A 16th Birthday/New Years Celebration(with 75,000 friends)updated 1/27

[MHTeacher]

First let me say that I have never written a pre-trip or trip report for the past 9 trips to WDW (5 years as a DIS member). However, being "snowed" in and having school canceled(yes, in Alabama, 1-2" of snow will do that), has given me time to read other trip reports and get inspired to do one of my own.
So here goes!

First some facts----

THE CAST:
1. Me--Michelle, a teacher and Disney fan
2. DH--Kevin, a HR manager, who grumbles about the money we spend at WDW, but has more fun than anyone!
3. DD#1--Elizabeth, the birthday girl
4. DD#2--Rachel, sister to the birthday girl
5. DS--Reid(nephew who's lived with us for 3 years)

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The Trip:
December 29, 2009-January 1, 2010

We had always avoided going to Disneyworld during this crazy time, but DD1 has always wanted to go to Disneyworld for her birthday. However, her birthday falls between Christmas and New Years---the busiest, craziest time at Disneyworld! But since, this would be a BIG birthday, her 16th birthday, DH and I decided to go for it.

[MHTeacher]

This post is saved for indexing the trip report.

[MHTeacher]

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

So day 1 is sort-of day 2. We actually left our house in Alabama the day before, Monday afternoon around 3:30 p.m. We drove to Tallahassee, FL, which is about a 7 hr. drive. This is a good time to ask, "How in the world did our parents do it with no DVD players, iPods, or Nintendo DSs in the car to occupy us for 10 hour car trips?!?!) We stopped and spent the night and left the following morning around 9a.m. After grabbing lunch to go and eating in the car, we arrived at DisneyWorld around 1:00pm. YEAH, we were finally here!

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No matter how many times we visit Disney, my kids want to stop and take a picture of this!

We were staying at Yacht Club, our first time at this resort. I had booked a GREAT group rate from them back during August(---it was definitely the way to go during this peak season)

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I had checked in online at the 10 day mark, so check in was very easy. There was one thing the YC did, that I had never had happen(even at the Poly)...when we walked up to the front of the resort, a CM met us outside, and greeted us. When we told her we were there to check in, she escorted us inside , to the check-in desk. I thought this was very nice. Back to check-in. It took all of 2 minutes, they already had our folder prepared, with room keys. Our room was ready, so we went up to check it out.

[MHTeacher]

So I left you at check in .....We were assigned room 3175, a water view room. I had secretly hoped for some great big upgrade to a suite (Hey, a girl can dream!;)), but alas, we got the view we had paid for...and that was just fine!

The room was somewhere over the lobby/registration area of YC, on the 3rd floor. We had a view of Crescent Lake, with Boardwalk in the background. Here are some pics from our balcony.
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We headed downstairs, to purchase a 3 day tix for my nephew. (The rest of have APs). We got that taken care of, and it was time to walk to Epcot.

Next up---Epcot

[MHTeacher]

We walked from Yacht Club to Epcot entering through International Gateway. We've stayed at the Poly the past few visits, so I was a little worried about staying somewhere off the monorail, but I shouldn't have worried so much. We loved the short walk to Epcot, and enjoyed seeing some scenery we haven't seen before.

We walked into Epcot around 3pm. World Showcase didn't seem too crowded around then. We decided to walk toward Soarin' and check out the tip board in that location.----Now, I had TRIED to prepare my bunch for the fact that the stand-by lines would be long, but little Reid just couldn't comprehend how long. Check out these wait times:
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:scared1:No way I tried to explain to a little 7 year old boy were we standing in a line for 180 minutes for a ride we've ridden before(not to mention, we'll be back in 5 months).


We decided to walk through the contries and catch the 4:15 performance of the Voices of Liberty. They are mine and DH's faves. We got in the theater and got a seat right on the front. They were dressed as "Dickens carolers" and sang some Christmas songs. They were great as always.
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By now it was almost 5 o'clock and I really wanted to watch Candlelight processional. Back four years ago, we had visited during the holiday season and paid for the CP dinner package. Of course right after it had started, the rains began to pour down and we had no umbrellas, raincoats...nothing. We had to wind up leaving our seats and standing under the umbrellas at the outdoor tables behind the theater.So.....I've always hated that I missed most of the program. I was determined to watch all of one.
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The stand-by line was crazy, so we just decided to stand right at the back near the rope, the choir passes by, and watch. Angela Bassett and Courntey Vance were the narrators. It was a beautiful and very moving show.

By this time, it was 6 o’clock, so we walked toward China since we had dinner reservations around 7. While we were waiting around, we saw something we’ve never seen before. A CM who appeared to be sweeping, stopped and started dipping her broom in water. Then she began to “draw” out Minnie and Mickey. It was amazing. She later explained that when it’s cooler, the pictures will stay for a few hours, because the water doesn’t evaporate. I have a sneaking feeling that this girl’s real job is not just sweeping.
http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/DSC00054-1.jpg

Here’s something else crazy…while standing here, we look over and notice our neighbors! In a crowd of how many thousand, it was just funny that we see people who live around the block!
It was finally time for our dinner at Nine Dragons. I had honey sesame chicken, DH had king pau chicken, DD1 had fried rice w/grilled shrimp, and DD2 and DS had kid’s sweet/sour chicken. No pics of the food though. DH and I had eaten here before on an anniversary trip, but it was the kid’s first time. They really liked it and want to eat here again.
We walked to Future World, to see if there was anything we could ride. Wouldn’t you know it…Figment’s imagination was a walk on. This ride really annoys me and DH. But it made a little 7 year old boy happy. So we all grinned and got on.
Afterwards, it was time to get a spot for Illuminations. We got a spot near Canada and watched. Now I have to be honest…Illuminations is not my family’s favorite thing, BUT I do love the holiday part where they play “Let there be peace on Earth”. That part just makes me cry every time.

When the show was over, we stood a few minutes and let the crowd thin out. Then we made our way toward International Gateway. As we walked to YC, we decided to take a detour into Beach Club and check out the chocolate carousel. AMAZING!
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After staying and looking for too long, we got up to our room and cleaned up. It was almost midnight and tomorrow was going to be an early and a big BIRTHday!

[disneybird69]

OMG---that picture of the tip board is insane. :eek: 180 minutes for Soarin'???

Sounds like you all had fun. Can't wait to read more.

[wigdoutdismom]

OK, I found you! Subbing and going back to read!

[wigdoutdismom]

All caught up! Sounds like it was crowded and if you didn't get there early you weren't getting on the rides without a long wait!
We flew out on the 28th so missed you by a day.
Can't wait to read more!

[serrotak]

Awesome so far, cant wait for more...

[MHTeacher]

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Well, today started out bright and early. Elizabeth (our DD and birthday girl) had chosen Magic Kingdom for the park to visit on her actually birthday. MK had EMH and was opening at 7am. The night before, I had told the family, I’d like to be at the bus stop at 6:30…….But alas, as always, we never quite make it at the time I shoot for! We actually did fairly well for our bunch though. We left the room at 6:45 a.m. and a bus came almost immediately. We reached MK just a few minutes after 7.
The first thing we did was head to guest services to get Elizabeth’s birthday pass. We didn’t need the free ticket since we have APs and my sweet, unselfish girl chose not to take the gift card. She wanted the fastpass for our party so that we could enjoy some rides on a crowded day. Here’s a pic of the birthday fastpass.

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Our great CM took care of us quickly and we were headed into the park by 7:15 a.m. Here are some pictures we took. We couldn’t believe how empty Main Street and the hub were at this time.

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I couldn’t believe how empty this area was at this time. We walked right toward Space Mtn. and there was already a 35 minute stand by line. We decided we didn’t want to use all of EMH on that ride, so we grabbed fastpasses and headed over to Buzz Lightyear. We rode this with no wait. We walked through to Fantasyland and rode Peter Pan. Standby line was only 10 minutes. We immediately went across to It’s a small world.

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After we did that, we headed into FrontierLand. We all rode Big Thunder Mtn. using stand-by. The line was only 15 min. long. We were saving those fastpasses for later that night when it would be packed. DH (Kevin), DD2 (Rachel) and DS(Reid) wanted to ride Splash Mtn., but Elizabeth and I didn’t want to get wet while it was still so early and a little cool out for us. AND, it was a good thing…They did get wet! (When you see the next picture, you can compare Rachel’s hair to her hair in the previous IASW pic. The nice flat-ironed hair from the first pic is a little fuller after it got wet! )

We waited on them and then headed into Liberty Square to find Princess Tiana. Elizabeth, my birthday girl, had recently seen this movie and loved it.
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By now it was almost 11 and my bunch was hungry. We decided to try to beat the crowds at CS and headed into Pecos Bills for some food. After finishing lunch, the crowds were getting a “little” heavier.

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DH, Kevin, decided to head back to BTMR and grab some birthday fastpasses to save for later that night. I took the kids and we staked out a spot for the noon “Mickey’s once upon a Christmastime Parade”. We grabbed the corner in front of the Liberty Riverboat, across from the Liberty Bell near Liberty Square. As we waited, Reid goofed off and spent some energy.

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We waited and waited for Kevin to return…It was getting closer to time for the parade. I sent him a text asking what was taking so long. He sent back this pic of the area in front of the fastpass machines there. YIKES!

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Yes….those were the lines just to get a fastpass!!!

He finally got finished and found his way back to us about 5 minutes before the parade was due to start. I took this picture just to show how many people were lined up to watch the parade.

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1740_1.jpg

When the parade was finished, we decided to walk back toward TomorrowLand and use a fastpass for Space Mtn. When we got there, there was NO line…..The ride was shut down at the moment and they didn’t know when it would reopen. So we decided to grab some more fastpasses for Buzz and see about getting into Monsters, Inc. Well….that was not going to happen! This is a picture of the crowd in the area around Monsters, Inc., Buzz, etc…..The time was around 1-1:30 p.m.

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I later heard that MK was at a stage 3 closure---Only people with resort IDs or APs are allowed in the park. Kevin and I took one look at each other and knew that it was time to return to our room for a rest.

Coming up…Day 2, Part 2—Elizabeth’s 16th Birthday Dinner

[MHTeacher]

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

We returned to our room at the Yacht Club, around 2 p.m., and it had already been cleaned. Here are some pictures of the room. Our “mousekeeper” had set up all the stuffed animals. We didn’t get any towel animals for our three nights there, but she always did something cute with all the kids’ stuffed animals.

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The kids all zombied out on their Nintendo DS or iPods, while Kevin and I snuck a little catnap in. Around three, we freshened up, and Kevin went out to take some “Sweet 16” pics of Elizabeth.

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Thanks for indulging my proud mother moment. It’s hard to realize I have a 16 year old child. She’s driving legally now! She’s a good girl, smart and very kind. I’m very proud to be her mother.

We caught a bus fairly quickly to MK. The bus ride from YC to MK was only about 10 minutes. I had worried so about being at this resort as opposed to the Poly. I was afraid we’d miss the monorail, but I shouldn’t have worried so much. Walking to Epcot, taking the water taxi to DHS, and the short ride to MK makes this a great resort. I think we may be there again in May. But alas….I stray……

We arrived at MK, and walked to the resort monorail. I had made reservations at 1900 Park Faire for Elizabeth’s birthday dinner. She loves Cinderella’s step-sisters, so I thought this would be a good pick. Plus, I had wanted to order a custom birthday cake, and thought the GF’s bakery made some awesome custom cakes. We rode to the Grand Floridian (and of course, passed by my beloved Polynesian.) It was our first time to actually see the GF’s gingerbread house in person. WOW!!

