I keep forgeting that it's Christmas time! Dec 2011 TR (*2/20*) [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

disneydreamingdebby

12-27-2011, 03:55 PM

Hello to all of my friends and to the new friends I hope to meet!

My name is Debby and my wonderful Dh is Gregg. He is just as crazy about being in Disney world as I am.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-cJrf4FM/0/M/i-cJrf4FM-M.jpg

We have twin girls who will be 10 in February...where did that time go?

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-M2z2SBn/0/M/i-M2z2SBn-M.jpg (This is a picture from summer which explains the glow...)

This trip was very exciting for me. Dh and I want to go to WDW for all of the different events, but our work schedules prohibit us. I am a high school teacher, and he is a mailman, so when I have school breaks, he is unable to take off. I can't complain though; we go in the summer and find a long weekend in Jan/ Feb that isn't too disruptive for me to take off a couple of days. Our girls are very good students in fourth grade so we can still pull them out for a couple of days.

Due to major cuts to PA's education budget, my district decided that it would save money by closing the school a week early for our holiday break. Hence, dh was able to take off without running into any problems at work. I requested three days vacation for my girls and planned our Christmas Disney trip!

Trip dates: 12/16 through 12/21
Resort: Pop Century 12/16 and Beach Club Villas 12/17- 12/21
Transportation: all modes Disney
Tickets: Annual Passes
Dining Plan: 12/16 - counter; 12/17-12/21 regular

TinkerbellLuvr7

12-27-2011, 06:43 PM

I'm here!!

Charleston Princess

12-28-2011, 06:53 AM

Here and ready for all your Christmas fun, Debby!!! :santa:

DMGeurts

12-28-2011, 08:02 AM

I followed along with your PTR (not sure if I ever posted)... Just wanted to let you know, I am tagging along on your TR too. :)

D~

NMW

12-28-2011, 08:45 AM

Subscribing

Disneyfreak616

12-28-2011, 10:37 AM

I'm here!

disneydreamingdebby

12-28-2011, 01:25 PM

Megan - Welcome - here's your Mickey Bar for being first... :mickeybar

Jackie - Glad you are joining the Christmas fun as you plan for Independence day! :wave:

D- :welcome: I saw your wonderful handmade bag over on Steph's report. I can't remember when your trip is, but I look forward to getting to know you!

NMW - :welcome: Thanks for joining! I am curious how old your pirates and princess are....

Hello Kristen! :wave: I see that very exciting DVC trip planned! I am excited your family bought into the magic!

disneydreamingdebby

12-28-2011, 01:26 PM

All of the events leading to Disney were mundane...so I will jump right to the trip. Even the mundane in Disney is somehow exciting!

We arrived at MCO around 10:05, so we had to get our luggage. The wait wasn't awful, but it felt long...we had a bus to catch!!!

We arrived at Pop sometime around 11ish. (I promise the pictures get better and better...)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-FbGRXS9/0/L/i-FbGRXS9-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-NwtPvQK/0/L/i-NwtPvQK-L.jpg

Dhs retrieved luggage while bf and I went in to check in. I went first, and we were assigned the eighties building room 71## - can't find paperwork right now...dh picked up mugs to get something to drink before heading to room.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-jsTW94h/0/L/i-jsTW94h-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-pmfcBBT/0/L/i-pmfcBBT-L.jpg

Since we were only staying the night, we had no preference on room assignment. We of course took the longest route to our room because we had difficulty finding it. (This meant that we took a nice stroll along Memory Lane and Hourglass Lake.)

It didn't seem to bother any of us as we were in Disney, and it was a nice evening! (Bf's family was assigned to the fifties building. They enjoyed it, but she said she will request a different building in the future.)

Once we found the room, the girls immediately ran outside to check out the pool, and I checked for bedbugs... then I joined them for some picture taking...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-mRqTQrV/0/L/i-mRqTQrV-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-n5RXqhw/0/L/i-n5RXqhw-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-mcSjBsF/0/L/i-mcSjBsF-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JbstNQP/0/L/i-JbstNQP-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-4CFCzzm/0/L/i-4CFCzzm-L.jpg

After taking some pictures, we talked our girls out of a swim (it was well past midnight, they'd have to get showers, we needed to be at bus for HS by 7:15). I had dh call bell services to arrange for luggage pick up. I told him 6:15. Then, I reconsidered and thought that wasn't going to work. I called bell services and asked them to make it 6:45. (Dh must have been annoyed, but he didn't mention it--it helped that I called and didn't ask him to do it again.) Close to 1 AM, we turned in for the night.

TinkerbellLuvr7

12-28-2011, 01:36 PM

A long night but it looked like a good time! You're right, one night in 80s isn't horrible but a whole week in 80s would not be my cup of tea!!!

NMW

12-28-2011, 05:33 PM

Our kids are 15 13 and our little princess is 10

Grumpy's Wife

12-28-2011, 06:49 PM

I remember reading your last trip report. I'm here for another round.

JessicaKnits

12-28-2011, 09:02 PM

Late night for you all! Great start, looking forward to reading more.

__disneygirl

12-28-2011, 10:31 PM

Great start!! Your title attracted me b/c we were there from Dec 5-14 and I also didn't feel like it was Christmas at all! I've never been to Disney during the holiday season before and it was just too warm for me to feel Christmassy! It was odd hearing Christmas music in place of the regular area music in some areas of WDW, I have to say. The decorations were so beautiful though.

marDgreen88

12-28-2011, 11:15 PM

Hey there! I'm joining in, we were there at the same time for a few days! I COMPLETELY agree, I had to keep reminding myself that it was December!

Charleston Princess

12-29-2011, 05:43 AM

Yeay for arriving at Disney! Great pictures at Pop -- love that Christmas tree! Glad you were able to talk the girls out of a swim -- I would have been falling asleep at that point.

disneydreamingdebby

12-29-2011, 07:43 AM

A long night but it looked like a good time! You're right, one night in 80s isn't horrible but a whole week in 80s would not be my cup of tea!!!

The resort didn't seem as large as I expected. I don't have a true picture of the 80s location because the only time we walked to it, we were very lost.

Our kids are 15 13 and our little princess is 10

Are your children huge Disney World fans? Does the 15 year old still enjoy it like when he was younger?

I remember reading your last trip report. I'm here for another round.

:flower3: Thanks for following along!

Late night for you all! Great start, looking forward to reading more.

It was a long day since the girls and I had our normal school days; dh had the day off (otherwise, he'd never be home in time for the flight.)
Thank you! :goodvibes

Great start!! Your title attracted me b/c we were there from Dec 5-14 and I also didn't feel like it was Christmas at all! I've never been to Disney during the holiday season before and it was just too warm for me to feel Christmassy! It was odd hearing Christmas music in place of the regular area music in some areas of WDW, I have to say. The decorations were so beautiful though.

I was very thankful for the warm weather; it certainly was a component of why it didn't feel like Christmas. I was worried about the music. I was afraid I would miss the regular music. Luckily, I enjoyed the Christmas music.

Hey there! I'm joining in, we were there at the same time for a few days! I COMPLETELY agree, I had to keep reminding myself that it was December!

:welcome: If it wasn't for the music...(which is crazy since there were decorations everywhere!)

Yeay for arriving at Disney! Great pictures at Pop -- love that Christmas tree! Glad you were able to talk the girls out of a swim -- I would have been falling asleep at that point.

I wanted to let them; I really did. I just knew it wouldn't be ten minutes bed. It would be ten minutes, shower, wet suits all the next day in a park bag, in bed at 2. :scared1:

disneydreamingdebby

12-29-2011, 08:12 AM

Many of you agreed with my sentiments behind my title.

Every year, I am very attached to our Christmas tree. I love coming home every day, turning on the lights, and just hanging out with our tree! Here is this year's Christmas tree...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-GXV8cPS/1/L/i-GXV8cPS-L.jpg

I considered getting a tree for our room in Disney, but I decided it would be a waste of money. We aren't in our room enough on vacation to warrant it.

Instead, these were our decorations:

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-GQpb4DR/0/L/i-GQpb4DR-L.jpg

I picked them up at Walgreens before our trip, and dh and the girls enjoyed them.

It didn't matter that there were decorations EVERYWHERE in the parks. The warm weather made it really hard to think December. Honestly, it was the Christmas music playing everywhere that reminded me!

disneydreamingdebby

12-29-2011, 08:37 AM

Dh and I woke up bright and early at 6 am. After getting ready, we woke the sleeping beauties who were slow moving. At 6:45, bell services appeared and we essentially followed him out of the room. On our way to Everything Pop, I had to take some pictures!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-dRsK2J7/0/L/i-dRsK2J7-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-PXq7jV4/0/L/i-PXq7jV4-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-jFkbTgN/0/L/i-jFkbTgN-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Dp9HV5t/0/L/i-Dp9HV5t-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Rhjt8Sk/0/L/i-Rhjt8Sk-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JNVrMzg/0/L/i-JNVrMzg-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-V6DDGzd/0/L/i-V6DDGzd-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-qdLhsPH/0/L/i-qdLhsPH-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-pPqXPk5/0/L/i-pPqXPk5-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-dkFRmGk/0/L/i-dkFRmGk-L.jpg

We headed in for breakfast...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-LqdXkft/0/L/i-LqdXkft-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-7Ng4QHL/0/L/i-7Ng4QHL-L.jpg

Dh and I both ordered Western Omelets:
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-gf74GdX/0/L/i-gf74GdX-L.jpg

We ordered a bounty platter for the girls to share:
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JkHt8m3/0/L/i-JkHt8m3-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

12-29-2011, 08:58 AM

After I ate (quickly to get more pictures and not hold up the family), I darted to the store

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-SdNr9Cg/0/L/i-SdNr9Cg-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-QfHDBjB/0/L/i-QfHDBjB-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-vcMCTSh/0/L/i-vcMCTSh-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JN6GvHL/0/L/i-JN6GvHL-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-H2fJjFX/0/L/i-H2fJjFX-L.jpg

Some new merchandise

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-LXbRwxW/0/L/i-LXbRwxW-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-LScXVf4/0/L/i-LScXVf4-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-qHMKr9J/0/L/i-qHMKr9J-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-vMjzMnH/0/L/i-vMjzMnH-L.jpg

I wanted to get a new lanyard or two for school. I have to wear an ID badge everyday. I currently wear a Disney Nerds lanyard.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JZkPSch/0/L/i-JZkPSch-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-HSV3ppG/0/L/i-HSV3ppG-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-BZThftf/0/L/i-BZThftf-L.jpg

By this time, the family caught up to me in the store, and we headed to the bus.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-FsgkNVw/0/L/i-FsgkNVw-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-NW8JLtg/0/L/i-NW8JLtg-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Vd4R8Tr/0/L/i-Vd4R8Tr-L.jpg

Right as we walked outside, the Hollywood Studios bus was there. We wanted to make it there for 8 AM EMH, and we didn't hop on the bus until 7:30AM! :scared1: How far back would we be in the Toy Story Mania Dash?

wishing4PA

12-29-2011, 11:29 AM

NMW

12-29-2011, 03:54 PM

Our 15 yr old doesn't really care where we go. It is really the 13 and 10 yr old that can't wait to go back

disneydreamingdebby

12-29-2011, 04:30 PM

Yay! The photos are here, the photos are here!:banana:
I love your tree. The monorail looks like it barely manages to get around the bottom branches, but it looks great there!

It was funny how your daughters suddenly "grew" in my mind, from the pics in front of the giant icons. They look so tall! Ironic, somehow.:confused3
Keep posting! So far I've decided I'm ready to stay in POP -- for the next next trip.

I don't where the branch came from...I think my dd moved an ornament to showcase one of her new ones...I removed it in case my dh wants to turn on his toy...:rotfl2:

The girls are tall, but I find that everyone looks small with those icons!

When in January are you going to the Poly?

Our 15 yr old doesn't really care where we go. It is really the 13 and 10 yr old that can't wait to go back

I didn't care where my parents went when I was 15...I just didn't want to be seen with them. :lmao:

wishing4PA

12-29-2011, 04:52 PM

When in January are you going to the Poly?

MLK weekend -- the kids here get a very long weekend, and we'll probably take them out early from the half-day that kicks it off. I suppose I ought to review the policy on that ... ;)
I'm hoping it won't be too crowded. I know it will be much better than Spring Break or Christmas vacation. Obviously, Disney World is the reason the school board decided to give us that long of a weekend (1/2 day Thursday, full days Friday and Monday.) As long as everyone else isn't thinking the same thing ...
This trip is coming up so fast!:eek: I'm excited :yay:, yes, can you tell? I even checked the weather forecast. Arrival day is now 15 days out, and Accuweather says it'll rain. :sad1: << DD says I need to add in the emote, but I won't be too :sad1: even if it rains at Disney World.

LOL -- I had to edit to say I just checked the school calendar. Apparently we're supposed to have a teacher conference that Friday. Hopefully she won't mind too much! In the past, the teachers have always had alternate days set aside for parents like us who take off. :rolleyes1 If not, DH is staying home this time. I wonder if he would like to attend the parent-teacher conference without me?:laughing:

TinkerbellLuvr7

12-29-2011, 04:52 PM

Your breakfast looked good!!! I really do enjoy that food court! After 3 days at AKL, I was pretty sick of it and their selection and wished that we had a POP food court lol.

EEKK!! We would have been at DHS that same day if we hadn't gone to Universal!!

disneydreamingdebby

12-29-2011, 04:57 PM

So, we hopped on the bus at 7:30 and we arrived at Hollywood Studios at 7:35?!!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-rX4X6v6/0/M/i-rX4X6v6-M.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-fkdgrng/0/L/i-fkdgrng-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-tpr55KM/0/L/i-tpr55KM-L.jpg

He is so cute - just looking right at me saying, "Take me home!"

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-rNzqCQL/0/L/i-rNzqCQL-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-LrfD8t3/0/L/i-LrfD8t3-L.jpg

Even with the picture taking, we made it to this point...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-R2s9TgF/0/L/i-R2s9TgF-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-n9gqdMX/1/L/i-n9gqdMX-L.jpg

I sped to the fastpass line; dh and kids went standby. I wasn't fast enough. My family stopped at the chain right when you turn the corner to head in and waited for me letting families go by. The CM was telling everyone to stay with their parties that "once inside, you will not be able to reconnect." So, I guess the walk in standby until this point in the chain, let people go by until your fastpass person gets caught up method, is Disney sanctioned...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-BQNC8Zs/0/L/i-BQNC8Zs-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-cnF262g/0/L/i-cnF262g-L.jpg

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-R2RbHTR/0/L/i-R2RbHTR-L.jpg

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-qzZtSbn/0/L/i-qzZtSbn-L.jpg

After Toy Story, we headed to the other favorites:

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-XHRVw36/0/L/i-XHRVw36-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

12-29-2011, 05:05 PM

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-x44FMTs/0/L/i-x44FMTs-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-pSPx5bq/0/L/i-pSPx5bq-L.jpg

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Kpw67HK/0/L/i-Kpw67HK-L.jpg

Don't you love posers...???

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Dx6DGcf/0/L/i-Dx6DGcf-L.jpg

After this, we decided to head to Star Tours. Dh and I needed our coffee and our girls were ready for a snack. This little interruption allowed us a pleasant change in our touring...

disneydreamingdebby

12-29-2011, 05:35 PM

MLK weekend -- the kids here get a very long weekend, and we'll probably take them out early from the half-day that kicks it off. I suppose I ought to review the policy on that ... ;)
I'm hoping it won't be too crowded. I know it will be much better than Spring Break or Christmas vacation. Obviously, Disney World is the reason the school board decided to give us that long of a weekend (1/2 day Thursday, full days Friday and Monday.) As long as everyone else isn't thinking the same thing ...
This trip is coming up so fast!:eek: I'm excited :yay:, yes, can you tell? I even checked the weather forecast. Arrival day is now 15 days out, and Accuweather says it'll rain. :sad1: << DD says I need to add in the emote, but I won't be too :sad1: even if it rains at Disney World.

LOL -- I had to edit to say I just checked the school calendar. Apparently we're supposed to have a teacher conference that Friday. Hopefully she won't mind too much! In the past, the teachers have always had alternate days set aside for parents like us who take off. :rolleyes1 If not, DH is staying home this time. I wonder if he would like to attend the parent-teacher conference without me?:laughing:

Your daughter is 7, right? you could probably do an email conference if neither you or her teacher has any concerns. At this point, you would be aware of any of the teacher's concerns...

I've heard that the crowds are busy. We were there the following weekend one year. I don't think the crowds matter if you go to the parks at rope drop and you have a touring plan.

Which parks are you going to? Are you going to get park hoppers? Did your sis do DxDP?

Your breakfast looked good!!! I really do enjoy that food court! After 3 days at AKL, I was pretty sick of it and their selection and wished that we had a POP food court lol.

EEKK!! We would have been at DHS that same day if we hadn't gone to Universal!!

It's funny; I love Mara! We don't typically eat breakfast at the resort anyway. We grab something quick at 6 or so (poptart, granola bar...) and eat a brunch at the parks.

I would have run towards you screaming MEGAN - with very confused and amused people around...:lmao:

disneydreamingdebby

12-29-2011, 05:40 PM

By the way--no flash was used in 99% of my pictures (which explains why some are blurred..) I do not use a flash on dark rides, and one day, I might take pictures of the people who do...;)

disney<333

12-29-2011, 06:33 PM

Hi, Debbie! Joining in! Your girls are beautiful. We checked in the day after you left-- 22-27.

archdandy

12-29-2011, 07:01 PM

Joining in! I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip.

wishing4PA

12-29-2011, 09:26 PM

Your daughter is 7, right? you could probably do an email conference if neither you or her teacher has any concerns. At this point, you would be aware of any of the teacher's concerns...

I've heard that the crowds are busy. We were there the following weekend one year. I don't think the crowds matter if you go to the parks at rope drop and you have a touring plan.

Which parks are you going to? Are you going to get park hoppers? Did your sis do DxDP?
I'm not too concerned about DD(yes, 7). Its just that this year she's gone on to a more challenging magnet program, and I like to keep up with anything the teacher may have to say. We'll try to do the alternate scheduling, but if not, DH actually told me tonight he won't mind going without me. He's pretty good on filling me in on stuff, but I would like to go.
As for touring plans, we'll probably finalize details on the drive down. We'll need to do something besides watch Ratatouille. (DD & I haven't seen it, and we have a Chefs de France ADR at the "right" time for Remy, we hope. DSis is driving, btw, not me, lest anyone think I might be trying to multi-task driving and movie watching.)
We're thinking of MK Friday, EP Saturday (we would have done DHS that day for EMH, but I read Remy is only a Mon-Sat type of rodent, so DHS gets pushed back to Sunday.) We will definitely decide on the must do attractions and head for them at RD. Probably Soarin', TSM, and I'm really not sure in MK. SM is a must for me, but not necessarily everyone else, and the kids get priority. It's odd not having the TP crowd predictions to look at, but at this point, I don't see that we're going to change park days around, so it doesn't make much sense to me to subscribe. DSis did get us hoppers, so that helps. She got the regular DP. More than enough food for all of us, I'm afraid, but we still have more reservations than credits. How does that happen? :confused3 It's going to be so much fun. Did I mention I was excited?

