SSRmonkey Holiday TR

[SSRmonkey]

Greetings from the Happiest Place on Earth! What an adventure so far. So Mom and Dad got me up at 3:00am to leave for the airport. Got there with plenty of time to spare, but I'll tell you what...the lady that checked us in was certainly lacking in the holiday cheer department. Someone needs to buy that lady a fruitcake! Anyway, the flight was uneventful and we arrived in Orlando about a half an hour early. I couldn't pick out the air marshal on board (I did behave myself) and the flight attendant said she didn't have any extra wings. No tour of the cockpit either, but the lady pilot sure was pretty! Got down to pick up our luggage and oops!...Dad's bag got sent to Minneapolis NOT Orlando! That's not the worst part. If any of you recall my friend Koala...he's in the bag! I almost cried, but the nice airline lady assured me that he would be fine. He will not be happy when he gets here tonight.

The weather here is beautiful, quite a change from the snow we have at home. We got our first Wetzel's Pretzel and arrived at SSR at about 12:30pm and were able to check in right away. We are staying in the Carousel and have a great view out of our 2 bedroom villa. Now we're just waiting for my aunt and uncle to arrive. I think I'm going to head over to MK to get a huge rice krispie treat as a surprise for them.

I have my camera and will be taking and posting lots of pictures. Please let me know if there's something you want me to take a picture of! Also, say a little prayer that Koala and Dad's clothes get here by tonight!

[nzdisneymom]

SSRMonkey - tell your Dad that if his clothes don't make it, that sounds like a great excuse to buy some new duds. But that would also mean Koala doesn't make it and that would be very very sad.

[dianeschlicht]

Hey, since his bag went to Mpls, we'll just send along a little more snow and cold and some new clothes from the MOA!

[SSRmonkey]

Even though I'm without my partner in crime, today turned out to be a good one. We made it to MK and were pleasantly surprised that the crowds weren't bad at all. We didn't stay long and when my Aunt and Uncle showed up we went to Raglan Road for a tasty shepard's pie and an "adult beverage". After that it was off to World of Disney to try to find a Wall-E to console my lost friend Koala. He's supposed to be on his way here right now. The guy from the airline called and said, "I think I found your bag. Did you have one of those funny-looking Penn State bears in there?" I hope Koala wasn't within range to hear him otherwise he probably clawed his way out of the bag to beat the guy up. First of all, he's not funny looking, he's just a koala. Secondly, don't knock his PSU sweater. It's a good thing he had it to keep warm in MN. Tomorrow we're off to DHS and Epcot. I've been up for about 19 hours and I don't want to be crabby tomorrow, so I think I better hit the hay. I'll post some pics tomorrow. Time to dream of Toy Story Mania...zzz...

[CheapMom]

subbing! wanted to wish you a great trip - and I hope Koala has made his (her?) back to you by now!
Have you had your 1st Wetzel's Pretzel yet?

[Claire L]

I hope Koala enjoyed his side trip but that he is soon with you :)

Claire ;)

[bunny]

The guy from the airline called and said, "I think I found your bag. Did you have one of those funny-looking Penn State bears in there?"

He was probably just jealous because he didn' have a Penn State sweater and he knew about the awesomeness that is Penn State.

[alldiz]

Wish I was there.....I hope Koala gets a nice hug from Mickey:goodvibes
Kerri

[SSRmonkey]

Koala has finally arrived safe and sound. He is a little mad at Mom and Dad for not putting him in the carry on like me, but I'm sure once he gets his first Mickey on a stick he'll be just fine. His PSU sweater is still intact, but it will be too hot today for him to show his spirit.

We did hit Wetzel's Pretzels yesterday for lunch. It was everything I hoped it would be. It's so great that we get a discount there and the view of home makes it just about perfect.

Here are a couple pics I took yesterday from our balcony:

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00804.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00807.jpg


Today I hope to be up to my usual tricks, so check back to see how close I can get to getting to go for a ride in one of those cool security vehicles!

[bobbiwoz]

That's great news! Enjoy your day!