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We had the first dinner reservation...4:30 p.m., because I wanted to be finished and back into the MK before late. I was a little stressed about being “locked” out of the MK, if it should close due to capacity. The dinner at 1900 Park Faire is a character dinner, with Cinderella, her Prince, Lady Tremaine, and the step-sisters. Unfortunately, the step-sisters were delayed and were not present while we were at the restaurant. Here are my children with the three that were there.

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I found the food to be very lackluster at this dinner buffet. Because of holiday pricing surcharges, the adult price was about $40/ a person. Reid’s child price was $20 and all he ate was pizza! *SIGH*…Oh well…This meal was about the atmosphere, the characters, and of course, the custom cake!

If you’ve eaten dinner here before, you know that there is a time where there is an announcement to stand up if you’re celebrating a special day. Well my Elizabeth stood up, and while she was standing, our server (Patti---and by the way, she was great!) brought out her cake.

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I don’t think she realized there was a cake at her place until she sat down. I think she was surprised!

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Here are some close ups of the cake. I’ll leave them larger, so you can see the details better.

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Here’s one last picture of my sweet kids with the cake—

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The cake was beautiful and we hated to cut into it, but it’s all about the cake on a birthday, so we did it and it tasted yummy!

Up next….Day 2, Part 3…MK and the NYE preview fireworks

[brookelizabeth]

That cake is beautiful! They did a great job. :thumbsup2

Love the sweet 16 pics, she's a pretty and photogenic girl, you have good reason to be proud of her. :goodvibes

MK was packed that day! Whoa!!! Weren't the crowds alone amazing to experience? We did MK on the 28th and it was busy, but not that bad!

I went through Epcot quickly on New Year's Day and saw this wait time for Soarin':

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/TRDecember-2009/Thursday-December-31-2009/IMG7936-Small/759691649_gQzo6-M.jpg

:faint: :lmao:

And 45 minutes for Figment?! No thanks! :laughing:

[MHTeacher]

All caught up! Sounds like it was crowded and if you didn't get there early you weren't getting on the rides without a long wait!
We flew out on the 28th so missed you by a day.
Can't wait to read more!

Thanks for reading wigdoutdismom!:thumbsup2

It was crowded, but not as bad as I had mentally prepared myself for. It is definitely NOT the time to do Disney if you're a first timer!

Awesome so far, cant wait for more...

Thanks serrotak for reading. This is my first time to ever write a TR and my biggest fear was that no one would read it.;)

That cake is beautiful! They did a great job. :thumbsup2

Love the sweet 16 pics, she's a pretty and photogenic girl, you have good reason to be proud of her. :goodvibes

MK was packed that day! Whoa!!! Weren't the crowds alone amazing to experience? We did MK on the 28th and it was busy, but not that bad!

I went through Epcot quickly on New Year's Day and saw this wait time for Soarin':

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/TRDecember-2009/Thursday-December-31-2009/IMG7936-Small/759691649_gQzo6-M.jpg

:faint: :lmao:

And 45 minutes for Figment?! No thanks! :laughing:

Thanks brookelizabeth. I'm a little prejudice to her I guess. :goodvibes The cake was beautiful wasn't it? I was very pleased with the way it turned out and Liz loved it as well.

Oh my word at that wait time for Soarin' on New Year's Day!!:scared1: I thought it was bad on the 29th around 3 in the afternoon. And I have to agree with you on the Figment comment. Any wait time is too much wait time for that attraction!;)

[MouseloverJD]

Just happened across your trip report. Great job. I was at Disney World from 12/29 to 1/2. It was supercrowded. But a lot of fun. Happy Belated Birthday to your daughter. The cake looked fabulous and she looks happy.

[MHTeacher]

Just happened across your trip report. Great job. I was at Disney World from 12/29 to 1/2. It was supercrowded. But a lot of fun. Happy Belated Birthday to your daughter. The cake looked fabulous and she looks happy.

Thanks!:) It seems we were at Disney during the same crazy time. I have to agree---supercrowded, but manageable IF you know what you're doing.

Of course, all the great things Disney does for you during this time makes up for all the stresses of the crowds. We all agreed that we had one of the best times we've ever had at Disney.:goodvibes

[MHTeacher]

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

MK and the NYE Preview Fireworks

After finishing our dinner at 1900 Park Faire, we were ready to head to MK for the evening. One small, or not so small, problem…what to do with all that left-over birthday cake? Patti, our great server, had the answer…She told us that bell services there at the hotel would store our cake and we could return to the GF after MK closed and pick it up there. **WHEW!** I hadn’t really figured out how we were going to carry a cake around all evening! So after taking care of that, we headed to the monorail to head to MK.

We got off the monorail around 6 p.m., and headed through bag checks and the gate. As we walked through and began to head up Main St., it was 6:15 p.m. The castle lighting ceremony had begun. I hurriedly got out my video recorder and began to record as I walked closer to the castle. This was new since the last time we had been at Disney during the holidays (2005 ). :goodvibesWOW:goodvibes It was amazing, is all I can say.

Here are some still photos of the castle. I think the turquoise color was my favorite and Kevin liked the purple the best.

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After the ceremony, a DJ was introduced and he came out onto the stage in front of the castle. Even though the night was not New Year’s Eve, the MK does a full “dress rehearsal” for the next evening. Even the DJ was running his own practice---he’d use the next night’s closing time for MK whenever he mentioned how long we could party. The music was through all the park speakers, so anywhere you went in MK, you could hear the DJ and his songs.

We decided to use one of our fastpasses for Space Mtn., we headed that direction, hoping the malfunctions of this afternoon were gone and the ride would be up and running. This is one of my kids favorite rides. When we were there this past May, it was closed for renovations, so they had not ridden it since September 2008. They were excited to get back on—especially Reid, it’s his favorite.

When we came out “A Totally TomorrowLand Christmas” show was beginning. We sat down to watch a bit of it. We weren’t too impressed. We had seen the show they used to do in the old Galaxy Theater when we had attended a MVMCP and liked that one a whole lot better.

It was a little after 7:30, so we decided to head to the hub and try to land a spot for “Holiday Wishes.” There was already a big crowd gathered, but somehow, we managed to get at the back side of the hub, right in front of the castle. Kevin went off to grab some popcorn and cokes. The DJ was playing lots of fun music, like “YMCA” and people were dancing and singing along. We really didn’t even need the snacks to keep the kids from being bored while waiting. They were having too much fun playing along with the DJ.

Finally, it was time for “Holiday Wishes.” Now, “Wishes” is one of mine and my DDs favorite things. We’ve been known to stick the CD in at 9 p.m. and sing along, just imagining we’re standing there watching!
It was beautiful, as always!

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Up next….Day 2, Part 4 (How long can this night be???)

[serrotak]

The last time we went was in 2005. We arrived on 1/2/05 and stood until 1/7/05. We stood off site in a 3 br condo for a ridiculously cheap price. The crowd levels then were much lower than the days leading up to New Year's.

This time we are going from 2/13-2/20 and I am a little worried about crowd levels. It will be President's day and Mardi Gras week that week. I know here in Louisiana we get days off for Mardi Gras and we will be taking the kids out of school for a few days after that (but that's another thread :rolleyes1), and from what I have learned in the Northeast lots of schools have a winter/spring break during President's week. So we shall see.

[MHTeacher]

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 (cont.)

When it was all over, we decided to head into AdventureLand. BIG MISTAKE! The CMs were routing traffic from Liberty Square across that bridge and all those people were trying to immediately turn left to head toward the hub/Main St. and we were trying to head across the bridge into AdventureLand. CRAZINESS!!. The CMs were standing all in a row in the middle of the “street” trying to make one way traffic on their left and on their right. It was actually a pretty good idea, and one I would wish DHS had in practice on New Year’s Eve. We finally got through that crowd, and as soon as we crossed over into AdventureLand, we could breathe.

We rode Pirates and then caught something we’ve never seen before (and this was my kids 7th trip in 8 years)—The Enchanted Tiki Room. So, now, we can wait 8 more years before we watch it again! ;) We went back into FrontierLand and used a fastpass on BTMRR. When we came out we decided to go to the Country Bear Jamboree. There was a show about to start, so we thought ,”Why not?” Reid had never seen the show, and I figured it was better than sitting on a street corner waiting for the 10 o’clock Spectro. I was right, Reid did like it, and I even caught my big “boy”, Kevin, singing along and laughing.

When we exited, we grabbed the spot we like for viewing Spectro. We’ve seen it before from Main St, and the hub area, but we’ve really enjoyed watching it from Frontierland. It seems like this is an area that doesn’t get as crowded. Of course, at this time of year, everything is crowded. :crowded:

After Spectro, we headed back toward the hub for the NYE preview. Here’s a picture I snapped looking up Main St. toward the train station. It’s not the best quality, but it was taken just to give a glimpse of the crowd gathered up Main St.

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MK would be doing a practice run of their NYE fireworks for the next night. It was their “Fantasy in the Sky” show. WOW---is all I can say.

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At the end of the show, there were perimeter fireworks around the MK. I watched the DVD I’d recorded the other night and cried. I am such a dork!:upsidedow

The park was closing at midnight, but had EMH for resort guests until 3 a.m. We decided to go for it until we were ready to crash. We headed into FantasyLand to see Mickey’s Philharmagic . As we got ready to enter we realized that Elizabeth had left her resort key in the room. A meltdown proceeded to ensue. :sad: All of a sudden, the great mom, who’d planned this trip and had a surprise cake, was the bad guy. :sad2: It was all MY fault for not telling her earlier this morning that she would need her key later that evening. We went through the line and tried to explain to the CM our sob story. She waved us through, but said that all CMs might not be so considerate.

By the time we left the show, the tears had stopped and Liz and I made up. :grouphug: (Oh, the joys of raising an emotional [and tired] teenage girl!

We headed to Space Mtn. to ride with our birthday pass. Again, the CM let all five of us on, even though we only had four resort keys. When we came off, Reid and Rachel were dying to ride again. But by now, it was a little after 1 a.m. and I was pretty exhausted. Elizabeth really wanted to look in the gift shops on Main St., so I offered to go with her. Kevin would ride with the younger kids , using our last fast passes. Since Liz and I were not riding again, he actually had two extra fastpasses. He gave them to someone getting in the line. He said the guy’s face just lit up. We agreed to meet up on the corner at the front of the park at 1:45.

Elizabeth and I browsed and I wound up buying a really cute scarf that has different colored stripes and a Mickey on the end and a bread press to make “Mickey toast”.

We met Kevin, Rachel, and Reid right before 2 a.m. As we were leaving we saw a cute little couple taking pictures on Main St. It was just the two of them, and she was taking his picture, and then he would take her picture. Kevin asked them if they’d like him to take a picture of the two of them together and they said that’d be great. Then they repaid the favor by taking one of all of us.

