YES, We really are going to Disney AGAIN!!!!

[MrsHeg]

I've never done an official trip report before but thought I would give it a try this time.

As for the title, I'm sure you all understand, we get that question from family and friends every time they hear we are going to Disney, we're Disney addicts and not ashamed to admit it.

Let me introduce my cast of characters, small as it may be.

There's me: AKA - Minnie, (I chose that name because like her, I'm completely smitten with Mickey) 47 year old Office Manager, Mom to two DD's and MawMaw to one 6 year old DGS with a DGD scheduled to arrive in February.

And DH: AKA - Grumpy, (this name explains itself) Back in 1994 when I decided it was time for us to take our first famiily trip to Disney, he wasn't on board at all, Disney was for kids and what in the world was he going to do there?

Well fast forward to 2008, he thinks that May is too long to wait to return after our November trip, I think he has the Disney bug even worse than I do.

[MrsHeg]

Just for fum I'll post a picture of the family in 1994, you can tell we are "Rookies" on Splash, everyone is holding on for dear life. I'm the big girl in green, DH is beside me and our DD's are in front of us.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/Splash-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

After our youngest DD graduated in 2004, Grumpy and I started to take trips by ourselves, and we loved it.

Our first November trip was a last minute decision made after Katrina destroyed our home town in MS. It was so depressing around here, the destruction was overbearing, so I came up with the idea of Disney. We made reservations at POP and we were off. Both of our places of employment were heavily damaged, but luckily we were able to return to work in a short amount of time. The trip was great, we happened to be there Jersey week so the crowds were higher than we expected but still very manageable.

Being an office manager in retail, The week following November 15 through the first of January is blocked out and no vacations are allowed. We missed the Osbourne lights by just a couple of days that first year so we decided to make November a tradition and take the last week I possibly could so that we would be there for Grumpy's birthday and also see the Osbourne lights.

So that's how our little tradition was born.

[MrsHeg]

I wanted to do something a little special for Grumpy since we will be celebrating his birthday while we are there, normally we stay at a moderate, we would love to stay at a Deluxe but the price scares me.

Well I looked into renting points from a DVC member and was able to rent points for a Studio at OKW for less than a room at a moderate, I wasn't gong to tell him but he figured it out recently. (Remember to clear the history on Google if you're looking up something that you don't want anyone to see)

We can drive in about 9 hours but we prefer to fly, that is before all the recent changes in luggage policies. I booked the trip in March and I also booked our flights at that time and was assured that the new policies wouldn't apply to us.

[MrsHeg]

The Airlines are notorious for changing flights and times, so I've gotten in the habit of checking regularly. One change they made had us leaving for our connecting flight before we left on our first leg, the straw the broke the camels back was an arrival time of 6:49 pm, which essentially leaves no time for anything on arrival day.

I called the airline and since they had made such a change in the flight time I was able to get a full refund.

We will be leaving on Friday after working a half day instead of Saturday and staying in Tallahassee that evening. With an early start we will arrive around 9:00 am, which now gives us a full day on arrival day.

Not to mention that since we are driving the truck I can shop to my hearts delight and not worry about getting my purchases home! :cool1:

[MrsHeg]

:sad1: I work in retail, and believe me that really takes away from the holidays. We're expected to work longer days with no weekends off, and deal with many not so happy holiday shoppers. (I know that's all part of it)

The Osbourne Lights are so beautiful, I could sit there for hours and just soak in the atmoshpere, so you can imagine my disappointment when I found out that they are starting later this year and we won't be able to see them.

[MrsHeg]

We have been to the three different parties at the MK,

I would rate them as follows:

First - Halloween, I absolutely LOVE the parade, especially the grave diggers and there shovels. And even though we're grown we got a kick out of Trick or Treat. :rotfl:

Second - Pirate and Princess, this got an unfair push in ranking because we had our DGS with us. His reaction when he saw Jack Sparrow in the parade made every penny we spent in taking him well worth it.

Third - Christmas, It was waay too crowded, and seeing any of the shows was a complete hassle. We did go again last year and didn't do any of the shows and it was much better, and seeing the castle lit up with the beautiful Christmas music playing was unbelievable. While everyone else was watching the parade Grumpy and I rode my favorite ride Splash four times in a row without geeting off, we could have kept going but our legs were cramping. Even still we had decided that we wouldn't be going back. Well . . . with no Osbourne lights and there being three parties while we are there, I figure it's a sign that we really should be going.

[MrsHeg]

I made another mistake in planning, in years past Super Soap Weekend has been on the first weekend in November so I planned our schedule accordingly, with an early morning ADR at H&V at DHS on the 15th.

Well when I found out that was the first day of SSW I quickly made a change to that one. :rotfl: I'm definitely not a Soap Fan and I don't want to be in that chaos.

[MrsHeg]

Here's our DGS at the Pirate and Princess Party,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_2338.jpg

And since it was the last party they loaded him down with goodies,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_2377.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Here's the view that had me spellbound at the Christmas party last year,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_3183.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Friday November 7th - Work half day, pack up the truck and drive to Tallahassee

Saturday November 8th - Get up really early, arrive at OKW that morning. Take the boat over to DTD do some shopping and try to get into T Rex for lunch. No real plans for the evening, we'll just do whatever feels right at the time.

Sunday November 9th - Animal Kingdom - We originally had dinner plans at Cape May, but we met some friends there for dinner in August, and we have no complaints about it, but DH would rather go to Whispering Canyon, so I changed this one, we are having a late dinner now though.

Monday November 10th - Hollywood Studios, our favorite park, with dinner aat PT 50's. Hopefully we will get a fun waiter this time.

Tuesday November 11th - Magic Kingdom - We will be there for rope drop and leave after lunch for a break at the resort. Dinner will be at 1900 Park Fare with the Christmas party to follow.

Wednesday November 12th - Epcot - With lunch at Le Cellier, I tried for dinner but was too late calling for that one.

Thursday November 13th - Hollywood Studios to celebrate Grumpy's birthday. Lunch will be at Coral Reef, I have arranged for a personalized menu and a diver sign, cross your fingers that this works out. After lunch we will head back over to the Studios. We love just sitting on a bench and watching the street actors, especcially the Public Works Department.

Friday November 14th - Magic Kingdom with dinner at Ohana

Saturday November 15th - Departure day, :sad1: We have an early morning reservation at Tusker House for breakfast. Since we are spending the night in Tallahassee we don't have to get on the road until late afternoon if we don't want to, so we'll see how that goes.

We are staying at OKW on points, and the internet is supposed to be free so I plan on taking the laptop and doing some live updates while we are there. I'll try and remember to have the photopass photographers take pictures of us with my camera so that I will have a few pictures to post. That is definitely a down side to just having the two of us, the pictures aren't quite as interesting.

[MrsHeg]

Here's a picture taken at Epcot last year, by mid week the crowds were really low,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_3125.jpg

[MrsHeg]

And believe it or not this was taken mid day,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_3166.jpg

[MrsHeg]

I believe this was just after opening, but how often do you see Frontierland like this?

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_3147.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Let's not forget Fantasyland,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_3145.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We took a trip this August to meet with a group of DIS'ers that I chat with on the Creative Designs board, we had a wonderful time and really enjoyed meeting everyone, but we are looking forward to low crowd levels.

I hope that I haven't got my expectations so high that I wil lbe disappointed, either way we'll be at Disney!!!!!

[MousekaMaddi]

we will be at ASMovies Nov 9-18,hope to bump into u in the parks!!;) :flower3:

[MrsHeg]

we will be at ASMovies Nov 9-18,hope to bump into u in the parks!!;) :flower3:

Thanks, we'll be there!

[MrsHeg]

Here's our DGS at Garden Grill when we took him for free dining in 2007.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/chip-1.gif

The kids get three days off the week of Mardi Gras here so wo thought that would be the perfect time to take him again. Then we found out he is going to be a big brother and the baby is scheduled to be born on the 20th, (repeat C section) so that wouldn't work. He gets out of school on the 22nd of May so we are now leaving on the 23rd. We'll just have to deal with the crowds and make the most of it.

I got a great deal on point rental for the trip so we will be staying at OKW again. We are also going to spend one day at SeaWorld, I think he will really enjoy it.

[Michelle_and_Aaron]

Nice start. I can't wait to read more.

[meg7]

We'll be staying at YC 11/12 - 11/18, maybe we will cross paths. My daughter's birthday is the day after your husband's!

I didn't realize until recently that it's Super Soap Weekend but I'm glad I did so we can avoid DS that weekend. How bad are the crowds? I'm also afraid that YC will be really crowded since it's close to the studios?

[BrotherBear82]

Seems like a popular time of year fro some. I'll be at SSR from 11/7 to 11/11 then onto OKW until 11/17. I also hope the crowds will be light. Just look for the big guy in the scooter taking tons of pictures......:banana: :thumbsup2

[MrsHeg]

Nice start. I can't wait to read more.

Thanks

We'll be staying at YC 11/12 - 11/18, maybe we will cross paths. My daughter's birthday is the day after your husband's!

I didn't realize until recently that it's Super Soap Weekend but I'm glad I did so we can avoid DS that weekend. How bad are the crowds? I'm also afraid that YC will be really crowded since it's close to the studios?

Normally we would arrive the last day of SSW and just avoid that area until it is cleared out, that's why I made the error in ADR's I didn't know they had changed the date.

Seems like a popular time of year fro some. I'll be at SSR from 11/7 to 11/11 then onto OKW until 11/17. I also hope the crowds will be light. Just look for the big guy in the scooter taking tons of pictures......:banana: :thumbsup2

I'll keep an eye out for ya, I'm a picture taker too. I even bought a new camera to play with. Too bad I'm a point and shoot kind of girl. :rotfl:

[MrsHeg]

So, today I put a countdown on my calendar at work, only 18 days until we head out!!!!!