By the way--no flash was used in 99% of my pictures (which explains why some are blurred..) I do not use a flash on dark rides, and one day, I might take pictures of the people who do...;)
Please do! (It'll probably be one of my and DSis's relatives.):headache:

Tell me about RnR? Was this your girls' first time on that one? I haven't ever been on an inversion coaster, though that one is almost tempting me.

NMW

12-29-2011, 09:37 PM

You are right however he still believes in the magic

Charleston Princess

12-30-2011, 05:45 AM

Check you out, Debby, with all your updates! You must still be off from school! :lmao: What a great morning at DHS -- you have already gotten three of the major rides finished, and I bet it wasn't much more than ten in the morning -- if that! :thumbsup2

Donald's nephew is awfully cute there in the window, but I bet he is FULL of mischief! You can see it in his eyes! :rotfl:

Did you pick out a new lanyard?

DMGeurts

12-30-2011, 06:17 AM

Lovin' the updates! Great pictures... I am especially fond of merchandise photos - it seems that I love to shop while at WDW!

D~

disneydreamingdebby

12-30-2011, 07:55 AM

Hi, Debbie! Joining in! Your girls are beautiful. We checked in the day after you left-- 22-27.

Welcome and thank you! :goodvibes So, you arrived with the crowds! Regardless, I'm sure you had a great trip!

Joining in! I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip.

:welcome:

I'm not too concerned about DD(yes, 7). Its just that this year she's gone on to a more challenging magnet program, and I like to keep up with anything the teacher may have to say. We'll try to do the alternate scheduling, but if not, DH actually told me tonight he won't mind going without me. He's pretty good on filling me in on stuff, but I would like to go.
As for touring plans, we'll probably finalize details on the drive down. We'll need to do something besides watch Ratatouille. (DD & I haven't seen it, and we have a Chefs de France ADR at the "right" time for Remy, we hope. DSis is driving, btw, not me, lest anyone think I might be trying to multi-task driving and movie watching.)
We're thinking of MK Friday, EP Saturday (we would have done DHS that day for EMH, but I read Remy is only a Mon-Sat type of rodent, so DHS gets pushed back to Sunday.) We will definitely decide on the must do attractions and head for them at RD. Probably Soarin', TSM, and I'm really not sure in MK. SM is a must for me, but not necessarily everyone else, and the kids get priority. It's odd not having the TP crowd predictions to look at, but at this point, I don't see that we're going to change park days around, so it doesn't make much sense to me to subscribe. DSis did get us hoppers, so that helps. She got the regular DP. More than enough food for all of us, I'm afraid, but we still have more reservations than credits. How does that happen? :confused3 It's going to be so much fun. Did I mention I was excited?

Please do! (It'll probably be one of my and DSis's relatives.):headache:

Tell me about RnR? Was this your girls' first time on that one? I haven't ever been on an inversion coaster, though that one is almost tempting me.

Wow! a competitive program at 7...talk about stressful. I'm sure dh will do great at the conference.

Planning on the way down is a good move! It will help the time pass.

I met Remy last year; we were late for the ressie, and I was bummed. It was the only reason to book Les Chefs. I was able to get another reservation for 7ish, but when we got there 6ish, I asked if they had a table. They sat us right away. Suddenly, Remmie came up to the table. :banana:

I am not a roller coaster person. I enjoy Big Thunder because I think it's tame. I don't enjoy the roughness of SM...I LOVE RNR! My girls road it on their first trip at 6 and haven't looked back. (They are thrill ride junkies!)

You are right however he still believes in the magic

That's wonderful for your family; you get to enjoy both Disney and your son! :wizard:

Check you out, Debby, with all your updates! You must still be off from school! :lmao: What a great morning at DHS -- you have already gotten three of the major rides finished, and I bet it wasn't much more than ten in the morning -- if that! :thumbsup2

Donald's nephew is awfully cute there in the window, but I bet he is FULL of mischief! You can see it in his eyes! :rotfl:

Did you pick out a new lanyard?

haha- I am still off. I don't ever want to go back...:sick: I know I won't mind when we get started again, but that transtion is so hard!

I am terribly home sick for Disney, which is why I keep updating. I figure I can relive the trip and help feed my Disney need.

You're right on the time. It was nearing 10AM.

I did get a lanyard (or two)...

Lovin' the updates! Great pictures... I am especially fond of merchandise photos - it seems that I love to shop while at WDW!

D~

Thanks D. I love to see other people's merchandise before our trip so I can plan out what I want to buy!

disneydreamingdebby

12-30-2011, 09:11 AM

Dh and I needed our coffee. (We forgot that Pop wouldn't have a coffee maker in the room...) I stopped at the coffee stand and dh went to get fps.

We decided to head to Star Tours. On the way, we stopped and the girls selected frozen pinapple bars. I saw a little area with tables

borrowed from Disneypal.com
http://www.disney-pal.com/DisneyHollywoodStudios/images/backlot_express.jpg

So, I suggested we have a seat to enjoy our snacks. I saw that the Jedi Training Academy was going to begin. Dh and I really enjoyed this! The comedy theme of our trip continued.

(I have to go back...) On our flight from Philly to MCO, the flight attendant began the announcements, and said, "You were very lucky that Souhtwest had the best flight attendants booked for your flight. Unfortunately, they weren't available, so you are stuck with us." Later, she came on and asked, "Who lost a wallet? Did someone lose a wallet? Okay, now that I have your attention..." and she proceeded with the safety instructions.

Back to the Jedi Training...the instructor was a hoot! I highly recommend seeing this show even if you don't have little ones to participate.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-9S6bfLG/0/L/i-9S6bfLG-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Jb7dhq7/0/L/i-Jb7dhq7-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-xBpkwzn/2/L/i-xBpkwzn-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-rLbBqJ7/1/L/i-rLbBqJ7-L.jpg

This little guy stole the show! From the very begining, he was adorable. He had a little Jedi towel robe that had ears. They kept slipping, so he kept trying to keep them up while following the instructor's directions. When it was his turn to fight Darth Vadar, DV went towards him and he ducked back behind the instructor. SO CUTE. The instructor was great; she said you don't have to do anything here you don't want. Then, was successful getting him to fight DV!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JB5CMTr/1/L/i-JB5CMTr-L.jpg

After our snacks and the great show, which made me want a light sabar, we headed onto Star Tours. I really need to keep a record of our flights!

Next on the agenda was the use of fps! I love the celebrities you can see in HS!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JGbFzZX/0/L/i-JGbFzZX-L.jpg

Somehow, I beat dh again...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-tjMMQTD/0/L/i-tjMMQTD-L.jpg

How about some alleys?

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-wJWrqf9/0/L/i-wJWrqf9-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-tkZtfkc/0/L/i-tkZtfkc-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-VRxqK5v/0/L/i-VRxqK5v-L.jpg

That limo ride helped my girls work up an appetite! So off for some food, and unexpected entertainment!

Mimi Kaboom was upset that they didn't have the toppings she wanted for her hot dog!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-7FGJbQM/0/L/i-7FGJbQM-L.jpg

Her companion, whose name I can't find, was trying to appease her.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZkzvwLX/0/L/i-ZkzvwLX-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-5vSwwqv/0/L/i-5vSwwqv-L.jpg

He then produced a ring to make her happy...and I bought food to make my princesses happy!

Emma was happy with pizza-

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-XMWHMHQ/0/L/i-XMWHMHQ-L.jpg

Hannah wanted a turkey leg--another first for this trip.
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-HZNjbgg/3/L/i-HZNjbgg-L.jpg

We decided that it would be a good time to head over and check in at Beach Club...

I didn't stop to say hello to Bo, but I was sure to say goodbye!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-d2gtgNX/1/L/i-d2gtgNX-L.jpg

creativeamanda

12-30-2011, 07:53 PM

Joining in! I'm so trying to convince my daughter to do the Tower of Terror, but she own't have it!

RooRach0906

12-30-2011, 08:55 PM

Joining In, loving your TR so far, sounds like you had a fabulous time! We are going next December and I am getting ideas! :goodvibes

Charleston Princess

12-31-2011, 05:48 AM

haha- I am still off. I don't ever want to go back...:sick: I know I won't mind when we get started again, but that transtion is so hard!

I agree -- I don't ever want to go back, either, but I know I will feel differently once we are back into the swing of things.

I am terribly home sick for Disney, which is why I keep updating. I figure I can relive the trip and help feed my Disney need.

I am terribly homesick for Disney, too, so your updates are helping both of us! :thumbsup2

I love the way the flight attendent got everyone's attention -- I bet we could use the same thing (with money, not a wallet, in my class) with the same result. :laughing:

Watching the Jedi Academy while you enjoyed your coffee sounds like a great way to rest, and I love that you stopped and said hi to Bo on your way out. :goodvibes

disneydreamingdebby

12-31-2011, 07:39 AM

Joining in! I'm so trying to convince my daughter to do the Tower of Terror, but she own't have it!

How old is your daughter? Does she like all the other rides?

Joining In, loving your TR so far, sounds like you had a fabulous time! We are going next December and I am getting ideas! :goodvibes

Thank you! :goodvibes We had a great time! It was a great time to go. What week are you going? I am happy to answer any questions. :thumbsup2

I agree -- I don't ever want to go back, either, but I know I will feel differently once we are back into the swing of things.

I am terribly homesick for Disney, too, so your updates are helping both of us! :thumbsup2

I love the way the flight attendent got everyone's attention -- I bet we could use the same thing (with money, not a wallet, in my class) with the same result. :laughing:

Watching the Jedi Academy while you enjoyed your coffee sounds like a great way to rest, and I love that you stopped and said hi to Bo on your way out. :goodvibes

The rest of the year will fly, and we will both be back in Disney before we know it! Did Connor do the Jedi Academy? It was so cute.

annmarieda

12-31-2011, 11:14 AM

thought i would say hello rather than lurk :goodvibes While I felt like the spirit of Christmas was alive (hence my own corny TR title) I do know what you mean about forgetting it was Christmas time. The weather was far to nice and while I loved all the decorations... for us staying inside during December is a normal activity. (not wandering about in the sun) So I forgot on occasion too! :goodvibes

disneydreamingdebby

12-31-2011, 11:16 AM

We decided to stroll to BCV from HS; this truly is a bit quicker (my girls raced the boat). It is sometimes harder when you are tired! However, what's another mile in Disney?

I didn't take pictures along the walk...When we arrived, I did take pictures of the decorations...I am going to insert all pictures of BCV here. I took them at different times, but they will fit best here.

I didn't get a shot of the whole effect--too many people.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-QJxVGZx/1/L/i-QJxVGZx-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-ThQ9r2c/1/L/i-ThQ9r2c-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-VBrKT95/1/L/i-VBrKT95-L.jpg

Lobby in BC

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-KG6MdJg/0/L/i-KG6MdJg-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-DLSBX6f/0/L/i-DLSBX6f-L.jpg

Windows at Marketplace:

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-nxRjK44/0/L/i-nxRjK44-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-xLKXk6p/0/L/i-xLKXk6p-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-nFPknKR/0/L/i-nFPknKR-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-nTXfDf2/0/L/i-nTXfDf2-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-VpdJdCH/0/L/i-VpdJdCH-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

12-31-2011, 11:17 AM

Entry in Beach Club Villas

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-qgZHTNR/0/M/i-qgZHTNR-M.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-r2qWqqd/0/M/i-r2qWqqd-M.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-DsxzMLP/0/L/i-DsxzMLP-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-5wmMHdv/1/L/i-5wmMHdv-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-NNWVdZW/1/L/i-NNWVdZW-L.jpg

The Drawing Room:

Isn't it perfect for a family to spend Christmas morning? I can see the Carousel of Progress family now!
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-xDJ5fZt/0/L/i-xDJ5fZt-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-GHsC9jh/0/L/i-GHsC9jh-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-MFkt78f/0/L/i-MFkt78f-L.jpg

The Breezway: I have to come back and post these (apparently, I more to upload...)

We checked in and headed to our room. I have to share that there is a bit of a "struggle" between DVC Boardwalk lovers and DVC Beach Club Villa lovers. Some complain that Boardwalk's hallways are long. Others say that BCV rooms are just as far.

We've stayed in both. I'd have to say, our room was down a hallway that didn't end. It was .20 mile from the "lobby" of the villas. I jogged it a couple of different times (when no one was in the hall) just to move my running muscles, since all I did was walk the whole trip... (I love both resorts and think both have rooms that are "far" away!)

Our room was 175. We loved the first floor, and the exterior door near our villa (one room down) exited right to the parking lot near the quiet pool. It was convenient for the bus stop.

Not so convenient for the special walkway to Epcot through the villas. I went out, turned right, walked a pathway to a sidewalk near the street and cut through a service entrance drive/ area of Beach Club to get back to the villas walkway. :scared1: I texted dh and told him not to go that way in the dark! He and the girls went that way and he decided we needed to figure out a different route. ;)

Here is the villa - This was the last day after dh and girls left to take our bags. I was saying a final goodbye. :sad1:

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-GgrtWZV/2/L/i-GgrtWZV-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-c4C2TRh/0/L/i-c4C2TRh-L.jpg

Turning around at the door

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-3RtNMDG/0/L/i-3RtNMDG-L.jpg

Left
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Wg9gQb2/0/L/i-Wg9gQb2-L.jpg

Right
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-f4Qwkmj/0/L/i-f4Qwkmj-L.jpg

Straight
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-NkZFvGL/0/L/i-NkZFvGL-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-5PnSZHm/0/L/i-5PnSZHm-L.jpg

Patio left
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-6vGvKnH/0/L/i-6vGvKnH-L.jpg

Patio straight
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Vqfkwgp/0/L/i-Vqfkwgp-L.jpg

Patio slight right
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-J9CMMz5/0/L/i-J9CMMz5-L.jpg

A solo trip to Epcot next...

disneydreamingdebby

12-31-2011, 11:37 AM

creativeamanda

12-31-2011, 11:41 AM

The BCV are so pretty during Christmas! I think I would have been happy with your location--it looks like you were set apart from almost everyone else!

mgsmom

12-31-2011, 12:35 PM

Hey!!!!! I'm here!!!!!! :banana:

Enjoying your TR - your pics are great (as usual!)! I can't believe how grown-up the girls are looking.

Thanks for the shopping trip - I can always count on you for a little shopping! It looks like they had a lot of stuff in the shop at Pop.

And the turkey leg looks delicious!! :love:

So, you were in the 80s building? I think we are going to do Pop this summer for a long weekend trip. I think I will try to get a room in either the building with Moglie and Blue or the one with Lady and the Tramp.

I bet it was really odd for you to have nice weather around the holidays! For us, not so much. I mean, I have pics of DD and DH decorating the tree in flip flops and DD has on capri pants. It's not really cold here yet either. You guys are probably used to snow and coats by now, though, huh?

Can't wait to read more!

Oh, and I'm almost done with my masters. All I have left is a 30-45 minutes power point presentation and oral defense. :woohoo:

onelilspark

12-31-2011, 12:57 PM

Joining in! I love the parks at Christmas time!

poisonapple_PRINCESS

12-31-2011, 01:24 PM

love your photo's! I'm wishing I would have bought that Christmas lanyard now that I see it in your photos again. :sad2: So many things I didnt buy that I now REALLY wish I would have.

I need to get crackin' on updates! You have so many!

soooo far behind.... :surfweb: :rotfl:

IluvXU

12-31-2011, 01:36 PM

Enjoying your report. We love the BC, and are trying out SSR this summer. I am already pretty sure we will miss Stormalong Bay and the Boardwalk area. Which one did you like better BC or BW?

RooRach0906

12-31-2011, 06:23 PM

We will be going Dec 9-15, we are hoping to stay at BLT but we will see. :goodvibes Your girls are adorable by the way, we are excited for the day DD will ride the coasters but we know it will be a few years.

Charleston Princess

01-01-2012, 08:02 AM

Happy New Year, Debby!

Pretty, pretty pictures of the Beach Club -- I love all their decorations and of course, I am a sucker for the gingerbread creations! I don't think I have seen the castle before -- just the carousel.

disneydreamingdebby

01-01-2012, 08:35 AM

The BCV are so pretty during Christmas! I think I would have been happy with your location--it looks like you were set apart from almost everyone else!

I think BCV is a very comfortable resort. I love the beach and the laid back feel of BC feels like the beach. We aren't in our room too often, but I find that no matter where we stay, we don't often see neighbors. :)

Hey!!!!! I'm here!!!!!! :banana:

Enjoying your TR - your pics are great (as usual!)! I can't believe how grown-up the girls are looking.

Thanks for the shopping trip - I can always count on you for a little shopping! It looks like they had a lot of stuff in the shop at Pop.

And the turkey leg looks delicious!! :love:

So, you were in the 80s building? I think we are going to do Pop this summer for a long weekend trip. I think I will try to get a room in either the building with Moglie and Blue or the one with Lady and the Tramp.

I bet it was really odd for you to have nice weather around the holidays! For us, not so much. I mean, I have pics of DD and DH decorating the tree in flip flops and DD has on capri pants. It's not really cold here yet either. You guys are probably used to snow and coats by now, though, huh?

Can't wait to read more!

Oh, and I'm almost done with my masters. All I have left is a 30-45 minutes power point presentation and oral defense. :woohoo:

Yay on seeing an end to the masters!!! Thanks a reason to celebrate this summer!

We really haven't had very cold weather at home either- maybe 40s. (We saw some flurries for an hour on Thursday...) Today is looking like mid 50s, but we have a cold front moving in to make for the 20s next week. It was nice to not have to bundle up in Disney! It is shocking how much older the girls look than they did last year.

2010
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/1138788143_MHkqr-M.jpg

2011 (not a good picture- but it has both)
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-CxWsd48/0/M/i-CxWsd48-M.jpg

I didn't think our location was bad...but after a long day at the park, it might not be the best. It looks like you are looking at the 50s and 60s. The 50s seem like they would be better if you are going to use your car.

Joining in! I love the parks at Christmas time!

:welcome: It was cool to be there and see all of the decorations and events!

love your photo's! I'm wishing I would have bought that Christmas lanyard now that I see it in your photos again. :sad2: So many things I didnt buy that I now REALLY wish I would have.

