DisneyWinterCation 2019 - Day 1 (part 1)

I don't know about you, but for me, the first couple of weeks at work after the break wore me out. Maybe it's what was going on or maybe it was just a shock to my system to be back at work after the time off. One day I was sitting at work contemplating what I needed to get done and I began to consider a brief getaway! Before long, I made my mind up (once I had the okay on a couple of days off work) and started planning!

After a quick visit in Charlotte, I was up early to make the drive to Orlando. When I arrived, I first went over to the Character Warehouse to see if there was anything worthwhile before getting into the parks. Most of what they had was Christmas-related and there was nothing that spoke to me. So, I checked into my hotel and made my way to Epcot!

I like when the photographers change up your shot!

Up in the sky - it's Figment!!

First time experiencing the Festival of the Arts #artfulepcot

Always have those moments where I think I need to pinch myself.

Still haven't seen Ralph Breaks the Internet - but this was a cool meet and greet! 

By the way, I don't think I've ever worn jeans into a Disney park before... After taking a few pictures and looking in Mouse Gear, I made my way over to the Chase Visa meet and greet. You never know who you'll get but that day I met...

Pluto was happy to see Groot on my shirt; I think Pluto has done some dancing with Groot! 

I didn't have many specific plans on this trip - I planned it about a couple weeks before going! When you get to the last minute, fast passes are definitely limited. I got a few fast passes, including one for a viewing spot for Illuminations since I know the show will be going away this year. Another fast pass I got, which seemed silly, was for Journey into Imagination with Figment. Such a silly one because there's not usually much of a wait, but I've never done it before so after I met Minnie and Pluto, I hopped over next door to go see Figment.

The ride was cute but can we get away from using smell-effects on rides? It's gross. 

After taking a couple more pictures, I headed into the Odyssey building where I heard the Animation Academy was taking place. Animation Academy still exists (I think) at DCA in California but they took the attraction out of Hollywood Studios to create the Star Wars Launch Bay. I still hope it might come back once they open Star Wars Galaxy Edge - I'd imagine they'll have the Star Wars meet and greets over there. If you haven't been before, Animation Academy is where a Disney animator takes you through the steps to create your own drawing of a Disney Icon. In previous classes, I've learned to draw Mike Wasowski and Steamboat Willie. 

There were lots of seats set up with standard size computer paper. Quickly the rows filled up and we were taken through our first drawing which was... 

Mr. Toad! 

There was only about 5 minutes between classes so I decided to stick around for the next one where I drew... 

The Cheshire Cat

Then the last class I attended was a character I thought would be a lot of fun to draw...

Jack Skellington!

What I really like about these classes is that they break everything down into manageable shapes that someone like me (who can't draw ANYTHING free-hand) can handle! I think my pictures look pretty good! 

After I got my pictures rolled up and did a little bit of shopping, I moved on to World Showcase where I found a cool Mike Wasowski pin that I traded for. I also got some dinner at Les Halles!

These cool picture frames are around where you can take pictures. I was telling George "go across the Delaware, dude." He said, "okay."

I wish to go to the festival (bonus points to anyone who knows the musical I'm referencing)

Had to say hola to Donald

Figment was flying all over with his paintbrush.

These guys were neat!

I can't hold a pose this long.

She was elegant.

This artist was painting this on the spot! 

All of the logos were really neat! 

 

Loved the rainbows in front of Spaceship Earth! 

I had to wait a while for the monorail to come into this picture!

There was so much artwork I wished I could buy.

Beignet filled with chocolate hazelnut filling. Nom. I also had a ham and cheese croissant which had béchamel sauce on it. 

Loved this photo op in England - I got to hold Tinkerbell!

THIS ART WAS MADE WITH SIDEWALK CHALK!!! It looked like a photo!

Me as a pirate

I'm a mermaid! 

I had a great night walking around and taking pictures! In the next post, I'm going to share my night time pictures of Epcot and some great pictures from Illuminations!!!