Looks like it's time for me to start getting those ducks in a row. Why is it no matter how many trips we take I have a shopping list each time?

[MrsHeg]

The countdown is down to 17 and I'm sitting here with the AC repairman outside looking at our unit.

Hopefully I'll still have some shopping money left when he is through.

[MrsHeg]

Countdown = 16, the AC man left without doing the repair yesterday. Our compressor is "frozen" and he is going to try putting a hard start on it, it works 75% of the time, if it doesn't then it will put a considerable hole in my disney budget.

If you've got any spare Pixie Dust I would appreciate it.

[MrsHeg]

I'm a big fan of matching t shirts, Grumpy, well that's another story. I can get away with them if they aren't too "cutesy" and Chernabog is one of his favorites so I came up with this design to wear to the parks on his birthday,


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/rbdaycopy.gif

I've seen a few people put a small design on the sleeve also so I think I'll try and come up with a design for that also.

[MrsHeg]

Countdown = 15

The AC story continues, our compressor came with a 5 year warranty, well, the five years was up 6/9/08, just my luck.

The repairman took the serial number and is going to try and get the warranty to cover it, PD would be great!!

[MrsHeg]

Countdown = 14

We're making a family outing to the corn maize tomorrow, I'm going to have a heart attack if something jumps out of the corn at me!:lmao:

:lmao:

[MrsHeg]

Countdown = 12

We didn't make it to the Corn Maze, our DGS was sick and throwing up since he was the reason we were going we cancelled.

Today was pumpkin carving day,

DGS's:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0242.jpg

And mine:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0241.jpg

It's a tradition that we carve pumpkins together every year.

[MrsHeg]

So here we are at Countdown = 10

The AC repair isn't going to be the cheap one, (doesn't surprise me at all)

The good thing is it's cold out so we're not burning up and it doesn't have to be a rush job.

I'm making a list now of some things I need to pick up for the trip, I also have to go clothes shopping as my wardrobe is very limited due to weight loss.

I came across this while browsing through some old photobucket pictures,


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/those.jpg

It was a prank that we pulled on our youngests DD's boyfriend. He went along on a family trip in '06, he had made the comment to her about "those" people in Disney, the ones that held hands and seemed to "skip" down the street. We had matching shirts for a few days and one morning I had her give him this one to put on, no one else had one and he caught on to the gag pretty quick.

[MrsHeg]

Here's my absolute FAVORITE picture from our '06 trip,


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0522.jpg

He fell in love with stitch

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/stitchhugs-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Countdown = 8

I did get some of the shopping done, but Disney has to take a back seat to Halloween for the next two evenings.

I'm off to get a big pot of chili made to feed everyone tomorrow night.

[babytrees]

Debbie-I didn't realize you were an office manager too!! I love your report so far and can't wait to hear how it goes!!

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

Subscribing Debbie! Hope you have a great trip!

I know what you mean about blocked out dates! DW is a store manager and can't get any time off in November or December!
Otherwise we would love to see Disney at Christmastime!

[tinknme]

Debbie I can't believe I had not noticed you started a pre-trip report, I'm sorry :flower3:

You are off to a great start & I look forward to hearing your live reports :cool1:

Sorry you will miss the Osborne Lights though, I am really looking forward to seeing these again in Dec.

[my3princes]

What a great start to a trip report. I can't wait to read more. Of course we always need a Disney Fix. You are staying at our favorite DVC resort.

[PNO4TE]

Hi, Debbie! :wave2: I didn't know you had this TR up here on the DIS!

Sounds like many things are falling into place for your trip. I love the birthday shirts. :)

Hope the AC fix can be put off for a bit. :hug:

[bethbuchall]

Debbie, I wish I were going with you! It sounds like you are going to have a terrific time!

I love all the photos that you have included, and I hope to see lots and lots more from your trip!

Your pumpkins look terrific, too.

Beth

[tinker1bell]

Here's the view that had me spellbound at the Christmas party last year,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_3183.jpg

Debbie,

I cannot wait to stand in front of the Castle this year and see that same sight. I am getting so excited. 35 more days for Stephanie and I :banana:

[MrsHeg]

Debbie-I didn't realize you were an office manager too!! I love your report so far and can't wait to hear how it goes!!

Yep, I'm the one always "fussing" at everyone for leaving messes in the office, you can always tell when I've had a day off.


Subscribing Debbie! Hope you have a great trip!

I know what you mean about blocked out dates! DW is a store manager and can't get any time off in November or December!
Otherwise we would love to see Disney at Christmastime!

I would love to be able to take a vacation for Christmas, but I don't see that happening until I retire.
Debbie I can't believe I had not noticed you started a pre-trip report, I'm sorry :flower3:

You are off to a great start & I look forward to hearing your live reports :cool1:

Sorry you will miss the Osborne Lights though, I am really looking forward to seeing these again in Dec.

You'll have to post lots of pictures so I can see them this year

What a great start to a trip report. I can't wait to read more. Of course we always need a Disney Fix. You are staying at our favorite DVC resort.

Thanks, I can't wait to hear more about the cruise.


Hi, Debbie! :wave2: I didn't know you had this TR up here on the DIS!

Sounds like many things are falling into place for your trip. I love the birthday shirts. :)

Hope the AC fix can be put off for a bit. :hug:

Thanks Elin, I made some sweatsshirts for the Christmas party, unfortunately they didn't come out very well, I'm not sure what I did wrong.

Debbie, I wish I were going with you! It sounds like you are going to have a terrific time!

I love all the photos that you have included, and I hope to see lots and lots more from your trip!

Your pumpkins look terrific, too.

Beth

Thanks Beth, they pale in comparison to Mac's, now those are amazing!
I have my new camera to play with on the trip so I'm sure I'll be taking tons of pictures, I'm also going to try and remember to ask the photopass people to take a picture with my camera also. I found a 2G two pack of memory cards for $14.99 so I should be set.


Debbie,

I cannot wait to stand in front of the Castle this year and see that same sight. I am getting so excited. 35 more days for Stephanie and I :banana:


Pictures just don't do it justice, it is so beautiful. I am disappointed that none of the DDA trips overlap ours this time, just means we'll have to plan another meet.

[MrsHeg]

Countdown = 5

Today is my last day off before we head out, so it has been designated house cleaning and prepacking day.

Had to share this picture, this guy was hanging around the house Friday night.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0251.jpg

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Have a magical trip, Debbie!! :goodvibes

[my3princes]

Have a wonderful time. You deserve to have some fun :cool1:

[MrsHeg]

Have a magical trip, Debbie!! :goodvibes

Thanks Elizabeth, you'll be proud to know that I have actually started packing, we did laundry so it went from the dryer to the suitcase.

Have a wonderful time. You deserve to have some fun :cool1:

Thanks Deb, I'm definitely looking forward to it.

[MrsHeg]

Countdown = 4

With a long day at work followed by an evening of Mini football no progress was made on trip prep. Tomorrow will have to be another story, I do have to work but tomorrow night I'll make another trip to the store to purchase another shirt and some transfers. I managed to ruin three shirts trying to use the stretchable transfers, I've used them before and they were fine but no such luck this time.

[PNO4TE]

I hope you have better luck with the next batch of shirts, Debbie. Just keep reminding yourself how much fun you all are going to have!

[MrsHeg]

I hope you have better luck with the next batch of shirts, Debbie. Just keep reminding yourself how much fun you all are going to have!

Thanks Elin, I went back to the dark transfers so hopefully these will come out.

[MrsHeg]

Countdown = 2 :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

I've decided that I have to give up sleeping if I want to get everything done.
Tonight I'll give shirt making one more try and work on the laundry that always seems to creep up.

[MrsHeg]

Countdown = 1 :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

We leave tomorrow, after I spend part of the day at work

[babytrees]

Countdown = 1 :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

We leave tomorrow, after I spend part of the day at work

hope you have a fantabulous time!!:cool1:

[tinknme]

Debbie I hope you & dh have a magical time :wizard:

[PNO4TE]

Countdown = 1 :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

We leave tomorrow, after I spend part of the day at work

Debbie -- I hope you all have a most magical trip!! :goodvibes

[MrsHeg]

hope you have a fantabulous time!!:cool1:

Debbie I hope you & dh have a magical time :wizard:

Debbie -- I hope you all have a most magical trip!! :goodvibes


Thanks Everyone, I'll be thinking of all of you while I'm there, you guys are definitely a part of Disney for me

[MrsHeg]

And we're off . . . . .

[MrsHeg]

We had a horrible drive to Tallahasse last night, for almost two solid hours
we were in a horrendous downpour. I hate driving in the rain, and I was petrified.:scared1:

[MrsHeg]

Travel was much better this morning, we did have a few sprinkles. Not far from Orlando we hit a traffic jam, this was the reason,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0045.jpg

Once we passed that it wasn't long before we saw this,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0052.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We arrived at our home for the next week,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0054.jpg

After we checked in our rooms wasn't ready so we took the boat over to
DTD to try T Rex

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0073.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0074.jpg

I was prepared for a long wait to get in but it really wasn't bad.

[PNO4TE]

Souds like your trip is off to a great start, Debbie (other than the rain your first day out). I hope you have a wonderful time!!

[MrsHeg]

The decor at T Rex is really cool,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0084.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0090.jpg

It is very loud, and the food was good, not fantastic but good, our server did a great job.

I'll definitely take my DGS in May, but if it were just the two of us I'm sure we would opt for somewhere else.