I need to get crackin' on updates! You have so many!

soooo far behind.... :surfweb: :rotfl:

You can call Disney and order the items you really want...:rolleyes1 I now take pictures of items I want to buy (and then a picture of its tag) so if I want to order it when I get home, I can.

Doing the updates lets me feed the addiction...

Enjoying your report. We love the BC, and are trying out SSR this summer. I am already pretty sure we will miss Stormalong Bay and the Boardwalk area. Which one did you like better BC or BW?

Thank you! :goodvibes We haven't tried SSR. We tried OKW last year, but it feels too remote to us (which we will appreciate some day.) I am nervous that SSR might be the same. One of these days, though, we might not have a waitlist come through (we always book late) and might stay at SSR by default. We might love it though; you never know.

BCV vs BWV - huh...I liked the pool area of BWV better when my girls were a year younger, but now that I can let them out of my sight for more than one second, I don't think it factors in too much.

BWV might have been nice this trip when we walked back from HS, but BCV was awesome for my walks to Epcot...

BWV is less points, so it has that advantage, but I like them both.

We will be going Dec 9-15, we are hoping to stay at BLT but we will see. :goodvibes Your girls are adorable by the way, we are excited for the day DD will ride the coasters but we know it will be a few years.

:goodvibes Thanks!BLT will be nice to walk back and forth to MK! That should be a great week to go with lower crowds! Are you doing MVMCP? (Looking at your smilies, you have just a couple of years for roller coasters...:rolleyes1 :lmao:)

Happy New Year, Debby!

Pretty, pretty pictures of the Beach Club -- I love all their decorations and of course, I am a sucker for the gingerbread creations! I don't think I have seen the castle before -- just the carousel.

Thanks Jackie. Happy New Year to you!:wizard:

Many more pictures of holiday decorations coming your way! :flower3:

disneydreamingdebby

01-01-2012, 09:09 AM

We checked in, and Bell Services told me that Pop doesn't normally send luggage until after 1. (Which of course was amusing as Pop told me that it would probably be there around noon unless there was traffic...:rotfl2:).I left for Epcot and my family headed to the pool. I walked over to Norway to meet my friend and go over her touring plan for the next day, and then went to my lunch reservation.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-2mJcJbV/0/L/i-2mJcJbV-L.jpg

Originally, I was going to stand in the standby line for the Candlelight Processional. The more I read, the more nervous I grew. I was worried that I would stand there and waste half the day. I decided about a week out that I would book the lunch package. The cheapest was Bier Garten, and it was just me. With tip, I was looking at $40, and I thought it was a steal to guarentee me a seat without wasting hours.

I checked in, and I waited for them to call me. I was dreading the announcement: Party of one...Debby. haha. I wasn't overly bothered about eating by myself, but since I had to sit with 7 others, it did make me nervous about my tablemates.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-FDrZ8j2/0/L/i-FDrZ8j2-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-tdgPc48/0/L/i-tdgPc48-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-8K3psrv/0/L/i-8K3psrv-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-gMmSJ9j/0/L/i-gMmSJ9j-L.jpg

Forgive blurry pics- the restaurant is dark and I didn't have best lens.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-GBQdGP7/0/L/i-GBQdGP7-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-2V9D47x/0/L/i-2V9D47x-L.jpg

I was seated with a woman and her mother. Her daughter was singing in the CP. They lived in Florida (a couple of hours away) and had no idea that the CP was a big deal. (So big that I was eating alone to see it. :rotfl2:) They were nice enough. The other family was a couple with son (5?) and his sister and her husband. The sister spoke with me first when her family went for food. They visit Disney once a year. (Again, live in Florida.) Her SIL and I also spoke for a bit. I will say that the one woman made this an interesting meal. She was massaging her husband's neck and back (with her elbows). :scared1: She told me she was a massage therapist, and her husband says he travels with his entourage as she is also a personal trainer. Her family kind of talked about her while she wasn't there; not in a mean way. As I said interesting.

I felt wonderful leaving. The food was delicious. (I didn't take pictures because I was already feeling a little unsure of myself...I didn't really want to explain food porn to the people around me...I think they already thought it strange I was without my family.) As weird as they might have thought I was, they told me that it was generous of me to not make my family go to CP. I thought it was practical. I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much with two bored nine year olds. :thumbsup2

Queenofallthings

01-01-2012, 10:10 AM

I have been away from the Dis for over a month now and I knew I had to find your TR...I've missed you my friend:hug: I sent you a PM!

Love it so far, sounds like a great trip! Can't wait for all your adventures!

disneydreamingdebby

01-01-2012, 10:22 AM

After lunch, I thought about just hanging out in Epcot before going to CP. I roamed a little...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-WhZTCpK/0/L/i-WhZTCpK-L.jpg

I was going to get dh and I a caramel snack...I couldn't figure out what to get him, and I'd have to eat mine later.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-b45mD3w/0/L/i-b45mD3w-L.jpg

Beautiful day!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Kh5NJVQ/0/L/i-Kh5NJVQ-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-5h9pGGk/0/L/i-5h9pGGk-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-7tSCnHT/0/L/i-7tSCnHT-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-pMd4SKt/0/L/i-pMd4SKt-L.jpg

I decided that I needed to head back to pick up my other lenses. I thought I was okay with time.:upsidedow I am not good with time!

I had to stop and grab this shot!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-xBthXT6/0/L/i-xBthXT6-L.jpg

When I headed to Storm Along Bay, I ran into my little ones going to the slide!

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I went to the room and called Bell Services to deliver our luggage. It didn't take them but a minute. Dh and girls came back and I chatted with dh briefly while misplacing my CP reserved seating sticker twice, and packing my lenses!

So, remember how I said I am not good with time...So, I went jogging to Epcot. I perfected my speed walking through France, Japan, and Morocco. I arrived in my seat (a great spot on the end in the front row of the uncovered section.)

I talked with the nice man next to me, but his father next to him was more personable. They attend CP every year (another family from FL).

So, if you want the full effect, you'll have to play music in the background. It was beautiful.

disneydreamingdebby

01-01-2012, 10:33 AM

Candlelight Processional 12/17/11 - 5 pm
Chita Rivera - storyteller

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disneydreamingdebby

01-01-2012, 10:48 AM

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I loved CP! Chita Rivera was wonderful. She was so excited to be narrating and it came across throughout the evening!

After CP, I needed to meet my family.

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They were at Electric Umbrella getting dinner. I took the Friendship boat over.

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Then, I touched base with my girlfriend, and we decided to meet to ride Spaceship Earth.

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Up next, Holiday Illuminations needs to be checked off the check list!

TinkerbellLuvr7

01-01-2012, 11:49 AM

marDgreen88

01-01-2012, 02:16 PM

You got some WONDERFUL pictures! Wow, very impressive! I would have felt weird eating alone too, but I guess it wasn't as obvious since you weren't just sitting at a table by yourself. Worth it to get to see the beautiful CP. :goodvibes

RooRach0906

01-01-2012, 03:53 PM

We are thinking about MVVCP but I have heard mixed reviews so trying to figure out if it will be worth the money? It would definately be better to go this year with DD only be 2 1/2 at the time of the trip.
We have stayed at SSR, we LOVE it there! We also stay at OKW, didnt care for it and it felt further away.
Did you try the Bavarian Dessert at Biergarten??? mmmm so yummy!

disneydreamingdebby

01-01-2012, 05:35 PM

Your BC room walk reminds me of the one we did at AKL (at the same time of course lol) We were down the Zebra trail I think and we were in the very last hallway just like we were 3 years ago! We had views of 2 different savannas and paid for a standard room so the walk didn't bother us one bit. We were glad it was on the same side as the pool because the walk was cut in half when you went down to the pool/food!

I'm glad you liked CLP!! If you would have gone the next day at 6:45, you could have sat with us! My brother has eaten in Germany alone before and I doubt it phased him one bit. He didn't take pics of the food either lol. He was actually going to book it for Christmas Eve since he was off work but decided to stay home and cook for his roommates who had to work!

One of these years, I am doing a solo trip and meeting up with my Dis friends! It is hard to schedule when I am trying to be wife and mommy too.

I know exactly what you mean about cutting across the pool area! That is how we travelled when we were on the Zebra trail.

You got some WONDERFUL pictures! Wow, very impressive! I would have felt weird eating alone too, but I guess it wasn't as obvious since you weren't just sitting at a table by yourself. Worth it to get to see the beautiful CP. :goodvibes

Thank you for the compliments (I take tons and figure something has to turn out...):goodvibes

I wouldn't have minded sitting at a table by myself, oddly enough. haha. I had a bite to eat at Panera the other night and was very happy by the fireplace having a minute to myself.

We are thinking about MVVCP but I have heard mixed reviews so trying to figure out if it will be worth the money? It would definately be better to go this year with DD only be 2 1/2 at the time of the trip.
We have stayed at SSR, we LOVE it there! We also stay at OKW, didnt care for it and it felt further away.
Did you try the Bavarian Dessert at Biergarten??? mmmm so yummy!

I tried almost everything at Biergarten...the desserts were yummy, but I tried to just have a little. That dining plan overloads you with dessert options!

It's good to know that you liked SSR. We don't care where we stay overall. We have preferences, but it's Disney! Each has some positives and negatives. OKW had larger rooms with two beds. My daughters were thrilled.

I didn't do the party because all of the special events from the party were going to happen in the parks while we were there. The 3:00 parade was replaced by the Christmas parade and Wishes was replaced with Holiday Wishes. My vote would be to go to the party since you won't be able to see those without the party. Megan (TinkerbellLuvr7- posted above) went to the party three times this year (is that right Megan, or was it two?) Bonus that your daughter would be free!

creativeamanda

01-01-2012, 05:38 PM

annmarieda

01-01-2012, 07:39 PM

I love the CP pictures. We also saw Chita Rivera... and did not get nearly as good of shots. :sad2::sad2:

__disneygirl

01-01-2012, 09:39 PM

Great updates! Your Beach Club pictures are bringing the smell of the gingerbread back to me! It was so wonderful to walk into that lobby and be hit with that smell. Yum!

Love your CP pics. We saw Isabella Rosellini, Neil Patrick Harris, and Lorraine Bracco and they were all great but I think I liked Lorraine best. Didn't get anywhere near as good pics as you though! I do think it was smart of you to go alone, I hate when I see parents who are clearly forcing their kids to do something... everyone ends up getting upset and it's never fun! In a few years they'll appreciate the CP I bet.

Charleston Princess

01-02-2012, 04:58 AM

That was an interesting lunch. :laughing: The Christmas decorations in Bier Garten are very pretty -- of course, I don't know as if there is such a thing as an ugly Christmas decoration around Disney. LOL!

The CP looks lovely -- how nice you were able to enjoy it without worrying about whether your family was enjoying it as much. :thumbsup2

DMGeurts

01-02-2012, 06:19 AM

PHew... All caught up!

I missed your posting of your villa... Gorgeous - I don't normally see a lot of BCV/BW, becuse I just know I'll probably never stay there. The closest I will get is an ADR at Cape May... LOL Gorgeous pictures though.

I loved seeing your photos of the CP though - gorgeous. I really hope to go to Disney at Christmas time someday.

D~

mgsmom

01-02-2012, 11:45 AM

Good for you! What a fun time! I'm like you, it never bothers me to go eat or do things by myself. It's a real treat sometimes to not have to worry about anyone else just for a little while... ;) And you got to fully enjoy CP without feeling like you had to 'drag' anyone.

Sounds like you had some interesting company at the table. :upsidedow

Let me know if you ever do plan a girls trip to WDW...

Can't wait for the next update!

TanzUnited99

01-03-2012, 10:24 AM

Hi Debby! I finally made my way back onto the boards and am catching up with your TR!

Love the pics of Pop! Makes me wish I was back there right now :( I have to ask did you see the gingerbread houses in the lobby of Pop? I've seen them on other TRs and they look pretty.

Lol I would love to be somewhere warm in December but you are right in that it wouldn't feel like it's Christmas! :laughing:

Wow the crowds at DHS never fail to amaze me :eek: I love the pic on ToT even though one of your daughters faces is blocked by a hand of the person in front.

I'm glad you enjoyed the Jedi training...I'll have to stop and watch it on a future trip.

Great pics of BC - I loved the resort when I payed it a visit and would love to stay here one day.

Wow you really had great weather on your solo trip to Epcot - love the shot of Beauty and the Beast :goodvibes

Think I'm all caught up and will hopefully comment as you go along from here on out!

disneydreamingdebby

01-04-2012, 04:38 PM

I can't believe that when I was there in 2009 by myself I never did the Candlelight processional. Try being on the Deluxe dining plan by yourself. Everyone looked at me like I had three heads all week!

I love the pictures of the CP and I hope to be back at DIsney with the entire family for Christmas someday. It is an awesome experience!

I was really glad to be able to be there at Christmas. There were times that it was like I was alone, because I had a checklist. It was the best of both worlds, really.

It would be odd to eat alone all the time, but peaceful as well! You probably got to absorb a lot of great details!

I love the CP pictures. We also saw Chita Rivera... and did not get nearly as good of shots. :sad2::sad2:

Wasn't she great? I loved her excitement!! Thanks; I really lucked out on my seat (esp since I ran to make it on time!)

Great updates! Your Beach Club pictures are bringing the smell of the gingerbread back to me! It was so wonderful to walk into that lobby and be hit with that smell. Yum!

Love your CP pics. We saw Isabella Rosellini, Neil Patrick Harris, and Lorraine Bracco and they were all great but I think I liked Lorraine best. Didn't get anywhere near as good pics as you though! I do think it was smart of you to go alone, I hate when I see parents who are clearly forcing their kids to do something... everyone ends up getting upset and it's never fun! In a few years they'll appreciate the CP I bet.

It's so funny. I don't remember the smell of Gingerbread at all..:confused3

Wow! You saw fantastic narrators! (Sometimes I am that parent, but I try now only to force them to places that it is an obligation/ life experience that is necessary...)

That was an interesting lunch. :laughing: The Christmas decorations in Bier Garten are very pretty -- of course, I don't know as if there is such a thing as an ugly Christmas decoration around Disney. LOL!

The CP looks lovely -- how nice you were able to enjoy it without worrying about whether your family was enjoying it as much. :thumbsup2

Jackie - really, the conversation and antics could have been on a sitcom! ;)

I didn't see any ugly decorations...:goodvibes

It was nice to enjoy it without having to stare down the kids or saw shush a million and one times... I know you completely understand! :rolleyes1

PHew... All caught up!

I missed your posting of your villa... Gorgeous - I don't normally see a lot of BCV/BW, becuse I just know I'll probably never stay there. The closest I will get is an ADR at Cape May... LOL Gorgeous pictures though.

I loved seeing your photos of the CP though - gorgeous. I really hope to go to Disney at Christmas time someday.

D~

Disney is great because there are so many places to stay. I consider myself very blessed to be able to own DVC, and to have a dh who loves Disney as much as I do.

Good for you! What a fun time! I'm like you, it never bothers me to go eat or do things by myself. It's a real treat sometimes to not have to worry about anyone else just for a little while... ;) And you got to fully enjoy CP without feeling like you had to 'drag' anyone.

Sounds like you had some interesting company at the table. :upsidedow

Let me know if you ever do plan a girls trip to WDW...

Can't wait for the next update!

You will be one of the first people I tell about a girls' trip!

When is your summer trip? Maybe we will be there at the same time. :yay:

Hi Debby! I finally made my way back onto the boards and am catching up with your TR!

Welcome Back!!

Love the pics of Pop! Makes me wish I was back there right now :( I have to ask did you see the gingerbread houses in the lobby of Pop? I've seen them on other TRs and they look pretty.

I didn't see one...:confused3 I could have walked by it though when we ran in to check in the first night.

Lol I would love to be somewhere warm in December but you are right in that it wouldn't feel like it's Christmas! :laughing:

It sure feels like Christmas now... it's 20 Degrees outside right now!

Wow the crowds at DHS never fail to amaze me :eek: I love the pic on ToT even though one of your daughters faces is blocked by a hand of the person in front.

Never fails to happen! The crowds are usually only bad around Toy Story. I like to sit on a bench by Min and Bill's (on the lake). It's very quiet there.

I'm glad you enjoyed the Jedi training...I'll have to stop and watch it on a future trip.
I recommend it!

Great pics of BC - I loved the resort when I payed it a visit and would love to stay here one day.

It is a great resort. It is wonderful to be able to stroll to EPCOT!

Wow you really had great weather on your solo trip to Epcot - love the shot of Beauty and the Beast :goodvibes

We had fantastic weather the whole time!!!

Think I'm all caught up and will hopefully comment as you go along from here on out!

Wonderful to have you along!

disneydreamingdebby

01-04-2012, 07:06 PM

So after riding Spaceship Earth with my friend and her family, we parted ways. They went to use their FP for Soarin. I told them they should hang on the FW side to see Illuminations. Our family headed to World Showcase.

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Emma wanted to get a picture of the reflection, so I copied...

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Meanwhile, dh and Hannah decided to call it a night, while Emma and I found a great trash can to prop my camera.

Boy, did we have to fight some crowds...:rotfl:

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I played with a different spot before finding the right trash can...

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Truth be told, I moved the trash can about three inches. A guy trying to be helpful (who didn't see me move it) suggested that I move it (he offered to help) in order to have an unobstructed view. I told him about moving it already...:rotfl:

Next post: Illuminations: Reflection of Earth.

disneydreamingdebby

01-04-2012, 07:49 PM

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And Emma and I strolled back to BCV to crash! :flower3:

annmarieda

01-04-2012, 08:45 PM

Charleston Princess

01-05-2012, 04:42 AM

Love those Christmas topiaries, and great shots of Illuminations! Was it themed around the holidays?

MeMom

01-05-2012, 04:51 AM

Since I was gone to WDW when you started this and I am having laptop troubles, this is the first chance I have had to be here. I will be back to catch up as soon as I can. I scrolled through some of the pictures and saw some very familiar sights! :santa:

TanzUnited99

01-05-2012, 02:43 PM

Wow love your shots of Illuminations - using a trash can to prop your camera sure worked! :thumbsup2

Lol that is funny about the guy suggesting to move the trash can just after you had moved it!

Thumbs up to Emma for wanting a shot of the reflection as this look so pretty.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-CMZw9sF/0/L/i-CMZw9sF-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

01-05-2012, 06:03 PM

How brilliant to use the garbage can! I drug along a small trippod for dh and he never was able to set it up. Never thought to use a garbage can. :rolleyes: And.. the night of illuminations is the 17th? Wow...what a difference in crowd level from when we saw it just days later!!! Beautiful pics, BTW!!!

