What are you celebrating? Absolutely nothing! TR writing has commenced!

[Villainess]

Prologue

Hello and welcome! :welcome:

Grab a dole whip, some popcorn:: , or a :mickeybar . Audience participation and :3dglasses are encouraged. FP's are not available at this time and for the safety of the cast, no flash photography!

I invite you, if you dare, to step aboard my pre-trip report; it travels directly to ...




































over-obsessive planning!:lmao:

[Villainess]

... and we can be a bunch of characters!

Me, Danielle, 28: Co-planner of the group, mommy to 2 wonderful children, photographer of the bunch (although learning and have to say a great big thank you to the Dis photographers!). This will be my 30th visit to WDW. I love the Villains (hence, my screenname), especially, Maleficent :maleficen , Big Bad Wolf, Evil Queen, and Jafar. My favorite attractions include POTC, HM :hmghost: , WS, and Cinderella’s Golden Carousel. MK is my favorite park followed closely by Epcot, then AK and DHS.

DD, 2: My perfect princess and oh does she love it! She loves the princesses princess: and everything about them, from dressing up to blowing kisses, waving and of course, the attention! Let me restate that. She ADORES the princesses, especially Aurora. Everything is Aurora this, Aurora that, and btw, Aurora belongs to her (or so she thinks, :lol:) Yes, we have fully entered those wonderful terrible 2's and everything is 'mine.' She also loves :donald:, ::MinnieMo and Dopey. This will be her 3rd trip to WDW. Her favorites include Cinderella's Golden Carousel, Mickey's Philharmagic, POTC, and IASW – to name *only* a few!

DS, 1: He’s my “little guy” and pirate: . Such a boy-boy! He’s the first boy for our family so both my dad and my grandfather love watching sports, golf (is this really a sport?!) and home improvement shows with him. My dad and DS also frequent Lowe’s and Home Depot together! This will be his 2nd visit. His favorites are clearly ::MickeyMo , :goofy:, and Handy Manny. Buzz Lightyear, POTC, and the Tiki Birds mesmerized him.

My mom. Nonna, 54: the overpacker of the group, former TDS ass’t mgr. She’s been to the world 30-something times. Her hands-down favorites are ::MinnieMo and Cinderella. Favorite attractions include POTC, Philharmagic, and HM.

My dad, Pop Pop, 56: Co-planner, golfer in the group. This was also his 30-something visit. His favorites are ::MickeyMo and :goofy: and enjoys POTC, Buzz Lightyear, and HM. His absolute least favorite attraction is Living with the Land (so much so that he won’t go on it and waits for us!)

My sister, Melissa, 25: other photographer in the bunch, loves all things :donald: and shares a special bond with DD over this. This is her 20-something visit to WDW. Her favorite attractions are Buzz Lightyear, RNR, and TT. Donald Duck is her favorite; she isn’t into the princess thing, never was.

My BIL, Seth, 34: not too into the character meet n greets but will pose for a few, esp. with DD and DS. I must say that he is a wonderful uncle (and my sister a wonderful aunt) to my kids; he has taught DD to table surf, karate kicks, and walk on the couch. :rolleyes1 I cannot say for sure if he has a favorite character but he does sport Donald t-shirts. He prefers the thrill rides and opts to skip parades to take advantage of the shorter queue lines.

Supporting Cast

Although they will not officially be on the trip with us, they are with us in spirit (and on the phone – A LOT!) LOL! :rotfl2: Due to my great-grandmother’s passing in August, they opted not to go on this trip as originally planned due to the funeral expenses, but have promised they are coming on the next one; I hope so because I have so many fond memories of our WDW vacations with them – and lots of hysterical stories too!

My grandmother, Mom Mom – you will hear her mentioned often, mostly for calling to find out what we're up to and to check on the kids.
**Remind me to tell you the story about Mom Mom on El Rio del Tiempo after a margarita!**

My grandfather, Dee Dad: he doesn’t call as much since Mom Mom takes over the call. He is itching to go back to WDW, and it broke his heart to have to back out of this year's plans.

[Villainess]

Yup, you read that right! 19 days including arrival and departure days. :woohoo: :yay: :dance3: :cheer2: :cool1: :banana: (Yes, I'm just a tad bit excited as it is OFFICIAL - airline tickets have been purchased!)

DD, DS, Pop Pop, and I are leaving on 4/21. Melissa and Seth are leaving on 4/21 as well, with their flight TBD; they are currently in Cabo San Lucas so when they come back they will decide if they are taking the same flight or not and they are returning 4/27. Nonna is flying down 4/24 and is staying until 5/9 with DD, DS, Pop Pop and I.


Coming up ... where to sleep, revisiting our last trip, and the countdown calendar!

[Villainess]

Some photos from our last trip to get to know us.

The whole gang
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/370178326_Fwh2Y-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383745347_64M5o-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383751684_rPv2e-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383746907_scjHR-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383784405_gVCne-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383812192_vANSW-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/368103023_B5MoF-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/368100910_pAgSZ-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/368116582_Nqfx2-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/370184259_CkMDr-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/370185137_YJVRw-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/370185940_ff6L6-M.jpg

[starlight_003]

I'll join in. Great start on your prt. Your kids are so cute. We will be at the world the same month as you. I wish the time would go faster.

[Villainess]

Hi! Thanks for joining in on the fun! I know what you mean - I want to pack already!

[Villainess]

Reliving last year's trip some more: today - AK!

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383344822_5CyBw-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383352497_JRWpc-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383359630_bEv2E-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383365848_sY84H-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383367340_HhYY7-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383371896_C9TcJ-M.jpg

BIL and my sister got home from their mini-vacation, and are looking at flights. I'm hoping they pick the same flight as us.

Pop Pop is figuring out where to stay with our DVC points. It is still between SSR and OKW or split stay between them both. He is hoping to have that settled in the next few days so we can have our "Where to eat?" meeting and can make ADRs as soon as the system is back up and running.

I'm heading out Christmas shopping since I have barely started - I need to buy gifts for 30 people in addition to my 2 children. More pics and updates to come! Happy reading!

[Leleluvsdis]

I joining too!!!!

I L-O-V-E the pic of donald and the kids!!! THIS IS PRICELESS!!!!

Can't wait to here more!!! We are going sometime in May, not sure of dates yet.

[Villainess]

I joining too!!!!

I L-O-V-E the pic of donald and the kids!!! THIS IS PRICELESS!!!!

Can't wait to here more!!! We are going sometime in May, not sure of dates yet.

Welcome! I love that pic as well! In fact, I made a photo album for gifts for Mom Mom, DeeDad and my parents and used that picture as 'The End'.

[Villainess]

How is everyone's Christmas shopping coming?

I did get quite a bit done last night although I have more than I'd like to go! I stumbled upon these great gifts that a woman makes - they are car cases that she has painted racing flags and a road and the child's name, ex Jack's Cars on it. I bought one for all the preschool/toddler boys on my list - and only $12 each! I can buy a matchbox car and still be under budget for each child. :yay: I will get my godson an extra gift since he is my godson, probably a transformer of some kind.

I also did my Gymboree shopping for DD and DS - 25% off everything in the store plus a 20% off coupon! I bought this ensemble for DD, possibly as her arriving in WDW outfit, sans the shoes - too early to guess what she will be in April/May.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/17026652.jpg

I have a few dresses I picked up last year on sale that are already in the possible WDW outfits for DD, and a couple of t's for DS as well. I know Nonna has picked up a Lightning McQueen shirt for him as he loves "Vroom Vroom!"

For me, I began Weight Watchers last January and lost 30lbs before our last trip and a total so far of 50lbs, I'd like to lose another 20-25lbs which would put me back at my old competition ballroom dancing and swimming days. I'm not buying anything for spring yet at the chance that it may be too big. Also, I really like the buy 1, get 1 $0.88 sale that JC Penney has in early April - just in time for the trip! I get my basics there, then add in some NY & Co, Limited, GAP, and Banana Republic.

That's it for now ... no news on the flight for DSis and BIL yet, hopefully soon!

Coming up ... DD and DS's suitcases, the start of a packing list (already! :scared1: ), our travel style, and our countdown calendar.

[gellybean]

I'm in! popcorn::
I love reading about any trips that involve one year olds! I'm trying to learn as much as I can before our trip in January. I've never gone to WDW with an infant so I'm a sponge for anything someone that has taken a one year old can teach me!
Keep it coming! :3dglasses

[Villainess]

I'm in! popcorn::
I love reading about any trips that involve one year olds! I'm trying to learn as much as I can before our trip in January. I've never gone to WDW with an infant so I'm a sponge for anything someone that has taken a one year old can teach me!
Keep it coming! :3dglasses


Welcome!!! I've done WDW w/ DD at 7 mos and again at19 mos, and DS at 6 mos. It is very fun! I don't bring my kids back for naps at the resort :eek: - I know, I can hear people gasping! LOL! Actually, they both sleep very well in the stroller and it is easier for them to decide when they are ready then trek back to the resort and "force" a nap on them. Good friends of mine do this and it has backfired on them on their 3 trips. May not work for everyone, but works for my kids.

[portocall]

Looking forward to more!

[Villainess]

Hi everyone! I hope you all are enjoying the holidays! Santa (or Ho Ho as DD would say) treated everyone very well. Actually, DD tell you that 'Ho Ho' didn't bring the toys, but the reindeer. She didn't like the idea of Santa coming into her house, but the reindeer - they were ok! We even fed them on Christmas Eve. It was great seeing the kids outside in their pj's sprinkling oats and glitter on the front lawn. I took about 45 pictures in 5 minutes. :rotfl2:

The debate of where to stay is in full swing! SSR or OKW or a split stay. Nonna and Pop Pop are DVC members w/ points at OKW and SSR. We usually stay at OKW though as it is my mom's favorite. I like the ambiance of it - laidback, quiet, and for us, it is 'home' since we stay here so much. Personally, I wouldn't mind trying somewhere new; I would love to stay at Boardwalk or AKL, even for a few days. (As you can see, neither of those are options for this trip since we are staying for so long and will be renting points from someone for a few of the days.) I've stayed at SSR once, but it was for 3 nights when it just opened so I didn't really experience the resort much. However, we usually stop there once during our trips to eat at the Turf Club. Yummy!!!! It is quiet, a nice view of the canal and DTD, and great food. It is probably my favorite restaurant in WDW - tied with Chefs de France!

So anyway, I thought I would offer a photo tour of both resorts. Where would you prefer to stay? The plan for either resort is to stay in 2 studios, then switch to a 1 bedroom after BIL and Dsis leave.

I will begin with our home away from home: OKW
(All photos from here (www.allearsnet.com))
lay of the land
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okwmap.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw6.jpg
Turtle Krawl
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw1.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw20.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw45.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw59.jpg
Olivia's
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw4.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw3.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw49.jpg
1bdrm kitchen
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw11.jpg
master bath
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw13.jpg
master bedrm
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw16.jpg
living room
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw17.jpg
balcony
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw19.jpg
studio
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw18.jpg
kitchenette/bath
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/okw29.jpg


Coming up - SSR photo tour ...

[Villainess]

SSR photo tour

lay of the land
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/saratogamap.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss2.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss101.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss44.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss71.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss64.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss59.jpg
Turf Club lounge area
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/turfclub.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss190.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss191.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss96.jpg
1 bdrm kitchen
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss471bd.jpg
living room area
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss116.jpg
master bedroom
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss18.jpg
studio kitchenette
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss122.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss52studio.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss8studio.jpg
playground - I wonder if I could get Pop Pop to build one like this for DD and DS?
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss197.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss195.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/ss196.jpg



Coming up ... DD and DS's luggage, countdown calendar, Christmas pictures, packing lists!

[Villainess]

... in the words of DD. Translation: We are heading into the city (NYC) via train to see the tree at Rockafeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Times Square and of course World of Disney, among other things! I called today to find out that Pluto and Minnie will be making appearances tomorrow. I'm not sure if we will make it over to Central Park, but I would love to get some pics of the kids at the Bethesda Terrace/fountain.

We certainly will not be around for this, but in previous trips to the city on 12/30 around 10:30-11:30pm, I've watched a practice run of the ball drop in Times Square. Very cool, no camera with me any of the times :headache: , and barely a crowd! :woohoo:

OK, so it is 11:42pm as I type this and DD fell asleep 15 minutes ago. No joke. She is just a bit excited about tomorrow and was rather upset when I took her out of the stroller earlier as she thought it was time to go 'bye bye' (in her pink princess nightgown, no less!). I'm taking the new twin Perego Aria stroller I bought for WDW. It will be much easier than the beast Valco I use regularly, as shown below, although ours is black.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/twin_Sunrise-Navy.gif
We brought this stroller to WDW last year and although I love it - real tires, fantastic steering, roomy for kids - it is heavy - 33lbs and bulky and hard to carry on/off the buses. Given the fact that I would like to have the freedom to take the kids to the parks if my parents choose to sit and relax at the pool, the Aria is the better choice.

Now, I need to choose outfits for the kids and myself for tomorrow, pack the diaper bag, gather all my camera stuff up, and maybe get some sleep. I did a silly thing this afternoon; I took a nap. I never take naps. Why? Well, I usually don't go to bed until rather late on any given night. It is not uncommon for me to get the kids to bed by 8:30pm and work until 3am on my work (I own an invitation design business and a hairbow/tutu/cheer bow business; I'm also toying with venturing into photography in the next 1-2 years which would mesh with the invite design but trim the design aspect down some, possibly). Since I have my own business, I'm able to stay home with my children but this also means that most of my work is done while they sleep/nap or visit with their father. So, back to why I don't take naps. If I take a nap and usually stay up until 3am and get up by 7:30am, with a nap I'm not falling asleep until 5:30-6:30am and getting up at 7:30am. See, silly thing for me to take a nap!

Have a great day tomorrow everyone! Oh, and we decided on where we're staying and have an ADR already! Care to take a guess? Winner gets a box of popcorn:: !

[Villainess]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Working on my next update w/ pics coming soon!

[starlight_003]

Happy New Year to you!!!

[Villainess]

Old Key West!!!!!

We chose our home away from home again. Actually, the decision ended up being pretty simple. We need to borrow/rent points for the last few days of our trip. We would need to borrow 115 staying at Old Key West, or 195 staying at SSR, so the decision was easy. There we have it! Pop Pop booked 2 studios for the first portion of the trip - one for Dsis and DBIL and the other for the rest of us. When they depart we will be moving into a 1 bedroom for the remainder of our stay. We requested buildings 62 and 45 for the studio stay and buildings 62, 16 or 46 for the 1 bedroom stay, preferably on the 2nd or 3rd floors. We know it isn't guaranteed, but since we can request, we do.

Some photos of OKW I took on our last trip. Funny, we were there for 16 days, I took 5000+ photos, and I barely got any resort photos and none of the room. I really need to remember to take pics of the resort, and more specifically our room - before it gets destroyed, errr that 'lived in' look! :lmao:

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/445222595_Wqv7s-M-1.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/445222690_HNkdp-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/445222824_YisLb-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/445222916_YnTqH-M.jpg



Coming Up - Christmas (photos uploading!), NYC, countdown, packing list, ADRs!

[starlight_003]

Hope you & your family had a good holiday!! We had a busy but good Christmas. My son would love that slide. I wish I could stay for 16 days but I don't think my husband would last that long. I am glad I got him to stay for 7 days. Can't wait for your next update.

[ariel2007]

Ok I finally found your report :thumbsup2

First off you kids are gorgeous, so cute :cutie:. I love the pictures from your last trip, the one of your DS in the pool is so sweet and the one of them both sleeping with Donald making a shushing gesture is just so precious. I love the little yellow outfit you picked for your DD its so cute. And well done on the 50 lbs, that is so great :cheer2:

OKW looks like a lovely resort. We haven't actually visited there before (one of the only ones we haven't), but have driven up to it on a boat and it looks so pretty. I can't wait to see your pictures from there.

Cant wait to see your pictures from New York, did you have a good time?

[Villainess]

Ok I finally found your report :thumbsup2

First off you kids are gorgeous, so cute :cutie:. I love the pictures from your last trip, the one of your DS in the pool is so sweet and the one of them both sleeping with Donald making a shushing gesture is just so precious. I love the little yellow outfit you picked for your DD its so cute. And well done on the 50 lbs, that is so great :cheer2:

OKW looks like a lovely resort. We haven't actually visited there before (one of the only ones we haven't), but have driven up to it on a boat and it looks so pretty. I can't wait to see your pictures from there.

Cant wait to see your pictures from New York, did you have a good time?

Hi and thanks for joining me! I think my kids are cute too - well most of the time! LOL! Ask me now as it is 11pm and DD is still not sleeping and I may give a slightly different answer.

OKW is very nice. It is a very relaxed, laid back, and quiet resort. If that is what you are looking for, then you will love it, but for others who prefer more action and bustle, they may be disappointed. Olivia's is a nice restaurant if you ever take the boat from DTD to visit, casual but good food. We usually visit there a few times for breakfast and dinner during our stays.

NYC was great! I'm working on those photos now and they should be uploaded in the next day or so. It was much busier this year than previous visits on 12/30 or I was more aware of it pushing a double stroller through the streets of Manhattan! It was a wonderful time and I will be most likely taking the kids up again before our Disney trip.

[Villainess]

So I thought I would sum up the month of December in one (or two) posts which will primarily be lots of pics of Christmas.

What better way to get ready for the holidays than by decorating the Christmas tree, of course! DD was quite serious in her ornament hanging duties.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449781473_5kiYq-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449777719_JuSeY-M.jpg

DS, on the other hand, has been undecking the halls since we decked them! And when he finally decided to put an ornament on the tree - he threw it in the tree! (During a visit during the holidays to my aunt and uncle's house, we couldn't find one of his shoes - he put it in the tree!) LOL!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449760101_f3Nv6-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449774281_dAFms-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449777290_mPMDq-M.jpg

We always have great expectations to be completely decorated by the end of the first weekend of December. Right. :rotfl2: We finished decorating the inside of the house about 20 minutes before guests began to arrive for my Holiday Open House/Shopping Party. My dad was outside during it sticking fake light up mini Christmas trees along the walkway. Oh, this was Dec. 14.

A few random ornaments on the tree.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449762149_arwon-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449778731_8TEGE-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449780270_yyuae-M.jpg

DD may be a photographer someday!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449770432_tL7zk-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449771407_wtQ2Z-M.jpg

And DS didn't do too bad either!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449770074_rxyAB-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449763810_GA7MV-M.jpg

One of the 17 pictures I took of the moon, Mars, and Venus. They all look like this one.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449771504_GjVKF-M.jpg

Two things our family did this December that I have no pics of - we provided Christmas dinner for 25 people at a homeless shelter - we cooked 4 course meals for 12/23, 12/24, and 12/25 with groceries for most of the rest of the week. We also do this throughout the year and other holidays, but the first time we did 3 days in a row. The other was the Holiday dinner/dance we host for the local ARC. We serve a 4 course sit down dinner to 150-200 of their participants and cap off the day with a visit from Santa! This year we sadly didn't have the volunteers to help us serve and I wasn't able to get a single picture of the day. I believe this was the 22nd year we have done it.

12/23 - my dad and I were up all night wrapping. I hate that I wait until the last minute to wrap. This year my intention was to get the paper early and warp as I bought. Well, I went looking for wrapping paper before Halloween. Yup, before Halloween. No wrapping paper. Then Nov. was ridiculously busy and I blinked and it was after Thanksgiving. Add that to this crazy thing I do about all the paper color coordinating for DD and DS and adding ribbon and bows. Of course, I couldn't find wrapping paper I liked and finally settled for paper at Target - the same wrapping for DD as the year before and snowflakes and ornaments in blue and white for DS.

I was also supposed to bake. Great intentions of baking and never got any of it done. Know what? I missed those cookies. I just ran out of time. I know have 7 packages of butter sitting in the fridge. I guess I can make butterstick people with them!

Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve day was spent organizing the house for Mom Mom, Dee Dad, Dsis and DBIL to come over later for dinner. We had sausage and peppers, stuffed shells I made - very yummy too, if I do say so myself, linguine w/ clam sauce, and meatballs. Oh, we had lots of picking food before that too! Dessert was cookies Mom Mom bought from a local Italian bakery - very good, but not the cookies we usually have, apple pie, and chocolate cake.

Christmas Eve DD and DS spend with their father, but when they come home, I get them dressed in their special Christmas pajamas. When I was growing up, we would have Christmas Eve with my grandparents and open their gifts. One of those gifts was always a pair of pajamas to be worn on Christmas Eve. Well, we don't exchange gifts on Christmas Eve anymore, saving that for Christmas Day since we don't see extended family on the actual holiday either (times have changed, not the same :sad1: ), but I am continuing the tradition of getting DD and DS coordinating pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve. Last year they wore ones from The Disney Store; I thought they were cute,
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/Cibella%20and%20Luca/IMG_6695.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/Cibella%20and%20Luca/IMG_6789.jpg
but when I went in to look for some this year, they didn't have any. Later I saw they got a couple of holiday-ish pajamas in but I didn't care for them too much and I had already picked up ones from Gymboree.

With their pajamas, coats, and shoes on it was time to go outside to put out the reindeer food! Bet you didn't know Santa's reindeer live on glitter, oats, and shimmery fake snowflakes, did you? DD was/is afraid of Santa, or Ho Ho as she calls him. From afar she would wave, blow kisses, but up close she completely freaked out. DS was intrigued by his beard and wasn't phased by him. However, DD was quite upset about the whole Ho Ho in the house. She told me that Ho Ho couldn't come and when I asked who would bring her gifts, she replied matter of factly, Pop Pop. She's got Pop Pop wrapped around her finger already! Eventually, she said that the [rein]deer could bring her presents but Santa had to stay home. I haven't figured out why deer trampling trough the house wouldn't be a problem to her. :confused3

OK, back to Christmas Eve, here we are outside sprinkling reindeer food on the lawn. DSis helped out DS who couldn't care less and had no idea what we were doing nor why. DD picked out the area on our front lawn right in front of the nativity so that the deer could say "Hi" to Mary, baby Jeshus (her pronunciation), and Joe - you know Joe right, Jeshus's daddy! LOL!

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449771935_ECVGc-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449772311_nAHvj-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449772725_n2Vig-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449773727_D8VyS-M.jpg

We said our good night's to everyone and I brought the kids up to bed; it was already way past their bedtime with the clock displaying 11pm and with no sleep the night before, I had been up for 40 hours straight! I read DD and DS Twas the Night before Christmas and DS fell asleep by page 3. DD, however got a second wind and it was almost midnight by the time she finally closed her eyes for the night. When all was said and done, I was up for 42 1 /2 hours straight.

After Santa came, I snuck downstairs and took some pictures of the tree!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449776344_ChKeo-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449775858_uqzht-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449776866_GzAwT-M.jpg


Coming Up ... Christmas morning!

[ariel2007]

He he that is so funny, my Mum always reads us Twas the night before Christmas every year too. Your kids look so cute in their holiday pj's. And I love how your DD has a bow in her hair a lot, it is so cute. Your tree looks great, and all your pressies. I hate how long they always take to wrap and then within seconds it all comes off again, I hope people appreciate our efforts :headache:

That is such a lovely thing to cook for the homeless people. Did you actually cook on those days or was that just when they got it? It sounds like you had such a busy time, with loads of cooking. I don't think I cooked once over the holidays :rolleyes1

[Villainess]

He he that is so funny, my Mum always reads us Twas the night before Christmas every year too. Your kids look so cute in their holiday pj's. And I love how your DD has a bow in her hair a lot, it is so cute. Your tree looks great, and all your pressies. I hate how long they always take to wrap and then within seconds it all comes off again, I hope people appreciate our efforts :headache:

That is such a lovely thing to cook for the homeless people. Did you actually cook on those days or was that just when they got it? It sounds like you had such a busy time, with loads of cooking. I don't think I cooked once over the holidays :rolleyes1

I think that classic story must be read in the homes of thousands on Christmas Eve! It is just a wonderful story, and my Mom Mom picked up a copy of it with these absolutely gorgeous illustrations; they are so vivid and detailed. The book is back on the book shelf in their room until next year. :sad1:

Glad you liked the pj's and DD's bow! I make all her bows; I actually have a hairbow/accessory, tutu business. I have to hide my inventory bc she thinks all the bows belong to her! LOL! She has 2 Minnie bows - one in red/black and the other in pink/purple and I just made her an Ariel bow. My project this winter while the craft shows are on hiatus is to make the other princesses: Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Jasmine, Aurora., and Pocahontas. I'll probably try Alice and Mulan as well. Hmmm... did I miss anyone?

Oh my family laughs at me with all the effort I put into wrapping. They tease, "Gee, who is this from?" I just think it looks prettier sitting under the tree!

We cooked on 12/23 and 12/24 for the three days. 12/23 was the longest cooking day, then dropped off the first 2 days' food in the early evening. On 12/24 we cooked the Christmas Day food and brought that over in the late afternoon with groceries for the rest of the week. Then we cooked for our family.

[Villainess]

DD and DS slept until 9am on Christmas Day! They never sleep this late! LOL! I remember waking up so early as a child, but I guess with the late nights they were keeping in the few days prior, they needed to catch up on their beauty rest. (And I didn't mind the extra slumber time either.)

Here they are coming down the stairs to see what Santa brought them!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449778086_EfGDB-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449778461_yxYKv-M.jpg
Santa brought DD the Disney nursery center to take care of her many dolls. She was on :cloud9: and for a good 20 minutes, or maybe more that is all she played with. The other presents yet to be unwrapped didn't even interest her!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449779067_Fx6e5-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449779405_phQa2-M.jpg

Santa brought DS a trike which he was very excited about. He wanted to sit on it immediately and open the rest of his toys while sitting on the trike.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449780553_shQHF-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449781252_Pa5U6-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449782113_7LXDX-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449781753_oF6QG-M.jpg

We had Pop Pop open his 'big gift' next. Nonna bought him a video camera since we always borrow my sister's. We figured on opening the box and filming the rest of Christmas morning, however when he opened the box, the instructions and software were missing. :mad: Oh well, we brought it back to the store the following day and exchanged it, but we missed out on the video of Christmas.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449760374_UD2GQ-M.jpg
His reaction to the gift and asking my mom, "Oh this was what you did when you said you were going to the mall and gave me the look of death when I wanted to come along." Yeah Mom and I aren't very good at lying! :rolleyes1
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449760816_9trbd-M.jpg

DD still hasn't opened any other toys yet! Still playing with the nursery center!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449782680_x9qxP-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449780867_u2XEt-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449761234_HgbUG-M.jpg

DS found some more toys. I saw these VikingToys in Norway in Epcot last year, but he was too little. I was pleasantly surprised to find them in a local mom and pop toy store. I plan on getting a few of the larger sets during our trip and shipping the home for next christmas. He also received some British toys that are friction-powered, rather than battery powered. He is really enjoying them!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449761510_t9f4m-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449761837_QzJ5g-M.jpg

DSis and DBIL came over to have breakfast with us and see the kids open up their gifts. After yummy cheese omelettes, we opened more presents.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449762456_G3Mpj-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449762932_CGjua-M.jpg

Mickey even sent the kids a gift!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449763373_QWDt5-M.jpg
Future trip planner?
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449763556_bpCHw-M.jpg

We weren't finished opening gifts, but it was time to get ready for church. All gussied up in their finest, DD, DS, Nonna, Pop Pop and I walked over to church (pretty convenient living across the street!). We met Mom Mom and Dee Dad there; they were quite happy to see me there. Since my divorce, I have been, shall we say, estranged from the church. The kids go every week, but I need to work on it. After Mass, the kids visited the large Nativity on display. Once back home, we waited for Mom Mom, Dee Dad, DSis, and DBIL to come over and restart the gift opening!