[MrsHeg]

Festival of the Masters was going on at DTD today, so after lunch we spent some time just looking around at all the exhibits,

Here's the Disney Magic,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0104.jpg

There was an artist there, doing skethches with sharpies,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0107.jpg

And some pretty amazing chalk art,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0111.jpg

It was a really pleasant afternoon, we took the boat back to the resort, our rooms was ready so we unloaded the truck and DH is now watching the Bama/ LSU game, he is a diehard Bama fan.

Seemed like a perfect chance for an update, I'll add more later.

[KristineN]

Enjoy your trip Deb!!!

[Tammi67]

Once we passed that it wasn't long before we saw this,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0052.jpg
That is the most beautiful sight in the whole wide world. :love:

[tinknme]

Glad you made it safely Debbie, look forward to more!

[babytrees]

amazing pictures Debbie!!!!!

[my3princes]

I'm glad you are safely there.

[ToddyLu]

:lmao: Mrs Heg, do you relaize that we have had our First Dis Meet in Mississippi? 6 of us met in Ocean Springs at Mc Alister's 9/27/08. You and your family sound like a great addition to our little club.. If you would like please PM me and I will add you to the buddy list for updates. Our next meeting will be 1/31/09 for 6-7 at Mc Alister's on Hwy 90. It sounds like you are having a wonderful trip. Take notes so you can give us any updates in January. Like you we lost our home in Katrina and of course Disney was the place to go that Dec. We live in Pascagoula. :banana:

[MrsHeg]

We decided that on this trip we would put aside the Commando mode and take it easy. So Saturday night we went to dinner at Olivia's and called it an early night.

For dinner DH had the grilled prok chop and I had crab cakes and a ceasar salad. DH enjoyed the pork chop, I didn't care for the crab cakes, but that was probably just a matter of taste. Sorry I didn't take any pictures of the food.

Here are a couple of resort pictures,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0128.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0130.jpg

I was very excited about having a balcony at OKW, but boy were we robbed as far as the view goes,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0124.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Sunday was our first park day, I chose AK for our first park. We made it there for rope drop and used the entrance through Rainforest cafe, it worked great, we were at the front of the pack,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0167.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0178.jpg

[PNO4TE]

You got some great shots with your new camera, Debbie! :thumbsup2

[MrsHeg]

We followed the pack to the Safari along with everyone else and made it through the line in no time, unfortunately it was like our driver was trying to wind the Indy 500, I got very few pictures of the animals as we blew by them.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0221.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Enjoy your trip Deb!!!


Thanks Kristine

That is the most beautiful sight in the whole wide world. :love:

It definitely ranks way up there!

Glad you made it safely Debbie, look forward to more!

Thanks Janet

amazing pictures Debbie!!!!!

Thanks Theresa

I'm glad you are safely there.

Thanks Deb

You got some great shots with your new camera, Debbie! :thumbsup2

Thanks Elin

[MrsHeg]

:lmao: Mrs Heg, do you relaize that we have had our First Dis Meet in Mississippi? 6 of us met in Ocean Springs at Mc Alister's 9/27/08. You and your family sound like a great addition to our little club.. If you would like please PM me and I will add you to the buddy list for updates. Our next meeting will be 1/31/09 for 6-7 at Mc Alister's on Hwy 90. It sounds like you are having a wonderful trip. Take notes so you can give us any updates in January. Like you we lost our home in Katrina and of course Disney was the place to go that Dec. We live in Pascagoula. :banana:

Sounds like a lot of fun, sorry about your home. We were actually one of the lucky ones, our home only had regular hurricane damage.

[MrsHeg]

I took this father daughter pic on our way over to EE,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0030.jpg

I took a few pictures while waiting for and riding EE, the posted wait time was 20 minutes but it was more like 10

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0033.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0050.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0055.jpg

I'll post more when I can, we have a full day tomorrow, rope drop at MK, dinner at Park Fare and MVMCP.

[tinknme]

Look forward to pictures from the Christmas party!

[Tammi67]

I hope you have a great day at MK. Can't wait to hear more!

[bethbuchall]

Debbie, it sounds like you are having a great time! I can't wait to read more, and I hope that the time goes slowly for you before you need to come back to "real-life".

[PNO4TE]

Look forward to pictures from the Christmas party!

Me too!:santa:

[MrsHeg]

I haven't mentioned yet that DH woke up complaining with his neck, he thought maybe he slept on it wrong. I gave him some advil and we went on about our trip.

After spending a few hours at Animal Kingdom it was time for lunch, we decided to head over to Coronado Springs to make the most out of our counter service credits, DH got a toasted ham and cheese sandwich with chips and I got the fajita platter, our hostess Alba was able to get us fruit for dessert even though you're not actually supposed to. (she ok'd it with her manager) If you're ever there I highly recommend her!

We've stayed at this resort before and loved it, it has such a relaxing feel to it,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0069.jpg

[MrsHeg]

After lunch we headed over to Studios, it's actually our favorite park, and these people are a big part of the reason,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0073-1.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0079.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We met a new Citizen of Hollywood, Melvin McCheezmo, he's hilarious.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0084-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We hadn't seen the new Block Party Bash yet so we hung out on our bench, (yes we have a favorite bench at the Studios), before long this is what we saw,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0094.jpg

Don't ya just love Mr. Potato Head?

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0099.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Here's my opinion on Block Party, it's really cute and fun, but if you gave me the choice I would pick a parade.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0132.jpg

[MrsHeg]

DH's neck was really bothering him so we skipped RNR and went on TOT once, after that we took the bus over to Wilderness Lodge for dinner at Whispering Canyon.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0147.jpg

We both got the skillet dinner, it was good but not amazing, our server did a good job.

We took the bus over to the Magic Kingdom to transfer to ours, we arrived in time to see this,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0156.jpg

Our dinner was pretty late and DH wasn't feeling well at all so we called it a night, or tried to . . . . .

[MrsHeg]

The plan for Monday was to arrive at Studios in time for rope drop, spend the entire day and stay for Fantasmic, well . . . . . .


That's not what happen at all. DH kept me up must of the night trying to get comfortable, but her was in too much pain. At 2 am I gave him a double dose of advil and he finally went to sleep. Before I could ask him how he felt when he woke up at 6:30 am he winced in pain when he moved so I knew then that it was time to do something.

CentraCare opened at 8:00 am and they provide free transportation to the clinic so I decided to call them right at 8:00 am. You may be wondering why I didn't take our vehicle and drive myself, I've rarely driven our truck as it's full sized and I'm not comfortable driving it at all, DH could barely turn his neck so I figured having them pick us up would be the best bet.

I didn't get through until 8:08 am and she told me that they would be here in 10 - 12 minutes, I think he was here sooner than that. I can't say enough about how organized the whole set up is, you actually fill out your paperwork in the van, the pharmacy is in the same building and they bring you back to the resort very quickly. The good news was DH has a muscle spasm in his neck, and while it is painful it is not serious and will just take time to heal. They gave him something for pain and some muscle relaxers and sent us on our way.

While we were in the clinic Grumpy got a call that his mother had been taken to the hospital, they were afraid she had a blockage in her heart and were keeping her there for tests.

[MrsHeg]

Grumpy called his father and he promised to give us a call when he found something out, so Grumpy tooks his meds and we took the bus over to Studios, we arrived right about noon, and this is what we found,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0157.jpg

It was so crowded that this guy had to direct the "People Traffic"

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0158.jpg

Where are those low crowd levels we've come to know and love in November?

[MrsHeg]

Disney didn't waste anytime updating to HSM 3

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0161.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We were looking for something to do that wouldn't jerk Grumpy's neck too much so we headed over to the Stunt show, the weather was perfect for it,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0174.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0186.jpg

[tinknme]

Great update & pictures Debbie! Hope dh neck feels better soon & that all is well with his mother :wizard:

[MrsHeg]

We headed over to Animations to see Sorcerer Mickey and the stars of the new movie "Bolt"

I really hate this picture of me but I'll post it bcause Mickey is in it,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0222.jpg

And here are Bolt and Mittens,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0224.jpg

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Debbie, I am sorry to hear about DH's neck! Ouch! I hope his mom is OK.
GREAT pics!

Is it August yet? :rolleyes1

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

Debbie, great pictures!
You are looking great too!

I hope Bolt and Mittens are there in February! Leighanna would love to meet them!

I hope Grumpy's neck is better soon!

[my3princes]

Wow, you had a little string of bad luck. I hope that everything improves quickly :wizard: :hug:

[Tammi67]

Thanks for the update, Debbie. Wow. What perfect timing to have a muscle spasm. NOT. I hope the meds work so that you both can continue to enjoy your trip.

[PNO4TE]

Debbie - I hope your DH feels a lot better after another day of meds. And, by the way... you look FABULOUS!

[MrsHeg]

Thanks everyone, DH is feeling much better, although if we are'nt moving after he takes the muscle relaxer he gets pretty drowsy.

We also got a call about his mom, her tests came out fine and they sent her home, :confused3

[MrsHeg]

Dinner tonight was at 50's Prime Time, the past couple of years our servers really weren't into their parts, not so this year.

We had Cousin Joe, and he shared a section with Cousin Janice. They were a hoot! A dad from one table got caught with his elbows on the table for the third time and had to hold a sugar packet on the wall with his nose, the look on his little girls face when Daddy got in trouble was priceless.

After the rough start to the day this was just what the doctor ordered.

Grumpy had the New York strip and I had the fried chicken, his was good but mine was better. I had the sugar free cheesecake for dessert, I don't recommend this one, it was pretty bad.

[MrsHeg]

Fantasmic had two shows this day and we planned on attending the 6:30 show. It was after 6:00 pm when we finished with dinner so they had already started loading the theatre by the time we got there. We were seated in the next to the last section on the end but they were not bad seats at all, not a bad trade off for not standing in line for and hour and sitting for another hour before the show.