I have two tripods: a gorilla pod, which is what I mounted the camera on and then propped it on the trash can (If only I'd remember my remote...) and an old vivitar (given to me by my parents) collapsable with wood around the extender poles. I actually had someone ask me about it in the parks, and he wanted to make me an offer on it. It is an amazing tripod that didn't cost me anything (but it was probably my grandfather's and he probably spent a mint on it...:lmao:)

I stole the trash can idea from someone on the Dis.

Love those Christmas topiaries, and great shots of Illuminations! Was it themed around the holidays?

Thanks! It was Holiday themed. I think the beginning had a musical interlude that it doesn't normally...:confused3 I don't know - it just seemed less dramatic to start after they hushed and blew out the candles...it also seemed longer to get to the story with the images on the globe...

It did have a holiday theme after the orginal finished.

I was all sappy when we watched it in the summer. (It was the first time we actually stopped and watched it...) This time wasn't as moving?!

Since I was gone to WDW when you started this and I am having laptop troubles, this is the first chance I have had to be here. I will be back to catch up as soon as I can. I scrolled through some of the pictures and saw some very familiar sights! :santa:

That is the only acceptable excuse that one could have for not being on the Dis....:rotfl2:

I hope the laptop is okay! I loved Jill's updates. You all accomplished so much. I also enjoyed spending New Year's Eve with you - but for whatever reason, my ********** account just said user#######?? I did say hello to you. It sounded like you were having a blast!

Wow love your shots of Illuminations - using a trash can to prop your camera sure worked! :thumbsup2

Lol that is funny about the guy suggesting to move the trash can just after you had moved it!

Thumbs up to Emma for wanting a shot of the reflection as this look so pretty.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-CMZw9sF/0/L/i-CMZw9sF-L.jpg

The camera was on a gorilla pod and that was propped on the trash can. Disney made them flat for a reason...:laughing: totally took the idea from the Dis...

I do have pretty smart kids...:goodvibes

disneydreamingdebby

01-05-2012, 06:15 PM

A little teaser for this evening!

The next morning was our Magic Kingdom morning! Bag check was backed up because they only had two or three people working on one side! All four of us needed to get through and the morning show was starting!:scared1:

I thrust my bag at dh and said meet you after bag check...:rolleyes1

Grabbed my camera and stood on a wall thing...in reflecting on this, not sure if that was okay...:sad2: but I don't think I was blocking anyone... Maybe I did this after the morning show...

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Totally worth the rush and bag hand off!!!

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Up next - we go into MK!! popcorn::

wishing4PA

01-05-2012, 06:57 PM

I thrust my bag at dh and said meet you after bag check...:rolleyes1

Oh, oh, oh, you are brilliant!:lmao:

Still loving the pictures! I have to admit I swore I saw a hidden Mickey sideways in the ball reflection.

Charleston Princess

01-06-2012, 04:52 AM

Yeay for catching the morning show!!! It looks even more fun against the backdrop of the Christmas bedecked train station!

disneydreamingdebby

01-07-2012, 07:29 AM

Oh, oh, oh, you are brilliant!:lmao:

Still loving the pictures! I have to admit I swore I saw a hidden Mickey sideways in the ball reflection.

Thank you :cool2: I looked for the hidden Mickey and didn't see it...

Yeay for catching the morning show!!! It looks even more fun against the backdrop of the Christmas bedecked train station!

I only caught the tail end...:sad2: But it was the best part anyway...:yay:

mgsmom

01-07-2012, 07:32 AM

Love, love, love the reflection picture!!!

Can't wait to hear about your day at MK! That shot of the family is great - it's a keeper!

I do love to make rope drop at MK.

Queenofallthings

01-07-2012, 10:09 AM

Hey friend:hug:

Ok now I am completely caught up!:woohoo: I left you a post a little while back but I think we both posted at almost the same time;)

What a great trip so far! I cannot get over the change in that picture from last year to this year...time goes far too quickly! We were discussing our very first trip over the holidays and how Jasmine was afraid of everything and cried a lot....makes me sad yet happy to have such great memories!

Your pics of the morning show are beyond amazing! Well worth standing on a wall:thumbsup2

TanzUnited99

01-08-2012, 03:25 PM

I loved the MK opening ceremony and agree in that it is totally worth the bag hand off!

disneydreamingdebby

01-09-2012, 05:00 PM

Love, love, love the reflection picture!!!

Can't wait to hear about your day at MK! That shot of the family is great - it's a keeper!

I do love to make rope drop at MK.

I was really happy with the family shot! Emma took some great pictures. She really enjoyed using her iTouch for Illuminations.

Hey friend:hug:

Ok now I am completely caught up!:woohoo: I left you a post a little while back but I think we both posted at almost the same time;)

What a great trip so far! I cannot get over the change in that picture from last year to this year...time goes far too quickly! We were discussing our very first trip over the holidays and how Jasmine was afraid of everything and cried a lot....makes me sad yet happy to have such great memories!

Your pics of the morning show are beyond amazing! Well worth standing on a wall:thumbsup2

As you well know, they grow up so fast!:scared1:

Thanks!:goodvibes I am normally so conscientious. I just think I temporarily lost my mind?! :sad2: I honestly don't remember when I stood on the planter type thing. It would be something that you would let a little one sit on. Maybe I only hopped up after the show> :confused3 I just remember thinking at one point, "maybe you shouldn't be up here..."

There must be a name for a temporary moments like that for crazed fans.

I loved the MK opening ceremony and agree in that it is totally worth the bag hand off!

I think that the MK is the only park that still does a morning show. :sad1: Robo, a wonderful expert on Disboards, said the others stopped.

creativeamanda

01-09-2012, 05:28 PM

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-xLfndBS/0/L/i-xLfndBS-L.jpg

That was totally worth it! Beautiful shot that I may have to someday borrow for scrapbooking purposes.

With your permission, of course.

disneydreamingdebby

01-12-2012, 07:31 PM

disneydreamingdebby

01-12-2012, 07:45 PM

Hello friends! It has been a busy week.

On Sunday, one of my bff's (I have two plus hubby and mom...) and I ran 8 miles. If you would have told me last year that I'd ever run that far, I would have checked you in somewhere...now, we might need to check me in somewhere.:lmao:

I actually popped the question to her about doing the Princess half (in about 40 days...) She wasn't really interested (hence the reason for my other bff - just kidding...) She isn't a Disney freak and to just throw out the airfare and hotel to do it is a bit insane for a nonDisney person.

Which made me consider flying out myself and doing it...okay, well that thought is a bit silly. The money needs to go towards summer for the girls and I to head to the beach with my family for a week.

It took me until yesterday to get my school mojo back. Last week and at the beginning of the week, I was going through the motions. I don't know that my students noticed much, so no worries, it was still a productive place.;) It's just my heart wasn't in it. Luckily, my heart found its way back. :cloud9:

Last night, I decided to not go on the computer in order to read a book. I read Project 17 (YA) published by Disney Hyperion. I enjoyed the similarties it had to The Breakfast Club. Of course, I don't know that my students could make that connection...:rolleyes1

I was all set to do an update with pictures, but unfortunately, smugmug is currently down.

I should be able to post tomorrow--Sat at the latest. I am off to read some more. I downloaded a book from the library. 19th wife maybe? I need to check out Jackie's book blog for some reading ideas!

Hope everyone had a good week!:flower3:

MeMom

01-13-2012, 05:57 AM

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Zjd4fHS/0/L/i-Zjd4fHS-L.jpg

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-xLfndBS/0/L/i-xLfndBS-L.jpg

Totally worth the rush and bag hand off!!!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-4BCDRhz/0/L/i-4BCDRhz-L.jpg

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I am only seeing one picture out of this bunch - the first one. Don't know if it is my laptop or something with your photo host.
The morning show is a great way to start a Magic Kingdom day, and the Christmas decorations do make it extra special. We rope drop a lot and have the CD, so the little girls know every word to the songs. :laughing:

disneydreamingdebby

01-13-2012, 06:28 PM

I am only seeing one picture out of this bunch - the first one. Don't know if it is my laptop or something with your photo host.
The morning show is a great way to start a Magic Kingdom day, and the Christmas decorations do make it extra special. We rope drop a lot and have the CD, so the little girls know every word to the songs. :laughing:

I hope when you reload and look this time, they show up. The photohost is working now. :confused3

We do rope drop at MK probably more than any other park. I love listening to d-cot. When I listen to the music, it takes me right back! :yay:

disneydreamingdebby

01-13-2012, 06:38 PM

Okay, photohost is working and I have lovely pictures to share. I left off last time as we were ready to split up so I could have some time alone with my camera. I am not feeling very talkative, so I will simply share for you to enjoy.

I'd love for everyone to tell her (or his if I have any male readers) favorite and why it is your favorite. popcorn::

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-xzfL3PG/1/L/i-xzfL3PG-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JF7848w/0/L/i-JF7848w-L.jpg

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-PVzz2Kc/1/L/i-PVzz2Kc-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-5G8NTCQ/0/L/i-5G8NTCQ-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-jnLsD39/1/L/i-jnLsD39-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-wGZmLw7/1/L/i-wGZmLw7-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

01-13-2012, 06:46 PM

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-3GwDp9G/0/L/i-3GwDp9G-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Jw9zdZS/1/L/i-Jw9zdZS-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-ffKQmgR/1/L/i-ffKQmgR-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Qxt4Hj2/1/L/i-Qxt4Hj2-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-cPpstmr/1/L/i-cPpstmr-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-TMBVvFS/1/L/i-TMBVvFS-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-xcjk47r/1/L/i-xcjk47r-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-5CWmWPr/0/L/i-5CWmWPr-L.jpg

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-KCThGH5/0/L/i-KCThGH5-L.jpg

annmarieda

01-13-2012, 10:24 PM

shan23877

01-13-2012, 10:57 PM

Hi! Been lurking, but I love the Walt and Minnie one. The way the sun is hitting it is really beautiful! :thumbsup2

TanzUnited99

01-14-2012, 06:49 AM

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-jnLsD39/1/L/i-jnLsD39-L.jpg

Wow what great pics!! :thumbsup2

I loved them all though if I have to choose one it would have to be this one of Walt with Minnie.

DMGeurts

01-14-2012, 06:54 AM

I just love all of your pictures.... My favorites are your castle pictures - I just love how you used perspective in them - Great job. If I hadn't already finished my Mini-Planner - I would have asked to use one of your castle photos as my background on one of my MK days, they really are great! :)

D~

poisonapple_PRINCESS

01-14-2012, 07:40 AM

Oh I LOVE the castle shots! And the wreaths of course! I have a million photos of those! I just looooved them! :lovestruc

disneydreamingdebby

01-14-2012, 07:54 AM

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-xcjk47r/1/L/i-xcjk47r-L.jpg

This would be my favorite... why? Somehow I missed this? Why did I not look up. :scratchin maybe the crowds prevented me.

Oh...and on your countdown till Christmas... I have one just like only one day later. :goodvibes

I thought it might be cool to see others countdown pictures!

I loved these wreaths. They seem like they could be duplicated fairly easily...(of course, I am not very crafty, so mine might not be as lovely. Maybe worth a try next year.)

Glad I could show you something you missed!

Hi! Been lurking, but I love the Walt and Minnie one. The way the sun is hitting it is really beautiful! :thumbsup2

Thank you for posting! I hope you continue to join us! :goodvibes

This is actually Roy and Minnie. What is interesting about it is that I took the picture and thought something wasn't right. It turns out, the statue is normally right in the little park area of Main Street, but I guess they moved it because of the tree...

I love how the sun was just right too.

Wow what great pics!! :thumbsup2

I loved them all though if I have to choose one it would have to be this one of Walt with Minnie.

Hey girlfriend. This is actually Minnie and Roy. Why is it your favorite? (I'm thinking because of Minnie?)

I just love all of your pictures.... My favorites are your castle pictures - I just love how you used perspective in them - Great job. If I hadn't already finished my Mini-Planner - I would have asked to use one of your castle photos as my background on one of my MK days, they really are great! :)

D~

Thanks! I have some others that I love from different angles from other trips, but I never took them so close before.

I was very interested to see how the lights decorating the castle looked up close. I was amazed that it didn't look ugly. (My trees always look weird up close during the day when I have Christmas lights on them.)

Oh I LOVE the castle shots! And the wreaths of course! I have a million photos of those! I just looooved them! :lovestruc

Thank you. I'm not sure what draws me to the wreath. The lanterns must be the final selling point. I love candlelight...

TanzUnited99

01-14-2012, 08:00 AM

Hey girlfriend. This is actually Minnie and Roy. Why is it your favorite? (I'm thinking because of Minnie?)

Hey hun I hope you are having a great weekend! Oops thanks for correcting me. You sure are right - it is because of Minnie! She sure looks cute in that statue!

I never came across this one on our trip though did get some pics of the one of Walt with Mickey.

disneydreamingdebby

01-14-2012, 08:21 AM

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-jDM5b6H/0/L/i-jDM5b6H-L.jpg

I have a story to share:

When I was taking the close ups of the castle, a cast member was standing there. A family went by and they had a brief conversation and the cast member said something really fun. I wish I noted it!

In the next minute, it is only 8:20 or so, a little girl, maybe 7 or 8, told the CM she was separated from her family. I listened to him ask her some questions, and realized I could maybe solve this much quicker. (He was in 20's--I am a mom...;))

I asked the little girl if she knew her mom's cell phone number. She said yes, and off she and the CM went to a phone...I tell my daughters to find a cast member and ask them to call me if we get separated... Luckily, we haven't had this. I am thinking that Disney hasn't updated the "lost children" procedures to match the progress in technology. :thumbsup2

mgsmom

01-14-2012, 12:49 PM

disneydreamingdebby

01-14-2012, 03:17 PM

I'm hopping on the Walt & Minnie bandwagon - that is so precious! I'm a bit partial to Minnie, anyway, so... :love:

The decorations all look so beautiful. The storefront windows look really well-done!

That is funny that the CM didn't think to ask if she knew her mom's number. :confused3 We have a bracelet that we put on DD that has both our numbers on it and her allergy. It's not food - but medication. There is slim chance it would be important, but you never know, I guess!

Speaking of which, I better order her a new bracelet since she's getting bigger. I just made our reservations yesterday - we are staying at Pop for a long weekend in July! :yay:

I'm totally with you on getting back into the groove of school. It's so hard after Christmas break - I think even harder than after summer break.

Can't wait to see more updates!

If the girls didn't know our numbers, I would have purchased a bracelet or tattoo for them. I'm on the be safe boat. I've heard of others writing it in sharpee on a shoulder--hidden by shirt sleeve.

Which weekend in July? We don't have plans yet...Gregg picks vacation week in Feb. but I am thinking his weeks should be in July!

We (my colleagues and I) analyzed why it was so hard to come back. My theory is that I was away long enough to shut down and not worry about school, but not long enough to miss it and think of ways to make it better...summer gives you the time to walk away and the time to want to return...

Yay POP!:wizard:

Charleston Princess

01-15-2012, 08:42 AM

disneydreamingdebby

01-18-2012, 03:47 PM

Hi, Debby! Did you find something to read? :) I am going to have to look up Project 17 -- it sounds interesting. I made the grievous error of thinking I would read Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury this weekend. :rotfl2: Yeah, I am going to make a book blog about those first 100 pages, but I am now going to read a Fannie Flagg novel instead. ;)

I love all of your pictures, but my favorite is the side one of Walt and Mickey and the pointsettas.

I started reading the 19th Wife, but I haven't picked it up since Friday...I think I better get to it before it vanishes from my nook!:scared1:

I do have a set of very exciting analysis papers for Julius Caesar to read, and tomorrow will be an enthralling set of compare/ contrast papers. :rotfl2: Truly, I enjoy reading my students's essay. I just HATE scoring them.

I read Sound and the Fury in college - but don't remember it. When I was a sophmore in college, I was assigned The Grapes of Wrath. I complained to my mom about it after reading the first page and she asked, "Want me to read to you?" So, at 19, I climbed in my bed, my mom pulled up a chair and read the first chapter. I don't remember her every reading to me as a child, but that memory makes up for it. It just goes to show you--a child's never too old to be read to.:upsidedow

disneydreamingdebby

01-18-2012, 04:06 PM

So, in keeping with my theme...I headed to Fantasyland solo. I wanted my kids to ride Dumbo so I could get the cool in front of the castle shot before the expansion changed the view. My kids weren't too thrilled so I dumped the plan and rode Dumbo solo. I wanted to get Fantasyland construction pics. I have to tell you. I felt dirty. Revealing the magic is just wrong...but I did it anyway!

I wait in line (feeling maybe sillier than waiting for my party of one announcement for Biergarten...), and end up chatting with the family in front of me. It was their first visit and the first day of their trip!

As we begin to load, I start to walk to a Dumbo, and see the LIME green one. As I am about to climb in it, a little boy comes running over- I want the green one! So, I am having an internal debate--little kid wants green Dumbo...demanding kid---I am an adult - it doesn't matter. Really, do I give in to a spoiled kid? It's a kid...

Then, the mom solves the problem. She promptly escorts him to the original Dumbo he was intended to ride.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-3WjTtjq/0/XL/i-3WjTtjq-XL.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-QnPhQ7x/0/XL/i-QnPhQ7x-XL.jpg

This is a lucky family if they ever get my photo...if you know them let them know of this picture!
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZQtgMhc/0/XL/i-ZQtgMhc-XL.jpg

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-RphXdWN/0/XL/i-RphXdWN-XL.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-tSwCxH7/0/XL/i-tSwCxH7-XL.jpg

thought of Once Upon a Time... :love:

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-k8WLT7r/0/L/i-k8WLT7r-L.jpg

looking at Tomorrowland Speedway...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-hzJC9qx/0/XL/i-hzJC9qx-XL.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

01-18-2012, 04:14 PM

Heading over to Frontierland...solo or with family???

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-gBHd9sq/0/L/i-gBHd9sq-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-RLFPz85/0/L/i-RLFPz85-L.jpg

The reason you HAVE to go to the parks early!!!! :rotfl:

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-WrPNrts/0/L/i-WrPNrts-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-c7f63z9/0/L/i-c7f63z9-L.jpg

TanzUnited99

01-18-2012, 04:37 PM

creativeamanda

01-18-2012, 04:41 PM

Those treats look good!

Your pictures are so pretty! Thanks for sharing!

MeMom

01-18-2012, 05:25 PM

Which weekend in July? We don't have plans yet...Gregg picks vacation week in Feb. but I am thinking his weeks should be in July!

There will be several DIS families there 4th of July week.

We (my colleagues and I) analyzed why it was so hard to come back. My theory is that I was away long enough to shut down and not worry about school, but not long enough to miss it and think of ways to make it better...summer gives you the time to walk away and the time to want to return...