Bobbi:goodvibes

[SSRmonkey]

So happy together...buddies reunited!

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00817.jpg

[Perdie]

This is a great report so far! Can't wait to hear more-our baby goofy (pictured below) is reading along with me and he got very nervous for your little baby...he's happy everyone's been reunited! (He had a traumatic loss at Disneyland Paris where he lost his little teddy :sad1: So he is very glad this turned out so well!!

:santa:

[toocherie]

Even though I'm without my partner in crime, today turned out to be a good one. We made it to MK and were pleasantly surprised that the crowds weren't bad at all. We didn't stay long and when my Aunt and Uncle showed up we went to Raglan Road for a tasty shepard's pie and an "adult beverage". After that it was off to World of Disney to try to find a Wall-E to console my lost friend Koala. He's supposed to be on his way here right now. The guy from the airline called and said, "I think I found your bag. Did you have one of those funny-looking Penn State bears in there?" I hope Koala wasn't within range to hear him otherwise he probably clawed his way out of the bag to beat the guy up. First of all, he's not funny looking, he's just a koala. Secondly, don't knock his PSU sweater. It's a good thing he had it to keep warm in MN. Tomorrow we're off to DHS and Epcot. I've been up for about 19 hours and I don't want to be crabby tomorrow, so I think I better hit the hay. I'll post some pics tomorrow. Time to dream of Toy Story Mania...zzz...

Monkey--next time you go to Raglan Road get the Dalkey Duo as an appetizer--yuummm--oohhhh. What could be better than deep-fried batter wrapped sausage? (I bet Koala would LOVE it!)

Glad you're back and having a good trip so far.

[SSRmonkey]

Well, I didn't get thrown out of any parks today, so I guess that means it was a good day. It all started with a great big bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Then it was off to DHS for a viewing of the Muppets and the Great Movie Ride. It was a little busy at Toy Story, so we decided to save that for another day. After some popcorn Koala and I ran into the Incredibles! Elasti-Girl is so pretty!

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00827.jpg

After that Mom and my Aunt were attacked by a smitten Scorcerer Mickey. He followed them out of the photo place for one last kiss! How sweet. Maybe it was because of the Minnie Mouse ears they were wearing. I guess they look better on them...maybe without the bow they would be ok on me...

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00825.jpg


Mom said if I didn't behave she would leave me here. Looks like a barrell of fun to me!

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00826.jpg

Then we returned to SSR for a swim at the Grandstand pool. Last time we were here the horses weren't working, but this time I was able to spray Koala with the horses!

Now we're back on the balcony watching the sunset with a little Blue Moon, my new favorite adult beverage. I think we'll soon head to DTD and then to Epcot for some extra magic hours.

See you soon!

[suzycute]

Love your pics and your trip report so far!! I had a great feeling of nostalgia looking at SSR pics as well - only 9 months to go till we return. Hope you're having a great time now you are all reunited!

[SSRmonkey]

Almost time for bed again. They're right, time does fly when you're having fun. We got in a little Downtown Disney shopping right before heading off to Epcot for the evening. After some dinner at The Land we went to Soarin. How cool are those games they have while you're waiting? They would be much cooler if everyone would participate. The bird kept flying into rocks. I forgot that I got X-Ray vision when I was X-Rayed at the airport yesterday. It sure did come in handy when I was stuck in the bag on the floor at Soarin. Why they don't have special monkey seats is beyond me. :confused3

After that we headed to Journey into the Imagination with Figment. That's Koala's favorite ride (except for the skunk smell). Then we headed to Spaceship earth and walked right on. It's so much better now that it's interactive. By the way, I will live in a treehouse, grow my own food, and drive a Prius.

Then it was off to Test Track for a late night spin. I used my X-Ray vision again, but I was sorry I did. Those acid-spitting robots are scary. And the truck with the headlights almost blinded me!

I'll post some pictures tomorrow, this little monkey is sleepy!