[ariel2007]

I think that classic story must be read in the homes of thousands on Christmas Eve! It is just a wonderful story, and my Mom Mom picked up a copy of it with these absolutely gorgeous illustrations; they are so vivid and detailed. The book is back on the book shelf in their room until next year. :sad1:

Glad you liked the pj's and DD's bow! I make all her bows; I actually have a hairbow/accessory, tutu business. I have to hide my inventory bc she thinks all the bows belong to her! LOL! She has 2 Minnie bows - one in red/black and the other in pink/purple and I just made her an Ariel bow. My project this winter while the craft shows are on hiatus is to make the other princesses: Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Jasmine, Aurora., and Pocahontas. I'll probably try Alice and Mulan as well. Hmmm... did I miss anyone?

Oh my family laughs at me with all the effort I put into wrapping. They tease, "Gee, who is this from?" I just think it looks prettier sitting under the tree!

We cooked on 12/23 and 12/24 for the three days. 12/23 was the longest cooking day, then dropped off the first 2 days' food in the early evening. On 12/24 we cooked the Christmas Day food and brought that over in the late afternoon with groceries for the rest of the week. Then we cooked for our family.

Wow the bows sound so cute, can we see some pictures? And I know she isn't a princess there is Tinkerbelle too, that would be cute :cutie:
And that must have been a lot of cooking, good on you :thumbsup2

My Mum still uses the book from when I was little. It has moving parts and lift the flap bits on each page and is so beautifully illustrated, I still love it :laughing:

Christmas morning looks great. I love your DD's nursery, that is so cute. And the trike too, your kids are just so cute.

[Villainess]

With the festivities beginning yet again, Pop Pop started to prepare for the evening's dinner, and DD insisted on him wearing her Aurora apron and hat. Being the good sport Pop Pop is, he not only wore it, but posed for a picture, too!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449764026_3nghD-M.jpg

More gift opening - I need to redress the kids in the Christmas outfits so I can get some formal pictures of them. All I have is them playing, running, etc. which is nice, but I need new ones for my wall!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449764806_JoxKy-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449767261_TTyYu-M.jpg
DBIL and Dee Dad taking apart all the plastic restraints on one of DD's toys. She lost interest before they got it undone. :rotfl2:
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449765444_R74g7-M.jpg
My Christmas cocktail!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449766790_RMZfa-M.jpg

DBIL and DS having fun!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449767726_W2AtS-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449767997_LbJT6-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449765762_SYjEh-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449767023_TGN3C-M.jpg

DS graduated to a booster seat. Here he is breaking it in.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449768291_9WXRm-M.jpg

Our first course.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449768593_3sNkf-M.jpg

This was followed by prime rib with a horseradish sauce (yummmm), string bean cassarole, mashed potatoes, asparagus in a cheddar sauce, Caesar salad, and lemon chicken. After a short break we had nuts and fruit. Another break and desserts consisted of cannoli, eclairs, cream puffs, napoleans, sfogliatelle, apple pie, and chocolate cake.

DS in his pj's by the window display.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/449769337_9aNgf-M.jpg

It was a very merry Christmas and we were all stuffed!

Coming Up - New York City, countdown, ADRS, and REHAB! :scared1:

[Goofy22]

Ok! I'm in joinging your trip report! Sounds fun so far! I see you are also from the Jersey Shore? Where about are you? We have also stayed at OKW numerous times becase my Father has a DVC membership that is his home resort! We love it there! especially since they have redone the pool a few years back. i have a few pics from there when we stayed it is a quiet rersort and I love love the boat aka water taxi at night to DTD! I love the kids christmas outfits! It also looks like they made out very well Santa was very good to them! :)

[ariel2007]

All your Christmas food sounds yummy, especially dessert. And I love your DD's dress, it is so pretty and Christmassy. It sounds like you had a great day, oh and I love Pop pop's apron and hat, very pretty :cutie:

[Villainess]

Ok! I'm in joinging your trip report! Sounds fun so far! I see you are also from the Jersey Shore? Where about are you? We have also stayed at OKW numerous times becase my Father has a DVC membership that is his home resort! We love it there! especially since they have redone the pool a few years back. i have a few pics from there when we stayed it is a quiet rersort and I love love the boat aka water taxi at night to DTD! I love the kids christmas outfits! It also looks like they made out very well Santa was very good to them! :)

Hi! Thanks for joining me! :yay: I am in Eatontown - where are you?
I was disappointed when OKW put the pool in, however that was bc with the pool slide came lifeguards and, as a former lifeguard and competitive swimmer, I find the Disney lifeguards quite sub-par. Our past trip, the lifeguard told me I couldn't swim under the water bc he wouldn't be able to see me. :confused3 The slide in itself seems very nice (I've never gone on it), but I'm sure I will one day get over it! LOL! Yes, Santa was very good to them. I am slowly taking things out of boxes so they don't get too overwhelmed and the older, more baby toys, esp. DS's are disappearing.

[Villainess]

All your Christmas food sounds yummy, especially dessert. And I love your DD's dress, it is so pretty and Christmassy. It sounds like you had a great day, oh and I love Pop pop's apron and hat, very pretty :cutie:

I'm glad you liked Pop Pop's apron and hat! :rotfl2: He would die if he knew I posted it up here! LOL!

[Villainess]

:scared1:














































No. No one is entering any type of facility or gone off the deep edge, but I did get your attention, didn't I? LOL?! I'm talking about an iconic monument that grasps your attention as your MK bus approaches. The perfect backdrop to Wishes from the CR balcony. That third white mountain...

Yes, I'm talking about Space Mountain. After countless threads in the Rumors board, "Is it? Isn't it?" "When will we know?" "What will it be like?" "When will it go down?" "For how long?" Our questions have been answered. Well, some of them, at least! Space Mountain is officially going into rehab April 19. April 19. Yup. 2 days BEFORE we get there! 2 lowsy days!!! 2 days!!!!!!!! Ahhhh... :eek:

OK, I have no problems with attractions going into rehab. It's a necessity in order for WDW to be the high quality, nothing-like-it, WDW we all love, and not turn into their theme park spoof Lester's Possum Park, in A Goofy Movie. But, this will be the third year in a row we have missed something by a 2-4 day window! In 2006, we missed the debut of the MGM, err, DHS Block Party Bash by 3 or 4 days. Last year, we missed the DVC preview of TSM by 2 days. And this year we are missing a final ride on the original track of SM. Bummer.

I was hoping to get a couple more pictures like this on our trip.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/451816755_gdPmk-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/451816678_jqLBF-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/451816599_DdnAi-M.jpg

Hey, this is a PTR! We're going to WDW! I should be doing a happy dance. :dance3: And, I am. It's just my little, "Oh man," so upon our arrival I will be as giddy as my children and skipping off to the "Pardon our appearance while we renovate this area for your future enjoyment," signs to takes pics of it and whatever else I see! Not so bad, right?

[ariel2007]

I know I am gutted about it, I love that ride. And the people mover too.

[xoktenox]

Hey, just found your PTR over on Ariel's and I'm joining in! I have to say your kids are absolutely ADORABLE! I loved their matching pj's and how your DD calls Joseph Joe, I was really laughing out loud about that :rotfl:

btw, we'll be there at the same time! my BF and I are going April 19-26 so we'll be getting there the first day SM is closed :sad2: I'm pretty upset because I really love SM. Can't wait to read more :goodvibes

[Goofy22]

Hi! Thanks for joining me! :yay: I am in Eatontown - where are you?
I was disappointed when OKW put the pool in, however that was bc with the pool slide came lifeguards and, as a former lifeguard and competitive swimmer, I find the Disney lifeguards quite sub-par. Our past trip, the lifeguard told me I couldn't swim under the water bc he wouldn't be able to see me. :confused3 The slide in itself seems very nice (I've never gone on it), but I'm sure I will one day get over it! LOL! Yes, Santa was very good to them. I am slowly taking things out of boxes so they don't get too overwhelmed and the older, more baby toys, esp. DS's are disappearing.

OK! I'm from South Jersey miles from Wildwood! I hear what you saying about the lifegaurds that's ridiculous about the underwater swimming! That's ashame that space mountain will be closed! I love that ride!

[kgle]

I am signing on! Your family seems great! I especially love the picture of Pop Pop in the apron- very fitting ;) Oh yeah and "Joe" Jeshus' father hahaha.

Your kids are so adorable :) I know all about the terrible twos and we will be entering the Torturous 3s here in a few months unfortunately.

Totally jealous that you get to do WDW for 19 days. We will get there some day!

Can't wait to read the rest!

[Villainess]

I know I am gutted about it, I love that ride. And the people mover too.

The People Mover - yes I still call it that, too (it will never be TTA!), is such a great relaxer ride.

Hey, just found your PTR over on Ariel's and I'm joining in! I have to say your kids are absolutely ADORABLE! I loved their matching pj's and how your DD calls Joseph Joe, I was really laughing out loud about that :rotfl:

btw, we'll be there at the same time! my BF and I are going April 19-26 so we'll be getting there the first day SM is closed :sad2: I'm pretty upset because I really love SM. Can't wait to read more :goodvibes

Thanks for joining in! The more the merrier! :yay: Awww - thanks for thinking my kids are adorable; I do offer them for rent when they are having their 'moments' :rotfl2: j/k!

Neat - where are you staying while your there?

OK! I'm from South Jersey miles from Wildwood! I hear what you saying about the lifegaurds that's ridiculous about the underwater swimming! That's ashame that space mountain will be closed! I love that ride!

My aunt and uncle, and my cousins have condos in Wildwood Crest so we usually go down there for a couple of long weekends throughout the summer. I also have some of my hair bows, tutus, etc in a boutique in Stone Harbor.

I am signing on! Your family seems great! I especially love the picture of Pop Pop in the apron- very fitting ;) Oh yeah and "Joe" Jeshus' father hahaha.

Your kids are so adorable :) I know all about the terrible twos and we will be entering the Torturous 3s here in a few months unfortunately.

Totally jealous that you get to do WDW for 19 days. We will get there some day!

Can't wait to read the rest!

Oh no! Torturous 3's?!!!! :scared1: Geez, I was hoping there was a light at the end of the tunnel coming in the nearer future! Silly me! :lmao:

[Villainess]

101 Mickey Heads ... If one of those Mickey Heads should happen to fall ...

Everybody sing!

:drinking1


Today, err yesterday, marked 101 days until we will be standing on Main St. with that look of awe and amazement, a tear rolling down my face, and Pop Pop, DSis, and DBIL laughing hysterically at the sap standing before them. (Thought this was going to be sentimental, huh?) My intention was to post this yesterday, and here it is 2:19am and today, not yesterday. Yup. This is what happens when the kids decide they are not tired AFTER having their eyes completely shut; then upon finally getting them to bed, remembering that the upcoming pics were taken as RAW files not jpgs and that they would need to be converted, all with the computer programs I had running not wanting to respond to my impatient tapping and clicking.

With that ... I "planned" today/yesterday/whatever as 'Disney Day.' OK, something about my family - don't plan. Doesn't work. Ever. I thought we could make Mickey pancakes, watch Disney movies all day, bake cookies, and finish putting together the countdown and officially hang it on the wall.

What happened? This past week DS and Nonna got the stomach bug on Sunday night :sick: , Wednesday morning I got it, Nonna re-catches it on Thurs. and goes to the dr. on Friday. Friday night I go to Shop Rite to get Nonna sherbert and rolls since the dr. told her to eat bland foods for a few days. Don't know how she categorizes sherbert as bland, but whatever floats your boat! :boat: During my late-night food shopping run, I pick up some other items since the weather report (and why do we ever listen to the weather reports?) predicted 4-6 inches of snow. What do I forget? The pancake batter mix. Yup. Of course, I realize this when I am unpacking the groceries and misc. toiletries I purchased to go in the 'Disney box'. See where my mind is? When I express my frustration, Pop Pop informs me he has a meeting to go to and won't be home until 1:30pm or so. Nonna isn't eating pancakes regardless and the mini Aunt Jemima ones in the freezer were looking to be ideal at that point.

My consolation prize - I made Mickeyroni & Cheese for dinner Friday night. Yes, I know, I should have planned it to go with the theme of Saturday, I know, I know. Oh well. I've never eaten it before. I've had the Mickey pasta many times, but not this. The jury is still out - not sure if it's bc it's cheddar cheese or what. It wasn't awful, but not Kraft.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452714351_dVDac-M.jpg

DD and DS woke up at their normal early scheduled awakening. This usually doesn't bother me, but since I was just sick and didn't get much recoup time, I tried to coax them back to sleep. (Yeah, I know, it's 2:30am and I could be having recoup time now, but this is more important, right?) We get up, Playhouse Disney is on the TV, I make them some chocolate milk (their weekend treat!), and I declare, "We're having pancakes!" DS looks at me with this serious, blank stare and just shakes his head no vehemently . DD is much more animated, jumping up and down, then running to the freezer door, placing her arms across it and yelling, "No Mimi!" (what she calls me only when she really wants something or more importantly, doesn't want something or to do something). She then proceeds to get the box of crumb cake I bought at the grocery bakery, rubbing her tummy and licking her lips!

What did we eat? Yup - crumb cake! We watched Disneyland Fun and Beach Party Sing Alongs - I lost count at round 6 for Disneyland and round 4 for Beach Party, followed by Pete's Dragon and the Princess Enchanted Tales while DS took a nap. Nonna decided to spend the morning in bed chatting on the phone rather than enjoy our very loud dancing, toy playing, and silly Disney day. Oh well - I guess she still isn't feeling too great. :( Pop Pop came home around 1:30-ish and brought lunch! DS and DD just woke up for naps so they were hungry! They had pizza, I had a cheesesteak that DD stole part of, Pop Pop had a chicken parm sub, and Nonna had a turkey sub sans the fixings so we're basically talking plain turkey on a roll.

After lunch Pop Pop, DD, and I went to Babies R Us to buy new safety gates. DD learned how to open the ones we had and would let DS out. :scared: At DS's age, DD handled stairs up and down very well. DS knows what to do but he is a daredevil and wants to go face first. I think he does it to push my buttons bc he will walk towards the stairs, stop, look at me, smile and laugh this Grim Grinning Ghost laugh, plop on the floor like he is going head first, and ultimately decide to turn around on his belly and go down feet first. But I'm going to have a heart attack if this continues. Nonna stayed home w/ DS since the weather was crummy - no real snow, some flakes and a light covering (DD enjoyed catching snowflakes on her tongue) but cold and DS hates his coat (just like his mommy!). He was quite content playing with his cars and toy car garage/ramp thing. Not so content once he woke up from his nap to find a new gate; unfortunately the other 2 we bought have to be returned bc parts were missing from both. Ugghh! I hate when that happens!

Alright, back to Disney Day. I finished up the countdown while DS was napping with Nonna. DD was playing and helping by sorting the colors of the extra Mickey Heads we stole from Home Depot :rolleyes1 and watching one of the Sing-a-longs on repeat (I tuned it out!) We snacked on moons, too!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452733367_yLnWW-M.jpg
DD calls munchkins moons bc the white powdered ones look like the moon to her. Quite creative, I think!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452732569_eUsjH-M.jpg

The breakdown of the cost of making a countdown calendar:
- 101, ok, ok more like 140 colored Mickey Heads from Home Depot - $0
- White foam board I had on hand that was a project mess up, reused the
back that was not marked up - $0
- Red grosgrain ribbon I have in house for my hair bow business -$0
- Misc. tools (scissors, lighter to heat seal ribbon) - on hand -$0
- Glue dots -$3.99
- Silver metallic pen - purchased for Christmas gift tags, reused -$4.39
Looking pretty good, right?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Ridiculous amount of scrapbooking stickers and appliques DD and DS picked
out with my encouragement!


-







-








-









Ready?






















Really Ready?















OK, you asked for it!















I warned you!

















http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452785061_iYqcC-M.jpg



PRICELESS!!!!! :scared1:


Here are the freebies
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452711256_iEw8A-M.jpg

Here are the $50+ stickers
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452729883_n9Nrm-M.jpg

The base Mickey - next time I will get black foam, but I just used what I already had
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452729656_neAnw-M.jpg

Laying them out to see how they would fit
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452731796_uTkRY-M.jpg

The final countdown! We hung it on the door to the den/office next to our pin wall.

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452734493_RK6Pw-M.jpg
(please excuse the doorknob-less door; Pop Pop is replacing all the bedroom and den doors in the upstairs and Nonna hasn't picked out the ones she likes yet)

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452735245_Z3Gur-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452736044_u6GuT-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452741603_o8TRC-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452737507_Zg3tN-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452739020_PP5kz-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452740011_LPNK7-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452740820_6iara-M.jpg


So the official countdown has begun!!!!!!!


As it is now 3:40am, I am going to end this very long update and attempt to get some shut eye!


Coming Up ... NYC (no, I haven't forgotten, still processing the 300+ pics), ADRS, the Disney box, and a birthday!

[Goofy22]

The People Mover - yes I still call it that, too (it will never be TTA!), is such a great relaxer ride.



Thanks for joining in! The more the merrier! :yay: Awww - thanks for thinking my kids are adorable; I do offer them for rent when they are having their 'moments' :rotfl2: j/k!

Neat - where are you staying while your there?



My aunt and uncle, and my cousins have condos in Wildwood Crest so we usually go down there for a couple of long weekends throughout the summer. I also have some of my hair bows, tutus, etc in a boutique in Stone Harbor.



Oh no! Torturous 3's?!!!! :scared1: Geez, I was hoping there was a light at the end of the tunnel coming in the nearer future! Silly me! :lmao:

That's really cool! What Boutique in Stone Harbor? My Parents live in North Wildwood in a condo! My mother works in a store in Wildwood yr round. The owners of the store actually live in WW Crest! I live apprx 15 min off the Island! When I purchased my house I knew I didn't want to be in the middle of the craziness in the summer! Some summers I don't even go over there ! I goto Cape May Beach instead . It's a Small World isn't it?

[jackdis]

Great report! I'm hooked. We just got back and will be going again in Feb.

Tell me about your "pin board." What a great idea! We have so many just sitting in a box. I would love to display them.

Also, congrats on the WW. I know it's work!!!

[MainStMandy]

Great report! Can't wait to read more :)

[xoktenox]

What a great countdown you guys made! I can't believe how much the stickers cost :scared1: Who woulda thunk it? :laughing: Hope you at least got to do a little bit of your Disney day you planned for today!

[starlight_003]

Great job on the countdown calendar!!

[littleboss]

Hi! Thanks for joining in on the fun! I know what you mean - I want to pack already!

:laughing: I have started packing!!:laughing: Call me crazy.
I love the pics, the one with baby at the pool is to die for.

[Villainess]

That's really cool! What Boutique in Stone Harbor? My Parents live in North Wildwood in a condo! My mother works in a store in Wildwood yr round. The owners of the store actually live in WW Crest! I live apprx 15 min off the Island! When I purchased my house I knew I didn't want to be in the middle of the craziness in the summer! Some summers I don't even go over there ! I goto Cape May Beach instead . It's a Small World isn't it?

It certainly is a Small World! The boutique is called Alice. It opened there this past fall, but was in Ocean City? - can't remember - before the building they leased was sold.

Great report! I'm hooked. We just got back and will be going again in Feb.

Tell me about your "pin board." What a great idea! We have so many just sitting in a box. I would love to display them.

Also, congrats on the WW. I know it's work!!!

:welcome: Lucky - where are you staying? Tentative future trips for us include Christmas 2009 and DL in Feb. 2010 to celebrate my 30th :scared1: bday.

I'll post some pics of the pin board!

Great report! Can't wait to read more :)

:cool1: Thanks for joining me!

What a great countdown you guys made! I can't believe how much the stickers cost :scared1: Who woulda thunk it? :laughing: Hope you at least got to do a little bit of your Disney day you planned for today!

I think my jaw dropped a bit when the cashier told me the total. Oh well, the kids are enjoying it. They removed the first Mickey today; actually, DS removed 4 so we had to put those back. I had to explain that taking off more than 1 Mickey doesn't speed up the days (I wish!).

Great job on the countdown calendar!!

Thank you! Glad you like it. :thumbsup2

[kgle]

I am loving the countdown! You guys did an awesome job!

[tinkgurl]

Okay, I'm in! I LOVE all the pictures/stories so far. The little ones are adorable. Thanks for sharing your Christmas with us!

[Villainess]

Pop Pop decided to create a pin wall display in our den/office so that we can actually look at the pins we have bought/traded/collected for the past 4 years rather than have them sit in binders and such.

He ordered cork on a roll and built a frame around it. It was lots of fun holding this thing up while he screwed it into the wall! :rotfl2:

These pics were taken a few days after we started putting the pins up. We now have 1050+ on the wall and still have my pin collection to put up (3 binders and 4 carry cases/messenger bags). There is a bit of organization to the wall - each park is grouped together, fab 5 together, DVC/AP pins together, lanyard series together, holidays, etc, etc, etc.

He is going to be making another pin wall soon as we are already running out of space. He is also talking about track lighting to see the pins better. :rolleyes1 Don't worry! The only people who go in the den/office are ourselves, DSis, and DBIL. It is up in the bedroom area of the house so our family won't think we have gone completely overboard! OK, well they already do! LOL!

Without further ado, here are the pins on parade!

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452730565_aeSa4-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452737946_RdLD4-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452744215_vaPtE-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452744959_kypP3-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452742833_5z6Ge-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452743529_HPZXk-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452745706_vR8Q9-M.jpg






Today we had a late breakfast at a local diner we frequent. Frequent. Yeah right. They know us; the kids know them and feel right at home walking over to them and asking to be picked up. They joke that the renovation they just completed was funded 1/3 by our family. OK, so we go there a lot. Probably too much, but it's good food and I don't cook breakfast. Anyway ...

After breakfast we stopped at the mall so Nonna could pick up her new glasses. Of course no trip to the mall is complete without a stop at The Disney Store! :dance3: You know you have your kids brainwashed when the recognize the surrounding stores and start yelling "Donald Duck Mommy!" as they try to wiggle out of the stroller. So, twist my arm (HAHA!) we go to the Disney Store. Pop Pop picked out a Donald tee for DS and a pink Aurora tee for DD that she had gotten for Christmas. Then he picked out a pink Daisy tee. These are adult ones I found at Disneyshopping, and I think DS's is grey but they are close! Only $4.99 each!
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/B5701M0012M.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/B5701F0010M.jpg

I looked for some tee's for me, but they didn't have anything. This one from Disneyshopping is cute
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/100427M.jpg
BUT I think I will have to print this out and put this somewhere Nonna and Pop Pop can find it. I have a birthday coming up!
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/100436M.jpg

After paying and letting the kids take a WDW vacation brochure, we wave goodbye to the fab 5 statues and head over to Hallmark. Pop Pop mentioned that DSis missed not getting an ornament at Christmas as we always had in the past. Growing up, each of us had a series of ornaments we collected. The last item we opened in our stocking would be that year's ornament for our series. Pop Pop's and my series have long ended (I loved my rocking horse collection!), but my parents would still get an ornament they thought I would like. Pop Pop bought Nonna's her ornament but they both forgot to get ornaments for DSis and myself (Pop Pop buys lots of ornaments when they are released in the summer so Nonna picks one and wraps it since he hasn't liked any of the series ones lately). Into Hallmark they went to see if they could find any ornament DSis would like. As luck would have it, there was one ornament left of DSis's actual series! :woohoo: So they bought it for her, but they didn't get me an ornament. :guilty:

I had looked in The Disney Store for a notebook I could get to take with us to WDW so I can jot down each days memorable moments, photo tips and notes, etc. See I'm already planning the TR! Unfortunately, they didn't have anything other than Camp Rock, Phineaus and Ferb, and High School Musical. Not interested.

I debated for 10 minutes - no exaggeration - over which Vera Bradley pattern to get. (Sidenote: I love VB bags!!!!! I have 2 VB diaper bags and 2 Villager bags. I am in the market for a new bag, but I'm waiting until the trip is closer to decide which pattern I want, and I'm going to buy some coordinating accessories. [Read: I can't choose a pattern bc I like about 4 at the moment] ) I ultimately chose this one, but may go back and get the Raspberry Fizz pattern one too! After all, there is only 160 pages in the notebook and I'll have 19 pages worth of TR to write! That's only 8 pages/day!
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/MNVB-3582.png

With a small bag for myself, we decided to leave the mall and go to Babies R Us and exchange the safety gate I had bought yesterday. We re-examined all the gates, bought another of the brand we had just returned and a third. We are still looking for a 4th but this is for an extra wide stairway and we have iron banisters so it is very difficult to find something that will work.

We are done shopping and head home. Pop Pop installs one of the new gates, and let me tell you DS and DD are not happy! DD used to be able to move about the house but not anymore. DS just hates being trapped and is trying with all his might to figure out how to open the gate, break the gate, tear it down, etc. One thing: these gates are a PIA! I can barely open them. With two very upset children I started dinner - Pot Roast. Easy once it gets going and we ate pretty early tonight.

Then I had the lovely fortune of going grocery shopping - real shopping, not sherbert and toiletries for WDW! I decided at the end of my shopping that I want to cook Chinese this week, so I began my 2nd loop around the store to pick up everything I needed. It would be so much easier to order take out, but nooooooooooo I have to be severely allergic to MSG and most of the restaurants here use it in all their food. A piece of useless info: did you know that Doritoes have MSG?