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1846.jpg

We were all so tired at this point. I’d been up for almost 24 hours! Kevin volunteered to take the monorail to the GF and pick up the cake, then ride back to the MK and catch a bus to Yacht Club by himself, so that I could take the kids on back to the hotel. What a good man! :hug:

The transportation to YC was never a problem, and we caught a bus fairly quickly upon leaving the park. We were in our room by 2:20 a.m. Reid fell asleep almost immediately, and the girls and I all cleaned up and fell into the bed right before 3 a.m. Kevin came in shortly afterwards, carrying the remains of the birthday cake.

The plan for the next day (New Year’s Eve) was the Studios. They were opening at 8 a.m., and I had optimistically planned for us to be there at opening. But as I set the alarm, I knew that would not happen. I set the alarm for 8 o’clock and hoped I could survive on five hours of sleep.:tilt:

Next…New Year’s Eve

[ladybugmom]

First of all--ROLL TIDE!!! (I noticed your avatar) Wasn't the game Thursday night exciting?! We are HUGE BAMA fans--my hubby grew up in Jasper and went to school at U of A!! We actually spent 12 days over Christmas visiting my in-laws in Jasper.

Anywho, I'm excited to read about your trip!!! WOW--the crowds are HUGE!!! Your pictures are unbelievable!! But it sounds like you had a wonderful trip! We are planning on going in December this year but are looking at the beginning of the month. I can't wait to read more!! :goodvibes

[DWGal210]

Hey there, I am here! :thumbsup2

Great start on your TR! How great that you got to stay at Yacht Club - your room was so cute!! I just love those beds, how sweet!

What a special memory that your daughter was able to spend her 16th birthday at WDW...so fun!! I was perusing the cruise line site and noticed that on my birthday in 2011, there is a cruise that leaves on the Dream....so now, of course, I am trying to figure out if I want to take that cruise! :rotfl:

Have a great day!

[MHTeacher]

The last time we went was in 2005. We arrived on 1/2/05 and stood until 1/7/05. We stood off site in a 3 br condo for a ridiculously cheap price. The crowd levels then were much lower than the days leading up to New Year's.

This time we are going from 2/13-2/20 and I am a little worried about crowd levels. It will be President's day and Mardi Gras week that week. I know here in Louisiana we get days off for Mardi Gras and we will be taking the kids out of school for a few days after that (but that's another thread :rolleyes1), and from what I have learned in the Northeast lots of schools have a winter/spring break during President's week. So we shall see.

It was VERY crowded, but I found it to be manageable if one knows what you're doing. One year (2003) we were there during the 4th of July. I don't remember it being less crowded than it was this week. AND I, personally, can handle huge crowds better in 65 degree temps than in 100 degree temps. :crowded:

I'm sure you'll have an amazing time. Out of curiosity, do you know what the UG crowd predictions are for that week?

First of all--ROLL TIDE!!! (I noticed your avatar) Wasn't the game Thursday night exciting?! We are HUGE BAMA fans--my hubby grew up in Jasper and went to school at U of A!! We actually spent 12 days over Christmas visiting my in-laws in Jasper.

Anywho, I'm excited to read about your trip!!! WOW--the crowds are HUGE!!! Your pictures are unbelievable!! But it sounds like you had a wonderful trip! We are planning on going in December this year but are looking at the beginning of the month. I can't wait to read more!! :goodvibes

Thanks ladybugmom! We live on the other side of the state as your in-laws (Florence). We are big 'Bama fans as well...have had season tickets for about 10 years. I wanted to go to this game SO badly, but DH said we couldn't return from Disney and turn around 3 days later and head across the country again!(What a party-pooper!);)

Yes, the crowds were huge, but not as scary as I had mentally prepared myself for. This was my kids' 7th trip in the past 8 years, so we've seen it, ridden it, watched it all before. I just kind of took the attitude that we would soak up the atmosphere and celebrate DD's birthday. We wound up having one of the best times we've ever had at Disney.

Hey there, I am here! :thumbsup2

Great start on your TR! How great that you got to stay at Yacht Club - your room was so cute!! I just love those beds, how sweet!

What a special memory that your daughter was able to spend her 16th birthday at WDW...so fun!! I was perusing the cruise line site and noticed that on my birthday in 2011, there is a cruise that leaves on the Dream....so now, of course, I am trying to figure out if I want to take that cruise! :rotfl:

Have a great day!

Thanks for reading. I've been enjoying your trip report as well, not to mention loved hearing about all your snow at home! (Here in Alabama, I've missed two days of school last week, because of our 1" of snow! :rotfl:( Don't laugh too hard!)

I think you should definitely look into that cruise for your birthday in 2011!:wizard:

[leamom2princesses]

Hi there! Followed you over from my PTR. You've gotten off to a great start. I can't believe those wait times. :scared1:

You and your family are a nice looking bunch. What a special birthday for your daughter. :goodvibes Love the sweet sixteen cake (especially the little fondant ball Mickey). That gives me ideas! :goodvibes

[brookelizabeth]

Ahhh! What a very fun night!!! (Minus the meltdown ;))

Weren't those fireworks awesome?!?! On NYE we monorailed it to MK to catch a bus back to Kidani and the DJ was pumped out his music, it sounded like such a blast! When my little guy is older I think we'll do another NYE trip and do MK late night. How fun!

[MHTeacher]

Hi there! Followed you over from my PTR. You've gotten off to a great start. I can't believe those wait times. :scared1:

You and your family are a nice looking bunch. What a special birthday for your daughter. :goodvibes Love the sweet sixteen cake (especially the little fondant ball Mickey). That gives me ideas! :goodvibes

Thanks for checking out my first ever trip report! Those wait times were crazy, but that was ok, because we were not really there to ride...The trip was all about turning 16!

I was happy with the cake too...and it tasted pretty yummy as well.

Ahhh! What a very fun night!!! (Minus the meltdown ;))

Weren't those fireworks awesome?!?! On NYE we monorailed it to MK to catch a bus back to Kidani and the DJ was pumped out his music, it sounded like such a blast! When my little guy is older I think we'll do another NYE trip and do MK late night. How fun!

Yes the DJ was pumping out the tunes, and it was a lot of fun for us all. The fireworks were amazing. As I mentioned, when I watched the DVD at home, I cried! I am such a dork! :upsidedow

You will definitely want to do another NYE trip when your little one is older. I have as much fun now on trips as I used to when my little ones were younger. It's just a different kind of fun (minus the meltdowns, of course...which know no age limit! ;) )

[DW2010]

Looking forward to reading your report. I actually live in Tallahassee :).

[MHTeacher]

Looking forward to reading your report. I actually live in Tallahassee :).

:wave2: Hi there DW2010. :welcome:to my first ever trip report. I can't believe I waited through 9 trips to write one of these.

I always love stopping to spend the night in Tallahassee. It makes me feel like I'm almost to DisneyWorld (even though I have almost 4 more hours). How lucky for you to be so close!

So are you a big FSU fan, living right in the heart of Seminole country?

[cdotla]

Great report, but wow, oh wow! I think you single-handedly caused me to rethink any idea of a trip btwn Christmas and New Years!

Being born and raised to travel to WDW the 1st of May each year I am too spoiled with low crowds to tolerate the crush level crowds.

One year back in the mid-1980's my mom decided that it would be fun to be in WDW for July 4th. The crowds we experienced were very similar to your pictures. We saw them actually tearing down walls and exiting people through backstage areas (or at least regularly untravelled areas). It was insane!

Looking forward to more!:goodvibes

[ladybugmom]

Thanks ladybugmom! We live on the other side of the state as your in-laws (Florence). We are big 'Bama fans as well...have had season tickets for about 10 years. I wanted to go to this game SO badly, but DH said we couldn't return from Disney and turn around 3 days later and head across the country again!(What a party-pooper!);)

Yes, the crowds were huge, but not as scary as I had mentally prepared myself for. This was my kids' 7th trip in the past 8 years, so we've seen it, ridden it, watched it all before. I just kind of took the attitude that we would soak up the atmosphere and celebrate DD's birthday. We wound up having one of the best times we've ever had at Disney.

We used to be season ticket holders--back during the Dubose era. But it got so difficult to travel 3.5-4 hours everytime there was a home game. Plus it got depressing when they weren't doing too well. Now it's sooo hard to find tickets. We went to the AL/UTC game this year only b/c one of DH's employees gave us their tickets (he has season tickets). DH's cousin used to work as a trainer on the team and he was able to get us tickets but we don't have that connection now. This same cousin is a DVC owner and booked a room out in Disneyland months ago for the week of the National Championship game (he had high hopes for BAMA). AND he was able to get tickets to the game--so he and his wife flew out there for the week (they don't have kids). I wish we could have gone, too!

[MHTeacher]

Great report, but wow, oh wow! I think you single-handedly caused me to rethink any idea of a trip btwn Christmas and New Years!

Being born and raised to travel to WDW the 1st of May each year I am too spoiled with low crowds to tolerate the crush level crowds.

One year back in the mid-1980's my mom decided that it would be fun to be in WDW for July 4th. The crowds we experienced were very similar to your pictures. We saw them actually tearing down walls and exiting people through backstage areas (or at least regularly untravelled areas). It was insane!

Looking forward to more!:goodvibes

Well thanks. :goodvibes I'm sorry though, I didn't mean to make anyone rethink a trip to Disney...EVER. ;)

As you might see from my sig, we've been to Disney at various times through the years, but I have always tried to avoid the most crowded times (with that one exception of going during July 4th! What WAS I thinking?? :confused3) However, my baby girl was turing 16 :cutie: and she wanted to go to Disney for her special day. So.......

You know, now that I've been during that time, I have to say it wasn't as bad as I had imagined. As I've said, it's not the time for a first-timer, or the person who's saved up for the trip of a lifetime and may not be back for years. But for us...we've been there, seen it, ridden it, so this trip was not about commando park touring. We just went with the attitude of soaking up the fun, festive, holiday spirit, doing a little people watching, and of course, celebrating a big birthday. :goodvibes

[MHTeacher]

We used to be season ticket holders--back during the Dubose era. But it got so difficult to travel 3.5-4 hours everytime there was a home game.

Tell me about it... We live almost a full 3 hours from Tuscaloosa. We tailgate with friends and my DH is of the mindset that we have to leave while it's still dark to get there. Even if it's a night game, he wants to leave the house by 6 a.m.:scared1: By the time the game starts, I'm usually worn out!

Oh...and don't even let me tell you about the time they convinced us to camp out on campus the night before the AL-AU game last year. I now know how Noah must have felt during the great flood! ;)

[DW2010]

:wave2: Hi there DW2010. :welcome:to my first ever trip report. I can't believe I waited through 9 trips to write one of these.

I always love stopping to spend the night in Tallahassee. It makes me feel like I'm almost to DisneyWorld (even though I have almost 4 more hours). How lucky for you to be so close!

So are you a big FSU fan, living right in the heart of Seminole country?


I'm a HUGE FSU fan :lovestruc. I love them but sometimes wonder why...lol! We're driving to DW September 27th and staying 3 nights to celebrating my DD's 4th birthday. She actually turns 4 on October 2nd, but rates were cheaper the week before...ha, ha.