Makes perfect sense.

Nice pictures of the construction. We look very forward to seeing it open little by little. It all started with a pile of dirt, and it's going to be awesome.

DMGeurts

01-18-2012, 05:25 PM

Thanks for the great update Deb! I loved all the Dumbo pics, and I am glad you got to ride the green one.

I just hope that:

a. Dumbo is open again for our trip (very unlikely)
b. I can get a new picture of dd on Dumbo... Have one from 2003 and 2008 - in the exact same postition (wasn't planned), now I want a planned one. :)

D~

Grumpy's Wife

01-18-2012, 05:30 PM

Was that last picture a turkey leg rice crispy treat? I don't think I've ever seen that before.

I love pictures of the park when no one is around. Frontier Land is absolutely deserted.

annmarieda

01-18-2012, 06:53 PM

I love all the pictures! Especially the expansion ones. When we were getting on dumbo, we were told we could not take pictures until or unless we were outside the gate. Before the ride even started, I got out my camera to just take a quick snap of my dd sitting next to me and I was quickly told by a cm to put my camera away. So... no expansion photos for me. :sad2:

I have to agree with you on getting to the parks early. It really helps!!

mgsmom

01-18-2012, 07:44 PM

Love the Dumbo pics! I'm hoping our last ones were enough - I figure by July the old Dumbo will be gone gone gone. I do like the expansion pics - I can't wait for them to open that!

Ditto on the turkey leg rice krispie treats. I see it says something about holiday on the display - so it is a dual purpose turkey leg! :rotfl:

We are not going over the 4th - probably the next to last weekend. Let me know your dates - maybe we will overlap! I'm already rethinking my original arrival date, simply because of our one park day. I do NOT want my one park day to be EMH p.m. for MK - we did that once and it was a mass of humanity, starting as early as 1pm:scared1:! Our best experience at MK in the summer has been going the day after a p.m. EMH day. I guess everyone wore themselves out the night before! ;)

So, what were the girls doing while you were on Dumbo?

disneydreamingdebby

01-20-2012, 03:53 PM

Okay so I had a really long reply typed and my internet shut down on me! :headache: I will start again...

Yay on riding Dumbo to get pics of the Fantasyland construction. Lol at the spoiled kid wanting to ride the Lime green Dumbo - am glad the mum solved the situation! :thumbsup2

I never got to go on Dumbo (the queue was too long) so am enjoying seeing your pics - I can't wait for the work to be completed!

I am now even more intrigued by Once Upon a Time - can't wait to start watching it when it becomes available.

Wow going to the parks early sure makes a difference!

I hate when that happens to me!

Dumbo isn't really exciting, so you didn't miss much. Unless someone would have gotten your picture right in front of the castle while reading on a Dumbo in front of you... ;) You'll be able to try the dueling Dumbos! (I don't think they are dueling, but there are two.)

You'll love Once Upon a Time!

Those treats look good!

Your pictures are so pretty! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you! I'm glad your following along.

There will be several DIS families there 4th of July week.

Makes perfect sense.

Nice pictures of the construction. We look very forward to seeing it open little by little. It all started with a pile of dirt, and it's going to be awesome.

Dh loves the idea of being there for the 4th...me, not so much. BUT if I'd get to visit some of my dis townhall friends and THE MAYOR...I'd be excited and endure the crowds!

We won't know until Feb our summer dates. I am getting anxious, but just knowing we are going keeps me satisfied.

Thanks for the great update Deb! I loved all the Dumbo pics, and I am glad you got to ride the green one.

I just hope that:

a. Dumbo is open again for our trip (very unlikely)
b. I can get a new picture of dd on Dumbo... Have one from 2003 and 2008 - in the exact same postition (wasn't planned), now I want a planned one. :)

D~

I think that is one hard aspect of change. Rides have to go down, and someone misses out. Then, you have those changes that impact the yearly / anytime we visit photo.

Regardless, I know you ladies wouldn't let that cause more than a hiccup! You'll find another great place for the picture!

(I take one at the Animal Kingdom sign each trip -well, I think I missed a trip though...)

Was that last picture a turkey leg rice crispy treat? I don't think I've ever seen that before.

I love pictures of the park when no one is around. Frontier Land is absolutely deserted.

::yes:: rice crispy turkey leg - fun, huh?!

I think it is fun to be there earlier for that very reason. It does seem like no one is in the parks!

I love all the pictures! Especially the expansion ones. When we were getting on dumbo, we were told we could not take pictures until or unless we were outside the gate. Before the ride even started, I got out my camera to just take a quick snap of my dd sitting next to me and I was quickly told by a cm to put my camera away. So... no expansion photos for me. :sad2:

I have to agree with you on getting to the parks early. It really helps!!

Wow! No one said anything and I was there near the same time as you if not after... It was pretty obvious that I was riding it for the pictures too. I did have the honking DSLR out with an extra lens. :upsidedow

Love the Dumbo pics! I'm hoping our last ones were enough - I figure by July the old Dumbo will be gone gone gone. I do like the expansion pics - I can't wait for them to open that!

Ditto on the turkey leg rice krispie treats. I see it says something about holiday on the display - so it is a dual purpose turkey leg! :rotfl:

We are not going over the 4th - probably the next to last weekend. Let me know your dates - maybe we will overlap! I'm already rethinking my original arrival date, simply because of our one park day. I do NOT want my one park day to be EMH p.m. for MK - we did that once and it was a mass of humanity, starting as early as 1pm:scared1:! Our best experience at MK in the summer has been going the day after a p.m. EMH day. I guess everyone wore themselves out the night before! ;)

So, what were the girls doing while you were on Dumbo?

I am very excited for the expansion. I am not good at looking at construction photos to see what it will become. Heck, I am confused by the concept art...I need it to be real (and fast!)

New Dumbo will be ready for your dd's smiles and giggles!! I will certainly find a way to see you if we are in Florida at the same time!

While I was in line at Dumbo, the family came over from Space. I told them they didn't have to ride. (Kindly, they asked if I was sure...:flower3:). I told them to head over to the speedway and I'd meet them there.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-sPJh7RM/0/M/i-sPJh7RM-M.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

01-20-2012, 04:52 PM

As a family, we headed to Big Thunder. We rode a together and then the girls rode solo... This is a ride that I feel okay doing that. I walk them to the queue and go stand at the end. I can then see them on the ride...

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Pvr3kpJ/0/L/i-Pvr3kpJ-L.jpg

We headed over to Splash, and I sent the three kids on. I refuse to walk around wet...especially in winter. While I waited by the photo viewing, the photo computer had issues and stopped working.

Dh walked towards me without the girls...the cm asked them if they wanted to go again, and they said yes! I guess dh either didn't want to or wanted to let me know...

CMs rebooted the computer and the photos popped up again!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-88BwRm5/0/L/i-88BwRm5-L.jpg

After Splash, we had a train to catch. We were dining with Mickey!

Welcome Aboard Folks!

As we head into the American Wilderness...

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Plenty of deer, antelope, and elk....

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Almost out of the woods, folks...we are coming to the outskirts of Fantasyland...:scared1:

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Making future dreams come true...

For now it sure is exciting to think about all the fun that lies ahead...

We had some time, so we were going to ride the omnibus or another Main St. vehicle, but then I decided we would be cutting it too close. I wanted to check in to Mickey's early to see if we could make it in time for breakfast. I didn't know that our "lunch" time was still breakfast...

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Park still somewhat empty...it was about 10:30 according to my date stamp...

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We strolled to Contemporary

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Enjoyed the decorations

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I think Disney is the only place that inspires my dh to shop.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-2R6Sp46/0/L/i-2R6Sp46-L.jpg

Then, we settled into some comfy chairs and waited for our buzzer to go off. I was ready for a nap, so I wasn't in a hurry.:cloud9:

DMGeurts

01-20-2012, 06:26 PM

disneydreamingdebby

01-20-2012, 08:17 PM

TinkerbellLuvr7

01-20-2012, 08:26 PM

So sorry to hear that :( I had a mom come to my school several weeks ago and was upset with me and questioned my teaching/certificate/etc because I'm not Montessori trained. She pretty much told on myself and the other assistant which made me mad since the lead teacher seems to be in and out of the room all day socializing but thankfully the lead and director covered for us and assured the parent that everything was A-OK and you have to get your start somewhere. Meanwhile, I'm the only one with a legit education background unlike the others who had other careers and changed to the education where all you have to do is take an 8 week class to be able to teach...I bet you the mom doesn't know that one!!!!!

Anyways..sorry to steal your thunder but I know how it feels too :( I know it's far worse in the public schools but it's hard at my school too where they pay $10,000 per kid per year! I hope everything works out!!! <3

MeMom

01-21-2012, 06:26 AM

I came here to vent. I think it is better than venting on facebook, but either way I wouldn't ever say anything unprofessional. (unless whining to friends is unprofessional)

I had a parent send me a nasty, nasty email tonight. She told me I laughed at her daughter and accused her of lying. :sad1:

I had to take the high road and simply write what truly happened (without saying truly of course.) I had to ignore that she told me off; called me unprofessional, and threated to go to the superintendant.

I am spitting mad and sad at the same time. I am optimistic that I smoothed ruffle feathers, or will in the future, but it still sucks.

I try so hard, and I love my students (even the ones who sometimes make it hard to love them).

I thought I'd come to Distown and vent. It is silly, and I will get over it. It felt good to share.

Better here than Facebook, for sure. I know some teachers who put things on FB that make me shake my head and wonder how much they value their jobs.

I've been chewed out a time or two, as well, for situations that clearly did not happen. Kids can play on a parent's emotions and sway a story however they want it swayed. I always invite the parent(s) to make a drop-in visit any time they want to in order to alleviate any fears they might have of things they speculate are happening. Rarely do I have one take me up on it, but when they do, I welcome them to stay, get more acquainted with the class, and get a more realistic view of how things go.

I'm sure if the parent has any sense at all, they will take your words of wisdom to heart. Glad you were able to safely vent your frustrations here. :)

Queenofallthings

01-21-2012, 10:05 AM

What is happening in our world today? When I was a kid, god help me if my parents got a call from the school...whatever punishment I got at school was nothing compared to what greeted me when I walked thru the door! I don't understand parents .... I really don't! You are a fantastic lady and an incredible teacher...don't forget that:hug:

mgsmom

01-21-2012, 01:48 PM

annmarieda

01-21-2012, 03:46 PM

disneydreamingdebby

01-21-2012, 03:59 PM

I'm with you, Deb. I think it's probably harder on you to have that happen BECAUSE you are so dedicated and you KNOW you do a good job. All of us who truly care really take that stuff personally. You can always vent here. :flower3:

And, love the pics of the girls on the rides. They must have had the best time, evah! And Disney inspires my DH to shop, too, strangely enough.

Hey, here's a question for you - you are the expert! We are only going to do MK one day on our trip. The Friday that I had originally planned is MK EMH in the evening. There is just no way we will take advantage of that - DD is better but will likely poop out before 10. So, I thought about pushing out the trip so that we would be there that Sat morning, in hopes that all the late-nighters were sleeping in and would choose another park that day. What do you think? Clever or silly? :confused3

Good thing I am an expert at something (oddly, it comes from reading and researching. I think I knew more than 85% of the park guests before we went on our first trip. I am that obssessive!) :rotfl:

I think it is your best bet to go the day after late evening hours. I know when we stay at MK until 3 am...(huh, obsessive and crazy...) we don't go back the next am...

Sorry I didn't reply to your message. If I don't do something right away and a beeping light, noisy sound, or red word bubble doesn't remind me...:headache:

What is happening in our world today? When I was a kid, god help me if my parents got a call from the school...whatever punishment I got at school was nothing compared to what greeted me when I walked thru the door! I don't understand parents .... I really don't! You are a fantastic lady and an incredible teacher...don't forget that:hug:

Unfortunately, sometimes it is totally justified. Some teachers are really mean... others it depends on your sense of humor.

Funny story. The girls had a substitute. I have to give his name. It is probably common enough. Anyway, Mr. Law (PERFECT) told the 9/10 year olds that no one else was leaving the room until the end of the day. (I can totally see saying that to a class that I was babysitting!) One little peach chimed in and said, but what if I pee myself. His response: "I'll get a mop!" :rotfl2: Dh and I thought it was a riot. I told my daughters that the lovely who said that to him was wrong and they better never say any such thing!

Thank you! :hug:

Better here than Facebook, for sure. I know some teachers who put things on FB that make me shake my head and wonder how much they value their jobs.

I've been chewed out a time or two, as well, for situations that clearly did not happen. Kids can play on a parent's emotions and sway a story however they want it swayed. I always invite the parent(s) to make a drop-in visit any time they want to in order to alleviate any fears they might have of things they speculate are happening. Rarely do I have one take me up on it, but when they do, I welcome them to stay, get more acquainted with the class, and get a more realistic view of how things go.

I'm sure if the parent has any sense at all, they will take your words of wisdom to heart. Glad you were able to safely vent your frustrations here. :)

I really don't have to deal with many of these situations, so I should be thankful. I know I always tend to want the teacher's side. In the example above, the kids were complaining about the MEAN sub. I totally dismissed them and told them he wouldn't have been mean if everyone was behaving.

So sorry to hear that :( I had a mom come to my school several weeks ago and was upset with me and questioned my teaching/certificate/etc because I'm not Montessori trained. She pretty much told on myself and the other assistant which made me mad since the lead teacher seems to be in and out of the room all day socializing but thankfully the lead and director covered for us and assured the parent that everything was A-OK and you have to get your start somewhere. Meanwhile, I'm the only one with a legit education background unlike the others who had other careers and changed to the education where all you have to do is take an 8 week class to be able to teach...I bet you the mom doesn't know that one!!!!!

Anyways..sorry to steal your thunder but I know how it feels too :( I know it's far worse in the public schools but it's hard at my school too where they pay $10,000 per kid per year! I hope everything works out!!! <3

No stealing...glad you could vent too. It is a tough job. Not more difficult than many others just more public. People who have no idea get to question you...:rolleyes1

Charleston Princess

01-22-2012, 06:34 AM

They are moving right along on the Fantasyland expansion, aren't they? I always get excited when I see pictures of the progress and imagine what it will all be like when it is finished!

Those Christmas treats look delicious, but I am pretty sure I would never buy a Turkey Leg rice krispy treat. :laughing:

I am so sorry a parent sent you a nasty email. I hate those -- especially when you know the child has manipulated her parent into believing their version of the story. I really hate when parents are so quick to believe without asking the teacher for her side of the story. :sad2:

disneydreamingdebby

01-22-2012, 06:48 AM

That sucks! I am so sorry... it does feel good to come here to vent though, I know I have spent a lot of time doing just that on dis.

As for your latest update..:thumbsup2 I love your pictures..especially where you see how empty the park is that early in the morning. :goodvibes

Thanks:hug:

Luckily we are morning people (okay three of four of us:rolleyes1). It is hard at WDW though because we stay up late too, so by the third or fourth day, we are struggling to move out of bed. Knowing that the park is empty motivates us. We always have the nap option.

They are moving right along on the Fantasyland expansion, aren't they? I always get excited when I see pictures of the progress and imagine what it will all be like when it is finished!

Those Christmas treats look delicious, but I am pretty sure I would never buy a Turkey Leg rice krispy treat. :laughing:

I am so sorry a parent sent you a nasty email. I hate those -- especially when you know the child has manipulated her parent into believing their version of the story. I really hate when parents are so quick to believe without asking the teacher for her side of the story. :sad2:

Thanks:hug: I am so excited about Fantasyland! I know parts will be ready this summer. I can't wait to eat at the Be Our Guest Restaurant! I am a bit worried about the price point. It has to be cheaper than Cinderella's Royal Table, right? If it is too outrageous, we can at least get in to eat counter service.:dance3:

disneydreamingdebby

01-22-2012, 07:01 AM

What an awesome update Deb... I just love looking at your pictures - they are so crystal clear! :)

I can't believe how empty the park was at that time of the morning, we always get there early too - but at that time of the day, we are usually still going round n' round on Splash, and don't notice that there aren't any crowds. ;)

I am debating if there are rides I can let my girls go on alone too... ToT and RnR for sure, possibly SM - I don't really enjoy dark coasters all that much. I guess I will have to see how I feel and what my "mom's intuition" says to me that day, because normally I don't let them out of my sight.

D~

I missed responding to you.

Thank you. I love my camera; it takes great pictures. I really am starting to understand how to use all of the manual settings. When you look from picture to picture you may notice that some are darker and others are lighter. I would take the shot and then adjust the settings to take the next shot. I spent a long time editing them on the computer, but many of the ones I am uploading are before editing.

I think going with your "mommy gut" as I call it goes along way. I think that with RNR and TOT, I would walk with them through the cue, and then exit through the chicken exit...:rotfl2:

I enjoy RNR, but don't love TOT. I do ride both with my family at least once a trip, but I usually let them go on it while I wander off to take pictures or shop. It never fails that when I don't ride with them, they get the "best" drop sequence on TOT. (Which is probably good for me!)

disneydreamingdebby

01-22-2012, 07:29 AM

So we were settled in for a long winter's nap, when..oh. wrong. tale/day.

Our buzzer went off.

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I asked the the mom with two kids next to us if she wanted me to take a pic of her with the kids and characters. From there, when the characters came around, I took her pic, and then she took ours.

This worked out well. Usually, I only have the girls in all of the character pics.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-qrbVN7r/0/L/i-qrbVN7r-L.jpg

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After a yummy breakfast, we hopped on the monorail back to MK.

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We walked in during parade time...I love that.

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Donald is always a tough picture to capture. He seems to always be on the back of a float...not good with the sun...

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After the parade, I'm not sure what exactly we did :confused3 I think I sent the family off to use fastpasses for Space Mountain. This makes sense because of my photos and the fact that I am not a fan of SM...

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At some point we decided to meet at the entrance, so as I made my way down Main Street, I enjoyed some Christmas Carols.

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-rBbbvV2/0/L/i-rBbbvV2-L.jpg (a little overexposed...not sure where my edited file is..)

I met up with the family and we headed to our bus.

Queenofallthings

01-22-2012, 10:38 AM

Great idea planning that out with the lady at the next table:thumbsup2 Great pics once again and I don't think there is anything better than that gorgeous blue Florida sky!

annmarieda

01-22-2012, 11:40 AM

What a great idea to trade off taking pictures with the neighboring table. :thumbsup2 I have never been to Chef Mickey's. How was the food?

Great pictures of the parade. :goodvibes

creativeamanda

01-22-2012, 12:01 PM

I love the idea of trading out to take pictures with your neighbor! I'm going to have to do that in June!

mgsmom

01-22-2012, 12:24 PM

Cute pics! I'm wondering about Chef Mickey's too - how do you rate it on the character-meal-ometer? If DH's family is not in town when we are there this summer, I was thinking about doing a late breakfast there on our second day.

