We're HERE!

[DMKEDM]

A bit of a rocky start...but the magic kicked in after a few glitches...

ME was easy and friendly and wonderful...but they lost one of our suitcases...but once they figured out they lost it, they pulled out all the stops to find it...and did...and it got here while we were at dinner...no complaints at all...in fact, mega-kudos to them...turns out they'd delivered it to a "wrong" resort...when they figured that out, they immediately dispatched someone to go get it, and called me at regular intervals, worried that I might need something in it and that they weren't moving fast enough for me...I was so impressed I walked over to the Bell stand to leave a big tip for the VERY nice guy who made such an effort to fix a mistake. True Disney magic at work...

Check-in was also smooth, albeit unsettling...the CM who checked me in has a sense of humor that didn't penetrate my tired brain...she kept making comments meant to be jokes (e.g., why did my college son, who arrived 4 hours after I did, have his ID instead of me having it? I sort of goggled at that one, but it quickly became apparent she was teasing...I just didn't get it...several such attempts at humor that I didn't get...not a problem, just a little weird...

Then, when son & his girlfriend arrived, hungry, we called the Turf Club to see if we could move up our dining reservation by an hour...they said sure, come on over...we got there (we're in Congress Park, so a bit of a trek) and there was no table...we waited a good 30-40 minutes...but after that, the CM who'd told us to come on over felt so bad that she pulled out all the stops being nice to us...once again, Disney magic in the extreme...

SSR is beautiful...our room is lovely...we've got one of the worst views we've ever had (but we don't really care much about view, so it doesn't matter...I was asked if I had a preference, and I asked for "close to DTD" and I got that...didn't ask for any particular view...

The resort itself is gorgeous...we love it...haven't really had a chance to experience what it's like to be in the DTD area, tho...we just got here and all 3 of us are really tired...so we'll find that out tomorrow...we're going to Epcot tomorrow...

All in all, I'm seriously, totally happy...my son is here and I haven't seen him in 3 months...his new girlfriend is a sweetheart...good company and it's great having her here...SSR presented us w/a bunch of little glitches, but fixed them all, very quickly and nicely...

It's so GOOD to be here~

Happy T-giving!

PS: Construction is quite visibly progressing in the new section...at least 3 buildings "look" complete (from the outside)...you can see where the new pool will be...but it's not in yet...no landscaping yet, either...but it doesn't at all get in the way of the finished parts of the resort...

Hurray for WDW~~~

[nhdisnut]

Good for you! Hope you have a wonderful time!! :goodvibes

Do you have the ability to post pictures from your computer? I've been looking all over for pics of SSR decorated for X-mas, but can't find any. I'm probably going to take tons when we are there in a month, but I would love a sneak preview! :) If you can't that's ok too.... ;)

Enjoy!!!

[jekjones1558]

Can't think of anyone who more deserves a wonderful trip. Enjoy!

[DMKEDM]

Hi, again...it's two hours (or so) later, but I'm still too excited/wound up to sleep...it's just so wonderful to sit across the table and just look at my son (who's finishing his last pre-Thanksgiving homework assignment; he'll email it to his prof in just a bit)...

So here I am back on the Dis (did I tell you-all I stopped at Home Depot to get the lime green mickeys? I did...but now I can't fine them! They're in a pocket or pouch somewhere! I know they're with me...I'll find 'em, yes I will!)...

First...SSR is not yet decorated for Christmas...there are a few Christmas items up in Artists Palette, but no "real deocrations"...the CM said deocrating is scheduled for tomorrow (Wed) night, but she says schedules have been slipping lately, so it may be Thursday before it's done...we haven't been anywhere else yet, but on the ME ride in, we stopped at OKW first and they weren't decorated either...

I can take digital pix, but don't know how to download them or get them onto the Dis website...but my son and/or his girlfriend can probably help w/that...if I can figure out how to do it, I will

Thanks for the good wishes...life is good...hope everyone has a grand Thanksgiving...we've already started one of our best ones!

[LVSWL]

Have a wonderful trip! Cherish every minute!

[jade1]

Nice to read you made it and having a good time. :wizard:

[corinnak]

Glad to hear you made it safely and that you are enjoying the start of your time at SSR. Will you keep posting to this thread or should I keep an eye out for new ones?

Have a wonderful time!

[DMKEDM]

Happy Wed morning, everyone...

It's 8:30 a.m.; my two college kids are sound asleep (and given how exhausted they were when they arrived yesterday, they may sleep til tomorrow!)...I'm just in from a stroll all around the property (SSR)...found the walking paths to DTD on both ends of SSR...it IS cold (altho coming from the north (DC area), it's not at all off-putting ... it's around 45 degrees or so right now...and we're supposed to keep warming up each day til we leave Monday...

