Epcot

Thursday we spent all day in Epcot. We ate lunch in the Germany pavilion, which I really enjoyed. It's a buffet, and guests sit at long tables that overlook a stage where traditional German entertainment is offered.

The monorail was decorated for the release of the new Tron movie.

We rode some rides and had our picture taken with the characters.

We looked at the shops in the World Showcase, then watched Illuminations, the big fireworks show, in front of the Japan pavilion.

Two Kingdoms

On Wednesday morning, Bryan and I headed into the Magic Kingdom for a few hours. We got there before opening, so we watched the opening ceremony.

We rode some of the rides in Tomorrowland and Frontierland, then headed out. A show was going on in front of Cinderella's Castle as we left.

We picked up Susan and Jennifer and went to Hollywood Studios, where we spent a few hours.

After dinner we went to extra magic hours at Animal Kingdom.

We watched the Lion King show and Jennifer and I rode Expedition Everest. The gift shop adjacent to the ride has lots of cool decorations, like the one above.

Downtown Disney & Epcot

Today we spent some time shopping at Downtown Disney, mostly at the World of Disney. This huge store, featuring all kinds of different Disney merchandise, has ceilings decorated with various characters in different flying contraptions. Afterwards, we watched Harry Potter 7 part 1 at the theater on the Westside of Downtown Disney.

After the movie we headed to Epcot. We did a few rides and admired the Christmas decorations.

Since we had last been to Epcot, it had added a new pizza parlor in the Italy pavilion, and enlarged the cantina outside the Mexico pavilion.

Contemporary Resort & Magic Kingdom

Yesterday we attended a DVC event at the lounge on top of Bay Lake Tower, a recent add-on to the Contemporary Resort. There were great views into the Magic Kingdom from the top of the tower. Here's the main building of the Contemporary Resort from the top of Bay Lake Tower. The monorail that connects the Magic Kingdom with the parking lot and several nearby hotels goes through the building. We did a little shopping there.

We then headed into the Magic Kingdom, where we spent a few hours. The Pooh ride had recently had its exterior and queue redone to make it more woodsy looking.

The Magic Kingdom was covered in Christmas decorations.

Epcot and Disney Studios

While the kids went to the Blizzard Beach water park, Susan and I hit Epcot.

The kids rejoined us for dinner at Morocco.

After dinner we headed to the Studios park for extra magic hours.

Kidani Village

Yesterday we headed to PDX to catch a flight to Orlando via Seattle. Unfortunately, our flight never arrived, so we were rebooked through Chicago. Two medium length redeye flights instead of one short then one long was definitely less than ideal, plus our seats were spread out over the planes, as the flights were crowded. We made it to Orlando about four hours after we were scheduled, and finally made it to Disneyworld, where we checked into the expansion of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village.

While not as grand as the main building of Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani has very nice rooms, about half of which have views of a "savannah" with animals roaming it. Our room had a view of the parking lot and entrance, but cost less.

Still, it was nicely decorated, with a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, a kitchenette, and a couch and chair that made into sleepers for the kids.

The resort was all decked out for Christmas.

DeMolay Honors Day

Last night we drove down to Eugene with several DeMolay to participate in Honors Day. Bryan headed up the team that presented a Cross of Honor to a dedicated Advisor, and we watched several men receive the Legion of Honor.

Earlier in the day, we attended the installation of Tigard Lodge. On Thursday, Bryan headed the obligation ceremony for a new member of Milwaukie DeMolay, and on Tuesday, the Tigard Chapter put on an initiatory degree with the help of Mt Hood Chapter.