Thanks for the advice on MK - I told DH about it and we are changing our reservations today so we will be there the day AFTER the late MK EMH.

What Christmas Carols were the barbershop quartet singing on Main St? That is one thing that I would love to see.

TanzUnited99

01-22-2012, 03:38 PM

Mmm Mickey Waffles....I loved having those in the mornings! :lovestruc

Great pics with the characters - how did you find Chef Mickeys? I've read disappointing reviews on the food boards.

Wow love the FPs - if only I could ride Splash/Space Mountain soon! :laughing:

Great pics of the parade! Another one I still have to see...

I'm so sorry to hear that you had to deal with that nasty email - although most parents are supportive there are still some that believe teachers are in the wrong even when they are not :sad2:

purplepixiedust

01-24-2012, 01:29 PM

Just subscribed and read my way through your trip report. LOve it. Planning on taking a December 2012 trip this year so I am scoping out the crowds in the photos and checking out what everyone is wearing too, LOL!

Love all the happy photos in your report. Your girls are adorable!

Charleston Princess

01-28-2012, 07:00 AM

Love the idea of trading off for pics at Chef Mickey's! I really wish I had one of those Mickey waffles this morning.

I adore the picture of the girls on the monorail! It really captures the fun of being at Disney!

disneydreamingdebby

01-28-2012, 08:46 AM

Happy Saturday everyone!

So, update on the parent email. She emailed me back and apologized for her behavior. :goodvibes It always helps when that happens. I understood her mamma cub instinct coming out, but hate when I am the recepient!

Back to our happy place...

On the bus, I captured how the fun and games quickly change...

Look at the fun, silly manner
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-TKKVKJc/0/L/i-TKKVKJc-L.jpg

ahhh and now the look of frustration...
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-8xgSv54/0/L/i-8xgSv54-L.jpg

The next comment must have been me: "Girls no more touching...hands to yourselves!"

Once we arrived back at BCV, it was time for me to go out on my own again. Dh and the girls headed to the pool. I headed to Epcot.

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While waiting for La Befana, I enjoyed another show.

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I also enjoyed some other sites. It was wonderful just sitting there.

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Then, it was time!!

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I must have taken 100 pictures of her. She was the best story teller and the story was so wonderful!! I know Memom and a couple of others said she was a not to miss storyteller and they were so right!

A couple more shots of Italy as I continued my tour.

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disneydreamingdebby

01-28-2012, 09:12 AM

After Italy, I was off to Japan.

Two apps on this trip were wonderfully helpful. I had used a couple of websites and designed pdfs to save for reference while on my trip, but WDWMagic made on the spot planning much easier! This and WDW Lines were both amazing!

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I was super excited to see another storyteller! Unfortunately, the storytellers mic wasn't as loud as it should have been, and there was this family sitting to the side chatting. I kept looking over at them. They were eating and half paying attention. I wanted to ask them to stop talking, but I was afraid it would turn into something. I would miss even more of the story. I was annoyed that the CM didn't say something to them. It had to be difficult for the storyteller!

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After he told another wonderful tale, I wanted to buy a daruma. I went into the shop and talked to a salesperson. I wanted to know more about them (and decipher between Disney storytelling and the practice in Japan.) I realized that I was running out of time. I had to meet the family at the bus stop to head to MK.

I headed back to BCV. DH text me and said we missed an MK bus. Then, said we were about to miss another. We all ran towards the bus as it pulled away. I was jogging, waving my hands...please.... the bus stopped and waited for us. AH, I was so grateful to that bus driver :wizard:. Sometimes, they just get smug, and pull away:sad2:.

disneydreamingdebby

01-28-2012, 10:04 AM

It was important to catch the bus to MK. We were going to the park in order to see the castle lighting, and rushing out to make our dining reservations for 1900 Park Fare. This was the night of the final MVMCP.

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Once again, we walked in during a parade...:goodvibes

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this one really needs editing...sorry for the dark pic

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I asked the CM to take our pic...

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Tfv9mcD/0/L/i-Tfv9mcD-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-cz9FfqS/0/L/i-cz9FfqS-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Nh5n93k/0/L/i-Nh5n93k-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

01-28-2012, 10:08 AM

After the parade, my family sat down on the street to stake a spot. It was amazing how quickly the sky changed and darkness fell.

When Mickey and Minnie appeared, everyone stood up to watch. THIS IS IMPORTANT LATER IN MY TRIP.

We had a great spot, and I began with my zoom lens to capture the characters. Towards the end (this is only about 7 minutes long), I was able to switch to a wider lens.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-cJ6pf9b/0/L/i-cJ6pf9b-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-c2MGRxf/0/L/i-c2MGRxf-L.jpg

Weird when I catch a character's eyes closed...
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-bMHpTXk/0/L/i-bMHpTXk-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-NtPC8qf/0/L/i-NtPC8qf-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-TK2jRwT/0/L/i-TK2jRwT-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-M28VrZN/0/L/i-M28VrZN-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZwZHTBC/0/L/i-ZwZHTBC-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-LfrG4b8/0/L/i-LfrG4b8-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-TT2PGXs/0/L/i-TT2PGXs-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-6WN2G2Z/0/L/i-6WN2G2Z-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-3wkGgkc/0/L/i-3wkGgkc-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-sHNhZjr/0/L/i-sHNhZjr-L.jpg

And then,

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-CJNKQXX/0/L/i-CJNKQXX-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-5TM5d7W/0/L/i-5TM5d7W-L.jpg

I put the camera down instead of frame by frame to enjoy the beauty of it. And. I. cried.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-MZsNVJL/0/L/i-MZsNVJL-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JG7sCHN/0/L/i-JG7sCHN-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-XF9kW2D/0/L/i-XF9kW2D-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-vh8Hcmb/0/L/i-vh8Hcmb-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-xF9bpMr/0/L/i-xF9bpMr-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-7BP7FDk/0/L/i-7BP7FDk-L.jpg

With my eyes glistening, we headed back down Main Street to go dine with the stepsisters and Cinderella.

MeMom

01-28-2012, 11:40 AM

annmarieda

01-28-2012, 12:44 PM

annmarieda

01-28-2012, 01:04 PM

:cloud9: Oh... your castle lighting ceremony pics are amazing!!! I wanted to see it so bad... and begged my family to get there to go... the best we got was seeing it from way back down main street...so the pictures just are not there.

Thank you so much for sharing!!!

disneydreamingdebby

01-28-2012, 01:50 PM

I was so anxious to update; I failed to respond.;)

Great idea planning that out with the lady at the next table:thumbsup2 Great pics once again and I don't think there is anything better than that gorgeous blue Florida sky!

That is one great sky! It really just worked out. I try to offer to take family shots for people. It stinks to only be in two family pictures and hate both...

What a great idea to trade off taking pictures with the neighboring table. :thumbsup2 I have never been to Chef Mickey's. How was the food?

Great pictures of the parade. :goodvibes

Thank you! :goodvibes We thought Mickeys food was good. Last time we ate there was in 2008 on our first trip and we weren't impressed enough to go back.

I booked it this time as a last hurray for the dining plan. I tried to chose the buffets we hadn't eaten at in a while. Since without the dining plan, we likely won't go to buffets.

I love the idea of trading out to take pictures with your neighbor! I'm going to have to do that in June!

It benefits both families! June- I hope it arrives quickly! (For you and me...it will mean summer break and July will be right around the corner--that's when I think our next trip will be.)

Cute pics! I'm wondering about Chef Mickey's too - how do you rate it on the character-meal-ometer? If DH's family is not in town when we are there this summer, I was thinking about doing a late breakfast there on our second day.

Thanks for the advice on MK - I told DH about it and we are changing our reservations today so we will be there the day AFTER the late MK EMH.

What Christmas Carols were the barbershop quartet singing on Main St? That is one thing that I would love to see.

The food was pretty good. Dh enjoyed it and he is more of a foodie than me. I think it will be worth it for your darling little one. She will enjoy the characters! I might suggest 1900 Park Fare instead though. We weren't there this trip, but we really enjoy it. OR, if you have a car, maybe Cape May Buffet for breakfast. (Okay, I think I have a breakfast problem...I can't decide!) I guess it depends on character preference.

Mmm Mickey Waffles....I loved having those in the mornings! :lovestruc

Great pics with the characters - how did you find Chef Mickeys? I've read disappointing reviews on the food boards.

Wow love the FPs - if only I could ride Splash/Space Mountain soon! :laughing:

Great pics of the parade! Another one I still have to see...

I'm so sorry to hear that you had to deal with that nasty email - although most parents are supportive there are still some that believe teachers are in the wrong even when they are not :sad2:

We enjoyed the food and if the cost wasn't so high, we would eat there again. I put a cherry/ strawberry sauce under the waffle. It was heavenly! Maybe I'll make some waffles tomorrow!

Just subscribed and read my way through your trip report. LOve it. Planning on taking a December 2012 trip this year so I am scoping out the crowds in the photos and checking out what everyone is wearing too, LOL!

Love all the happy photos in your report. Your girls are adorable!

Glad you joined us! We found the crowds were great the first couple of days...then, it was crowded! I was relieved to be going home. I tend to avoid crowd shots...I will try to be sure to post any I have. My goal when taking pictures is to make sure that if I include people, they are people I know. :rotfl2:

Love the idea of trading off for pics at Chef Mickey's! I really wish I had one of those Mickey waffles this morning.

I adore the picture of the girls on the monorail! It really captures the fun of being at Disney!

The exchange just happened...it is a good trip for others. Especially when there aren't any CMs around to take pictures.

My girls can't sit still on Disney transportation. It is another attraction to them. ;)

disneydreamingdebby

01-28-2012, 02:03 PM

What a treat to catch up here this morning!
We love Chef Mickey's for the food and the fun!
Christmas time in Epcot - yay! :santa: I have only seen women storytellers in Japan.
Bella loves to sing, 'Hey, get loud! We're pumpin' up the pahty now!' The castle lighting always brings oohs and aahs and smiles.
I loved all the pictures and stories. :thumbsup2
I wish our commute could be a two hour drive instead of a two hour flight so we could make some day/weekend trips more often.
Just when I think I can make it the long time until the next trip (21 weeks from today), I see so many great pictures and it makes me want to jump on a plane and go now! :goodvibes

I wonder if the story was altered? He was a salesman (obviously wrong word..)

So, are you feeling better, I hope?

Wouldn't it be fantastic to hop in the car and be there? We'd be able to do that because we wouldn't have to pay for air or room...Then, we'd miss out of the local zoo trips, etc...

A Disney commercial just came on - It's the music video on the Disney channel with the characters playing instruments with One Republic in the park...We have Disney channel on a lot around here. Great tween shows.

The music and the pictures make me ache for the parks too. I am so blessed to go as often as I do, so no complaints (just a little whining.)

I am so glad that the parent thing got worked out. I have a friend who works for the school district here and I know that things like that wear heavily on all of you who work so hard with our kids. :hug:

I love your pictures...and am so jealous of all the things you got to see. I do notice some of the times you were by yourself. :scratchin maybe that would have been the key to my own success ... if I went off on my own. :rotfl:

Thank you :hug: It usually works out. I highly recommend branching out alone. I don't know if dh enjoyed the trip as much with me branching off -that sounds like I am rather full of myself, but we typically do things together. (Honey, how did you feel about my touring alone to check off my Christmas list?) He reads my trip reports... He expressed that we didn't have enough downtime on the last trip. He likes to go back to the room for a bit, or swim and work out. I tried to ensure that I carved in that time too.

We did the family stuff and then said, okay, I am doing this ___. Anyone interested?

:cloud9: Oh... your castle lighting ceremony pics are amazing!!! I wanted to see it so bad... and begged my family to get there to go... the best we got was seeing it from way back down main street...so the pictures just are not there.

Thank you so much for sharing!!!

I am glad I could share them. It was wonderful. It was critical for me to see that and I thought the whole family would enjoy it too.

DMGeurts

01-28-2012, 07:50 PM

Charleston Princess

01-29-2012, 06:47 AM

Love the pic of your family in front of the castle in the twilight, and I absolutely adore the castle lighting pics! Just gorgeous!

poisonapple_PRINCESS

01-29-2012, 07:29 AM

those photo's of the castle lighting are fantastic! I watched that every time I got the chance, it was so beautiful! I video taped it once...awful quality. :headache:

I'm going to admit something....I was so excited to hear the storytellers in Epcot, but we never stopped and waited for any. I guess we just werent feeling it that day. :confused3 Kind of upsetting now that I look at your storyteller photo's and wish I had some too! :sad2:

Next time we go I think I want to eat at Chef Mickey's. We didnt this past trip...so next time I think we HAVE to. Is it good?

Grumpy's Wife

01-29-2012, 07:55 AM

I'd love to get to EPCOT by myself just once. Tour at my own pace, take pictures of everything and just explore. You definitely planned that one right. :thumbsup2

I can't get enough of the castle at Christmas. I mean the castle is always beautiful but when it's all lit up at Christmas it's just extra special.

Queenofallthings

01-29-2012, 09:06 AM

Wow....wowwww....and double wow....those pictures are beyond amazing! We haven't been to the World at Christmas time since they put the lights on the castle and I can only imagine how truly beautiful it is in real life! Great shots my friend!:thumbsup2

LoveMyTwoPrincesses

01-29-2012, 09:53 AM

I am really enjoying your report! The pictures of the castle lighting really make me long to go during the Christmas season. I just showed my DH your latest pictures and told him that I want to see the castle like that. He didn't say no and now my wheels are spinning!

TanzUnited99

01-29-2012, 02:47 PM

Yay updates!!! Happy Sunday to you too.

Lol at the behaviour of the girls changing in a couple of mins - the same happens between my brothers. They play and fight together! :rotfl:

Glad you enjoyed the storytellers and yay on the bus driver for stopping for you!

I love the family shot in front of the castle :thumbsup2

Aaw the characters looks so cute in their Christmas outfits (esp Mickey and Minnie :lovestruc) and wow I was amazed by the pics of the lit castle - incredible!! :goodvibes

mgsmom

01-31-2012, 09:05 PM

Great updates! Wow... so much to cover!

First of all, I'm so glad the mom apologized for overreacting. I think that does make things so much better, and I'm pretty sure I've been a mama bear a few times before I've really thought it through. :rolleyes1

I have seen all those different breakfasts - but I think DD really wants to see the big ones - and she keeps mentioning Pluto, Goofy, and Daisy. Is that Chef Mickey? We will have a car so we can go wherever.

Thumbs up to going off on your own! Especially considering that you guys get to go pretty often. It's not like you are there for a once-in-a-lifetime trip and drifting off. You should totally do that kind of stuff when you are there! It's probably good for everyone, too. I know what you mean about not dragging everyone around for something only you want to do. ;)

And last, those pictures of the castle are just beautiful! It just looks so very magical! I would have cried too.

disneydreamingdebby

02-01-2012, 05:09 PM

What a wonderful update... I just love seeing your pictures - they make me feel like I am right there. I think I say that every single time I reply to your thread. ;)

The castle lighting ceremony looks amazing, I hope that someday I am able to see for myself.

D~

I am so glad to share the pictures! I didn't include many in my ptr because I wanted to see everything as new for Christmas.

The lighting was wonderful. I really thought we wouldn't make it in Dec until possibly retirement. I was so excited!

Love the pic of your family in front of the castle in the twilight, and I absolutely adore the castle lighting pics! Just gorgeous!

Thanks! I like that pic too. The castle lighting can't be captured; the feelings with it and the music...ahhh :cloud9:

those photo's of the castle lighting are fantastic! I watched that every time I got the chance, it was so beautiful! I video taped it once...awful quality. :headache:

I'm going to admit something....I was so excited to hear the storytellers in Epcot, but we never stopped and waited for any. I guess we just werent feeling it that day. :confused3 Kind of upsetting now that I look at your storyteller photo's and wish I had some too! :sad2:

Next time we go I think I want to eat at Chef Mickey's. We didnt this past trip...so next time I think we HAVE to. Is it good?

Thank you! I love my camera; it takes such great photos!

I didn't see as many storytellers as I had planned, but I made sure to make a schedule to stick to in order to be sure I didn't miss the must do's!

We thought the food was good, but I wouldn't rush back for the food. I think I'd select Kona for breakfast if characters weren't important.

I'd love to get to EPCOT by myself just once. Tour at my own pace, take pictures of everything and just explore. You definitely planned that one right. :thumbsup2

I can't get enough of the castle at Christmas. I mean the castle is always beautiful but when it's all lit up at Christmas it's just extra special.

I think that it's so hard to tour Epcot with kids. You just can't see the same details. At the same time, I think they allow you to see other details. My family is patient about me taking pictures, but I try to send them to a ride when I want to really take pictures. I hate to make them stand still when there is so much for them to do!

Wow....wowwww....and double wow....those pictures are beyond amazing! We haven't been to the World at Christmas time since they put the lights on the castle and I can only imagine how truly beautiful it is in real life! Great shots my friend!:thumbsup2

Thanks! :goodvibes The pictures don't do it justice...:wizard:

I am really enjoying your report! The pictures of the castle lighting really make me long to go during the Christmas season. I just showed my DH your latest pictures and told him that I want to see the castle like that. He didn't say no and now my wheels are spinning!

I know I have a shot when my dh doesn't say no either! :rotfl: I am glad you are here! My suggestion about going then is to get in and out before Christmas week. I bet the beginning of December is awesome. Our dates were good at the start, but the closer to Christmas, the busier it was.

Yay updates!!! Happy Sunday to you too.

Lol at the behaviour of the girls changing in a couple of mins - the same happens between my brothers. They play and fight together! :rotfl:

Glad you enjoyed the storytellers and yay on the bus driver for stopping for you!

I love the family shot in front of the castle :thumbsup2

Aaw the characters looks so cute in their Christmas outfits (esp Mickey and Minnie :lovestruc) and wow I was amazed by the pics of the lit castle - incredible!! :goodvibes

How old are your brothers? My brother and I are ten years apart and we acted badly (Okay, I acted badly. I knew better according to my mom.)

Glad you enjoyed the pictures. The Christmas decorations and events are fabulous.

Great updates! Wow... so much to cover!

First of all, I'm so glad the mom apologized for overreacting. I think that does make things so much better, and I'm pretty sure I've been a mama bear a few times before I've really thought it through. :rolleyes1

I have seen all those different breakfasts - but I think DD really wants to see the big ones - and she keeps mentioning Pluto, Goofy, and Daisy. Is that Chef Mickey? We will have a car so we can go wherever.