I have one suggestion for SSR (will figure out how to convey it later)...some of us (me!!!) are clueless about directions...I can't read a map (I was born w/out a geography/direction gene!) and it's very easy for me to wander helplessly...but I'm extremely good at following arrows/signs...of which there are precious few (altho there are lots of maps, which are no more useful than pretty pictures to me) in the "main area" (pool/check-in/restaurants, etc)...once you get into the Villas areas, the signs are better...but there are no numbers (that I've found yet anyway) on the buildings...I shall suggest to "the powers that be" that they add a few more numbers/signs for the "directionally challenged" such as me...I'm a walker and love wandering/gawking/enjoying the views/ambiance...but it's a disconcerting feeling to be in the midst of buildings and walkways and green space and have no clue which way to go!

But that's not a complaint...once I find my way (and I have now), I'm fine...

We still have to convert our AP vouchers into park admission tix, and buy a Park Hopper for S's girlfriend...can't do that w/out them and who knows when they'll awaken? I'm thinking I may hop a bus and head to a park (I'm contemplating MK, as the 3 of us are going to Epcot this afternoon (we have ADRs at Le Cellier)...I'll at least get my park ticket and we'll figure out the kids' stuff later...or, maybe I'll make my way over to the All Stars...my brother & nephew are due to check in there in about an hour...I may go over there to meet them...

We ate at SSR's Turf Club last night and it was really good food...and it's SO nice to have the kitchenette to bring the leftovers back to...S, who was finishing his last pre-T-giving paper last night, had his second dinner from our leftovers at midnight last night...ribs, steak & pasta!

The studio we're in seems smaller to me than the room we had at the Beach Club last year or the Yacht Club 6 months ago (actually, I think that's visa versa)...but maybe it's because the people in it are bigger (last time I had a friend of my S's w/us they were only 15...)...or maybe it's "configuration"...there's considerably less in the way of dresser/drawer space in the DVC studio (this one, anyway)...and the pull-out sofa bed (which Mary, S's GF, is sleeping on, and reports as "very comfortable") seems to take up more room than the second bed in the Inns...next trip there are four of us going (2 mom's and 2 19-year-old sons) and we have a one-bedroom (at BWV)...I have a feeling a studio will never make my "I want it" list again after the one-bedroom! But we'll see...that trip is in Jan...

Well, about 18 hours into our SSR/first DVC trip, I can say I love SSR and I love my S for persuading me to buy us a DVC m'ship! When (if?) my S awakens, I'll ask him about posting pix...and I'll check back in here off & on throughout the trip, I'm sure (all 3 of us are addicted to our laptops...so I'm sure we'll be online in the mornings and evenings, at least)...

Oh, I forgot the most important update: Christmas decorations are going up! CMs are all over both DTD and SSR putting up decorations...can't wait to see it all "dressed up"!! But it's in the early stages just now...can't really tell how it will look when they're done...

I'm off ... not sure where I'm going but wherever I wind up, I'm certain I'll love it!

Happy Wed!

[starbox]

Thanks for the live updates!

I agree with you about the need for more signs around the paths at SSR. After the first walk it gets sorted out, but small signs would be nice.

If you enjoy walking and are up before the rest of the family advice in the morning is walk to DTD and enjoy a warm muffin at Earl of Sandwich by yourself. It's a nice quiet time.

I'll pm you my email address and if you would like, I'd be happy to post your photos to this thread for you.

[Parkhopper13]

I love your regular updates...I feel like I'm on vaca too.

I agree with you on the signs. SSR is sprawling, and any help getting around would be great!!!

[jakenjess]

Thanks! I love reading the live reports! I'll be looking forward to seeing your pictures.

Have a wonderful trip and Happy Thanksgiving!

[RachelTori]

It's so nice to see you posting from a Happy Place!!! Have a wonderful vacation with your son and his GF. :cloud9: Happy Thanksgiving!

[NARM Forever]

You sound like you're having a wonderful time, it lovely that you can share it with us. It takes me one step closer to being at WDW - sigh. Have a lovely time at Le Cellier and a fabulous Thanksgiving. I'm out on a 'date' with my DH tonight, so I'll raise a glass to you.

Looking forward to seeing the pictures.

Bev

[Snoopygirl]

I love reading your reports.....makes me feel like I am there!! Have a fun day and a wonderful Thanksgiving. Hope you can figure out how to post pics so we can see!!!