After years of trying I finally got a few decent shots at Fantasmic,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0238.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0282.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0288.jpg

[MrsHeg]

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0297.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0311.jpg

After Fantasmic we followed the "herd" out of the theatre and headed back to the resort. It was time for Grumpy to take his meds again, I was hoping that he would be able to get some sleep tonight and me too.

Tomorrow - Magic Kingdom rope drop, dinner at 1900 Park Fare followed by the Christmas party.

[Tammi67]

Debbie - you did get great shots. Great zoom! What kind of camera do you have?

[PNO4TE]

I am saying and asking the same thing Tammi did! Your camera really does a great job. Of course, part of it is the photographer. ;)

[tinknme]

Debbie great shots from Fantasmic! Glad to hear mil was sent home & I hope dh continues to feel better :wizard:

Look forward to hearing about the Christmas party!

[my3princes]

Debbie - you did get great shots. Great zoom! What kind of camera do you have?

That is exactly what I was thinking?

[babytrees]

Debbie great shots from Fantasmic! Glad to hear mil was sent home & I hope dh continues to feel better :wizard:

Look forward to hearing about the Christmas party!

What Janet said!!:thumbsup2

[MrsHeg]

Debbie - you did get great shots. Great zoom! What kind of camera do you have?

I am saying and asking the same thing Tammi did! Your camera really does a great job. Of course, part of it is the photographer. ;)

I got a great deal on a Canon S5, it is discontinued and I bought the display. Believe me, I'm a point and shoot kind of girl, and the magic of digital is you take a bunch and delete the bad ones. :lmao:

Debbie great shots from Fantasmic! Glad to hear mil was sent home & I hope dh continues to feel better :wizard:

Look forward to hearing about the Christmas party!

That is exactly what I was thinking?

What Janet said!!:thumbsup2

Thanks Janet and Theresa

[MrsHeg]

Tueday Morning we headed out to the Magic Kingdom, we made it in time for rope drop but were off to the side so the shots of the Opening Ceremony are taken from an angle.

They have the sign up for MVMCP

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0314.jpg

The Mayor arrived to start the show,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0316.jpg

[MrsHeg]

And of course the Mouse himself!

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0328.jpg

[MrsHeg]

I just love all the details Disney puts into their decorations,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0330.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Here's one of the very few pictures we took together this trip, it's ok though, we have lots from the August trip,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0336.jpg

The sun is in our eyes, that's why we look like were scowling. :rotfl:

[MrsHeg]

I wanted to try my hand at a picture of the castle with it's reflection in the water,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0340.jpg

I should have been further over so that I would have gotten more of a reflection.

[PNO4TE]

I think your castle picture is gorgeous, Debbie!

[my3princes]

I love your photos. :lovestruc

[Tammi67]

Debbie - you are looking better and better. Great job on your castle picture.

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Thanks everyone, DH is feeling much better, although if we are'nt moving after he takes the muscle relaxer he gets pretty drowsy.

We also got a call about his mom, her tests came out fine and they sent her home, :confused3

Glad to hear DH's neck is improving, and that his mom is OK!

Great pics!

We only saw Fantasmic one time in August and DH didn't even TRY to take pics. I was kind of irritated because I thought that was the point of having not one but TWO dSLR cameras! :headache:

I hope the rest of your trip is magical! :wizard:

[Steffy]

Debbie, I love the pictures! Your a great photographer. I'm so glad Grumpy's mom is okay. I hope his neck gets better soon!:dance3: :cheer2:

[MrsHeg]

I think your castle picture is gorgeous, Debbie!

Thanks Elin

I love your photos. :lovestruc

Thanks Deb

Debbie - you are looking better and better. Great job on your castle picture.

Thanks Tammi

Glad to hear DH's neck is improving, and that his mom is OK!

Great pics!

We only saw Fantasmic one time in August and DH didn't even TRY to take pics. I was kind of irritated because I thought that was the point of having not one but TWO dSLR cameras! :headache:

I hope the rest of your trip is magical! :wizard:

Thanks Elizabeth, I think Fantasmic is a huge challenge for picture taking, I'm surprised he didn't want to take any.

Debbie, I love the pictures! Your a great photographer. I'm so glad Grumpy's mom is okay. I hope his neck gets better soon!:dance3: :cheer2:


Thanks Steffy, he says it's a lot better, but he's still Grumpy!

[MrsHeg]

In all the trips I've taken to Disney there are two things I had never done, so I decided that this trip I was going to do them.

I've never done the Teacups becausse if you spin me around I'm going to get sick, so I threatened Grumpy with his life he he made it spin very much and braved the teacups,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0342.jpg

I've never been on Indy either, not really sure why. It was a little difficult trying to steer, turn around, and take pictures, but here's Grumpy behind me,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0347.jpg

[MrsHeg]

After Indy we headed over towards Frontierland, as Splash and Thunder are our favorites in the Magic Kingdom, this is how Fantasyland looked at this time of day,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0350.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0351.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We stopped at the Haunted Mansion on our way, we walked right in to the entry way and admired some of the portraits,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0355.jpg

And were greeted by our Lovely Hostess,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0372.jpg

I love trying to find things that we've never notice before eah time we ride this one.

[MrsHeg]

After Haunted Mansion we made it over to our Mountains, Goofy was greeting folks as they arrived,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0381.jpg

Grumpy's neck still wan't all that great so we only rode each of the mountains once,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0383.jpg

After the rides we got a box of popcorn and just strolled around at a leisurely pace, I really enjoyed being able to do this, it takes the stress out of it and allows you to just enjoy being there.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0387.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We had tickets for that night's Christmas Party so we decided to head back to the resort and take a long break, on our way out we caught the end of the castle show,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0398.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0402.jpg

We spent the afternoon by the pool relaxing as I was doing laundry, the weather was perfect. Watching the kids playing I know that our DGS will love it when we bring him in May, a pool, pizza, an arcade and ice cream, what more can a six year old boy ask for?

Grumpy called to see how his Mom was doing and they had gone out for lunch, so I guess all is well.

[PNO4TE]

We stopped at the Haunted Mansion on our way, we walked right in to the entry way and admired some of the portraits,

And were greeted by our Lovely Hostess,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0372.jpg

I love trying to find things that we've never notice before eah time we ride this one.

:confused: You have me stumped, Debbie! Where is this??? :confused3

[Tammi67]

:confused: You have me stumped, Debbie! Where is this??? :confused3
It doesn't look familiar to me either, Elin.

Sounds like a wonderful trip, Debbie. I'm still wondering what record you broke? :confused3

[stitcharoo]

hahaha
that splash mountain picture cracks me up!
you all look like you're scared to death, but still having fun.
:mickeyjum
i love it
-breanna

[PNO4TE]

It doesn't look familiar to me either, Elin.

Sounds like a wonderful trip, Debbie. I'm still wondering what record you broke? :confused3

It just occurred to me that it is the "new" bride at HM. I just was thinking it was near the beginning, but that was my mistake, I think!

[MrsHeg]

It just occurred to me that it is the "new" bride at HM. I just was thinking it was near the beginning, but that was my mistake, I think!

It is the new bride, she is just after all the portraits with the disappearing grooms.

[MrsHeg]

Dinner tonight was at 1900 Park Fare,

The Happy Couple:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0410.jpg

Grumpy was happy to take a picture with the Princess:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0413.jpg

Drizella was my favorite character:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0419.jpg

We chose Park Fare because we had never been there, I have to say that for us it really doesn't fit the bill. For a buffet there wasn't that great of a selection, we didn't hate it, but we probably won't go back.

[MrsHeg]

After dinner it was off to the party,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0427.jpg

Mickey and Minnie were discussing how to decorate the castle,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0430.jpg

[MrsHeg]

And finally, the reason we went to the party, isn't it breathtaking?

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0046.jpg

And here is a side view,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0451.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We headed over to see Jack Sparrow in Pirates, there was a small line but it only took aobut 10 minutes.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0466.jpg

[tinknme]

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0451.jpg


Love this picture!

[MrsHeg]

We headed over to "The Mountains" and enjoyed the very low lines, we were able to ride a second time on both without getting off.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0470.jpg

It was about ten minutes until time for the first parade so we went and found a viewing spot, it was pretty good until the people in front decided it was necessary to stand up,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0474.jpg

I thought this float should have had more lighting, it was pretty hard to see from a distance.

[MrsHeg]

Mickey and Minnie started things off with a Christmas tree, and in true Disney fashion you could smell pine as the float went by,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0482.jpg

Donald and Daisy were together on a sleigh ride,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0494.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0496.jpg

[MrsHeg]

I think this was my favorite,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0511.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Santa brought up the rear of the parade,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0030-1.jpg

And then it was time to make our way over to the castle for Holiday Wishes,

[MrsHeg]

Why is it impossible to stand in front of the castle without taking pictures?
Here's a closeup of where Tink takes off,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0042.jpg

And another one just because,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0050-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

She's blurry but I did manage to catch Tink in flight,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0062.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0063.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Santa's Hat,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0086.jpg

Christmas Tree,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0088.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Toyland,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0105.jpg

After Wishes we went to Philharmagic and a few other rides, had some apple slices instead of cookies, and made our way out of the park, here's the front all lit up,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0111-1.jpg


Up next, it's time to go to Apricot!

[my3princes]

Love this picture!

I love them all. Now Chris and I want to go again at Christmas time.

I love the side view of the Castle with the reflection in the water :love:

[Tammi67]

Dinner tonight was at 1900 Park Fare,


Drizella was my favorite character:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0419.jpg

We chose Park Fare because we had never been there, I have to say that for us it really doesn't fit the bill. For a buffet there wasn't that great of a selection, we didn't hate it, but we probably won't go back.
That's the Drizilla we had. She's wonderful, isn't she. :thumbsup2

[Tammi67]

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0042.jpg


That is quite a zoom, Debbie!!!!