[MHTeacher]

I'm a HUGE FSU fan :lovestruc. I love them but sometimes wonder why...lol! We're driving to DW September 27th and staying 3 nights to celebrating my DD's 4th birthday. She actually turns 4 on October 2nd, but rates were cheaper the week before...ha, ha.

LOL , I completely understand about those rate seasons at WDW. You will have a lot of fun celebrating your little one's birthday at Disney. And I would guess that's a good time crowd-wise to visit.

As far as being a fan, I always say, if you're going to be a fan, then be a fan...in good times and bad times. :thumbsup2 A side note, the city I live in has a small Division 2 college that has a Bowden son (Terry) as the head coach. I keep waiting to see Papa Bowden visiting! He's like a real celebrity! ;)

[ladybugmom]

Tell me about it... We live almost a full 3 hours from Tuscaloosa. We tailgate with friends and my DH is of the mindset that we have to leave while it's still dark to get there. Even if it's a night game, he wants to leave the house by 6 a.m.:scared1: By the time the game starts, I'm usually worn out!

Oh...and don't even let me tell you about the time they convinced us to camp out on campus the night before the AL-AU game last year. I now know how Noah must have felt during the great flood! ;)

Oh wow!! That DOES sound like a tiring day but I bet it's a lot of fun!! :lmao:about the great flood remark!! That's hilarious!!

[MHTeacher]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am working on the next portion of my TR now.

I was off to such a good start, whipping out this thing, and then the real world came back. :eek: I had to return to work Monday after a 4 day snow days/weekend break and then my youngest daughter had basketball games that afternoon after school. She's a :cheer2: .--- I'll tell you, basketball parents can leave after their child's game, but not the cheer mom. DD had three games to cheer for, starting at 4 p.m. We didn't leave the gym until 8 o'clock.

[MHTeacher]

Thursday, December 31, 2009


Well, after falling into the bed close to 3 o’clock a.m., I knew there was no way I would be able to get my crew out of the bed and to the Studios by 8 a.m. So, I cut everyone a little slack….I let them sleep until 8 and then hurried them out the door by 8:40 a.m. The sun was shining and the weather forecast was for a high temperature near 80 degrees.:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: No carrying coats around today! We walked out to the boat launch just as one docked, and were able to board soon after that.

Can I just stop and say how much we enjoyed being able to hop the water taxi to the Studios, or to walk to Epcot? As a Poly lover, I had really stressed over not being on the monorail. But, as always, I put myself through all that worry for no reason! We loved the convenience of Yacht Club’s location. But enough about that…

Our boat captain was a real joker, and really entertained us on the ride to the Studios. As he was telling us about park hours and so on, he commented on how we had chosen the busiest day in the entire year to visit Disney. :scared1: I guess I had always thought Christmas day was the busiest day, but not so, according to him.

We arrived to the Studios close to 9 a.m., and got into the park relatively quickly. Upon entering, we put into action the “OFFICIAL STUDIOS PLAN OF ACTION”. Kevin collected everyone’s passes and took off for Toy Story Mania to get fast passes for our group. (Our return time turned out to be 4:30 p.m.)

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/DSC00235.jpg

The kids and I headed toward Rock-n-Roller Coaster. Stand-by time posted was for 70 minutes, but we got in line anyway. Kevin came back with our TSM passes about 15 minutes later. We were at a corner in the line, so it was easy for him to join up with us. About 15 minutes later, we were inside, ready to ride—That was no 70 minutes! Rachel and I landed the first row! :woohoo:

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1847.jpg

After we came off the ride, we checked out the wait time for Tower of Terror. Stand by was 75 minutes and we still weren’t able to get another fast pass, so we decided to head to the Great Movie Ride.

Now, I must pause and tell you a funny side note about this ride. My girls have always loved this ride. When they were younger, after we would return home from a visit to Disney, they would “play” Great Movie Ride! One girl would be your tour guide through the movies, and the other would “ride” along in the tram. They had the script down pat. I often wondered if anyone else’s kids did this!:rotfl:

[MHTeacher]

Thursday, December 31, 2009

After finishing up at the Great Movie Ride, it was close to 10:30, so we decided to back track down Sunset Blvd, and grab a fast pass for ToT. After walking down there, standing in line, I finally made it to the FP machine. I plugged the first ticket in and a very strange noise and strange looking FP came out of the machine. Well wouldn’t you know, we had looked at the times wrong on our TSM FPs. We weren’t eligible for another FP yet….15 more minutes until we would be legal.

So we decided to grab a bite of lunch from Rosies. When we finished, we got the FPs (legally) and debated where to head to. Elizabeth wanted to look in the shops, so I volunteered to stay with her. Kevin took Reid and Rachel to watch the Indiana Jones show. We met up with them when it was over and decided to run over to American Idol and watch the 2 o’clock show.

When the show was over, it was finally time for Kevin’s favorite ride at Disney.


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/DSC00222-1.jpg

Now, Elizabeth and Reid do not like this ride, so they were going to pass. They sat down to wait for us and we used 3 of our 5 FPs for the ride.

Now….how are we going to decide who of the three of us gets to use those last two FPs????

[ladybugmom]

TSM is something we didn't ride last May but it's on our list this May!! The girls weren't really into Toy Story until we saw the double feature this summer!! Now Claire is obsessed with Buzz, Woody, & Jessie! And TOT is a ride we all steer clear of--my DH is scared of heights!! :scared1:

[MHTeacher]

TSM is something we didn't ride last May but it's on our list this May!! The girls weren't really into Toy Story until we saw the double feature this summer!! Now Claire is obsessed with Buzz, Woody, & Jessie! And TOT is a ride we all steer clear of--my DH is scared of heights!! :scared1:

You will really like TSM---it's soooo much better than Buzz over in MK. Your girls will get a kick out of it. :cutie: :cutie:

We got the TSM game for Wii for Christmas and it's a lot like the ride at the Studios. I think the one game I played may have helped. I actually went over 100,000 on my score this year! :woohoo:

[brookelizabeth]

Now, I must pause and tell you a funny side note about this ride. My girls have always loved this ride. When they were younger, after we would return home from a visit to Disney, they would “play” Great Movie Ride! One girl would be your tour guide through the movies, and the other would “ride” along in the tram. They had the script down pat. I often wondered if anyone else’s kids did this!:rotfl:


This is so cute!!!!!

[MHTeacher]

This is so cute!!!!!

I know.....They'd be so embarrassed if they knew I told this on them ! :rotfl:

[MHTeacher]

No trip report update right now…working on it, but I’m not quite there yet.

But I just had to share that UPS delivered a large box to my house today from the Disney store on-line. :woohoo: I couldn’t help myself when they put all that holiday stuff on 40% off! Here’s some of the good stuff I ordered.

Mickey stockings for Kevin and Reid: $5.99 each

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/IMGP1924.jpg

Minnie stockings for the girls and me:

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/IMGP1923.jpg

“The Blue Fairy” ornament: $3.99

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/IMGP1928.jpg

And lastly, a Minnie shirt for me: $5.99

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/IMGP1925.jpg

So, I’ll have to wait 11 more months to pull out the stockings and the ornament, but as soon as the temps hit 70 degrees, I’m wearing my new Minnie shirt :thumbsup2

[ladybugmom]

You will really like TSM---it's soooo much better than Buzz over in MK. Your girls will get a kick out of it. :cutie: :cutie:

We got the TSM game for Wii for Christmas and it's a lot like the ride at the Studios. I think the one game I played may have helped. I actually went over 100,000 on my score this year! :woohoo:

We got that Wii game for Christmas, too!! Ally has had sooo much fun playing it!!! Wow--over 100,000!!! That's impressive!! :thumbsup2

[ladybugmom]

LOVE your purchases!! I ordered a bunch of Christmas stuff from Disney Store online as well! I got that same Blue Fairy ornament! Those stockings are too cute and I love the shirt!! You could wear it now but layering it over a long-sleeved shirt!! I did that today with my new BAMA National Championship shirt!!! ;)

[MHTeacher]

LOVE your purchases!! I ordered a bunch of Christmas stuff from Disney Store online as well! I got that same Blue Fairy ornament! Those stockings are too cute and I love the shirt!! You could wear it now but layering it over a long-sleeved shirt!! I did that today with my new BAMA National Championship shirt!!! ;)

Ha--too funny that you got the same ornament. I had to get that one, because, of that line in "Wishes"...."Well, I'll be...it's the Blue Fairy!". There was a 2009 ornament that was $1.99, but I was too late. They were all gone. *SIGH*

I could layer the shirt now, but I think I'll save it for........:dance3::dance3: Let's just say that I'm going to be adding not one, but TWO tickers very soon!

[MHTeacher]

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Tower of Terror was awesome, as always. I always love it when there are ToT virgins on the ride. They’re so funny, especially the ones who are terrified before it even starts. I always get a kick out of them. After finishing up at Tower of Terror, we set off to find Elizabeth and Reid.

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/DSC00222-1.jpg

We headed toward Star Tours. Now Kevin and I do not do this ride. :sad2: Something about simulator rides messes with my head. My mind and body aren’t experiencing the same thing, and it just messes me up. (Nope…can’t do Mission: Space, original version, never tried the safer version; can’t handle “Body Wars” over in Epcot…is this even still there? NO, just found the answer to that! See..That proves that I haven’t gone looking for it in the past 8 years! :rotfl:) While the kids rode that, we sat outside and people watched. VERY INTERESTING! :scared:

After the kids were finished, we still had almost an hour until our dinner reservation. We were all so tired. I suggested that we walk through “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream”. Walk might be a slight exaggeration. I really passed right through, and sat outside the theater until time to enter for the show. When the theater opened up, we wound up on the back row. Now, not trying to be sacrilegious, but I was soooo tired, I decided to try to take a 15 minute power nap. In my defense, I have watched the show on previous visit, and it very informative and moving to a Disney geek-fan, such as myself.

Since I had gained my second wind, I was ready to go. It was close enough to our dinner ressie to go and check in at 50s Prime Time. Our reservation was for 4:30 and I checked in about 4:20. It was extremely crowded and they were running behind schedule. As I waited, I overheard people trying to walk up and score a table. I wanted to scream, “People---why would you come to Disney during the most crowded time ever, and not make dining reservations???”

Here’s a picture of Elizabeth and Rachel after we were seated at 5 o’clock.

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1851.jpg

Kevin chose the steak, 1st time for him to eat this and I took the fried chicken, as always. I asked to substitute the greens with just green beans. Yes, I am a Southerner, but I do not eat greens. AND, speaking of being a Southerner, 50’s Prime Time could learn a thing or two about cooking green beans from my granny! OH, and another Southern update, I am proud to report that 50’s now has sweet tea, and not that fountain sweet tea yucky stuff….the real stuff, brewed on site. I tasted Kevin’s and it was pretty good. :thumbsup2 All three kids ate……..yes, chicken nuggets! Prime Time has always been good about letting my kids eating off the kid’s menu, regardless of their ages. Actually we asked for, and paid for, an adult portion of the kid’s chicken nuggets for the bigger girls.