[LIFERBABE]

Have a great first trip home! Thanks for the reports!

I love walking around SSR and DTD early in the morning. It is so pretty and quiet.

Cant wait till next month! :cool1:

[mufasa0505]

I'm glad you're enjoying your trip so far! You certainly deserve it. :grouphug:

[DMKEDM]

Greetings from an extremely tired but even happier Dis-er on her first DVC trip!

Haven't "commando toured" like today in years...but S's GF, on her very first ever trip to WDW, is just wide-eyed w/the wonder of it all (and it's SO MUCH FUN!) that we've just kept going and going and going all day...they're still out (at DTD), but I had to drag my old bones back before I melted into the sidewalk from exhaustion!

I got up and started the day's walking around at 7 this morning...it's 10:15 p.m. now...I guess I'm entitled to some fatigue...the kids didn't get themselves up and moving til noon, so they are five hours fresher than I am! Besides, they're only 19...I'm 54...those years do make a difference~

We had such a great and grand and magical day...we went to Epcot...got there at noon and the GF soon discovered the reality of starting early on days like T-giving week! It wasn't all that crowded when we arrived...by the time we got out of our 12:45 Le Cellier lunch (oh wow was it GOOD!) it was wall-to-wall people, long waits and "sold-out" fast passes...both S & GF are now convinced we have to be at Magic Kingdom tomorrow morning right when it opens!

The new Nemo ride at Living Seas is very good...it's "calm" but the special effects are amazing...we really enjoyed it...didn't get on Soarin' (2-hour waits and no more fast passes)...but did get to ride Mission Space & Test Track...mostly, tho, we walked -- we circumnavigated Epcot at least twice (both Future World & International Showcase)...SO much to see and seeing all our favorite spots thru the eyes of someone seeing it for the first time ever made it so special...as always, I loved-loved-loved "my" dancing fountain and the lit archway to the Christmas tree at the "head" of the International Showcase...that has to be the most magical spot on the face of the earth!

Most of the Christmas decorations are up and it's just awesome...

It was cool, but very sunny and beautiful...a very comfortable day, weather-wise, for all that touring...around 6 we walked over to Boardwalk/Beach Club/Yacht Club (SSR is giving Beach Club a run for its money as our favorite...but we will always have a soft spot for the Beach Club, no matter how much we come to love SSR)...and had fun showing GF its "wonders"...then caught a Disney bus to DTD for more wondrous sights and sounds and ambience...the kids are still out...I, however, am ready to "die" so came on back (it's an easy, short and very pleasant walk from DTD Marketplace to our studio in the 1700 building of Congress Park)...

Tomorrow morning is MK...then S, GF & nephew (13) and I will swim at SSR's very cool pool while my brother drives to the airport to pick up our father...we'll meet them back at ASMu (where brother, nephew & father are staying)...then T-giving dinner at Shula's at the Dolphin...after that not sure who will do what...we'd like to get over to MGM to see Fantasmic, but we won't "desert" Daddy/Grandpa so that may not happen...my father will not want to go to any of the parks...he's leaving Fri a.m. to drive to his winter home about an hour south of WDW...my brother drove his car down here for him (he'll drive a rental car back to Chgo)...

So, it's a "semi-magical gathering" of our clan (altho another brother & my sister aren't here, so it isn't all of us...but it's more of us than is usual for T-giving, and thus very special for me)...

All in all I can't remember ever being happier (or tireder!)..

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[calypso*a*go-go]

Hi Dani!!!

So happy to see this thread and know you've made it WDW safely and having a great time. Keep us posted. :goodvibes

[momrek06]

Oh..wow..awesome..I didn't want to stop reading. Thank you so much! And if you are not too tired tomorrow night, please let us know how your Thanksgiving Day was at the WORLD!!! :teeth:

HAPPY THANKSGIVING....awaiting more!!! :teeth:

[LisaS]

Happy Thanksgiving, Dani!! I'm so glad your trip is going so well. Have a wonderful time with your family!

[KarenB]

Have a wonderful time! We were there this time last year and had a great trip. Our DSs marched down Main Street with their high school band. Enjoy your stay!
Karen

[jade1]

I will swim at SSR's very cool pool!


Thanks for the update, do you mean cool as in temp?

[byoung]

Great reports.

[tksbaskets]

thanks for sharing. Have a happy Thanksgiving with most of your family.

Teresa

[jakenjess]

Sounds like a wonderful day. Thanks for sharing! Have a fantastic Thanksgiving!