Wow. Not only did you get to see the pins on parade, but an entire rundown of our day. And a free box of popcorn:: too! What a deal! LOL!

[Villainess]

I am loving the countdown! You guys did an awesome job!

Thank you! I've had to do some minor reconstructive surgery to it as the glue dots I bought apparently are removable ones and not the permanent ones so they aren't sticking to well to the grosgrain ribbon. I've been gluing them on now.

Okay, I'm in! I LOVE all the pictures/stories so far. The little ones are adorable. Thanks for sharing your Christmas with us!

Thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying the stories and pictures!

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi there! :wave: I found you via that express monorail...LOL! Count me in for your PTR! Since we will be there at the same time I figured we could pass the time together!

The pics of your kids are absolutely beautiful! :thumbsup2

Also bummed about Space Mountain being closed.... :mad:

Looking forward to more! popcorn:: :surfweb:

[DARuss]

WOW. Nice pin board. Don't DW would be too happy with me if I were to try something like that. We are only just starting our collection so maybe in a couple of years I might talk her into something close to that. :confused3

Loving the updates. subbin' to enjoy the fun.

[Goofy22]

Pop Pop decided to create a pin wall display in our den/office so that we can actually look at the pins we have bought/traded/collected for the past 4 years rather than have them sit in binders and such.

He ordered cork on a roll and built a frame around it. It was lots of fun holding this thing up while he screwed it into the wall! :rotfl2:

These pics were taken a few days after we started putting the pins up. We now have 1050+ on the wall and still have my pin collection to put up (3 binders and 4 carry cases/messenger bags). There is a bit of organization to the wall - each park is grouped together, fab 5 together, DVC/AP pins together, lanyard series together, holidays, etc, etc, etc.

He is going to be making another pin wall soon as we are already running out of space. He is also talking about track lighting to see the pins better. :rolleyes1 Don't worry! The only people who go in the den/office are ourselves, DSis, and DBIL. It is up in the bedroom area of the house so our family won't think we have gone completely overboard! OK, well they already do! LOL!

Without further ado, here are the pins on parade!

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452730565_aeSa4-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452737946_RdLD4-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452744215_vaPtE-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452744959_kypP3-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452742833_5z6Ge-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452743529_HPZXk-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/452745706_vR8Q9-M.jpg






Today we had a late breakfast at a local diner we frequent. Frequent. Yeah right. They know us; the kids know them and feel right at home walking over to them and asking to be picked up. They joke that the renovation they just completed was funded 1/3 by our family. OK, so we go there a lot. Probably too much, but it's good food and I don't cook breakfast. Anyway ...

After breakfast we stopped at the mall so Nonna could pick up her new glasses. Of course no trip to the mall is complete without a stop at The Disney Store! :dance3: You know you have your kids brainwashed when the recognize the surrounding stores and start yelling "Donald Duck Mommy!" as they try to wiggle out of the stroller. So, twist my arm (HAHA!) we go to the Disney Store. Pop Pop picked out a Donald tee for DS and a pink Aurora tee for DD that she had gotten for Christmas. Then he picked out a pink Daisy tee. These are adult ones I found at Disneyshopping, and I think DS's is grey but they are close! Only $4.99 each!
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/B5701M0012M.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/B5701F0010M.jpg

I looked for some tee's for me, but they didn't have anything. This one from Disneyshopping is cute
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/100427M.jpg
BUT I think I will have to print this out and put this somewhere Nonna and Pop Pop can find it. I have a birthday coming up!
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/100436M.jpg

After paying and letting the kids take a WDW vacation brochure, we wave goodbye to the fab 5 statues and head over to Hallmark. Pop Pop mentioned that DSis missed not getting an ornament at Christmas as we always had in the past. Growing up, each of us had a series of ornaments we collected. The last item we opened in our stocking would be that year's ornament for our series. Pop Pop's and my series have long ended (I loved my rocking horse collection!), but my parents would still get an ornament they thought I would like. Pop Pop bought Nonna's her ornament but they both forgot to get ornaments for DSis and myself (Pop Pop buys lots of ornaments when they are released in the summer so Nonna picks one and wraps it since he hasn't liked any of the series ones lately). Into Hallmark they went to see if they could find any ornament DSis would like. As luck would have it, there was one ornament left of DSis's actual series! :woohoo: So they bought it for her, but they didn't get me an ornament. :guilty:

I had looked in The Disney Store for a notebook I could get to take with us to WDW so I can jot down each days memorable moments, photo tips and notes, etc. See I'm already planning the TR! Unfortunately, they didn't have anything other than Camp Rock, Phineaus and Ferb, and High School Musical. Not interested.

I debated for 10 minutes - no exaggeration - over which Vera Bradley pattern to get. (Sidenote: I love VB bags!!!!! I have 2 VB diaper bags and 2 Villager bags. I am in the market for a new bag, but I'm waiting until the trip is closer to decide which pattern I want, and I'm going to buy some coordinating accessories. [Read: I can't choose a pattern bc I like about 4 at the moment] ) I ultimately chose this one, but may go back and get the Raspberry Fizz pattern one too! After all, there is only 160 pages in the notebook and I'll have 19 pages worth of TR to write! That's only 8 pages/day!
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b220/lunanstarz/MNVB-3582.png

With a small bag for myself, we decided to leave the mall and go to Babies R Us and exchange the safety gate I had bought yesterday. We re-examined all the gates, bought another of the brand we had just returned and a third. We are still looking for a 4th but this is for an extra wide stairway and we have iron banisters so it is very difficult to find something that will work.

We are done shopping and head home. Pop Pop installs one of the new gates, and let me tell you DS and DD are not happy! DD used to be able to move about the house but not anymore. DS just hates being trapped and is trying with all his might to figure out how to open the gate, break the gate, tear it down, etc. One thing: these gates are a PIA! I can barely open them. With two very upset children I started dinner - Pot Roast. Easy once it gets going and we ate pretty early tonight.

Then I had the lovely fortune of going grocery shopping - real shopping, not sherbert and toiletries for WDW! I decided at the end of my shopping that I want to cook Chinese this week, so I began my 2nd loop around the store to pick up everything I needed. It would be so much easier to order take out, but nooooooooooo I have to be severely allergic to MSG and most of the restaurants here use it in all their food. A piece of useless info: did you know that Doritoes have MSG?

Wow. Not only did you get to see the pins on parade, but an entire rundown of our day. And a free box of popcorn:: too! What a deal! LOL!

That Pin Board is amazing! And your count down calendar is too cute also!

[jackdis]

LOVE the pin board!!! Thanks for the pictures!
And I also love that little Mickey hand on the bookshelf to the left of the pin board!

[xoktenox]

Wow that is an insane amount of pins, I'm jealous!

Love the Disney shirts and I also am sooo in love with VB! I bought a VB hipster in the pink elephants pattern (it was retiring and cheap and cute) and then I got a wallet and wristlet to match. About a week ago I ordered a new laptop case in caffe latte, I loooveee it! I didn't know they had notebooks though...I need to stay off ebay or else I'll spend wayyy to much money :laughing:

[tinkgurl]

I love the idea of displaying all your pins like that! And I love those shirts! You should definately ask for them.

[Villainess]

Hi there! :wave: I found you via that express monorail...LOL! Count me in for your PTR! Since we will be there at the same time I figured we could pass the time together!

The pics of your kids are absolutely beautiful! :thumbsup2

Also bummed about Space Mountain being closed.... :mad:

Looking forward to more! popcorn:: :surfweb:

Glad you found me! :yay: Thank you; I'm glad you like the pics. Oh, also completely bummed about TTA being closed now too. Actually just plain mad! :mad: Hopefully, they will update a few of the windows and such on it though!

WOW. Nice pin board. Don't DW would be too happy with me if I were to try something like that. We are only just starting our collection so maybe in a couple of years I might talk her into something close to that. :confused3

Loving the updates. subbin' to enjoy the fun.

Thanks. Nonna wasn't thrilled with it at first, but then she figured that they have spent $$$$ on these things to only sit in a binder and never be seen. Also the room isn't a room that visitors go in, well now they do as Pop Pop shows everyone the pin board! LOL! I'm sure no one is surprised by it in our family; our entire house is decorated in Disney!

That Pin Board is amazing! And your count down calendar is too cute also!

Thank you. The kids are having fun pulling off the Mickey's.

LOVE the pin board!!! Thanks for the pictures!
And I also love that little Mickey hand on the bookshelf to the left of the pin board!

Thank you! The little Mickey hand is actually a book end; there is another one on the other side of the shelf w/ a turquoise book. They used to actually be used as book ends but now we have too many books, they are just decor. Nonna got them when she was a manager at TDS (way before TCP took over).

Wow that is an insane amount of pins, I'm jealous!

Love the Disney shirts and I also am sooo in love with VB! I bought a VB hipster in the pink elephants pattern (it was retiring and cheap and cute) and then I got a wallet and wristlet to match. About a week ago I ordered a new laptop case in caffe latte, I loooveee it! I didn't know they had notebooks though...I need to stay off ebay or else I'll spend wayyy to much money :laughing:

I love the idea of displaying all your pins like that! And I love those shirts! You should definately ask for them.

I have a Villager in the caffe latte pattern and the peacock pattern. I also have a diaper bag in java blue and some other one that was pink/orange, but can't find the name of right now. I bought my mom a mini hipster in Mediterrean blue for Christmas. Right now I like Raspberry Fizz, Capri Melon (which is being discontinued), Mediterrean blue - but since Nonna has it, I probably won't get it, and Pinwheel Pink. I'm waiting to see if anything else may come out before the trip though! Looking at their site, they released a bunch last January, so I'm hoping they will release some soon!

Right now, VB is having lots of sales; the mini notebook I bought is $14 - what I paid at Hallmark, but on the Vera site it is on sale for $10. (Why I'm contemplating the other one!) Lots of other stuff on sale there too and free shipping (code: HAPPYNEWYEAR) on orders of $75 or more ends today. I know, I'm sure this isn't helping you save money, right? :rotfl2:

[Lady Lallie]

I'm jumping on board your PTR. :goodvibes

Your kids are adorable! You also take awesome photos, they are really great.

I love your countdown calendar and your awesome pin wall. That is too cool.

Looking forward to reading more. :thumbsup2

[ariel2007]

Sounds like you have had a busy weekend, great updates. I love having Disney days, they make the upcoming trip even more exciting. Your calender looks great, I love all the stickers. I always spend a crazy amount on stickers too, and then they all just end up in a drawer. So at least yours are for a good cause. I love the girls ear and the boys ear on the big Mickey head, and the Peter Pan stickers are so cute. Good job. I cannot believe how many pins you have. We have about a tenth of what you have and they have invaded our house so cannot imagine how much room they take up. Pins are just so addictive, Disney know how to get us don't they.

[Villainess]

FINALLY! My NYC report - only what 2 weeks after I went!

I'm sure this is going to take a few posts with the amount of photos I have, so I encourage you to sit back, grab some popcorn:: and :surfweb:

I'll begin on the eve of the trip: 12/29. I was able to get the kids to bed at a very undecent hour after baths, DD's numerous trips to the bathroom (woo hoo for being potty trained - no more diapers! :woohoo: 1 down, 1 to go!), and DS's extra cup of milk. I was supposed to be getting everything together for the morning, but what was I doing? DIS'ing? Is that a word? OK, well now it is! Hey, if the anacronym Rachel Ray coined, EVOO, can make it into the Webster's Dictionary, than I believe, so can DIS'ing! Actually, I think I was posting a chapter in here. After getting most of the stuff together, I went to bed at a very late hour.

Nonna was going to wake me up at 7 since she was getting up at 6:30am. I woke up on my own at 8. She didn't get up until after 7 and headed straight to the shower. Pop Pop was up and playing with the pin wall. I got DS ready first and handed him over to Pop Pop. Next, chase DD around the house with her panties. Don't want to wear Pooh? OK, how about Minnie? Daisy? Ariel? Snow White? :laundy: I don't remember she ended up in. Pop Pop drops DS back off and continues to work on the pins. Ummmm... I still have to get dressed? "Oh." I get dressed quickly and proceed downstairs with DD and DS in tow to finish packing up the diaper bag.

Nonna comes downstairs and the checklist begins. "Danielle, do you have ..." "Yes." "Yes." "Uh huh." "Yup." "Mom! I got it." "Oh, ok. I was just making sure!" It wouldn't be a big deal if she didn't do this on every outing. Moms! LOL!

We call to Pop Pop that we are ready. And call again. He is still playing with the pins. Finally, he comes down. Oh, wait. "Have you seen my glasses?" No, he's not wearing them. Nonna and I are never really phased by this question or "Have you seen my ___________ (wallet, keys, cell phone - insert one)." We checked all the usual places while the kids impatiently waited in the foyers bundled up in their coats and hats. We couldn't find them anywhere and Pop Pop says he hasn't seen them since Christmas. Oh, well they could be anywhere then! With Pop Pop now grumpy he tells us to go to breakfast without him. Wonderful! I knew where this was going. :rolleyes:

Nonna and I take the kids to the diner and we have breakfast. She calls to see if he wants her to pick him up but he says no. He hasn't found his glasses and now he doesn't want to go. I'm miffed. Nonna is calling him a baby and we are in a sour mood. After breakfast my feeling was that we wouldn't go and make him feel really bad for ruining our day. Nonna said we would go without him, but I hated that idea.

Back to the house we went. The 10:04am train we were supposed to be on was probably leaving the train station as we pulled in the driveway. Pop Pop decides to walk over to the church (we live across the street from it) to see if he had left them there when we cooked dinner for the homeless shelter. Meanwhile, I'm lugging the kids back in the house since the next train isn't until 11:33am. Nonna calls Mom Mom and no his glasses aren't there either (Pop Pop was over there helping Dee Dad fix a toilet). I don't know what made Nonna look at the wine fridge, but sitting atop it next to the corkscrew was Pop Pop's glasses. She immediately drove over to the church, glasses in hand to pick him up. :headache:

What a different mood he was in when he walked in the door! LOL! I guess Nonna had some words, but everyone was going! After rebundling up DD and DS, we pack up the car and head to the train station. Finding a parking spot was easy since it was a holiday week. Pop Pop and DD went to buy the tickets and $60 later he comes back with tickets in hand. Immediately Nonna and my hand extend to retrieve the tickets.

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454246817_AQw6z-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454230234_FfAYF-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454249265_RZoQR-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454251587_sdniK-M.jpg

As the gates come down, we gather all our stuff and wait for the train to come to a stop. The train was relatively empty, but within the next 2 stops, that would change. We find our seats and get settled in. DD and DS were very excited. DD loved looking out the window and I think DS was most excited about not being strapped in his car seat. He was free!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454254201_oQiyd-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454256457_g9pDJ-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454258482_fmvAf-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454231743_TNK9N-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454261292_kA5ry-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454264017_RwCDw-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454230417_i4GvF-M.jpg

Like all good things, the newness of the train wore off and I was quickly pulling out books and such to keep them entertained. DS was tired so Pop Pop walked up and down the aisle to put him to sleep. It didn't take much for DD to konk out either. She crawled into my lap and passed out. The remainder of the train ride was uneventful: Pop Pop fell asleep and Nonna talked on the phone w/ DSis. I was left to remenisce of the days of my commuting to the city. On the train at 5:20am and getting back in my car to go home at 9:40pm. Sleep. Repeat. Six days a week. How I don't miss that!

I woke up DD and DS as the train was pulling into Penn Station. We gathered all our personal belongings, took small children and Pop Pop by the hand, and exited the train in an orderly fashion. Penn Station was bustling! With the kids strapped in the stroller we headed out onto the exceedingly crowded streets :crowded: of New York. First stop on the agenda: Macy's Holiday Windows!

The windows at Macy's were very nice. Unfortunately it was too crowded for me to take proper pictures by holding the camera lens directly up against the glass to avoid the reflection of the buildings behind us, but I did manage a few decent pictures. I noticed how many of the visitors (read: tourists) were upset that there wasn't a queue to view the windows like Saks has.

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454232476_UqFU4-M.jpg
See DD and DS's reflection in the window?
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454233729_pmqbq-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454234890_nTzGC-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454236454_ZUhqQ-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454239371_UE3dY-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454241585_MUTrB-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454242644_SKsEd-M.jpg


Coming Up ... Ring-a-ling! It's Christmas Time in the City! Part II

[TeaForTulips]

Just came across your PTR! I love it! :goodvibes Your family seems so great and actually reminds me a lot of my family. Your children are beautiful!

We will be in WDW the same time, but I will not have the pleasure of staying 19 days.. only 6. So tragic... but i cannot complain! :yay:

I too am upset about Space Mountain. I am also bummed about the Hall of Presidents... I know this isn't a must see to so many people, but I haven't been in 5 years and I am taking a first timer... so I really wanted to do both of these. Ho hum... next time. :confused3

Looking forward to reading more! :cheer2:

[Villainess]

We continue to make our way to Times Square and DS is hating being in the stroller. This is my new double Peg Perego Aria I bought for the trip to Disney. I wanted to test it out since I wouldn't be taking the beast Valco. DD and DS certainly have more seat room in the Valco. DS was also overwhelmed with the amount of people and having a birdseye view of butts and legs :rotfl2: (I know, bad mommy for laughing at this!); he was getting cranky. When DS gets antsy in the stroller, DD joins in. I was starting to think that this wasn't such a great idea, and we've only been here for 30 minutes. :eek: We kept telling them we would be going to the Mickey store and Minnie and Pluto would be there to say hello. DS kept staring at us in disbelief. :rolleyes:

We made our way up to Times Square. By this time, DD was telling me she had to use the bathroom; I brought Pull Ups and an extra pair of stockings and skirt just in case of an accident, but decided that once we were in the ladies' room, I was putting the Pull Ups on her since it was too cold if she did have an accident and it wasn't fair of me to expect her to wait in the long lines of the ladies' room with these crowds just having gotten the hang of this potty training deal. With that, we head straight for Toys R Us and take the escalator to the 3rd floor where we find a line out the door, down the hall, and a TRU employee directing the flow of the line. I'm proud to say that she made it, but the Pull Ups went on for insurance!
While we were in line, DS and Nonna posed for some pictures in front of the ferris wheel.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454247005_bqb8Z-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454247292_uEzAb-M.jpg

We moved about the store like cattle being herded and finally made our way back onto the streets. We opted to grab something to eat before walking over to 5th Ave. Times Square was hopping with all the prep work for New Year's Eve the following day. The '2009' was up where the ball would drop, and the stages were being in place.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454244874_Hgnhy-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454247450_5zHjD-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454248141_SSkdL-M.jpg

People were handing out glasses, beach balls, etc so Nonna walked over to get one for the kids. I went with her while Pop Pop stayed against the building out of the way with the kids. As I approach, I see a woman hit my mother! Yes, actually slap her on the arm and push her into another passerby. My mom was stunned. All to get a cheap plastic beach ball. She said she was there first. This woman has a lot to learn about New Yorkers and she was lucky that it wasn't someone who wouldn't have thought twice about shoving or slapping her back. In the end, the woman didn't take anything. She was with her daughter and they were walking right behind us, still talking about my mom so I stopped dead in my tracks; when they moved to the right I stepped to my right; move to the left - yup, I moved to the left. I walked them into the wall of the building. Serves them right!

The first restaurant we come to is TGI Friday's and decide to go in there. It is chilly and the kids are really getting hungry. We were seated upstairs and it was an oven in there. Seriously, it had to have been close to 80 degrees. I am hypothyroid and I always have a tendency to be warm so this was excruciating for me, especially given the fact that I was wearing a sweater. (I never wear sweaters on a normal day for this reason.) In all my day trips and while working in the city, I've never gone to TGI Friday's. Sure I go to the one 5 minutes from my house, but I never knew that the NYC one has a much downsized menu than their regular one. I ordered soup and kids chicken fingers for DD and DS. Nonna ordered a chicken sandwich, and Pop Pop had the bacon cheeseburger. I was going to order chicken fingers myself, but it was $19.95 for 3 chicken fingers and fries. I opted for an appetizer of mozzarella fingers; I got 8 of them for $14.

DD and DS were asking for Donald Duck so we packed everything up and headed back out turning right on 55th St and up to 5th Ave. They looked at the World of Disney holiday window and then we went in.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454248366_ppsBM-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454248655_cbbtk-M.jpg

They were both so excited and also wanted to get out of the stroller. With some protest, I stood my ground and eventually they just got caught up in everything there was to see.

Some of the decorations:
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454248763_DrGb6-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454249049_FzPMJ-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454249144_DVjvB-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454249354_LVMPM-M.jpg

A cast member told us that Minnie ::MinnieMo and Pluto pluto: would be making their appearance in a few minutes in the Friendship room so we took the elevator to the 3rd floor.

There was a line, but nothing that you don't wait in for a character in WDW. A few people balked at there being a line, but these are probably the same people in WDW who walk up to a parade as it starts and wants a front row seat. Pop Pop took turns walking DD and DS around, and within 10 minutes we were brought into the Friendship Room.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454249462_eTzsj-M.jpg

Now, DD took a few days on our last trip to warm up to the characters. She would wave, blow kisses, etc but didn't want to stand next to them. The autograph book was great for getting her comfortable! Unfortunately, their autograph books were full as I thought to bring them. She spotted Minnie first and Minnie waved to her in between greeting other children.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454249908_vxzBW-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454249734_RGQHT-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454250262_h9RPP-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454250420_VTgXH-M.jpg

DD was very excited. DS was trying to walk ahead of the other families as soon as spotted Pluto. Just a little excited. I tried to hold him, but he kicked his way out of my arms. Finally it was our turn.

[Villainess]

I'm jumping on board your PTR. :goodvibes

Your kids are adorable! You also take awesome photos, they are really great.

I love your countdown calendar and your awesome pin wall. That is too cool.

Looking forward to reading more. :thumbsup2

Hi and thanks for joining the ride! I'm glad you like the pictures, pin wall, and countdown! I'm hoping to get a photography business going in the near future; I just have to build up a portfolio and get some more confidence!

Sounds like you have had a busy weekend, great updates. I love having Disney days, they make the upcoming trip even more exciting. Your calender looks great, I love all the stickers. I always spend a crazy amount on stickers too, and then they all just end up in a drawer. So at least yours are for a good cause. I love the girls ear and the boys ear on the big Mickey head, and the Peter Pan stickers are so cute. Good job. I cannot believe how many pins you have. We have about a tenth of what you have and they have invaded our house so cannot imagine how much room they take up. Pins are just so addictive, Disney know how to get us don't they.

Oh Disney certainly does know how to get us! LOL! Glad you like the calendar! Actually, I just found a box of stickers from back when my mom worked at the Disney Store. I have know idea why she bought them. DD has been playing with them and there are stickers everywhere now!

[Villainess]

Just came across your PTR! I love it! :goodvibes Your family seems so great and actually reminds me a lot of my family. Your children are beautiful!

We will be in WDW the same time, but I will not have the pleasure of staying 19 days.. only 6. So tragic... but i cannot complain! :yay:

I too am upset about Space Mountain. I am also bummed about the Hall of Presidents... I know this isn't a must see to so many people, but I haven't been in 5 years and I am taking a first timer... so I really wanted to do both of these. Ho hum... next time. :confused3

Looking forward to reading more! :cheer2:

Where are you staying? Hey, 6 is better than none right? Actually, I do not mind the Hall of Presidents. I don't go every visit, but make sure to see it 2-4 times during each Presidential term.

[tinkgurl]

:scared1: :scared1: The nerve of some people!

[kgle]

Aww your pictures from NY are great! You take some really wonderful photographs. And once again, your kids are so darn cute. I have never been to NYC, but that's so cool that they have the characters there. I never knew that!

[Villainess]

:scared1: :scared1: The nerve of some people!

Oh I know! All for some cheap freebie. In the end, she didn't even take anything.

Aww your pictures from NY are great! You take some really wonderful photographs. And once again, your kids are so darn cute. I have never been to NYC, but that's so cool that they have the characters there. I never knew that!

Thanks; I'm glad you are enjoying the pictures. During the holidays, the characters were there everyday. Now, they make appearances Thurs - Sat. Gee, Minnie and friends will certainly be building up their frequent flier miles! LOL! They also have pin trading events. We are contemplating going to one on Feb. 7th; if we do, I'm going to make it a mini birthday celebration for me! (My bday is Feb 6th).

[Villainess]

Ready for the tear jerker?

DS walked right up to Pluto. As he made his way up to him, Pluto got down on the ground, arms, or legs, extended to greet him. It was priceless! DS kissed his nose and played with his whiskers. Other guests on line couldn't get over DS's actions. The photopass photographers were loving it!

Well, I shouldn't just tell you, let me show you instead the pics I took!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454250738_ox43K-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454251363_cFMTA-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454251076_nVYCs-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454251475_C7bSY-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454251732_wB9HW-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454252068_5gooC-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454251950_Qyhaq-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454252205_QuTDd-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454253208_FKzdV-M.jpg

Nonna brought DD up to Pluto and while hesitant she was ok, but then changed her mind.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454252697_XMrK2-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454253049_bJ6KJ-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454253562_mCUHH-M.jpg
I don't push bc I know that she just needs time to warm up. Reluctantly, DS said goodbye to Pluto and I attempted to get of picture of them in front of the tree. Yeah right! They were too busy exploring.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454253986_nNw3z-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454254414_qCn5m-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454254730_jwAnE-M.jpg

Next up, Minnie! Again DS walked right up .... and right by Minnie! LOL!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454255114_2zAmH-M.jpg
He spotted the door, and when he sees doors, he runs to them. Pop Pop rerouted him and into Minnie's arms he went.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454255274_Wfd4d-M.jpg
This time DD didn't want Nonna to bring her to Minnie; she wanted me, so I held her. She was still a bit hesitant, and wouldn't formally pose for a photo, but we did tell Minnie that we would be coming to visit her in April. We asked her to tell Mickey we said, "See you real soon."
Minnie's reaction when we told her we would be visiting her for 19 days!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454255754_WyWni-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454256074_bkPT7-M.jpg

When I asked DD later why she didn't want her picture with the characters, she said, "No book." Doh! She remembered the autograph book!

Coming Up ... More World of Disney pictures!

[Lady Lallie]

Awww, your DS with the characters is just precious. :goodvibes

[wlwilliams9]

Your DD & DS are adorable. It's crazy how much they've grown since your last WDW trip. They grow up way too fast! :sad1:

Anyway, can't wait to read more!

[Villainess]

Awww, your DS with the characters is just precious. :goodvibes

Thank you! I am going to create a storyboard poster of those pics and frame it. :goodvibes

Your DD & DS are adorable. It's crazy how much they've grown since your last WDW trip. They grow up way too fast! :sad1:

Anyway, can't wait to read more!

