Christmas Town

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My daughter is disappointed that the Polar bear is not returning.

I'm also hoping they don't clutter up England this year, as last year the fake building they put up caused bottlenecks. That and the asinine decision to put the carolers on the steps of the Globe. With the newer Union Snacks also over there, it became impossible to pass through on some nights. Add to that people stepping over my kid in her stroller, and it was frightful. It's a shame, because the lighted wreaths hanging above make it absolutely beautiful.

I know all my posts are negative, I guess I am just airing my grievances before I go in hopes that all will be resolved and I have a wonderful time, like I used to the first year that Christmastown opened.
 
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Imaginique said:
My daughter is disappointed that the Polar bear is not returning.

I'm also hoping they don't clutter up England this year, as last year the fake building they put up caused bottlenecks. That and the asinine decision to put the carolers on the steps of the Globe. With the newer Union Snacks also over there, it became impossible to pass through on some nights. Add to that people stepping over my kid in her stroller, and it was frightful. It's a shame, because the lighted wreaths hanging above make it absolutely beautiful.

I know all my posts are negative, I guess I am just airing my grievances before I go in hopes that all will be resolved and I have a wonderful time, like I used to the first year that Christmastown opened.
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I agree about the polar bear, kinda stinks but, I'm hopeful they'll have something else in place. and you're right about the extra space that was taken up in England. If you're going to have these crazy crowds for discounted days then make way with the space. I've posted many times about my frustration with the $12 and now $14 days. The over crowding, in my opinion, does take away from the joy of Christmastown. And yes I understand the park needing to make money but there has to be a better way. Do the discount as a package deal, discounted hot coco or coffee or extra merch discount. And the argument of, "well you don't think twice about waits in Orlando parks". Yeah I do, I go in the off season and I;m pretty sure they don't 60% discount tickets.

Annnnd he's done with his rant. Ha
 
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Just did Disney this past June. It's crazy crowded but other than parade and firework times at Magic Kingdom, I never felt like there was an issue with bottlenecks at all. Did have one scary moment after a nighttime parade there, but for the most part they have wide paths to prevent some of that crushing feeling. Busch seems to want to fill spaces with stuff, and I know it's to decorate, but it can backfire when it causes people to crush into each other.
 
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I am not saying I believe the polar bear isn't coming back, and maybe I am being an idiot, but I have absolutely no recollection of a person in a polar bear costume, before Coca Cola was added to Polar Pathway.

Honestly, my preference would be for there not to be a photo op right there in the middle of that previously serene and beautiful area. If the polar bear is coming back, I hope it is set up elsewhere.

Edit: Luke reminds me that he used to be inside the gift shop. I had totally forgotten. He should go back there.
 
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I believe there was a photo-op with a polar bear back near Pompeii gifts in 2011 and 2012, but IIRC, it was removed in 2013. Last year was a tacky Coke sponsorship, Polar Pictures, blocking everyone's view with a tacky Coke bill-board in the background.

Also, to further support evidence that the polar bear and Coke sponsorship is gone, there is no PhotoKey symbol at Polar Pathway on this year's map.
 
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The photokey pay option on the website doesn't mention the polar bear either. I thought last year was the first year he was around, to be honest. Never noticed him before.

I do wish they had the gingerbread men photo op like they had two years ago in Festa Italia. Had a fun time doing goofy poses with that group.
 
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Imaginique said:
The photokey pay option on the website doesn't mention the polar bear either. I thought last year was the first year he was around, to be honest. Never noticed him before.

I do wish they had the gingerbread men photo op like they had two years ago in Festa Italia. Had a fun time doing goofy poses with that group.
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I remember seeing the gingerbread characters at the Christmastown Dash 8k but didn't see them in the park. But then again I could've missed them with large crowd at the park.
 
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deacfan31 said:
I remember seeing the gingerbread characters at the Christmastown Dash 8k but didn't see them in the park. But then again I could've missed them with large crowd at the park.
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I've always wanted to the Dash but I wouldn't finish an 8k. A 5k maybe (walking fast; can't run). If I knew for sure I'd get the medal even if I didn't make it under the 90 minute mark I'd do it anyway. The fastest I can do is a 18 minute mile, which puts me right at 90 minutes, but that is with no hills involved.
 
Imaginique said:
deacfan31 said:
I remember seeing the gingerbread characters at the Christmastown Dash 8k but didn't see them in the park. But then again I could've missed them with large crowd at the park.
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I've always wanted to the Dash but I wouldn't finish an 8k. A 5k maybe (walking fast; can't run). If I knew for sure I'd get the medal even if I didn't make it under the 90 minute mark I'd do it anyway. The fastest I can do is a 18 minute mile, which puts me right at 90 minutes, but that is with no hills involved.
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The Dash and the Chic-Fil-a run are great events and a lot of fun. Being a former Marine my favorite part is running across the bridge that is lined with Marines giving encouragement. OHHH RAAHHH! You could finish a 8k and walking is allowed. My father in law finished the race and he has really bad knees from playing college football at Wake Forest. He finished walking in about an hour and 15, so I give it a try. Also you get a really cool tech shirt, a ticket to the park, a ticket for a free Chic-fil-a sandwich and everyone get a medal that doubles as a Christmas orniment.
 
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Opening evening is 1 week away!

We won't be able to get there until after Christmas this year :(

But, looking forward to reviews/trip reports to tide me over!
 
ce23693 said:
The Virginia Gazette has a photo gallery of past BGW's Christmas Town
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Love it. Hard to beat the atmosphere and ambiance at this event. Scotland stands out in particular as does the Wild Reserve (hauntingly beautiful music) and my personal favorite, New France. Can't wait.
 
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There seems to be a new souvenir mug design this year:

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It's definitely different. I think I could be able to dig the gold(EDIT: no pun intended), it definitely seems like the perfect cup for San Marco, color-scheme wise.  However, I still can't believe they skipped over the opportunity of having one with a blue color scheme, but perhaps like in past years, there will be two mug options with two different designs. Perhaps the other one could be blue?

Also, they've taken down the Quick Queues and have renamed them "Christmas Town Reserved Seating" passes. That includes priority access to Santa's Workshop also.
 
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Can we still bring the old cups and pay for refills? Also, does anyone know where I can find the post for last year's Christmas Town food prices? I used the 2013 prices to plan for how much money I would need to feed my group last year and I was looking to do the same this year.
 
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