[DMKEDM]

My blessings and feelings of thankfulness are at the forefront of my thoughts this morning...it's wonderful to wake up refreshed (and only sore enough that a short walk up to the Carriage House worked out all the overnight kinks)...and it's beyond wonderful to wake up at WDW w/my S here, and other family on the property, and still 3 days left before we leave!

The kids (both 19) are just now stirring...S wanted to be at the rope line at MK this morning, and is cranky that he slept past getting there for that...but he'll get over that...and he's certainly not showing any signs of wanting to hurry! I keep telling him that the park will be awesome even if we don't make the rope line! (He knows it...it's just early morning "stuff")...

As of last night we were going to Magic Kingdom this morning...now S is saying we'll instead go to Animal Kingdom...we'll see...we're big on making plans and then changing them on the spur of the moment...at WDW that's half the fun!

Oh...in answer to the previous question...the water in all the pools, including the very cool High Rock Pool, is bathwater warm...delightful! It's the outside air that's cool! Today we'll have a high of 75 (if the weather moguls are correct)....but lows remain in the mid to high 40s...so outside air early in the morning or late at night is crisp w/a sweatshirt on, downright frigid in a bathing suit!

I'm busy being grateful that we don't have Mousekeeping on a daily basis (altho we need it...college kids (at least mine) are NOT neat & clean people!)...I'd be embarrassed to let Mousekeeping in to the collossal mess these two have made...but it'll only take 5 minutes to pick up/hang up/fold up and then all will be fine...

Wandered up to the Carriage House to see the SSR decorations...either they're not finished yet, or they're not as wonderful as they are at other WDW resorts...what there are are beautiful...I really like the color and decorative touch choices...lots of red & green (as compared to Beach Club's blues & golds), candy-cane stripes...very pretty...but not a lot of it...a beautiful tree in the lobby and some lovely swags over the CM stations...another couple of smaller trees in the lounge area on the way in to Artist's Pointe...nothing at all in the dining area of Artists' Pointe...some wreaths here & there in the pool/spa area...but nothing on the light poles or buildings leading into the villas (Community Hall, laundry, etc)...and nothing at all in the Villas areas or quiet pool areas...they may be just not yet finished...but it's considerably less in the way of decorations than at any of the other resors we've stayed at (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Port Orleans, All Stars, Coronado Springs)...but the decorations that are up are really, really pretty...

Well, I think it's time I get "firm" w/my kids...my S will get & stay cranky for an hour or more if he misses the Animal Kingdom rope line, and we now have just about exactly enough time to get him dressed and get out to the bus...

Hope you-all have a wonderful day w/your families and feasts...I'm SO glad I'm where I am, w/the people I'm with...another magical day awaits! I'll check in again tonight, I'm sure (oh, by the way: I found my lime green Mickey (paint samples) "badge"...wore it all day yesterday but didn't run into another DIS-er...maybe today?)...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Dani

[jade1]

Good to hear. Happy Turkey Day!

[Lexxiefern]

Have a wonderful time!! I am really enjoying reading your reports. Its getting me excited about my weekend trip next week!

[DisneyFreaks]

Thanks so much for your day by day reports. Reading this is fantastic. We arrive at SSR next saturday and you have made me even more excited (if that's possible. LoL)

[DMKEDM]

It's been another magical day here at WDW...we went to Animal Kingdom this morning, where the poltergeists were reigning supreme, and Disney was pulling out all its pixie dust and "disney-ness" to compensate...we got there as the park opened, and of course made a beeline to Expedition Everest...which was "broken" (they were running empty cars on the track; something was clearly wrong, altho we never found out what)...the line was humongous...even the fast pass booth had a 20-minute line!...we sent S to get fast passes while I held down a place in the standby line...20 minutes later S came back w/the report that the fast pass machines were also broken...they were just spitting out fast passes nonstop and couldn't be stopped...so the CMs were giving people however many fast passes they requested, w/out swiping park tix...so we got 6 (enough for the 3 of us to ride twice, altho it turned out we used 2 of the 6 for my bro and nephew, who arrived about an hour later)...then we headed to Dinosaur, where we used our park tix to get fast passes...and that ride, too, was closed (and again, we didn't find out why)...so we stopped at the rest room and prepared to move on when all of a sudden the ride opened again...so we were essentially first in the standby line...and then rode it again on our fast passes...awesome!

All throughout Animal Kingdom fast pass expiration times were suspended...you couldn't go on a ride til your fast pass time arrived, but the fast pass would not expire til the park closed...it was pretty cool...

Everyone--CMs and guests--was in such a good mood...none of the glitches caused any visible or audible crankiness anywhere...and Disney was really being great about trying to make up for the glitches...it was a great day at that park!