They do grow up way too fast! I look at pics even from Sept and can't believe the changes. DD isn't a baby, she is a little girl now and DS is just getting so big!

[ariel2007]

Loving the pictures so far, your kids are so cute. And DS's reactions to Pluto are adorable, I bet you cant wait to get him to Disney now.

[Villainess]

Picking up where I left off ...

We walked around the store a bit more.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454256175_oMbip-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454256290_jXB5c-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454256655_VNeLY-M.jpg
(If this came complete w/ real Cpt. Jack, I would so buy this!
:lovestruc )
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454256888_ihtu4-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454257004_kM3Yn-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454257169_48NbM-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454257305_wt2nM-M.jpg

Pop Pop found some Christmas pins he wanted as well as a WDW attraction plastic figurine toy set for the kids. It's very cute and I don't recall seeing it there in April so it must be newer. It includes Figment, Yeti, Big Al, Brer Rabbit, Pirate skeleton, hitch hiking ghost, tiki room parrot, and Mexican child from IASW. It was $12.95; not bad for 8 figurines! Right now, I have it put away due to the explosion of toys from Christmas. I'll probably open it up sometime in February.

It was too crowded for me to really shop shop, and with Christmas just a few days earlier, I didn't buy anything. In all likelihood, we will visit at least once more before our trip and the crowds will be more manageable that I can hopefully find a few things for myself - and the kids!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454257499_ZSuNt-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454257671_MbS7Z-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454257842_edJAY-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454258098_ah867-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454258725_QMdNP-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454258325_hEi47-M.jpg

We stopped to look at the holiday window once more and noticed that both DD and DS had fallen asleep.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454258932_vyDvd-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454259057_5A7yM-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454259334_WFBa6-M.jpg
We decided to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral to allow them a short nap before moving on to Rockafeller Center.

On our way ...
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454259630_FqATG-M.jpg

Diamonds are a girl's best friend! (and oh how I would like something sparkly! I need to find someone to buy me things! LOL! :lmao: - maybe the real Cpt. Jack. Yeah, I can dream! :rolleyes1 )
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454259913_5qBcr-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454260070_vVMnx-M.jpg
I don't know why I only snapped one picture of this display, but it was very neat. There was a window full of these boxes and they would open, and move towards the glass giving the window shoppers an upclose view. Sometimes only one box would open, others 2, several, etc.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454260515_SAPsc-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454260758_MSZ54-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454261706_WzRkj-M.jpg

Whoops! Too many pics in the post - okay Part V to follow!

[Villainess]

This post will mainly be photos (I sure hope I'm not boring anyone!). I find that the Cathedral is just so awe inspiring that words do not begin to do justice to it magnificence.

St. Pat's
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454261044_jWqHG-M.jpg
DD and DS sleeping outside the door of the cathedral.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454262136_Cu435-M.jpg
The cathedral is just breaktaking! I get chills when I walk into it.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454262290_pFW5k-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454262397_8zTPg-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454262521_5fA4p-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454262817_YqnpG-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454263125_Km8q4-M.jpg

The lifesize Nativity.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454263741_obK9C-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454263416_ZuRGU-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454264230_Yxsmv-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454264755_VtkxE-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454265300_msHFV-M.jpg

More photos of the Cathedral.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454265484_kNePq-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454265672_K2PJf-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454266393_q9fLb-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454266607_KyWvU-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454266892_7vtbg-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454230528_K24V8-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454230653_SpBEg-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454230827_7aXdu-M.jpg

I could have stayed in there and taken photos for hours, but we had come to see the tree, and we knew that this area would be ridiculously crowded and take a while to get through.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454231003_GraoJ-M.jpg
We didn't stop to view the Saks window displays, but they had these awesome snowflakes that 'danced' to music. I took these walking backwards crossing the street.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454231115_QFQMR-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454231251_6cHh3-M.jpg

Coming Up ... Rockefellar Center!

[TeaForTulips]

i dont think youre boring anyone! i love all yours pics! :goodvibes

[sfacowgirl87]

I'm caught up and subscribing!!! Love the pics and your little ones are PRECIOUS!!! :goodvibes

[Villainess]

i dont think youre boring anyone! i love all yours pics! :goodvibes

I'm glad you're enjoying them and don't find them boring!

I'm caught up and subscribing!!! Love the pics and your little ones are PRECIOUS!!! :goodvibes

Welcome and thank you for joining me!





My intention was to finish up the NYC TR yesterday, however I got a little sidetracked. exDH called last night and asked if I wanted to take the kids to see Disney on Ice. He got front row!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :dance3: I'll have a TR for that very soon too! Today I'm going to finish up NYC!

[Villainess]

We left off as I was crossing the street backwards taking pictures of the dancing snowflakes at Saks heading to see the tree ...

As we anticipated, this area was jammed. Nonna was manuevering the stroller and DS had woken up. Poor Nonna. She must have had a magnet attracting all the rude and obnoxious people towards her. People commented, "A stroller. Ooooohh a double stroller? You've GOT to be kidding me!" Another, "Who would take their kids to see the tree?" I turned around and said, "Look around. Kids. It's Christmas. It's about the kids." Yet another, "They aren't going to remember. Why did they bother; they are just getting in our way." My response, "Lady, did you ever stop to think that the world does not revolve around you and that maybe, perhaps, just maybe, you are the one in someone's way? Oh, Happy New Year!" Yes, I can be snarky when I need/want to be!

Nonna wanted me to take a picture with the kids by the angels. She has a picture of us (Nonna, Pop Pop, DSis, and I) in front of these angels during one of our Christmas visits; I think I was 6 at the time. Well, DD was still sleeping and I didn't want to take DS out of the stroller so I sat on this wall/bench area and wheeled the stroller in front of me. In the meantime, multiple families stood behind me, in the plants taking pictures w/ an angel's backside as their backdrop! Lovely! I know I wasn't in any of them, but it was funny how they all kept coming up behind me. Some of them I even posed to be silly! And here are the 'angel' pictures we have!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454232053_Rrtpv-M.jpg
I'm telling DS to say "Shhh" since DD is sleeping.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454232125_VgTKW-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454232179_oEf5p-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454231842_oriMv-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454231903_jaxqh-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454231989_4Wi3B-M.jpg

With a few pictures, we venture closer to the tree. DD is waking up at this point, so we pull the stroller off to the side of a building and we are out of the way, well, as much as you can be with the amount of people there! I find a gap and sneak in to take some pictures.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454231587_kckhw-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454231663_9cyvw-M.jpg

A very nice gentleman told me to take his spot since the pole wouldn't be in the way of the photo. I snapped a few pictures very quickly, thanked him, and wished him a Happy New Year.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454233109_qvksB-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454232527_TSTSX-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454232633_7RGpA-M.jpg
DD is awake now and we all take turns guarding the stroller, and holding DD and DS to show them the tree and ice skaters. DS loved the lights; DD pointed out the 'holes' on the tree and told Pop Pop, "More." She meant more ornaments on the tree. There are 30,000 lights on this tree and she wants more! LOL!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454233833_9ZGcA-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454234436_DKB4M-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454234210_dguWH-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454234728_V2dQ3-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454235299_xLVCA-M.jpg

More pictures
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454232812_GsnP9-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454232722_fNGUZ-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454232388_EP2pV-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454233294_FviMC-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454233397_p9nXi-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454233657_8xnbM-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454235494_xBL4L-M.jpg

[Villainess]

It's funny. In starting at the tree, I couldn't help but think that it just doesn't seem as big as I remember it as a child. Nonna agreed. I mean this tree was incredible - 40ft. in diameter at the bottom; I guess things always seem so much more fantastic as a child.
Backside of the tree.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454239132_hvaSo-M.jpg

With that, the mood turned somber. I noticed my mother crying and all she said was, "It isn't the same." I knew what she meant. She was thinking about all her childhood trips to the city at Christmastime with Grandma and Poppy (my great grandparents). Every year they would take her to Radio City to see the Christmas show and Rockettes, the tree, and then to FAO Schwartz. We were blessed to have Grandma in our lives until she passed this August. I am truly blessed and fortunate that she was able to meet and enjoy the love of DD and DS. In fact, I named DD after her. I am her first great grandchild, and DD is her first great great grandchild. We were 5 generations. I told Nonna that they would be happy to see her there enjoying the memories and making new ones and traditions with her granchildren.

We decide to begin walking back to Times Square, see it lit up, and head back home. As we walk around the back of the tree, a woman begins screaming. "Didn't he see I have a camera?!" "He just walked across with the stroller, paying no mind!" She was talking about Pop Pop. What she didn't care to realize was that the poor husband of this irrational woman was that he told us to walk through bc she was still turning the camera on! And there is about 20 feet seperating them. She was quite unrealistic in her thinking that she was going to get a clear shot with the amount of people walking around that area. Being cold, tired, and a bit hungry (the mozzarella sticks were wearing off!) I turned around and told her, "Hey you're husband told us to walk by, and you haven't even turned your camera on anyway!" At this point, she stomped her foot in a tantrum and I continued walking and yelled back, "Happy New Year!" and with that a chuckle! I just couldn't believe some of the people we ran into today.

Oh, we did stop so I got in some of the pictures with the kids.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454235959_6Ynjt-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454237572_Tpjdg-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454238397_q8d4u-M.jpg
(Don't worry, Pop Pop is crouched down behind DD keeping her steady!)

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454239607_w39f6-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454239834_N9G4t-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454240058_6eJbg-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454240248_53h2d-M.jpg

Getting into Times Square, I'm reminded that I promised DD and DS M&Ms for being good and that they could pick the color. Nonna was tempted to "let it slide" but recalling how DD remembered about the autograph book with the characters, I figured she would ask for "candy" just as we boarded the train. We took a quick (20 minutes) detour into the M&M's store.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454240509_zUmuT-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454240825_MArXe-M.jpg
DS picked blue and DD picked pink and purple. I was upset to see how many people would fill their bags, walk around browsing while eating the M&M's and then just place the rest of the uneaten bag on a display and leave. M&M stealers! While the store was crowded, there wasn't much of a line so with the 2 bags of candy and a container for DSis and DBIL that Pop Pop picked we were back off.

I snapped some pictures as we walked of Times Square and the NYE sign.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454241183_gXG6g-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454241462_zxKxU-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454241961_cC9Kv-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454242099_sedog-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454242210_jc4Ui-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454243638_J6MgQ-M.jpg
There was more activity on the stages with technical crews.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454244314_Mm2gB-M.jpg
I pointed up to where the ball is and told Nonna and Pop Pop about how exDH and I have seen it go up and come back down on 12/30 in the past. It was late though - about 11pm, and they would be testing the system, timing, etc. Well, I look up to glance once more before continuing on, and there it was! The ball! All lit up!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454242302_pMap7-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454242373_vrxy8-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454242482_89UNL-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454242879_ftcDy-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454243800_kYr34-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454245030_biZDC-M.jpg
Not many people had noticed either until they saw me pointing and yelling to Nonna and Pop Pop to come back to the corner. Then a crowd of what was quickly paced walking people trying to cross during the do-not-cross light came to a standstill and cameras were quickly whipped out. We watched it go up and change colors. This went on for about 5 minutes. Silly me didn't think of taking the kids picture with the ball lit up in the background until later. Once they turned the ball off, we contined. We were walking past it when I thought of the kids' picture and turned around in a "How dumb, Danielle," moment and it was lit up again. I stopped Pop Pop and took a picture. They didn't come out very good with all the Times Square excitement amiss, but hey there is the ball and the kids are in the picture to prove they saw it in person at ages 1 and 2.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454245529_b8LE3-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454246012_DQcND-M.jpg

[Villainess]

I snapped these as we crossed the street. I haven't seen The Lion King yet - hopefully I will soon!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454244463_23keB-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454244719_GnwcA-M.jpg


We pick up the pace as it is getting cold! I don't wear a coat. My old one is too big, and since the majority of the time, it sits in the front seat of my car, I wasn't running out to replace it. Instead I wear a poncho/shawl thing. As cold as it was out, my knees were cold - that's it. The rest of my legs were fine, feet ok, arms, etc. Funny, huh? The kids were wrapped up in DS's huge fleece Cars blanket so they were plenty toasty. Luckily the wind was to our backs. Pop Pop made a quick stop to buy a pretzel. No visit to NYC is complete without one of these!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454246465_cg7a8-M.jpg We passed on the dirty water dog, however. On the train, I wished I had bought that DWD!


Nonna had the train schedule in her purse and was searching for it. It was 8:20pm. I figured the train was at 9, so we would have time to hit the restrooms and grab a snack for the train. HAHA! The train was at 8:30 and boarding on Track 1! Nonna grabbed DS, I grabbed my bag, videocamera, Disney bag, and DD, and Pop Pop carried the stroller still open down the stairs as we raced through Penn Station, to the track, and onto the train. Quickly closing the stroller, Pop Pop boarded right behind us. It was packed, and we had trouble finding seats for all of us. We finally found two 2-seater seats across the aisle and grabbed those.

A few minutes later, we pulled out of the station as the kids and Pop Pop munched on the pretzel and M&M's. Pop Pop took a short snooze, but the rest of us stayed awake. We contemplated hitting the diner for something to eat, but as we got closer to home, it was apparent that all the kids wanted to do was go to bed. So that's what we did.

And that concludes our trip to NYC!

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454246597_qesg8-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/454246690_S3Wb4-M.jpg

[TeaForTulips]

Yay for your NYC trip! I enjoyed your pictures and Im excited to hear about your Disney on Ice! Which show is it? There's a few going on... A couple of them are coming near me in March and April: Disneyland Adventure and Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey. I hope to take my newphew. My sister took me for my birthday a few years ago and I loved it! I even got light up minnie ears. :cutie:

[Lady Lallie]

Sounds like a great trip to NYC. I can't believe how many rude people you encountered while there! :scared1:

[Villainess]

Yay for your NYC trip! I enjoyed your pictures and Im excited to hear about your Disney on Ice! Which show is it? There's a few going on... A couple of them are coming near me in March and April: Disneyland Adventure and Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey. I hope to take my newphew. My sister took me for my birthday a few years ago and I loved it! I even got light up minnie ears. :cutie:

It was Disneyland Adventure. DEFINITELY see it! It was absolutely amazing! I would go and see it again if I could!

Sounds like a great trip to NYC. I can't believe how many rude people you encountered while there! :scared1:

Usually I would say, hey it's NY, and let it slide, but I just can't get over how rude and downright mean people are today.

[sfacowgirl87]

A couple of them are coming near me in March and April: Disneyland Adventure and Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey. I hope to take my newphew. My sister took me for my birthday a few years ago and I loved it! I even got light up minnie ears. :cutie:

HEY! I see your from LA...we live in *east* Texas...so DH and I are plannin on makin the trek to CentryTel in Shreveport (Bossier if you wanna be technical ;) )for the Disneyland Adventure in April. I'm so excited!!!!!

[TeaForTulips]

HEY! I see your from LA...we live in *east* Texas...so DH and I are plannin on makin the trek to CentryTel in Shreveport (Bossier if you wanna be technical ;) )for the Disneyland Adventure in April. I'm so excited!!!!!

Yay! I'm in Shreveport. :goodvibes Im wanting to go in April but it comes the weekend we live for Disney! How bittersweet yeah?? We leave Friday the 24th :yay: ... but so close to a DIS Meet! Darn! :sad2:

[mommytothreeboys]

Your pictures are beautiful...I love the black and whites! :thumbsup2 How cool that you live close enough to the city to do that with your kids....awesome! (I live in NY state, but 6 hours from NYC....some people just don't get that!)

That tree is so gorgeous...LOVE all the lights! I'm sure it was even more beautiful in person.

Great report...thanks for sharing! :flower3:

[Villainess]

Your pictures are beautiful...I love the black and whites! :thumbsup2 How cool that you live close enough to the city to do that with your kids....awesome! (I live in NY state, but 6 hours from NYC....some people just don't get that!)

That tree is so gorgeous...LOVE all the lights! I'm sure it was even more beautiful in person.

Great report...thanks for sharing! :flower3:


Thank you; I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures. I like where I live - 1 hr. to NYC, I'm only 5 minutes to the beach, 1 hr. 15 min. to Atlantic City, 2 hr. to Wildwood/Cape May, 4 hrs. to Washington DC ...

My exDH's grandmother lives Waaaayyyy upstate NY, like 10 min. from Canadian border. I remember having to pick her up for visits and some of those roads were scary and so dark. I'm amazed we never hit a deer!

[Villainess]

Doesn't Disney realize that there are planners in the world that need to know what the hours and EMH hours will be so they may accurately plan their ADRs?

WE WANT MAY HOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, I was thinking pre-internet when our moms and dads, or even ourselves had to make ADRs, or PS as it was called way back when, how did they make their ressies? When it was just MK, I can see, pretty simple. But once MGM opened - that's 3 parks and multiple hotels. Or maybe people went with the flow more? Internet: good or bad? That is the question!

Seriously, Disney is in all liklihood going to release their May dates in February. And for those who are going to be in Disney on May 1 (say 1st day of trip) have to quickly figure out which ADRs on which day, when Fantasmic will be shown, when the EMH and SPectro will be, etc. Hopefully you will have the list ready of which restaurants are must do's and just need to fill in the blanks so you can make your ressies on your 90 day mark, especially for the more popular restaurants. Make sense? Nope. :confused3 They should release the dates 4 months or even 3 1/3 months out. What do you think?

In this endless rambling, is there a point? Well, yes! We are stuck on figuring out our May ADRs. We have April pretty much figured out; this weekend we are going to review it over with DSis and DBIL to make sure the restaurants we picked while they are there are ones they want to do. In a previous discussion with them, they only mentioned Tusker House Donald breakfast and Sci Fi as a must do and Mickey's Backyard BBQ as a no. I couldn't even get a definitive answer on where to eat for dinner in the MK the first night. Right now, that is still up in the air, but leaning towards CP.

We have 5 days until we can begin making our ADRs. Still some time before we can start making the May ones, but right now, it is just fill in the blank randomness! LOL! We don't plan our days out - which day/which park until the night before/day of, so if an ADR is at DHS and we spend the morning at AK, we'll just hop over to DHS later on. However, we do like to plan around EMH and now with Spectro and Fantasmic on select nights, those as well.

What is everyone doing to plan for hours not yet posted?

[TeaForTulips]

I agree completely! As of yesterday when I checked they still didn't have April 30th even ... right now when I check it will not go thru so im hoping *fingers crossed* its because they are updating it and not my internet being stupid. :badpc:

i sadly have no advice tho .. my trip is april 25th thru may 1st so im missing two days for my planning... the 1st is our open, free, wing-it day... but i have still lost patience.. i just cant help it! :confused3

i hope it opens soon! :flower3:

[Villainess]

I agree completely! As of yesterday when I checked they still didn't have April 30th even ... right now when I check it will not go thru so im hoping *fingers crossed* its because they are updating it and not my internet being stupid. :badpc:

i sadly have no advice tho .. my trip is april 25th thru may 1st so im missing two days for my planning... the 1st is our open, free, wing-it day... but i have still lost patience.. i just cant help it! :confused3

i hope it opens soon! :flower3:

These are the hours that I have for April 30th. Not sure if it is changing ...

Magic Kingdom 9:00-9:00 AM EMH
EPCOT Future World 9:00-7:00
EPCOT World Showcase 11:00-9:00
Hollywood Studios 9:00-8:30
Disney's Animal Kingdom 9:00-5:00

Disney Wishes 9:00 PM
Dreams Come True Parade 3:00 PM
Spectromagic 8:00 PM

Illuminations 9:00 PM

Block Party Bash 3:00 PM
Fantasmic 9:00 PM
Jammin' Jungle Parade 4:00 PM

Typhoon Lagoon 10:00-5:00
Blizzard Beach 10:00-5:00

[Lady Lallie]

I am having the same frustrations you are. I want to plan out our ADR's. Granted, we aren't going until May 23rd but I still want some time to plan out our days. We loved PM EMH's so we like to hit those so they affect our dining plans. Plus we want to see Fantasmic too. It's very, very frustrating. I've been looking at May 08's calendar but that's not helping me too much because Fantasmic and Spectro were every night last year and I don't think that will be the case this year.

I just want park hours! ::yes::

[TeaForTulips]

Thank you! :goodvibes

[wlwilliams9]

Doesn't Disney realize that there are planners in the world that need to know what the hours and EMH hours will be so they may accurately plan their ADRs?

WE WANT MAY HOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, I was thinking pre-internet when our moms and dads, or even ourselves had to make ADRs, or PS as it was called way back when, how did they make their ressies? When it was just MK, I can see, pretty simple. But once MGM opened - that's 3 parks and multiple hotels. Or maybe people went with the flow more? Internet: good or bad? That is the question!

Seriously, Disney is in all liklihood going to release their May dates in February. And for those who are going to be in Disney on May 1 (say 1st day of trip) have to quickly figure out which ADRs on which day, when Fantasmic will be shown, when the EMH and SPectro will be, etc. Hopefully you will have the list ready of which restaurants are must do's and just need to fill in the blanks so you can make your ressies on your 90 day mark, especially for the more popular restaurants. Make sense? Nope. :confused3 They should release the dates 4 months or even 3 1/3 months out. What do you think?

In this endless rambling, is there a point? Well, yes! We are stuck on figuring out our May ADRs. We have April pretty much figured out; this weekend we are going to review it over with DSis and DBIL to make sure the restaurants we picked while they are there are ones they want to do. In a previous discussion with them, they only mentioned Tusker House Donald breakfast and Sci Fi as a must do and Mickey's Backyard BBQ as a no. I couldn't even get a definitive answer on where to eat for dinner in the MK the first night. Right now, that is still up in the air, but leaning towards CP.

We have 5 days until we can begin making our ADRs. Still some time before we can start making the May ones, but right now, it is just fill in the blank randomness! LOL! We don't plan our days out - which day/which park until the night before/day of, so if an ADR is at DHS and we spend the morning at AK, we'll just hop over to DHS later on. However, we do like to plan around EMH and now with Spectro and Fantasmic on select nights, those as well.

What is everyone doing to plan for hours not yet posted?

Good point! Maybe we should call and see if any CMs know what the hours are. Especially for those of you traveling at the end of April into May. :confused3

[deedee3]

I just browsed through your pre-trip report, 19 days!!! Wow!!
Youre children are too cute!!

[littleboss]

Doesn't seem like Disney is out to get you!:crazy2: I've been planning for a while and I've always seen hours months and months in advance but now that its time for our trips time for change::yes:: Darn Disney

[ariel2007]

Sorry, double post!

[ariel2007]

Great NYC report, your pictures were great. I cannot believe the cheek of some people, there are unfortunately some very rude and ignorant people out there. I think everyone should be retaught the phrase "If you have nothing nice to say, dont say it at all". Good on you for biting back though, most people just think they can get away with it and you wont say anything back.

As for the May hours :headache:. I have just given up on them now. Luckily we haven't based anything around them this time, but still, sort yourself out Disney :confused3. When are you going again?

[Leleluvsdis]

I will be there May 8-16. i really wish they'd post those hours!!!

[Villainess]

I am having the same frustrations you are. I want to plan out our ADR's. Granted, we aren't going until May 23rd but I still want some time to plan out our days. We loved PM EMH's so we like to hit those so they affect our dining plans. Plus we want to see Fantasmic too. It's very, very frustrating. I've been looking at May 08's calendar but that's not helping me too much because Fantasmic and Spectro were every night last year and I don't think that will be the case this year.

I just want park hours! ::yes::

We enjoy PM EMH as well; Nonna doesn't get up early enough for us to take advantage of AM EMH - although I am hoping to do a few rope drops this trip. With the new stroller I will definately be able to handle the stroller and 2 kids on/off buses by myself - with the other stroller, there is no way.

Thank you! :goodvibes

You're welcome!

Good point! Maybe we should call and see if any CMs know what the hours are. Especially for those of you traveling at the end of April into May. :confused3

My dad put a call into our DVC rep. He is super nice, and lets us in on info that he knows (ie - we knew about the Contemporary Bay Lake Tower for a few years), but he doesn't know the park hours.

[Villainess]

I just browsed through your pre-trip report, 19 days!!! Wow!!
Youre children are too cute!!

Thank you! Glad you have joined us!

Doesn't seem like Disney is out to get you!:crazy2: I've been planning for a while and I've always seen hours months and months in advance but now that its time for our trips time for change::yes:: Darn Disney

LOL! Yes! I guess they feel like they don't have to release their hours 6mos+ ahead now that they've decreased the ADR timeframe to 90 days. And maybe they are doing it to gauge the economy and how they are doing crowd wise.

Great NYC report, your pictures were great. I cannot believe the cheek of some people, there are unfortunately some very rude and ignorant people out there. I think everyone should be retaught the phrase "If you have nothing nice to say, dont say it at all". Good on you for biting back though, most people just think they can get away with it and you wont say anything back.

As for the May hours :headache:. I have just given up on them now. Luckily we haven't based anything around them this time, but still, sort yourself out Disney :confused3. When are you going again?

Oh there are. It is so sad, the world we live in today. Everyone always in a hurry, no patience - just sad. We are going Apr 21 - May 9; my trip will overlap with yours. Maybe we can meet!

I will be there May 8-16. i really wish they'd post those hours!!!

Where are you staying?

[Leleluvsdis]

Where are you staying?

We are staying off-site at Westgate Vacation Villas. According to mapquest it's 4 miles from TTC.

[disneydusted]

Hi Villainess! I've come to say hi from Ariel 2007's PTR. I saw that you went to school in DC, which one? (It's going to be crazy here the next few days with the inauguration!!! :scared: )
Also see that you are on the Jersey shore. We go to Cape May for 2 weeks every summer and love it! Great vacation spot! :thumbsup2 Ok, now I am off to read your PTR! :)

[disneydusted]

Ok, now I am all caught up! It took me a while, lots of interuptions! :goodvibes
Your two kids are adorable! Your little guy is so cute getting friendly with Pluto (I think it was Pluto not Goofy!) And the tree in NYC is so beautiful! The National Tree in DC needs as many lights as that one!
I hope Disney gets posting schedules for you guys soon!! :confused3

[autumnpalm]

Oh my gosh, 19 days in WDW you are sooooo lucky!! That is my DREAM! Your son and daughter so just so adorable... joining in on your PTR for sure!!