Now, I have only learned to like green beans during my adult life, but I could not eat all of these so-called green beans. Of course when our “mom” came to clear our plates she fussed on me for not cleaning my plate. She proceeded to feed me my green beans. Reid really got a kick out of seeing this!

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1850.jpg

Coming up…..”I’m going to tell you what you can do with that party horn!”

[brookelizabeth]

I could layer the shirt now, but I think I'll save it for........:dance3::dance3: Let's just say that I'm going to be adding not one, but TWO tickers very soon!

:banana::banana::banana: Can't wait to hear all about it!


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1850.jpg

Coming up…..”I’m going to tell you what you can do with that party horn!”

Great picture!!! :lmao: My FIL acted up during our meal, that update will be coming very soon on my TR.

Your "Coming up" title had me laughing out loud! Uh-oh!!! :laughing:

[racefanof88]

All caught up now :thumbsup2. Love the report and your pictures are amazing. You have a beautiful family. Your nephew looks like a cutie pie. The cake looks soooooooo good. In May of 2008 we got a cake for Amanda and Tyler's birthday and it was gross. We got it at the Plaza and we took one bite of it and ended up throwing it away. Now last year I special ordered Dallas a cake and had it delivered to Sci Fi for our lunch and it was amazing $85.00, but amazing

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b130/racefanof88/Disney%202009/DSCF2437.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b130/racefanof88/Disney%202009/DSCF2438.jpg


The whole wait staff came to our table and said they had never seen a cake like it before and then our waitress explained that the cake Chef had hand painted the Mickey and it was the first time they had ever seen that done too. I still have Mickey in my freezer totally intact.............:lmao:. The cake went DOWN.

Was ya'll's cake good? I want to order another one, but I don't know what to say we are celebrating...:lmao:.

Where in Bama do you live? I live in Mobile and it takes us 8 hours to drive to Disney. I swear if I had my way we would go to Disney every weekend I'm off.

[MHTeacher]

All caught up now :thumbsup2. Love the report and your pictures are amazing. You have a beautiful family. Your nephew looks like a cutie pie. The cake looks soooooooo good. In May of 2008 we got a cake for Amanda and Tyler's birthday and it was gross. We got it at the Plaza and we took one bite of it and ended up throwing it away. Now last year I special ordered Dallas a cake and had it delivered to Sci Fi for our lunch and it was amazing $85.00, but amazing

Thanks for reading ! We had an awesome time, and yes...the cake was delicious!


The whole wait staff came to our table and said they had never seen a cake like it before and then our waitress explained that the cake Chef had hand painted the Mickey and it was the first time they had ever seen that done too. I still have Mickey in my freezer totally intact.............:lmao:. The cake went DOWN.

So Mickey is still intact in the freezer? I've debated what to do with the chocolate disc with the age 16....I guess I could freeze it, couldn't bring myself to throw it in the garbage!

Was ya'll's cake good? I want to order another one, but I don't know what to say we are celebrating...:lmao:..

Do we really need an excuse to eat cake??? ;)

Where in Bama do you live? I live in Mobile and it takes us 8 hours to drive to Disney. I swear if I had my way we would go to Disney every weekend I'm off.


We live in Florence, northwest corner of the state, on the Tennessee River. It takes us about 12 hours to drive to Disney---best route I've found for us is to to to Montgomery on I65, then head toward Dothan, then on to Tallahassee. Then of course, you know the way from there. :)

We are huge Tide fans, have season tickets, so we head to Tuscaloosa every weekend there's a home game during fb season. :thumbsup2

[ladybugmom]

Ha--too funny that you got the same ornament. I had to get that one, because, of that line in "Wishes"...."Well, I'll be...it's the Blue Fairy!". There was a 2009 ornament that was $1.99, but I was too late. They were all gone. *SIGH*

I could layer the shirt now, but I think I'll save it for........:dance3::dance3: Let's just say that I'm going to be adding not one, but TWO tickers very soon!

I know!! They had sooo many ornaments on there that when you clicked on them they said "no longer available." It was such a tease! I don't understand why they keep them on the website?!

TWO tickers?! How exciting!!!! Can't wait to hear what's in store!! :woohoo:

[MHTeacher]

New Year’s Eve/Day 3---Part 4

When we finished up at 50’s Prime Time, it was almost 6:30. The times guides for the day stated that they would be passing out celebration hats and party horns for New Year’s Eve beginning at 6 p.m. There was one location listed: the entrance of Lights! Motors! Action! Well even if we had not known where this was, it would have not been hard to find it. Just walk the opposite direction of all the crazy folks walking around tooting that crazy party horn! ;)


Wow, they had that distribution set up. You had to walk through the entrance of the stadium, and then make a u-turn to head down the street towards the exit. It was a little crazy, but I guess, the CMs couldn’t just stand in the middle of the street and get mobbed! We got our hats and party horns and I took this snap shot of the kids.


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/DSC00226.jpg


Then, Reid proceeded to drive us crazy blowing that goofy party horn for the next 5 minutes. After he and Rachel began blowing it in each other’s ears , "evil mother witch" had to step in. “Funs over kiddos…” :maleficen


We headed to Toy Story Mania to use our fast pass. We got this game for Wii at Christmas, so I was anxious to try out my new skills. (All 3 days of practice I’d had before I had left home for Disney!) I scored over 100,000! :woohoo:


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1861.jpg

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1862.jpg


We decided to head back to ToT to use our last 2 FPs….Guess who got those? Not me. I know that it is Kevin’s favorite ride, and I made that mother sacrifice, and told Rachel to ride with her dad. Elizabeth, Reid and I would sit outside the “hotel” and wait for them.



NOW, this begins the WORST CROWD EXPERIENCE we had during this trip. :crowded::crowded::crowded: We were trying to head to the exit of ToT, but unfortunately the first Fantasmic show was letting out. We got caught up in that crowd, and we were going the wrong way! IT WAS CRAZINESS!!! I saw one woman just pushing her stroller right through people, all the while, screaming, “Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep….”, like she was some sort of ECV! :eek: I decided that it must be ok to run over people, as long as you say “beep, beep, beep, beep, beep…..” NOT REALLY!


We finally made it to the hotel exit, but wouldn’t you know it, Reid had lost an arm in the process….NO, just kidding. It wasn’t quite that bad. (BUT CLOSE)


Up next…. “Do you want to stay and watch the next Fantasmic too?”

[MHTeacher]

Just noticed something really funny in one of these pictures.

I'll give you a two hints---

1. Look at the picture of Elizabeth and Rachel sittiing in their car for the TSM ride.

2. Think about the reason for our trip. :)

[wigdoutdismom]

Sorry I've been MIA for a few days but I'm playing catch up today! The birthay cake was beautiful, glad it was tasty too!
Just finished page 1 and going back to read!

[wigdoutdismom]

I can't believe how quickly you got onto RNR! 15 min! crazy!
Shocker and I are giant fans of TOT too, Baylor is a no way Jose'.
Hmmmm, it looks like Elizabeth is getting ready to drive on TSM without her glasses and Rachel is asleep at the wheel in that picture. Am I close?

I can't remember, are we overlapping on our summer trips?

[MHTeacher]

Hmmmm, it looks like Elizabeth is getting ready to drive on TSM without her glasses and Rachel is asleep at the wheel in that picture. Am I close?

:rotfl::rotfl:Ha...but no, that's not it. Specifically, You need to look at the car they're riding in.

I can't remember, are we overlapping on our summer trips?

I don't think so, from the looks of your ticker. We'll be there May 22-29. WAIT....you've got so many tickers, I missed one! ;) I think we may be overlapping! :thumbsup2

[wigdoutdismom]

Ahhhhh, it's the number!;)
We arrive on the 30th. Drat!

[lovegrumpy]

Loving it. The crowed pictures is on reason I don't wanna ever go during nye.

[ladybugmom]

Oooh oohh!! They are sitting in car #16!!!! How cool!! It took me a minute to see it!! I can't imagine how crowded it must have been on New Year's Eve!! YIKES!!

[MHTeacher]

Ahhhhh, it's the number!;)
We arrive on the 30th. Drat!

:thumbsup2Yes you got it.

The 30th? We'll be home by then. We'll just have to try again next May! ;)


Loving it. The crowed pictures is on reason I don't wanna ever go during nye.

I know...the pictures are kind-of-scary, aren't they? But actually, we had one of the most fun trips we ever had!


Oooh oohh!! They are sitting in car #16!!!! How cool!! It took me a minute to see it!! I can't imagine how crowded it must have been on New Year's Eve!! YIKES!!

Ha Becky! :thumbsup2 You got it...# 16 car, 16th birthday trip!

You'll have to try NYE when your girls are older.

[lillylynnb]

Thanks for the pictures my DH wants to go this year that week and i keep saying its going to be crazy but hes not listening so maybe these pictures will show him what i mean. I mean come on 265 minutes for any ride is just crazy!:scared1: But oh to be there for Christmas and NYE that would be great !

[MHTeacher]

Thanks for the pictures my DH wants to go this year that week and i keep saying its going to be crazy but hes not listening so maybe these pictures will show him what i mean. I mean come on 265 minutes for any ride is just crazy!:scared1: But oh to be there for Christmas and NYE that would be great !

My daughter has always begged to go on her birthday, but we've always put her off on that one since she has that luck of being born between Christmas and New Years. But this year was a big birthday...Sweet Sixteen, so we gave in. :cutie:

It's not the ideal time to visit if you've never been, but we went with the attitude that we've been there , seen it and done it at some point during a past visit. You know what, we had a great time, one of the best times we have ever had there. :thumbsup2 So, it is completely doable ! Don't let the stories scare you too much!

[racefanof88]

I noticed the 16 on the car too, but Becky beat me to the punch......that is OK though she is a Bama fan too :rotfl:.

I worked with someone from Florence years ago. Small world. GRRRRRRRRRR now the song is in my head :sad2:. On the Mickey, I wouldn't let anybody eat him. He is probably gross now after a year, but I just didn't want him harmed :lmao:.

WOW you have another trip coming up, you lucky thing you :thumbsup2:. I can totally relate about exiting the park. When we were leaving MK on the 4th of July it was horrible. I thought we were going to see fights break out because people were pushing and shoving. The "stroller people" were out in force that night too. We were routed out of the park behind the fence.

I can't wait to hear about your March trip.

[MHTeacher]

I noticed the 16 on the car too, but Becky beat me to the punch......that is OK though she is a Bama fan too :rotfl:.

I worked with someone from Florence years ago. Small world. GRRRRRRRRRR now the song is in my head :sad2:. On the Mickey, I wouldn't let anybody eat him. He is probably gross now after a year, but I just didn't want him harmed :lmao:.

WOW you have another trip coming up, you lucky thing you :thumbsup2:. I can totally relate about exiting the park. When we were leaving MK on the 4th of July it was horrible. I thought we were going to see fights break out because people were pushing and shoving. The "stroller people" were out in force that night too. We were routed out of the park behind the fence.

I can't wait to hear about your March trip.