Around 2 we came back to SSR to swim and rest...my bro drove to the airport to pick up my dad, and we entertained my nephew during that time...we met up again at our dinner reservation at Shula's at the Dolphin...the Dolphin is so NOT Disney...they've changed their Christmas decorations...the big lobby tree is now gold & pink & green--very pretty...I'd asked if they would be serving traditional T-giving food when I made our reservations, and even checked their menu out online...but when we arrived they told us there was no turkey; nothing but their usual steak (which was excellent) and that it was our fault for reserving thru Disney instead of calling them directly...they knew (the waiter told us) they wouldn't be serving a T-giving dinner, even tho Disney didn't...

I was pretty disappointed...but the rest of our party really liked the steaks and told me not to worry about it (I felt responsible, as i was the one who'd made the reservations)...Shula's could have cared less...didn't bother them a bit that I was disappointed and that my family was having to try to cheer me up...so not Disney!

Anyway, it was a good meal, even if it wasn't a T-giving meal...and none of us wanted to spoil the magic of being together by getting too cranky over the disappointment in the menu...we finished (at our leisure) and then the All Star Music "contingent" (my dad, bro & nephew) headed back for early sleep while my college kids determined that if they scooted fast they could get to MGM in time for the 8:30 Fantasmic performance...so off they went...

I thought I'd probably crash too, but I got a second wind, so took the walkway over to MGM and to my surprise, arrived in good time to see Fantasmic...and w/the modern miracle of cell phones, even found S and his GF so we could all sit together...Fantasmic is just fantastic--even after seeing it 10 times (or so), as I have...but watching the GF, seeing it (and MGM and Disney itself) for the very first time was just awesome...words can't describe it...it was very cool.

Then, to top off a lovely day, despite the glitches, on the way back to SSR the kids reminded me that I could get some pumpkin pie at Artists' Palette, where they'd be serving T-giving dinner til 11...so I stopped there and not only did I get the pumpkin pie, I got turkey & stuffing & cranberry sauce, too...so, I ate too much, but I got my turkey and it was a wonderful "capstone" to a lovely lovely day...

The kids are now off playing at DTD and I shall crash as soon as I finish this post...tomorrow we're going to Magic Kingdom (or maybe MGM)...we have Alferdo's/Italy/Epcot at 1 and Cirque Du Soleil tix at 5...I'll start the day w/b'faswt w/my dad before he heads to his winter home, about 50 miles south of here...

I'm so loving this trip...I love SSR, I love S's GF, I love having my brother, nephew & dad here...and I love-love-love having a few days w/my son...I've so much to be thankful for...I'm so very lucky...

Hope you-all had a great day, too...let me know if you're bored w/my "mental meanderings"...I'll stop if I'm boring you, I promise!

[wltdsnyfan]

Thank's for posting. I am enjoying your reports! Glad you had a great day. ;)

[cocoswife]

I am really enjoying your trip report and DMKEDM .. Happy Thanksgiving!!! :yay:

[jade1]

altho it turned out we used 2 of the 6 for my bro and nephew, who arrived about an hour later)...

we met up again at our dinner reservation at Shula's at the Dolphin...

we have Alferdo's/Italy/Epcot at 1 and Cirque Du Soleil tix at 5.

Great update. So did you all like EE then?

Shula's and Cirq? 2 things we hope/dream to do one day. :wizard:

[RachelTori]

I'm so loving this trip...I love SSR, I love S's GF, I love having my brother, nephew & dad here...and I love-love-love having a few days w/my son...I've so much to be thankful for...I'm so very lucky...

Hope you-all had a great day, too...let me know if you're bored w/my "mental meanderings"...I'll stop if I'm boring you, I promise!

Hi, Dani! No one's bored, believe me!!! We are all loving your report and thrilled for you that you are having such a wonderful trip!! You and your loved ones at the Happiest Place on Earth -- what could be better?!! :cloud9:

Thanks for sharing your joy with us. :goodvibes

[corinnak]

I, too, am loving your trip. Don't worry that we're bored over here!

Is this the first time you have met your son's GF? It is so nice that you are including her and enjoying her response to WDW so much.

Hooray! Artist's Palette saves the day! I am glad you got your thanksgiving meal - even if you ate too much. That's what people do on Thanksgiving! Glad you had a good one. :)

[DMKEDM]

Hi, everyone...sorry I didn't check in yesterday...it was a complicated (but happy) day...and today's a little zooey, too...so I'm going to save the updates for later (perhaps tomorrow)...