We are going just crazy without the May hours, too. We will only be there for 8 days but still... I want to plan ADRs and which parks which days and Fantasmic! etc etc. Releasing the hours in February just doesn't give us enough time... and that's if they get them out when they say they will!:confused3

I was tempted to switch our trip to the last week of April just because the hours were released ages ago.:rotfl: But I'm trying to stay patient!

Subbing!:goodvibes

[autumnpalm]

Whoops! Double post!

[Villainess]

Hi Villainess! I've come to say hi from Ariel 2007's PTR. I saw that you went to school in DC, which one? (It's going to be crazy here the next few days with the inauguration!!! :scared: )
Also see that you are on the Jersey shore. We go to Cape May for 2 weeks every summer and love it! Great vacation spot! :thumbsup2 Ok, now I am off to read your PTR! :)

Hi! Welcome! I went to school at Catholic University. I had an internship on Penn Ave and contemplated going to the office for Bush's 2nd inauguration, but thought best of it and never went. Wish I dealt with the security, crowds, etc now - my office overlooked Penn Ave and would have had a great view of the parade.

Yeah - I'm from central NJ however my cousins and aunt own some condos down in Wildwood Crest (Diamond Beach) and we spend time there and in Cape May every summer too. I love the houses in Cape May and maybe one day will stay at a B&B!

Oh my gosh, 19 days in WDW you are sooooo lucky!! That is my DREAM! Your son and daughter so just so adorable... joining in on your PTR for sure!!

We are going just crazy without the May hours, too. We will only be there for 8 days but still... I want to plan ADRs and which parks which days and Fantasmic! etc etc. Releasing the hours in February just doesn't give us enough time... and that's if they get them out when they say they will!:confused3

I was tempted to switch our trip to the last week of April just because the hours were released ages ago.:rotfl: But I'm trying to stay patient!

Subbing!:goodvibes

Thanks for joining me! We're sitting tight w/ the ADRs. DSis just emailed me w/ what DBIL and her want to eat and on what days - completely changing all our plans! I feel like I'm back at square one!

[ariel2007]

Oh there are. It is so sad, the world we live in today. Everyone always in a hurry, no patience - just sad. We are going Apr 21 - May 9; my trip will overlap with yours. Maybe we can meet!


Yes maybe we could, that would be good.

[Villainess]

As my Mickey countdown shows, tomorrow marks 90 days before we depart for the world!!!!!!!!!!! :cool1: :cheer2: It is also ADR-Day! Rather than watching CNN or BBC America (as they broadcast USA news better than American news stations, IMO) as the inauguration of our 44th President commences, I am staring at an email DSis just sent Pop Pop and myself and at the dining calendar we've been working on.

A little background: DSis and DBIL aren't big planners, but they will voice their opinions or dissatisfaction especially if we eat somewhere they do not care for. Last year, I heard it bc I told them Nine Dragons would be closed during our visit and surprise! It wasn't. In my defense, everything I read stated it would be closed during our visit and I believe it did close near the end of the trip, but I digress ...

DSis came over this weekend to review the ADRs we have tentatively scheduled. The plan at that time was:

4/21 - early dinner at CP
4/22 - dinner Marrakesh or Rose N Crown
4/23 - dinner O'hana
4/24 - lunch at Sci-Fi
4/25 - Chef Mickey's b'fast (Nonna's choice, arrives 4/24 11pm)
4/26 - Fantasmic dinner pkg. at Mama Melrose
4/27 - early Lunch Yak & Yeti (Nonna & Danielle request), Turf Club dinner, DTD or park of DSis & DBIL choice
4/28 - b'fast at Tusker House, DSis and DBIL depart on ME approx. 12pm


DBIL's and DSis's plans:
21st- Liberty Tree (Dinner) - they don't like CP
22nd- Yak & Yeti (Lunch) - don't like menus of either Rose N Crown or Marrakesh
23rd- China (Lunch or Dinner) - bc they didn't eat here last year
24th- SciFi (Lunch)
25th- Chef Mickey (Breakfast)/ Brown Derby MGM (Dinner)
26th- Mama Melrose’s & Fantasmic Dinner Package MGM
27th- Donald Breakfast Animal Kingdom/France Epcot (Dinner) - didn't like Turf Club menu
28th- (LEAVE) Downtown Disney - only getting 7 day hopper, not 8 day

As you can see, we have some sorting out to do. 1) Yak & Yeti - Nonna wanted to do, 2) Pop Pop wanted to skip Brown Derby this year, 3) move Marrakesh or Rose N Crown to a night in May 4) move Turf Club to a night in May 5) waiting to here back from Disney regarding Nine Dragons having MSG in their food; in viewing their menus I will probably take the kids elsewhere for lunch/dinner regardless.

Looks like the definite plans will be:

4/21 - Liberty Tree dinner
24th- SciFi (Lunch)
25th- Chef Mickey (Breakfast)
26th- Mama Melrose’s & Fantasmic Dinner Package MGM
27th- Donald Breakfast Animal Kingdom

What to do? What to do? Think! Think! Think!

[ariel2007]

Personally I think you are not missing out by cutting out Restaurant Marrakech. We did not enjoy it at all there, the food was really bland and so overpriced, one of the most disappointing and expensive meals of the holiday. And the belly dancer came out once for about 5 minutes when we were there, but we could hardly see. Then again this is just my opinion, and maybe one day in the distant future (probably when I have enough money to buy a boat at their prices :laughing:) I may give it another try. As for the Rose and Crown, however, what is wrong with the lovely English menu :confused3

Your first 3 I have been to and loved them all. I haven't done Chef Mickey's for breakfast yet but we have it booked and can't wait. We also plan to do Tusker House for breakfast. We did the old one at Restaurantosaurus a few times and loved it so hopefully it will be as good. Mama Melrose's I can't wait to hear your review on.
For your other ideas we loved Yak and Yeti, the food was a bit different and very nice (oh and the cocktails ;)). Brown Derby we enjoyed the food there but do not think it warrants the prices it does at all. I would go back again one day but not too soon.

[Villainess]

Personally I think you are not missing out by cutting out Restaurant Marrakech. We did not enjoy it at all there, the food was really bland and so overpriced, one of the most disappointing and expensive meals of the holiday. And the belly dancer came out once for about 5 minutes when we were there, but we could hardly see. Then again this is just my opinion, and maybe one day in the distant future (probably when I have enough money to buy a boat at their prices :laughing:) I may give it another try. As for the Rose and Crown, however, what is wrong with the lovely English menu :confused3

Your first 3 I have been to and loved them all. I haven't done Chef Mickey's for breakfast yet but we have it booked and can't wait. We also plan to do Tusker House for breakfast. We did the old one at Restaurantosaurus a few times and loved it so hopefully it will be as good. Mama Melrose's I can't wait to hear your review on.
For your other ideas we loved Yak and Yeti, the food was a bit different and very nice (oh and the cocktails ;)). Brown Derby we enjoyed the food there but do not think it warrants the prices it does at all. I would go back again one day but not too soon.

Thank you for your opinion on Marrakesh. I'm the one who wants to try it. Something different, but you are not the first to say you haven't liked it and it is expensive for what it is. I've been outvoted the past 2 years on Chefs de France, Rose N Crown, and Marrakesh for Le Cellier both times. Don't get me wrong, I like Le Cellier, but prefer Chefs de France more.

We did the Tusker House for breakfast last year and it was our favorite breakfast. Very good food! Chef Mickey's is one of our traditional character breakfasts. Typical breakfast food, but the atmosphere is so much fun!

It's been a couple of years since we've hit Mama Melrose's but the last time was very good - can't remember what I ate though to elaborate more. I had eaten at Brown Derby once before our last trip, but it was Lunch w/ an Imagineer (excellent to do, btw!) The reasons you mentioned are exactly what my father said in wanting to skip Brown derby this year.

As far as Rose N Crown - my sister can't eat any fish and she has lately become very picky with what she will eat and how often. She will only eat beef 1-2x every 2-3 weeks, so she is down to chicken and pasta, and even then picky about how they are prepared.

I will probably let go of Marrakesh. I'm waiting to hear back from Disney about Nine Dragons. Since they are a participant they are not bound to the cooking rules of the Disney operated restaurants. The dietary person I emailed is trying to find out if they use MSG in their cooking.

[ariel2007]

Thank you for your opinion on Marrakesh. I'm the one who wants to try it. Something different, but you are not the first to say you haven't liked it and it is expensive for what it is. I've been outvoted the past 2 years on Chefs de France, Rose N Crown, and Marrakesh for Le Cellier both times. Don't get me wrong, I like Le Cellier, but prefer Chefs de France more.

We did the Tusker House for breakfast last year and it was our favorite breakfast. Very good food! Chef Mickey's is one of our traditional character breakfasts. Typical breakfast food, but the atmosphere is so much fun!

It's been a couple of years since we've hit Mama Melrose's but the last time was very good - can't remember what I ate though to elaborate more. I had eaten at Brown Derby once before our last trip, but it was Lunch w/ an Imagineer (excellent to do, btw!) The reasons you mentioned are exactly what my father said in wanting to skip Brown derby this year.

As far as Rose N Crown - my sister can't eat any fish and she has lately become very picky with what she will eat and how often. She will only eat beef 1-2x every 2-3 weeks, so she is down to chicken and pasta, and even then picky about how they are prepared.

I will probably let go of Marrakesh. I'm waiting to hear back from Disney about Nine Dragons. Since they are a participant they are not bound to the cooking rules of the Disney operated restaurants. The dietary person I emailed is trying to find out if they use MSG in their cooking.

I would like to try Chef de France next year, the restaurant is so pretty. We have always kind of ruled it out as I don't like French food, apart from some cheese and bread, and of course the delicious cakes. But the lunch menu looks quite goo and reasonable so hopefully next time.

I would have thought Nine Dragon's would use MSG, most Chinese's do. Quite often though you can asked for it not to be used over here, so it may be the same there. Although I wasn't impressed by Marrakesh I do want to try the Tangerine Cafe, that looks good. I do like different food, and their menu looked good, but Marrakesh unfortunately was just rather bland and boring. And overpriced.

[Villainess]

I think I may head to Tangerine Cafe instead of Nine Dragons with the kids while Pop Pop, DBIL, and DSis eat at the other. Most Chinese places around here use MSG and unfortunately the only they will make sans MSG is boiled chicken and white rice. Instead, I just make Chinese (this weekend I made egg rolls, Jasmine rice, stir fry veggies, Pepper Steak, and Sweet & Sour chicken).

[ariel2007]

I think I may head to Tangerine Cafe instead of Nine Dragons with the kids while Pop Pop, DBIL, and DSis eat at the other. Most Chinese places around here use MSG and unfortunately the only they will make sans MSG is boiled chicken and white rice. Instead, I just make Chinese (this weekend I made egg rolls, Jasmine rice, stir fry veggies, Pepper Steak, and Sweet & Sour chicken).

Sounds very nice. When I was in high school I worked on the counter of a Chinese takeaway and they only used to add the MSG in the cooking part, not the preparation. A few people used to ask for it without it and it was fine, it was just like some kind of oil or something. Then again my Grandad is celiac and they can't cater for him as they cook different things together and can't guarantee any transfer. We both may be reviewing Tangerine cafe then :)

[autumnpalm]

I would definitely recommend Tangierine Cafe! It is my favourite CS in the entire WS. So delicious.

Out of your ADRs, the ones we have done are Liberty Tree Tavern (although we did it for lunch, but it has a really cute atmosphere and we really enjoyed the food), Chef Mickeys (tons of fun, great chance to meet all the characters!) and the Sci Fi. The Sci Fi doesn't always get good reviews here on the DIS but I really like it. I got the burger and fries with a chocolate milkshake and it was great. Plus, the atmosphere is so neat and I've only ever encountered great service there. I think they make a great burger, and my mom had the Pastrami sandwich and really liked it as well.

I am so impressed with your planning coordination efforts!:goodvibes

[Lady Lallie]

Kudos to you! I can't even imagine trying to get that many people to agree on what to eat. It gives me a headache just thinking about it.

Is this just for one portion of your trip? I thought you were staying longer. :confused3

[littleboss]

LOL! Sorry about your disstress!:sad2: Today is your 90 days!! Hurray:cheer2: Your better than me as I'm sure you've read on my PTR if I can't please you I'll please myself!:lmao: Your doing a good job and its hard work to try and make everyone happy. You'll feel better once your ADRs are all booked. Good Luck

[mommytothreeboys]

I think I may head to Tangerine Cafe instead of Nine Dragons with the kids while Pop Pop, DBIL, and DSis eat at the other. Most Chinese places around here use MSG and unfortunately the only they will make sans MSG is boiled chicken and white rice. Instead, I just make Chinese (this weekend I made egg rolls, Jasmine rice, stir fry veggies, Pepper Steak, and Sweet & Sour chicken).

What a nightmare trying to please so many with your restaurant choices. Good for you for being so patient!! :goodvibes

I LOVE Tangierine Cafe. It was our very favorite CS at Epcot. I think it's a good substitute since Marrakesh is out. :thumbsup2

[Villainess]

Sounds very nice. When I was in high school I worked on the counter of a Chinese takeaway and they only used to add the MSG in the cooking part, not the preparation. A few people used to ask for it without it and it was fine, it was just like some kind of oil or something. Then again my Grandad is celiac and they can't cater for him as they cook different things together and can't guarantee any transfer. We both may be reviewing Tangerine cafe then :)

Forgive my ignorance, but what is celiac? I've seen it mentioned on the boards here in various dietary threads.

I would definitely recommend Tangierine Cafe! It is my favourite CS in the entire WS. So delicious.

Out of your ADRs, the ones we have done are Liberty Tree Tavern (although we did it for lunch, but it has a really cute atmosphere and we really enjoyed the food), Chef Mickeys (tons of fun, great chance to meet all the characters!) and the Sci Fi. The Sci Fi doesn't always get good reviews here on the DIS but I really like it. I got the burger and fries with a chocolate milkshake and it was great. Plus, the atmosphere is so neat and I've only ever encountered great service there. I think they make a great burger, and my mom had the Pastrami sandwich and really liked it as well.

I am so impressed with your planning coordination efforts!:goodvibes

Thanks! :goodvibes It's not easy trying to make everyone happy. Even when we get there, I will usually bow down so there is no controversy. I wasn't always this way, but since my marriage from well, down there, and a divorce on top, I just hate fighting. It bothers me and gets me quite upset.

I like Sci Fi for the atmosphere too. I had a cheeseburger last time and it was good. Not too hard to make that. I think DD had a hot dog and she enjoyed it.

Kudos to you! I can't even imagine trying to get that many people to agree on what to eat. It gives me a headache just thinking about it.

Is this just for one portion of your trip? I thought you were staying longer. :confused3

Oh yes. This is just the portion of the trip that DSis and DBIL would be on. The rest of the trip is sort of up in the air bc of the lack of May hours, but we had penciled in restaurants. Now that some of those restuarants we on DSIs and DBIL's list and others they didn't want to eat at were off, we have some rearranging and reconsidering to do. We do have ADRs already for CRT on 4/30 - Nonna, DD, and I. Pop Pop and DS are going to CP for breakfast. In a way I feel bad leaving DS out of eating at the castle, but he blows strawberries whenever any princess movie is put on, throws his sister's princess dolls, and shakes his head when she plays dress up, so I'm probably doing him a favor!

[Villainess]

LOL! Sorry about your disstress!:sad2: Today is your 90 days!! Hurray:cheer2: Your better than me as I'm sure you've read on my PTR if I can't please you I'll please myself!:lmao: Your doing a good job and its hard work to try and make everyone happy. You'll feel better once your ADRs are all booked. Good Luck

:cheer2: 90 days! Oh! That reminds me - kids haven't taken a Mickey off the wall yet today! Pop Pop is calling for the ADRs since he makes them through DVC - I'm not sure what the difference is, if there is a difference at all, maybe since it is a dedicated line for DVC ADRs the hold time is shorter? :confused3

We were supposed to have 2 more people on our trip - my grandparents, but they would have been pretty easy to please! They haven't been to WDW in so long, everything will be new to them, especially with DD and DS here now! You know, when noone is going to be happy, you have the right idea - make yourself happy! Afterall, you are the one calling Disney, on hold, stressing, etc, etc.

What a nightmare trying to please so many with your restaurant choices. Good for you for being so patient!! :goodvibes

I LOVE Tangierine Cafe. It was our very favorite CS at Epcot. I think it's a good substitute since Marrakesh is out. :thumbsup2

LOL! :rotfl: I'm so glad you all think I'm being patient. I don't think I am. I wanted to hit my head on the wall this weekend when DSis came over and then said, "I need to talk this over with DBIL." :rolleyes2

Glad that you liked Tangerine Cafe; I'm pretty sure I am sitting out of Nine Dragons and going there with the kids instead!

[Villainess]

:cool1: Woo Hoo! We have ADR's!!!!!! We have ADR's!!!!!! :cheer2: Well, for the first 10 days of the trip, at least!

Pop Pop was in meetings today and unable to make the ressies. I thought he was making them while giving DD and DS a bath but he was getting ready for a KofC meeting up in Iselin, so he would be missing dinner with us. On his way out, I made the executive decision - hey, I'll never be president, so I have to take executive decisions, no matter how small (IF Disney ADR's can be considered small! HA!), as they come!

After dinner and a quick cleanup, I grab our calendar, tentative schedules and DSis's demands, err, requests :upsidedow and settle down on the couch with the cell phone to dial that wonderful number: 407-WDW-DINE

I spoke with a CM, Marilyn. She was cordial, not overly bubbly or anything, but certainly not rude. Just matter-of-fact.

The Winner's List of Days 1 - 10 are ...
(drumroll, please)




























Continue drumming ...






























OK, here it is!
























OK, really this time

4/21 - dinner 5:25pm Liberty Tree Tavern
4/22 - lunch 12:30pm Yak & Yeti - Nonna said it was ok that she would miss this, but I feel bad since this was one of her requests. :guilty:
4/23 - lunch Nine Dragons 12pm - for DSis, DBIL, and Pop Pop only. DD, DS, and I will eat CS at Tangerine Cafe, most likely. DSis wasn't thrilled to hear that DD, DS, and I wouldn't be joining them, but I received an email from the dietary person that she couldn't guarantee that they don't use MSG in their cooking. I'm not waiting until I sit down, get the kids settled to find out I can't eat.
4/24 - lunch Sci Fi 12:10pm
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383797068_o987Y-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383792457_Qb6KS-M.jpg
4/25 - breakfast Chef Mickey's 10:05am
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/370187653_PEqNs-M.jpg
- the only time slot for a party of 7 at Brown Derby was 4:00pm, and since Nonna has requested that this day be a MK day, in addition to having 10am b'fast ressies, I was not making ADR's for this. I called DSis, told her and said she could call and make ressies for her and DBIL, maybe they could get a better time with a table of 2. Don't think she was very happy, buy hey, Nonna gave up Yak & Yeti, I wasn't going to let her give up her MK day, too!
4/26 - dinner Mama Melrose Fantasmic Dinner Pkg 4:10pm
4/27 - breakfast Tusker House 9:35am;
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/370187136_QPyWD-M.jpg
dinner Chefs de France 6pm -
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/367932154_Qksdm-M.jpg
I think I'm going to call back and see if I can make Chefs de France for a bit later, preferably 7:15 - 7:45pm
4/28 - dinner Turf Club 6:55pm
4/29 - nothing scheduled; currently have this marked as Sea World day; probably just hit Olivia's at OKW for dinner after SW
4/30 - breakfast Pop Pop and DS at Crystal Palace 8:25am;
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/311895318_LTRgy-M.jpg
breakfast DD, Nonna, and I at Cinderella's Royal Table 8:25am
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/370188477_QEnVU-M.jpg

There you have it! Our first 10 days of dining!

And for the remainder of the trip - tentatively looking like:

5/1 - dinner Rose N Crown - looking at 7:45 ressies
5/2 - ?
5/3 - dinner Whispering Canyon Cafe
5/4 - ?
5/5 - dinner Boatwrights
5/6 - breakfast Akershus
5/7 - Mickey's Backyard BBQ
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/383164654_sHpZy-M.jpg
5/8 - ?
5/9 - breakfast Crystal Palace - hopefully early seating, spend morning/early afternoon in MK, head back to OKW to get ME approx. 5pm head home :sad:
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/311895318_LTRgy-M.jpg

There are 3 days we need to fill - suggestions? We probably have our share of character meals, but I'm open!

I think I gained 10lbs just typing this all out! :rotfl:

[autumnpalm]

Congratulations!! I always get so excited after making my ADRs. And cute pictures! I especially love the one of the whole family at Chef Mickeys.:thumbsup2

[mommytothreeboys]

Wow! Nice job! We'll be at WDW at the same time...but I only had 1 ADR to make. I know you may not think you are being patient, but the simple fact that you are doing all the planning of meals etc for that many people almost qualifies you for Sainthood! :angel:

[starlight_003]

I am glad you got all the ADR you wanted. I was all excited last Sat. I got to make all mine. I see we will be at M.K the same day (21). We were going to eat at L.T but at the last min. I booked supper at CRT.

[Lady Lallie]

Congrats on your ADR's!! :thumbsup2

[ariel2007]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is celiac? I've seen it mentioned on the boards here in various dietary threads.


Its not ignorant, I never really new until my Grandad was diagnosed with it. Its basically an intolerance to gluten, and eating it can make the person very sick. If you have it you have to avoid anything with wheat in, things like bread, pasta, beer, sausages and burgers, most sauces. Its a very big pain, as there is so much you can't eat, but if you continue to eat these products you could end up with stomach cancer or something.

[Villainess]

Congratulations!! I always get so excited after making my ADRs. And cute pictures! I especially love the one of the whole family at Chef Mickeys.:thumbsup2

Thanks. It's not often we get pictures of all of us together, and even more rarely for me to be in pics w/ my kids; I'm always behind the lens. I :lovestruc Photopass for this!

Wow! Nice job! We'll be at WDW at the same time...but I only had 1 ADR to make. I know you may not think you are being patient, but the simple fact that you are doing all the planning of meals etc for that many people almost qualifies you for Sainthood! :angel:

LOL! Sainthood? :rotfl2: Who would've thought that planning a Disney vacation would get me on better ground with the Catholic church! :rotfl: I'm going to start planning 100 more!

[Villainess]

I am glad you got all the ADR you wanted. I was all excited last Sat. I got to make all mine. I see we will be at M.K the same day (21). We were going to eat at L.T but at the last min. I booked supper at CRT.

I caved and booked LT; I almost booked CP, but last year dinner wasn't so great and I figured that I really didn't have much standing ground on booking that (other than characters) instead of LT.

Congrats on your ADR's!! :thumbsup2

Thank you! :cool1:

Its not ignorant, I never really new until my Grandad was diagnosed with it. Its basically an intolerance to gluten, and eating it can make the person very sick. If you have it you have to avoid anything with wheat in, things like bread, pasta, beer, sausages and burgers, most sauces. Its a very big pain, as there is so much you can't eat, but if you continue to eat these products you could end up with stomach cancer or something.

My 2 cousins are autistic and they are on a gluten free diet, but I believe they omit it from their diet bc they see changes in their behavior bc of it, not due to an intolerance. There are so many allergies and things to food, especially in the last 5-10 years. Or maybe we are more aware of it? I credit Disney with being able to cater to so many people with various dietary needs.

[ariel2007]

My 2 cousins are autistic and they are on a gluten free diet, but I believe they omit it from their diet bc they see changes in their behavior bc of it, not due to an intolerance. There are so many allergies and things to food, especially in the last 5-10 years. Or maybe we are more aware of it? I credit Disney with being able to cater to so many people with various dietary needs.

I think Celiac is quite an old disease but has only been recognised and people diagnosed with it in the last few years. They believe many people in the past probably had it, and was the cause of some stomach cancer, they just never knew exactly what it was until more recently. With my Grandad and Aunt (who has it too, its genetic so I could possibly be at risk too :scared:), they thought it was irritable bowel up till a few years ago when they finally found it was this. It is really hard trying to find restaurants that cater for it. But yes Disney are very good, most, if not all, restaurants cater for celiac there, amongst many other things.

[Villainess]

May 1st is confirmed as Rose N Crown dinner night! :cool1: I called and told Pop Pop since Nonna and I decided that we would surprise him AFTER the ADR's were made. Needless to say, he was quite happy! :goodvibes We have ressies for 7:40pm - not sure if we will have a view of Illuminations or not, but I can always sneak out onto that seating area outside of the restaurant to get some pictures. Well, that is one of my Illuminations picture taking goals this trip.

I will probably include these in a post closer to the trip, but I'll share them with you now, too.

Illuminations Picture Taking Goals

1) setting - seating area behind the Fish N Chips CS - hopefully there won't be a VIP event!
2) setting - Japan on 'balcony' area of Teppan Edo building with the torii gate in the frame
3) setting - Canada either on the stairs of pavilion or against the fence
4) any setting - want to capture 'the bang'

[jewels1916]

Just got caught up on your PTR, and I am subbing in! I am way jealous that you are going to be at WDW for 19 days! Incredible. Your DD and DS are absolutely precious, and I loved the pics of DS with Pluto. Good luck with the rest of your ADRs!

[Lady Lallie]

Congrats on the May 1st ADR. We are going to try for Rose & Crown around Illuminations too. :thumbsup2

[ariel2007]

Oh I missed your ADR's some how. Anyway it looks like you have some great ones. I love your Chef Mickey's photo, so cute. And that Backyard BBQ picture is great, makes me want to go. Oh and I love your DD's dress in the Tusker House photo, she looks so cute. Did you have any trouble getting any of the times or dates you wanted?

[disneydusted]

:cool1: ADR's!!! Now it must be feeling more official! I always liked getting the ADR's set then I had a better idea of where we would be.
We ate at the Rose and Crown about 1/2 before Illuminations and were able to get an outside table. It was wonderful! ::yes::

[autumnpalm]

Oooh, Rose and Crown... we are thinking of making an ADR there just to try the fish and chips and catch IllumiNations. It's one of those restaurants we always kinda overlooked, but it might be nice to try something new!!:thumbsup2

[ariel2007]

Oh I forget to say, I don't know if you have been to Seaworld before but they have a great restaurant there called Shark's Underwater Grill. Its a bit like Coral Reef, but better. We love it and go on every holiday.

[Villainess]

Just got caught up on your PTR, and I am subbing in! I am way jealous that you are going to be at WDW for 19 days! Incredible. Your DD and DS are absolutely precious, and I loved the pics of DS with Pluto. Good luck with the rest of your ADRs!

Great! The more the merrier! Thank you!