Well, you know what they say about Bama fans?....Great minds think alike! :thumbsup2

Yes...two trips in the next four months. :banana::banana: I'm pretty excited. The trip in March is with Elizabeth's band from school. It was cheaper for me to stay on site with an AP discount, since I already have tickets. So I invited my sister to go with me. She lives in Athens. She willl bring 2 of her 3 kids (the HS junior will have to stay for school) and I will wind up taking Rachel with me. This will be the first time my little sister and I have gone to Disney together since we were in high school. (Little...:rotfl:, she's almost 39 years old! )

The second trip will be our family vacation. We bought APs last June, so this will be the last visit we get in on them. Don't know if we'll renew them. DH has me on a budget this year..... :sad2: (Party-Pooper!!

I've had so much fun writing this trip report and getting to meet so many nice DISers, that I'm hoping to start a new pre-trip report soon. :)

[MHTeacher]

New Year’s Eve/ Day 3—Part 5

After Kevin and Rachel came out of ToT, we left that area to head up Sunset Blvd. It was 5 minutes until 8. The CMs were still standing at the Fantasmic entrance, and I just decided to ask if they were still seating. Yes, he said. I LOVE Fantasmic!, but my bunch had not wanted to wait in such a stand by line for 2 hours to see the show. So, I was stoked that I could still get in with no wait! :banana: We walked all the way into the theater, never stopping, or encountering a person. Of course, we were seated on the section all the way to the right, but it actually turned out to be not so bad of seats.

Here’s a picture of Rachel and me waiting for the show to start.


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1864.jpg


When the show was over, we sat a while, to let the crowd head out. Before we knew it, we looked around, and we were practically in an empty theater. A CM asked us if we were wanting to stay and watch the next show. LOL! I had never seen the theater so empty, so we had to goof off and take a few pictures. It was like, “Wow, where did all the people go?”


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1870.jpg



We walked up toward the Sorcerer’s Hat for the NYE’s festivities. A big stage was set up right in front of the hat. Mulch Sweat, and Shears were playing 30 minute sets and a DJ was playing fun music in between their sets. This is not the best picture, but it will give you an idea of the set up. The other picture shows the crowds in front of the stage just dancing and having fun. Sorry they’re a little fuzzy.


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1874.jpg


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1878.jpg


We decided to try to find a good place to park it for the next few hours. We finally decided on one of the little picnic tables around Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner. Let me tell you, there was some fierce competition for these tables. I was ready to give up, when sweet Elizabeth walked up to a table and asked them if they were almost finished, and the said yes and we were welcome to their table. :wizard:


We sat down, and it was almost 9:30. Rachel and I volunteered to go buy snacks, while everyone else held our table. As we snacked on ice cream, milk shakes, or caramel popcorn, the kids played their DS or their iPods. Kevin and I people watched and listened to the band. Can I just say that their Michael Jackson tribute/medley was awesome. :thumbsup2 I’m a teenager of the ‘80s, so I love my MJ!!

Up next… “Did I really miss it all?”

[ladybugmom]

Yay that you got to see Fantasmic!! We stood in line last May for an hour and a half and they ended up cancelling it due to the rain and lightening! So this May we booked the Fantasmic Package at Mama Melrose! I'm praying the weather cooperates this year! We have never seen Fantasmic! WOW! Look at all of those people!! Uh oh!! Your “Did I really miss it all?” That makes me nervous for ya'll!

[MHTeacher]

We have never seen Fantasmic!!


OH....Fantasmic is one of my faves. :goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes It ranks right up there with "Wishes" for me.

[wigdoutdismom]

I hope you didn't lay your head down and fall asleep....

[MHTeacher]

I hope you didn't lay your head down and fall asleep....


:rotfl2: You're pretty close......

[BrooklynnsMommy]

Saw you on wigd's report and notice you are a fellow Alabamian. I'm just north of Huntsville. We were also there during the busiest season. We arrived on the 28th and left on the 2nd. We were at Epcot on new Years Eve and when we headed out around noon I took a picture of the times board because the wait for Soarin was 240 minutes. Seriously 4 hours to wait in line! Headed back to read about your adventure.

[MHTeacher]

Saw you on wigd's report and notice you are a fellow Alabamian. I'm just north of Huntsville. We were also there during the busiest season. We arrived on the 28th and left on the 2nd. We were at Epcot on new Years Eve and when we headed out around noon I took a picture of the times board because the wait for Soarin was 240 minutes. Seriously 4 hours to wait in line! Headed back to read about your adventure.

Hi BrooklynnsMommy! I've read some of your trip report and noticed that we were there around the same time...Let me get this part straight...Is MeMom your mom, or are all my DIS names running together? :rotfl:

North of Huntsville, puts you about where? I actually live about an hour west of H'ville in Florence! Small world, huh?

[Luna_Lovegood]

Roll Tide from another North Alabamian! We are in Athens, so we take the Dothan route as well. Loving the trip report, especially the amazing pictures. Also, I am in love with that icon!

[MHTeacher]

Roll Tide from another North Alabamian! We are in Athens, so we take the Dothan route as well. Loving the trip report, especially the amazing pictures. Also, I am in love with that icon!

:welcome: to my TR and Roll Tide! Thanks for the kind words. :)

My sister and her family live in Athens. I can't believe how many people I've met here on the DIS boards from Alabama...there are a lot of us aren't there? ;)

[BrooklynnsMommy]

Hi BrooklynnsMommy! I've read some of your trip report and noticed that we were there around the same time...Let me get this part straight...Is MeMom your mom, or are all my DIS names running together? :rotfl:

North of Huntsville, puts you about where? I actually live about an hour west of H'ville in Florence! Small world, huh?

Yep MeMom is my mom. We are in Harvest which is just about 15 minutes Northwest of Huntsville.

[MHTeacher]

Yep MeMom is my mom. We are in Harvest which is just about 15 minutes Northwest of Huntsville.

Yes..I know where Harvest is. I teach with several ladies who have adult children who live in Harvest. Madison County schools, right? Well, that is too funny.


Did you have to work today, or get the day off? I'm still sitting in my pjs, drinking my coffee. I love days like this! :goodvibes

[MHTeacher]

Off topic, but since this is my thread, I figure I can....;)

I am not a huge country music fan, but I do love some Rascal Flatts. Well, they are coming to Huntsville, March 4th, and I had been telling my DH that I really wanted to go. He had said we didn't need to do that. Well last night I was talking to him on the phone (He's traveling out of town this week) and I mentioned those tickets again. He asked how badly did I want to go? I said really badly. He said go ahead and order the tickets....Happy Birthday! (My bd is this Thursday, 21st)

So YEAH !:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2: I'm pretty excited!

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Hey Michelle! I'm subscribing to your thread! Going back to catch up now! :goodvibes

[MHTeacher]

Hey Michelle! I'm subscribing to your thread! Going back to catch up now! :goodvibes

:wave2:Hi Courtney. Glad you came over to check out my trip-report. (Just like you, this is my first attempt at writing one. :) )

I remember that your trip was to celebrate your engagement, but I don't remember reading a date. Do you have one set ? After Disney, I love a good wedding ! :goodvibes

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

:wave2:Hi Courtney. Glad you came over to check out my trip-report. (Just like you, this is my first attempt at writing one. :) )

I remember that your trip was to celebrate your engagement, but I don't remember reading a date. Do you have one set ? After Disney, I love a good wedding ! :goodvibes

No date set yet, but we are currently thinking spring of next year. I'll be sure to post in my TR when we do decide! :goodvibes

[praisehisname]

I just found your report and am following along!

[MHTeacher]

Thanks Denise! I'm going to head over and read about your couples only trip to Disney this past December. :thumbsup2

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Ok - finally all caught up!
Wow at those crowds! It seems like you were still able to get a lot done though:thumbsup2
How wonderful for your daughter to spend her big birthday at Disney - looks like she had a blast. She seems like a sweet girl!
And NYE looks amazing - crowded but amazing! I would love to experience it one time!
Can't wait for more!

[MHTeacher]

Ok - finally all caught up!
Wow at those crowds! It seems like you were still able to get a lot done though:thumbsup2
How wonderful for your daughter to spend her big birthday at Disney - looks like she had a blast. She seems like a sweet girl!
And NYE looks amazing - crowded but amazing! I would love to experience it one time!
Can't wait for more!

Thanks Courney! It was VERY crowded, but yes, we did do a lot of things. It helped that we've been there several times, and didn't feel as if we HAD to do things.

DD Elizabeth is a pretty sweet girl (especially when she's sleeping..... ;) ). I hope she remembers her special birthday for many years.... Now, I've set the bar pretty high for my 13 year old daughter.

You will need to rewind your annual trip back a few weeks and celebrate New Years at Disney. Maybe a disneymoon around that time ?!?!? It was an amazing time! :thumbsup2

[brookelizabeth]

Just noticed something really funny in one of these pictures.

I'll give you a two hints---

1. Look at the picture of Elizabeth and Rachel sittiing in their car for the TSM ride.

2. Think about the reason for our trip. :)

Very cool!!! :thumbsup2

How awesome that you didn't have to wait for Fantasmic, that is rare on a normal night, but on NYE! :yay: :woohoo:

We sat down, and it was almost 9:30. Rachel and I volunteered to go buy snacks, while everyone else held our table. As we snacked on ice cream, milk shakes, or caramel popcorn, the kids played their DS or their iPods. Kevin and I people watched and listened to the band. Can I just say that their Michael Jackson tribute/medley was awesome. :thumbsup2 I’m a teenager of the ‘80s, so I love my MJ!!


This really sounds like a lovely evening! Spending time together, just enjoying being there....:cloud9: The whole atmosphere sounds like it was a lot of fun.

And Happy (early) Birthday!!! Have a GREAT time at the concert!!!! :dance3:

[MHTeacher]

Very cool!!! :thumbsup2

How awesome that you didn't have to wait for Fantasmic, that is rare on a normal night, but on NYE! :yay: :woohoo:


I know...no line.... :yay::yay: Of course, it was 5 minutes until show time! But that was ok with us. I'd rather skip the line anyday, even if I have to sit in the "Witch" section on the far right! :woohoo:




This really sounds like a lovely evening! Spending time together, just enjoying being there....:cloud9: The whole atmosphere sounds like it was a lot of fun.

And Happy (early) Birthday!!! Have a GREAT time at the concert!!!! :dance3:


We really did have a lot of fun. We're usually the ones who spend NYE at home, and in the bed before midnight. So it was lots of fun to be in the middle of something like we might see on television!

AND, thanks for the early birthday wishes! :goodvibes

BTW....this is my 1,000th post! :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

[MHTeacher]

Thursday, December 31, 2009---Day 3 /Part 6

As it got nearer to midnight, it got really crowded around the area we'd staked out around Min and Bill's Dockside Diner. This picture was taken from our picnic table, looking back toward the entrance of the park. It's somewhat blurry. (Let me have a Kate Gosselin moment, "I hate this camera!")


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1877.jpg


Around 11:15, Reid closed up his DS and laid his head on my lap. The next think we knew, he was sound asleep!


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1876.jpg


When it was about 10 minutes until midnight, we decided to try to wake him, so he wouldn’t miss the fireworks and getting to blow that stupid party horn he seemed to love! I picked him up and laid him in my arms and Elizabeth and I called his name. “Reid, time to wake up…you’re going to miss all the fun….”