I can't wait!

[PNO4TE]

It is the new bride, she is just after all the portraits with the disappearing grooms.

Hmmmm... not the bride in the room where she used to be? I think I missed her last trip through HM! :confused3

[PNO4TE]

Debbie - the pictures you took of the castle are breathtaking. You picked a great camera! :goodvibes

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

Debbie, great pictures!
I would love to see the castle all lit up just once!
You can NEVER take too many pictures of the castle!

[MrsHeg]

That's the Drizilla we had. She's wonderful, isn't she. :thumbsup2

Yes she is, I see I misspelled her name, I have a lot of typos but I don't think I'll go back and fix them. Sorry Amy


That is quite a zoom, Debbie!!!!

I can't wait!

I was actually trying to figure out how we could sneak away to see he Osborne lights, I haven't figured it out yet, but I do have 2 personal and 1 vacation day left. :laughing:

Debbie - the pictures you took of the castle are breathtaking. You picked a great camera! :goodvibes

Thanks Elin

Debbie, great pictures!
I would love to see the castle all lit up just once!
You can NEVER take too many pictures of the castle!


Your wife will retire one day!

[tinknme]

I was actually trying to figure out how we could sneak away to see he Osborne lights, I haven't figured it out yet, but I do have 2 personal and 1 vacation day left. :laughing:





Well there will be a few of us there in a couple of weeks :rolleyes1

[MrsHeg]

Wednesday morning it was off to Epcot,

We refer to it as Apricot because one year we lwere waiting for a boat at the Magic Kingdom when the cutest little girl was telling her mom that she didn't want to leave and go to "Apricot".


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0004-1.jpg

Grumpy joined the mad dash for Soaring fastpasses while I hung out and enjoyed the scenery.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0017.jpg

[MrsHeg]

While waiting for Soaring we headed over to Test Track and check out the wait time, standby said 20 minutes so we decided to go for it, it turned out to be about 5, so we got off and went right back through, the line was so short that they opened to doors to the preshow and let people just walk right through.

After the second round it was time for Soaring, and finally we were on row one, :banana: :banana: :banana:

It was a cloudy day but we still enjoyed walking around enjoying the views and animals.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0018.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0023.jpg

[MrsHeg]

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0035.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0044.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We had gotten more fastpasses for Soaring as we were exiting for after lunch. Lunch was at LeCellier, as always it was excellent, we both had the New York Strip steak and they were cooked to perfection. Sorry no pictures.

I did take a picture of the grounds,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0042-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We rode Soaring and were on row one again!!

While we were on Soaring the skies must have opened up as the grounds outside were soaked, we decided it was time to head back to the resort and take a break. Grumpy was still getting drowsy from his meds so it seemed like a good idea.

Here's our Leave a Legacy,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0051.jpg

[ToddyLu]

:) I have really enjoyed your trip report and especially the pictures. I can't wait to see my Mom's reaction to the castle and Osborne Lights. Keep em coming!:santa:

[Tammi67]

I was actually trying to figure out how we could sneak away to see he Osborne lights, I haven't figured it out yet, but I do have 2 personal and 1 vacation day left. :laughing:

If it helps your sneaking, we are there Nov. 30 - Dec. 6. :)

[Tammi67]

Debbie - your legacy tile is perfect.

[PNO4TE]

Debbie - your legacy tile is perfect.

I agree! It looks just like you and Grumpy. ;)

And if you are looking for other times to travel we will be there 12/21-12/27!

[MrsHeg]

:) I have really enjoyed your trip report and especially the pictures. I can't wait to see my Mom's reaction to the castle and Osborne Lights. Keep em coming!:santa:

Thanks, she'll Love Them!

If it helps your sneaking, we are there Nov. 30 - Dec. 6. :)

I'm not sure that I could convince Grumpy to drive 9 hours each way for one day, our family would really think we have gone off the deep end. :rotfl:

Debbie - your legacy tile is perfect.

Thanks, we stop and check it out every visit.

I agree! It looks just like you and Grumpy. ;)

And if you are looking for other times to travel we will be there 12/21-12/27!

I'd love to be able to meet you, but with my job I would never be able to take even three days off on those dates. :sad1:

Each time we visited the parks we noticed more Christmas decorations going up,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0054-1.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0052-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Our break turned out to be much longer than we had originally planned, as it started pouring while we were in the room.

We missed Illuminations on our last trip due to a little incident with some sugar free gummies, so we had made a pack that we wouldn't miss it this trip. We made it back to Epcot in time to have a CS dinner at Electric Umbrella, the chicken sandwiches were actually pretty good.

We found a spot for Illuminations and this is what we saw,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0064.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0069-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

This is Grumpy's favorite evening show, mine is Wishes.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0078.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0079-1.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0081.jpg

[tinknme]

This is Grumpy's favorite evening show, mine is Wishes.



I am with Grumpy, I love Wishes but something about Illuminations just makes me feel all fuzzy inside :goodvibes

Your pictures are getting me excited Debbie!

[MrsHeg]

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0085.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0094-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

I am with Grumpy, I love Wishes but something about Illuminations just makes me feel all fuzzy inside :goodvibes

Your pictures are getting me excited Debbie!


You'll be there soon, I told Grumpy about my crazy idea of a quick trip just to see the Osborne lights, he was ready to leave on the 28th, that's Black Friday and there's no way I can do that. :rotfl:

[tinknme]

You'll be there soon, I told Grumpy about my crazy idea of a quick trip just to see the Osborne lights, he was ready to leave on the 28th, that's Black Friday and there's no way I can do that. :rotfl:

I wish you could, but I know that day will be busy crazy for you at work :sad2:

What about the next weekend :teeth:

[MrsHeg]

I wish you could, but I know that day will be busy crazy for you at work :sad2:

What about the next weekend :teeth:


I'm probably just dreaming, our schedules are really crazy. I've gotten sick the past two years during the Holidays, so my goal this year is to stay well. A quick trip probably wouldn't help with that goal.

[MrsHeg]

More Illuminations,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0100.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0102.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0106.jpg

[tinknme]

I'm probably just dreaming, our schedules are really crazy. I've gotten sick the past two years during the Holidays, so my goal this year is to stay well. A quick trip probably wouldn't help with that goal.

Well there is nothing wrong with dreaming, I do that a lot myself. Yes you need to stay healthy, that is the important thing!

[MrsHeg]

As many times as we've seen Illuminations, I've never noticed this before,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0117.jpg

We followed the crowd out and I took this while we were walking, it's too dangerous to stop, that's why it's blurry. :lmao:

Up Next, Grumpy's Birthday!

[PNO4TE]

As many times as we've seen Illuminations, I've never noticed this before,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0117.jpg

We followed the crowd out and I took this while we were walking, it's too dangerous to stop, that's why it's blurry. :lmao:

Up Next, Grumpy's Birthday!

that is a fairly recent addition to Spaceship Earth at closing, Debbie. Siemans is not only the sponsor of Spaceship Earth but also Illuminations now.

Great shots again!

[MrsHeg]

Thursday Morning and it's Grumpy's Birthday!

Plans for today include rope drop at the Studios with a trip over to Epcot for lunch at Coral Reef.

We joined the Midwya Mania Madness and got our fastpasses for later, on our way back to Sunset Blvd we ran into this lady,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0121.jpg

Here's Grumpy on his way to our favorite ride in this park,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0124-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We entered the hotel and found the housekeeping staff to be very inefficient, the dust was horrible,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0125.jpg

This group was having a horrible time checking out,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0127.jpg

We had to take the service elevator up to our room . . . . . .

[MrsHeg]

And here it is, a Redneck photo of our ride picture, :rotfl2:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0131.jpg

[MrsHeg]

that is a fairly recent addition to Spaceship Earth at closing, Debbie. Siemans is not only the sponsor of Spaceship Earth but also Illuminations now.

Great shots again!


No wonder I don't remember seeing it, Thanks!

[MrsHeg]

It was time for our fastpasses so we headed back to Pixar Place to ride Toy Story,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0134.jpg

It was more fun than a Barrel of Monkeys,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0133.jpg

(sorry I couldn't resist the pun)

[MrsHeg]

Lunch was at noon so it was time to head over to Coral Reef,
we saw a few "Citizens" on the way out of the park,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0137.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0138.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Coral Reef has become Grumpy's favorite restaurant so I made ADR's there to celebrate his birthday, I also arranged for a personalized menu and a divier sign. For the menu I went to his Mom's and got a couple of pictures of him when he was a child, we only found one birthday picture of him.

We were seated and given our menu's and they weren't personalized, so I had to ask the hostess about them, she went to look and came back to tell me that they didn't have any and sent out the manager, he came out and told me he would go and check the e-mails, all this of course tipped Grumpy off that something was going on.

We were seated at a tank side table, and had this visitor for our meal, he stayed right there until the diver came and shooed him away,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0146.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0155.jpg

[MrsHeg]

The manager came back and let me know that he was unable to find the e-mail so there would be no menu, needless to say I was quite disappointed, not only about the menu but also that the "surprise" was spoiled,

Here's the diver,


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0156-1.jpg

Grumpy with his Birthday sign,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0157-1.jpg

The diver threw shells up to look like confetti,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0159.jpg

I did check my email when I got home, the email with the pictures was in the sent file, but when I tried to resend it my virus protection software scanned the files and wouldn't send it so I'm thinking that's what happened and they had never received the pictures.