Congrats on the May 1st ADR. We are going to try for Rose & Crown around Illuminations too. :thumbsup2

Thanks! I was happily surprised when the CM asked me what time frame I wanted. For some of the party of 7 ADR's it was what times they had left, but party of 5 is a bit more manageable! I think we may head over to Rose N Crown about 25-30 minutes before our time to see if there is a shot at an outside table, if not, then no problem!

Oh I missed your ADR's some how. Anyway it looks like you have some great ones. I love your Chef Mickey's photo, so cute. And that Backyard BBQ picture is great, makes me want to go. Oh and I love your DD's dress in the Tusker House photo, she looks so cute. Did you have any trouble getting any of the times or dates you wanted?

DD really enjoyed the BBQ last year so we are going back this year, knowing that she will enjoy it even more as will DS! DSis and DBIL also went last year, but they left early as DBIL said it was too kiddish for him.

I lucked out with DD's dress. I saw it online at babyGAP, so I went to our local babyGAP and was told the date they would be in store. I went to the store that day and they hadn't unpacked it, and was told to come back in 3 hours. I said I needed that dress in size 12-18 mos. Well, I came back in 2 1/2 hrs. and they didn't have any 12-18mos left! :sad2: The manager knew he made a mistake so they got it from another store and shipped it to me. And I specifically planned for her to wear it on AK day! We saw 3 other little girls at AK with that dress on too!

[Villainess]

:cool1: ADR's!!! Now it must be feeling more official! I always liked getting the ADR's set then I had a better idea of where we would be.
We ate at the Rose and Crown about 1/2 before Illuminations and were able to get an outside table. It was wonderful! ::yes::


Oh it certainly is! And taking a Mickey off the countdown is definately adding to the excitement! Of course DD keeps pointing to Mickey '0'

How loud was it sitting out there for Illuminations? I know in certain areas around the lagoon the echo is very intense. Is there much bounce back in that area?

Oooh, Rose and Crown... we are thinking of making an ADR there just to try the fish and chips and catch IllumiNations. It's one of those restaurants we always kinda overlooked, but it might be nice to try something new!!:thumbsup2

Pop Pop ate there on one of his solo excursions during a business trip, and has been trying to get us back since. Looking forward to Bangers N Mash! :thumbsup2

Oh I forget to say, I don't know if you have been to Seaworld before but they have a great restaurant there called Shark's Underwater Grill. Its a bit like Coral Reef, but better. We love it and go on every holiday.

I've been to Sea World but have never been to Shark's Underwater Grill; it's been 4-5 years since my last visit there. I will definately check out the restaurant. Thanks!

[Villainess]

I don't have a reason to call Disney today! :sad: Right now 5/2 is a blank as far as restaurants. I actually have 3 days that could be filled in.

Anyone want to make a suggestion? Somewhere we aren't going and you're thinking, "What are they doing missing ___________?!"

I'm all EARS!!!!!! :rotfl2: OK, bad joke, but hey this is a kid's show!:earsgirl:

BUT ...

cute story to share!

In our now daily routine, DD and DS get up and we first head to our countdown to take down a Mickey. Yes, before diaper change and all the fun potty stuff! Priorities, right? I get breakfast ready for them, which, by request was milk, an apple, a handful of dry Cheerios, and Ritz crackers. :confused3 I put Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on, DD runs and climbs on the couch to reach the table behind it. Just as I was about to start :mic: she hands me the phone, and says, "Mimi call Minnie day." She's shaking her head no and says, "No Mickey, Minnie, yum yum. Me say hi!" :lmao:

Oh BRB ...

OK back, we had a slight wardrobe malfunction. No, not DD who is currently modeling a Belle costume complete with dress up shoes - Cinderella ones - and is performing her own parade dance routine to the Disneyland Sing-a-long. DS: he has learned to pull his pants down and then shakes them off! :sad2: Maybe I should look into getting him a job stripping for other toddlers! There's got to be a toddler-chippendales playgroup out there, right? :groom: (Gives a whole new meaning to that smilie, huh?) He likes to dance and can earn $$$ for the trip! :rotfl: OK, OK I'm j/k!

So back to the other cute story ...

DD wanted me to call Minnie so we could eat with her. She was very persistent, too! I thought I was going to have to call a friend of mine and have pretend to be Minnie for me!


Well, there's my cute story, actually you got 2 cute stories for the price of 1! Talk about a deal!

[Lady Lallie]

What about Kona Cafe? I don't think I saw that one on your list. We had the most delicious meal there.

And I am cracking up at your DS and his stripping ways! :groom:

[disneydusted]

Hummm, the Illuminations bounce back sitting outside at the Rose and Crown was pretty loud but I don't really remember it being any lounder than other places. I do remember a speaker was quite near but it is pointing out to the water so it wasn't blasting our ears out. Maybe someone else has a better memory about the bounce back???
We loved the GF tea, Cali Grill, Sci fi, Brown Derby, Coral Reef... some you are already going to. :thumbsup2

[autumnpalm]

Add us to the list of people who love the Kona Cafe. SO yummy.

We also really like 1900 PF at dinner for the characters (my FAV character meal) and the Cape May Cafe breakfast.:thumbsup2

Your kids are too cute!!:thumbsup2 Love those stories, they are adorable!

[tinkgurl]

DS: he has learned to pull his pants down and then shakes them off! :sad2: Maybe I should look into getting him a job stripping for other toddlers! There's got to be a toddler-chippendales playgroup out there, right? :groom: (Gives a whole new meaning to that smilie, huh?)

Haha, that smiley is perfect for this story! :groom: :groom: :groom: I'm in a computer lab right now so you're lucky I could control my laughter! :p

[mommytothreeboys]

Great story! I can just picture it! :rotfl2:

I have a younger brother who, at 3 years old, decided it would be a great idea to parade naked through my 7th birthday party of all little girls! Watch out....he is 35 now and STILL tends to be a bit of an exhibitionist! LOL! He'd kill me if he knew I was spreading that around! :rotfl:

[Villainess]

What about Kona Cafe? I don't think I saw that one on your list. We had the most delicious meal there.

And I am cracking up at your DS and his stripping ways! :groom:

I like your new avatar! I mentioned Kona Cafe to Nonna and Pop Pop and we are definately thinking about that one. They ate there for breakfast on their last 'adults' trip. I'm going to check out the menu for dinner.

Hummm, the Illuminations bounce back sitting outside at the Rose and Crown was pretty loud but I don't really remember it being any lounder than other places. I do remember a speaker was quite near but it is pointing out to the water so it wasn't blasting our ears out. Maybe someone else has a better memory about the bounce back???
We loved the GF tea, Cali Grill, Sci fi, Brown Derby, Coral Reef... some you are already going to. :thumbsup2


Good to know that the bounceback isn't ridiculously loud. And yes, I'm concerned about my kids' hearing, but I was actually asking bc of me. I have very sensitive ears and honestly, I hate fireworks. They look beautiful but I hate the noise. Back when I was little my father would stand at the end of Main St. by the train station and very slowly make his way towards the castle during the fireworks with me. Back then after the fireworks there was a stage show, so that is how he got me to watch the fireworks. And I would only watch "Mickey fireworks" July 4th fireworks back home, I would hide in the car.

Add us to the list of people who love the Kona Cafe. SO yummy.

We also really like 1900 PF at dinner for the characters (my FAV character meal) and the Cape May Cafe breakfast.:thumbsup2

Your kids are too cute!!:thumbsup2 Love those stories, they are adorable!

Glad you enjoyed the stories. Actually, I forgot about 1900 Park Fare - we've had good meals there. Oh and Grand Floridian Cafe too!

[Villainess]

Haha, that smiley is perfect for this story! :groom: :groom: :groom: I'm in a computer lab right now so you're lucky I could control my laughter! :p

LOL! :rotfl: I could just imagine your burst of laughter and upon being questioned saying, "Oh it's just a 1 year old stripping!" :groom:

Great story! I can just picture it! :rotfl2:

I have a younger brother who, at 3 years old, decided it would be a great idea to parade naked through my 7th birthday party of all little girls! Watch out....he is 35 now and STILL tends to be a bit of an exhibitionist! LOL! He'd kill me if he knew I was spreading that around! :rotfl:

:rotfl2: OMG! I'm sure the house was filled with shrieks and screaming by all your friends!

[Villainess]

While I sort through the Disney on Ice photos - which have been delayed due to my laptop constantly overheating. I think it's on the way out and my camera fund (almost 1/2 complete towards my new camera) is now becoming a laptop fund - I thought I would share with you pictures from DD's 2nd bday party - her Minnie Mouse party!

It's cold and yucky and all too wintry for my tastes, so let's brighten up the mood with some Minnie fun!

It's all started a darling little girl, about to turn 2 who kept asking for a Minnie party!


Then a spark of imagination about the invitation ...
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/365606793_7VWMm-M.jpg

And Voila! A party is born!

I designed the invitations in photoshop, cut out each one - they are about 7"x7" sewed each bow and glued in place. 40 times! Let me tell you that my thumb was numb for 4 days after all that cutting!

Next up - the party decorations!!!!!!!!!!! I hate that I don't have pictures of half of the decorations.

In front of the house, I had signs like "Oh boy, Minnie we found the party!" "Gee Mickey, I hope they have cake!" lining the walkway to the backyard.

In the backyard, I had fake plastic sunflowers in the flowerbeds (this was late Sept, so we were transitioning to the fall mums). I had red tablecloths on all the tables. And 'Mickey Park' backdrop from the Disney Store hanging from the back of the house
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460136085_Kmf9k-M.jpg

I bought terra cotta pots and Pop Pop spray painted them red w/ white polka dots and placed red and white carnations in the pots and placed them on the tables.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460145602_SaaL3-M.jpg

And of course, Minnie herself!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460134843_FWWdU-M.jpg

All the children were given Mickey or Minnie ears when they arrived.

BIL and the Mickey pinata.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460136704_NLHM2-M.jpg
And the children wanted pics wearing the 'big ears' too!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460137165_TwgyJ-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460137069_Swtg6-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460139291_T5xTX-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460137428_8V3Mf-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460137660_FocUY-M.jpg

And they they pulled the pinata strings!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460139544_CNDSE-M.jpg

And I put so much stuff in it, it didn't open!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460141070_2Au8a-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460141311_nAcAC-M.jpg
FINALLY
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460142403_UZEtB-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460142916_uuaj3-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460143024_mCb5E-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460143412_J9DjA-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460143693_x2xBQ-M.jpg

And they played
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460131623_NYDQm-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460132380_oE9Z5-M.jpg
and played
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460135290_tig8b-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460133402_NTfuC-M.jpg
and played
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460132865_z3opG-M.jpg

[Villainess]

We left off they were playing ...

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460133747_fo5rg-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460134024_RaY3h-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460133890_4AT4K-M.jpg

DD got her first kiss
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460145181_LeCzU-M.jpg

For dinner we had Mickeyroni and Cheese for the kids along with chicken nuggets. And for everyone: Mickey Pasta Salad, Meatballs, London Broil, Stuffed Shells, Red Potato Wedges, Lemon Chicken, and String Beans.

Cake Time!

Here, I had my camera settings wrong, so the pictures are all a yellow-ish tint. :rolleyes: I need to go back and try to reprocess them one day.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460145465_26KVN-M.jpg
(you can kinda see some of the window clings we had all over all the windows with different characters on them)
I made the cake and boy is working with fondant fun! HAHA!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460146096_Bi8qV-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460146948_PDDrh-M.jpg
We had to wake DS up to join in the fun!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460147076_gU4da-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460150330_kpbot-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460149464_nWki9-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460149245_zRXUi-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460148277_3k226-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460148432_VYq2E-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460148567_TcZqu-M.jpg

Opening presents ...

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460151837_DGYKs-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460152416_Q5TeK-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460152236_sSTY5-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460153361_2YSdS-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460153756_FkaXw-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460155486_fHdfu-M.jpg

When it was time to go home ...

red & white M&M's w/ messages "Happy Birthday" & "Cibella is 2!" in a clear purse w/ red w/ white polka dot ribbon for the adults and older children.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460146407_gdYbK-M.jpg

For the kids ...
red gable boxes with white polka dots

Inside girls box
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460130894_nrs53-M.jpg
and the boys box
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460131379_3hj9d-M.jpg
close up of some of the Disney character-shaped crayons
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460131216_3BLbh-M.jpg

In the end, I would say it was a grand success! Little Minnie had a wonderful time playing with her friends and cousins! Little Minnie has since become the princess and has informed me that next year is "Aurora pink, Mimi, not blue!" (How many times do you think we've watched Sleeping Beauty?)

Coming Up - Little Guy's Handy Manny 1st bday party!

[ariel2007]

Wow that party looks brilliant, what a great job you did. I love the invitations, they are so cute, and the party boxes are great. Your DD looks so cute and looks like she had a blast. The cake was great, you are very creative.

[wlwilliams9]

WOW!! You are so creative! Looks like I need to step it up for DD's 3rd B-day!!:rotfl:

Can't wait to see the Handy Manny stuff!

[mommytothreeboys]

Awesome Party!! ::MinnieMo I love the cake...I decorate cakes for my family and friends, but have never tried fondant. It looks great! :thumbsup2

[Villainess]

Wow that party looks brilliant, what a great job you did. I love the invitations, they are so cute, and the party boxes are great. Your DD looks so cute and looks like she had a blast. The cake was great, you are very creative.

Thank you! It was lots of fun! I had a Minnie mouse shirt on as did Nonna, but I don't have a picture of mine! I had bought DS a Mickey shirt, but it was way too big on him, so he ended up wearing one of his summer shirts to fit into the theme!

WOW!! You are so creative! Looks like I need to step it up for DD's 3rd B-day!!:rotfl:

Can't wait to see the Handy Manny stuff!

Handy Manny is coming up! I'm already thinking about DD's and DS's bday parties! The spring/summer/fall is busy season for me as far as my hairbows and tutus are concerned. I have a lot of fairs and a 5 day county fair so a lot of the ideas need to be in place so I can work on them a little at a time!

Awesome Party!! ::MinnieMo I love the cake...I decorate cakes for my family and friends, but have never tried fondant. It looks great! :thumbsup2

Glad you like cake. I really need to learn how to make it more smooth and as well as getting the excess confectioner's sugar off the pieces! :rotfl: I stink at rolling out dough and fondant so some of these pieces were too thick in areas and too thin in others. I did better w/ DD's 1st bday cake when I had Pop Pop roll out the fondant for me! :thumbsup2

[Lady Lallie]

What a great theme for a party! I love the cake, it's so adorable. :goodvibes

[Leleluvsdis]

You daughters b-day party is FANTASTIC!!!! I wish I have a party like that lol!!! Can't wait to see what's in store for the handy manny party!

[spoonfulofsugr]

Beautiful Family.. great TR.. I'm on board!

[Villainess]

What a great theme for a party! I love the cake, it's so adorable. :goodvibes

Thank you! It was lots of fun to plan!

You daughters b-day party is FANTASTIC!!!! I wish I have a party like that lol!!! Can't wait to see what's in store for the handy manny party!

I wish I could have a party too! Hmmmmm .... would it be silly to throw myself a 29th bday party? :rotfl2: I could theme it "Pretend we're in WDW w/ a free day in the park"

Beautiful Family.. great TR.. I'm on board!

Thank you!

[Villainess]

I was going to wait until tonight to post this, but since I'm waiting to hear from Pop Pop about our ADR for today - Boatwrights - not sure if he was calling or not :confused3, I thought I would go ahead and post DS's party!

Picking his theme was perplexing. He lovees Tigger & Pooh so I was very tempted to have a 100 Acre Woods Party, but he also loves Handy Manny! I made my decision when Pop Pop offered to help make the centerpieces (keeping it a secret for the time being).

DS's party also included exDH's family. At DD's 1st bday party they were included, and were supposed to be invited for her 2nd as well, but due to some idiotic shennanigans by exDH, I opted to not invite them to DD's 2nd.

First things, first: the invitations! I toyed with a few ideas - one in the shape of a hammer, a brightly colored invite with a picture, but kept thinking it wasn't 'WOW' enough. (When you design invitations for a living you are always thinking in these terms!) Then it dawned on me! Handy Manny's sign! I was going to recreate Handy Manny's sign!

So that's what I did! I opened up my trusty Photoshop and began creating planks of wood; after a few tries I was happy with the result. Then I began creating a nail head, a bolt, and screws. I had 2 pictures I was thinking about using: one with the tools and another of Handy Manny w/ the tools. I couldn't decide which one to use, so in the end I used both - 1/2 got the tools only invite and the other half got Handy Manny and tools!

The final product:
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460420762_DsHtq-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462135495_G38um-M.jpg
(please ignore the watermarkings - I have them for sale on etsy and to protect my images from being stolen and other sellers using them as their own - sadly, this happens a lot - I have to put them on there)

I had DS's party in the gym of the family center of our church. With it being Nov. 1st, the weather could've been nice or could've been cold and miserable. Since both families were invited and not being able to count on the weather and the outdoor luxury I have with planning DD's parties, I opted for the school gym. It was perfect! It also meant a lot of area to decorate though!

On the walls, were pictures we painted of the tools and Handy Manny. Don't be too impressed! I took DS's coloring book and a projector, and traced them on poster board, then painted them!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460421758_PeWcg-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460446738_TgFCL-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462130891_9NykH-M.jpg
I guess I forgot to take a picture of Dusty and Pat!

Across the stage I had yellow Caution tape as garland and also to block off the stairs so the little ones couldn't get up there!

I made the table cloths out of paint dropcloths. I bought Crayola washable paint and DD and I had lots of fun splattering paint on all the drop cloths! Boy was it messy though!
Here is a good look at the table cloth that was also on one of the kids' craft tables - playdough!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460443054_eiKZe-M.jpg

Some of the bday signs!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460448487_GmNaA-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460438106_yAdkT-M.jpg

I used plastic paint trays to hold snacks and dips.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460447487_8o9CE-M.jpg

And for the centerpieces! Pop Pop helped with these and were the big reason why I chose this theme! Ready?






























Really?


























You won't believe it!



























He made them!




























Yes, MADE them!























A total of 8!




























http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460438748_XXcqL-M.jpg
Yup! He built tool boxes! Just like Manny's! Inside, I put Mega blocks and tools for everyone (adults included) to build and play!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460448715_97Vjw-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460449595_bBzeA-M.jpg

Gift area
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462133443_3hh4U-M.jpg

The birthday boy!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460442193_FPQKy-M.jpg
On the move.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460441114_WNFJX-M.jpg
All the kids received a yellow construction hat when they arrived!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460448945_3Mvt6-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460444216_vnziE-M.jpg

With music playing (Disney, Imagination Movers, Choo Choo Soul, etc) the kids bowled
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460421290_DyCYr-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460460503_dhumG-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460428653_AnSVh-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460459790_65SFo-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460457731_7D7Jf-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460464625_oBxd3-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460465293_FiBKY-M.jpg

[Villainess]

We left off and the kids were bowling ...

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460470935_tpWtM-M.jpg

Played tic tac toe
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460429224_GkpBA-M.jpg

And parachute
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460439643_AkbCF-M.jpg

And hopscotch
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460435143_Fr3XR-M.jpg
(or a huge puzzle as some of the kids thought it was!)
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460443563_4ghMz-M.jpg

They colored (I had the crayons in clear plastic paint cans)
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460450192_fxMc6-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460451371_exRs3-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460450688_enFq4-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460452175_5GirX-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460472978_qUM3A-M.jpg

They breaked for dinner
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460448149_Nhzww-M.jpg

And they built things
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460453190_3NGgD-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460455386_6ZWeS-M.jpg

And the adults talked!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460429594_Fcdya-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460430033_VMeh4-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462130149_tuMdq-M.jpg
(Mom Mom is the red head so you know who will be calling 5-10x/day while you read the TR!)

Pinata time!

I made Stretch the Pinata! I prefer pull string pinatas to the normal swing a bat ones so everyone gets a string to pull at the same time and no one gets hurt!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460445184_G3nAs-M.jpg
I forgot to make a loop to hang the pinata onto something so here is Pop Pop trying to figure out what he could do with zipties and curling ribbon
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460463814_RASR8-M.jpg
When all else fails, ask exBIL to stand on a chair and hold it for them!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460467401_p2FeA-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460461868_JNaKA-M.jpg
As with the other pinata I stuffed too much stuff in in and nothing came out
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460466757_bh7FU-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460467946_rpezn-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460468973_HHhrt-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460469481_aJnW6-M.jpg

[Villainess]

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460471329_2g7Aw-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460470548_YNmoN-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460474019_qotLg-M.jpg

Cake Time!

What Handy Manny party would be complete without Mrs Portillo's bakery? We had cake, cupcakes, Italian cookies, brownies, apple pie, and chocolate layer cake!

I made DS's cake but opted to not play with fondant this time. I had an awfully hard time deciding on what to do for his cake. So I opted for this and cupcakes on a tower I built.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460436775_hf2EG-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460434468_KmREe-M.jpg
There was 2 1/2 cans worth of icing on that top cupcake!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460437508_fZRRt-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460433754_AcLPV-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460436006_2sfZy-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462131001_CRCLP-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462131274_ChN7R-M.jpg

Happy Birthday to you ...
(I changed his shirt on purpose, you will see why!)
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462132594_nw3mk-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462133141_YoacS-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462133294_UcfSH-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462133723_iMQmE-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462133878_kYZ3L-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462134316_qV4L7-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462135228_VyFik-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460424193_yqD5d-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460424455_VuiyP-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460426673_jbtNU-M.jpg
He got me!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460423308_S4hBq-M.jpg

Let me tell you, Wilton's food coloring gel stains your skin! It took 2 days for it to completely come off my hands! And that included 2 showers and countless handwashings too!

[Villainess]

Favors! aka Mr. Lopart's Candy Store

Yes, that's right, we had a candy bar! I was planning on making an awning to look like a storefront but we just ran out of time to make one! I choose to get old fashioned non-chocolate candy for the candy shop. The older adults thought it was a hoot to see so many of their childhood favorites. Some of the candy included: Bazooka Joe gum, Root Beer barrels, Red Hots, Charleston Chews, Gum Drops, Salt Water Taffy, Sugar Daddy, and Swirly Lollipops!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460430990_Eftyy-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460427151_XkKqW-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460433357_UTN7x-M.jpg
I used takeout containers for everyone to build their favors.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460431953_36FiG-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/462130340_v8pE3-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460432241_3zzFi-M.jpg
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460432742_p3XCH-M.jpg

The kids also got little Handy Manny boxes with stickers, a Handy manny hammer, kalidescope, 'safety glasses', and some plastic tools
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460473512_kdCuF-M.jpg

The party ended abruptly when DD fell down backwards while dancing with her cousin and hit her head very hard (and oh, did that make a sound I will never forget!) on the gymnasium floor. This resulted in her becoming very sleepy and one of exDH's aunt's who is a nurse suggested we take her to the ER, which exDH and I did. This is DD trying to fall asleep.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460430563_GDMrG-M.jpg
Thankfully, she was checked out and fine after only being in the ER for 3 hours! That's probably the quickest trip to the ER ever!

DSis snapped this pic of DS at the end of the party - he was partied out!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/460420688_BNnPm-M.jpg
(notice the blue icing still on his pants)

Anyway, at the ER the nurse asked me if I was aware that my face and hands were blue. I told her that yes I did and was trying out to be a smurf! LOL! I honestly did. I was on the verge of crying and was so upset that DS's party came to a crushing halt and that DD was hurt, it just blurted out of my mouth!

And here is DS's thank you card.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/434830989_Rf2pt-M.jpg

Right now, it looks like DS's 2nd bday party is going to be an Imagination Movers theme! Wheels are turning ...

[tinkgurl]

Oh my gosh! Thanks so much for sharing the Handy Manny party pics! What a great theme, with your GREAT decorations! I bet the kids had a blast bowling with that music! :goodvibes And I love the thank-you's! :lmao: Can't wait to see next year's party! :thumbsup2

[Lady Lallie]

What an awesome party. Your kids are so very lucky to have such a great mom. :goodvibes

[Villainess]

Oh my gosh! Thanks so much for sharing the Handy Manny party pics! What a great theme, with your GREAT decorations! I bet the kids had a blast bowling with that music! :goodvibes And I love the thank-you's! :lmao: Can't wait to see next year's party! :thumbsup2

Your welcome! Glad you enjoyed them! I think all the kids had a great time too!

What an awesome party. Your kids are so very lucky to have such a great mom. :goodvibes

Awww .... thank you! :goodvibes

[ariel2007]

Another great party, you must take so much time coming up with these ideas and making everything. Your kids are going to look back and be so thankful to you for making their birthdays so wonderful. That candy bar looks really good, I would love one of those. And the centerpieces were great. DS looks so cute with his cupcake, and definitely think he enjoyed it.

[starlight_003]

Both Birthday partys sure looked like alot of fun. I love the pic of your son with all that blue frosting on his face thats to cute. This year DS wants to have a pool party at the place where he goes for swim lessons. I will have to come up with some theming ideals for this.

[disneydusted]

Wow! When you do a party, you DO a party!! :cool1: It looks like everyone had a great time at both parties, I'm sorry DD hit her head, I know that was scary but I am glad she is fine.
I am thinking that you need to start planning her Sweet 16 down in Disney! princess: Wouldn't that be fun!!?? ::yes::

[Villainess]

Another great party, you must take so much time coming up with these ideas and making everything. Your kids are going to look back and be so thankful to you for making their birthdays so wonderful. That candy bar looks really good, I would love one of those. And the centerpieces were great. DS looks so cute with his cupcake, and definitely think he enjoyed it.

Thank you. I hope so! The candy bar was a great success! The only downside was that it was the day after Halloween. That is one of the reason why I opted for non-chocolate candies.

Both Birthday partys sure looked like alot of fun. I love the pic of your son with all that blue frosting on his face thats to cute. This year DS wants to have a pool party at the place where he goes for swim lessons. I will have to come up with some theming ideals for this.

You could have a Nemo theme! I remember going to a pool party birthday at a swim club. It was a lot of fun. We played Marco Polo, water volleyball, and dove for rings. I believe I was 9 or so.

Wow! When you do a party, you DO a party!! :cool1: It looks like everyone had a great time at both parties, I'm sorry DD hit her head, I know that was scary but I am glad she is fine.
I am thinking that you need to start planning her Sweet 16 down in Disney! princess: Wouldn't that be fun!!?? ::yes::

Oh my - a Sweet 16 in Disney! Maybe I should start planning her wedding! :rotfl: Actually, I really wanted to get married in Disney but being Catholic I wouldn't be able to have a church ceremony, and my great grandmother would not have been able to make the trip. Of course, for the wedding I would want down there, I'll have to find a very rich Disney loving guy. Oh well ... :rotfl2:

[Villainess]

I decided to change the date of the Mickey's Backyard BBQ to 4/30 - the same day as the CRT and CP breakfasts instead of 5/7. Why? I dunno, really! :confused3 Actually it was Pop Pop who suggested it, Nonna who agreed, and then put in my hands so I booked it last night! Come to think of it, neither one of them had a reason to change it either. Oh well, now we need another restaurant to try!

