable 8’ tall Christmas tree from last year along with an even larger Mickey Santa and Minnie in a Sleigh pulled by Pluto that I had gotten on e-bay. Those things along with net lights, regular multicolored string lights and blue rope lights we brought with us from home and we had the makings for nice decorating. We agreed before we left that today would be the one day to get it all done.

So after sleeping in after the late night we had on our arrival day, we were ready to get started. As we unloaded the trailer we thought we had everything we needed, but forgot one key thing: to borrow my Dad’s step ladder! So first things first was a trip to Home Depot in Kissimmee for that and a couple of extra extension cords just in case.

On the way back we stopped at the Maple Grove discount ticket office to buy two 4-day Park Hopper Plus tickets (we had a 4 day PHP leftover from our June / July visit) and made a quick stop at Walmart for some water, ice and a few odds and ends we needed.

Back at the site we put the Mickey sleigh on top of our cargo trailer. Below the sleigh, down the side of the trailer we put net lights that gave an appearance of snow when lit. We outlined the paved part of the site and the top of the RV with blue rope lights and put the tree out in front of the site. The awning had a string of Mickey lights and the lower part of the RV had a string of multi colored blinkers. Inside the windshield we placed a large picture of Santa putting presents under the tree and surrounded that with clear icicle lights that blinked in a random pattern. Everything was hooked up to a timer that was set to turn them on at dusk and off at dawn.

It took a few hours and some arguments over what to place where, but by my 4:00 deadline everything was done and all the lights and inflatables functioned. Now to get ready for a “fancy” dinner at the Yachtsman Steakhouse @ the Yacht Club at 6:30 pm

We arrive at the YC early and hang out in the lobby to listen to the story teller who had a fairly large group of youngsters sitting with him in front of the tree. What a great place to relax. As we near our PS time, we walk through the lobby and around the hotel’s lakeside windows that overlooked the pool until we arrive at the YS. From the outside it doesn’t seem anything special. Its not until you get inside to the podium that you see a butcher hand cutting and trimming steaks inside a glass room with beef hanging behind him aging to perfection. A little further see the huge grills where steaks are prepared to order. We are seated in a little alcove where 4 other tables of four are located off the main dining area. We looked over the menu and all agreed that after a long hard day working on decorating and not taking time to eat lunch we could each handle the 16 oz ribeyes which were accompanied by baked potato and foie grois mousse. I also ordered a side order of creamed spinach for us to share. DW led off with a lobster bisque, DS a chili beef soup and I had the buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes. Dinner was super!! The steaks were aged nicely and on par with the fabulous meal we had last summer at the famous Bern’s Steakhouse in Tampa. If you like steak and lots of it, the YS is the place for you!

After stuffing ourselves we waddled outside where it was just a bit chilly and walked around by the pool. We need a themed pool like this one at FtW!!! Oh how I wished it was opened. There was just the slightest mist rising from the warm water. We continued around the boardwalk past the dock and lighthouse and sat down near the area of recreation office. We sat and chatted and talked about how great the meal was and how beautiful the waterfront of the Epcot resorts appeared. As the night continued to get chillier, DW and DS grew more inpatient and wanted to leave, but I insisted we just hang out and take in the ambiance. Finally I had to come clean that I was awaiting the time to come for a surprise. They knew some sort of surprise was coming but both thought the rather extravagant dinner at YS was it. Wrong! Finally as it neared 8:45 folks began boarding the pontoon boats for Illuminations. I suggested we take a walk down closer and watch. Although they objected, DW and DS came along. Just as I got closer I overheard someone mentioning to a CM our names and that we were to join them on the cruise. DS and DW were still behind me and not paying too much attention so didn’t hear that soft British voice. As I stepped up for a closer look I recognized a familiar face but had been thrown off for a moment by the eyeglasses absent in the pictures I had seen of her. I went up to her and said “Cheryl?” as if I had just met a long lost friend and kissed her on the cheek. DW and DS were totally in shock and wondered who this person was how she knew their names.

There was no time to stop and explain, we just followed Chez and her husband who were also joined by Statelady01 and her husband down to the dock to our pontoon boat. We climbed aboard and each of us grabbed the warm blankets that by this time were most welcomed especially out on the water. Our CM cast off and headed for a quick tour that took us down to MGM and back. She shared a bit of trivia with us about the Swan and Dolphin and how the dolphin statue is often called a Trout with big lips. She also shared something I didn’t know about those statues. So let me insert at this point a trivia question for all but Chezp and Statelady01 to answer: There is something strange about the placement of the Swan and Dolphin statues. Does anyone know the secret?