[SSRmonkey]

Here are a few more pics from yesterday. When we were at DHS I had to get my picture taken with the Siamese Cats. This one in particular reminded me of my evil cat at home, Chloe.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00836.jpg

The decorations at Epcot were really cool, I can't wait to go back tonight to see some more! This is the biggest Christmas tree I have ever seen. I'm glad I didn't have to put the angel on top...that's a big tree to climb!

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00853.jpg

On the way out, Buzz, the security guard, told me I had been a very good monkey and offered to let me be a guard for a day. I think he was just trying to get out of bag searching duty today. I asked him if I could just get a picture instead.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00854.jpg

Today it's off to AK in the morning for the safari. My plan is to jump out of the truck and go for a giraffe ride. I'll let you know how that goes.

[CheapMom]

So happy together...buddies reunited!

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00817.jpg

Is this on the balcony at SSR? If so, they got new chairs and they look much nicer than the old ones!

[SSRmonkey]

Yep, this is on the balcony. The chairs are new and very comfy!

[SSRmonkey]

Wow! What a day! We started out at Animal Kingdom. We rode Everest for the very first time. That was a wild ride, I'm sure glad I didn't eat much for breakfast or I think the guy in front of me would have been in trouble. I was waiting for the red-eyed Yeti to jump out like on the commercials, but he didn't. Does he just come out sometimes?

After that we headed to dinoland. Koala and I met a couple new friends there.
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00856.jpg

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00860.jpg

We took the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch which was pretty neat. We learned some cool stuff about animals, but I wasn't allowed to go to the petting zoo. Apparently the cast members there heard about me and my shenanigans...

After that we headed back to SSR and then to DTD for our second Wetzel's Pretzel. After Mom and Dad went swimming (while I napped), we headed out to DHS to see the Osbourne Christmas Lights. That was awesome!

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00870.jpg

We tried to get onto Toy Story again, but the wait was 2 hours, so we headed to MK.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00874.jpg

There were a bazillion people at MK and we weren't sure we were going to stay, but we were able to walk right into Philharmagic. That was way cool. I really like how Donald ends up in the wall at the end.

We met up with my Aunt and Uncle at Buzz Lightyear and got fastpasses for about a half an hour later. Perfect timing to go to the Laugh Factory. It was the best Laugh Factory experience ever! Those monsters crack me up!

Right after that we went to Buzz Lightyear. My Uncle got over 800,000 points which was awesome! Koala liked the alien outside. You may notice that Koala has a new friend. (He forced Mom and Dad to get him a little Wall-E for sending him to Minneapolis...)

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00881.jpg

After that we headed out of the park, but not before stopping at the Toy Soldiers near the entrance. (Like my new shirt? I am so retro...)

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00886.jpg

All in all it was a great day. Tomorrow we're heading to DHS first thing to try for Toy Story, then to Epcot for the rest of the day.

See you soon!
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00882.jpg

[Claire L]

What a great day :) Bless Koala with his new mate Wall-E. BTW love your new retro shirt :thumbsup2

Claire ;)

[manntra]

So happy you are all having a wonderful time! Great pictures and I love your retro shirt! You look so handsome! :love:

Hope you had some luck getting on Toy Story---the only way I was able to in August was first thing in the am and then I got a fast pass right away too.


Oh, and someone had mentioned in a previous TR that the Yeti is not working properly so that may be why? :confused3

Have fun! :wave:

[SSRmonkey]

As expected, the parks are becoming more and more busy as Christmas approaches. We headed to DHS for rope drop this morning and went straight to Toy Story. By the time we got there, FP were up to 10:40 and the line was out the door and wrapped around the building. So we wandered around in the shops and saw the One Man's Dream movie. By the time that was over we were able to go to Toy Story. It took us about 10 minutes to get on with the FP and we found that the line wasn't as bad as it looked from the outside. They didn't have it twisting and turning as much as usual. I kicked tail too. My favorite part is the ring toss. And my target shooting has improved since Mom and Dad got a Wii!

After that we thought we should head to Epcot and get some FP for Soarin. Tons of people there too, so we headed right to The Land, picked up our FP for 5pm and headed right back out.