With the BBQ booked and paid for, I went ahead and also booked Boatwright's for dinner on 5/5. I spoke w/ a very pleasant CM, Trixie. I know I've spoken with her in the past bc that name and how nice and helpful she was stood out. (Trixie, IMO, isn't a very common name, so what's the likelihood of there being more than one Trixie making ADR's right?). Anyway, she was the first CM in my several calls to ask if we were celebrating anything and when I replied no, she tried quite hard to come up with something. In the end, I told her to tell her we would be celebrating Thursday at the BBQ. She laughed. I appreciated her efforts to think of something. She was also the first CM to ask about any dietary restrictions or allergies. Very good CM! Trixie, if you are reading this - great job! :thumbsup2

I'll be calling later for the Princess Storybook Breakfast at Akershus. Yes, I am subjecting DS to a Princess breakfast! I want to see if I can get all the princesses to kiss him on his cheeks/forehead and then get a picture of him. :upsidedow I have a picture of him w/ a kiss from Jasmine and it is just too cute! That and I know that DD will the princess thing again and another excuse for me to dress her up! Not that I need an excuse really, she is right now passed out on the couch wearing her Belle costume, tiara falling off and wand in hand! Ahhhh ... the life of a 2 year old princess! princess: princess:

I'm waiting for those February hours to see if any of the ADR's will need to be rearranged before I fill in the blanks. I'm thinking about: Kona Cafe, The Wave or Grand Floridian Cafe, The Plaza (lunch), San Angel Inn, Big River Brewery, and Biergarten as possibilities.

[autumnpalm]

Just caught up with everything! Wow, you are quite the birthday planner! Your pictures are just great, it looks like everyone is having so much fun.:goodvibes Your kids are going to have such wonderful memories. And your son with the giant cupcake is too cute!!:rotfl:

I think we're going to go ahead with the Princess Story Book breakfast too. And I would definitely try Kona... the food is so delicious and I just love the Poly. I love having dinner there and then watching Wishes from the beach after. So magical!!

[jewels1916]

Just got caught up! You are very talented with all the creative party planning! Your DD and DS are very lucky!

Saw your list of possible ADRs...just to throw my two cents out there...The Wave...not that good IMO. We were there for breakfast, and none of us (me, DMom, DDad) were impressed with our meals. Although...bright side...the menu on Allears.net appears to be updated some since I ate there, more options for picky eaters. :)

[mickeysmyboy]

Hi Danielle!! I'm just jumping over and got all caught up!

First, let me say your kids are absolutely adorably beautiful!!! Sooooo cute!!!

Second, all of your pictures are amazing!!

Third, your kids birthday parties looked amazing! When I saw the pictures with the giant cupcake I thought, oh my! That icing dye will take days to come out! I've been stained a rainbow of colors over the past few years between birthday parties and school functions!

Your ADR and plan look great!! I can't believe your going for 19 days!!! I'm so jealous ;)

[ariel2007]

I really want to try The Wave, it sounds really good. And the menu sounds good too. Its a shame I am not going to be able to read your report before I go and check out all your dining options.

[dolfinjuls]

Hi! I just found your ptr! So glad you're doing another one. I just LOVED the bday party pics. You're quite creative! I also loved the NYC Christmas pics. We didn't get up there this year for the decorations. :(

[starlight_003]

You could have a Nemo theme! I remember going to a pool party birthday at a swim club. It was a lot of fun. We played Marco Polo, water volleyball, and dove for rings. I believe I was 9 or so.

Thanks for the great ideal. DS will be 6 and I don't know if he will go for Nemo decorations. He will most likely want one of the action figure guys. I told him since it will be a pool party we should do a theme to that. So far we have had a Thomas The Train & a Pirate party. Last year we took him & a friend to Wisconsin Dells. But this year is back to a big party again.

[Villainess]

Just caught up with everything! Wow, you are quite the birthday planner! Your pictures are just great, it looks like everyone is having so much fun.:goodvibes Your kids are going to have such wonderful memories. And your son with the giant cupcake is too cute!!:rotfl:

I think we're going to go ahead with the Princess Story Book breakfast too. And I would definitely try Kona... the food is so delicious and I just love the Poly. I love having dinner there and then watching Wishes from the beach after. So magical!!

Oh watching Wishes from the beach - that's a great idea! Maybe we could catch the Water Electric Pageant too!

Just got caught up! You are very talented with all the creative party planning! Your DD and DS are very lucky!

Saw your list of possible ADRs...just to throw my two cents out there...The Wave...not that good IMO. We were there for breakfast, and none of us (me, DMom, DDad) were impressed with our meals. Although...bright side...the menu on Allears.net appears to be updated some since I ate there, more options for picky eaters. :)

Thanks for the heads up! Nothing is set just yet. Nonna and Pop Pop will probably look at the menu first and we'll decide.

Hi Danielle!! I'm just jumping over and got all caught up!

First, let me say your kids are absolutely adorably beautiful!!! Sooooo cute!!!

Second, all of your pictures are amazing!!

Third, your kids birthday parties looked amazing! When I saw the pictures with the giant cupcake I thought, oh my! That icing dye will take days to come out! I've been stained a rainbow of colors over the past few years between birthday parties and school functions!

Your ADR and plan look great!! I can't believe your going for 19 days!!! I'm so jealous ;)

Hi! Welcome! :goodvibes I'm glad you like the pictures! Wish I could get someone to pay me to take pictures, then I'd be set! Maybe I should start a business, "Will follow you on your vacations and take your pictures for you."

Oh that icing dye! I think I will be using it in a few weeks when we make cupcakes for Valentines and St. Patty's Day for the ARC dances we do. Thankfully, I have one of those decorating guns, so it will only be messy to eat!

[Villainess]

I really want to try The Wave, it sounds really good. And the menu sounds good too. Its a shame I am not going to be able to read your report before I go and check out all your dining options.

We could send smoke signals to each other's hotels with our dining results! :rotfl2: White smoke = good, black smoke = bad.

Hi! I just found your ptr! So glad you're doing another one. I just LOVED the bday party pics. You're quite creative! I also loved the NYC Christmas pics. We didn't get up there this year for the decorations. :(

Hi! Thanks for joining me! :wave2: We are probably heading back up to NYC next Saturday for my birthday and so the kids get meet the characters again. There is also a pin trading event that morning that Pop Pop is interested in doing, and I'm sure DD will enjoy that too!

Thanks for the great ideal. DS will be 6 and I don't know if he will go for Nemo decorations. He will most likely want one of the action figure guys. I told him since it will be a pool party we should do a theme to that. So far we have had a Thomas The Train & a Pirate party. Last year we took him & a friend to Wisconsin Dells. But this year is back to a big party again.

A pirate theme was going to be my next suggestion. What about Atlantis? That could be water themed too?

[Villainess]

I called last night to make my 5/6 ADR's for the Princess Storybook Breakfast. I had a time and was giving my CC when we were disconnected. I called right back and got the absolute worse CM in the history of Disney. She barely spoke english, asked me to repeat the name of the restaurant, number in my party and spelled my last name about 7 times. Then she tells me I can't book, and I have to explain the booking +10, then 1 day everyday thereafter. It hasn't been a problem and I only need to provide my ressie # for OKW. She refuses to make the ADR, so I finally ask for a supervisor. After keeping me on hold for 10 minutes she then switches me to a supervisor who makes the ADR's with no problem. I spent 47 minutes on the phone just to make the one ADR! This breakfast better be good! :rotfl2:

So this wasn't a very fun update. OK, be back later with a better one!

[ariel2007]

Sorry you had to deal with a rude CM, that should never happen with Disney I think, they are suppose to be magical aren't they. Last year when we booked I had about 10-12 ADR's to book at once and happened to get a CM who couldn't really speak or understand English very well. It took me over an hour to get them all booked, which from a UK mobile ended up costing us a fortune. We were not impressed.

[Villainess]

Sorry you had to deal with a rude CM, that should never happen with Disney I think, they are suppose to be magical aren't they. Last year when we booked I had about 10-12 ADR's to book at once and happened to get a CM who couldn't really speak or understand English very well. It took me over an hour to get them all booked, which from a UK mobile ended up costing us a fortune. We were not impressed.

OMG! I could only imagine how much that must have cost! I think some of the ADR CM's need a refresher training course and a little pixie dust for some of them too!

[Lady Lallie]

I called last night to make my 5/6 ADR's for the Princess Storybook Breakfast. I had a time and was giving my CC when we were disconnected. I called right back and got the absolute worse CM in the history of Disney. She barely spoke english, asked me to repeat the name of the restaurant, number in my party and spelled my last name about 7 times. Then she tells me I can't book, and I have to explain the booking +10, then 1 day everyday thereafter. It hasn't been a problem and I only need to provide my ressie # for OKW. She refuses to make the ADR, so I finally ask for a supervisor. After keeping me on hold for 10 minutes she then switches me to a supervisor who makes the ADR's with no problem. I spent 47 minutes on the phone just to make the one ADR! This breakfast better be good! :rotfl2:

So this wasn't a very fun update. OK, be back later with a better one!
That is SO frustrating. I've had problems with CM's and as much as I hate it, I have ended the call and then called back. Usually this works and I get much nicer/easier to understand CM. :thumbsup2

[spoonfulofsugr]

It's great to see another Jersey Shore Girl on Disboards. Your trip to NYC looked super fun! DH and I are taking Mom and DS to see Phantom on Broadway in two weeks. It won't be the first time going to NY but it will be DS's first show. Isn't it great living so close to so many awesome cities? (Philly, NYC, Baltimore, D.C.) So many people tell us we live in the armpit of America and whenever they talk about Jersey, they make it sound like such a cesspool! I think it's beautiful here (at least in South Jersey) and I love it! Since you live down the shore, I am going to take a stab at it and say you feel the same. Anyway, it's nice to have someone else who is from the same area.. it makes the DisWorld seem just a little bit smaller!

[Villainess]

No Disney news so far today. :sad1:

Instead I thought I would share some photos of where I live! I'm very fortunate to be only 5 miles from the beach and 55 minutes to NYC, 1hr. 20 min to Atlantic City, and 2 hrs. to Wildwood/CapeMay.

Here are some pictures from Avon by the Sea! It's about 15 minutes from my house depending on traffic, so a little further than the closer beaches, but one of the nicer ones! When I was little, my family would come to this beach every summer before we joined a beach club, and later, got a pool. I also went dancing at the pavilion on the boardwalk as a toddler; they had Tot dances every week, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they still have them! DD and DS went to quite a few during the summer.

It is a very small town, extremely quiet from mid Sept - Memorial Day weekend when the Bennies come and infiltrate! There are lots of Victorian Houses, many stay in the family, and quite a few Bed & Breakfasts too!

A little photo tour of one of my favorite Jersey Shore beaches - Avon by the Sea!

The famous benches
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459686996_6USok-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459682609_XDJEi-M.jpg

The pavilion
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459688143_wAsXy-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459687656_dAdLQ-M.jpg
kids dancing at the pavilion
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/463932954_kFD3i-M.jpg

Lifeguard off duty
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/463643981_8wUZq-L.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459688255_a9yjU-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459687787_q7HDm-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459682375_2kgui-M.jpg

Bridge up, fishing boat coming back in
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459683124_5LWbJ-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459683775_P33Py-M.jpg

Fishing from the jetty
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459686397_AuoZM-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459686892_zUZvq-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459686021_KzMLa-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459686201_nTjgf-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459685829_hgoJR-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459687168_8Rp2r-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/459687439_t5dck-M.jpg

Nonna and DD
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/463641326_B7Agm-M.jpg
on the swings at the beach
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/463641262_BreLk-M.jpg
DS fell asleep in the swing
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/463643839_yXeSu-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/463644047_x3HVC-M.jpg

All the pictures, w/ exception of DD and DS dancing were taken in 'off season' mid May and early Oct.

[ariel2007]

I love your beach photo's, its nice to see some different places as I love America. Plus we love the beach, we used to go all the time when I was little, I hate living so far from it now. I love DD's little dresses, they are so pretty, as is she. And DS is so cute asleep in the swing.

[Lady Lallie]

Beautiful beach photos. I especially love the very last one of your DS's foot, very nice. :goodvibes

[Villainess]

I love your beach photo's, its nice to see some different places as I love America. Plus we love the beach, we used to go all the time when I was little, I hate living so far from it now. I love DD's little dresses, they are so pretty, as is she. And DS is so cute asleep in the swing.

Glad you liked the photos. I am planning on taking some pictures of different areas around me. exDH has the kids this weekend so I am hoping to hit a few places including a 9/11 memorial and Twin Lights.

Beautiful beach photos. I especially love the very last one of your DS's foot, very nice. :goodvibes

Thank you! That is one of my favorites and I have it framed in my room!

[tinkgurl]

The food better be darn good! :rotfl:

Ahhh the beach. :cloud9:

[mickeysmyboy]

I love, love your beach pictures!!! Your such a good photographer!! I'm jealous!!

I love your idea of following people on their vacation to takes pictures! That would be neat and probably profitable! DH and his mom and dad think I should start my own scrapbooking business and make scrapbooks for people. I keep trying to explain I can't scrap other peoples memories! I have thought about doing layouts with spaces for pictures and selling those.

Can't wait to read more!

[autumnpalm]

Your beach pictures are just gorgeous!! You are such an amazing photographer. I especially love the photos of your kids, they are just darling. :lovestruc

[dolfinjuls]

Great pics! I've never been to Avon. We usually go to Ocean City, that's the shore I grew up going to!

[Villainess]

The food better be darn good! :rotfl:

Ahhh the beach. :cloud9:

Yes indeed! I have high expectations for it!

I love, love your beach pictures!!! Your such a good photographer!! I'm jealous!!

I love your idea of following people on their vacation to takes pictures! That would be neat and probably profitable! DH and his mom and dad think I should start my own scrapbooking business and make scrapbooks for people. I keep trying to explain I can't scrap other peoples memories! I have thought about doing layouts with spaces for pictures and selling those.

Can't wait to read more!

Awww - thank you. Actually, I have to credit the photographers over on the Dis Photography threads. They are super nice and full of information. I soak up their knowledge like a sponge and now I'm starting to read some of the books they are reading! I super excited right now bc I'm in the lead of my group's round 1 of voting in the photography over there. Last week I was tied for 2nd/3rd in this round. With the talent over there, I am definately proud of the accomplishment.

If you ever want to learn more about photography - head over there, they aren't like other photography message boards which can be very snarky, bashing photos, etc. MarkBarbieri - I think that is how you spell his username - has written some great tutorials, ie: How to Shoot Spectro, How to shoot fireworks, etc. They are great!

Your beach pictures are just gorgeous!! You are such an amazing photographer. I especially love the photos of your kids, they are just darling. :lovestruc

Thank you so much! I'm hoping to do some shooting this weekend although I really need to work on the renovations to DD and DS's room. I am in the - very early process - of creating half the room in a Cars theme and the other half, why Princess of course! I'm also trying to finish off their playroom. I want to paint the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the wall. Pop Pop already built them a storage/cube unit for their toys and now it's on to organizing/decorating!

Great pics! I've never been to Avon. We usually go to Ocean City, that's the shore I grew up going to!

It's a nice town, there is a really good restaurant there, Columns, that is right across the street from the boardwalk and you eat on the veranda overlooking the beach. So beautiful! We usually have lunch there 2-3 times a summer! Dinner is crazy busy to get into though. They also have live music Thurs - Sundays inside the bar area.

I've only been to OC once - it was back in 2003 for one day, we were on our way to Wildwood and stopped there to visit a friend of exDH's who was in that area. I believe we also drove through Avalon and had breakfast at a local shop there, at least I think it was Avalon.

[Villainess]

In anticipation of the scheduled May 1 grand opening of Kidani Village, the newest phase of Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, the resort's new table-service restaurant, Sanaa (pronounced sah-NAH), is preparing to take reservations.

Member Services will begin booking Sanaa reservations for Disney Vacation Club Members only beginning on Feb. 16, and other Guests will begin making reservations on Feb. 23 by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).

Named for the Swahili word for "artwork," Sanaa celebrates African-inspired cuisine with an Indian touch. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant will serve familiar foods prepared in tandoor ovens, along with slow-cooked specialties showcasing the flavorful spices of Africa. Chefs have drawn inspiration from the many cultures and cuisines along the historical spice route of the 1400s, through Africa, India, China and Europe.

Other highlights will include handcrafted décor inspired by an East African spice market, a savanna view and beverage offerings ranging from trendy cocktails to South African and world wines.

Inspired by the African/Indian spice routes, the 120 seat Sanaa will most likely offer traditional Indian and African food. They will offer breakfast and dinner. At this time, it is uncertain whether lunch will be served. The restaurant will also have a cozy 24 seat lounge offering African wines and a full bar. Unconfirmed reports say Sanaa will accept the Disney Dining Plan at 1 TS credit. The name Sanaa literally means "work of art" so executive chef Robert Getchell has a lot to live up to. Chef Robert Getchell, most recently of Flying Fish Cafe, graduated from Johnson and Wales University with a degree in Culinary Arts. He has been with Disney for eight years. He has also worked at Boma, Narsoossee's, Spoodles, 50's and Kona. He is a fan of aromatic spices so I think this will be a good fit.


The above taken from various DIS threads.

I think I want to go! Since I graciously bowed out of making ADR's at Marrakesh, I think I should get a chance to pick an ADR, right? :thumbsup2

Look at this dish!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/464503411_A2mw9-M.jpg
I have no idea what it is, but it looks scrumptious!

We have some days left to fill, which are still TBD :rolleyes: so I think Sanaa is going in one of those days! The rest of the days, well hopefully the May hours will be up sometime soon - I'm not holding my breath for Feb. 1 since it is a Sunday, but I would expect that by Tuesday, they should definately be up! This weekend, I plan to discuss the remaining restaurants with Nonna and Pop Pop, and once the dates/hours are up, calling that lovely 407-WDW-DINE and filling in the blanks!

Pop Pop will need to call Feb 16th to make the ADRs for Sanaa since they are the DVC members.

Oh, it also gives us the opportunity to visit AKL and the Villas there! Woo Hoo!:cheer2:

[ariel2007]

Ooo it sounds really nice. Would love to see your pictures from there if you go, I will have to add that to my list to try for next time.

[Villainess]

Ooo it sounds really nice. Would love to see your pictures from there if you go, I will have to add that to my list to try for next time.

On my last trip, I didn't do a good job of taking pictures of food or the restaurants, so I need to make a better at it for this trip!

[ariel2007]

On my last trip, I didn't do a good job of taking pictures of food or the restaurants, so I need to make a better at it for this trip!

Yes it took me a while to get in to it last time. I kept forgetting at first or remembering half way through. Hopefully I will remember this time too :thumbsup2

[starlight_003]

The pictures at the beach are great. I wish I could take some good pic's like that. I wanted to let you know that May hours are up.

[starlight_003]

Opps double post.

[Villainess]

The pictures at the beach are great. I wish I could take some good pic's like that. I wanted to let you know that May hours are up.


Thank you! :thumbsup2 I was just looking them over! It seems that I 'guessed' right having ADR's at 5:40 for WCC on 5/3, then we can head over for EMH at MK - I plan on getting lots of night shots this year here! And it will be open until 2am! I also picked a good Rose N Crown night - 5/1 EMH there that night too to - walk around the countries and grab some photos!

I'm thinking Sanaa would be good on 5/4.

Hopefully they will add Wishes to a few of the nights, as so far there are no nights in May it will be showing.

[starlight_003]

Thank you! :thumbsup2 I was just looking them over! It seems that I 'guessed' right having ADR's at 5:40 for WCC on 5/3, then we can head over for EMH at MK - I plan on getting lots of night shots this year here! And it will be open until 2am! I also picked a good Rose N Crown night - 5/1 EMH there that night too to - walk around the countries and grab some photos!

I'm thinking Sanaa would be good on 5/4.

Hopefully they will add Wishes to a few of the nights, as so far there are no nights in May it will be showing.

Looks like Sanaa will be a good place to eat. We will be gone before they open.

[tinkgurl]

Look at this dish!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/464503411_A2mw9-M.jpg
I have no idea what it is, but it looks scrumptious!

Whoa! I have no idea what that is either, but it looks SO GOOD! Man, my mouth is watering! :rotfl:

[Villainess]

Looks like Sanaa will be a good place to eat. We will be gone before they open.

I'm excited to try it and will definately take pictures and give a real 'food' report on this one!

Whoa! I have no idea what that is either, but it looks SO GOOD! Man, my mouth is watering! :rotfl:

I haven't eaten breakfast yet and had no dinner last night either, so this is looking so yummy right now!


Coming Up ... Disney on Ice!

[Villainess]

Woo Hoo! :cool1:

One of my photos made it into the final round of the weekly Dis Photography Board Photo Contest!!!!!

Here is the link if you want to check it out - my entry is A.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2078063

[wlwilliams9]

Woo Hoo! :cool1:

One of my photos made it into the final round of the weekly Dis Photography Board Photo Contest!!!!!

Here is the link if you want to check it out - my entry is A.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2078063

Great photo! I just voted...you're winning!!

[Villainess]

Preface: I received a phone call from exDH about 2pm. It was a Wednesday so his night to spend with the kids, and since his parents were on vacation, I was thinking he was calling to tell me he would be late picking them up or something like that. I was surprised when he asked if I wanted to go to Disney on Ice that night with him and the kids. I'm cautious when accepting things like this bc I don't want to send a message that may be construed as getting back together. I accepted and he said that he would be picking us up so we could catch the train up to Newark. I quickly got the kids dressed since they were in play clothes at that point and packed up the diaper bag. We got to the train station, bought the tickets and within minutes were on the train!

This will mostly be pictures, so get ready!

DS on his 2nd train ride! (Please excuse his long hair, he got his haircut the following day!)
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465631774_dM9eL-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465680170_5DcHg-M.jpg

We arrived at the arena before they opened the doors, and picked up the tickets. I had my bag checked and we were allowed in! It was still early so the crowds were low. They had a tea cup photo opp which we did with no wait, and then headed over to the souvenir area! :rotfl2: $60 later, the kids walked away with 2 programs with gold ears, a Buzz figure for DS and a star wand for DD. I was a tad disappointed with the selection compared to last year's Nemo on Ice, but it was for the best - less money to spend! We grabbed hot dogs for dinner and ate them in this lounge area bc we weren't able to bring food down. I found that odd, but since I had never been to the Prudential Center, I figured it was a new area and they wanted to keep it clean.

Imagine my surprise to find out we were front row!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465690483_Mq5CX-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465693601_EBU85-M.jpg

We sat down with the 5 minute warning being announced and pretty soon before we knew it - on with the show!

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465633949_mxJK6-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465637439_MiTR9-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465639546_2YRcp-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465641226_GbxYG-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465643564_MXaGS-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465646992_Nbc34-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465660900_PTqMU-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465668176_zRnZP-M.jpg

If you aren't familiar with the storyline behind Disneyland Adventure:
The Incredibles family is going on vacation - to Disneyland! They want to 'lay low' and be a normal family so they do not bring their Incredibles suits with them. Of course when they get to Disneyland they are choosen as the Family of the Day and are selected to be grand marshalls in the parade. The go on various classic attractions but Mr. Incredible has to be reminded (repeatedly) to keep hands, arms, etc inside the vehicle at all times and learns that things he thinks are dangerous are in fact part of the show, audio animatronics, etc.

They are late getting to the parade and do not see that Syndrome has kidnapped Mickey and Minnie and is taking over Disneyland. With the help of Frozone and that fashion designer character - I forgot her name - they set out to save Disneyland, Mickey and friends and defeat Syndrome.

Ok, on with the show!

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465673223_XJwZT-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465673486_ABGtE-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465673750_vcjTV-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465674616_diX3g-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465675618_hAtsM-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465675976_B8Wnf-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465676125_pMXhD-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465676453_yiCs4-M.jpg

Donald needed to be adjusted
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465676762_2hgSw-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465677460_Gxugf-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465677658_bHAre-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465678581_ieKg4-M.jpg

[disneydusted]

I just voted for you too and you are still ahead! I do like your photo... something about the Boardwalk at night.:)

[TeaForTulips]

I voted for your pic too! I must say when I clicked on the link I thought to myself I would vote for the one I truely liked the best... it was yours! Great picture! Of course after keeping up with your report and seeing all your great pictures it did not surpise me. I hope you win! :goodvibes

[Villainess]

First stop on the Incredibles vacation - Tiki Room!

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465679479_fyeUy-M.jpg

And next, the Jungle Cruise, complete with the cheesy jokes!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465681214_Jst5Q-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465682220_Lxcat-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465682412_Hutvx-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465682613_9bRgP-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465683953_7KVS2-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465684810_tR8E9-M.jpg

See these freakishly scary monkeys? Well, DD was waving and blowing kisses, so a monkey comes over to shake her hand and I extended hers. They had these bumpy, rubbery gloves on and she completely freaked out with shrieking screams. It was so funny! Really, bc then she blew him another kiss!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465686001_e8REv-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465686441_MvxxJ-M.jpg

I've been mooned!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465687350_SaJWj-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465688470_9qLmy-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465690011_dsyXz-M.jpg

Next up - Space Mountain - no wait!

A not so good picture of Buzz descending from the ceiling
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465692727_zPF7v-M.jpg

It was very hard to take pics with the black light stuff being used.
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465693752_V8CF2-M.jpg

Big Thunder

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465693922_mPyRH-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465694516_vFcXh-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465694761_i46Yj-M.jpg

Haunted Mansion - again some of these came out blurry, but I kinda like the effect w/ the happy haunts!

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465695375_QYgHN-M.jpg

Is this room actually stretching?
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465695899_ru3DN-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465696306_NNMJn-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465632193_rxjsC-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465632257_vLuqP-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465633303_bVZAR-M.jpg

Mad Tea Party

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465634124_p98st-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465634987_Au7ee-M.jpg

[ariel2007]

Its so weird that you guys are just getting Disneyland Adventure now. We took Sophie to see it in London the October before last. It was great though, we really enjoyed it. Your kids look so cute like always.

[Villainess]

Great photo! I just voted...you're winning!!