Thumbs up to going off on your own! Especially considering that you guys get to go pretty often. It's not like you are there for a once-in-a-lifetime trip and drifting off. You should totally do that kind of stuff when you are there! It's probably good for everyone, too. I know what you mean about not dragging everyone around for something only you want to do. ;)

And last, those pictures of the castle are just beautiful! It just looks so very magical! I would have cried too.

Daisy isn't at Chef Mickey. :sad1: I think she is only at Tusker in AK. You may want to look into Cape May Cafe at Beach Club. It might be cheaper, and I thought the food was better. I think the seating is better there too. I have to look back to see who is there though.

We stuck together like glue on the "once in a lifetime trip" haha. Now, because the girls are a bit older, it just works out well. Gregg enjoys Space Mountain with them and I get to avoid it. :goodvibes

Thanks. I am happy with the castle shots. It was so lovely.

disneydreamingdebby

02-01-2012, 05:17 PM

I have to share my new classroom decoration. I'll also post other shots, so you can see the whole room.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-cqW5sNj/0/XL/i-cqW5sNj-XL.jpg

Here's the rest of it...

Before my new addition...http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-XdwKmKk/0/L/i-XdwKmKk-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-6pnLxXm/0/L/i-6pnLxXm-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-xctbx2m/0/L/i-xctbx2m-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-45jB84K/0/L/i-45jB84K-L.jpg

annmarieda

02-01-2012, 09:28 PM

Love the quote on the wall . :love::love:

TanzUnited99

02-02-2012, 03:56 PM

Love the new classroom - it looks great!! :thumbsup2

How old are your brothers? My brother and I are ten years apart and we acted badly (Okay, I acted badly. I knew better according to my mom.)

Haha they are (have to think a little...) 25 and 21 so pretty close in age. I am close to both of them now however at one point me and the 25 year old acted badly as well. Think it happens between all siblings and we were the only two for the first 8 years of my life so that probably has something to do with it!

disneydreamingdebby

02-02-2012, 04:29 PM

At 1900 Park Fare, I decided I would try to play along with the characters. I love people who are able to do this naturally. I mortified my kids, though!

I asked a couple different characters if they had ever been to Storybrooke. I knew that if any of them watched Once Upon a Time, they'd know the reference right away. Unfortunatley, no one did. :confused3 Prince charming was a wet fish, but it was good for a laugh with Anastasia. She yelled for her mother and said that she's not allowed to travel without her, and had her mother come confirm.

Hannah loved the strawberry soup; I think she had three bowls. I thought the food was good, but nothing too exciting. Dh thought it was very good.

I didn't get too many good pics.

However, one of the girls spilled soda all over the other's sweatshirt (which was on the floor instead of a chair...) They began acting terribly. I interjected that they should be a little louder. Disney needed a new Anastasia and Drizella. They would totally get the parts! They both cracked up laughing and realized how they were acting. So, the rest of the night, I would call them by their new names.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Sfhtxjn/0/L/i-Sfhtxjn-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-4tVX6Vj/0/L/i-4tVX6Vj-L.jpg

After dinner, we headed out to check out the gingerbread house. I am luke warm about these pictures.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-fn6v5gr/0/L/i-fn6v5gr-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-3vBtK53/0/L/i-3vBtK53-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-HgVDH66/0/L/i-HgVDH66-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-76LJbXg/0/L/i-76LJbXg-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-wd9Pr96/0/L/i-wd9Pr96-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-3RjW8T6/0/L/i-3RjW8T6-L.jpg

I thought the gingerbread house was cool, but I really thought the tree was awesome! On one side of the tree a professional photograph was set up taking shots, and on the other side, Mickey and Minnie were posing for the photopass photographer! While we were there, a young woman was posing with her dog. The dog appeared to be some type of helper dog for the young lady.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-62DSg7k/0/L/i-62DSg7k-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-qqfgk4K/0/L/i-qqfgk4K-L.jpg

I thought this entrance would have made a lovely card (not for my family in non holiday street clothes though...)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-QCcXPVL/0/L/i-QCcXPVL-L.jpg

Still need to figure out use of flash...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-VN7tdB8/0/L/i-VN7tdB8-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-W6hW23G/0/L/i-W6hW23G-L.jpg

We headed to the GF bus stop, which cracks me up. There is a TV and ceiling fans there...it was quite chilly and another woman and I decided that there should be a space heater!

Soon the bus for DHS pulled up, and we were off to see the Osbourne Family lights!!

disneydreamingdebby

02-02-2012, 04:37 PM

Love the quote on the wall . :love::love:

Thanks! I love it!

Love the new classroom - it looks great!! :thumbsup2

Thanks--one of my kids asked if Disney really said the quote...

Haha they are (have to think a little...) 25 and 21 so pretty close in age. I am close to both of them now however at one point me and the 25 year old acted badly as well. Think it happens between all siblings and we were the only two for the first 8 years of my life so that probably has something to do with it!

I think siblings will fight regardless of age...it is really hard with my twins bc they don't get much of a break from each other. They share friends and after school and weekend activities...

TanzUnited99

02-02-2012, 04:59 PM

MeMom

02-02-2012, 05:45 PM

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-qqfgk4K/0/L/i-qqfgk4K-L.jpg

I thought this entrance would have made a lovely card (not for my family in non holiday street clothes though...)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-QCcXPVL/0/L/i-QCcXPVL-L.jpg

We headed to the GF bus stop, which cracks me up. There is a TV and ceiling fans there...it was quite chilly and another woman and I decided that there should be a space heater!

We didn't get to see Mickey and Minnie in their cute clothes. They weren't around when we were there.

That entrance is so pretty with all of the background trees!

At GF, you wait for a bus in style. ::yes::

Queenofallthings

02-02-2012, 05:58 PM

Love the classroom....love that quote on the wall, it really says it all doesn't it! I love how organized everything is...I am a bit OCD so I love organization!:rotfl2: I used to dread some parent/teacher conferences because let me tell you, not all of their rooms looked like yours....heart palpitations anyone?;)

You pictures from the GF are breathtaking....I love the ones of the girls with the characters! The entrance way is stunning and Mickey and Minnie in their finest clothes...doesn't get better than that!

annmarieda

02-03-2012, 01:12 PM

Again, I am grateful for your TR. You seem to have taken pictures of little things I missed. I took pics of the gingerbread house, but totally missed Santa. I have never been to 1900 PF. I wonder if I should put it on my "bucket list" :scratchin. DD loves strawberries and I am always reading about this soup...

disneydreamingdebby

02-03-2012, 03:10 PM

I'm glad you decided to interact with the characters and oh no on not one of them getting your reference :sad2: Suppose their not fans of the show.

I thought the strawberry soup was meh - didn't enjoy it but am glad Hannah did.

Great shots of the girls with the characters, the Gingerbread house and the Christmas tree :goodvibes

It was okay that they weren't fans of Once, but really Prince Charming was Prince Boring...he could have played along.

I liked the soup, but it isn't on the LOVE list like Tonga Toast or Ohana's pot stickers and bread pudding.

We didn't get to see Mickey and Minnie in their cute clothes. They weren't around when we were there.

That entrance is so pretty with all of the background trees!

At GF, you wait for a bus in style. ::yes::

Their costumes were awesome! The bus stop is a hoot!

Love the classroom....love that quote on the wall, it really says it all doesn't it! I love how organized everything is...I am a bit OCD so I love organization!:rotfl2: I used to dread some parent/teacher conferences because let me tell you, not all of their rooms looked like yours....heart palpitations anyone?;)

You pictures from the GF are breathtaking....I love the ones of the girls with the characters! The entrance way is stunning and Mickey and Minnie in their finest clothes...doesn't get better than that!

Thanks!:goodvibes I am a bit OCD too. The room actually has a couple of elements that I would have liked to have cleaned up before taking the pictures, but...

If I had known about M and M, we would have showed up in our finery for our Christmas card picture. Alas, we had that planned --that post will be coming in the furture.

Again, I am grateful for your TR. You seem to have taken pictures of little things I missed. I took pics of the gingerbread house, but totally missed Santa. I have never been to 1900 PF. I wonder if I should put it on my "bucket list" :scratchin. DD loves strawberries and I am always reading about this soup...

Thank you! :hug: I am enjoying seeing your pictures and reading about your trip as your family viewed things!

We really enjoyed the experience at 1900 PF for dinner. I wouldn't pay the money for it again though. I think it is a good choice on the dining plan, and helps you maximize the benefit of the dining plan. Now, the breakfast is not ridiculously overpriced (YET) and I would go there without being on the plan.

disneydreamingdebby

02-03-2012, 03:57 PM

Happy Friday! Here's a little gem that I noticed on my board at the end of the day. (You'd swear nothing productive happens in my room with the way they add stuff to the boards when I am greeting others in the hall or helping another student...Thank goodness they never put anything bad!)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-hKbvGjT/0/L/i-hKbvGjT-L.jpg

We headed from the posh bus stop to DHS.

There is no way for me to do justice to this...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-zDTDjnz/0/L/i-zDTDjnz-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-bM7LWjT/0/L/i-bM7LWjT-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-tWcgkDH/0/L/i-tWcgkDH-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-tn2VL6V/0/L/i-tn2VL6V-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-vpLJdh2/0/L/i-vpLJdh2-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-KKFBbTr/0/L/i-KKFBbTr-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-s3C6chp/0/L/i-s3C6chp-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-MfGSmfx/0/L/i-MfGSmfx-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-XWC9R7f/0/L/i-XWC9R7f-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-fSMCXZ9/0/L/i-fSMCXZ9-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-dknZxcG/0/L/i-dknZxcG-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-L9KdJH4/0/L/i-L9KdJH4-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-nR3Tqcn/0/L/i-nR3Tqcn-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-f2kQp8K/0/L/i-f2kQp8K-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-gVMcS3D/0/L/i-gVMcS3D-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-4g5LDKc/0/M/i-4g5LDKc-M.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-LRNcdhC/0/L/i-LRNcdhC-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-B25P3cp/0/L/i-B25P3cp-L.jpg

Charleston Princess

02-04-2012, 06:41 AM

Queenofallthings

02-04-2012, 08:29 AM

Oh my:cloud9: That is my favorite thing to see at Christmas so thank you so much for sharing those gorgeous pics! I will never forget being there the first year when Jasmine was still little and how she thought the fake snow was so funny...I guess when you get tons of the stuff every year a child would wonder:rotfl2:

disneydreamingdebby

02-04-2012, 08:57 AM

I failed to mention that I met my friend and her family at Bo when we entered the park. They were spent and headed out, but they had Toy Story FPs to give to us. Three of them. I decided that the girls and dh could ride. So the plan was to see the lights and head to Toy Story.

While enjoying the amazing lights, Emma was melting. She was exhausted and couldn't take it anymore.

Change of plans...I took Emma back to BC and Gregg and Hannah stayed to use the FPs.

On our way out, I tried to snap some pictures. Em just wanted to go to bed, but she was okay stopping a couple of times for 10 second increments.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-W6Lsg2n/0/L/i-W6Lsg2n-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-fGGxN3t/0/L/i-fGGxN3t-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-LnHMpTp/0/L/i-LnHMpTp-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-RqXfM4p/0/L/i-RqXfM4p-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-DT4SfwV/0/L/i-DT4SfwV-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-rJs5RzK/0/L/i-rJs5RzK-L.jpg

Emma and I exited the park and saw a very long line at the boat dock. A boat was leaving, so we probably would have waited for two boats to catch a ride. We decided to walk back. Then, we decided to jog back. Hahaha. I couldn't fit in a run the whole trip and then, I was able to fit in a mile...

As we jogged back, passing s family, I commented, we are running home to get some sleep. It was silly, but Emma was happy.

By the way, we beat the boat.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-XVLQJBL/0/L/i-XVLQJBL-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Ct4GL76/0/L/i-Ct4GL76-L.jpg

Once back at the resort, Emma was patient with me again for some pictures.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-cBtvDjq/0/L/i-cBtvDjq-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-KG6MdJg/0/L/i-KG6MdJg-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-LHQ5P8b/0/L/i-LHQ5P8b-L.jpg

I LOVED the store windows!!! If I ever have a beach place, I will be decorating it for the holidays like this...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-w5V6kVN/0/L/i-w5V6kVN-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-nxRjK44/0/L/i-nxRjK44-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-nFPknKR/0/L/i-nFPknKR-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-VpdJdCH/0/L/i-VpdJdCH-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

02-04-2012, 09:17 AM

Love your new quote and the rest of your classroom! Is it a wall decal or did you paint it?

Had to laugh about your drawing. My students are always leaving their artwork on my boards -- lately, for some reason :laughing:, they have all been mouse-themed. :rolleyes:

Beautiful pictures of the Grand Floridian and the Osborne lights! Just gorgeous! Too funny that you asked the characters if they had ever been to Storybrooke. :thumbsup2

It is a wall decal. I can't even imagine the trouble I would have gotten into if I had painted it. (Although, if anyone damages any letters, I might paint it back in...:lmao:) I ordered it from Writing on the Walls on etsy... It is a transfer and the brick wall wasn't the easiest to transfer it on, but it was the best location in the room.

About the Mickey, I posted the picture on my school facebook and said - "Who and when?" The kids commented and the artist said, I should have added Donald...:laughing:

I love Once Upon a Time...I think I will ask more female characters about Storybrooke--someone is bound to be a fan!

Oh my:cloud9: That is my favorite thing to see at Christmas so thank you so much for sharing those gorgeous pics! I will never forget being there the first year when Jasmine was still little and how she thought the fake snow was so funny...I guess when you get tons of the stuff every year a child would wonder:rotfl2:

I was surprised that the snow was cold! I really thought that it was quite realistic! I warned the girls not to open their mouths to catch it...which is totally normal snow behavior. We haven't had much this season... Our temps this week are 40 and 50 - last week we had two days that were 65 and 67...to compare- it has to be 30ish to snow and normally we are in the 20/30 range. Florida has been in the 80s- which is crazy for them! I'd like to see some white stuff- it would be more normal!

annmarieda

02-04-2012, 05:12 PM

Queenofallthings

02-04-2012, 06:29 PM

Great night shots on the way out! Those store windows are gorgeous....can you imagine that being your job....I guess tho it will never be mine because I don't have an artistic bone in my body:rotfl2:

disneydreamingdebby

02-05-2012, 07:31 AM

:worship::worship::worship:
Your pictures of Osbourne Family lights are simply amazing!!! I really was impressed with the lights, but dh was so overwhelmed and wanting to leave that I had to do quick "click" and move on and "click" and move on shots. :sad2:

I think it is cool you got to run back to BW! And you beat the boat!!! :thumbsup2

Thanks. Dh kind of wandered off on his own to snap pictures with his phone. I had no idea where he was, so I plopped down on a bench and took it all in. The girls were worried about finding him; I really enjoyed the bench! :love:

Great night shots on the way out! Those store windows are gorgeous....can you imagine that being your job....I guess tho it will never be mine because I don't have an artistic bone in my body:rotfl2:

Poor Emma. I kept saying, "wait, just a minute."

I love the colors. It would be an awesome job! I take inspiration from other's ideas and then I look creative... ( I guess I am a little creative because I tweak things.) Have you checked out Pinterest yet? Warning: it is addicting.

disneydreamingdebby

02-05-2012, 08:14 AM

My dh was quite clear that he wanted our Christmas card to include a picture with Mickey. So I had to include in my plans times and places to get pictures with Mickey and other characters in their holiday attire! (I wish I had known about the GF - see previous post, but alas, I didn't.) I had to make sure we had our own Christmas attire. I shopped all over for green/ red short sleeve shirts for my girls. No luck. So I ended up getting them red and green tank tops!

I learned that Animal Kingdom was the best location for the picture shoot!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Q26vhzK/0/L/i-Q26vhzK-L.jpg
(look at how they've grown from my avatar pic!)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-sPKC7vG/0/L/i-sPKC7vG-L.jpg

As we entered, my typical commando hubby stopped for these guys.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-KXrVPX6/0/L/i-KXrVPX6-L.jpg

And as usual, I stopped for this lovely sight.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-spDM9LX/0/L/i-spDM9LX-L.jpg

and this one:
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-gXWtjsk/0/L/i-gXWtjsk-L.jpg

The character trail didn't open until 9, so we had two hours...

up first- as always-

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-9b2xbwg/0/L/i-9b2xbwg-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JhfGPn2/0/L/i-JhfGPn2-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-n7Vb4FS/0/L/i-n7Vb4FS-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-c66Q3pZ/0/L/i-c66Q3pZ-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-CvdqwKg/0/L/i-CvdqwKg-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-NV8xntB/0/L/i-NV8xntB-L.jpg

One of my most favorite captures!!!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-sC6vxrc/0/L/i-sC6vxrc-L.jpg

I fufilled my obligatory ride, and shopped in the store while my family went on again (and again).

I headed down to Tusker to see about changing our reservation. Since I learned that the character trail wasn't open until 9, our breakfast time wasn't going to work. The CM was super nice and said just come when you can; it won't be a problem.

On my way, this guy was playing a Christmas carol. (I wish I noted which one!) Everyone is in such a hurry (as usual). I stopped, snapped picture, listened to the song, and clapped, which he was appreciative of. I think he was the apprentice to the other guy in the picture. I too was in a hurry, but it was nice to stop and enjoy the experience albeit briefly.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-W69kzRK/0/L/i-W69kzRK-L.jpg

This tree calls my name again!
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-knRv6Vz/0/L/i-knRv6Vz-L.jpg

I have to run--literally...:rotfl2: I will return later this afternoon with our choices for the Christmas card!

annmarieda

02-05-2012, 10:58 AM

Looks like a great morning!

Cant wait to read more popcorn::

mgsmom

02-05-2012, 12:12 PM

Great updates! The Osborne lights look phenomenal!!! Wow!!! I'm sure that is definitely hard to feel like your pictures do justice to - but your pics are great!

I can't wait to see what you got for your Christmas card! I agree that the entry at GF would definitely have been a great one. And they have TVs and fans at the bus stop? I will definitely have to tell DH that one - he keeps asking me why the deluxes are so expensive - it's all those extras. And location, of course. :thumbsup2

I love that capture you got of the girls, too - I actually teared up a little bit - made me think of my sister. :lovestruc

I also like the new classroom art! I'm going to have to work on mine - my stuff is getting a little old...

MeMom

02-05-2012, 04:33 PM

I failed to mention that I met my friend and her family at Bo when we entered the park.

I want you to tell a non-DISer to meet them at Bo in Disney World, and see where they end up! :laughing: Can't you picture someone trying to play it off like they knew, then scrambling to the WDW website and searching for BO? ;)

As we jogged back, passing s family, I commented, we are running home to get some sleep. It was silly, but Emma was happy.