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1880.jpg


Well, to no avail, could we wake him up, as much as we tried. So we just laid him on the bench and prayed he wouldn’t roll off as we were watching the fireworks! Awesome countdown to the New Year, and the band continued to play through the fireworks—lots of fun!


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/DSC00265.jpg


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1890.jpg


Reid stayed asleep and missed all the big countdown, the party horns, the people screaming, “Happy New Year”, the NYE fireworks, AND, he didn’t roll off the bench!


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1883-1.jpg


When the fireworks were finished, we sat and let the crowds move out. The park was officially closed, but having EMH for resort guests. Wouldn’t you know that now, Reid woke up. We decided to walk to the Osborne Lights. It was close to 1 a.m., and it was practically deserted compared to how it looked earlier when we’d peeked in around 6:30. We strolled around and just took our time enjoying the sights. I think Reid really got a kick out of trying to catch the “snow.”


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1893.jpg

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1858.jpg


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1891.jpg

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1896.jpg

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1900.jpg

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/DSC00278.jpg

Up next...."Dream on, Dream on... Here's your automatic fastpass !

[disneybird69]

Good update through new year's eve fireworks. I can't believe your little one slept right through and missed it all. Sounds like you all had fun.

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Great update! The fireworks look amazing - I can't believe Reid slept through all of that, he must be a heavy sleeper!

I think your pictures of the Osborne lights are actually the first I've seen. They look amazing as well! I wish we could have seen them - when we were at DHS they were still up but we only spent the day there so no lights for us :sad1:

It seems like you all had such a wonderful NYE - this one will be hard to top I'm sure!

[serrotak]

Those lights are beautiful. One year we will go see them.

[praisehisname]

Around 11:15, Reid closed up his DS and laid his head on my lap. The next think we knew, he was sound asleep!

Poor thing must have been exhausted to sleep through all that!

[MHTeacher]

Great update! The fireworks look amazing - I can't believe Reid slept through all of that, he must be a heavy sleeper!

I think your pictures of the Osborne lights are actually the first I've seen. They look amazing as well! I wish we could have seen them - when we were at DHS they were still up but we only spent the day there so no lights for us :sad1:

It seems like you all had such a wonderful NYE - this one will be hard to top I'm sure!

Thanks Courtney. :) I couldn't believe he slept through all that either...he is a heavy sleeper until about 6 a.m........:rolleyes1

You will definitely need to rewind your annual trip by a week, so that you can catch the Osborne lights. They are one of my favorite Christmas attractions at Disney!

[MHTeacher]

Those lights are beautiful. One year we will go see them.


You definitely need to see them, and all the Christmas activities they have. Anyone who loves Disney will love seeing it all done up for the holidays! :thumbsup2

[MHTeacher]

Poor thing must have been exhausted to sleep through all that!

I guess he was........He still doesn't know he missed it! When the girls told him about it, he just grinned and said, "No, I didn't." :laughing:

[carissanboys]

Hey Michelle! Stopping by to say hello. :wave: I'll catch up soon! :goodvibes

[ladybugmom]

WOW! I cannot believe that Reid slept through all of that!! But it sounds like something my girls would do!! When we took Ally to her first BAMA game (she was 1) she slept through the entire halftime and 2nd half of the game!! (in '05 we beat TN 6-3)

[MHTeacher]

WOW! I cannot believe that Reid slept through all of that!! But it sounds like something my girls would do!! When we took Ally to her first BAMA game (she was 1) she slept through the entire halftime and 2nd half of the game!! (in '05 we beat TN 6-3)

I wish mine would have slept through it (Elizabeth was 7 and Rachel was 5!) It wouldn't have cost me as much money......Instead, they wanted to EAT throughout it! :laughing:

[MHTeacher]

Hey Michelle! Stopping by to say hello. :wave: I'll catch up soon! :goodvibes


Hi Carissa! Thanks for stopping by to read. :) I've been thinking about this 1/2 marathon ALL DAY !!!:yay::yay::yay:

[carissanboys]

Hi Carissa! Thanks for stopping by to read. :) I've been thinking about this 1/2 marathon ALL DAY !!!:yay::yay::yay:

Hopefully you won't be like me and not be able to sleep tonight!! :rotfl:

[MHTeacher]

Hopefully you won't be like me and not be able to sleep tonight!! :rotfl:

It's very possible---but at what time, who knows? Kevin, (my DH) has been out of town since Sunday, and won't be home until tomorrow. So....I tend to sit up TOOOOOO late on this board! ;)

[SoonerGirl]

Hey there Michelle! Just found your TR and I'm all caught up.

I can't believe the crowds! It looks like we got out of there just in time :laughing:

I loved your daughter's cake - it was so pretty. I'm thinking about ordering a cake for my mom & I to be delivered during our dinner at the GF Cafe. Both of our birthday's are in May, but aren't actually during our trip, so I feel kinda weird ordering a cake.

I'm also shocked that Reid slept through all that noise, poor guy must have been exhausted.

Oh, and by the way, my 13 year old thinks your 13 year old is cute..... :goodvibes

[MHTeacher]

Hey there Michelle! Just found your TR and I'm all caught up.

I can't believe the crowds! It looks like we got out of there just in time :laughing:

I loved your daughter's cake - it was so pretty. I'm thinking about ordering a cake for my mom & I to be delivered during our dinner at the GF Cafe. Both of our birthday's are in May, but aren't actually during our trip, so I feel kinda weird ordering a cake.

I'm also shocked that Reid slept through all that noise, poor guy must have been exhausted.

Oh, and by the way, my 13 year old thinks your 13 year old is cute..... :goodvibes

I know...the crowds were crazy, that's the only reason we've always avoided visiting during this time. But your baby girl only turns 16 once. :goodvibes I thought the cake was pretty too, and it tasted pretty yummy as well.

:laughing: So...your 13 year old thinks my 13 year old is cute ?!?! She is pretty cute, even if I do say so myself. ;) I love her, but boy, does she drive me CRAZY :upsidedow:mad::upsidedow somedays!

[disneycruising]

Love your trip report!

We were in WDW thed 26-30...it was a busy place.;)

[MHTeacher]

Love your trip report!

We were in WDW thed 26-30...it was a busy place.;)

Thanks---this is the first trip report I've ever written, but it really is a fun way to meet other DISers.

It was a crazy place, wasn't it? Where were you staying Dec 26-30?
You should have stayed another day through New Year's Eve! :scared1:

[DWGal210]

What a fun day you guys had at HS!

Poor Reid, he was just wiped out!! But at least he perked back up for the end of the night.

We decided to not to Fantasmic this trip...but I love that show, I was sorry to miss it - but I knew the crowds would be insanity. :3dglasses

[MHTeacher]

.
We decided to not to Fantasmic this trip...but I love that show, I was sorry to miss it - but I knew the crowds would be insanity. :3dglasses


AND it was crazy :scared1:. When we got caught up in the first show's exit traffic, the line to get into the second showing was crazy. They had already began letting people move into the line toward the stadium where they hold you at the rope, and the line still stretched out the entrance, down past Beauty and the Beast. I thought "NO WAY!" But then when we passed by about 5 minutes before the show was to start, there was no one. All those other folks had stood in line for 2 hours, and now sat in the theater for 45 minutes, and I just breezed in. Sure was glad....Fantasmic is tied with "Wishes" for my fave! :goodvibes

If you can handle not having the best seat, this is the way to do it! :thumbsup2

[hardlabor]

What a great trip report! Thank you for sharing. We have already decided that the next trip for us will be for our daughters 16th, and I was worried about her "teen" attitude that has already started...(she just turned 13). Your report gives me hope that we will all enjoy that trip together:worship:

[MHTeacher]

What a great trip report! Thank you for sharing. We have already decided that the next trip for us will be for our daughters 16th, and I was worried about her "teen" attitude that has already started...(she just turned 13). Your report gives me hope that we will all enjoy that trip together:worship:


Thanks! :)

Tell me about these "teen" attitudes. I have two daughters, a 16 year old :drive:, and a 13 (about to be 14) year old :cheer2: My poor husband gets overloaded on female hormones at our house---even the dog is female! ;)

[MHTeacher]

New Years Eve--cont.

When we were finished at the Osborne Lights, Elizabeth and Kevin went into a gift shop. Rachel, Reid, and I sat down near the tip board to wait for them. As we were waiting, a CM came over and started talking to us. We told him that we were waiting for the rest of our party and then planned to ride, if the wait times had lessened. He asked if there was a particular ride we had missed today, and we told him no, that we’d ridden it either today or on a previous trip. He then asked what our favorite ride was. We agreed it was Rock-n-Roller Coaster. He then told Reid that he was going to play a little Aerosmith trivia game with him. He told Reid that he was going to say the words to an Aerosmith song, and wanted Reid to name that song. So here’s how the conversation went:

CM: “Dream on, Dream on, Dream on, Dream on…..wait for it… Dream on.”
CM: “Now, what’s the name of that song?”

Reid: (shrugs his shoulders) “I don’t know…..Dream on?????”

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

It was so cute. The CM said “That’s it!” Then he pulled out a little carbon copied notebook, and proceeded to write us a “check”, he called it. It was for an immediate fast pass to RNRC for our entire party! :woohoo: Yea! I had to be the extra fifth person in our party and got seated with strangers, but that’s ok. I had fun anyway.

After riding, it was around 2 a.m. and we were exhausted. We decided to head out and catch that great water taxi back to Yacht Club. The Christmas Tree outside the park was still lit and pretty.


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1908.jpg


When we walked into our room, our mousekeeper had arranged Mickey to be reading to the little ones. Too Cute!:cutie:


http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1910.jpg



As I turned out the last light, I looked at the clock, and it read 2:50 a.m. *YAWN* We had a full day of driving home tomorrow!

Continued in next post

[ladybugmom]

Yay for a FP for Rockin' Roller Coaster!!! :woohoo: Don't you just love magical moments like that?! And that HS tree is beautiful all lit up!! Love the arrangement of Mickey reading to the little ones--sooo cute!! On our last trip we had a wonderful Mousekeeper who would make the girls towel animals and arrange their stuffed animals and nightgowns on the bed--she did this EVERY day!! it was awesome!! The girls were so excited to get back to the room to see what was waiting for them!! :goodvibes

[racefanof88]

I think anyone that rides RRC are the bravest people..........:lmao:. Dale and Tyler love it, and Tyler started riding it at Dallas' age, but Dallas is like me, he will NOT ride anything that turns him upside down or takes him us too high.

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Sounds like a great way to wrap up the night! That conversation between Reid and the CM is too funny :rotfl:

And the stuffed animal set up is adorable! I love it!

[MHTeacher]

Yay for a FP for Rockin' Roller Coaster!!! :woohoo: Don't you just love magical moments like that?! And that HS tree is beautiful all lit up!! Love the arrangement of Mickey reading to the little ones--sooo cute!! On our last trip we had a wonderful Mousekeeper who would make the girls towel animals and arrange their stuffed animals and nightgowns on the bed--she did this EVERY day!! it was awesome!! The girls were so excited to get back to the room to see what was waiting for them!! :goodvibes

I do love magical moments, and every trip is full of them!