[MrsHeg]

After lunch we took a stroll around Epcot,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0166.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0167-1.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0168.jpg

We had stopped in the toy store in Japan earlier looking for Bakugan marbles, they were sold out so we stopped again in hopes they had restocked, no luck. I think they are the hottest item for Christmas this year.

[MrsHeg]

This tree wasn't up when we were in the park the day before,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0169.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0172.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0174-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Here's a Grumpy Viking, :rotfl: ,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0184.jpg

And a few characters along the way,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0185.jpg

This Snow White was GREAT with the kids,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0186-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

As we were going to the toy store in Japan the candy lady was demonstrating her candy making, we saw a brown dog, pink flamingo, and blue turtle, she really is amazing,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0192.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0193.jpg

We also watched this performance in France,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0194.jpg

We took the boat back to Studios and spent the rest of the evening there, I don't have any pictures because I decided to stash everything in a locker and walk around empty handed, it was great.

Up next, our last full day, and a new record for us. . . . . .

[PNO4TE]

It was time for our fastpasses so we headed back to Pixar Place to ride Toy Story,

It was more fun than a Barrel of Monkeys,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/th_IMG_0133.jpg

(sorry I couldn't resist the pun)

I am looking forward to riding this next month! I love the Barrel of Monkeys pun, Debbie. At our house those things are called "Patecta Monkeys." When Kristin was about 3 she hung those little monkeys all over the house and when we asked why, her response was that they were going to "patect" us from stuff.

Needless to say we still use that term and the monkeys are still hanging in various locations in the house. One of them found its way into Kathrin's suitcases when she went to college and when she moved to Boston. When I travel on business there is always one in there when I open my suitcase. :goodvibes

(sorry... didn't mean to hijack your TR!)

[PNO4TE]

The manager came back and let me know that he was unable to find the e-mail so there would be no menu, needless to say I was quite disappointed, not only about the menu but also that the "surprise" was spoiled.
I did check my email when I got home, the email with the pictures was in the sent file, but when I tried to resend it my virus protection software scanned the files and wouldn't send it so I'm thinking that's what happened and they had never received the pictures.

I am so sorry that you weren't able to get that personalized menu for the birthday boy, Debbie. The diver sign was very cool though. :thumbsup2

[MrsHeg]

Friday Morning, our last full day, :sad1:
The worst part about a trip finally arriving is that it is over so quickly.

Grumpy was feeling pretty good this morning and we headed out for the Magic Kingdom, Opening Ceremonies were hosted by the Fire Chief this morning,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0208.jpg

But it wouldn't be complete without the head mouse,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0220.jpg

What I don't understand is where was Minnie, this was the second rope drop we had done at Magic Kingdom and both times she was MIA?

[MrsHeg]

This is where Santa visits with the kids during the party, they move his bench during the day but it's still a great picture spot, Grumpy took this one and was quite proud of it, :rotfl:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0224-1.jpg

I just love pictures of the castle with hardly anyone in them,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0228.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Since Grumpy was feeling better it was time for one of our MK traditions, we love Splash and Thunder so we like to take advantage of park opening to do a Mountain marathon, we grab fastpasses for Thunder and then get in line for Splash,after Splash we head over to Thunder, as soon as we can we grab fastpasses for Splash, that way we have fastpasses for both that we can use later in the day when the lines start to build up,

Here's a couple of pictures we took on our way over,


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0229.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0231.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Goofy was over by Splash greeting people, but since there were so few people around he had plenty of time just to be "Goofy", here he is laughing at us as we went by on Splash,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0236.jpg

I'm sure lots of people have already seen it but this was the first time I noticed this hidden Mickey so I made sure to get a picture of it,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0241-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Here goes another Redneck ride photo, I think the family in front were first timers,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0245.jpg

[MrsHeg]

And here's an example as to why rope drop is a must,

First thing in the am,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0234.jpg

Around noon,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0246.jpg

Actually the second picture isn't very bad, but it gives you an idea why sleeping in is completely overrated, nap in the afternoon if you must!

[MrsHeg]

I am looking forward to riding this next month! I love the Barrel of Monkeys pun, Debbie. At our house those things are called "Patecta Monkeys." When Kristin was about 3 she hung those little monkeys all over the house and when we asked why, her response was that they were going to "patect" us from stuff.

Needless to say we still use that term and the monkeys are still hanging in various locations in the house. One of them found its way into Kathrin's suitcases when she went to college and when she moved to Boston. When I travel on business there is always one in there when I open my suitcase. :goodvibes

(sorry... didn't mean to hijack your TR!)

Don't you just love the way little ones mispronounce words sometimes, around our house we still have "underbrellas" and "shinypoo" :lmao:

[MrsHeg]

The weather was perfect, it was one of those days that I just enjoyed wandering around and soaking in the atmosphere,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0248.jpg

Here's my namesake,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0249.jpg

And since there was no Grumpy statue I'll throw in Goofy,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0251-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We had a counter service lunch at Cosmic Rays, I feel like this is the best value for your CS credits in the MK, and the selection is varied enough so that everyone can find something. I had the Club Salad and Grumpy had the Chicken and Rib combo, my salad was really good and Grumpy cleaned his plate.

While we were having lunch Grumpy mentioned that he would like to head back over to the Studios and ride TOT again, normally we would spend our last morning there but there was no way I was going to try and fight the Super Soap Weekend Crowd so our last morning was moved to AK with breakfast at Tusker House. So after lunch we took the monorail over to the TTC and took the bus to the Studios.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0259.jpg

[MrsHeg]

When we arrived at the Studios I put everything in a locker again, and went empty handed again, so there are no pictures from this segment.

Grumpy didn't want to risk RNR so it was off to the TOT for us, by now you've probably figured out that we are HUGE TOT fans, our record for consecutive rides is 5, we did that at rope drop one trip. When we got to TOT the posted wait time was 20 minutes so we grabbed fast passes and got in line, well there was no line, we didn't stop until we were in the library.

So as soon as we got off we went through the line again, no stopping until the library once again. This continued until we had tied our record and we still had fastpasses, so what the heck, we went for it, SIX times in a row, I told Grumpy that I was through, my stomach couldn't take anymore or I'm not sure how many times we would have went.

I'm not sure exactly how long it took, but it was between an hour and an hour and a half, not too shabby.

This means that we are going to have to go for seven next time. :rotfl:

[MrsHeg]

Dinner was at OHana, we've been ther for breakfast and really enjoyed it so we wanted to give dinner there a try.

They start out with a salad with honey lime vinagrette, I can't have the honey so we asked about another dressing, our first server told us that there was no other option but our second said she could do an olive oil, we said that would be good, I was thinking oil and vinegar, but she came out with a bowl of greens with just olive oil, YUCK! I didn't complain though, she went through extra effort so we just did without salad.

We're not very adventurous so we really didn't care for any of the dipping sauces, the wings were honey coated so they were out for me, as were the noodles. The vegetables were good, and the meats were also. The sugar free dessert was great.

For us we won't be returning, but that is only because of our personal tastes in food, not anything to do with the food or service.

It was just after six and I really wanted to get a look at the castle all lit up once more so we hopped on the monorail over to the MK. It was around 6:20 when we got there and all the people were gathered in front of the castle waiting for the show, we decided to head back over and try to ride our Splash or Thunder, both rides were deserted so we headed to Splash first, we rode twice without getting off, and headed across to Thunder, the posted time was 30 minutes, well there was no line and we were told to sit anywhere we wanted, of course we sat in the back seat. We made it back on one more time before seven, and headed back to Main Street to see this,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0268.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0270.jpg

[MrsHeg]

On our way out there was a CM drawing a picture in the street with a broom and water, I think she did a great job.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0279.jpg

We headed back to the resort so that we could get things packed up for the morning, we had parked at HH that morning when we headed out because I wanted to stop and pay our bill so that they wouldn't put it on our CC.

On our way back to the resort we got a glimpse of the Space shuttle as it went up even though it was raining by then. :cool1:

By the time we got back to the resort it was raining pretty hard, (not a good thing for the party goers that night) so I was glad that we had the truck at HH and didn't have to make the walk to the room in the rain.

I had my concerns about OKW before this trip, one being I had heard about horrible bus service, the most we waited for any bus was 20 minutes, and in both of those cases one was pulling out as we were walking to the bus stop, one night there was a woman who got on and was very upset, she told the driver that they had been waiting for 85 minutes, I guess we were lucky?

The other was that the beds were very uncomfortable, ours were great, I didn't have any trouble sleeping, except for the night that Grumpy kept me up. The resort is beautiful, and except for our balcony view i give it a :thumbsup2 !

[my3princes]

On our way out there was a CM drawing a picture in the street with a broom and water, I think she did a great job.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0279.jpg

We headed back to the resort so that we could get things packed up for the morning, we had parked at HH that morning when we headed out because I wanted to stop and pay our bill so that they wouldn't put it on our CC.

On our way back to the resort we got a glimpse of the Space shuttle as it went up even though it was raining by then. :cool1:

By the time we got back to the resort it was raining pretty hard, (not a good thing for the party goers that night) so I was glad that we had the truck at HH and didn't have to make the walk to the room in the rain.

I had my concerns about OKW before this trip, one being I had heard about horrible bus service, the most we waited for any bus was 20 minutes, and in both of those cases one was pulling out as we were walking to the bus stop, one night there was a woman who got on and was very upset, she told the driver that they had been waiting for 85 minutes, I guess we were lucky?

The other was that the beds were very uncomfortable, ours were great, I didn't have any trouble sleeping, except for the night that Grumpy kept me up. The resort is beautiful, and except for our balcony view i give it a :thumbsup2 !