I was so hungry since I only had one giant bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch instead of my usual 4. We decided to hit up Subway and I got a footlong for $5...$5 footlong...Ok, I'll stop singing the song from the commercial now. We took lunch back to sit on the balcony overlooking the pond.

Then we headed to the pool so I could work on my tan. Well, work on keeping my fur up to the optimal shade of red. (I'm starting to get a little gray.) It was a nice combo of sun and clouds today. As soon as I got too hot and ready to run into the pool thankfully a cloud would come and I would cool off again. If you recall, wet monkeys have a rare odor. Kind of like wet dog, but much, much worse, so I avoid getting wet at all costs. I like to be considerate to those around me. :goodvibes

Now we're ready to head out again. We'll spend the evening in Epcot and on the Boardwalk. I think we'll have to run to the store to restock on cereal for tomorrow and Tuesday. (I get cranky without my morning sugar fix.) We might just hit up Beaches and Cream for some yummy ice cream too!

[toocherie]

Monkey: my favorite part of the Toy Story ride is the ring toss too! Lovin' your report!

[SSRmonkey]

Another eventful evening here at the Happiest Place on Earth! We wandered around the Boardwalk for a bit looking at Christmas decorations. I tried to climb into the gingerbread house at Boarwalk with Donald and Daisy Duck, but was restrained by Koala. He remembered that I am allergic to duck feathers. Don't ask how I found that out!

After that we headed into Epcot to see Figment again and then use our FP for Soarin. Dad was able to shove me under the seat this time and I got a little sick. It's a good thing Mom included barf bags and handy wipes. They didn't even know!

We took a tour around the world again, but it was pretty crowded because of the Candlelight Processional so we headed back to the Boardwalk. I did manage to get a few shots in (pictures, not alcohol...).

First stop, Mexico. I liked the pretty tambourine.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00903.jpg

Then to Japan. Can anyone tell me why these hats are pointy? I don't get it, but aren't I cute?

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00904.jpg

Next it was to Germany. Mom likes the bears there.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00906.jpg

Koala found his long lost Grandfather in Germany too. (Who knew koalas were from Germany? So much for Fosters...)

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00908.jpg

I had an Adam Sandler moment..."stop looking at me Swan."

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00907.jpg

I had a few too many steins of root beer and I can't remember where this next photo was taken. Anyone know what country this is?

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00909.jpg

We headed back to the Boardwalk and thought I saw real life Lumberjacks. I started to direct them back to Canada, but they got a little mad. Note to self: do not think that just because someone wears red and black plaid flannel that they are automatically a Lumberjack. Oops! Lesson learned.

After being scolded and chased by Paul Bunyan I hung out in a chair like a good little monkey. You wouldn't believe how many wierd looks people gave my parents. What is so wierd about a monkey in a rocking chair enjoying the view from the Boardwalk? Someone said, "I thought that was a baby, but it's a monkey." Not just any monkey, lady, SSRmonkey!

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00916.jpg

Sorry for being a bit fiesty...I've been dreaming of getting squished by the big hamster from Bolt. I saw it yesterday at DHS and that thing is HUGE! Big hamster=nightmares for monkey.

The conquests continue tomorrow.

[Buckeye Fan]

Wow, Monkey! Be careful...for some reason, that swan looks as mean as that cat you have at home! :scared:

Glad you're having a wonderful time, and I'm enjoying reading your report (as always!). :goodvibes I hope your weather stays warm. We're in central OH, and the weather was absolutely frigid today! Seriously, it was so cold and windy, that the wind took your breath. :eek:

[Claire L]

Oh a great day at Epcot, lol about the barf bags :teeth:

Claire ;)

[SSRmonkey]

Hey Buckeye Fan, I'm glad you reminded me to take in all the warm weather. It's only supposed to be 60 degrees here today, but the weather at home is terrible. Schools are closed because of all the snow and the wind chill brings it to about 5 degrees. Gotta love northwestern PA and that lake effect snow! Actually I do love it because we build snow ramps in the backyard and have lots of wintertime fun!

