blm2003

As expected, this is going to be a short little report.
This is the end of it.
After watching the parade for a second time, we made our way to the area in front of the castle for the final performance of the special stage show they perform for the Christmas parties. This show was revamped last year, and is called Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration.  We all love it- it uses unique characters and non-traditional songs, and it is very entertaining.
If you can stay awake, the 11:55 show is a great deal.  The party technically ends at midnight, but this show goes on for about 20 minutes, so you get a "free" extra 15 minutes in the park after the party.  And, it's easy to get a good viewing spot for this last show.
The show makes good use of the projection technology that Disney introduced a few years back- so it's good to be back far enough from the stage that you have a view of the castle as well as the stage:

One of the first songs is called "Text Me Merry Christmas."  Disney is trying to be hip.  Here we say Daisy with a cell phone:

There's a whole song and dance centered around this, and it's pretty funny:

There's a song that involves dancing reindeer and the song is sung by the kind of obscure Clarabelle Cow:

As I mentioned, this show was first performed last year, and one of the reindeer became kind of a viral sensation:
It's funny, and I do not think coincidental, that one of the reindeer in this costume is featured on this year's map for the party.
I think someone told the left reindeer to tone it down this year, as he was a lot calmer on the night we were there.
The Three Caballeros have a big part in the show where they come out and lead a song and dance number featuring Feliz Navidad:

There are a lot of costumed characters in the show, and some very good human singers and dancers- it's great:


What I like most about the show is that it's not a retread of classic songs and classic characters.  They stepped out of the box for this, and it works.
This show is one of the special things that makes the cost of this party worth it. 
When you have 20 minutes to spare, there's a video of the whole show on YouTube:
 
It was around 12:20 before that show was over, and we headed on out of the park then.
There were still a lot of guests in the park, but Main Street wasn't too crowded.  It's special to walk down toward the big Christmas tree with fake snow flurrying around.
And that is that.
Thanks for reading.
Maybe there will be a new TCD trip report coming after Thanksgiving. 
If the plan comes together.
TCD

Wow, you're right.  That is one fast Picture Thief!
Good job, Picture Thief!
Tell Denise and Ed TCD says Hi, and that they can come over here anytime if they'd like to get accurate information first hand instead of relying on stuff that you and others have to steal and post.
And since you apparently can't take a hint- it is not cool to steal photos from another site without giving credit via a link.  Which you cannot do over there, as one of the remaining minions will rat you out to Webmaster Kathy and company, and you will be flushed.
TCD

Without question the best wooden coaster I've ever ridden (maybe even the best coaster wooden or steel) is The Beast at Kings Island in Ohio
 

 
64 mph, 141 foot drop, 4:10 ride duration.....simply an awesome ride! 
 
Heres a link to the ride video:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dC6uJDNf64

Sounds like you two had a blast. Don't forget to take a good pic of Jr winning the 500 for me.

I love this photo too!:

And, if you would all indulge me for just a moment, I would like to give my side of this story.
I, of course, knew that Dave, Christy and their family had adopted Anna earlier this year.
And, from that story, I knew that Anna had spent her life to that point in an orphanage.
In Russia.
From what little I know about these kinds of things, I know that we have no idea what that child had been through up to that point in her life.
I also know, that if Dave and Christy had not gone to the lengths they did to adopt Anna, she would probably spend the rest of her life in a not-so-nice institution in Russia.
So, when I finally got a chance to meet her, I expected her to be shy and withdrawn.
Boy, was I surprised.
This little girl was so open and outgoing that it totally surprised me.
As far as I know, she doesn't talk much, but when she saw me, she held out her arms wide open and had a giant smile on her face!
She didn't know me from Adam, but this girl apparently trusts and loves everybody.
That is a testament to Dave and his family.
And, boy can that little girl hug!
When I tried to give her back to Dave, she hugged me tighter.
She was obviously pulling Dave's chain.
He told her that he had to keep her, because he promised the Russian judge that he would.
She reluctantly let go of my neck and went back to Dad.
This little meeting had a big impact on me.
I don't think I will ever forget this.
I am a firm believer that it is in giving that we receive.
And, I have no doubt at all that Dave, Christy, and all of their wonderful daughters have been an unbelievable blessing to sweet little Anna, but she is even a bigger blessing to them.
I have to say, this was the highlight of my trip.
And maybe my year.
Dave, Christy and their girls are what folks in the South call good people!
TCD