Anyway we proceed on and Cheryl’s hubby Mark the Candyman share with us some delicious British chocolates. DW was too full and cold to eat hers, but she had them later and agreed that they were very good indeed. Soon we enter the international gateway and our boat has the honorary place anchored against the bridge serving as the tie off for all the other pontoon boats and the Breathless. For a while we sit and chat then we hear that familiar deep voice that says “We are gathered here tonight by the fire…” He then gives a final whoosh as if blowing out candles and all the torches around the World Showcase go out. Then in the silence we hear the drums beating slowly at first then increasing in tempo as the first rockets explode and then there is a fury of fireworks, lasers and other pyrotechnics. The rest is just awesome music and fireworks along with the beautiful projection screen covered globe. The holiday version gave us a bonus of about 5 minutes more music and fireworks show. Everytime I see Illuminations and hear that musical theme I get teary eyed at the shear beauty of it all.

The entire experience ended much too soon for me and I was a bit melancholy that we had to head back to the docks. I kept saying to myself ENCORE ENCORE but it was not to happen. As I said goodbye to my 4 new friends I was struck once again to the whole message of Illuminations: that we are all human beings with much more in common than we have differences. It also really gave me a sense of hope for peace on earth in the truest meaning of the words we speak of year after year during the holidays. Think of it. Here we were 7 "strangers" separated by oceans and thousands of miles who came together all due to one man’s dream that built more than just an amusement park, but a very magical place that the whole world can share and enjoy together. In the word’s of that great man, “Remember, It All Started With A Mouse” although we all know it all started with a visionary man, Walt Disney, who loved making people happy.

Coming up next: Our first day in the parks!

[Tara O'Hara]

What a wonderful post! You have a beautiful way of describing things and I certainly teared up more than once here! I am so glad that you and your family had a magical day!! I don't really know Maureen yet, but I can certainly concur that Chez and Mark are top notch!! What a lovely surprise for your family!!

[LizardCop]

Excellent Post!!!

[CRCrazy]

Where are the pictures?????

I would love to see photos of your site, and all of you as well!

Any chance?

[jakenjess]

Your update is wonderful!! It sounds like a perfect day. Looking forward to hearing more about it!

[Wendyismyname]

I've been waiting for this trip report!! Great start!! I'd love to see pictures!!

[luvnwdwgal]

[ QUOTE ]
As I said goodbye to my 4 new friends I was struck once again to the whole message of Illuminations: that we are all human beings with much more in common than we have differences. It also really gave me a sense of hope for peace on earth in the truest meaning of the words we speak of year after year during the holidays. Think of it. Here we were 6 strangers separated by oceans and thousands of miles who came together all due to one man’s dream that built more than just an amusement park, but a very magical place that the whole world can share and enjoy together. In the word’s of that great man, “Remember, It All Started With A Mouse” although we all know it all started with a visionary man, Walt Disney, who loved making people happy.

[/ QUOTE ]

Beautiful words!!!

[RocklandRVers]

[ QUOTE ]
Where are the pictures?????

I would love to see photos of your site, and all of you as well!

Any chance?

[/ QUOTE ]

er uh pictures? Ashamed to say we forgot to pack the digital camera. That was a part of the story I purposely left out because it was the source of quite a family fight with the usual finger pointing and blame shifting. I did suggest more than once that we at least buy a disposable to capture some shots, but it revived a sore subject so I stopped asking.

As for the night of Illuminations with Chezp and Statelady01, I know we posed for a pic for Chez. Hope we didn't break her camera.

[Jillybean]

What an absolutely wonderful update! I think I can almost taste that steak - - that steak house is definitely going on my list of "to do's." The funny thing is that we stay at BCV all the time and I've yet to eat there!

And the cruise - - wow! That is one of my dreams - - to go on an Illuminations cruise! Your words are so true - - and don't we all have such a magical place in common.

Jill

[katspjs]

What a wonderful report. Can't wait for more!

[kimdisneynut]

Thanks

Kim

[Colexis Mom]

What a great day, dinner, and cruise! So glad you all had such a great time! Can't wait for more

[BritDisFan]

What a wonderful update , the Illuminations Cruise sounded fabulous. I can't wait to read more.

Karen

[rebecca c.]

Your report are so filled with detail, love it. How $$$ was the YS? Can't wait to hear more.

[RocklandRVers]

[ QUOTE ]
How $$$ was the YS?

[/ QUOTE ]

The bill came to about $250 with tax and tip for the 3 of us. This included 2 adult beverages, 3 appetizers, 3 entrees and 2 desserts (DW and I shared some Creme Brulee). Rather extravagant for a meal out every night, but it was part of the special surprise evening I had planned. Plus it was a great meal. I dare say it was one of the best I have ever had anywhere.