Today I think we're heading back to DTD and then maybe we'll head in to MK. We have dinner reservations at the Rose and Crown. After dinner I'm hoping for a Tigger and Pooh sighting in the UK!

I'll keep you posted!

[bobbiwoz]

It's great fun reading about your trip! Thanks.
Bobbi:goodvibes

[SSRmonkey]

After a relaxing morning hanging out at SSR, we headed over to DTD for some shopping and another Wetzel's Pretzel. This was number 3...I think I have a pretzel addiction. After that we headed to Epcot to try to get FP for Test Track. There were still some left as the monorail headed over, but by the time we got in, there were none and the wait time was 2 hours. So, there's always next time. We'll be back in May and it won't be so cold then.

It was chilly today, only about 60 degrees. I found out the true meaning of Wind Chill factor though. For those of you who haven't heard of the wind chill effect, that means it feels really freaking cold when the wind blows. It can be experienced while riding on the tram from the Transportation Center back to the parking lot on a chilly evening in December. It's ok if you're dressed for it, but that was not the case this evening. I told my parents they should have brought my long underwear (specifically my Union Suit). Of course they never listen when I ask them to do things. (Probably for good reason, but this one time I would have been right.) I checked the weather at home today and the wind chill was about 5 degrees. That's something to look forward to tomorrow.

After that we went back to the Figment ride. This was the first time I ever had to wait in line to see my buddy Figment, but as usual it was totally worth it. Then we went to the Coke place to try some yummy flavors from around the world. My favorite was the Ginger Ale. (Because of the ale of course.) Then we went on Koala's second favorite ride, Nemo! Koala is a little afraid of the sharks though, but I think they make it exciting.

Then we headed to MK. I thought it would be really busy, but it wasn't as crazy as Epcot. We arrived just at the end of the holiday parade and I was able to catch the Toy Soldiers and Santa. (I know him!!--shout out to Will Farrell in Elf.) We headed to Pirates first. I don't know if you have all seen the pirate that's trying to make the cats drink some rum, but that reminded me of my evil cat at home and I got sad. Even though she's evil, I miss chasing her around the house. My mood quickly changed as I tried to help the pirates in jail. I got out of the boat, but the dog that holds the keys barked at me and I got scared, so I hopped back in the boat. I tried to get out again to get Johnny Depp's autograph, but was restrained my dad. Unfortunately, the rest of the ride was uneventful.

After Pirates we got FP for Thunder Mountain Railroad and then got some popcorn. Not quite as good as at the movies, but it was enough to take the edge off the rumbly in my tumbly. We went to Haunted Mansion and were surprised to find the wait time was 50 minutes. We got in line anyway and got through in only 30 min. I love it when that happens. I'm glad this wasn't my first time on the ride, but it was Wall-E's first ride, so Koala had to cover his eyes in spots. (The heads that pop up from behind the gravestones really scared Wall-E.)

Then we walked right in to Mickey's Philharmagic again. My Aunt and Uncle hadn't seen it before and they really liked it. All except for the part that squirts water at you.

Then we walked around the castle and took some pictures. Main Street USA sure is pretty this time of year. I took some cool pictures, but the website isn't working now so I will post them tomorrow.

We headed out of the park after getting our last big rice krispie treat and giving our FP to another family. We were too cold to ride TMR in the dark.

Then it was off property for dinner and back to SSR. It was another great day and our last day in the park. We leave for home tomorrow afternoon. I'm sad to go, but am looking forward to a White Christmas at home and a return trip to SSR in May.

Tomorrow morning we are going to wander around SSR and take some final pictures, so I'll share the monkey business with everyone. I'll make it good since it has to last until May.

Bedtime for me!

[mtmbyck]

Take lots of pictures of SSR SSRMonkey!! I am headed there for the first time in March!!

[MissyDVC]

This is the cutest trip report ever! I am loving reading it all! I love SSR too and you are making me miss it even more:goodvibes Thank you for all of the smiles

[SSRmonkey]

Just to give you an update...I'm stuck in Columbus, OH. We were supposed to have a direct flight from Orlando to Cleveland, well, as usual, the weather turned a little wintry. So we were diverted to Columbus, OH. At least we have Koala this time.