I'm glad you had a wonderful trip even with the neck issue. OKW is our favorite resort, it's so tranquil and the accomodations are very spacious:thumbsup2

[MrsHeg]

Well it's here, the end of another trip. We got up very early and loaded up the truck before heading to AK for an 8:10 am breakfast at Tusker House.
Here's a bit of information for anyone who has as early ADR at AK and is driving, they do not let you into the parking lot until 7:45 am so we ended up waiting to get into the lot.

We still made it in plenty of time,

Here's my favorite mouse again, :lovestruc

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0290.jpg

The breakfast at Tusker was great, if you leave there hungry it's probably your own fault. We went out the door and wre right at the rope before you get to Safari, we decided to give it a go since we were right there. They keep the rope up until the crowd gets there from the front and then they let you through, we still managed to be first in the line though.

[MrsHeg]

Our driver on this Safari was much better than the last, he actually slowed down so that we could see the animals,

These are hippos, it's kind of hard to tell with them all bunched up like that,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0296.jpg

He said the baby was about three months old,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0304-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

The Rhinos politely posed for us,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0312.jpg

and even the lions were awake,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0314-1.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0315.jpg

[MrsHeg]

After the Safari we followed the Pangani trail in hopes of seeing the gorillas,
we weren't disappointed,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0328-1.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0333.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0338.jpg

[MrsHeg]

I'm glad you had a wonderful trip even with the neck issue. OKW is our favorite resort, it's so tranquil and the accomodations are very spacious:thumbsup2


Thanks, right now we have plans to stay there with Brandon in May, I'm getting a little nervous about our reservation, but hopefully it's nothing and everything will work out.

[MrsHeg]

Our plans were to stay at the park until lunch time, use up our last CS credits and then head out. We would be stopping in Tallahassee for the night, Grumpy is not a big fan of the shows but I really wanted to see FOTLK so we headed over to Camp Minnie Mickey,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0340-1.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0341.jpg

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

Debbie, loving your trip report.
It is getting us so excited for our upcoming trip!
Leighanna is already pointing out things from your trip that she wants to do!

Your pictures are fantastic too!

[MrsHeg]

Debbie, loving your trip report.
It is getting us so excited for our upcoming trip!
Leighanna is already pointing out things from your trip that she wants to do!

Your pictures are fantastic too!

Thanks Tom,

I'll be looking forward to your report and lots of pictures of Leighanna!

[MrsHeg]

I really enjoyed the show, Grumpy, well I'm not so sure.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0349.jpg

This guy was really hot,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0354.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We were in the elephant section,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0362.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0376.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Poor Donald is always having a hard time isn't he?

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0382.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0384.jpg

Here's another Christmas tree that appeared between our first and last visit to a park,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0385.jpg

[MrsHeg]

It was lunch time but after such a large breakfast neither of us were hungry, so we were able to purchase sandwiches, fruit and bottled water at one of the shops and take it with us. We had a cooler with us that we had drinks in already so we through it in there for later.

It was time to say goodbye to Disney once again and make the journey home, I didn't realize how tired I was until we got on the road. I kept nodding off no matter how hard I tried not to. After a couple of hours we decided it was time to stop, instead of having the sandwiches like we originally planned we went to Olive Garden, it's one of our favorites and we don't get to eat there very often as Katrina took ours away.

We considered finding a room where we were but there were no vacancies at the first two hotels we checked, (it's not easy to find a room on a football weekend when you're in college territory) so we traveled on to Tallahassee.

It didn't take long for me to fall asleep but Grumpy stayed up to watch his Bama team. Sometime in the evening we had the sandwiches for dinner, the next morning it was time to head home.

For the NCL fans out there here's a picture of the Norwegian Spirit in dry dock in Mobile, AL.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0390.jpg

We made it home just after lunchtime so we took our DD's, SIL and DGS out to lunch to visit when we got home. The following morning it was off to work for me, Grumpy went back that afternoon.

[Tammi67]

The manager came back and let me know that he was unable to find the e-mail so there would be no menu, needless to say I was quite disappointed, not only about the menu but also that the "surprise" was spoiled,


Now you have me worried. I've requested the personalized menu from Coral Reef for Nicholas' bday. I have and email from Debbie who does the menus saying that it is finished and ready to go. Maybe I should print out that confirmation and take it with me. Not that they would be able to do anything at that point anyway, but at least I would have proof.

I'm sorry the menu wasn't done for Richie. That would have been a wonderful surprise. At least the diver was there for him!

[Tammi67]

I am looking forward to riding this next month! I love the Barrel of Monkeys pun, Debbie. At our house those things are called "Patecta Monkeys." When Kristin was about 3 she hung those little monkeys all over the house and when we asked why, her response was that they were going to "patect" us from stuff.

Needless to say we still use that term and the monkeys are still hanging in various locations in the house. One of them found its way into Kathrin's suitcases when she went to college and when she moved to Boston. When I travel on business there is always one in there when I open my suitcase. :goodvibes

(sorry... didn't mean to hijack your TR!)
That's cute Elin!

[Tammi67]

Don't you just love the way little ones mispronounce words sometimes, around our house we still have "underbrellas" and "shinypoo" :lmao:
I can figure out what underbrellas are, but the only thing shinypoo is to me is "Shiny Poo." ???:lmao:

[PNO4TE]

I can figure out what underbrellas are, but the only thing shinypoo is to me is "Shiny Poo." ???:lmao:

shampoo, I think!

[Tammi67]

Wonderful trip report Debbie. Sounds like everything went well except for the neck and menu issues. You got a lot of great pictures.

[my3princes]

Now you have me worried. I've requested the personalized menu from Coral Reef for Nicholas' bday. I have and email from Debbie who does the menus saying that it is finished and ready to go. Maybe I should print out that confirmation and take it with me. Not that they would be able to do anything at that point anyway, but at least I would have proof.

I'm sorry the menu wasn't done for Richie. That would have been a wonderful surprise. At least the diver was there for him!

Ours were printed, but the host did not hand them to the seater. I mentioned it at the check in stand and they grabbed the correct ones and we were all set. I would mention it when you check in.

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Debbie - You got some fabulous pics!! :thumbsup2 Remind me again why we have 2 dSLRs and our pics don't look any different than anybody else's?

I was really kind of disappointed that I didn't get the diver for my birthday like they promised. Between the menu and the diver I think the diver is cooler. My menu is nice, but it would have been really exciting to have the diver. Especially since we had that front and center table! Oh,w ell. It was fun anyway.

I hope you guys will be there next August so we can see you again! :goodvibes

[Tammi67]

Ours were printed, but the host did not hand them to the seater. I mentioned it at the check in stand and they grabbed the correct ones and we were all set. I would mention it when you check in.
Debbie said in her last email that there wasn't a need to mention it when checking in, just to sit back and let the magic happen. Now I'm worrying if I sit back, the magic WON"T happen.

[my3princes]

Debbie said in her last email that there wasn't a need to mention it when checking in, just to sit back and let the magic happen. Now I'm worrying if I sit back, the magic WON"T happen.

They told me it would happen on it's own too, but it wouldn't have. I'm glad that I mentioned it at checkin. Thankfully Chris wasn't within earshot at the time.

[MrsHeg]

Now you have me worried. I've requested the personalized menu from Coral Reef for Nicholas' bday. I have and email from Debbie who does the menus saying that it is finished and ready to go. Maybe I should print out that confirmation and take it with me. Not that they would be able to do anything at that point anyway, but at least I would have proof.

I'm sorry the menu wasn't done for Richie. That would have been a wonderful surprise. At least the diver was there for him!

I wouldn't worry if you got an email stating it was ready, I really think my email with attachments didn't go through due to my antivirus software.

I can figure out what underbrellas are, but the only thing shinypoo is to me is "Shiny Poo." ???:lmao:

Elin guessed it, that's what my youngest called shampoo.

shampoo, I think!

That's it!


Wonderful trip report Debbie. Sounds like everything went well except for the neck and menu issues. You got a lot of great pictures.

Thanks

Ours were printed, but the host did not hand them to the seater. I mentioned it at the check in stand and they grabbed the correct ones and we were all set. I would mention it when you check in.

Ours was noted on the slip that they printed out with our ADR

Debbie - You got some fabulous pics!! :thumbsup2 Remind me again why we have 2 dSLRs and our pics don't look any different than anybody else's?

I was really kind of disappointed that I didn't get the diver for my birthday like they promised. Between the menu and the diver I think the diver is cooler. My menu is nice, but it would have been really exciting to have the diver. Especially since we had that front and center table! Oh,w ell. It was fun anyway.

I hope you guys will be there next August so we can see you again! :goodvibes

Our passes are good through August 12th, so it's definitely a possibility. Grumpy thinks we should spend more time as a group than we did this last time.

[MrsHeg]

Debbie said in her last email that there wasn't a need to mention it when checking in, just to sit back and let the magic happen. Now I'm worrying if I sit back, the magic WON"T happen.


It should be pretty easy for you to ask without Nicholas noticing, so I don't think it would hurt. I was really hoping to surprise Richie.

[tinknme]

Our passes are good through August 12th, so it's definitely a possibility. Grumpy thinks we should spend more time as a group than we did this last time.


I agree!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Our passes are good through August 12th, so it's definitely a possibility. Grumpy thinks we should spend more time as a group than we did this last time.

That would be fun!
We haven't sorted out anything as far as our schedule. I need to find out if DH and DS want to do another fishing excursion, or do the Sunrise Safari again. Maybe we will actually make it to a water park. I have been carrying the tickets around for 2 years. :rolleyes1

[Steffy]

Wonderful report Debbie. Thanks so much for sharing. I love all of your pictures!!:goodvibes :cloud9:

[ToddyLu]

:) I really enjoyed your Trip Report, too. Now less than a week for us to go. The only thing I am really worried about is San Angel not being good since they changed the menu, and the report of Philarmagic being down for repairs.:sad2: But wish us luck, at least we will be at Disney World, right!:banana: :santa:

[MrsHeg]

Well, since I was sooo disappointed in not seeing the Osbourne Lights we have booked a weekend getaway on the 1st to see them. I know, I know, we're nuts right.