Just wanted you to know we're still having a wonderful time, altho we're in the wind-down phase now...my dad left yesterday; my brother & nephew are leaving in an hour (which is why this report will be short on details..but I'll make up for it tomorrow)...my S and his GF (and yes, she's a new love interest...they've been dating for about 2 months now and it is the first time I'm meeting her...I like her very much!) leave tomorrow morning...I have all day Sunday here at the World on my own (altho my dad is talking about driving up to meet me for dinner...another complication)...

Remind me not to allow the fun of today to be tarnished by the thought of the kids leaving tomorrow and me leaving before dawn Monday~ I do believe I could stay here forever (maybe I ought to buy a lottery ticket? We know I won't win it unless I play it!--grin)

Anyway...life is good; we're all happy and I'll fill you in on all the details tomorrow...happy day...

[Erie Islands]

Then, to top off a lovely day, despite the glitches, on the way back to SSR the kids reminded me that I could get some pumpkin pie at Artists' Palette, where they'd be serving T-giving dinner til 11...so I stopped there and not only did I get the pumpkin pie, I got turkey & stuffing & cranberry sauce, too...so, I ate too much, but I got my turkey and it was a wonderful "capstone" to a lovely lovely day.

I love that part! I actually let out a sigh of relief...steak just doesn't quite cut it on Thanksgiving. :banana:

[disney-super-mom]

I just started reading this thread today, and it's TERRIFIC! Believe me, you're not boring anyone! :thumbsup2

DH and I will be there in January (we're also staying at SSR), and reading about your wonderful family Thanksgiving at WDW and SSR is making me even more excited. :cool1:

We weren't planning on seeing Fantasmic while we're there (we've only seen it at DL), but after reading your report about how awesome it is, maybe we should include it in our plans.

DH and I have never been to WDW either, so we'll probably be a lot like your DS's girlfriend - lots of Oooooohhhhing and Awwwwwwwwing and Wowwwwwwwing! If we love it and feel the long flight to Florida is worth it, then we'll drag our little ones (DS 7 and DS 3) with us to WDW sometime next year too.

You mentioned you have a bad view from your room. What is your view of?

Well, it sounds like you're having a very special time with your family, your son and his new girlfriend! Awesome! :woohoo:

[DMKEDM]

Hi, everyone:

Back from another long and happy day...all of me is happy except my feet; my feet are very unhappy! But they're feeling better now that they are freed from the leather walking shoes and encased in my "magic slippers" (temperapedic, from Brookstone...a little "ad" here...they really are "magic slippers!")...

Both yesterday and today were great...seems like almost every plan we made went south--we wound up in different places at different times and therefore the fine folk at Disney Dining probably know my voice by now! We've made SO many changes! But they're just as nice as they can be...you won't be surprised to hear that during T-giving week getting new reservations on the day of or day before is not easy...but we've been unbelieveably lucky...had Alfredo's (originally planned more than month ago) for lunch yesterday (all the food has been wonderful...I'm coming back, despite 12-hours days of walking, about 10,000 pounds heavier, I'm sure!)...then we got in at the last-minute at Spoodles; changed that yet later in the day and wound up w/another last-minute table at Turf Club (SSR's restaurant)...today, we planned on San Angel, wound up at MK rather than at Epcot, so changed that to Chefs de France (at 8:50 no less, so we can eat and watch Illuminations....how's that for a miracle)...we're leaving for there in about 30 minutes...

We did MGM this morning, and it was great fun...the kids got there for rope drop (I was at the Dolphin sorting out a rental car situation w/my brother--happy to report it all went smooth as silk)...I met the kids at MGM at 9 and we rode Rock 'n Roller Coaster, Star Tours, saw the Muppet 3D show, and Great Movie Ride...decided against Tower of Terror (S's GF has a stomach that dislikes drops...ToT is NOT the ride of choice for her!)...then we decided to bus to the Contemporary, where we got lucky w/lunch reservations at the Concourse Steakhouse...then we monorailed over to MK...stayed late enough to watch the Chrismas lights come on and the castle light up...didn't do too many rides...the lines were hellacious (except, of course, during the parade...but the parade was on GF's "must" list)...we did Philharmagic, tho (I LOVE Philharmagic!)...and the Tomorrowland Transit ride (calm, but a great way to see Tomorrowland, especially when you have feet complaining at you for the abuse you're heaping on them!)...also Swiss Family Robinson treehouse...and we looked at everything...

Now, we're getting ready to head to Epcot/Chefs de France/Illuminations...after that, I'll "die"...the kids will head over to DTD to do their souvenir shopping...GF leaves tomorrow at 5 a.m.; S leaves at 7...I have a day here on my own...my dad will drive up from his place an hour south of here for a meal...probably a late lunch...I think I'll resort hop in the morning...I want to see the decorations at GF, Poly & WL for sure...