I thought the Mickey arrangement was cute too. :) The kids got a kick out of it as well. Even though we were only there three nights, I was very impressed with the mousekeeping at Yacht Club. :thumbsup2

I think anyone that rides RRC are the bravest people..........:lmao:. Dale and Tyler love it, and Tyler started riding it at Dallas' age, but Dallas is like me, he will NOT ride anything that turns him upside down or takes him us too high.

Dana, tell Dallas that he is missing out on some major fun, but I understand. The upside down or too high part is ok with me, but don't spin me around and around and around and around.....:sick:

Sounds like a great way to wrap up the night! That conversation between Reid and the CM is too funny :rotfl:

And the stuffed animal set up is adorable! I love it!

Yeah, it was funny, and if you could have heard Reid's tone of voice, that made it funnier. It was like "I have no idea, but I'll just take a guess..."

The kids really liked the stuffed animal set up too!

[SoonerGirl]

Awesome score on the RnRC FPs!! Love that ride! I love how Reid 'won' them for you too :thumbsup2

[Queila]

Such a great report. Read the whole thing through in one shot.;)

Love the pictures. Congratulations on your beautiful family. :goodvibes

I still cannot get over those big crowds though. :scared1:I think I never saw anything like that.

Hopefully we won't have that problem in May. It will be my first time at Disney in the Spring.

Q

[brookelizabeth]

I guess he was........He still doesn't know he missed it! When the girls told him about it, he just grinned and said, "No, I didn't." :laughing:

:rotfl2: That's great that he doesn't think he missed it! Must have had fireworks in his dreams! :goodvibes

That is SO GREAT about the FPs!!!!! :banana: What a perfect ending to a wonderful day!

[MHTeacher]

Awesome score on the RnRC FPs!! Love that ride! I love how Reid 'won' them for you too :thumbsup2

I know....RnRc---probably our favorite ride in all of Disneyworld! :thumbsup2

:rotfl2: That's great that he doesn't think he missed it! Must have had fireworks in his dreams! :goodvibes

That is SO GREAT about the FPs!!!!! :banana: What a perfect ending to a wonderful day!

I don't even think he heard them. He was still out cold when they were finished!

The FPs were a good ending...love to ride RnRC!

[MHTeacher]

Such a great report. Read the whole thing through in one shot.;)

Love the pictures. Congratulations on your beautiful family. :goodvibes

I still cannot get over those big crowds though. :scared1:I think I never saw anything like that.

Hopefully we won't have that problem in May. It will be my first time at Disney in the Spring.

Q

Thank you. :)

I know...the crowds were a little scary! But I had tried to prepare myself for that, so much that they were actually better than I had imagined!
I sure hope that won't be the problem in May, since we'll be there at the same time as you. I noticed today on the crowd calendar, that some of the days had dropped from 7s to 6s. :banana:

[carissanboys]

One day I plan to see the Osbourne Family Lights - high on my list! :thumbsup2 It's so beautiful even in pictures so I can only imagine in person.

Very cool on the fast pass check! :cool1: I rode RnRC for the first time last year and never again for me. That take off - ick. But, glad you all got to ride your favorite again without much wait. :goodvibes

[MeMom]

Cute pictures of an exhausted boy.
I'm glad he did get up to enjoy some fun later.

I'm enjoying the pictures. I'm not so sure I'm going to like this whole 'driving home' chapter coming up, though. :laughing:

I bet all of you guys have awesome teenage daughters, by the way. :thumbsup2

[MHTeacher]

One day I plan to see the Osbourne Family Lights - high on my list! :thumbsup2 It's so beautiful even in pictures so I can only imagine in person.

Very cool on the fast pass check! :cool1: I rode RnRC for the first time last year and never again for me. That take off - ick. But, glad you all got to ride your favorite again without much wait. :goodvibes

You have to see the lights...they are beautiful. If you see them before Christmas, it really puts you in the mood for the holiday. :goodvibes

Cute pictures of an exhausted boy.
I'm glad he did get up to enjoy some fun later.

I'm enjoying the pictures. I'm not so sure I'm going to like this whole 'driving home' chapter coming up, though. :laughing:

I bet all of you guys have awesome teenage daughters, by the way. :thumbsup2

Thanks MeMom! :)

I NEVER like any part of the "driving home" chapter! ;)

[disneybird69]

That picture of Mickey "reading" to the other animals is really cute.

[MHTeacher]

So now you’ve heard about our birthday trip that just happened to put us at Disney during the dreaded Christmas/New Years week. :scared1::scared1::scared1: WE SURVIVED IT!! (And did it with flying colors, I might add!)

Thanks for reading my first ever trip report. I had a lot of fun writing it and talking to you all. I think I may be hooked on this---look out for a pre-trip report soon! [Suggestions for a catchy pre-trip report title will be taken for: (March trip/with my sister and our kids---no husbands) and the May trip (our family vacation.)]


As I finish this trip report, I will leave you with this photo. It was actually made during our May ’07 trip , but it always makes me happy. I see it and think, “Yes, you will see me again real soon!” :goodvibes

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/disney%20may%2007/IMG2858_226.jpg

[SoonerGirl]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us Michelle! These trip reports are addicting aren't they?

Love that last photo :goodvibes

[lovegrumpy]

I loved reading you report. It did make me realize no Disney over NYE. To many people.

[ladybugmom]

Awww!! I hate that your TR is coming to an end, Michelle!! But I've really enjoyed reading about your trip and getting to know you better!! :goodvibes Can't wait for a PTR!!

[MeMom]

So now you’ve heard about our birthday trip that just happened to put us at Disney during the dreaded Christmas/New Years week. :scared1::scared1::scared1: WE SURVIVED IT!! (And did it with flying colors, I might add!)



http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/disney%20may%2007/IMG2858_226.jpg

We survived, too, and if you play it right, there are still times when you can walk right onto/into rides and attractions, even with major, major crowds. Glad you had a good time.

See Ya Real Soon is a comforting thought as you walk out of Magic Kingdom for the last time of a trip. ::yes::

Thanks for the good report. I'll be joining you for the March and May reports as we wait until the very last day of June to be able to go again. :sad1:

[brookelizabeth]

Wonderful report! Please let me know when you start a PTR! :yay: I'm terrible at thinking of titles, I always have my DH do it! :laughing:

[MHTeacher]

[/SIZE]Thanks for sharing your trip with us Michelle! These trip reports are addicting aren't they?

Love that last photo :goodvibes


You're welcome! :) I LOVE that last photo too. It really does make me happy. We also have one from a September trip, as we were leaving MK before a MNSSHP. The folks holding the signs are "dressed up" in their Halloween costumes and the signs are shaped like bats.

I loved reading you report. It did make me realize no Disney over NYE. To many people.

Ahhh, yes, there were lots of people, but completely doable if you've been before, and know what to do and when to do it! Don't let my report scare you off. I hope it didn't come off as that we had a horrible time, because that was not the case. Since being home, we've actually said, that we had one of the best times we'd ever had at Disney! :thumbsup2

[lovegrumpy]

No you didn't scare me off. I love going to WDW but don't really like it when its packed. We have only been once when it was awful. We'll see this Aug when we go again. I hear summer is bad.

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

I so enjoyed your TR and I'm so glad you decided to write one! It's so fun to be able to get a glimpse into how other families do Disney :goodvibes

As another "first time writer" I hear you on the addiction!

And I'll definitely be looking for your PTR when you get it started!!

[MHTeacher]

Awww!! I hate that your TR is coming to an end, Michelle!! But I've really enjoyed reading about your trip and getting to know you better!! :goodvibes Can't wait for a PTR!!

Thanks Becky! I'm going to start on a PTR real soon, I promise. 'Till then, I'll just have to enjoy reading all of yours and the other "Mayers" PTRs! :thumbsup2
We survived, too, and if you play it right, there are still times when you can walk right onto/into rides and attractions, even with major, major crowds. Glad you had a good time.

Thanks for the good report. I'll be joining you for the March and May reports as we wait until the very last day of June to be able to go again. :sad1:

Thanks MeMom! I'm glad we all "survived" it! :)

[hardlabor]

Your trip report has been so much fun to read! Thank you for sharing!

[MHTeacher]

Wonderful report! Please let me know when you start a PTR! :yay: I'm terrible at thinking of titles, I always have my DH do it! :laughing:

Thanks Brook. :) I'm working on the PTR title; only dilemna I have (besides a title) is do I combine the March trip and the May trip into one report? or do I try to write two at the same time? OR, do I just work on the March one now, then switch to May after the March trip is finished? :headache: I think I'm losing my mind! ;)

[MHTeacher]

I so enjoyed your TR and I'm so glad you decided to write one! It's so fun to be able to get a glimpse into how other families do Disney :goodvibes

As another "first time writer" I hear you on the addiction!

And I'll definitely be looking for your PTR when you get it started!!

Thanks Courtney! I've had fun writing it, and had fun reading your trip report as well.

[SoonerGirl]

Thanks Brook. :) I'm working on the PTR title; only dilemna I have (besides a title) is do I combine the March trip and the May trip into one report? or do I try to write two at the same time? OR, do I just work on the March one now, then switch to May after the March trip is finished? :headache: I think I'm losing my mind! ;)

I would combine the PTR and do both together since they are so close, then just do a separate TR for each one :thumbsup2

[MHTeacher]

Your trip report has been so much fun to read! Thank you for sharing!

Thanks! ----So glad you came over and read!

[MHTeacher]

I would combine the PTR and do both together since they are so close, then just do a separate TR for each one :thumbsup2

Sounds like a plan....I don't think I could keep two separate PTRs straight! :laughing: I'm still trying to decide on a title.......:scratchin

[MHTeacher]

Just wanted to update that I have began my new PTR for my two upcoming spring trips! The title is in my sig. :cool1:

[macrosswife]

Hi, Michelle!
I stumbled across your trip report this morning and just had to pop in and say Hi, since I'm from North Alabama, too! :wave2:
I'm also in Harvest. (Hi, BrooklynnsMommy!)

Okay...hopping over to your new trip report....

~Kimber

[MHTeacher]

Hi Kimber! :wave2: Thanks for coming over to introduce yourself. :thumbsup2

[The4bits]

Loved your TR. That picture "See Ya Real Soon" is a treasure. Perfect ending.

[KathyRN137]

(Oh, the joys of raising an emotional [and tired] teenage girl!



:laughing: Oh, you've got that right!! :rolleyes:



http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/rkmadams/Disney-Dec%2009/IMGP1839.jpg


Oh...my...goodness!! That is so gorgeous!!

I loved your report... hope to see you soon on your PTR(s)!


Kathy

[racefanof88]

I'm so glad you shared your TR. When a TR ends it is almost like having to leave Disney. Now you can focus on your two PTRs.

[wigdoutdismom]

Just read about Reid sleeping through all of the NYE celebrating! That's one sound sleeping boy! Then up walking through Osbourne lights.....:lmao: You took some beautiful pictures!
Such a late night with a drive looming ahead the next day.
Not a happy thought.

[praisehisname]

The CM said “That’s it!” Then he pulled out a little carbon copied notebook, and proceeded to write us a “check”, he called it. It was for an immediate fast pass to RNRC for our entire party! :woohoo:

Yay!!! :dance3: I really enjoyed reading your report; thanks for sharing it!

Denise