So stay tuned for an add on . . . . . . .

[tinknme]

:cool1: :cool1: :yay: :yay:

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I'm so excited that you get to go back again and see the Osborne Lights! Any special plans for this trip?

[MrsHeg]

I'm so excited that you get to go back again and see the Osborne Lights! Any special plans for this trip?

Non what so ever, just to see the llights. We know it will be very crowded so we're not expecting to do much, other than enjoying the atmosphere.

[Steffy]

Non what so ever, just to see the llights. We know it will be very crowded so we're not expecting to do much, other than enjoying the atmosphere.Hi Debbie. Just an FYI. They were giving out special "glasses" to all ap holders at the Studios when we were there. I have to admit, they were not as nice as the glasses we had gotten before. I think they just blurred the lights, and multilplied them, not made them into angels or stars like the others. But anyway, as soon as you enter the park, go to the stand beside Oscar's garage on the faaaarrrrr right. Show your APs and get the glasses. Maybe you'll like them.:goodvibes :goodvibes

I mean, afterall, since you are going just for the lights, you might as well see if you will like looking at them through the glasses!!:goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

[MrsHeg]

Hi Debbie. Just an FYI. They were giving out special "glasses" to all ap holders at the Studios when we were there. I have to admit, they were not as nice as the glasses we had gotten before. I think they just blurred the lights, and multilplied them, not made them into angels or stars like the others. But anyway, as soon as you enter the park, go to the stand beside Oscar's garage on the faaaarrrrr right. Show your APs and get the glasses. Maybe you'll like them.:goodvibes :goodvibes

I mean, afterall, since you are going just for the lights, you might as well see if you will like looking at them through the glasses!!:goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

I just now saw your post Steffy, we didn't get the glasses but I have brought some with me before. I had Santas, Angels, and Stars from a distance they were a little blurry, but up close they were great!

[MrsHeg]

Well we did it, we added 2 days on to our trip, albeit over a month later. I guess that seals the deal, we really are addicted.

This is what we saw Friday morning January 2nd,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0027.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Have you ever heard the saying that whatever you do on New Years you'll be doing all year? Well if it's true we'll be traveling to Disney all year. :lmao:

I really enjoy the Osborne lights and was very disappointed that we would miss them in November because they started much later this year, so . . . . I mentioned to Grumpy that I would like to try and schedule a quick trip just to see them, he said go for it so of course I did.

Because I work in retail it's very hard for me to get any time off during the Holidays, I was able to take off the 2 -4 of January, and work a half day on the first. So after work on the first we loaded up the truck and headed back to Disney, we spent the night in Tallahassee, called it an early night so that we could be on the road dark and early, around 9:30 am we pulled into Pop,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0030-2.jpg

Check in was a breeze, our room was even ready, and by 10:00 am we had dropped our things off in the room and were on the bus headed for the Studios!

[tinknme]

Look forward to reading more Debbie!

[MrsHeg]

We arrived at the park to discover that all the Christmas decorations were still up, they weren't up in November so we hadn't seen them yet,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0037.jpg

Our first stop was guest relations, I had decided to purchase a "Tables in Wonderland" card, we're taking our Grandson in May and between this short trip and that one it should more than pay for itself, the line was pretty long, like every other line we would encounter for the rest of the day.

Our first stop would be TOT,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0045-2.jpg

This is the wait time we ran into,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0039.jpg

So our first stop was fastpass, while we waited for our return time we had Taco salads from the turkey leg place, they're not bad and the counter service choices are pretty slim at Studios.

[MrsHeg]

After lunch we strolled around and enjoyed the views, we ran into a couple of "Citizens"

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0042-2.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0044-1.jpg

I took this one for my DGS, he had an "Incident" with Snow White and still doesn't like her. He even hid the Snow White and Seven Dwarfs ornaments that I had given my daughter so that they wouldn't be on his tree. :rotfl:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0046-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We stopped and looked at the Signaatures and prints in front of the Great Movie Ride, we're definitely Travolta fans so I took this picture. I would hear about his son later that night, my heart breaks for the family. :sad1:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0052-2.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Just for laughs we thought we would check out the stand by wait time for TSM, there were actually fast passes still available but we couldn't get any and the return time was 9:30 pm so they would definitely be gone by the time we could. This was relatively short campared to what we saw later,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0060.jpg


Grumpy really didn't want to pose here, but I convinced him to anyway,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0049.jpg

[MrsHeg]

We knew it was going to be crowded, and it definitely was. By the time we returned to TOT the standy wait time was 80 minutes, this is where the fast pass line stopped when we went in,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0074-1.jpg

There definitely wasn't going to be any TOT marathons for us this trip,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0085-1.jpg

But of course there would be a redneck picture,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0094-2.jpg

Looks like we're the only "TOT regulars" everyone else is holding o for dear life. :rotfl:

[MrsHeg]

Even though it isn't open yet, there were CM's at the entrance of American Idol, I stopped and talked with one, she said they wer trying out the sound systems, it sure looked like something was going on.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0097.jpg

We found a bench and awaited the arrival of Block Party Bash,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0099-1.jpg

I love Mr. Potato Head :love:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0101.jpg

Acouple and there two small boys sat in front of us, their oldest was hungry so his Mom got him a box of popcorn while they waited. He fell asleep halfway through the box of popcorn, with his hand still in the box. Try as they would they couldn't wake him when the parade got there, as loud as it was he was out cold. Poor thing missed it all while his brother was dancing, screaming and hugging the characters :sad2:

[MrsHeg]

We had an ADR at Prime Time for dinner, we both had the chicken dinner which was good as usual. We did decide that if we go again we will both get appetizers and split the dinner, four pieces of chicken is too much for one person.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0175.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0176.jpg

Our server did an ok job but wasn't really into the part so we didn't have the laughs we did the last time.

Up next:



The reason for the added trip!

[MrsHeg]

After much waiting I finally got to see my Osborne Lights,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0188.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0189.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0201.jpg

[MrsHeg]

Here's a short video, it's a little blurry but you get the picture

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/th_MVI_0204.jpg (http://s63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/?action=view&current=MVI_0204.flv)

[MrsHeg]

So those of you who are familiar with the story of the Osborne lights also know about the cat. Well for the past two years I found it without any real problem, not so this year.

I told Grumpy what I was looking for but he was no help, I even resorted to asking the CM's, the first two I asked he no clue what I was talking about, finally I found an older gentleman who know about it and he gave me a clue, he said that this year it was down low and on the main street, so off we went to search again . . . . . .




http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0223.jpg


Success! Grumpy was beginning to think I was nuts.

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

I love your new photos Debbie!
Great video too! I sure wish that one year we would be able to go around Christmastime!

[MrsHeg]

After the lights we headed back to TOT, boy did we time that one wrong. Fantasmic had just let out and it was like trying to swim upstream, when we made it to TOT we couldn't get across the street to the gate, it probably took five minutes!!!!

We finally made it across and barely made it in the gate when we met the end of the fastpass line, after the ride we wer done for the evening. Magic Kingdom had extra magic hours the next morning and we wanted to get some rest and be there for rope drop, so we headed back to Pop.

I have heard that you can see Illuminations from Pop if you are in the 50's building facing the lake, that is where we were on the fourth floor so I went out on the balcony at 9:00 pm to check it out. This is what I saw,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0235.jpg

[MrsHeg]

As we were watching the fireworks they appeared to be Wishes instead of Illuminations, especially when we saw heart shaped ones. Sure enough a little while later Illuminations started to the right of where we were watching,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0244.jpg

We were watching Wishes and Illuminations at the same time,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0245-1.jpg

This would have been a great spot to be on New Years Eve, you would have been able to see the fireworks at three parks at once!

Not the same as being there but neat all the less.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0248-1.jpg

[MrsHeg]

I love your new photos Debbie!
Great video too! I sure wish that one year we would be able to go around Christmastime!

Thanks Tom, you're going to have a Magical trip in three weeks, I can't wait for your report!

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

We are staying at POP. That looks like a great view of the fireworks. HMMM... I wonder if I should request 50's lake side, 4th floor?

[MrsHeg]

After the fireworks show I called it a night, Grumpy is a huge BAMA fan and found the Sugar Bowl on TV, I found out later that it was after midnight when he went to sleep, all that and they lost. :headache: :headache:

We made it for rope drop without any problem though, and one of the Women United opened the park,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0250.jpg

This tree wasn't up when we visited in November,

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0253.jpg

This was probably my most crowded rope drop, but still much better than the previous day at Studios.

[MrsHeg]

We are staying at POP. That looks like a great view of the fireworks. HMMM... I wonder if I should request 50's lake side, 4th floor?

Wishes are pretty distant, but Illuminations seemed fairly close. Even though it's not preferred the walk wasn't bad, and being on the fourth floor you don't have anyone over head.

[MrsHeg]

We had another pleasant surprise at Pop Tom, I had originally tried to book this trip at Sports because we were there in August and the rooms had been refurbed and the mattresses were new and comfortable, the last few times we were at Pop I found the beds very uncomfortable, I was pleased to find new comfortable mattresses in the room, we slept quite well.

[tinknme]

We stopped and looked at the Signaatures and prints in front of the Great Movie Ride, we're definitely Travolta fans so I took this picture. I would hear about his son later that night, my heart breaks for the family. :sad1:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h136/MrsHeg/IMG_0052-2.jpg

I really need to take the time to look at these. I love the GMR & did not realize these were there :rolleyes1