It's been an idyllic, wonderful, memory-making 5 days...I feel so blessed and so lucky...AND we're coming back (w/family friends, to the BWV) in January...w/Christmas in between...I am indeed a fortunate woman (despite my screaming feet!)...

Thanks for being my cyber-friends and sharing this wonderul interlude w/me...I wish you all trips as magical and memory-making as this one has been!

[mmmcq]

Wow, Dani....somehow in my whirlwind of work and planning for my own trip I missed the fact that you actually had a trip planned. I'm thrilled it all went so well for you and think we likely crossed paths a few times this past week.

Thank goodness for pixie dust and that you had so many happy memories of this trip. They are well deserved. Enjoy your last hours at WDW.....

[Lexxiefern]

Wonderful updates! I feel like I am there with you! Glad you ended up getting that turkey :)

[DMKEDM]

Well, our party of six is down to 2...and the last to leave (before me), my son, leaves in 15 minutes...I just told him, when he expressed hope that I'd find a way to enjoy my last day despite his departure, that I shall allow myself one hour to mope and then I'll remember I get to resort hop this morning, to see all the decorations, and and late this afternoon/early evening I'll head to Epcot to end my trip w/the Candlelight Processional...

And, I told him, while I'd rather have the collossal mess with kids in the room, there is a silver lining to the neatness I can enjoy once the kids are gone!

Kid #1 (GF) left at 5 a.m. on ME for her 7:55 flight; S leaves at 7:30 for his 10:30 flight...interestingly, they connect in Phila for their flight to upstate NY...and for that leg of the trip they're on the same flight! Weird...but I made S's reservations in August, and GF wasn't booked til last month...so we're lucky we got what we got!

Life is good, despite the almost-over of this vacation...S will be home for the holidays in 2 weeks...and will be home for 5 weeks. There's the usual stuffed holiday schedule at home and I'll love it...I'm a Christmas nut to the same degree I'm a Disney nut! And thanks to new owner excess, we have another Disney trip planned for shortly after the New Year...so I have non-stop stuff to eagerly anticipate til the end of Jan...no complaints from me!

Once S departs I'm on my own w/the computer and while I may be able to make it work, I may also find myself too frustrated by the process and decide to just wait til I get home to do any more computer stuff...I have mobile email to keep in touch w/home and work and Disboards can wait (I think...I am addicted; don't think I've tried to go 24 hours w/out it yet!) til tomorrow afternoon!

Once again, thanks for sharing this adventure w/me...it's been grand and glorious...happy holiday season to all, and may all your WDW sojourns be as wonderful as this one has been for us!

[RachelTori]

Once again, thanks for sharing this adventure w/me...it's been grand and glorious...happy holiday season to all, and may all your WDW sojourns be as wonderful as this one has been for us!


Thank YOU, Dani, for sharing your adventure with US!! :cloud9:

[cocoswife]

::yes::

[Parkhopper13]

Wow!!! Thank you so much for letting me join you and your family on your trip. I found myself looking everyday for new updates. I can't wait for my trip now...which is not for over a year. Thanks again and enjoy your holiday season.

[jakenjess]

I've really enjoyed reading about your trip. Thanks so much for sharing!

[dianeschlicht]

So glad you are having such a good time!

[DMKEDM]

Hi, everyone...all of my family has made it back to their respective homes (and schools) safe 'n sound...and already we're all talking about the next time we go...we had SUCH a good time!

First, someone earlier asked about our "bad view" (as I recall, I mentioned we got one of the worst views we'd ever gotten, but that we didn't care)...it was by no means "bad"...it overlooked a parking lot (but we could also see the Congress Park bus stop and lots of green space)...the one and only "bad" view we ever got was last year at the Beach Club (not DVC), where we got a room directly above the flat topped gravel roof at the front of the Inn, and literally could see nothing else w/out "craning"...but even that didn't bother us much...we don't tend to sit and just look out...if we're just sitting and looking, it's more likely to be pool-side or on a bench on the grounds...

I found I enjoyed my day alone at Disney...my son left Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and I didn't leave til 7 a.m. this morning (MOnday)...I spent the morning resort-hopping...took the SSR bus to MK, and from there the ferry to VWL (very, very pretty--but not our "thing"...one less person to compete for those hard-to-get-at-Christmas rooms!)...wandered there for a while, then ferry boated back to the Contemporary where I did a monorail tour of it, the Poly (first time ever there!) and the Grand Floridian...my favorite hands-down was the GF (surprise...if it costs more, I'll like it more, just like if it's high-calorie, I'll like it better than the lower-calorie alternative...sigh!)...all four MK area resorts are special, each in their own way...loved wandering thru them...it was a great way to spend a few hours yesterday morning!