We left Orlando at 6:30 or so last night and finally got to a hotel last night around 2:30am, but not before some excitement. We sat on the runway in Columbus for a couple hours before they decided we were going to stay put. The flight attendants were fielding questions and apparently were starting to get irritated. One of them said, "I don't know, m'am, I don't fly planes, I just serve coffee." That was one of the funniest things I've heard in a while. I felt bad for the little old lady that asked the attendant. Once we got into the terminal, in the next waiting area from where we were, there was a flight that had just gotten cancelled going to Texas. The nice lady pilot was trying to calm everyone down and explain that the conditions were too icy to fly. Of course the passengers were somewhat disgruntled and someone (a man) yelled that they should let a man fly the plane. Well, a fight almost broke out. People were yelling, security came...what a grand old time.

I'll post my update from my tour around SSR when we finally get home. Keep your fingers crossed that we get out of here soon! Koala is worried that Santa won't find him here.

[MrDiamond]

SSRMonkey, I missed you down there, we flew back to Cleveland on Saturday but I looked for you at Wetzel's Pretzels on Friday when we stopped by there to get a few last seconds items. We might be back in May too, my daughter will be going down to start a tour working for Disney in the college program so maybe I will see next year.

It was really icy here last night, all of the major roads were closed due to freezing rain (77, 90, 271) and the airport was even closed for a while too. And my aforementioned daughter ended up in the median on 480 in Twinsburg coming home from work. Luckily she is fine (and the car too). I'm sure you were safer in Columbus than here last night, it was a mess.

Looking forward to some pictures when you get home. Stay warm (and dry!).

[CheapMom]

Merry Christmas, SSR Monkey, Koala (and your parents and everyone in the world for that matter) Sorry about the terrible flight. Some people- sheesh. Once again I have loved your report! Thanks for sharing.

[dcfromva]

SSRmonkey,
Are you home, yet?

[SSRmonkey]

I finally made it home, 15 hours late. The time we had to wait at the airport wasn't too boring. When the fight almost broke out, I was getting ready to start the Jerry Springer chant...Jer-ry! Jer-ry! (I figured I'd be busted with Mom and Dad though. As I've mentioned, they don't really approve of me watching the show.) I had lots of mixed emotions as we headed home. I was sad to leave SSR, but I missed my cats and am ready for a White Christmas. Yesterday morning we made one last stop at World of Disney and then checked out of SSR. We wandered around the resort for a bit and saw some interesting things.

Look, it’s home!

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00934.jpg

Koala, Wall-E and I stopped for a photo op.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00937.jpg

Four score and seven furlong ago…oops! That’s not right is it? I better go back to American history.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00935.jpg

I just like this picture:

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00941.jpg

I chased this bird around for a while until he ran into the lake facing DTD.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00948.jpg

Then we found this really awesome playground. My favorite part was the rope climb.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00945.jpg

The slide was kind of fun, but it was a little sticky, so I only rode that once.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00943.jpg

After that I ran into a huge Mickey someone had outside their room. How cool is that?

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00950.jpg

After that it was back to the car and off to the airport, but not before stopping to smell the flowers.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00952.jpg

When we finally got home (before my nap and before baking more cookies for Santa) I tried to help put the new Christmas decorations we purchased on the tree, but I found out I wasn’t much of a help, but at least Chloe didn't start chewing my sock yet.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn142/SSRmonkey/DSC00962.jpg

Alas, it was a great trip and I can’t wait to go again in May! Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas. One last piece of advice, if you really do eat Santa’s cookies (like I probably will) don’t expect any Christmas presents. (From Santa or a lumberjack.)

P.S. Mr Diamond--sorry I missed you. Glad everyone made it home safely!

[Claire L]

Great pictures and glad you all arrived home safely. Chloe looks like a lovely cat :)

Thank you for taking the time to keep us informed of your trip :thumbsup2

So when is your next trip to WDW?

Claire ;)

[SSRmonkey]

We head back in mid-May for a week. We're staying at SSR again and I can't wait!!! We're driving then so we hopefully won't get stuck anywhere for 15 hours!!

[nzdisneymom]

SSRMonkey - I finally got to read your trip report and see your pictures. I'm so glad you had a great time and that Koala made it. Love that Wall-E he has.

Happy New Year.

[Cee]

As always, one of the best trip reports EVER. Favorite quote from this trip:

"Not just ANY monkey, Lady, SSRRRRRRRRmonkey!" That's good stuff.:thumbsup2

[SSRmonkey]

SSRMonkey - I finally got to read your trip report and see your pictures. I'm so glad you had a great time and that Koala made it. Love that Wall-E he has.

Happy New Year.

Glad you got back. How was the cruise? Was your family surprised? (As surprised as my Dad when I tried to make pancakes on Christmas morning? Apparently banana pancakes are NOT my dad's favorite.) I hope you had a great time!

Cee, I'll try to live up to your expectations during our trip in May. Thanks for reading!

[mecllap]

After that we headed into Epcot to see Figment again and then use our FP for Soarin.



Hi SSRMonkey -- I just want to say you are a true inspiration with a great imagination: check out Figment's visit to Grand Cayman: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=29563606&posted=1#post29563606

[Chellymouse]

SSRMonkey, I missed you down there, we flew back to Cleveland on Saturday but I looked for you at Wetzel's Pretzels on Friday when we stopped by there to get a few last seconds items. We might be back in May too, my daughter will be going down to start a tour working for Disney in the college program so maybe I will see next year.

It was really icy here last night, all of the major roads were closed due to freezing rain (77, 90, 271) and the airport was even closed for a while too. And my aforementioned daughter ended up in the median on 480 in Twinsburg coming home from work. Luckily she is fine (and the car too). I'm sure you were safer in Columbus than here last night, it was a mess.

Looking forward to some pictures when you get home. Stay warm (and dry!).

Glad to hear she was ok! that ice the other night was awful!

[Chellymouse]

Just to give you an update...I'm stuck in Columbus, OH. We were supposed to have a direct flight from Orlando to Cleveland, well, as usual, the weather turned a little wintry. So we were diverted to Columbus, OH. At least we have Koala this time.

We left Orlando at 6:30 or so last night and finally got to a hotel last night around 2:30am, but not before some excitement. We sat on the runway in Columbus for a couple hours before they decided we were going to stay put. The flight attendants were fielding questions and apparently were starting to get irritated. One of them said, "I don't know, m'am, I don't fly planes, I just serve coffee." That was one of the funniest things I've heard in a while. I felt bad for the little old lady that asked the attendant. Once we got into the terminal, in the next waiting area from where we were, there was a flight that had just gotten cancelled going to Texas. The nice lady pilot was trying to calm everyone down and explain that the conditions were too icy to fly. Of course the passengers were somewhat disgruntled and someone (a man) yelled that they should let a man fly the plane. Well, a fight almost broke out. People were yelling, security came...what a grand old time.

I'll post my update from my tour around SSR when we finally get home. Keep your fingers crossed that we get out of here soon! Koala is worried that Santa won't find him here.

Love your TR SSRMonkey! We don't live very far from you! We're in NE Ohio, I'm guessing you're about an hour, hour and a half from us! Glad to hear you made it home safely! This ice was awful! We should have an SSR-Owners meeting for all of us NE OH, NW PA folks! Glad to hear you had a great time! We had to come home on 12/20 and it was a bummer having to come home after a week of 80 degree weather, but we made it in time for Santa!

[nzdisneymom]

SSRMonkey - our cruise was fabulous (my trip report is in my signature line) and my family was so very surprised and happy.

I had to come back to this thread to tell you that DS12 and I were at Downtown Disney on Wednesday night - and we had our very first Wetzel's Pretzel - original. It was divine! I see why you and your family go there each trip. We can't wait to go back and take my DH and DS11. It was so yummy. We thought of you when we ate it.