Aww - thank you! :goodvibes

I just voted for you too and you are still ahead! I do like your photo... something about the Boardwalk at night.:)

Thank you! Glad you like it!

I voted for your pic too! I must say when I clicked on the link I thought to myself I would vote for the one I truely liked the best... it was yours! Great picture! Of course after keeping up with your report and seeing all your great pictures it did not surpise me. I hope you win! :goodvibes

Oh yes, please everyone don't feel obligated to vote for me! I was just sharing and figured that I needed to point out which picture is mine. Thank you for voting!

[tinkgurl]

That's so funny! I vote every week for the photo contests and I voted for yours! And...I just entered in next week's.

Love your Disney on Ice pics! How great you were so close!

[mickeysmyboy]

I voted for you too and your still winning, by a lot! I love that picture! The lighting in it so wonderful!

Your DOI pictures are great! I'm glad you got to go! Your adorable kiddos must have thought it was great!!!

[Villainess]

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465635574_KeYxf-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465636296_SFJPX-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465637671_VPHY5-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465638399_S5rj2-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465639256_FE9bL-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465640050_56sAw-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465640281_DCdDy-M.jpg

Donald shook DS's hand
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465640461_VkK62-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465640860_ZcwBx-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465641330_unRLu-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465641973_zoDN2-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465642594_RLida-M.jpg

Uh oh - Syndrome!

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465644261_nGGt3-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465644530_SyGvb-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465644827_9YGti-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465645355_tWdeD-M.jpg

Now, this part may be scary to some kids to see Mickey and Minnie being captured, but the kids were yelling, "Mickey, Mickey!" Of course, my kids yell, "Donald Duck!"

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465646310_Xhnj8-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465647428_vS4zv-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465648085_MNj4M-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465649094_4sLvC-M.jpg

DD had this jaw-dropped expression for most of the show!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465650709_qNo2b-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465651396_KkRsT-M.jpg

Even the Zamboni has a corporate sponsor!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465651695_azfe8-M.jpg

[Villainess]

During intermission, DD and DS were treated to cotton candy.

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465652539_xrh9b-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465656625_LJwZn-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465657008_XPMCy-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465657538_h4x2y-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465658542_bBjTx-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465658994_aKFup-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465659700_fcvuG-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465660000_DfQUu-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465660587_mNvES-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465661518_9C4pD-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465662041_FZ8Jm-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465662504_Kmq63-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465666627_NAGNm-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465669410_gS7s9-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465670795_9vv9r-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465671235_sNugN-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/465673092_V5hzq-M.jpg

From here, the Incredibles visit It's a Small World and POTC where there is the final showdown with Syndrome. In the end, good conquers evil and the show is finished off with the Electric Parade - The Jungle cruise boat, Cinderella coach, etc is all lit up with lights.

So where are the photos, you ask?

My camera battery died. Yup! :lmao: That last photo was taken, I was reviewing it and I get that awful message on the black screen, "Change battery pack." :rotfl2:

How I wished I could get those seats again just to photo the rest of the show! The Pirates sequence was quite impressive!

[mommytothreeboys]

How I wished I could get those seats again just to photo the rest of the show! The Pirates sequence was quite impressive!

Oh man, we missed the Pirates?? :sad: Great pictures, though! It looks like you had a blast!

Oh...and her name is Edna! Edna Mode! LOVE HER! :thumbsup2

[Villainess]

Its so weird that you guys are just getting Disneyland Adventure now. We took Sophie to see it in London the October before last. It was great though, we really enjoyed it. Your kids look so cute like always.

Last year, Nemo on Ice was here, there was another one that was in NJ around T'giving time but I don't remember what that one was. Has Nemo been out by you yet?

That's so funny! I vote every week for the photo contests and I voted for yours! And...I just entered in next week's.

Love your Disney on Ice pics! How great you were so close!

Good luck in next week's contest. I haven't decided which ride picture to post yet. I glanced at the thread yesterday and there was a fantastic Dumbo shot on there.

I voted for you too and your still winning, by a lot! I love that picture! The lighting in it so wonderful!

Your DOI pictures are great! I'm glad you got to go! Your adorable kiddos must have thought it was great!!!

DD and DS had a ball! If I could have taken them a second time I would have!

[ariel2007]

Last year, Nemo on Ice was here, there was another one that was in NJ around T'giving time but I don't remember what that one was. Has Nemo been out by you yet?


Yes a little while back. I didn't realise until all the tickets had gone though :sad1:

[Lady Lallie]

Fantastic Disney on Ice pictures! I am going to see Worlds of Fantasy on Valentine's Day. Your pictures have made me really excited for it!

[Villainess]

Oh man, we missed the Pirates?? :sad: Great pictures, though! It looks like you had a blast!

Oh...and her name is Edna! Edna Mode! LOVE HER! :thumbsup2


That's it! I couldn't remember her name and it was giving me a headache! :rotfl2: OK, you get a :mickeybar !

I know, I was so mad that the battery died before the pirates. It was quite impressive and Mickey and Minnie are captured in the jail.

[mommytothreeboys]

That's it! I couldn't remember her name and it was giving me a headache! :rotfl2: OK, you get a :mickeybar !

I know, I was so mad that the battery died before the pirates. It was quite impressive and Mickey and Minnie are captured in the jail.


WOO-HOO!!!! A :mickeybar for me!! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[disneydusted]

Love DD's expression while she is watching the show! :goodvibes

[autumnpalm]

Wow, more amazing pictures. I love your photography.:goodvibes The expressions on your DD and DS faces is priceless. What great seats you had!

[Goofy22]

Love the Disney on Ice show Pics!

[starlight_003]

I really like your picture so I voted for it. Thanks for sharing the Disney on Ice pictures. They will be near me in WI in a couple weeks but DH said I can wait since we have 2 more months intill our Disney trip. He doesn't get the whole Disney thing.

[Villainess]

Yes a little while back. I didn't realise until all the tickets had gone though :sad1:

What was around this year? Maybe we will get it next year?

Fantastic Disney on Ice pictures! I am going to see Worlds of Fantasy on Valentine's Day. Your pictures have made me really excited for it!

That was the one that was in NJ around Thanksgiving! We didn't get to see that one, but I remember hearing that there is/was a Princess dress fashion show 1 hr before the actual show starts.

WOO-HOO!!!! A :mickeybar for me!! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

:thumbsup2

Love DD's expression while she is watching the show! :goodvibes

Thank you!

Wow, more amazing pictures. I love your photography.:goodvibes The expressions on your DD and DS faces is priceless. What great seats you had!

Thank you! Those seats were awesome! It was opening night and it was pretty empty; from now on I will go opening night and take advantage of that!

Love the Disney on Ice show Pics!

Thank you!

I really like your picture so I voted for it. Thanks for sharing the Disney on Ice pictures. They will be near me in WI in a couple weeks but DH said I can wait since we have 2 more months intill our Disney trip. He doesn't get the whole Disney thing.

Thanks! :goodvibes We have to talk some sense into DH then! Of course you have to go to Disney on Ice - it is the warm up event to WDW!

[tinkgurl]

Good luck in next week's contest. I haven't decided which ride picture to post yet. I glanced at the thread yesterday and there was a fantastic Dumbo shot on there.

I think mine's right before that one. I'm like gggggreat now I know I definately won't get any votes. :rotfl2:

[Villainess]

I think mine's right before that one. I'm like gggggreat now I know I definately won't get any votes. :rotfl2:

:rotfl2: Oh don't say that! I still haven't picked a photo for it yet - I think I'm getting tired of last year's pics - :scared1: - I NEED to get to WDW soon! There is so much I want to take pics of! I'm guestimating I will have 8000 - 10000 photos from this trip - last trip had 5000+. Of course, not all of them are keepers, but they are part of the learning process.

[Villainess]

... for my birthday on Friday?

Nonna, Pop Pop, DD, DS, DSis (DBIL will be on business trip), Mom Mom, Dee Dad, and I are going out Friday night to celebrate my birthday. That means I have to choose a place to eat. I want to go somewhere we don't usually go, as it is just so easy for us to hit about 5 different places that have good food w/ in a 10 minute or less driving time. Honestly, I'm tired of those places so I want to steer clear of them Friday.

I have narrowed it down to 3 places:

Gataeno's - I've eaten here once, for a rehearsal dinner in Nov. Very cozy atmosphere, good food.
http://www.gaetanosredbank.com/dinner-menu-gaetanos-red-bank
their dessert menu
http://www.gaetanosredbank.com/dessert-menu-gaetanos-red-bank

Moonstruck in Asbury Park - DSis's boss recommended this place
http://www.moonstrucknj.com/index.php

Old Man Rafferty's in Asbury Park - my DSis and DBIL have eaten here and like it.
http://www.oldmanraffertys.com/home.htm

What to do! What to do! Think...think...think...

In other news - Pop Pop called the World of Disney in NYC to find out what characters would be making appearances this weekend. The schedule right now looks like Goofy :goofy: and Donald :donald: all day, Cinderella princess: for the first half of the day, and Ariel princess: for the second half. I'm also investigating what we are going to do and where to eat while we are there on Saturday!

Thinking about
Mars 2112
http://www.mars2112.com/

or

Ellen's Stardust Diner - singing waitstaff

In addition to World of Disney, I would like to visit

Central Park Zoo
http://www.centralpark.com/pages/central-park-zoo.html

Watch the skaters at the Wollman Rink
http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com/main_wollman.htm

Stroll around the Bethesda Terrace
http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/bethesda-terrace.html
and Boathouse Restaurant
http://thecentralparkboathouse.com/sections/home.htm

Let the kids ride the carousel
http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/carousel.html

Of course, if it's rainy and cold, Central Park will be out. Then possibly the Children's Museum instead
http://www.cmom.org/

Either way, I think we will have a great time!

[3princesses+aprince]

joining you pre trip report! Your kids are beautiful. Looks like you guys enjoyed disney on ice!!!!

[mommytothreeboys]

... for my birthday on Friday?

Nonna, Pop Pop, DD, DS, DSis (DBIL will be on business trip), Mom Mom, Dee Dad, and I are going out Friday night to celebrate my birthday.

Can I come? My birthday is on Sunday!! :hyper: :hyper:

[ariel2007]

Moonstruck looks really nice, the menu and restaurant. And I love the sound of Ellen's Stardust Diner, we planned to go there when we were going to NY.

[dolfinjuls]

I loved your pics from Disney on Ice! How awesome you were front row! I'm regretting not going to either of the shows this year!

Happy Birthday! I've heard of Moonstruck and have heard good things about it from a few of our patients at work. They all look nice though!

[starlight_003]

I also have a birthday in Feb. but I have a couple more weeks to go. What kind of camera do you use? Your pictues come out so good.

[Villainess]

joining you pre trip report! Your kids are beautiful. Looks like you guys enjoyed disney on ice!!!!

Hi! Thanks for joining in! :wave2:

Can I come? My birthday is on Sunday!! :hyper: :hyper:

Of course you can! Happy Birthday!!!!

Moonstruck looks really nice, the menu and restaurant. And I love the sound of Ellen's Stardust Diner, we planned to go there when we were going to NY.

I think we are definately going to the Stardust Diner. I'm calling Moonstruck today bc I heard they only take reservations for parties of 12 or more and since it is a Friday. the wait could be 2 hours or more. As well behaved as DD and DS are at restaurants, I don't think I could expect them to wait patiently for 2 hours just to be seated.

I loved your pics from Disney on Ice! How awesome you were front row! I'm regretting not going to either of the shows this year!

Happy Birthday! I've heard of Moonstruck and have heard good things about it from a few of our patients at work. They all look nice though!

Thank you. I really enjoyed Disney on Ice - this one and Nemo's last yeard. Curious to see what will come our way next year.

I also have a birthday in Feb. but I have a couple more weeks to go. What kind of camera do you use? Your pictues come out so good.

Happy early Birthday! I have a Canon XTi, and 5 lenses including the kit lens. I use 2-3 of those lenses most often. I'm looking to upgrade, hopefully soon to the Canon 50d or 5d Mark ii - I really want this one! :goodvibes There are 4 lenses that I would like to get, probably selling 1-2 of the ones I already have in the process. I've been approached about photographing some events for people, but right now I know I need at the very least 1 of those new lenses, preferably 2 to do events such as weddings. I also only use natural light - no flash ever.

[starlight_003]

Happy early Birthday! I have a Canon XTi, and 5 lenses including the kit lens. I use 2-3 of those lenses most often. I'm looking to upgrade, hopefully soon to the Canon 50d or 5d Mark ii - I really want this one! :goodvibes There are 4 lenses that I would like to get, probably selling 1-2 of the ones I already have in the process. I've been approached about photographing some events for people, but right now I know I need at the very least 1 of those new lenses, preferably 2 to do events such as weddings. I also only use natural light - no flash ever.


Happy Birthday to you!!! Right now I have a kodak and in the furture would like to get a better camera. Thanks for sharing. :)

[Villainess]

It snowed here all day Tuesday. This was pretty, fluffy snow, and it is still here today! Our last snow fall, was that wet, yucky, heavy snow and by the following day it had melted away.

Pop Pop took DD and DS out sleigh riding with DSIS and my old sled. I didn't realize he still had it! They loved it, and oh did DS cry when we brought him in the house! But what a production to get them all bundled up in the snowsuits, boots, etc. DD's snowsuit is among the missing right now. I'm sure I will find it in April when I'm packing for WDW! :rotfl2: Actually, I'm sure I will find it in the next few days since we are clearing out their bedroom and mine for them to be painted. :offtopic: OK, back on topic - I layered DD up with 3 pairs of pants and 2 pairs of socks w/ snow boots in addition to a turtleneck, sweatshirt, coat, hat, and mittens. DS had 1 pair of pants w/ snow pants, turtleneck, sweatshirt, 2 pairs of socks, boots, hat, and mittens. I wore jeans and a sweatshirt, sneakers w/ no socks. Yes, I'm insane, and yes my feet were cold!

Yesterday morning I repeated the process and took them back outside to play in the snow - this time I wore socks/ sneakers and a jacket - gloves too! I took a few pictures of the snow and of course the kids playing with it. Poor DS, he would walk a few steps then fall face down in the snow, and scream. I took a picture! I know, bad mommy! :rotfl: He looked so cute though! I helped them make snow angels and even made one myself! DD was absolutely hysterical laughing at me laying in the snow.

Pop Pop promised them another sleigh ride tonight but it is super cold out so we will see about that!

In other news, DS is teething quite badly. He has 4 molars trying to come through and just is not a happy camper. I'm praying they come through very soon!

Here are some pics of our little winter wonderland!

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468173426_HQyFw-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468168803_UdRu2-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468173535_VZoWx-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468169496_372Ub-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468169815_AhgxY-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468170010_q6qFh-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468170918_gcnun-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468171399_Sx4qx-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468172189_o7FVx-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468172414_frAG9-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468172618_x8CtN-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468172684_EzhYb-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468170527_9zZ4z-M.jpg


A few pics from last week - DD in her Alice costume, after a long morning of 'dancing down Main St'- literally I have to play the Disneyland Sing-a-long on repeat daily! Here she is getting a mid day beauty sleep!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468170311_dX2U8-M.jpg

Notice she is still wearing her shoes! When I tried to take them off, she would wake right back up and say, "Shoes!"
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468172928_LrMqV-M.jpg

And DS was sleeping, too! Although he doesn't have a cute costume on or anything, he is a cutey all the same!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468173138_VsuyR-M.jpg

[mommytothreeboys]

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468172414_frAG9-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468172618_x8CtN-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468172684_EzhYb-M.jpg

This series is awesome! It would make a great scrapbook layout or framed series! I love the pics that tell a story. Very nice! ::yes::




http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468170311_dX2U8-M.jpg

Awwww.....I wish I had a little girl! :flower3:

[tinkgurl]

Aw looks like you had an interesting day outside!

P.S. Soo cute of DD in her Alice outfit AND shoes!

[ariel2007]

I think we are definately going to the Stardust Diner. I'm calling Moonstruck today bc I heard they only take reservations for parties of 12 or more and since it is a Friday. the wait could be 2 hours or more. As well behaved as DD and DS are at restaurants, I don't think I could expect them to wait patiently for 2 hours just to be seated.


Ooo can get lots of pictures in the Stardust Diner if you go, I really want to see it. And that sucks about Moonstruck not taking reservations, its so annoying when restaurants don't take them.

DS looks so cute in the snow and the picture of him fallen over is just so sweet. And DD in her Alice dress, she just looks adorable. Its such a cute dress princess:

[wlwilliams9]

Sooooo CUTE!!!

How fun! My DD loves to play in the snow. We've had lots of snow this year, about 50 inches, but it's been too cold to play, like -10 degrees or colder. We've only been able to enjoy playing in it twice.

DD is the same way with her dresses. She insists on sleeping in her Snow White dress with her red dress shoes on and will wake up if you try to take them off. I LOVE that Alice dress, where, O, where did you find it?

[mickeysmyboy]

Oh my goodness those pictures are sooooo cute!!!

I hope you survive teething!! DS cut all 4 eye-teeth at the same time! YIKES! Luckily it was quick!

[Goofy22]

It snowed here all day Tuesday. This was pretty, fluffy snow, and it is still here today! Our last snow fall, was that wet, yucky, heavy snow and by the following day it had melted away.

Pop Pop took DD and DS out sleigh riding with DSIS and my old sled. I didn't realize he still had it! They loved it, and oh did DS cry when we brought him in the house! But what a production to get them all bundled up in the snowsuits, boots, etc. DD's snowsuit is among the missing right now. I'm sure I will find it in April when I'm packing for WDW! :rotfl2: Actually, I'm sure I will find it in the next few days since we are clearing out their bedroom and mine for them to be painted. :offtopic: OK, back on topic - I layered DD up with 3 pairs of pants and 2 pairs of socks w/ snow boots in addition to a turtleneck, sweatshirt, coat, hat, and mittens. DS had 1 pair of pants w/ snow pants, turtleneck, sweatshirt, 2 pairs of socks, boots, hat, and mittens. I wore jeans and a sweatshirt, sneakers w/ no socks. Yes, I'm insane, and yes my feet were cold!

Yesterday morning I repeated the process and took them back outside to play in the snow - this time I wore socks/ sneakers and a jacket - gloves too! I took a few pictures of the snow and of course the kids playing with it. Poor DS, he would walk a few steps then fall face down in the snow, and scream. I took a picture! I know, bad mommy! :rotfl: He looked so cute though! I helped them make snow angels and even made one myself! DD was absolutely hysterical laughing at me laying in the snow.

Pop Pop promised them another sleigh ride tonight but it is super cold out so we will see about that!

In other news, DS is teething quite badly. He has 4 molars trying to come through and just is not a happy camper. I'm praying they come through very soon!

Here are some pics of our little winter wonderland!

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468173426_HQyFw-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468168803_UdRu2-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468173535_VZoWx-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468169496_372Ub-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468169815_AhgxY-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468170010_q6qFh-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468170918_gcnun-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468171399_Sx4qx-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468172189_o7FVx-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468172414_frAG9-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468172618_x8CtN-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468172684_EzhYb-M.jpg

http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468170527_9zZ4z-M.jpg


A few pics from last week - DD in her Alice costume, after a long morning of 'dancing down Main St'- literally I have to play the Disneyland Sing-a-long on repeat daily! Here she is getting a mid day beauty sleep!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468170311_dX2U8-M.jpg

Notice she is still wearing her shoes! When I tried to take them off, she would wake right back up and say, "Shoes!"
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468172928_LrMqV-M.jpg

And DS was sleeping, too! Although he doesn't have a cute costume on or anything, he is a cutey all the same!
http://danielleseals.smugmug.com/photos/468173138_VsuyR-M.jpg

I'm jealous of all your snow! We got barely nothing!

[starlight_003]

Your kids are so cute in the snow. The picture of your ds falling down reminds me of my son when he was 1 1/2 and he would fall all the time. I think it is so pretty when the snow covers the trees like that. I am glad we are getting a break from more snow but it is sure cold here.

[Villainess]

This series is awesome! It would make a great scrapbook layout or framed series! I love the pics that tell a story. Very nice! ::yes::

Awwww.....I wish I had a little girl! :flower3:

Oh I think I will frame it in a series! Great idea!

Aw looks like you had an interesting day outside!

P.S. Soo cute of DD in her Alice outfit AND shoes!

Thank you! It was fun - I think DS enjoyed some of it too despite falling down!

Ooo can get lots of pictures in the Stardust Diner if you go, I really want to see it. And that sucks about Moonstruck not taking reservations, its so annoying when restaurants don't take them.

DS looks so cute in the snow and the picture of him fallen over is just so sweet. And DD in her Alice dress, she just looks adorable. Its such a cute dress princess:

I will definately take lots of pics of the Stardust Diner - right now that is where I have planned to eat.

Thanks - DD is wearing her Alice dress again today. Complete with shoes!

Sooooo CUTE!!!

How fun! My DD loves to play in the snow. We've had lots of snow this year, about 50 inches, but it's been too cold to play, like -10 degrees or colder. We've only been able to enjoy playing in it twice.

DD is the same way with her dresses. She insists on sleeping in her Snow White dress with her red dress shoes on and will wake up if you try to take them off. I LOVE that Alice dress, where, O, where did you find it?

I have no idea how they just wake up like they do - and out of such a dead sleep! I bought the dress at The Disney Store; it was a Halloween costume bought 50% off! I think the online store had it as well; I believe there were shoes and a headband also, but I didn't get those.

Oh my goodness those pictures are sooooo cute!!!

I hope you survive teething!! DS cut all 4 eye-teeth at the same time! YIKES! Luckily it was quick!

Oh the teething saga! I'm so ready for this to be over. He has been cutting 2-4 teeth at a time w/ the exception of his last. Actually, I have no idea when he cut it bc it was only 1 and it must not have hurt all that much compared to the others! Poor little guy!

I'm jealous of all your snow! We got barely nothing!

It's still here - I'll send you some! I'm ready for warm weather now!

Your kids are so cute in the snow. The picture of your ds falling down reminds me of my son when he was 1 1/2 and he would fall all the time. I think it is so pretty when the snow covers the trees like that. I am glad we are getting a break from more snow but it is sure cold here.

Thank you - I thought it was cute too, although I'm sure DS wasn't happy I snapped a picture first before helping him up!

[Villainess]

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend! We had lots of fun in NYC and I took plenty of pictures! My birthday dinner was wonderful on Friday night as well, and I have pics to share of that, too!

I guess I need to change my signature to show I'm 29 now! ;)



I feel like I'm in a holding pattern - ADR's are made, except for Sanaa, and if we decide to fill in any of those empty days, I need to make a 'To Do' list, photography wanted shots list, and packing list. What else? Go shopping! :woohoo: But that has to wait until early April too. I want to hit the fast forward button. Luckily, we're already a 1/3 way through February so that's one of the good things about it being a short month.

In the meantime, to help pass the time, let's get some audience participation and discuss your favorite Disney desserts!!!!!!!!!!!!


My absolute favorite Disney dessert more than just a dessert, it is an experience, a memory ... a chocolate ice cream cone on Main St. sitting on the curb or tables by Casey's watching the crowd filter out at the end of the day waiting for the Castle's Kiss Goodnight. I dunno - the ice cream always tastes just a bit more, ahem, magical there!

What is your favorite Disney dessert?

[ariel2007]

:bday: HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY:bday:

I am so sorry I missed your birthday, but I hope you had an amazing day, it sounds like you had lots of fun. Where did you decided to eat in the end?

And favorite desserts, hum.... TBH I only choose dessert if they have creme brulee or something that I really fancy, else I prefer to have an appetizer. But all the creme brulee's I had at Disney were really good, probably the best was from the Yachtsman Steakhouse. It had berries on and was so yummy :cloud9:

[starlight_003]

I am glad you had a great weekend!! My ds has a bad cold and I been busy yesterday with him. Now he says his left ear hurts so this will be a fun night. I can't wait to see your picutes from the weekend.

[wlwilliams9]

party: :bday: party:


Sounds like a fantastic time in NYC, can't wait to see the pics!


As far as my favorite dessert...Ghirardelli sundaes!! Last year we went to DTD and it was closed. DH was soooo bummed, he said he would have rescheduled our vacation if he knew Ghirardelli wasn't open. That's how much we love it!

[autumnpalm]

Hmm... my very favourite Disney dessert is probably the bread pudding from 'Ohana or Boma.:lovestruc

And Happy Birthday!!!:banana:

[Goofy22]

New York sounds great! I was there last St Patricks day my DD was in the parade with her school band! It's awesome there something to experience and I'm from a Big City! LOL!

Happy Belated Birthday!! :bday:

[mommytothreeboys]

Happy Birthday...a few days late! Hope you enjoyed your birthday dinner and had a very special day!

My favorite Disney dessert as of right now is the Flourless Chocolate Cake from Wolfgang Puck's. I am not usually a chocolate girl, but that cake was pure heaven!:cloud9:

[Lady Lallie]

Happy Belated Birthday!!

My favorite dessert is the Chocolate Moose at Le Cellier. Before I tried Le Cellier, I didn't think any of the desserts seemed that great so I decided to try the Chocolate Moose. I was so glad I did, it was sooooo yummy!! :cloud9:

[Villainess]

:bday: HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY:bday:

I am so sorry I missed your birthday, but I hope you had an amazing day, it sounds like you had lots of fun. Where did you decided to eat in the end?

And favorite desserts, hum.... TBH I only choose dessert if they have creme brulee or something that I really fancy, else I prefer to have an appetizer. But all the creme brulee's I had at Disney were really good, probably the best was from the Yachtsman Steakhouse. It had berries on and was so yummy :cloud9:

Thank you - we went to Old Man Rafferty's for dinner. I have pics uploading now so they will be up later this morning!

Creme Brulee .... yum! Chefs de France has excellent creme brulee. I"m going to have to remember to save room for dessert!

I am glad you had a great weekend!! My ds has a bad cold and I been busy yesterday with him. Now he says his left ear hurts so this will be a fun night. I can't wait to see your picutes from the weekend.

Oh I hope DS is feeling better. I hate ear infections!

party: :bday: party:


Sounds like a fantastic time in NYC, can't wait to see the pics!


As far as my favorite dessert...Ghirardelli sundaes!! Last year we went to DTD and it was closed. DH was soooo bummed, he said he would have rescheduled our vacation if he knew Ghirardelli wasn't open. That's how much we love it!

We did - as soon as my bday dinner pics are finished uploading, I will add those!

Ooooo - those are great sundaes! When Mom Mom and Dee Dad have come with us - Ghiradelli has always been on her must do list! Oh I was bummed to see it closed last year too!