Discovered my unhappy feet were the victim of bad shoes...I could barely walk by the time I got back around 2, and since I wanted to go out again instead of putting on my "magic slippers," I put on a pair of sandals...amazing how much difference it made! I have nine (count 'em NINE) blisters, but it was those goldarned leather walking shoes that did my feet in! The sandals did me just fine, despite the blisters...

Hung around SSR (pool-side) for a couple of hours, and then headed to Epcot...went to the Candlelight Processional at 5, expecting to just hang out "outside" on the walkway...but it hadn't sold out, so about 5 minutes into the program the CMs let us "hangers-on" in to sit...an unexpected, delightful treat...the CP is gorgeous and wonderful and inspiring...LOVED it! Then I wandered over to watch the tree-lighting ceremony/show, and sat and gazed at "my" dancing fountain and the wonderful lit arch between World Showcase and Future World...what a wonderful evening! Back to SSR by 7:30 ... called for a wakeup call at 3 (ME picked me up at 4 for my 7 a.m. flight)...

I can't rave enough about SSR...I loved everything about it (except that I couldn't walk to Epcot!)...and one thing about SSR I haven't noticed anyone else saying (so far): the transportation options it gives you are awesome! It's literally a five-minute walk (from Congress Park) to the bus stop at DTD Marketplace, and from there you can go to any other resort...or, if you want a park, you pick up an SSR Disney bus...we were within a 5 minute walk to 3 different SSR bus stops (and right across the parking lot from the Congress Park stop)...best transportation on site, by a lot...and if you're on DDP, and are using non-park TS restaurants, that transportation flexilibity is great!

I have an "etiquette question" which I discovered at 3:30 this morning! What is "the right thing" to do w/linens when checking out? I wound up leaving the sheets & blankets in a pile (stripped both beds) for Mousekeeping...didn't seem "right" to make beds w/soiled linens! On the other hand, it also seemed "not so right" to leave a pile of dirty laundry in the room! What do you-all do? (I did take out all my trash...but if there's a garbage room/dumpster, I didn't find it...wound up using the big garbage cans around the quiet pool, which was right around the corner from our building)...

Now, we have the holidays and then an early Jan trip to anticipate...life is good...we're happy people in my world...wishing the same happiness to all my friends here on Disboards!

[Granny]

Dani...I know I echo everyone's sentiment here when I say that it is great to hear that you enjoyed your trip so much.

Obviously, in your case.....magic is not something that others bring to you, but something you bring along with you where ever you go. :)



I have an "etiquette question" which I discovered at 3:30 this morning! What is "the right thing" to do w/linens when checking out? I wound up leaving the sheets & blankets in a pile (stripped both beds) for Mousekeeping...didn't seem "right" to make beds w/soiled linens! On the other hand, it also seemed "not so right" to leave a pile of dirty laundry in the room! What do you-all do? (I did take out all my trash...but if there's a garbage room/dumpster, I didn't find it...wound up using the big garbage cans around the quiet pool, which was right around the corner from our building)...

I don't think there is a "right thing to do"....there are just different practices. Many do exactly like you said. Others (like my family) don't bother stripping the beds or taking out the trash. Probably because we are on the road home by 5:30 in the morning and really don't want to mess with that type of thing.

We do "tidy up" when those intrusive mousekeepers show up for cleaning or T&T days. Otherwise, we just keep the place in as good of shape as two teenagers will allow, and leave a nice tip for mousekeeping for getting the villa ready for the next family.

[LisaS]

Discovered my unhappy feet were the victim of bad shoes...I could barely walk by the time I got back around 2, and since I wanted to go out again instead of putting on my "magic slippers," I put on a pair of sandals...amazing how much difference it made! I have nine (count 'em NINE) blisters, but it was those goldarned leather walking shoes that did my feet in! The sandals did me just fine, despite the blisters...
Dani - From one blister prone person to another, before your next trip get something called "BodyGlide". http://www.bodyglide.com/skin/skin.html

Apply it liberally to all surfaces that are prone to blisters or chafing (between each toe, to the bottom of your toes and to any part of your feet that rub against your shoes). I have not had a single blister since I started using it on our WDW trips. Best $8 I ever spent!

It's popular with runners so you can find it at sporting goods stores. I found it at EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports).