Never Say Never….Atleast I Thought I’d Never! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Pikester

09-20-2009, 04:36 PM

Well, I never thought that I would even attempt to write a trip report. But, I met someone on here that is going to be at the Wonderful World of Disney the same time I am and thought it would be kind of cool to compare notes on our trips. Then I thought, “Hey, why not share my notes with the DIS” so here I am.

As mentioned above, I’ve never done this sort of thing before so you’ll have to bare with me if I royally mess up! From reading other trip reports this is were I am suppose to give you the “cast of characters” and our background information. So, here it goes……

Me 36(Stefanee): (the totally inadequate writer of this here trip report) Married mother of two boys.

DH 39(Brian): The most wonderful man who works very hard to take care of me, the children and our home. The very same man who was asked by my very own father if he knew what he was “getting into” when he asked my dad for my hand in marriage. (Thanks Dad!)

DS 12(Tyler): My first born and very serious child who alternately makes me laugh and makes me cranky. He is definitely becoming a “teenager” sooner then I would like. Loves all things Lego, Star Wars, Indian Jones and Harry Potter (sorry Disney).

DS8(Nathan): Second born but has made his own place in the family. This kid is quite often told how cute he is by perfect strangers. Loves all things Lego, Star Wars, Indian Jones and Pokeman (It use to be Bakugan but not anymore. Anyone need some Bakugans? We’ve got plenty.).
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/Image080.jpg

Well, that is the cast of this NEVER going to happen trip report for our Nov/Dec 2009 WDW trip. Now, on to the background info.

We have been to WDW twice. Once in December 2006 and the second time in December 2008 (Can you tell we liked December?;)) I never in my life thought I would ever go to Walt Disney World. My parents had me and my sister at a very young age and we grew up without a lot of money. I always thought WDW was for “rich people” and that was something I never thought I would be. Well, I was right! I’m not rich by any means but as a grown up it’s easier to see that going to WDW is something that I could do someday and to do that with my family would be even better. Writing all that makes it seem like it was my idea but in reality a co-worker of my DH was going to see Mickey which got my DH thinking that this was something that we could do. So, he came home and brought up the idea of going to WDW. Now, you’d think I would be jumping up and down and I’ll be honest I was on the inside but right beside that excitement, deep down in the pit of my stomach was this queasy feeling because I knew this would mean that we had to fly. I was going to have to get on this huge chunk of metal that by rights should not even be able to stay up in the sky. I sooo do not like to fly. I’ve done it twice in my life. Once when I was a little kid and barely remember it and the other time was when DH took me on a cruise. I still remember some buzzer going off and thinking we were going down but it was just letting the Flight Attendant know they had reached a certain altitude. Phew!

Anyways, back to the excitement! DH booked our December 2006 trip, I bought myself a Passporter and I started to plan. And plan. And, plan. (Oh, by the way, I’m a planner.) As I was planning and talking about this trip my Mom was doing some thinking of her own. She was thinking, Hmmmm, how cool would it be if she could go to WDW with us and take my DN10. So she very carefully broached the subject of going with us. I asked DH and he was like “I don’t care. As long as I get to do the stuff that I want us to do”. So, my Mom and DN10 were going with us to WDW! We chose to stay at Pop Century, we got a Magic Your Way Park Hopper with the Basic Dining Plan package. Unfortunately, I did not discover the :worship: DIS until a few months before our trip and I didn’t really do much research on the DIS until a couple of weeks before we left. Thank goodness I talked my DH into making ADRs after reading how hard it would be to eat at a TS restaurant without them or we would have been S.O.L; So- Out-of-Luck. We had a wonderful time on that December 2006 trip!

Due to that wonderful trip DH and I decided to start saving for another trip to be taken in December 2008. Not long after we started to make our plans and not long after I started doing my “talking and planning” guess what happened…….You got it! Mom asked if her and my Dad could go with us. Once again I asked DH and he was like “I don’t care. As long as I get to do the stuff that I want us to do”. So, here we go again. Only this time we, and when I say we I mean my family of 4, decided to drive from NH to WDW. My parents, they’re going to fly. We once again did the stay at Pop Century with the Magic Your Way Park Hopper and the Basic Dining Plan Package. But, this time I was making my ADRs at 180 days, I got all the restaurants that I wanted and we made touring plans. We all had an even better time!

So, on the drive back from WDW, I think it was about 2AM and we were driving through some state (Hey, they all look the same when it's dark!), I was trying to help keep my DH awake and he started talking about “the next time we go to WDW”. We weren’t even home yet and he is talking about the next time we go to Disney! Well, we talked and planned about a trip that we might take two years from now, in 2010. We get home, go through the holidays, kids go back to school and about Feb/March we start talking about what we are going to do this summer for a trip. So I start researching some ideas. Maybe we could go to the Maine coast or maybe we could go to Lake George, NY. How about the White Mountains of NH? Just a small, inexpensive trip that allows us to get away for 5 days or so. DH comes home from work one day in April and asks me what I’ve come up with for our Summer plans. I give him the NY and ME ideas as the ones I like the best but I would prefer to go to ME. He says that he’s been doing some thinking and how would I like to skip the summer trip, take the money we would spend on it and put it towards going to WDW the end of November into early December. I think my jaw must have hit the floor! After I scooped it up I was like “Heck yah!”. The only thing DH asked was that we go with just our family of four since we’ve never experienced WDW that way before. “Whatever you say honey!”

So we are driving (again) to Walt Disney World and we will be there from November 29th -December 5th, 2009!:woohoo: We are staying at our favorite resort Pop Century and we are doing the Magic Your Way with NO park hopper (we can always add it if we need it). We decided to shake things up a bit and try the Quick Service Dining Plan which means less time eating and more time playing. I couldn’t allow myself to not make any ADRs so I asked my family out of all the restaurants we have eaten at during both of our other trips which one would you like to go back to the most. Hoop-Dee-Doo! So we are going to do the Hoop-Dee-Doo and of course we just have to do a character meal so I’m hoping to get a ressie for Donald’s Safari Breakfast at the Tusker House. So now I’m just waiting for my 90 day ADR window to get here so I can make my two ADRs. During all this waiting something AWESOME happens…..FREE DINING! So now we get to enjoy Disney and get FREE FOOD!

*Edited to add names as I seem to have gone back and forth between using our names or using DH, DS12, DS8.

MagiKitty

09-20-2009, 06:15 PM

I'm here! Great start to your trip report! Its going to be so much fun "going" on your trip with you and the family! Keep it coming! :thumbsup2

mickeystoontown

09-20-2009, 07:25 PM

I'm here! Free dining! Wooo hoo!

Pikester

09-20-2009, 09:32 PM

So cool! I have my first two readers.:woohoo:

I'm here! Great start to your trip report! Its going to be so much fun "going" on your trip with you and the family! Keep it coming! :thumbsup2

I am so nervous about writing this thing! Maybe when you get back from your trip you can write a trip report for me to check out. :)

I'm here! Free dining! Wooo hoo!

Thank you for subscribing! If my report can be half as good as yours are I will be happy!:goodvibes

LivinInTheCastle

09-20-2009, 09:56 PM

Hey Pike, Walter and I are trying to keep up also!

Pikester

09-20-2009, 10:17 PM

Hey Pike, Walter and I are trying to keep up also!

Welcome! As they say, the more the merrier!

mariezp

09-20-2009, 10:49 PM

disneyaddicted

09-21-2009, 08:59 AM

Hey there, my name is Ty, I will be at Disney around the same time as you Dec3-11 and staying at Pop Century. So I will join in on this PTR of yours and keep you company for this long wait.

I was like you, always thought Disney was for the rich, I never made it until I was 30ish. And my kids were well into their teen years.

It's awesome that your DH likes Disney.

Pikester

09-21-2009, 02:06 PM

I'm in, Pikester! popcorn::

I've kinda stalled out on my TR so maybe I can pick up some ideas from you. ;) Now that I know this will only be your 3rd trip I don't have to feel like I am such a newbie. I guess I just assumed everyone I know has been to WDW countless times. :confused3 Anyway, you are off to a great start for someone who was never going to do a TR! Can't wait to hear more.

Welcome to my TR. I WISH I could have been to WDW more! I know, you're really just trying to say that I talk like I know it all and therefore should have been to Disney more. :laughing:

Hey there, my name is Ty, I will be at Disney around the same time as you Dec3-11 and staying at Pop Century. So I will join in on this PTR of yours and keep you company for this long wait.

I was like you, always thought Disney was for the rich, I never made it until I was 30ish. And my kids were well into their teen years.

It's awesome that your DH likes Disney.

Hi Ty, welcome to my TR! Definitely kick back and stay awhile. Hopefully I will be able help pass the time until we get to be at WDW!

Pikester

09-21-2009, 02:18 PM

OK, so when we last left off I had introduced my cast of characters, written a little background information about us (I swear it was just suppose to be a little!) and I was waiting for my 90 day ADR window to open up.

When DH and I first discussed going back to Disney we were going back and forth on whether or not we wanted to get the Basic Disney Dining Plan or the Quick Service Dining Plan. DH really wanted to try out the QSD as he felt this would allow us to spend more time at the parks playing and less time sitting in the restaurants eating. I saw his point and figured “Why not” but, I told him that I wanted to eat in at least one sit down restaurant and be waited on. So I asked the kids “If you could go back to any restaurant that we already ate at on our previous two trips which one would it be?” and here were their answers.

DS8: “I don’t care.”

DS11: “Hoop-Dee-Doo!”

DS8: “Yah, Hoop-Dee-Doo!”

So, knowing that the Hoop costs a tidy sum, I approached DH and asked him if there was any way we could do this dinner show. I told him the prices of all the categories and I hoped that we could at least do a Cat 2 since that is what we had the last time that we went back in 2006. DH asked me what the price was for a Cat 1 and it ended up being only a $5 difference per ticket. He said to go for it!:cool1: I had also decided that I could NOT go to WDW and NOT do a character meal. DH likes to eat a big breakfast at least once while we are there so what better way to enjoy breakfast then to have it with Disney characters. I looked through my Passporter and checked out menus at AllEars and finally decided that Donald’s Safari Breakfast at the Tusker House in Animal Kingdom would fit the bill. What would be even cooler is if I could get a breakfast ressie early enough that we would be in the park before it actually opens!

So with my 90th day fast approaching, I was busy researching which days would be best to visit which parks so that I could have an idea of which of those days I wanted to make my ADRs. (Did I confuse you? I know I confused myself!) Between checking out the different touring plan sites and waiting for those dang park hours to come out I was driving myself nuts! I finally came up with a schedule that I though would work.

11/29: MK
11/30: DS
12/1: MK--Hoop-Dee-Doo
12/2: EP
12/3: AK--Tusker House
12/4: DS
12/5: Open Day
(This schedule is subject to change as we get closer. The only day that could not be changed is our AK day as we would have the ADR at the Tusker House and at this time we do not have Park Hopper.)

So the above schedule is what I was hoping I would be able to go with. Since we have the QSP there are only two ressies that I have to worry about getting and if I have to I can choose back-up days for those ressies if they are not available on the days that I want them.

After waiting what seemed like an eternity August 31st finally got here. Now, having been reading how difficult it has been to get ADRs from my fellow Disney goers here at the DIS you’d think I would have been on the phone at exactly 7AM. Since the kids didn’t have school and I didn’t have to work I made the choice to sleep in; I did so enjoy it too! When I finally dragged my carcass out of bed it was about 8AM so I made myself a cup of tea, checked my plan and got on my cell phone to make my 2 ADRs. (A little side note here, we don’t have long distance on our land line because we found that we don‘t use it that much. In the past we have used those 10-10 #s but recently when I tried to use the number I had it didn’t work.) So I start dialing the number for Disney Dining on my cell, I put the phone to my ear and my call WOULD NOT GO THROUGH!!!! OK, OK, just relax and take a deep breath. In through the nose and out through the mouth. I must have dialed wrong so let’s try this again. So I dial the number for Disney Dining on my cell, I put the phone to my ear and………..IT WOULDN’T GO THROUGH AGAIN!!! Now I am CRANKY!:mad: I emailed my DH at work to tell him what is going on and then I start Googling for 10-10 #s that I can use. As I am doing this the phone rings and it’s DH telling me to use 10-10-XXX and also telling me to relax, that it was going to be fine. (Gotta love DH because he knows me so well!)

I dialed 10-10-XXX, 1, area code, then the Disney Dining number and finally heard what I have been waiting for. I had finally reached Disney Dining! I listened to the menu and punched in all the numbers that I needed to so that I could talk to a CM. Instead of a CM I get the “All our Cast Members are busy. Please stay on the line and it will be a 25 minute wait.” or something similar to that. I put the phone on speaker and emptied the dishwasher while listening to the music from the opening ceremony at Magic Kingdom (I tried to find the lyrics to this but can’t). It ended up being only a 20 minute wait and then I got to speak with a wonderful CM who just wanted to help me any way that she could. I gave her all the information that she needed and then got down to the business of booking my two ADRs. I asked for Hoop-Dee-Doo on 12/1, Cat 1, 5:00PM show. I could hear her tapping on the keyboard and then it was like “OK, is there anything else I can do for you?”. I’m thinking WOW that was easy but the next one is at a park so this could be where I have trouble. I asked for Tusker House Character Breakfast on 12/3 for 8:00AM or whatever time from there, 8:10AM, 8:15AM, etc. Again I can hear her tapping on the keyboard and it was like “We have an 8:10AM, will that work for you?” Yes, Yes it will. She then asks “OK, is there anything else I can do for you?” I told her I was all set and she sounded surprised that I didn’t want to make any more ADRs. I then had to wait while the computer did it’s thing and spit out my confirmation numbers. While this was going on I was telling the CM that the reason why I was only making two ADRS was because we had decided to try the QSP instead of doing the BDDP. She asked me if it was because the BDDP had too much food and I told her no that the family wanted to spend more time playing in the parks and less time eating. She said “That makes sense.” By then my confirmation numbers were ready so I wrote those down, thanked the CM, was wished a magical day and hung up the phone with great relief that my ADRs had been made. That’s when it hit me that I had gotten the ADRs that I wanted and we only have 90 MORE DAYS UNTIL WE ARE AT DISNEY!!!!!

JOCAmom

09-21-2009, 11:35 PM

M&N

09-21-2009, 11:53 PM

Great job Pikester.
Keeping my fingers crossed that we'll be able to meet...

JoJo1980

09-22-2009, 06:00 AM

Hi there! Your plans sound great so far & I'm glad you got the ADR's you wanted :yay: Hoop dee doo is brilliant and the food is yummy! We havent tried Donald's breakfast but are going this trip :woohoo: We are there at the same time 27/11 to 6/12 :santa:

Pikester

09-22-2009, 09:17 AM

Hi there. I saw you mention your trip report over on the Threadkillers thread and thought I would check it out.

Our last trip to Disney was in 08 during Thanksgiving week. We stayed at POP too....I think it's our favorite of the value resorts so far.

Can't wait to read more.

So glad you decided to come over and check out my TR. Was it very busy during Thanksgiving? On which day did you leave? We will be getting there on Sunday 3 days after T-day and on the crowd calender I am looking at it's showing a 4 for that day with MK being somewhere in the "middle" busy. Would you agree with that?

Great job Pikester.
Keeping my fingers crossed that we'll be able to meet...

I really hope that we will be able to meet! If I knew I was getting PH I would go ahead and make arrangements, even if I had to ditch DH and the kids to do it!:laughing:

Hi there! Your plans sound great so far & I'm glad you got the ADR's you wanted :yay: Hoop dee doo is brilliant and the food is yummy! We havent tried Donald's breakfast but are going this trip :woohoo: We are there at the same time 27/11 to 6/12 :santa:

We loved the Hoop-Dee-Doo when we went back in 2006!

Check out the prices listed on this sign!
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/DSC02434.jpg

The preformers are a little blurry but you get the idea.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/DSC02437.jpg

We loved the food too! I'm always amazed when I hear people say how much they DIDN'T like it. What's not to like?:confused3

Sukie

09-22-2009, 06:10 PM

:woohoo: I finally read your Pre-TR. Thanks for the memories.

Pikester

09-22-2009, 09:44 PM

:woohoo: I finally read your Pre-TR. Thanks for the memories.

Thanks for stopping my Mom! Glad you like it so far.

Pikester

09-22-2009, 09:50 PM

So now that I’ve filled you all in on what has happened since we decided to go to Disney and the ADRs that I was able to get, lets talk about schedules and departure day.

Since we are driving we will be leaving on, wait for it, BLACK FRIDAY! (Insert scary laugh) We will be leaving at 4AM. Our hope is that everyone will be at all those fabulous after Thanksgiving Sales (Which I am missing this year!:sad1:) and off the roads as we head out for our very looooong drive to Orlando, FL. Last year we did the trip in two legs. The first leg was from NH (we left at 4AM) to Hardeeville, GA where we stayed at a Super 8. We got there around 10PM and that was way to late. I could barely keep my eyes open by the time we got there. Thank goodness DH was driving!

The next morning we left Hardeeville, GA around 7AM and continued on our way to Daytona Beach, FL. We wanted to show the kids that we could drive on the beach. It also gave us the chance to stretch our legs and get some fresh air. Here is a cool picture from there:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/P1010761.jpg
And another:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/P1010768.jpg

Another reason we were in that area was so that I could eat at a Sonics. We do not have Sonics around here in NH but do see commercials for them all the time on the TV. DH wanted to be able to eat at a Waffle House (scattered, smothered and covered please!) so I got to try a Sonics. The food was just OK but I loved my strawberry fruit slushie. Once we finished up our meal at Sonics we headed to Pop Century (got there around 3PM) to check in and to start our weeks stay at WDW.

So from 4AM in NH to 10PM in Hardeeville, GA it took us about 18hrs. And then it took us, including a stop at Daytona Beach, about 8hrs to get to WDW. So it was a total of 26hrs.

This year we are leaving on Black Friday (insert evil laugh again!) and driving until __________ (there is a blank because we are not sure) and then we will find a place to stay overnight. We’ll get up the next morning on Saturday and continue our drive which will include a stop at Daytona Beach again and then on to a hotel in Kissimmee, FL where we will spend the night. Our plans are to get up early on Sunday morning, eat breakfast, check out (or check out and then eat breakfast; whatever works best) and then head to Pop Century to check in by 8AM. We figure it will be way to early for our room to be ready so we’ll just keep our luggage in the van and head off to MK for the day. :banana:

So far that is the plan for our first day at WDW. I’m sure that I will change my mind 100 million times between now and then but since I’m a woman it’s a rule that I get to change my mind anytime I want too, right?

JOCAmom

09-22-2009, 11:23 PM

So glad you decided to come over and check out my TR. Was it very busy during Thanksgiving? On which day did you leave? We will be getting there on Sunday 3 days after T-day and on the crowd calender I am looking at it's showing a 4 for that day with MK being somewhere in the "middle" busy. Would you agree with that?

Forgive me if I didn't do this quote thing right. :goodvibes

I had read all the reports on here about how packed T-day could be. I was prepared for the worse. We arrived the Monday before Thanksgiving and left the Sunday after. My parents had taken us one year over 4th of July and I still remember those crowds. T-day was so easy compared to that. LOL.

I think one year, we stopped at Hardeeville. I would have to check my various folders to see which motel we stopped at. Last year, we did Daytona on the way home. We like NASCAR racing and did a tour of the track there. I would like to take my kids to the beach though. I have pictures of me when I was their age on the beach and would like to get some of them too.

Thanks for the warm welcome!

disneyaddicted

09-22-2009, 11:51 PM

While you are driving on black Friday, I will be working customer service at Bed, Bath and Beyond, I'll be wishing that I was on my way to Disney and thinking of you.
But I will only have to wait 5 days then I will be down there too.

Hoop Dee Doo sounds like a lot of fun, I have never ben, it is on my list of things to do, unfortunatly it's not on the list for this trip, oh well, just another reason to go back.

So have you made any purchases for the trip?

JoJo1980

09-23-2009, 02:02 AM

Dare I ask what Black Friday is?! We're from the UK and are flying over on that day :scared1:

disneyaddicted

09-23-2009, 02:11 AM

Dare I ask what Black Friday is?! We're from the UK and are flying over on that day :scared1::laughing:You're so precious!
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, it is a big sale day for all retailers, when they're making money it's called being in the "Black"
Stores will open earlier than normal (Like 4:00am) and they have specials running, buy one get one free, or 50%off until a certain time. It's the biggest shopping day of the year. Most people get their Christmas shopping done on this day.

So dear heart, you will be ok flying black Friday.

JoJo1980

09-23-2009, 07:02 AM

:laughing:You're so precious!
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, it is a big sale day for all retailers, when they're making money it's called being in the "Black"
Stores will open earlier than normal (Like 4:00am) and they have specials running, buy one get one free, or 50%off until a certain time. It's the biggest shopping day of the year. Most people get their Christmas shopping done on this day.

So dear heart, you will be ok flying black Friday.

:laughing: Thanks for putting my mind at ease!! I thought it was a day that was going to be awful to travel on or something!! Oooo you mentioned my favourite word though 'SALE' - does that mean there might be disney sales whilst we are there? :wizard:

longing2Batdisney

09-23-2009, 06:03 PM

Pikester

09-23-2009, 07:22 PM

Forgive me if I didn't do this quote thing right. :goodvibes

I had read all the reports on here about how packed T-day could be. I was prepared for the worse. We arrived the Monday before Thanksgiving and left the Sunday after. My parents had taken us one year over 4th of July and I still remember those crowds. T-day was so easy compared to that. LOL.

I think one year, we stopped at Hardeeville. I would have to check my various folders to see which motel we stopped at. Last year, we did Daytona on the way home. We like NASCAR racing and did a tour of the track there. I would like to take my kids to the beach though. I have pictures of me when I was their age on the beach and would like to get some of them too.

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed then that the crowds will be low like they were for you.

When DH and I had been dating for about a year we drove down to Ft. Myers, FL the day after Christmas and stayed for 2 weeks. On the way we stopped in Daytona and visited the track. We drove into the in field throught the tunnel and got to walk around for a look. If I'm remembering correctly we walked right up to the pit road wall and watched go carts speeding around. There was also Winston Cup (that was what it was called then) testing going on and Bill Elliot's car was out there at some point. The wierdest part was that his car was just primer gray. No sponsors had been put on it yet.

mariezp

09-23-2009, 07:29 PM

Pikester

09-23-2009, 07:43 PM

Dare I ask what Black Friday is?! We're from the UK and are flying over on that day :scared1:

So sorry that I scared you. :hug:

:laughing:You're so precious!
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, it is a big sale day for all retailers, when they're making money it's called being in the "Black"
Stores will open earlier than normal (Like 4:00am) and they have specials running, buy one get one free, or 50%off until a certain time. It's the biggest shopping day of the year. Most people get their Christmas shopping done on this day.

So dear heart, you will be ok flying black Friday.

I've been going shopping on Black Friday for many years and can't believe that I'm going to miss it. Oh well. I don't usually buy much on that day anyways. I just like to go so I can see all the idiots fighting over the $25 DVD players. :laughing:

:laughing: Thanks for putting my mind at ease!! I thought it was a day that was going to be awful to travel on or something!! Oooo you mentioned my favourite word though 'SALE' - does that mean there might be disney sales whilst we are there? :wizard:
The last two times we went was in early December and alot of their Christmas stuff was 1/2 price. I'm not sure what kind of sales they will be having while we are there.

While you are driving on black Friday, I will be working customer service at Bed, Bath and Beyond, I'll be wishing that I was on my way to Disney and thinking of you.
But I will only have to wait 5 days then I will be down there too.

Hoop Dee Doo sounds like a lot of fun, I have never ben, it is on my list of things to do, unfortunatly it's not on the list for this trip, oh well, just another reason to go back.

So have you made any purchases for the trip?

I use to work retail and I try not to think about when I worked Black Friday, EVER! :laughing: The day was also the start of us staying open until 9PM every night through the week instead of closing at 6PM. We stayed open late until Christmas Eve when we closed at 5PM.

Hoop Dee Doo is very fun! At the end of the meal be prepared for a lot of noise because they hand out washboards the get to be played using the spoons at your table.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/DSC02442.jpg

The servers also did a really cute dance on stage when they brought out our strawberry shortcake for dessert. It was like this big product and so much fun!

We tried the Spirit of Aloha last year and I did NOT enjoy it. We should have just saved our money.

Pikester

09-23-2009, 07:53 PM

So have you made any purchases for the trip?

The last 2 times that we have gone the kids have gotten a surprise from "Mickey" in the room. This year they should be getting one as well. ;)

I found Star Wars bobbleheads (Yoda(DS11), Chewy(DS8)) and I found a Family Guy t-shirt that has the cast posed like Star Wars (DS11). I've also gotten a Phineas and Ferb t-shirt (DS8).

Other then that I won't get too much more.

Have you made any purchases?

Pikester

09-23-2009, 08:01 PM

followed you over from Lisa's TR!

you have great plans so far...how fun that ya'll go to Daytona Beach each year...we drive from LA it is def not as far we do it in one day but I think next trip we will break it up!

been wanting to do Hoop dee do!(don't know if I'll add that expense in yet:confused3 5adults and one child $$$:scared1: ) and I am adding Donald's breakfast to our next trip...

you are going to WDW the same exact week I think we are going next year!
We have still not decided on our week yet! But, I really think if I can't talk DH into the first week of FEb. we will be going the week after Thanksgiving '10.
My plan for the moment is to leave on "Black Friday", too!;) But, I am an entire year past you:confused:!!! So, you are perfect for me to follow along with!!! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!
More comparisons...if we take all our children, we will be going to the POP! we have not stayed there yet!! I have so much to learn from you...:teacher:

BTW what is a thread killer?!?:rotfl:
Happy planning!
:wave2:

Welcome! I love how Lisa does her trip reports so I've been trying to learn from her and hope to implement some of her techniques.

We love going at this time of year. I'm a big fan of Christmas decorations and music (I'm one of those people that listens to Christmas music from Thanksgiving day till Christmas night). Pop has speakers all over the property that play muisc from the different eras but during Christmas they have holiday music playing instead. Nothing like bee boppin to "Rockin around the Christmas Tree...." as I walk to Classic Hall to fill up my mug with Hot Coco.

I guess you know what my vote would be! :thumbsup2

Pikester

09-23-2009, 08:31 PM

I love the beach and seagull pictures! In all the times we have been on the beach I have never taken one. You are filling me full of inspiration to get us to the beach and snap some of those pictures!

Poor Pikester! You are so deprived! I gotta tell you that we have Sonics all over Texas. From now on every time we eat there I will think of you. I will have to drink a strawberry fruit slushie in your honor. (BTW, next time try their coconut cream pie shake cause those are really yummy! drool, drool!)

And YES you can change your mind.... all you want!

So what beach are you thinking of visiting?

I heard that a Sonics was opening somewhere in Mass but I'm not willing to drive that far to visit one. Waffle House is something that my DH looks forward to eating at but for it's just alright. The last Waffle House we ate at totally grossed me out! I am so use to having no smoking in restaurants that it throws me a little when I go into one that still allows smoking. OK, no problem. I'll just deal with it. Well, I needed to use the restroom so I excused myself from the table and found my way to the one stall bathroom. I guess someone must have been taking their cigarette break while they were using the can because I could barely breath! :eek: Two scents that should never be mixed together I tell you!

longing2Batdisney

09-23-2009, 09:18 PM

I know what you mean about the waffle houses...my DH loves them; but I had to quit going cause of the smoke and LA finally passed a law you cannot smoke in resturants that do not have bars! :yay: --I really did not realize that it was a southern chain...can you tell I've never been past TN! :upsidedow
have a great evening!

disneyaddicted

09-24-2009, 04:11 AM

The last 2 times that we have gone the kids have gotten a surprise from "Mickey" in the room. This year they should be getting one as well. ;)

I found Star Wars bobbleheads (Yoda(DS11), Chewy(DS8)) and I found a Family Guy t-shirt that has the cast posed like Star Wars (DS11). I've also gotten a Phineas and Ferb t-shirt (DS8).

Other then that I won't get too much more.

Have you made any purchases?
I love the Star Wars Family guy, heck I love Family guy.
The only purchases I have made so far are, The buxton bag organizer, (for my park days) lip gloss (I'm addicted) Disney socks, Hand sanitizer from Victoria Secret (Love Spell) and the Love spell flavor hair products. Oh and I got my mom an Eayore watch. I need to get the mammoth crocs.

JoJo1980

09-24-2009, 01:34 PM

So sorry that I scared you. :hug:

I've been going shopping on Black Friday for many years and can't believe that I'm going to miss it. Oh well. I don't usually buy much on that day anyways. I just like to go so I can see all the idiots fighting over the $25 DVD players. :laughing:

The last two times we went was in early December and alot of their Christmas stuff was 1/2 price. I'm not sure what kind of sales they will be having while we are there.

:laughing: don't worry, just me having a blonde moment ;) :laughing:

People get REALLY crazy during sales dont they!!

OMG! If they have 1/2 price disney sales when we are there I would be in HEAVEN! But I would also need an extra few suitcases :lmao:

MagiKitty

09-24-2009, 05:18 PM

Now I'm thinking about getting an ADR at Hoop De Doo! Sounds like so much fun, but maybe I'll have to save that for next trip....those pics at the beach look lovely! But the mere mention of strawberry shortcake, oh goodness.

Wow, applause for you for driving on Black Friday! Just avoid any mall roads, even at those hours, it'll be crazy!

We're starting to get Sonic's here in NY...not near me, but getting there. Have never eaten at a Waffle House, but I've always wanted to!

I'm avoiding packing for my trip as we speak! :cool1: (disneyjojo...I pack half a suitcase with plenty of room for my outlet shopping!)

M&N

09-24-2009, 09:03 PM

I don't think Disney has any special Black Friday sales. I am wondering if I should even try and shop in DD. I get spoiled when I drive and can put all the stuff in the car...but flying with 1 suitcase is not going to be easy. At least being a a friend's house I can do laundry. Last year I shipped what I bought in DD home.
Do you plan for long pants too? It can be cooler at that time. I had to borrow a sweatshirt one early Dec I was there for the night show.

Pikester

09-25-2009, 05:33 PM

followed you over from Lisa's TR!

you have great plans so far...how fun that ya'll go to Daytona Beach each year...we drive from LA it is def not as far we do it in one day but I think next trip we will break it up!

been wanting to do Hoop dee do!(don't know if I'll add that expense in yet:confused3 5adults and one child $$$:scared1: ) and I am adding Donald's breakfast to our next trip...

you are going to WDW the same exact week I think we are going next year!
We have still not decided on our week yet! But, I really think if I can't talk DH into the first week of FEb. we will be going the week after Thanksgiving '10.
My plan for the moment is to leave on "Black Friday", too!;) But, I am an entire year past you:confused:!!! So, you are perfect for me to follow along with!!! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!
More comparisons...if we take all our children, we will be going to the POP! we have not stayed there yet!! I have so much to learn from you...:teacher:

BTW what is a thread killer?!?:rotfl:
Happy planning!
:wave2:

Some how I totally over looked the question that you asked about what a "thread killer" is. A "Thread Killer" is someone who posts the very last post in a thread with no one else ever posting again after it. This means you "killed" the thread. I have done this many, many times. I've also posted and have had my posts completely ignored by others who post after me. It's has if I not even there. So, there is a thread called "TKers take the Fifth" where a wonderful group of people, who like me seem to "kill" threads, hang out and chat.

longing2Batdisney

09-25-2009, 09:57 PM

I love it...I might fit in over there...I have had several post ignored :lmao:
see you almost forgot me with the question :rotfl2:
don't remember if I ever was the last one to post on a thread; I bet I have been :laughing:
:wave2:

Pikester

09-26-2009, 12:33 PM

So bored.....

I haven't been doing much for my trip lately. Everything is just at a standstill. I did check out an updated crowed calender on a site that I joined and they've changed one of my park choices from "just OK" to AVOID. Now I'm probably going to have to change my whole week around.:eek:

I'm still wishing that I knew in advance if we were going to have Park Hopper. I think I mentioned before (Can't remember! Old age you know.;)) that I'm trying to meet up with two different friends (M&N and marie) that I have met on these boards. I met someone last year and it was so much fun! While I was waiting for this person (BKMETV :)) to show up I saw a lady with a lime green Mickey DIS head and I introduced myself. All of us ended up chatting. Too cool! I was also accosted in MK by some woman stuffing her wallet in my face. Freaked me out until I realized she had a lime green Mickey head in the see-through compartment of her wallet.:rotfl:I probably seemed a little stand-offish but my heart was still beating out of control. I can't even remember what her user name was.

To totally embarrass my DH I will be sporting a lovely blue lanyard with Disney pins on it. It also has a Tinkerbell key ring hanging from the bottom with a medium sized lime green Mickey head that has Pikester in black ink (Thank you Mom "Sukie" for cutting and laminating that for me :hug:). Also hanging from the Tink key ring will be a tie-dye Mickey Head to signify that I am staying at Pop Century (That MH was used last year when there was a thread about meeting at Pop). I could change my mind about the TD MH but I'll still bring it with me and decide while I'm there.

So that is if for what I've been doing or thinking about my upcoming trip.

Only 63 days until I am at WDW!:woohoo:

mariezp

09-26-2009, 07:41 PM

Pikester, I just went back and reread your PTR. Good thing I did because I missed the HDDR picture! My DD is gonna love getting to make a big racket on the washboards. Me, I am gonna :love: the strawberry shortcake! I am really looking forward to this show.

DH and DD are the ones wanting to visit the beach. Me, not so much and DS would just rather not. I think it is gonna be one of the low priority things on our list, especially since we are going in December. But, if we end up going it would mostly be just to be able to say we have seen the Atlantic Ocean. Most likely we would go to Cocoa Beach since it appears to be one of the closest and comes recommended.

I hate that you may have to change your dates around! Although..... now I am just wondering if we might get a better chance at being in the same park? Which day is out of whack now? I hope you don't have to redo you whole week!

mariezp

09-26-2009, 09:00 PM

Pikester

09-26-2009, 09:15 PM

Hey Pikester, I was looking at your plans to see which was your problem day. Is it the DS day on the 4th? If that's the one it looks like you could switch to the 3rd and do AK on the 4th. I checked the reservation system online and there is plenty of availability for Tusker House still. Might be a little more trouble but might be worth it. AND.... you know what???? we would actually end up in AK on the same day! :rolleyes1 Just something to think about.

I was looking over my schedule too and I think we are going to stick with our ADR for Tusker on 12/3. I think I might change 12/1 to DS and do MK on 12/2. We'll be going to DS two days in a row but that is OK.

11/29-MK
11/30-DS
12/1-DS
12/2-MK
12/3-AK
12/4-Open Day
12/5-EP

If we could only get that darn PH! I swear I'm going to drive myself crazy wanting it! I will think about your suggestions though and discuss it with DH.

JOCAmom

09-26-2009, 09:31 PM

mariezp

09-26-2009, 09:34 PM

Well, crap!! I am such a ding dong! I reread AGAIN and seeing that you were booking the Safari breakfast I certainly understand why you do not want to change. If I were very bright I would have made sure of that BEFORE making my suggestion! Anyway, don't even give it a second thought! Get those boys to that breakfast and we will see if we can't come up with another plan.

mickeystoontown

09-26-2009, 10:46 PM

Whew! I was behind several installments. All caught up again though. We used to buy park hoppers but realized that the only time we really park hopped was from Epcot to Magic Kingdom and vice versa. We decided to forego the hoppers and buy the water park and more option. Well worth the trade-out to us. I'd rather just stick to one park per day and go to a water park or Disney Quest (or both) instead.

mariezp

09-26-2009, 10:57 PM

Looks like I am going to wear your report out! Glancing back over your new and improved itinerary we WILL be in Epcot on the same day! So maybe that's a good start for a mini meet. Now we just gotta get M&N in on the day. Okay. I'm done! This is my last post.... for the day anyway.

Pikester

09-27-2009, 09:20 AM

Pikester, I saw you posted your schedule. Can I ask what made you decide to do 2 days at DS and only one at Epcot? Everyone on the Disboards always seems to complain that they never have enough time in Epcot even if they spend 2 days there.

I figured the kids love the rides at DS better then walking around EP so lets only do one day at EP. (See below to see how DH felt about that!)

Well, crap!! I am such a ding dong! I reread AGAIN and seeing that you were booking the Safari breakfast I certainly understand why you do not want to change. If I were very bright I would have made sure of that BEFORE making my suggestion! Anyway, don't even give it a second thought! Get those boys to that breakfast and we will see if we can't come up with another plan.

You are NOT a ding dong! :laughing:

Whew! I was behind several installments. All caught up again though. We used to buy park hoppers but realized that the only time we really park hopped was from Epcot to Magic Kingdom and vice versa. We decided to forego the hoppers and buy the water park and more option. Well worth the trade-out to us. I'd rather just stick to one park per day and go to a water park or Disney Quest (or both) instead.

We've had PH on our last two trips. The first trip we used it almost every day due to the fact that I didn't make ADRs until 2 weeks before we left and then a couple of days before we left I discovered the crowd calendar. Since my ADRs were sometimes in the "Parks to Avoid" we went to the "Best Park" and then hopped to our ADR in the other park.

Our second trip we had PH because we had used them a lot the first time but we ended up only using it once. I had made all my ADRs at 180 days and I used the crowd calendar to book them at the "Best Parks" so we never needed to hop. I think DH took DS11 to a park in the evening while I stayed at the hotel with DS8 so he could swim.

So this will be the first time that we haven't had them and I am a little nervous about it. I keep telling myself that we can always add them.

Looks like I am going to wear your report out! Glancing back over your new and improved itinerary we WILL be in Epcot on the same day! So maybe that's a good start for a mini meet. Now we just gotta get M&N in on the day. Okay. I'm done! This is my last post.... for the day anyway.

I like that you keep posting; it makes my report look busy!

Well, I just showed DH my knew schedule (I could actually hear his eyeballs rolling :rolleyes: in his head) and he shared his thoughts with me about it. He does NOT like having DS 2 days in a row and he wants to spend 2 days at EP. So now, it's back to the drawing board!

Al and Kate's Mom

09-27-2009, 11:21 AM

Hi - joining in on your planning fun - thanks for sharing!!! :thumbsup2

mariezp

09-27-2009, 03:24 PM

Well, I just showed DH my knew schedule (I could actually hear his eyeballs rolling :rolleyes: in his head) and he shared his thoughts with me about it. He does NOT like having DS 2 days in a row and he wants to spend 2 days at EP. So now, it's back to the drawing board!
I guess this is one of those instances when the phrase "Ignorance is bliss" would be good. If your DH was like mine he wouldn't have a clue and would be totally dependent upon you to make all the plans. I guess next trip my DH will also be able to offer his opinion too... if I bother to ask him. Sounds like asking for opinions just helps make things more complicated!

I did not purchase hoppers yet either. I think we will be good up until towards the end of our trip. Then I have a feeling that DD will want to go to AK and the guys will not. I figure we can then just purchase 2 park hoppers for them and let them come and go if they please while DD and I remain in AK. Maybe that would work for you too and you would not have to buy all tickets as hoppers.

Pikester

09-27-2009, 10:14 PM

Hi - joining in on your planning fun - thanks for sharing!!! :thumbsup2

Glad to have you aboard! I was so scared that nobody would join in on my fun that I almost didn't do a report.

I guess this is one of those instances when the phrase "Ignorance is bliss" would be good. If your DH was like mine he wouldn't have a clue and would be totally dependent upon you to make all the plans. I guess next trip my DH will also be able to offer his opinion too... if I bother to ask him. Sounds like asking for opinions just helps make things more complicated!

I did not purchase hoppers yet either. I think we will be good up until towards the end of our trip. Then I have a feeling that DD will want to go to AK and the guys will not. I figure we can then just purchase 2 park hoppers for them and let them come and go if they please while DD and I remain in AK. Maybe that would work for you too and you would not have to buy all tickets as hoppers.

Usually I make all kinds of plans starting a year out and then a few weeks before we leave or even sometimes when we are at WDW DH decides to add his 2 cents. Where the heck were you when I was making the plans to begin with! :headache:

disneyaddicted

09-27-2009, 11:09 PM

Oh my word, if I had a nickle for every time I obsessed over park days my trip would have paid for itself months ago. I made the monumental mistake of booking ADr's and my park day for MK on Dec5th. Taping day. I tried to change my ADR's everything was booked. I wish I could just make a plan and never look back. I will continue to obsess until it's said and done, then I'll look back and say, "Oh, well that wasn't too bad."

Pikester

09-29-2009, 09:46 PM

Well, I'm really feeling lazy because I haven't posted anything on here in a few days but I've got nothing to talk about.

I still don't have my "Official Schedule" made yet.

Only 60 days until I'm at WDW!

disneyaddicted

09-29-2009, 10:04 PM

Well 60 days is something to post about! That's exciting.

Pikester

09-30-2009, 09:03 PM

Wow has it been a chilly, rainy day here today. I just close my eyes and picture myself at WDW where it will be warmer then it is here now....or will it? I remember it was pretty cold on for our AK day and our DS day last year.(Pics are from DS)

My Mom and I bundled up and trying to get warm with Donald's body heat!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/Image173.jpg

Maybe Chip and Dale can warm us up quicker.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/IMG_0172.jpg

Pikester

10-01-2009, 09:30 PM

58 Days!:goodvibes

longing2Batdisney

10-01-2009, 09:32 PM

Pikester

10-01-2009, 10:00 PM

December 2008. It was the week of the 7th-13th.

JOCAmom

10-01-2009, 10:28 PM

You were there a little over a week before us and we had the same kind of weather. I was shocked by how cold it was.

Sorry your husband is messing up your plans. Mine does the same thing. Sometimes I think they just like to drive us crazy.

longing2Batdisney

10-01-2009, 10:39 PM

It was cold that year; unusally so...we actually had 12" of snow at our house that week... I live in southern LA...WE DO NOT GET SNOW!!! I remember my son coming in my room at 5:30 am to say he was not going to school;it was snowing...I was like yeah that's a good one...:lmao: we normally wear shorts w/a lite long sleeve shirt one day, SO that is what I was expecting Orlando to be like when we go next year...guess we never know!!!

mickeystoontown

10-02-2009, 11:19 AM

Good morning,

Just checking in to see if you had made any new plans.

Hope you have a great day and a super weekend,

Lisa

M&N

10-02-2009, 10:08 PM

I think I'm not writing your schedule down again until you get it 'right'! :rotfl:
Did Marie post her days yet? I want to write them down. I hope so much to meet you both.

disneyaddicted

10-03-2009, 01:45 AM

I am hoping for nice jeans and T-shirt weather, maybe a light jacket, I want to escape the cold PA weather. Just seems like weather this year is all messed up, I also hope it's not a fluke year and ends up being super hot down there too.

Pikester

10-03-2009, 08:12 PM

Thank you ladies for checking in to see if I've gotten off my lazy butt and posted anything. I'm really sorry that I haven't but I just can't seem to get into the mood of making a schedule. I want to meet M&N and marie but the fact that our schedules may not meet just has me a little sad.

mariezp

10-03-2009, 08:16 PM

I love your pictures, Pikester. It is sure hard to imagine it being cold in Florida. On the other hand, when we have gone to DL in California it has been all the way up to 107 degrees one year and jacket weather for most of the rest. Sure makes packing tricky, especially when you have to decide a minimum you can take for 2 weeks where we are staying. Thank heavens we will have a washer and dryer! Still, looks like I better be sure to bring some gloves. I've never had to pack those before!
So, do you have any new plans to share with us?

Hey, M&N. I posted my dates over in my PTR. My FINAL itinerary is on page 3, post #45. I've changed my mind more than a few times. :sad2: I think last I recall we will all be in different parks on the 3rd. You will have to let us know if you decide on another day in any park. Aside from that, would there be any specific place outside of the parks that we could all met? Maybe we can all hop a monorail ride at the same time or something. Ya'll know more about the parks than I do so it's up to the two of you to come come up with a good idea!

Pikester

10-04-2009, 09:59 AM

I just wanted to let you all know that I added a picture to the first post. I hate the fact that the lights reflect off of my glasses but what can you do?:confused3

Here is a pic that I thought was too funny!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/Image027.jpg

longing2Batdisney

10-04-2009, 11:33 AM

Love that you added the photos! It is always nice to put a face to the people...
have a great weekend!
great photo of the boys! they look like they are really enjoying themselves
:wave2:

mariezp

10-04-2009, 01:59 PM

What a beautiful family you have there! You can see a bit of both of you and your husband in your boys. I love the photo with them being silly. Those are always so fun to look back at.

DL55

10-05-2009, 12:10 PM

Pikester

10-07-2009, 06:46 PM

Nothing like being late to the party. :guilty:
Love the pictures. I seldom make a schedule of which days for which park as DH will then want to go somewhere else. :sad2: I do try to avoid MK on weekends.

You're not late DL55. None of the good stuff has happened yet! :goodvibes

We like to get to the parks as soon as they open and have a schedule for the morning. The afternoons we do whatever.

Pikester

10-07-2009, 06:50 PM

Love that you added the photos! It is always nice to put a face to the people...
have a great weekend!
great photo of the boys! they look like they are really enjoying themselves
:wave2:

What a beautiful family you have there! You can see a bit of both of you and your husband in your boys. I love the photo with them being silly. Those are always so fun to look back at.

Nothing like being late to the party. :guilty:
Love the pictures. I seldom make a schedule of which days for which park as DH will then want to go somewhere else. :sad2: I do try to avoid MK on weekends.

I'm glad you all like the pictures. I was going to wait and add a family pic from this trip coming up but figured you were all just dieing to know what we all looked like!:laughing:

Pikester

10-07-2009, 07:07 PM

Good evening trip report readers!

I decided to sit down and make a schedule of which parks on what days. Or is it what parks on which days?:confused3 Anyways, I sat down today and looked over the "Best Days" and "Parks to Avoid". By following what DH wants (2 EP, 2 MK, 2 DS, 1AK) there will be atleast one day that we will have to hit a park on an "Avoid" day. Here are two different schedules that I came up with.

Schedule #1: (One Avoid Park Day)

11/29-MK
11/30-EP
12/1-DS
12/2-MK
12/3-AK
12/4-DS (Avoid Park Day)
12/5-EP

Schedule #2: (Two Avoid Park Days)

11/29-MK
11/30-DS
12/1-EP (Avoid Park Day)
12/2-MK
12/3-AK
12/4-DS (Avoid Park Day)
12/5-EP

The AK day has to stay the way it is because we have a 8:10AM breakfast ADR at the Tusker House that day. Everything else can be moved around has much as I want. I'm sure as I get closer the Crowd Calendar that I am looking at will change and I will have to re-arrange everything again! Darn those Crowd Calendars.:headache:

Only 52 days until we are at Disney! :yay:

DL55

10-07-2009, 08:13 PM

I would go with schedule #1 as you only have one "avoid" day. :) Since you like to get there early, it probably won't be a problem until mid day anyway.

mariezp

10-09-2009, 10:42 AM

Pikester

10-11-2009, 09:20 PM

I would go with schedule #1 as you only have one "avoid" day. :) Since you like to get there early, it probably won't be a problem until mid day anyway.

I think I will go with the first one. I'm telling you those DHs drive me nuts! I showed him my two schedules and he's like "Sure, whatever". But, he wants to make sure we don't do a park back-to-back and make sure we don't hit MK on parade taping day. Then don't say "Whatever". Tell me what you want and I'll do my best to make it happen.

Pikester

10-11-2009, 09:25 PM

Pikester, looks like either way we will be in Epcot on the same day on the 5th. We will be doing the CP that night and have a screwy ADR time for 3:35 at Garden Grill. Surely we can work in a time to chat somewhere! Now if we can just get M&N to the park!

Time is flying, isn't it? We will be there in no time!

I'd like to meet with both of you but if I can only arrange to meet one of you I'll be happy. :goodvibes I told DH that the reason I was getting naggy (is that a word?) about Park Hoppers was because I wanted to meet you and M&N. He asked me if you ladies were staying on site and that we should meet at a resort to have a drink and visit. Gotta love him!:lovestruc I told him that you were staying off site and he told me not to worry because we would figure something out. We have no ADRs so we'll be eating QS. That leaves me open to find you at anytime during the day. Maybe we can find time for a snack at one of the countries.

Pikester

10-11-2009, 09:43 PM

Good evening!

It looks like I will be having company on my upcoming trip to Disney. I believe it was longing2Batdisney who asked me what a "Thread Killer" is (I have a banner in my siggie) and I replied to her that it is someone who posts the last post in a thread and if nobody else posts after them that "someone" has then "killed" the thread. A group of us who tend to "kill" threads found each other and now we have become wonderful friends that help each other through bad times and laugh with each other during the good. One of the Tkers, Shmu, came up with the idea to let other TKers tag along on her WDW trip by having us become "Flat Tkers" (think Flat Stanley from those kid's books). We sent her photos of ourselves which she then printed, cut out, laminated and attached to pencils so that she could hold all of us up for photo ops. "We" have been to WDW, Scotland, Hershey Park, etc and the Flat Tkers are now being mailed to me to take on my WDW trip in Nov/Dec. Cool or what!

I can't believe how the time is flying. Only 48 days till I'm at WDW! :woohoo:

longing2Batdisney

10-11-2009, 10:07 PM

that is so much fun!!! what a great group!!!
;)

MagiKitty

10-12-2009, 07:32 AM

Hey there! Looks like there's been a bit of drama in the planning department. What had you decided in terms of plan A or plan B?

This is all very exciting for me. Just got back from our trip and going through planning withdrawal. Will absolutely love going through the motions with you and your trip!

I'm glad you decided to keep EPCOT to two days. I love seeing all the different ways the holidays are celebrated in the World Showcase. Its just gorgeous. We tend to keep the same schedule as you: two days each at MK, EP, DHS, and one day at MK. What days are the Christmas party at MK? Are you going to be at MK at any of those?

We were at MK one day of the Halloween party. Although the park closed at 7pm for non-party people, in general, the park was really empty. Around 3pm, we were able to walk on everything. We got so much done in those four hours!

Keep the updates coming! Its so exciting!

mickeystoontown

10-12-2009, 10:34 AM

mariezp

10-13-2009, 01:31 PM

I'd like to meet with both of you but if I can only arrange to meet one of you I'll be happy. :goodvibes I told DH that the reason I was getting naggy (is that a word?) about Park Hoppers was because I wanted to meet you and M&N. He asked me if you ladies were staying on site and that we should meet at a resort to have a drink and visit. Gotta love him!:lovestruc I told him that you were staying off site and he told me not to worry because we would figure something out. We have no ADRs so we'll be eating QS. That leaves me open to find you at anytime during the day. Maybe we can find time for a snack at one of the countries.
Very nice of your DH to be so accommodating! I am not much of a drinker but I am always up for a snack. Since our ressie for the day is at such a crazy time, 3:35, a little bite might be just what we need to tide us over.

mandy2012

10-16-2009, 04:18 PM

:santa:

Pikester

10-18-2009, 09:16 PM

Well, I've been AWOL for a little while due to the fact that I felt I had nothing to contribute to this TR. I was posting on the DIS last night and mentioned to my DH that I wished I had something to post for all my loyal TR readers. He told me to write about our new TomTom so here it goes.

On our Dec 2008 WDW trip we drove from NH to Orlando. My FIL kindly let us borrow his TomTom to help us navigate even though DH had driven this route many times before (for many years his folks wintered in Ft. Myers, FL so it was a familiar trip). Well, DH loved it!!! We just knew that if we ever decided to drive down again that we would have to have one of our own. So, last week DH decided to look around the net to find a TomTom. Since I had recently made a purchase from ebay, he took a look on their site and low and behold found himself a TomTom. Actually, he found himself many a TomTom! Most of them were being bidded on and he decided to try his hand at winning the bid. He did some research first to see what the going rate on the TomTom was before he placed any bids. The first two auctions were busts but the third gave us a winner! We are now the proud owners of a TomTom. :woohoo: DH even downloaded the Mousesavers Point of Interest Files for it.

So that is the story of our new TomTom.

Now to update you on my schedule choice. I have decided to go with the first schedule option that mentioned in an earlier post.

Schedule #1: (One Avoid Park Day)

11/29-MK
11/30-EP
12/1-DS
12/2-MK
12/3-AK
12/4-DS (Avoid Park Day)
12/5-EP

I think that this one will work the best for us. It allows us to do a different park each day without having any of them back to back or too close together.

The Flat TKers arrived the other day and I think they are really looking forward to the trip to WDW. :laughing:

Only 41 days until we are at Disney!:cool1:

longing2Batdisney

10-18-2009, 10:35 PM

great job on the TomTom!!! and a great choice on the schedule...
wow...ya'll will be there before you know it!!:yay: :mickeyjum:
:wave2:

Pikester

10-24-2009, 09:45 PM

I feel like such a slacker! I haven't worked on my report in days and I've left you all hanging.

The only problem is that I have nothing exciting happening with my trip plans. I don't even have anything boring happening with my trip plans. I guess I'll just have to come up with something.

I can't believe that I only have 35 days until I am at Disney! :banana:I'm starting to think about making a list of all the items that I want to take with me. I need to sit down and try to remember the things that I have taken that I never used and things that I wished I would have taken. I don't know why I didn't write it down the last time we went but I didn't.

DH has been playing with the TomTom. He was entering the hotels that we plan on staying at on our drive down along with a few extra options that we can choose from based on how far we feel like driving the first night. Last year when we drove we waited way to long before we stopped and everyone was falling asleep in the van. Not DH :eek: thank goodness but the rest of us were.

I decided to buy myself a Mickey Mouse shirt that I saw at Walmart for $7. I chose the wrong size so now I have to take it back and exchange it for the larger size. Totally sucks when you have to go up a size instead of down. Oh well, I guess there is just more of me for DH to love!:love:

In a couple more weeks I've got to remind the kid's teachers that they will be out of school for 6 days. I'm hoping that neither one of them has an issue with this. I would probably not enjoy my vacation as much if I had to worry about what was going to happen when we got home. Then again, what could I do about it from down there?

Well, that is all I've got for now. Hopefully some more exciting stuff will come up that I can post about.

Oh, we did recieve our invoice from Disney saying that our trip is paid off. I guess that is a little exciting!

DL55

10-25-2009, 12:20 PM

Having the trip paid off is really exciting. It also means one less thing to worry about. :thumbsup2 We've thought about a GPS system but I still prefer maps. I must be getting old...don't want change. :upsidedow
When you said the shirt didn't fit I was hoping you meant it was too big. oops :guilty:

M&N

10-27-2009, 11:56 PM

Pikester---Just think of it as those cheap WalMart shirts don't run true to size! Glad your days are figured out. I miss those problems. I just go where and when my friends say.

Pikester

10-30-2009, 10:14 AM

I'm so excited! And I just can't hide it! I'm about to lose control and I think I like it! Whoo hoo! (I should point out that I'm a different kind of excited from what the Pointer Sister were singing about when they recorded that song.:laughing:)

In case you couldn't tell I am really excited because I got Mickey Mail today! :woohoo:I got my vouchers, luggage tags and photopass card to register for special offers from Disney's PhotoPass Service.

DH told me that when we got down to a month before our trip that we could all start making out "Must Do" lists so that we can compare them and make our touring plans. So, this weekend I'm going to get DS8 to sit down with me and look over the custom maps that I ordered (and received) and make our "Must Do" lists together. :banana:

Only 29 more days until we are at Disney!

longing2Batdisney

10-30-2009, 10:20 AM

party: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: :dancer: party:

pixiedust:LET THE MAGIC BEGIN!! pixiedust:

DL55

10-30-2009, 11:51 AM

Mickey mail! :banana::dance3:

lovesdumbo

11-02-2009, 10:48 PM

Pikester

11-10-2009, 11:34 AM

Hi there! Just found your PTR. Looks like we'll be at Pop at the same time. I'll be there with a friend, her DH and my DD(10) 11/30 to 12/7. I'll be leaving DH at home with my DS(8) and DD(6). This is my 6th trip to Pop but first time to Pop in December.

Welcome to my slow going TR!

Counting my upcoming trip I will have been to WDW 3 times and have only ever stayed at Pop in December. I LOVE IT! Be prepared for Christmas music being piped in around the resort. I LOVE Christmas music! I LOVE the Christmas decorations! Can you tell I LOVE it!:laughing:

I plan on decorating my window with snowflake clings and will have a lime green mickey head with Pikester written on it there too, probably on the window ledge. So, keep a look out! We've requested 60's playdoh building with a fireworks view fourth floor. Hope we get it but if not no problem. I'll be at Disney!

Pikester

11-10-2009, 11:56 AM

18 Days! Did you hear me? 18 days unitil I am at Walt Disney World! :woohoo:

I still can't believe how fast the time is flying by and looking at my completely filled in calendar for November it looks like the next 16 days will fly too! You probably noticed that I said 16 days instead of 18 days but don't forget we are leaving to drive down in 16 days and will actually arrive at Disney in 18 days. So don't forget now ya hear!:laughing:

DH has been bring up our "plans" more and more lately. He's one of those people that doesn't like to talk about trip stuff until we get closer where as I'm one of those people that can talk about it and plan it for 2 years. This trip has been a little different since we decided to go only 8 or 9 months before when in the past we've done 2 years.

I'm still in shock that DH even suggested going again when we just went last December. I LOVE YOU HONEY!

I've got my fingers crossed that the 4 of us can stay healthy right before and during the trip. The number of kids that have been out in my Son's schools has been outrageous! DS12 was running a high temp that started on Friday after school until Sunday but had a lower temp and felt better to go to school on Monday. DS8 has been doing well and so have myself and DH but who knows what the next couple of weeks will bring. I keep telling everyone to wash and sanatize the snot, literally, out of their hands. :laughing:

Don't forget only 16 days until we start our drive and only 18 days until we are at the World! :cool1:

longing2Batdisney

11-10-2009, 12:10 PM

Whoa!! 16 days that is just soooo exciting!!!
I know everyone in your house has to be feeling the magic by now!!!
are you getting everything ready to pack into the car to hit the road or is it done yet?!?
Have a great day!!!
pixiedust:

DL55

11-10-2009, 12:36 PM

Only 16 more days. :goodvibes The drive going to Disney will be a lot of fun too. Coming back on the other hand...:rolleyes1
My DH doesn't like to discuss too much in advance either.
Keeping my fingers crossed that no one else gets sick.:wizard:

Pikester

11-14-2009, 09:15 PM

Hello TR Readers!

I've just spent the better part of an hour over at All Ears looking at Participating Quick Service Restaurants for my upcoming trip. We decided to do the QS Dining Plan this time around so I've been studying menus. I was able to print off all the QS Restaurants and I've hi-lited the best sounding ones.

Parks

Animal Kingdom:
Flame Tree Barbecue
Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes

DHS:
Studio Catering Co

Epcot:
Cantina de San Angel
Liberty Inn
Sunshine Seasons
Lotus Blossom Cafe
Yakitori House

MK:
Pecos Bill
Columbia Harbour House
Cosmic Ray's

DTD:
Wolfgang Puck Express (Marketplace)

Resorts

AKL:
The Mara

CR:
Contempo Cafe

I don't think that we will be eating at any of the resorts (besides our home resort of Pop) but those are a couple of options.

Only 13 days until we leave for Disney World! :woohoo:(Oh, and I don't count the day that I am living :goodvibes)

longing2Batdisney

11-14-2009, 10:14 PM

We really enjoyed Earl of Sandwich at DTD; wolfgang puck was good too!
We really enjoy Cosmic Rays and I have heard Pecos Bill's, and Flame tree were really good...can't comment on the rest...I have also heard that Pop has a really good QS!

Happy planning! :wave2:

Pikester

11-21-2009, 10:00 AM

I can't believe it. Only 8 days until I am at Disney! http://www.33smiley.com/smiley2/emotions/happy/9.gif So that means it's only 6 days until we start our drive from NH! http://www.33smiley.com/smiley2/emotions/happy/12.gif

Yesterday DH spent part of his evening transfering Disney Rewards to our rewards card and getting our PhotoPass card preregistered. He also checked us in on-line at Disney! This morning he was making ressies at the hotels we plan on staying at on our drive down and on our drive back. He was using Google Earth (I think) to show me the hotel in Orlando, FL that we will be staying at on Saturday Night. It looks like a perfect spot! There is a Publix right next door so we can buy some items that we will need before we head to Pop Century. There is also a Cracker Barrel down the road that I want to eat at and right across the street from the Cracker Barrel is, get this, Orange World! It looks way too cheesy but when else would you check out a place like this then during a vacation. I plan on taking my fellow TKers (I mentioned them in an earlier post) over there to look around and get pictures.

So that is it for our travel plans so far. This weekend, actually the next 5 days, I plan on doing lots and lots of chores to get the house and ourselves ready for the trip (yesterday was my last day of work so I'm freeeeeeee). Laundry, vaccuming, kids bedrooms, collecting clothes I want myself and the kids to wear (DH takes care of himself) and whatever else I can think of that I believe we just have to have to take with us.

Phew, I'm tired all ready!

DL55

11-21-2009, 03:27 PM

Oh the drive down will be fun too. Yes, go to Orange World and tell us all about it. :cool1: Lucky you get some free days to get everything in order. :woohoo:

mariezp

11-21-2009, 05:29 PM

Oh boy! I get to go to Orange World! I have heard of it but never figured I would actually make it there. Sounds like the perfect strange, quirky, cheesy sort of place to take a bunch of flat TKers.
So glad your plans are falling into place. I am still envious that your DH helps you so much. And he takes care of himself too? You have a real keeper there, don't you! Don't wear yourself out taking care of the kids and trying to get everything ready. Leave a little energy left to take on those parks!

girlswhowearglasses

11-23-2009, 09:51 PM

Pikester

11-24-2009, 07:32 AM

Were you able to get a room in a building of your choice when you did the online check in? I have been nervous about doing it that way since I really want the 50's building. I did add that months ago when I made my reservations, but of course, there are no guarantees, I understand that. I just wondered how the online check in went... I will be there the same time as you, as well! We will be driving on Black Friday too. So SAD to be missing those sales at WalMart, but so glad to be finally taking my first trip to the World! Sounds like there will be plenty of DIS-er's at the Pop next week! We should meet up for a snack!
Wendy:cloud9:

Welcome to my Pre-TR!

DH did the online check in and said that there was an area where you could check off some requests but not much was listed. When he made the original ressies he did do requests so they are listed on our account when you look it up. We've been to WDW 2 times (This is our 3rd) in December and both times we have gotten all our room requests from just mentioning them when booking the trip. We have never called or faxed the requests right before we've left. My fingers are crossed that I get all my requests and that you get yours! I'll add a little pixiedust: too!
Oh, and last year we stayed in the 50s building which was great! We drove down and the room we had was really close to the parking lot but I was still able to see fireworks from Epcot and MK. I worded my request:

50s Jukebox Building
4th floor
Lakeview

I probably should have used Fireworks view instead of lakeview because I had to walk just a little ways down the outer hall to see the fireworks instead of a tree top. Not bad though.

Since you are staying at Pop have you checked out the Pop Information Thread? Here is a link to check out Post #1 and Post #2. There are maps of the resort, picture links and all kinds of other great info. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2207254&page=117

I'll be decorating my room window with snowflake clings, a stuffed Beaker and Donald Duck and a Lime Green Mickey Head with "Pikester" on it. I plan on having a LGMH on a lanyard around my neck too so keep an eye out. :goodvibes Maybe we will see each other.

M&N

11-24-2009, 01:15 PM

http://bestsmileys.com/hyper/8.gif Didn't the time fly? It'll slow down when you get there! I hope!
I hope the TKers get in a pile of oranges...you should be able to stick them in. I don't remember who took our pic in a pile of stuffed animals that was real cute.
Hoping to see you...at least I'll call!

mickeystoontown

11-24-2009, 03:42 PM

Pikester

11-24-2009, 09:27 PM

Somehow or the other, I wasn't getting emails telling me when you updated. This happened on several of my subscribed threads.:confused3 I had to go back through and see what I was reading.

Anyway.....I'm back now and I can't believe that you are just days away from leaving for Disney. Holy moley moo moo cows! I bet you are about to bust!

Welcome back! :hug:

I'm surprisingly not excited yet. Weird? :confused3 DH is majorly excited which is odd for him. Normally that would be me. :goodvibes

Pikester

11-24-2009, 09:39 PM

Only 3 more sleeps and we start our drive to WDW! :woohoo:

Don't have much to update. I've been gathering items that I want to take with us and putting them in a box that I have on the counter in my pantry. I went to the store today and purchased some items that I needed. Sunscreen, hairspray, bottled water, batteries and a few other things. I looked for some Holiday Mickey clings at Dollar Tree but they didn't have anything. One of the stockers there was using some very colorful language about some merchandise that he was putting out though. Good thing I've heard it before or I may have been shocked.;)

Oh, DH has our route picked out. We will leave on November 27th and drive our way down to St. George, SC where we will stay at a Super 8 Hotel. The next day, November 28th, we will continue to drive to Kissimmee, FL where we will again stay at a Super 8 Hotel that is about 12 minutes away from Pop Century. So close but still so far away.

longing2Batdisney

11-24-2009, 10:27 PM

I can't believe it is time for you to leave already!!!
have a safe :drive: down and have a wonderfully magical adventure!!! pixiedust:
:mickeyjum: :donald: :hmghost: :simba: :dumbo: :santa:
:wave: Connie

I can not wait to hear all about it...don't forget to keep an eye out for crowd levels...Thanks!!!
BTW: I did not know you could see fireworks from POP that is good to know!

DL55

11-25-2009, 01:28 PM

:ccat::dumbo::tigger: Getting closer! Unfortunately time seems to fly even faster while you are there. :upsidedow

Pikester

11-25-2009, 05:40 PM

Only 2 more sleeps and we'll be on our way to WDW!http://www.33smiley.com/smiley2/emotions/happy/7.gif

I'll tell you one thing, what a difference a day makes! I am so nervous my stomach has butterflies. http://www.33smiley.com/smiley2/emotions/anxious/4.gifI hope I can get everything done that I want to get done and enjoy Thanksgiving. I've got my electronics charging and the box on my pantry counter is overflowing. I need to make cookies for after tomorrow's Thanksgiving dinner and I need to get out all the clothes that I still need to pack! ARGH!!!!! http://www.33smiley.com/smiley2/emotions/anxious/5.gif Deep breaths. Deep breaths. In through the nose and out through the mouth. Maybe I'll make myself a nice Kahlua Sombrero for this evening or maybe a Fuzzy Navel. Dag-nabbit, another decision!

Pikester

11-25-2009, 05:42 PM

:ccat::dumbo::tigger: Getting closer! Unfortunately time seems to fly even faster while you are there. :upsidedow

Bite your tongue!http://www.33smiley.com/smiley2/emotions/annoying/9.gif

Pikester

11-26-2009, 03:07 PM

1 more sleep and we are off to WDW! http://www.33smiley.com/smiley2/emotions/happy/14.gif

Our clothes are packed and DH will be loading up the van later this evening. The only things left to pack are the items we need to use in the morning.

I can't believe it's almost time!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! http://www.33smiley.com/smiley2/holiday/thanksgiving/2.gif

mariezp

11-26-2009, 10:25 PM

Have a safe trip and a wonderful time when you get there! If all goes as planned we will see you in Epcot.

M&N

11-27-2009, 10:30 PM

I guess you are sleeping in SC now...You're almost there!!!

Sukie

11-28-2009, 11:41 AM

Hi everyone. 11/27- I heard from Pikester at 7:37 am while I was at the mall shopping. They were crossing the Tappan Zee bridge. I was already in bed when she called last night. At 9:00pm the call came from South Carolina. My DH was sleeping in the recliner and very faintly thought he heard stef's voice. He didn't make it to the phone. Hope to hear from her soon.

Keep you posted.

Pikester

12-09-2009, 10:30 PM

Good eveing everyone! I got back on Monday but have been busy with laundry and getting kids back into the school groove. I really hope to get a first installment done by this weekend or over the weekend if I can. It may take me a little longer then I want as the holidays are fast approaching and my time is being devoted to other things.

DH and I took lots of pictures so hopefully I'll have what I need to make this TR interesting.

Hope to post again soon!

longing2Batdisney

12-10-2009, 07:10 AM

WELCOME BACK!!!! LOOKING FORWARD TO SHARING WHEN YOU HAVE TIME!!!! popcorn::

:wave2:
:santa:

DL55

12-10-2009, 12:38 PM

We'll be here. We understand you may have other things going on. :santa:

MagicKisses2

12-11-2009, 11:35 AM

Just found your report and need to catch up!

I'm a fellow NH-ite. Can't wait to hear about your adventure!
:flower3:

JOCAmom

12-13-2009, 09:36 PM

Welcome back!!!! I can't wait to read the rest of your report and see some pics. Hope you took a lot.

mickeystoontown

12-14-2009, 10:17 AM

Welcome home! I know that you've got all the laundry done by now and the Disney blues have set in. The only way to cure that is to start a trip report and begin planning the next trip. Looking forward to your trip report!

Pikester

12-18-2009, 10:47 AM

Well, I guess it’s time for me to get this Trip Report started. I wasn’t sure how to do that so I decided to just jump in with both feet and hope it works out. So without further ado, I am very proud to present to you my November/December 2009 Walt Disney World Trip Report!

November 27, 2009

Picture it. A quiet, cool and dark morning. Not a sound can be heard. Suddenly, an alarm clock goes off. It’s 2:20AM and an unusual site appears from the mounds of blankets on a full size bed. It’s someone who is actually excited to be getting up this early. Why you ask? Because we are leaving for Walt Disney World in about an hour!

I can basically tell you that the next 17hrs we drove, ate, peed and looked around at the scenery. My Mother gave me a journal to write my trip in and I did my best but for the most part I just made notes of when we crossed a border or I saw something interesting. Here are some of the things I jotted down.

3:30AM: In the van and hitting the road. Saying a prayer for a safe trip and that we didn’t forget anything ( Prayer partially worked as I remembered that I forgot something when we were passing through NJ).

3:56AM: Crossed the NH/VT border.

4:33AM: Crossed the VT/MA border.

5:27AM: Crossed the MA/CT border. Light rain is falling. DH had heard on the news that there was a big possibility of running into some nasty rain on our drive down. We hoped that the further we drove we would just drive out of it.

6:53AM: About this time we had stopped a couple of times to do some “business” and get some breakfast at Dunkin Donuts. While everyone else got a goodie I passed as my poor tummy was interested. I am so not an early morning traveler! The “early” doesn’t bother me but the car ride sure does.

7:15PM: Welcome to New York! The Empire State. Our route takes us over the Tappan Zee Bridge. That is one cool looking bridge!
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/P1020736.jpg

7:39AM: Welcome to New Jersey! Driving down the “Garden State Parkway”.

8:20AM: We are now on the Jersey Turnpike

8:35AM: Stopping to get gas and stretch our legs.

9:26AM: Still in NJ. Just remembered that I forgot something very important to me at home! Dag nabbit! I stewed about that for a little while until my DH told me to give it 5 minutes and then let it go. There was nothing I could do about. I decided to follow his advice, sort of. I gave it a little longer then 5 minutes, probably 20!

10:01AM: Going over the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Welcome to Delaware!

10:18AM: Welcome to Maryland!

10:49AM: Maryland is a balmy 51 degrees.

11:07AM: Just entered the Baltimore, MD tunnel. It’s pretty weird traveling through a tunnel that goes under water.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/P1020745-1.jpg
In the tunnel
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/P1020746-1.jpg
12:20PM: Could see the Washington Monument in the distance from the windows of the van. What a beautiful site! (I told DH that we HAVE to go to DC someday as a family trip)

12:27PM: Welcome to Virginia! Went over the Woodrow Wilson memorial Bridge.

12:53PM: Just a little note, the weather this first travel day has been a mix of sun, clouds, wind and rain.

1:01PM: We saw this driving down the Interstate in Virginia.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/P1020750-2.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/P1020750-1.jpg

3:31PM: Welcome to North Carolina

4:30PM: Ate at a Waffle House. My DH loves Waffle House, me it’s OK. It would have enjoyed it a lot more if I didn’t have to eat my meal through a cloud of toxic cigarette smoke (No offence intended to anyone that smokes. I don’t and the smoke gets to me)

6:36PM: Welcome to South Carolina and South of the Border! Gotta love Pedro! (To dark to see any of the billboards but I did get some pictures on our way home that I'll share later)

8:30PM: St. George, SC. Our resting stop for the night is a Super 8 Hotel. It wasn’t a bad one either.

So there it is, the first day. It was long and everyone’s butt hurt from the long drive but we made it to our first stop without anyone coming to blows (not that we would come to blows but I think you know what I mean). The kids fought a little more then last years trip but I had my fingers crossed that would change (why did I even bother).

*Just a little note, I'm trying to crop my pictures and stuff so they may end up being different sizes. I will do my best to make them all the same size but I'm not very good at it.:)
　

DL55

12-18-2009, 03:16 PM

Love the road trip account. sounds exactly like a road trip..nothing too exciting.
That flatbed cargo was hilarious. :rotfl2:
My mom always had plain crackers in the car..her tummy didn't do cars very well either.
You have to see Washington DC..it's more tiring than WDW but without the rides. ;)

longing2Batdisney

12-18-2009, 04:29 PM

Love the first day update!!! great account of it all ...can't wait to hear about all the fun!!! :mickeyjum
I love the cargo...great job on taking a pic to share of that...had to share that one with Danny his comment "at least he's not empty" :rotfl2:
:wave2: Connie
:santa:

Pikester

12-22-2009, 12:37 PM

Good afternoon!

I've been working on my next installment but have run into a bit of a snag. For some reason Photobucket has been working pretty stinky for me this past week. I try to long in and a page pops up showing me I've lost a connection or I'm logged in and trying to edit my pics and it shows me a window that says "the picture is no longer available". Not sure what the problem is but I hope it fixes itself soon. Oh and don't expect me to fix it as I have no clue what I am doing to begin with.:laughing:

So, please be patient and I will keep working on it.

Pikester

12-22-2009, 09:13 PM

November 28, 2009

This day was our second travel day before we get to Walt Disney World. I did the same thing I did on our first day with the keeping track of our progress by writing things down in my journal. Not a lot of exciting stuff other then the fact that we are getting closer and closer to Disney!

5:30AM: We got up and got ready to head out from our hotel in St. George, South Carolina.

6:00AM: Stopped at McDonalds so that the guys could get some breakfast and I could get a cup of hot tea.

6:22AM: On the road again.

7:37AM: Welcome to Georgia! We’re almost there.

9:05AM: Still in Georgia. Lots of construction with narrow lanes. I think there are permanent marks in the armrests of my van.

9:16AM: Welcome to Florida! Getting closer.

9:30AM: Stopped at the Florida Welcome Station. We all had yummy OJ and checked out the brochures. (For you Tkers out there this is where we got our picture taken)
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/P1020757-1-1.jpg

11:12AM: Almost to Daytona Beach where we will be stopping for lunch.

11:45AM: Ate lunch at Wendy’s which was located by Daytona Beach. We could see the ocean from the window in the dining area. One really strange thing happened here. After we ordered our food, Nathan started walking to the table that Tyler was already sitting at and a very scruffy looking man was trying to talk to Nathan has he walked by on his way to sit with his brother. I quickly got over there and the man really wanted to see Nathan’s hat and then he wanted to trade hats with him and almost put his nasty hat on Nathan’s head! I think the guy was homeless and probably spent part of his day at the Wendy’s. He was friendly enough but please stay the heck away from my kid. Nathan did a good job staying away from him and not listening to the man when he kept asking to see his hat. We talked about strangers after that and I told Nathan that he had done a good job.

12:30PM: Daytona Beach! Enjoyed the sun and the sand. The temp was 65 degrees and so wonderful. There also were a lot of fancy refurbished cars in the area, some even taking a ride down the beach. Found out once we got home that Daytona Speedway was hosting The Annual Daytona Beach Turkey Run Car show. The Daytona strip was packed with people, cars and construction.
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Tyler (12) and Nathan (8)
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2:01PM: Back on the road from our little side trip to Daytona Beach and we are now headed to Orlando. Hoping to check into our hotel around 3:30PM. We are staying at a Super 8 in Kissimmee for the night and then it will be off to Pop Century in the morning.

3:11PM: Checking into the Super 8 Kissimmee

4:12PM: All checked in and have our luggage in the room. Brian took the boys to the pool and I’m relaxing in the room. We plan on heading out to get something to eat around 5PM. This Super 8 was very nice!

5PMish: Had dinner at Cracker Barrel which was very, very, very yummy!

After dinner we went to Orange World (Tkers, we had our picture taken here) Since the night was still young we decided to go check out one of the miniature golf courses at Disney World. We decided to try Disney’s Fantasia Gardens near the Swan Resort. It was OK. We had to stop keeping score because the kids were getting frustrated that it was taking so many putts to get the ball in the hole. Once we did that we all had a better time. I will say that I didn’t find it any better then any other themed mini golf course I’ve played. I actually like the Pirate Cove type ones better.
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8:58PM: Getting ready for bed. Tomorrow is the big day……………………..
Magic Kingdom!!!!
(After we check into Pop)

　
　
　

longing2Batdisney

12-22-2009, 09:45 PM

DL55

12-23-2009, 03:01 PM

I prefer not to keep score either...since DH plays golf and can putt better. :guilty:
I chuckled at the precise times. :surfweb: Enjoyed the pictures.

JOCAmom

12-23-2009, 10:26 PM

Pikester

12-24-2009, 01:09 PM

great day at the beach!!! can't wait until the POP check in...I was just pricing out the POP for a possible trip in May instead of NOv 2010...but, I'm sure we are still doing Nov...gotta dream

love Cracker Barrel one of our all time favs...and now that Waffle House here in LA has no smoking we really like it there too! DH loves Waffle House but I could never stand the smoke! :eek:

popcorn:: Have a great Christmas!! :santa:

NH went Smoke Free not long ago but all ready it's hard to remember what it was like to eat a meal while others were smoking.

We love POP! We've often thought about upgrading to a Mod but they are so spread out. I love being able to just walk to Classic Hall to fill up my mug. I also love all the big icons.

Pikester

12-24-2009, 01:11 PM

I prefer not to keep score either...since DH plays golf and can putt better. :guilty:
I chuckled at the precise times. :surfweb: Enjoyed the pictures.

I figured that while we are drivng it's all about what time it will be when we stop to eat or what time it will be when we stop to get gas. Why not write it down that way to share with my DIS friends.

Pikester

12-24-2009, 01:13 PM

Finally got a chance to catch up reading here. I am loving your trip report so far. We've seen so many of the same sights since we are from PA and always drive down too. Even thought South of the Border is totally cheesy, we always have to stop and see Pedro. He's like long lost family. :rotfl2:

Can't wait to read more.

We wanted to stop last year but didn't have the time. We actually built in time to stop on the way home. Stay tuned to find out if we actually did or not.

Pikester

12-24-2009, 01:14 PM

Kids are on vacation next week so I'll try to get the next installment posted then.

http://bestsmileys.com/christmas2/17.gif

M&N

12-28-2009, 09:56 PM

Hey---Just catching up. I think it's good to make note of the times you get to certain places. It's good for future references to help out fellow travelers or for your next trip.
I hope Photobucket is working. I haven't tried it since I've been back.
Keep it coming...:surfweb:

Pikester

01-01-2010, 10:10 AM

Happy New Year everyone! I hope nobody partied to hard last night. I stayed up to watch the ball drop with the kids, DH went to bed, and we did a little dance to welcome in the new year. I should say that DS8 and I did but DS12 fell asleep on the couch. I woke him up at 5 minutes to 12 but he fell asleep again and I didn't realize until after the ball had dropped. Boy was he mad when I woke him up again to tell him he had missed it.

Pikester

01-01-2010, 10:48 AM

November 29, 2009

This is it, Magic Kingdom Day! But first we need to check in at Pop Century so we can get our Keys to the Kingdom. Since I was way excited I was up about 5:30AM getting ready with DH and the kids following not far behind. We got DS12’s air mattress flattened (DS12 kicks and elbows like you wouldn’t believe! Because of this we made the choice to bring an air mattress and sleeping bag for him to use during the trip), the sleeping bag rolled up, suitcases loaded back into the van and we went on the search for something to eat for breakfast. We checked out the continental breakfast that the Super 8 had but it just didn’t interest us. We found ourselves a Dunkin Donuts (which did not have hot tea! WTH, I need my hot tea! Since I was desperate I had a coffee.) and the kids and DH got donuts or a breakfast sandwich. Once we finished we were on our way to check in at Pop.
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It was about 7:30AM, probably a little earlier then that, and we found ourselves standing at the On-line check in window at Pop Century.
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I can’t believe we are here! Woohoo! And even better, our room is ready! We can actually have our luggage in our room before we head to MK.

When DH made our original reservation he made the following requests:

60’s Playdoh building
4th floor
Fireworks view

What we got was:
50’s Lady building
4th floor
Pool view

We asked the CM checking us in if there were any rooms available that fit our requests and she was able to find out that there were 2 rooms that met two of our requirements (4th Floor, Fireworks) but they would not be available until after 3PM. We thanked her for checking and decided to keep what we had been given. So once we got the rest of our paper work and our “Keys” we headed back to our van to find a parking space close to our room.

Driving around we saw the signs saying that we could park along the curb in the “luggage drop off zone” which made getting our stuff out of the van and to the room much easier. We all grabbed a bag and headed to the elevator which took us to the 4th floor. We stepped out of the elevator. Took a right, a left, another left, a right and then down the corridor till we were standing in front of room 1465.
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View from our room

We entered and just tried to get everything in the room so that we wouldn’t be hauling it around in the van with us. We decided to wait until we got back later to unpack and get things hung up and stored away for our stay. I grabbed my park bag and anything else that we wanted to take with us for our MK day and off we went to try to make park opening.

Before we left on our trip DH decided to purchase a TomTom. We borrowed one from his Dad for the trip we took last year and loved it! Once he started playing with the TomTom and researched stuff that you could download onto it he found a website called Mousesavers that has a downloadable program for driving around Disney property. Using this we made quick work of getting ourselves to the TTC and then on the Monorail to MK.
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We ended up getting off the monorail, through bag check and through the turnstiles as everyone began entering the park.
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We made it just as the ropes were being dropped!
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We had already made the plan for DH to head over to Space Mountain to get FP for later while I took the boys over to Thunder Mountain. We used the restroom and waited for DH to meet up with us so we could ride TM together.
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Now this is where I realized that I did not write down detailed descriptions of our 1st day at Magic Kingdom. I did list the rides that we went on with a number of how many times we went on them.
Thunder Mtn: 2
Splash Mtn: 2
Pirates of the Caribbean: 1
Space Mtn: 1
TTA: 1
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor: 1
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Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: 1
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It’s A Small World: 1
Jungle Cruise: 1
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Mickey’s PhilharMagic: 1
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We headed back to the hotel around 4PM to get some dinner at Pop’s Classic Hall and walked around Everything Pop to check out the merchandise that we would look at over and over again through out our trip. DH took the boys swimming and I gave my Mom a call to let her know that we had made it and what we had done for that day. I also spent some time getting our stuff unpacked and arranged to how we wanted it. I also got stuff ready for the next day and spent a little bit of time near the pool watching the kids swim.

That was it. I had so much fun that day that I didn’t keep track of it. I did much better keeping track of our 2nd MK day.
Next up:
Epcot Day!
　

*You may notice that my pictures are bigger then before. I got sick of dealing with Photobucket while trying to resize everything so I'm just posting the size that they are. I should have just done that to begin with. Pooh.
　
　
　

　
**My DH wanted me to add in here that he loved eating at the Columbia Harbour House. We were able to use the seating upstairs and it was so quiet. So if you decided to try the CHH please remember ther seating upstairs.　

mariezp

01-01-2010, 11:23 AM

Very nice Pikester! Looks like everything went according to plan on the first day.
Wish I could say that we saw the park early in the morning when the crowds were low but no such luck. Everyone looks like they are having fun! Can't wait for more!

Great minds must think alike because I was thinking I just might try to get my trip report started today.... we will see.

Sukie

01-01-2010, 11:41 AM

:thumbsup2 Great job. It is nice to see some of the new places and rides that you had visited. :lovestruc That Nathan what a cutie. Tyler too (I hope he is not to embarrassed that I posted this).

Can't wait for the next installment.

OhMari

01-05-2010, 12:01 PM

Bump to the front.

OhMari

01-05-2010, 08:29 PM

Bumping again.

Pikester

01-05-2010, 09:52 PM

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for finding this OhMari! :hug: You Rock!:thumbsup2

M&N

01-05-2010, 10:36 PM

I've never seen the park that empty...now get to work with the rest of this...;)

longing2Batdisney

01-05-2010, 10:40 PM

party: SHE FOUND YOU!!! party:
now for the rest of the story!!!! :yay:

:wave2: Connie

just read your first MK update--great pictures...I too was resizing photos and just gave up...alot of the followers I had said they preferred it in the larger form anywho! thanks! for the pictures of the POP looks like that is where we are leaning toward!

Pikester

01-06-2010, 07:17 AM

I'm very glad to see that those who've subscribed are getting the updates still.

I am working on the next installment and hope to have it done for this weekend.

Pikester

01-08-2010, 07:10 PM

Epcot, Part I

November 30, 2009

So it’s off to Epcot we go! We arrived before rope drop and watched the opening show. We saw Minnie, Mickey, Goofy and Pluto.
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As soon as the CM let us go, DS12 and I headed to Test Track while DH and DS8 went to get Fast Passes for Soarin. We walked right on and tried to see if we could get at glance at the hidden Mickey’s that DH had read about in the Hidden Mickey book. I think we saw one on a tool box but the line was moving so fast that we couldn't look around that much. In fact, the line was moving so fast that we didn’t even see the pre-move before we were getting into a test car. DS12 and I ended up sharing a car with three southern ladies that loved to laugh. They were a riot! One kept talking about how the ride reminded them of how “Suzy” drove. Then the ladies screamed and woo-ed throughout the ride. My stomach hurt from laughing so hard! Once the ride was done we met DH and DS8 out in front of TT and we switched kids so that DH and DS12 could go on TT and Mission Space
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while I took DS8 into Mouse Gears to look for some pins that my Mom asked me to get her.
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We spent quite a bit of time looking for just the right pins but knowing that I still had more shopping time I just looked and made notes so I would know where to find them again if I did not see them someplace else (Good thing I did because I DIDN’T see them any place else). We all met back up and headed to Innoventions East so that DH and DS12 could design their very own roller coasters by doing “Some of all Thrills”. They designed a coaster then the plans were loaded on to a “key” that you slid into a machine. Then they were strapped into seats that were attached to an arm so that they could follow the design. They even went upside down! While they were doing that, DS8 and I explored “Don’t Waste It!“ which is a “game” where you recycle stuff out of your garbage truck. We earned a certificate for doing a great job recycling and were able to email it home. At some point after that I know we rode Soarin but I can’t remember when exactly.

Once WS opened we went to Mexico for lunch at Cantina de San Angel. The menu is very limited but since they had something we all wanted to try it worked for us. DH and I had the burrito, DS12 and DS8 had Nachos with all of us trying a churro for dessert. DS8 is the only one who did not like the churro. After we finished lunch we started our tour of the worlds by walking across to the Mayan pyramid to ride the Gran Fiesta.
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It wasn’t as bad as I thought; a little cheesy but not bad. Not sure what the food is like at the San Angel Inn but I thought the atmosphere was pretty neat.
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We left the pyramid and started on our way to the next country but before we could get there I spotted a stand selling margaritas so I just had to stop and get one. It was ok.
Now we are headed to Norway to ride Maelstrom and look around in the different shops and buildings. We entered a pretty building that turned out to be a church that contained a history of the Viking. I never knew who Leif Erikson was (Happy Leif Erikson Day! Hardy, Hardy, Hardy) but now I do.
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We browsed around the gift shop and then as I tried to hurry up and finish my drink (Can anyone say “Ice cold drink headache”) we headed over to the Maelstrom. Not a bad little ride but I did not like the little “jarring” that you get when the boat goes almost backwards over the falls. After the ride we looked around the gift shop again getting pictures taken with the trolls
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and then it was time to move on to the next country.

Welcome to China! We strolled through the area and found a replica of the Tomb Warriors.
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Next we passed right through the Outpost (well, we did take a few pics)
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and Germany so we could get to Italy and check out a clown/juggler perform. He was pretty good!
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Pikester

01-08-2010, 07:23 PM

Epcot, Part II

We walked through America to get to Japan to see Miyuki, the Japanese Candy Art lady, who forms animals out of a “candy” mixture (she told us what it was but I can’t for the life of me remember what it was). We were able to get a front of the rope standing area and DS8 was chosen to request an animal. He chose a shark and it was amazing how quickly Miyuki can whip that thing up. I loved listening to her talk as she works her magic and she even made a little joke about the shark being Bruce.
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At this time we were ready for a break. (As we were walking out of Epcot we took a few pics)
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We decided to head to Downtown Disney to eat and shop. We ate at Wolfgang Puck Express which was pretty empty but the services was a little slow. Everyone liked what they got but me. I got a salad that just didn’t do it for me but that just left plenty of room for my ice cream. We left the restaurant and headed over to the Pin Store so I could look around for the pins my Mom wanted (Didn’t see them but found a couple for me) and DH sat on a bench with the kids and people watched. We headed back to Pop to let the boys get some swim time in and pretty much just chill before we headed back to Epcot to see IllumiNations.
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We had a great spot clear of trees and other obstacles and couldn’t understand why nobody else was around until I realized that the fireworks started at 9:30pm and not 9:00pm. Oops! Oh well, DH and I took turns taking the kids to get a snack that we could enjoy while waiting for the show to start which allowed us to keep out great viewing spot. I think it was in the Canada area.
What a show!
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Once the show was finished we just took our time heading towards the exit, as was everyone else, and finally made our way to the van. We headed back to Pop and there we got ready for bed so that we could be well rested for our next park day.
　
Next up:
Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

One more picture before I end the day. I forgot that at some point we stopped at Club Cool and got DS8 to drink......
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Beverly!!

　

DL55

01-09-2010, 12:47 PM

Great pictures, made me feel like I was there. Did the candy shark get eaten? Looks too good to eat.
HaHa got DS to try Beverly. :rotfl2:

longing2Batdisney

01-10-2010, 10:45 PM

Great pictures!!! fun update and love the ending of the update...too much!

EastYorkDisneyFan

01-10-2010, 11:43 PM

First I have to say I am loving your TR so far and second I have to say I really like DS12's AC/DC shirt in the last updates. Is he a fan of them, if he is tell him he has great taste in music.

Pikester

01-11-2010, 07:23 AM

Great pictures, made me feel like I was there. Did the candy shark get eaten? Looks too good to eat.
HaHa got DS to try Beverly. :rotfl2:
Yes the candy shark got eaten. Actually, only part of the shark got eaten as DS8 didn't like it that much.

Great pictures!!! fun update and love the ending of the update...too much!
DH wanted to get one of us to try Beverly so bad but I sure as heck wasn't going to do it! Bring in the 8 yr old. :laughing:

First I have to say I am loving your TR so far and second I have to say I really like DS12's AC/DC shirt in the last updates. Is he a fan of them, if he is tell him he has great taste in music.

Glad to hear that you are enjoying the TR. My DH has been a fan of AC/DC since he was a teen and has passed on his love to DS12. DH took DS12 to his first AC/DC (and first concert ever) over the summer down in Foxborough, Mass. DS12 has two more AC/DC shirts that he wears pretty often.

praisehisname

01-13-2010, 01:36 PM

Joining in and absolutely loving it!

M&N

01-13-2010, 09:36 PM

Great pics..up close and personal! Now I know where you got your FB pic!

Pikester

01-14-2010, 08:30 AM

Disney's Hollywood Studios Part I

December 1, 2009

Another beautiful day here at Disney! Lots of sun, lots of warm breezes and plenty of fun. It was Disney’s Hollywood Studios day! We again arrived before rope drop and once the turnstiles were opened we headed down the street with the masses to watch the opening show.
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Our game plan was to go to Toy Story Mania and ride it, then get FastPasses to ride it again later. Once the opening show was done, the CM had the ropes down and were moved out of the way, the masses walked very fast to TSM (Some people ran!) and we rode our very first ride at DHS.
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We then headed to Brian and Tyler’s most favorite rides; Tower of Terror and Rockin Roller Coaster.
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Nathan and I sat those two out. Nathan went on TofT last year and he does not like it and I have to agree with him. We tried to talk him into going on RR but “No Way!” was his answer. So we just hung around watching the people and we decided to use one of our snack credits for a frozen banana on a stick (Hey, it’s a fruit) and one of those twisty popsicles.

Now this is where I loose track of what we did in which order. I can tell you that we did every ride that we wanted and some of them twice.

The Great Movie Ride
Star Tours
Muppet Vision 3D
Toy Story Mania, again
Rockin Roller Coaster, again
Tower of Terror, again

We ate an early lunch in between all the rides at Pizza Planet. http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn112/Pikesterb4/IMG_0378.jpg
We all liked it! I’ve heard some people say it’s horrible but we all enjoyed our food. The kids wanted to play all the video games but we told them no as we didn’t want to take the time or spend the money on it.

Throughout the day DH and I took assorted pictures.
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One of the last things we did at DHS was watch the Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show. We sat pretty high up in the stands for that one which was great because we ended up under cover which allowed us to get out of the warm Florida sun. We decided to head back to Pop Century for a swim break as the temps had climbed into the 80s and we all needed some time to rest up before our evening dinner ressie for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review.

Pikester

01-14-2010, 08:32 AM

Disney's Hollywood Studios Day Part II

While the kids were swimming and DH was watching them do it, I decided to take a picture of my decorated window.
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Since we had to be at the Hoop-Dee-Doo at least 30 or so minutes before the 5PM show we made sure to be cleaned up and dressed and ready to go. We drove our van to the Fort Wilderness Resort, parked and realized that we needed to take an internal bus to Pioneer Hall. So we’re not sure where we are going but a bus is waiting at the nearby stop and DH asks the driver if he’ll be going to Pioneer Hall. Yup, he is so on the bus we go. By this time our arrival time is ticking down because we got a late start and getting to the resort took a little longer then we thought. The minutes are getting closer and closer to 5PM and darn it, Disney told me to be there early! Well guess what! The bus stops at every bus stop from the main stop to Pioneer Hall which almost had me hyperventilating. We FINALLY get to Pioneer Hall and there is a CM telling everyone to line up so they can check us in. So the CM walks down the line, checks our tickets and tells us to remain there so that we can get our family picture taken. No thanks! Overpriced and I’m usually squinting. So we snuck out of line and found a place to patiently wait until the Hoop started. Pretty soon the triangle was clanging and it was time to head in. When we decided to do the Hoop we also decided to go for it and pay for the Cat 1 seating. I was really hoping to get the second row to the stage and right in the middle. We ended up in front of the piano. I imagined that it would be very loud there but it wasn’t bad but DH was sitting with his back to the stage and he couldn’t turn his chair around. He ended getting a pain in his neck from trying to look over his shoulder and that made for a less then enjoyable time for him. The rest of us had a good time. I love the corny jokes and I had a crush on one of the male characters. I so can not remember his name but he was really cute!
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After the Hoop we tried to use the restroom which is always a mad house after the show. The guys were successful but I decided to hold it until we got back to Pop because the line was huge. We made quick work of getting to the bus stop so that we could catch the bus to take us back to the main bus stop and our van. One cool thing about riding the bus was that we got to see all the Christmas Decorations that the different camp sites had up. So pretty! We made it back to Pop and I think DH took the kids to the pool while I got myself a cup of hot tea to relax and think about our next park.
　
Next up:
Magic Kingdom Day II!
　

mickeystoontown

01-14-2010, 11:18 AM

Yea! Your trip report was opened back up so we can enjoy the rest of your trip with you!

DL55

01-14-2010, 12:36 PM

Great pictures! You had some with different perspectives that I would never think to take. We almost always eat at Pizza Planet, guess that tells you our food preferences. ;) We've only ate at the Revue once, can't recall having trouble with the buses. I have heard they are a pain.

mariezp

01-14-2010, 12:51 PM

More fun and more great pictures! Interesting to see some of the same things we did and some of the things we missed.

longing2Batdisney

01-14-2010, 02:26 PM

JOCAmom

01-16-2010, 07:45 PM

I love your updates. But I especially loved your pics from Illuminations. We've never had a chance to see it since it was always just a little too late and too crowded to keep the youngest one out.

Pikester

01-16-2010, 09:24 PM

Great update! the crowd shot I did a double take on...I'll have to be sure not to share that one with DH!
Glad to hear that it was a beautiful day...you have wonderful photos and your window deocrations were really cute. I would never have thought to do that. the Hoop looks like lots of fun; but, I think I will save that for the next trip when DS3 is older; we would probably all enjoy it more.

thanks!!! :wave2: Connie

My DH has been following along to see how I'm doing with the TR and he wanted me to let you know Not to be worried about that crowd. When that picture was taken we were right at the rope so that was everyone that was behind us. Once they all spread out the park was very mangeable. There was an exception for TSM though. We tried riding that two different ways. The first day at DS(that was when the pic was taken) we power walked to the ride and got right in line to get on. After we got off the ride we got FP for later. Worked Great! The second day at DS we got FP first and the line to get on was :eek:! We skipped it and did other rides and then came back with the FP. I do have to mention that our second DS was not a Best Park Day. It was considered the Worst Day to be there. We had to do DS that day or else we would not have been abe to go to DS twice. All the other days in the other parks were the Best Park Days and it was great. :thumbsup2(As you can see in the pics with the empty streets. We did rope drop every day)

ladybugmom

01-18-2010, 12:55 AM

Pikester

01-18-2010, 10:52 AM

Hi!! Connie told me about your TR as we're looking at going that same week this year (same as Connie). So the crowd levels were good this week? And you would recommend going this week? What site did you use for crowd levels? Can't wait to read more!! :goodvibes

Welcome to my TR!

The crowd levels were very good. I used Touring Plans to get the crowd levels. We've used then for all 3 of our WDW trips and I've found them to be pretty accurate. I always make sure to keep checking back with them to see if there have been any changes to the Best and Park to Avoid days or to the crowd level numbers. I did have a few that changed, some for the good and some for the bad. Sometimes TP only shows 3 of the parks listed under Best or Worst, this just means that the park not listed is somewhere in between (sent an email to them and that was the answer I got). We had 4 days that we went with the Best Park, 2 days that we went with the Somewhere in between and 1 day when we went to the Park to Avoid(had to or else we could have only visited DS once).

Example of our levels (we arrived on a Sunday and was able to make rope drop): 4,6,4,6,4,5,8(Saturday)

Not bad!

DH loves this time of year to go. I like the Christmas Decore and he likes the fact that there are lower crowds and it's a value season. This year we had Free QS Dining so that made the trip even more affordable. We loved not having ADRs and we just made sure we ate at off times to avoid the crowd.

ladybugmom

01-19-2010, 12:52 AM

Welcome to my TR!

The crowd levels were very good. I used Touring Plans to get the crowd levels. We've used then for all 3 of our WDW trips and I've found them to be pretty accurate. I always make sure to keep checking back with them to see if there have been any changes to the Best and Park to Avoid days or to the crowd level numbers. I did have a few that changed, some for the good and some for the bad. Sometimes TP only shows 3 of the parks listed under Best or Worst, this just means that the park not listed is somewhere in between (sent an email to them and that was the answer I got). We had 4 days that we went with the Best Park, 2 days that we went with the Somewhere in between and 1 day when we went to the Park to Avoid(had to or else we could have only visited DS once).

Example of our levels (we arrived on a Sunday and was able to make rope drop): 4,6,4,6,4,5,8(Saturday)

Not bad!

DH loves this time of year to go. I like the Christmas Decore and he likes the fact that there are lower crowds and it's a value season. This year we had Free QS Dining so that made the trip even more affordable. We loved not having ADRs and we just made sure we ate at off times to avoid the crowd.

Thank you so much for the detailed explanation!! :goodvibes It is VERY helpful!! I'm so glad to hear how wonderful the crowd levels were for you!! I cannot WAIT to be there for all of the Christmas festivities! :santa::santa:

Pikester

01-21-2010, 08:44 AM

Just wanted to say that I recently noticed that I've been switching back in forth between using my families names and using DH, DS12, DS8.

Because of this I have edited the first post to include our names.

Pikester

01-22-2010, 08:52 AM

Magic Kingdom Day II, Part I

December 2, 2009

So it’s Magic Kingdom Day II and the weather is spectacular! We are talking another 80 degree day with high humidity, sun but a few clouds. We do our usual getting ready, breakfast and then head out to the van for the drive to MK.

Once we’ve parked we rode the Monorail from TTC to MK
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and now it's through bag check and through the turnstiles to wait patiently for the train to arrive with Mickey so we can start the day.
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Oh look, here he comes!
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Now into the park we go!
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While we were sitting around awaiting Mickey’s arrival we had been discussing our “Park Plan of Attack“. It was decided that Tyler, Nathan and I would head over to Big Thunder Mtn while Brian headed over to Space Mtn to get FP.
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This is similar to what we did our first day at MK but this time the three of us were going to ride BTMR instead of just waiting around out in front for Brian to get there. Tyler got front row of the train and Nathan and I sat right behind him. Once the ride was done Tyler was able to just stay on and ride again while Nathan and I got off to wait out front for Brian and now Tyler. By the time Tyler was done with his second ride Brian had caught up with us and the boys went back for another ride!
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While Brian was making his way back to BTMR to meet up with us he took a few interesting pictures along the way.
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mickeystoontown

01-22-2010, 09:52 AM

The Christmas decorations are absolutely beautiful! I'd love to go back when the parks are all fancied up for Christmas.

I can't believe the wait time for Big Thunder Mountain.....5 minutes! I've never seen that short of a wait time. Very cool that you were able to ride it multiple times.

Tell Brian that he did good on taking pictures during his walk from Tomorrowland to Frontierland. My husband usually takes pictures of stupid stuff.....if he takes any pictures at all.:laughing:

DL55

01-22-2010, 10:50 AM

I was feeling the anticipation of rope drop through your pictures. :goodvibes Glad the weather cooperated. Loved the horse yawning. I think I'll try to ride the horse drawn trolley next time. It's been so long since I've rode them.

ladybugmom

01-23-2010, 12:55 AM

WOW!! Only 5 minutes for BTM!!! That's amazing!! Were the lines like this all week long?! LOVE the Christmas decorations!!! :lovestruc

Pikester

01-23-2010, 07:02 PM

Magic Kingdom Day II, Part II

Done with BTMR we felt that it was plenty warm enough for a ride on Splash Mtn. It looked to me like the water was “splashing” more then it had the first day we were here so I decided to pass. The wait wasn’t long so the boys got in line for that while I found a place to stand to see if I could take a picture of them going down the rather large drop. Thank goodness for digital cameras because I took pic after pic to see how I need to hold the camera to get the best pic. I practiced so much that I froze when I actually realized it was their log coming down the drop that I didn’t get the best pic. It’ll do though.
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Finished with Splash, and just a little damp, we headed over to Pirates of the Caribbean. We were doing the back and fourth “Do we really want to go on this because it’s a 20 minute wait and they only have one side open” thing when we noticed a rather large group of kids coming to do the ride. It was now or never so we decided to be like Nike and Just do it!
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We ended up in a nice quiet boat with about 4 other people due to the fact that the large group was sticking together in a boat behind us. They weren’t too noisy until the boats got backed up and we had to listen to “A Pirates Life for Me “over and over again along with the loud giggles coming from the girls behind us. They weren’t really all that bad. We exited the ride into the gift shop of course and the kids really wanted to spend some of their money.
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With our purchases taken care of we set off for the Tikki Room but were distracted by the fact that Captain Jack Sparrow had come out to recruit new members for his crew. The guy was good and had us cracking up laughing!
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With Captain Jack sailing off into the sunset and leaving his First Mate behind to clean up, we set off to our original destination, The Tikki Room. This was one of our must dos as we had not done this before. I learned one thing, I could have been quite happy never having tried it but now I don’t have to wonder what I might be missing.

Now I start to get fuzzy with how the day progressed. I think after the Tikki Room we decided to get an early lunch. We ended up at Cosmic Rays and I though the food was very good. Brian, Tyler and Nathan thought so too. I did learn, while at CR, that if you are wearing a Birthday Button everyone behind the counter sings a birthday song to you. I must have heard them sing it 5 times while we were there! Once we filled our bellies, we went to Space Mtn where the boys used their FP that Brian had gotten earlier while I shopped around at the pin cart that was nearby.
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When their ride was finished Brian grabbed more FP to use later and then we went on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority an enjoyed a relaxing ride. It was great to take a break!

longing2Batdisney

01-24-2010, 12:21 AM

Great update!:thumbsup2

Danny is enjoying your TR along with me...he does not follow the dis with me... he knows all the people I have made friends with by name, when they are going, and so on...but never ask to see or hear about the next update.

Tonight he asked if I had read lately on the report of the family that went the week after Thanksgiving. So, needless to say your wonderful pictures got him talking Disney tonight :banana: (I love it! I'm usually the only one talking Disney in the house)...

Thanks! for the wonderful update and reporting of the standby times :thumbsup2

:wave2: Connie:cutie:

Pikester

01-25-2010, 09:14 AM

Magic Kingdom Day II, Part III

Finished with Tomorrowland we decided to head to Main St so that I could do some shopping. Here's some pictures we took on our way.
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Brian decided to take the kids to the Main St Station to catch the train for a ride around the park. Nathan got to ride in the back.
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I was very happy to be able to browse the stores without the guys being there getting impatient with me. Not sure how long I was there but it was however long it took the guys to ride around the whole park. I did purchase an item or two and then met the guys, who were finished with their ride, out in front of the store. While I had been shopping this parade went by.
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We then decided to check out Exposition Hall as it’s a place we had never been in before. What an interesting building. There is a photo studio that you can have portraits taken of the family, a display about the history of cameras, a small cinema showing historic cartoons (we saw Steamboat Willie), photo cutouts to get your picture taken with and character greetings.
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At this point we had enough of Magic Kingdom and we decided to head back to the hotel. Not wanting to give up our primo parking spot and since we planned on coming back for the fireworks, we decided to hop a bus back to Pop so the kids could swim and the parents could take a break. While Brian took the kids to the pool I walked around the resort and took a few pictures that I hadn’t taken the last two times we had stayed there.
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Brian enjoying a beverage.
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mickeystoontown

01-25-2010, 10:08 AM

Good for you getting some shopping time all by yourself. We've been to the Magic Kingdom more times that I can count and we have never been to the Exposition Hall. I always say I am going to go in but we never do.

Cool pictures of the resort!

DL55

01-25-2010, 11:13 AM

Loved the pool picture..looks like a typical vacation (relaxing) not a WDW vacation. :laughing:
The picture with the 101 Dalmatians brought back memories of the 101 Dalmatians Colorforms set I had. The plastic pieces were exactly the same as in the picture. :rotfl:

ladybugmom

01-26-2010, 12:36 AM

Oh cool!! I didn't know that those photo-ops were in the Exposition Hall!! Wow! That pic of those 80s toys really brings me back to my childhood!! :goodvibes

Pikester

01-31-2010, 01:00 PM

Magic Kingdom Day II, Part IV

We had dinner at Pop and then caught a bus back to MK for the evening. We took our time walking down Main St to check out the stores that we had not been in before we headed over to Space Mtn to use our FP. It’s amazing what you see once you slow down and take a look. Nathan listened in on a phone conversation on an old fashioned phone in one store and we found a man who was working with glass in another.
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At this point I just needed to get myself a snack and since I had heard great things about the ice cream at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor I went in to see what I could get using my Snack Credit. There were 2 items that I could choose from; 1 scoop or 2 scoops of ice cream. Since I had just had dinner I went with the 1 scoop even though I was thinking that the 2 scoops would have given me more bang for my credit. Thank goodness I went with my first choice, it was huge!
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You should have seen me by the time I finished that monster. I looked like a little kid who doesn’t eat their cone fast enough. Ice cream was dripping down my arm and I was all sticky. Good thing we were close to the bathrooms so I could do a quick wash up before we head over to Tomorrowland.

So the guys hit Space Mtn while I, wait for it, shopped the pin carts and nearby stores. I found myself a place to sit and people watch when they still hadn’t come out yet. When they came off of SM we took one last ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority
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and then we headed over towards the Castle to see how magical it looked lit up.
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Beautiful!

We kept making our way to The Haunted Mansion for a last ride on that
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and then on to Thunder Mtn. I have never ridden this ride at night before and it just gave me this weird feeling. It was cool being able to see the Castle lit up when we hit the high parts of the ride. I swear I saw some guy slap one of the possums that hangs down from a tree limb on the ride. I tried to tell my DH about it but he didn’t even remember there being possums hanging from the tree. OK.

Now done with Thunder Mtn the guys went on Splash Mtn while I got myself some popcorn and found a nice bench to sit on near the exit of the ride. I waited, and waited and waited. I guess there was an issue or something. I was starting to get a little worried as while I was waiting I had felt a few rain drops and the wind had picked up. My fingers were crossed that it wouldn’t rain until after we went back to the hotel for the night.

The guys finally came out and we dodged our way around the crowds that were watching the Spectro parade to get to the Castle and then on to the front of the park. Brian took Tyler to AdventureLand to get an item that Tyler wanted as his souvenir and I took Nathan with me to pick up a couple of more items in one of the Main St stores.

We all met back up and headed out of the park to watch wishes near the entrance.
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We watched a little but all we wanted to do was take our tired feet and bodies back to the hotel so on the Monorail back to the TTC we went. We got back to Pop and our room in no time at all and talked about our plans for the next day.

Next up:
Animal Kingdom Day!

DL55

01-31-2010, 01:14 PM

Pikester

01-31-2010, 01:17 PM

Phew, Magic Kingdom is done! I wanted to get that done before I responded anyone's posts.

I was feeling the anticipation of rope drop through your pictures. :goodvibes Glad the weather cooperated. Loved the horse yawning. I think I'll try to ride the horse drawn trolley next time. It's been so long since I've rode them.

I have never ridden the horse drawn trolley. I've always been so focused on getting to the rides.

Just seeing the pictures again gets me all excited for rope drop. :goodvibes

WOW!! Only 5 minutes for BTM!!! That's amazing!! Were the lines like this all week long?! LOVE the Christmas decorations!!! :lovestruc

The lines for us were pretty good as long as we followed the Best Park Day according to Touring Plans and we made sure that we were there for rope drop. I can't stress enough the getting to the parks for opening if you want to pack alot into one day.

Great update!:thumbsup2

Danny is enjoying your TR along with me...he does not follow the dis with me... he knows all the people I have made friends with by name, when they are going, and so on...but never ask to see or hear about the next update.

Tonight he asked if I had read lately on the report of the family that went the week after Thanksgiving. So, needless to say your wonderful pictures got him talking Disney tonight :banana: (I love it! I'm usually the only one talking Disney in the house)...

Thanks! for the wonderful update and reporting of the standby times :thumbsup2

:wave2: Connie:cutie:

My DH does not talk about Disney until we are a month or so away from going. When he does say something I always get so excited that he ends up thinking I'm nuts!

Good for you getting some shopping time all by yourself. We've been to the Magic Kingdom more times that I can count and we have never been to the Exposition Hall. I always say I am going to go in but we never do.

Cool pictures of the resort!

I didn't even think about going into Exposition Hall. DH made a list before we got to Disney of things that we had never done and wanted to check them out. I'm glad we went in. It looks like a nice place to check out an take a breather ecspecially if you go during the hot weather.

Loved the pool picture..looks like a typical vacation (relaxing) not a WDW vacation. :laughing:
The picture with the 101 Dalmatians brought back memories of the 101 Dalmatians Colorforms set I had. The plastic pieces were exactly the same as in the picture. :rotfl:

We tried to go back to Pop most afternoons so that we could relax and it was wonderful. Colorforms, do they still make those? I loved the ones I had!

Oh cool!! I didn't know that those photo-ops were in the Exposition Hall!! Wow! That pic of those 80s toys really brings me back to my childhood!! :goodvibes

I love how Pop is decorated! Make sure you carve out some time to walk around Pop. There are alot of photo ops there. Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, the signs along Hourglass Lake, the other big icons.

Pikester

01-31-2010, 01:21 PM

That was a huge scoop! I didn't know you could listen to the phones, just thought they were decorations.
I liked the picture of the glass castle. Just as I was wondering if the price was 1500 or 2500, you took a picture of the price. I don't think I'll be buying that castle. :rotfl2:

The first glass castle was $2500. I had to look twice at the second castle's price. I couldn't figure out why they were both $2500 when one was bigger then the other. I stood there stunned for about 5 minutes before I could move once I finally realized it was $25,000! :eek:

DL55

02-01-2010, 12:20 PM

The first glass castle was $2500. I had to look twice at the second castle's price. I couldn't figure out why they were both $2500 when one was bigger then the other. I stood there stunned for about 5 minutes before I could move once I finally realized it was $25,000! :eek:

:scared1: I misread it too..had to back to the picture. With the housing bubble bust you could by a home for that amount of $$$! :faint:

ladybugmom

02-01-2010, 12:40 PM

YIKES!!! $25,000 for that castle!! I wonder if they ever sell any!! Your castle pics are just GORGEOUS!! It is so beautiful lit up it lights!! :lovestruc

mickeystoontown

02-01-2010, 12:47 PM

I took a picture of the glass castle too and posted it over on the picture boards. I couldn't believe how expensive that thing was!

Nice wrap up to the Magic Kingdom day!

Pikester

02-04-2010, 11:20 AM

December 3, 2009

Animal Kingdom Day, Part I

Today is Animal Kingdom day, the only day that we plan on spending there. Before we went to AK we had an ADR for breakfast at Boma located at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This was a last minute option due to the fact that when I made my original ressies (90 days before) for breakfast it was suppose to be a character breakfast at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom. We were excited to get an early morning ressie so that we could experience a little bit of the park before it became opened for the day. I don’t know what happened but when I went down to the front desk to get my tickets for Hoop-Dee-Doo a few nights ago I also asked them to check on my other ADR for Tusker which was going to be on my AK park day (Decmember 3rd as noted above) and it was showing up on December 1st at 8:10AM which was also our Hoop-Dee-Doo day. I was livid! I was so angry that I had to have Brian take care of it or I was going to cry in front of the CM. I have never had any of my ADRs messed up before and I just couldn’t deal with it. There were no times available for breakfast at Tusker House on our AK day so we ended up going with Boma.
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Boma was great! There was the regular breakfast fare; bacon, scrambled eggs, ham, pastries, cereal and then there were a few African dishes. Everything was very yummy. I just want everyone to know though that Boma is in the first Lodge that you come to. Not the second, the first. We ended up at the second and had to go inside to find out that would should have been back at the first. Luckily that did not interfere with our ADR time.

With our bellies full we were ready to head to AK.
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We arrived at the park just after rope drop so we avoided having to wait a long time to enter the park. Me, Tyler and Nathan headed to Dinoland while Brian went to get FP for Expedition Everest. The boys went on Primevil Whirl by themselves because I can’t stand that ride. It jerks my neck around too much. Before they even had the chance to get into a car, Brian had returned (Dang he’s fast!) and we waited for the boys to complete their ride.
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With Primevil Whirl out of the way, we then walked over to Dinosaur. We tried to talk Nathan into this ride but he wanted nothing to do with it. So Brian and Tyler went on it while Nathan and I hung around outside the exit of the ride. Once the guys were done, we headed down the path that took us out through the gift shop and , here is the best part, I ran into a DISer! I had been keeping an eye out for lime green Mickey heads but had no luck until today. It was Pikaboo27! I said Hello and we exchanged DIS names. I actually saw her, said a quick hello, walked away to use the restroom and then when I came out I saw that she was still standing there so I got her name. I wanted to make sure I mentioned her in my TR. I told her I was going to do a TR and she said that she would keep an eye out for it. Not sure if she’s been looking for it or not. Maybe I’ll do a search for her and send her a PM with the link. I’ll have to think about that.

After meeting Pikaboo27, we decided that we were done in Dinoland and we started the walk over to Expedition Everest to use the FP that Brian had gotten earlier. We tried to talk Nathan into this ride too but “No way!” was his answer. Nathan and I waited outside where we would have a good view of the “drop” and we were able to see Brian and Tyler. They looked like they were having a great time!

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About this time is where I loose track of what we did in what order. I think we went to the Kilimanjaro Safaris. Lots of beautiful animals on that ride!
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After the Safari, Nathan noticed a Chip & Dale stuffy that he just HAD to have. Brian and Tyler found a seat while Nathan made his purchase and as we were heading back to show the guys Chip & Dale noticed a little boy screaming as he was being rolled away in a stroller. I asked Brian what was going on and told me that I missed a good show. Before I share, I just want to say that going on a Disney World vacation can be very tiring for not only the children but for adults also. A family of four was walking by with one child in a stroller and the other child walking beside it. Brain told me that the child in the stroller was as a happy as can be but the other child was whining about being tired and that “He wanted to ride in the stroller”. Dad had enough of the whining and took stroller boy out of the stroller to roughly put whiny child in. Guess what happened? Yup, now we have two crying kids. Stroller boy is screaming because he was removed from the stroller and whiny kids is screaming because Dad manhandled him into the stroller and was yelling at him. Now Dad is totally ticked off and smacks both kids on the rear and yells “There, now you have something to cry about!”. That’s Disney for you; a show around every corner!

DL55

02-04-2010, 12:40 PM

Gee, I remember hearing that when I was a child. :rolleyes1
Sorry your ADRs were messed up. At least you got to eat at Boma. Still an African theme. :) Enjoying the pictures.

ladybugmom

02-05-2010, 12:45 AM

I'm so sorry to hear that they messed up your ADR!! But glad to hear that you enjoyed Boma!! It looks like you got a lot accomplished at AK!!! :goodvibes

Pikester

02-05-2010, 08:56 AM

Animal Kingdom Day, Part II

From there I believe we walked the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. I felt bad for one couple who missed out on some great animals. The guy was on a scooter (I only mention this because he was able to get ahead of the woman and then back to her before she got to where he had been) and went down the trail to see a building that he thought was a store but was really the Endangered Animal Rehabilitation Centre. He told the woman that there was nothing to see so they just walked back out the entrance.
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This fish was hysterical! It's little mouth was sticking up out of the water and opening and closing. It was the weirdest thing.

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From this trail we headed to It’s Tough to Be A Bug. I thought the kids would be fine with this but just before the spiders and bug spray came out Nathan hit the floor. Both Brian and I reached for him to see if he was OK and we ended up holding hands with each other. Awwwww.

Once we excited we made sure to take the path on the left so that we would walk around the other side of the Tree of Life.
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Now it was on to Camp Minnie & Mickey as we had never been there before and we wanted to see Festival of the Lion King. Before the show started we took a bathroom break and on our way in we saw Chip & Dale coming out of a door nearby. I told Nathan that if the line wasn’t that long when we came out maybe we could meet Chip & Dale. When we came out of the bathroom, luck was on our side as there was only 6 people in line. Whoo Hoo! As Nathan was walking up to meet his new “friends”, Chip noticed that Nathan was holding a Chip & Dale stuffy. Chip held out his hand so Nathan let him check it out. Well, Chip would not give it back! The CM who was there told Chip to give it back or Santa would not be bringing and Christmas presents for him if he did not give it back. I guess the thought of no presents was enough for Chip to give it back but then Dale decided he wanted to check the stuffy out.
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Done with picture taking we set off to find Brian and Tyler and found them having a little snack before the show. While they finished up I kept myself busy taking a picture of a little lizard who was sunning itself an ornament on a nearby Christmas tree.
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Finally it’s time to see Festival of the Lion King. The show was OK. The costumes were nice and the singing wasn’t bad but it was just…eh.
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Pikester

02-05-2010, 09:02 AM

Animal Kingdom Day, Part III

Once the show was finished we headed to the Maharajah Jungle Trek where Brian and Tyler had a nice discussion about bats with a CM in the bat enclosure.
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We finished the trail and went to get lunch at FlameTree.. While we ate (food wasn’t bad) we watched the birds try to sucker us out of our food. Sorry birds, no food for you! After lunch Brian and Tyler hit Everest again while I drank a hot tea from one of the food carts. I think it was Anandapur something or other. Nathan checked out the EE store and then climbed around on the rocks out front. When the guys came out we decided that we wanted to see the Flights of Wonder show (this allowed me to finish my tea and rest my feet).
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The last ride that we decided to do was the Kali River Rapids. Actually the boys went on this ride while I sat out as I noticed that others who were going on the ride were coming off SOAKED! I sat on a bench near the ride exit and go myself a snack. It didn’t take the guys long and wouldn’t you know, not a drop of water on them! Well, maybe a couple of drops but they weren’t soaked like everyone else was. You just know that if I had gone on that ride I would have been the only one who got wet.
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With the ride done we decided that it was time to go. We started walking to the exit stopping along the way to check out the animals located in The Oasis. We saw a CM feeding the birds in one of the areas which was neat.

We walked out to the van and then back to Pop, I think. I know at some point we went to DTD to do some shopping and let the boys shop in the Lego Store so we may have done that before we went to Pop or even after we went to Pop. I know we must eaten dinner at some point too but the rest of the night is just a haze.

Next up:
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Day II

Pikester

02-05-2010, 09:14 AM

Animal Kingdom Day II, Bonus Pictures

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DL55

02-05-2010, 11:59 AM

Sounds like your mind went to automatic mode after AK. ;)
Great pictures. I agree if you had gone on Kali you would have been soaked. I know I would have.

ladybugmom

02-05-2010, 06:27 PM

Awww!! Chip and Dale are so cute in their Christmas attire!! Sounds like they were a lot of fun to interact with!! Love all of the gorgeous AK pics!! :goodvibes

mariezp

02-07-2010, 01:03 PM

Poor Pikester! After all the planning you did around that Tusker House Breakfast ADR! I would have been in tears too. Glad it turned out okay and you enjoyed Boma.
You took lots of great pictures and saw way more at AK than we did on both our AK days. :thumbsup2
So sad about the dad and the 2 stroller kids. We saw our own share of special families while they were having some NOT so wonderful magical moments.
Your story about Nathan hitting the floor during ITBB is a good reminder of why I won't be trying to convince my DD to see the show anytime soon. That is exactly where she would be through the whole show. Sweet that you and DH got to hold hands during a romantic bug show. :rotfl:

Pikester

02-17-2010, 07:23 AM

Good morning my TR readers!

No I have not forgotten you! :goodvibes I've been working and the kids are now on school vacation so I've been a little preoccupied. I have my fingers crossed that I can post the next installment of my report tomorrow. It's all typed up and I've got the pictures loaded to photobucket so it's just a matter of taking the time to transfer it to here.

Have a good day!:earboy2:

mickeystoontown

02-17-2010, 09:53 AM

I'll still be here when you get time to post the next installment. Things have been busy around our house too so I've neglected my own trip report.:rolleyes1

Pikester

02-18-2010, 12:24 PM

December 4, 2009

Disney's Hollywood Studios Day II, Part I

Today was the first day during our trip that we experienced bad weather and it was to be our second Disney’s Hollywood Studios Day. When I say bad weather I mean it poured! We were pretty lucky that we were able to enjoy part of our morning with only having to deal with the sprinkles but it wasn’t long before the heavens opened up and dumped on us.

We did our usual (for Disney) morning routine of getting dressed, having breakfast and getting in the van for our drive to the park.
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We arrived with the other die-hards for rope drop and discovered a turnstile that had no line behind it yet. We were the first in line and happy to be there chatting up the CM from Maine. We had also discussed our touring plan for the morning and decided to get FP for Toy Story to have for later and then get in line to ride it. We didn’t have to wait too long before the park opened and we made our way to the rope that is draped across Hollywood Boulevard. We watched the opening show and then it was power walking time to get to Toy Story Mania for the FP and our first ride of the day. Well, our “plan” did not go as planned. By the time Brian got the FP the line for TS was enormous! We had made the wrong call. So we decided to head over to Tower of Terror and Rockin Rollercoaster and take care of the two big ones before touring the rest of the park.
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Since there is no way in heck that I am getting on Tower of Terror and Nathan is not interested in either of those rides, Brian and Tyler split from us to do them while Nathan and I explored the shops.
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Done with the big 2 we went off to wander the park, took pictures and checked out a few of the smaller rides before the Indy Stunt show.
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By this time it was getting close to the Indy Stunt show time. Brian ran off to get a few more FP for rides to do later and I took the kids to get snacks before heading over to find a seat for the Indian Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (You need to imagine that being said in a loud, announcer voice, sounds really cool). We found the very front row near the control center empty and got comfortable for a longish wait as we still had about 20 minutes or so before the show started. Brian decided right then that he needed a snack so off he went to find one. By that time it was pouring out! I can’t remember if he got one or not. I think he did. The show was good but short. Due to the rain they had to scrap the airplane scene for safety reasons. No problem for me, I’d never want to see someone get hurt trying to entertain me.
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Once the show was done and with the rain still coming down pretty heavy, we decided to shake things up a bit and go to a resort QS restaurant for lunch. I had done a little reading in my Passporter of which QS restaurants were in which resort and I came up with the QS at the Contemporary Resort. I figured this would be the perfect way to scope out a resort. Since we had plans to return to DHS for the evening showing of Fantasmic, we left our car parked safely in the lot and hopped a bus to the Contemporary. Once the bus dropped us off it took as a little while to find the place but once we did the first thing I noticed was that it was packed! Ordering our food was very different to how we have been ordering all week. There were kiosks that you used to place your order(I think a little receipt printed out which you took to the cash register) and then, if you were on the dining plan, you walked around and picked out your drink and dessert. I’m sure you did the same thing whether you are on the plan or not but I’m just sharing the experience from my view. Once you gathered your items, you stand in line at the check out and the ring up your items. Then, you are given a pager for when your entrée is ready. We didn’t know about the “waiting until you are called for your food” so we were standing at the window and was told rather rudely what we were suppose to actually be doing. Well excuuuuuse me! While we waited for our food to be ready, we tried to find a place for the 4 of us to sit. The only table we could find was for two people. One side was a bench and the other side we put two chairs. Once the pager went off and Brian went to get the food, the table of 4 beside us was offered to us and we slid ourselves over to enjoy more room. My review for that restaurant was the following:

Food: Not bad
Everything else: Eh

The family has no desire to ever stay at or eat at the Contemporary in the future.

mickeystoontown

02-18-2010, 02:18 PM

I love the close up shots you got of the Villians. So cool! Looks like ya'll did have some really good seats at the stunt show.

We ate at Chef Mickey's last August and I was in no way, shape, or form impressed with the Contemporary.

Pikester

02-18-2010, 09:03 PM

Disney's Hollywood Studios Day II, Part II

Since it was still raining, Brian decided that now would be the perfect time to ride the Monorail to Epcot and back. Nathan loves the ride and since we really didn’t want to be in the parks yet it was THE time. I had no desire to go and told Brian that all I really wanted to do was get a nice cup of hot tea and go lounge in the room for a little while. He said that was fine with him and the kids were OK with it too. We made our way to the TTC so that they could catch the Epcot Monorail and I could find my way home. Here are some pictures that Brian took.
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I have no idea what I was thinking but for some reason I thought I could get to Pop from there. DUHHHHH! Once I realized that I couldn’t, I took the Monorail to Magic Kingdom so that I could get the bus to Pop. So here I am, all by myself, getting around Disney. Am I cool or what! Please do not answer that because I was soon to find out that I was not cool. I ended up waiting for FREAKIN EVER for a Pop bus to come! Let me tell you how long I waited for that thing. By the time the bus came, we loaded up, drove to Pop, got off the bus and I had walked to the 50’s Lady building, my family was just being dropped off at Pop from their little adventure! I did get my cup of tea and a chocolate goody to help relieve my stress and then I laid on the bed to watch a little TV with the family. I didn’t realize until then how damp the bottom my pants were so I was able to get those to dry during my lounging. Took this picture when I saw ducks swimming in the bowling pin pool in the rain.
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Finally rested, I think we ate at Pop before heading back to DHS for the evening. The pouring rain had stopped but it was still drizzly. (I am so glad that I had brought ponchos with me as we used them for two days. Brian was really good at getting them folded back into a small package which was great.)
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Brian and Tyler tried to ride R&R while Nathan and I watched the people but the single rider line was huge so they ended up ditching so that we could get seats at Fantasmic.
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I have to say that I was really looking to Fantasmic but I ended up being really disappointed. See, Fantasmic doesn’t run when it’s raining. Since the rain had picked up the show was canceled but then have to let off the fireworks that have been set up. We ended up seeing a 15 minute show that included the fireworks and a few lights. I guess that means I’ll have to go back to WDW again to see it.

On the way out of Mini-Fantasmic, Brian and Tyler decided to ride the Tower of Terror.
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Brain had handed over the 4 Toy Story Mania FP that we had for the family so Nathan and I were able to ride 2 times in a row which was neat. Once that ride was done we headed over to Streets of America to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Guess what? They were CANCELED due to the weather! Boooo! Hiss, Hiss! Boooo! I called Brian to let him know so that he wouldn’t hurry to meet us there and then Nathan and I headed over to Star Tours for one last ride and to meet Brain and Tyler. He said for us to meet him there but since I didn’t see him that was when we decided to just do the ride by ourselves. When we came out into the shop, the guys were there and Brian told me that he had tried to call me but I guess I didn’t hear my cell ringing. Oh well.

The night was pretty much done by then and it was time to say goodbye to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I wished we had more time along with better weather.

Next up:
　
Epcot Day II
　

DL55

02-19-2010, 12:01 PM

Sorry that the light shows were canceled. It was a conspiracy to get you to come back. ;) I don't remember seeing those props at TOT. I guess I'll have to return and look for them. :rolleyes1

ladybugmom

02-21-2010, 12:39 AM

Aww man! I'm so sorry that the rained messed things up for you. We dealt with rain our entire trip in May--everyday ALL day!! Fantasmic was cancelled for us as well so we ended up booking the dinner package for our trip in May.

longing2Batdisney

02-27-2010, 04:12 PM

Hey there Pikester! sorry I have been MIA..I had lost your thread for a bit...but I'm all caught up!! You did a wonderful job with your photos of AK. I'm so sorry to hear about the choas of your ADR's but sounds like Boma was very good. The interaction with Chip and Dale sounds really cute...I love when the characters interact with the kids...Ashton's favoirte from last year is still Handy Manny the person just did an awesome job.

What a bummer about the rain on your DHS day! we dealt with that every day in May and I really hope we don't have to deal too much with it this coming vacay! We too only caught a mini version of Fantamisic.

Bryan has some great shots of Epcot from the monorail...
Looking forward to more when you can share! popcorn::
:wave2: Connie

mickeystoontown

03-01-2010, 01:31 PM

Call me weird but I think the rainy picture you took from the monorail are cool. Goodness...it took you a while to get back to the resort. That's no so great when it's all rainy and yucky out.

Too bad Fantasmic was rained out. I would have been bummed about that too!

Pikester

03-02-2010, 08:43 AM

Sorry that the light shows were canceled. It was a conspiracy to get you to come back. ;) I don't remember seeing those props at TOT. I guess I'll have to return and look for them. :rolleyes1

So that's what it is, a conspiracy. :laughing:

Aww man! I'm so sorry that the rained messed things up for you. We dealt with rain our entire trip in May--everyday ALL day!! Fantasmic was cancelled for us as well so we ended up booking the dinner package for our trip in May.

It was a little upsetting but I tried to just go with the flow.

Hey there Pikester! sorry I have been MIA..I had lost your thread for a bit...but I'm all caught up!! You did a wonderful job with your photos of AK. I'm so sorry to hear about the choas of your ADR's but sounds like Boma was very good. The interaction with Chip and Dale sounds really cute...I love when the characters interact with the kids...Ashton's favoirte from last year is still Handy Manny the person just did an awesome job.

What a bummer about the rain on your DHS day! we dealt with that every day in May and I really hope we don't have to deal too much with it this coming vacay! We too only caught a mini version of Fantamisic.

Bryan has some great shots of Epcot from the monorail...
Looking forward to more when you can share! popcorn::
:wave2: Connie

Brian tried to take a lot of different pictures this trip. We also spent some of our time keeping an eye out for hidden Mickeys. We found quite a few.

Nathan has never been interested in one specific character but by our AK day he decided out of the blue that he was a big fan of Chip & Dale. :goodvibes

Call me weird but I think the rainy picture you took from the monorail are cool. Goodness...it took you a while to get back to the resort. That's no so great when it's all rainy and yucky out.

Too bad Fantasmic was rained out. I would have been bummed about that too!

I couldn't believe how long it took me to get back to the room. I did enjoy meeting and visiting with a family in line waiting for the Pop bus to come though. They were from MD and had driven down just like us and had even stayed at the same Super 8 the same night we were there. Just was a neat meet!

Pikester

03-02-2010, 08:59 AM

December 5, 2009

Epcot Day II, Part I

Today is Epcot Day II and our final day at Disney World. Woke up to rain but we were determined to have a good time on our last day at the World. We did our usual morning stuff and then drove to Epcot making sure to bring our ponchos with us. We made it to Epcot a little after rope drop and it was raining enough to get you wet but not soaked.
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We started off our day by splitting up. Brian and Nathan went to get FP for Test Track while Tyler and I went to Innovations West to check out the Storm Simulator. It is a interactive 3D movie that allows you to see what happens to a home in Hurricane force winds and then you make improvements on the home that will help it to survive in bad weather. It was OK.

We excited the movie and saw Brian and Nathan waiting for us. Walking to the exit we saw that it was still raining so we dashed over to Nemo for a ride under the sea. We finished Nemo and walked around the Sea area to check out the tanks. We were able to see fish, sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, manatees and divers feeding the fish. We even saw a hidden Mickey! We also walked around and checked out the smaller tanks where we saw the eels and seahorses. I thought there was food floating around in the seahorse tank but once I squinted my eyes and put my nose to the glass I was able to see that there were teeny tiny seahorses in there. So cute!
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Oops, I just remembered that before we checked out the tanks we did Turtle Talk with Crush. We hung around in the waiting area before the show started and watched the sting rays swim around. Brian got told to sit down just as the show was starting because he was taking a picture of a supposed hidden Mickey. He is such a trouble maker! Tyler asked a question of Crush (can’t remember what it was) and it was really cool to see how Crush interacted with him. Dude!
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Hidden Mickey!

It was still raining but now it was raining hard. Hard! We put our ponchos on and made a quick walk to The Land to see how busy Living with the Land was. Checking our watches we noticed that it was almost 11AM which is when they start serving lunch at Sunshine Seasons so we decided to have an early lunch and then ride Living with the Land. The food at SS is QS and is very good. Since we were there early there was plenty of seating and we were able to enjoy our food and not feel like we had to hurry so that someone else could have a seat. Finishing our food (the dessert was so good!), we joined the line for Living with the Land and it wasn’t long before we were getting into the boat for our ride. My favorite part of the ride is seeing the different ways of growing food. We even spotted a few hidden Mickeys!
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We left the Land and woo hoo it had stopped raining. But, it was cold! Being the best husband in the whole world, Brian went out to the van to get me my fleece jacket while Tyler went to ride Mission Space and Nathan and I went into Mouse Gears to look around. Brian found us in the store making a few final purchases and we met up with Tyler out near the benches in front of the store. While Brian had been out getting my coat he had picked up a ticket to do the Kim Possible Mission.

We started walking toward the World Showcase to Canada so that we could see their 360 degree movie. Martin Short is one funny guy and Canada is so beautiful! Some day I’m going to visit. Being from NH we’re not that far from the boarder so you’d think I would have traveled there by now.

Pikester

03-02-2010, 09:26 AM

Epcot Day II, Part II

From there we walked through the United Kingdom and then to the International Gateway to pick up our Kimmunicator for our mission. If there is a way to do this without the kids fighting over who gets to follow the clue next please let me know because my kids drove me nuts. We only did one mission since they were acting up but if I ever go to the World with just my husband I’d like to do it myself.

The Mission took us to France and since we just happened to be hungry for a snack we used one of our snack credits to get some yummy desserts at Boulangerie Patisseries.
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Hidden Mickey!

I had a raspberry turnover, Brian had an almond crescent, Nathan had a big chocolate chip cookie and Tyler had a big piece of chocolate cake. Delish! We returned the Kimmunicator and continued our way around the world
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Morocco
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Japan
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Germany
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I can't remember where this was.
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Outpost

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then over to Test Track so that Brian and Tyler could use their FP that Brian had gotten earlier. I am very ashamed to admit this but on our walk to Test Track I had a melt down. Brian and I had a misunderstanding and I got huffy with him. He let me get over it and we worked it out. See, it’s not only kids that get cranky.

By this time that sun had worked it’s way out and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Florida weather you know. With guys done with TT we decided to check out the Universe of Energy with Ellen D but the show was longer then we wanted so we skipped it and went for one last ride on Space Ship Earth.

It was time now to leave the park so we headed to the parking lot to find our van and head back to Pop for our last night at Walt Disney World. We had dinner at Everything Pop and then went to our room to start packing for our trip home in the morning.

Next up:

Departure Day

Mickey_Mom

03-02-2010, 10:54 AM

DL55

03-02-2010, 12:56 PM

Did you listen to any of the Christmas traditions of the different countries? We listened to 1 or 2, would like to back to listen to more.

Pikester

03-02-2010, 01:11 PM

Hey Pikester :wave: I've been lurking on your report because we want to go to WDW in 2010 at the same time you did. I've really enjoyed your report so far and while I can't see your pics from today (work blocks photobucket) I look forward to seeing them once home.

My tip for the Kim Possible missions is to get more than one Kimmunicator and split into teams. My family of five got two tickets and we split up in a mini competition to finish first. No fighting! :thumbsup2

Oh, and yes, while I haven't yet seen the Martin Short movie... Canada is very beautiful and I hope you get to visit! :goodvibes

I really liked going right after Thanksgiving. The weather was the warmest that we've had of the 3 trips that we have done that time of year. The other 2 times have been during the first 2 weeks of December.

Thanks for the idea of splitting into teams. For some reason I was thinking that it was one Kimmunicator per family.

Did you listen to any of the Christmas traditions of the different countries? We listened to 1 or 2, would like to back to listen to more.

We didn't take the time to listen to the different "Heads of Christmas" this year. During our other trips we felt like we never had time to walk through all the countries so we made sure that most of our time was spent doing that.

Pikester

03-10-2010, 09:25 AM

December 6, 2009

Departure Day!

Boo, it’s time to leave! We were up bright and early to get ready for the first leg of our journey home. We left Pop and WDW property at 8Am and stayed on the road for a couple of hours before we stopped for a break. We were back on the road until almost noon when we stopped at a Wendy’s somewhere in Georgia. Our plan is to maybe stop for gas in a few hours and then check out South of the Boarder around 3:30PM.

I’m didn’t write the time down but we did make it to South of the Boarder. Had to check out Pedro and buy a huge roll of fireworks for my FIL as a Christmas present. He loves that kind of stuff!
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From here I didn’t take very many notes. I guess I’d had enough of the note taking by then so here is what I have.

7:20PM: Welcome to Virginia

10:59PM : Checking in to a Red Roof Inn, VA. Time for some sleep.
　

December 7, 2009

The rest of the way home.

9:22AM: Have been on the road since 6AM. Stopped at McDonalds in PA to get a hot tea and some breakfast items.

10:50AM: Welcome to New York State!

12:54PM: Back on the road after having lunch at the Eveready Diner in Brewster, NY. That place was AWESOME! Loved the décor! Loved the food! If we drive to FL in the future we plan to stop there on the way home again.

1:00PM: Welcome to Connecticut

3:32PM: We’ve been through MA and we are in Brattleboro, VT. Only a little over an hour till we are home!

We arrived home around 5PM and I was never so glad to be back! I love going on vacation but after a while the novelty wears off and it’s time to get back to a regular schedule.

I would like to thank my readers for checking out my Trip Report and sticking with me to the end. Over all we had a wonderful trip and really enjoyed going as a family of four. It’s now March and I’m starting to get the Disney Bug again but we plan on taking a break for a few years and spending our vacation time at other locations.

Thanks again for reading!
　
　
　