Unexpected, but a sweet few minutes of the trip, I am betting. :lovestruc

I LOVED the store windows!!! If I ever have a beach place, I will be decorating it for the holidays like this...

I love tropical themed Christmas stuff. I got pictures at Polynesian, Beach Club, Caribbean Beach, and Old Key West at Christmas. It's fun to see the unique decor.

disneydreamingdebby

02-05-2012, 04:33 PM

Looks like a great morning!

Cant wait to read more popcorn::

It was and those pictures were only the first hour... more to come.

Great updates! The Osborne lights look phenomenal!!! Wow!!! I'm sure that is definitely hard to feel like your pictures do justice to - but your pics are great!

I can't wait to see what you got for your Christmas card! I agree that the entry at GF would definitely have been a great one. And they have TVs and fans at the bus stop? I will definitely have to tell DH that one - he keeps asking me why the deluxes are so expensive - it's all those extras. And location, of course. :thumbsup2

I love that capture you got of the girls, too - I actually teared up a little bit - made me think of my sister. :lovestruc

I also like the new classroom art! I'm going to have to work on mine - my stuff is getting a little old...

The bus stop at the other deluxes do not include a television or ceiling fans... I think the bus stops at the Poly are silly. They are like bus stops in the city...

But sideways...

http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/363508/363508,1264957503,2/stock-photo-bus-stop-billboard-d-render-45644674.jpg

Of course, the monorail going by is a pretty cool detail.

Glad you liked the pics and I am happy to bring you tears...:hug:

MeMom

02-05-2012, 04:41 PM

The CM was super nice and said just come when you can; it won't be a problem.

On my way, this guy was playing a Christmas carol. (I wish I noted which one!) Everyone is in such a hurry (as usual). I stopped, snapped picture, listened to the song, and clapped, which he was appreciative of. I think he was the apprentice to the other guy in the picture. I too was in a hurry, but it was nice to stop and enjoy the experience albeit briefly.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-W69kzRK/0/L/i-W69kzRK-L.jpg

We were typing at the same time a minute ago, but I realized I hadn't said anything about the Animal Kingdom part. You know we are serious AK fans! :thumbsup2

It was nice that you stopped and listened to the performer. The side shows and activities are really a great Disney detail. I am sure he did appreciate your acknowledgement of his work. :goodvibes

I am glad you were able to easily work out the time issue with your meal.

disneydreamingdebby

02-05-2012, 04:54 PM

So, I ran. During the run, I kept thinking about the buffalo chicken dip I'd be eating later. The run allows me to eat...:rotfl2: Meanwhile, I kept telling my girlfriend I have to start eating better because the runs shouldn't be that hard still!

Also, I attended the girls first indoor soccer game. It is with their travel team. They won 3 to 2. Super exciting. We were happy for them!

We left off at AK, and I am considering that based on the time, we must not have arrived at the park at 7. I think maybe closer to 7:45 based on my pics...

I wanted to be first at the character trails, so we headed there around 8:30. We were second, but it isn't a line. It's a rope drop circumstance. I don't like those...

Anyway, we waited among others who were excited to get to the Lion King show.

The actual walk wasn't memorable... We headed to get our mugs with the characters...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-WX2WZgR/0/L/i-WX2WZgR-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-DsrCX2T/0/L/i-DsrCX2T-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-7SGJvP8/0/L/i-7SGJvP8-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-NgddtRr/0/L/i-NgddtRr-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-4h5PwpM/0/L/i-4h5PwpM-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-fF9kx23/0/L/i-fF9kx23-L.jpg

Minnie really appreciated the girls' outfits. She loved how they were wearing the same thing, but reversed. You might also note the necklace switches kids. My girl friend bought it for me, and that day, Hannah picked it up to wear. Emma also wanted to wear it, so they shared...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-pSqPWRJ/0/L/i-pSqPWRJ-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-bP5N8D2/0/L/i-bP5N8D2-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-P9ncvNj/0/L/i-P9ncvNj-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-nx8RhZX/0/L/i-nx8RhZX-L.jpg

This was the picture we used for our card. It was the one dh liked best- after Chip and Dale (but I told him my hair was a problem in that shot!) I also cropped a picture of the girls with Mickey--they are his height...:rotfl2: So the card turned out nice.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-8mQ69T5/0/L/i-8mQ69T5-L.jpg

Chip and Dale's fan was on--made for an interesting shot... (PS it wasn't hot, my girls were cold without the fleeces, but they wanted to remove them for the pictures.)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-rq5nTHG/0/L/i-rq5nTHG-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-kq6hDnZ/0/L/i-kq6hDnZ-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

02-05-2012, 05:42 PM

On to Tusker and even more time with the characters...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-8857xBz/0/L/i-8857xBz-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-mmW7KSz/0/L/i-mmW7KSz-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-8VnvW57/0/L/i-8VnvW57-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-cWgGBqp/0/L/i-cWgGBqp-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-znKdK7j/0/L/i-znKdK7j-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-hLNphs8/0/L/i-hLNphs8-L.jpg

I asked this great CM if he made the meat (okay, forgive me for not knowing what was at the carving station...), he said, oh yeah, we make everything here. I said, no, did you? he thought I was odd...go figure!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-P2272N2/0/L/i-P2272N2-L.jpg

The girls played nice and smiled with all characters... as a reward, I will limit the character interactions in the summer! We skipped the Donald picture in the beginning--we were hungry and just saw him...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-SQz9Vj8/0/L/i-SQz9Vj8-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-pvZNFHT/0/L/i-pvZNFHT-L.jpg

LOVE Daisy- she's a hard gal to find...:love:

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-ftk2hfL/0/L/i-ftk2hfL-L.jpg

After Tusker, we ducked into Flights of Wonder (cute pun) just as it was beginning. We love this show.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-6MWJ9qk/0/L/i-6MWJ9qk-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-xm656dk/0/L/i-xm656dk-L.jpg

I love how the CM is so proud to hold the eagle!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-wV6R3sG/0/L/i-wV6R3sG-L.jpg

Off to Dinsosaur next...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-3hcHBmc/0/L/i-3hcHBmc-L.jpg

And then, Primeval Whirl
Emma bought new ears at Chester and Hester's...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZJ6X7Ct/0/L/i-ZJ6X7Ct-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-FXD55ng/0/L/i-FXD55ng-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-PcmC7Vq/0/L/i-PcmC7Vq-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-jGgWR8W/0/L/i-jGgWR8W-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-L82kbvr/0/L/i-L82kbvr-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Cg7CZCw/0/L/i-Cg7CZCw-L.jpg

fnrsgrl

02-06-2012, 04:25 PM

I love those Mickey ears. . . .must have! :yay:

disneydreamingdebby

02-06-2012, 04:44 PM

I want you to tell a non-DISer to meet them at Bo in Disney World, and see where they end up! :laughing: Can't you picture someone trying to play it off like they knew, then scrambling to the WDW website and searching for BO? ;)

I am sad to admit; I told her to meet me at Bo (she isn't an active DISer). I described him as a mechanic...:rotfl2: Really, I just know he's Bo. I had to laugh at myself about the "real" Bo. Luckily, he is at an easy to describe location.

Unexpected, but a sweet few minutes of the trip, I am betting. :lovestruc

It was!

I love tropical themed Christmas stuff. I got pictures at Polynesian, Beach Club, Caribbean Beach, and Old Key West at Christmas. It's fun to see the unique decor.

Me too!

We were typing at the same time a minute ago, but I realized I hadn't said anything about the Animal Kingdom part. You know we are serious AK fans! :thumbsup2

It was nice that you stopped and listened to the performer. The side shows and activities are really a great Disney detail. I am sure he did appreciate your acknowledgement of his work. :goodvibes

I am glad you were able to easily work out the time issue with your meal.

We love Animal Kingdom too. I am sad for those who don't go to the park. There are too many cool spots. My dh and girls are huge animal lovers!

I love those Mickey ears. . . .must have! :yay:

They were very cute on her. They are a nice "fancy" pair.

ToriPeanut

02-06-2012, 04:52 PM

What kind of camera do you have? It takes awesome pictures

mgsmom

02-06-2012, 07:24 PM

Wow - loads of great character pics!!! I bet your Christmas card turned out really cute! I had forgotten about the character trails - they are awesome. Catch them - like you did - when everyone else is going into the Lion King show and there are virtually no lines! We saw probably 6 characters in 30 minutes!

Thanks for the food pics at Tusker house - makes me hungry!;)

I'm with you on the run. I don't love running. But I eat, therefore, I run. :rotfl:

RooRach0906

02-06-2012, 08:36 PM

All caught up, I love all your pictures but my favorites are the castle all lit up. I am really looking forward to seeing that and I will cry. Your family character pictures are awesome. We want to do the same thing for our card and now that I know about Mickey and Minnie and GF I think I might see if we can get that one.
Did you only see those two storytellers? I was really hoping to catch some of those when we are there. Hope things are well and I can't wait to read more.

disneydreamingdebby

02-06-2012, 08:52 PM

What kind of camera do you have? It takes awesome pictures

Thanks. It's a Canon Xsi. I love it!

Wow - loads of great character pics!!! I bet your Christmas card turned out really cute! I had forgotten about the character trails - they are awesome. Catch them - like you did - when everyone else is going into the Lion King show and there are virtually no lines! We saw probably 6 characters in 30 minutes!

Thanks for the food pics at Tusker house - makes me hungry!;)

I'm with you on the run. I don't love running. But I eat, therefore, I run. :rotfl:

I think that with good planning you can avoid a line everywhere except Toy Story. :rotfl2:

The food was good there, but those pictures are quite boring. I think I ate a million chocolate chip mini-muffins (but I didn't get a pic of them.)

I am amazed at how hard it is to run still! As I am running, I have to tell myself, "You can do this; you've done this." My girlfriend is much faster and stays with me. She will run like what she has termed a cartoon character...knees high, arms exaggerated to keep her heart rate up. When I feel I am really slowing down (especially up this ridiculous hill in our neighborhood), I tell her to become the cartoon character.

Our longest run to date is 8 miles...it was tough and sloooooowwww. I promised my cousin I would do the Broad Street Run (Philly); it's a 10 miler, so I have to start training. Right now, my friend and I run 5 or 6 every Sunday, and 3 or 4 two three days a week.

BTW- I ran one 5K in my life. It was after a night of being double fisted with friends in a local bar...I was 21 and a gym rat (even worked as a pt), but I hated cardio. My FIL (just boyfriend's dad at the time) finished the race and came back to coach me to the finish line. UGH:sick: sad, sad day. I will have to ask FIL what he remembers? The sad part is that I think that time would be faster than my current 5K. haha

All caught up, I love all your pictures but my favorites are the castle all lit up. I am really looking forward to seeing that and I will cry. Your family character pictures are awesome. We want to do the same thing for our card and now that I know about Mickey and Minnie and GF I think I might see if we can get that one.
Did you only see those two storytellers? I was really hoping to catch some of those when we are there. Hope things are well and I can't wait to read more.

Thanks for catching up! I've been busy updating because I feel like Christmas was so long ago and people might lose interest!

I am glad to help with the card planning. Thrilled that you can know about Mickey and Minnie. You can also catch a Christmas Tigger-- maybe on a different AK meet and greet--I saw a picture on someone else's report or FB! I had the photopass card and handed my camera with the auto settings to the character handlers. Camp Minnie Mickey is probably the best spot for this! Other great options would be at MVMCP if you are headed there!

We did see a couple more storytellers; they will be featured soon! It is so hard to fit in all of the amazing Christmas events. I was lucky that we stayed at Beach Club for the convenience to EPCOT!

disneydreamingdebby

02-08-2012, 06:10 PM

We soon parted ways again, and I headed to MK for the Christmas Parade.

I hopped on a bus. I thought I got on the AKL bus, but didn't. I gave two girls incorrect info, thinking they needed to get off at AKL to transfer to get back to the Poly or the Cont. They might have thought I was crazy.

Then I said wait, "What bus am I on?" to a man sitting across from me. (He really thought I was crazy.) When he told me MK resorts, I said, "oh, okay." I decided to get off at the Contemporary and walk when I realized what bus I was on. haha

As we pulled up to the Contemporary, a nice lady told me I could just walk to MK. I briefly tried to explain that it was only temporary confusion, and that was my plan. hehe

Mind you, I think there were less than ten people on the bus. :sad2:

So, we pulled up, I got off, and headed right to MK! I was so excited!!!

I decided that I needed a snack for the parade

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-kKTzTLW/0/L/i-kKTzTLW-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-LnMSbcr/0/L/i-LnMSbcr-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JprsRF5/0/L/i-JprsRF5-L.jpg

Decisions, decisions....

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JSDNQZh/0/L/i-JSDNQZh-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Kp2bsB3/0/L/i-Kp2bsB3-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-gBqB2j7/0/L/i-gBqB2j7-L.jpg

I decided on this...I wasn't hungry, but wanted something.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-6bSGPhh/0/L/i-6bSGPhh-L.jpg

Then, I parked it on the curb next to some folks from a state in the midwest...They travel to Disney every four or five years. Their kids are now grown.

Pre-parade entertainment

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-qMRb3h9/0/L/i-qMRb3h9-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-XDXmnt4/0/L/i-XDXmnt4-L.jpg

and then....:rolleyes1

annmarieda

02-08-2012, 11:48 PM

Queenofallthings

02-09-2012, 09:29 AM

I love that choosing what to have at The Confectionary is the hardest decision we have to make at WDW:lmao: I always think "if it was only like this everyday"

Great pictures! Made me want one of everything and it's only 929am:lmao:

mgsmom

02-09-2012, 10:35 AM

Yay for snacks!!! Yummy!!!
That is too funny about getting bus-confusion! I'm sure with all the moving around you had done so far, it would be easy to think "Now, where was I going...:confused3" ha ha ha That would definitely be me.

As far as the running, have you ever tried using a watch? I use a cheap digital watch that I can time myself on. When I map my run, I write on my arm where each mile marker is. Then, as I'm running, I can see how my pace is. I started out running a 12-13 min mile (just run naturally the first time so you get a realistic starting time), and now I consistently run a 10 minute mile! Not hyperspeed, but definitely an improvement. :thumbsup2 I never strive to be a speed demon, though, I just don't want anyone walking to pass me... :rotfl:

Can't wait to see parade pics!!! :yay:

mgsmom

02-09-2012, 10:46 AM

Oh, I totally forgot to tell you! Instead of Chef Mickey's - I think we are going to do our late Sunday morning breakfast at Boma! It was between Boma and Kona and I think I will go with Boma because DH likes a buffet.;)

Plus - neither of us have every stepped foot in AKL. What do you think?

disneydreamingdebby

02-09-2012, 07:39 PM

Christmas Parade!!! I have to tell you I was so excited. I thought I might cry, and honestly, I probably did during the parade.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-v5T6WVQ/0/L/i-v5T6WVQ-L.jpg

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-sKcWfdC/0/L/i-sKcWfdC-L.jpg

Miss Anita--this is for you...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-jQh5fCn/0/L/i-jQh5fCn-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-npjr3Rd/0/L/i-npjr3Rd-L.jpg

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-rZT7VxR/0/L/i-rZT7VxR-L.jpg

next post...

disneydreamingdebby

02-09-2012, 07:54 PM

I am posting every fourth or fifth picture that I took. :laughing:

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-z3WdgD8/0/L/i-z3WdgD8-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-QGdVw2K/0/L/i-QGdVw2K-L.jpg

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disneydreamingdebby

02-09-2012, 07:55 PM

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disneydreamingdebby

02-09-2012, 08:12 PM

Again, your pictures make me smile. You really captured some great holiday moments!!

Also again I am in awe :worship: You going off by yourself!! Why on earth have I never thought to do this while on a trip with my family? :confused3 I can only imagine that it give me a chance to "reset" my own attitude since I could break from the sluggish "are we really going to the parks now" attitudes and get some serious things done.

Love TH for breakfast...

I envy you for doing the character trails...

and the candy shop :goodvibes YUM!

I am glad I can help you plan for next time! On our normal trips my family stays together most of the time. We only normally split is when they ride EE or TT or Space M. over and over or for the fireworks show at MK. I use this time to take pictures. Dh enjoys shopping, so we do this together usually.

The trails were new for us. We went to the Lion King when the girls were 6, so we had been down there but not for characters.

I love that choosing what to have at The Confectionary is the hardest decision we have to make at WDW:lmao: I always think "if it was only like this everyday"

Great pictures! Made me want one of everything and it's only 929am:lmao:

I agree. Today was a tough day at school. It certainly makes the trips so great to relive!

Yay for snacks!!! Yummy!!!
That is too funny about getting bus-confusion! I'm sure with all the moving around you had done so far, it would be easy to think "Now, where was I going...:confused3" ha ha ha That would definitely be me.

As far as the running, have you ever tried using a watch? I use a cheap digital watch that I can time myself on. When I map my run, I write on my arm where each mile marker is. Then, as I'm running, I can see how my pace is. I started out running a 12-13 min mile (just run naturally the first time so you get a realistic starting time), and now I consistently run a 10 minute mile! Not hyperspeed, but definitely an improvement. :thumbsup2 I never strive to be a speed demon, though, I just don't want anyone walking to pass me... :rotfl:

Can't wait to see parade pics!!! :yay:

I use my iphone (I am a complete tech geek.) I used Nike+ and switched to iMapmyrun. It gives me the average and distance. It is a great app, but I need to find one that gives me the average per each mile. I think I am running around a 9:30 for the 1st and around 10 for the 2nd and 3rd, but I must slip to 11, and get sloooowwwer and slooowwwer. It doesn't help speed that my friend and I are talking. (and sometimes it's about major life issues...) I wouldn't trade that time with her for speed though... I just need when I am running alone to do fartleks to get faster...

Oh, I totally forgot to tell you! Instead of Chef Mickey's - I think we are going to do our late Sunday morning breakfast at Boma! It was between Boma and Kona and I think I will go with Boma because DH likes a buffet.;)

Plus - neither of us have every stepped foot in AKL. What do you think?

I think that Boma is a good option for food (we've only eaten dinner there), and AKL is a lovely resort. You'll be able to see the animals. I like the atmosphere better than Kona.

How about 1900 Park Fare? It's a buffet and dd will be able to see characters. (It's dh's favorite breakfast location.)

I don't think you can go wrong with Boma though.

MeMom

02-10-2012, 04:17 AM

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Kp2bsB3/0/L/i-Kp2bsB3-L.jpg

So fun to look at - so hard to choose one thing!
My choice will most likely be something that has nuts in it. ;)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-npjr3Rd/0/L/i-npjr3Rd-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-DDB6VNr/0/L/i-DDB6VNr-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Gzxzthd/0/L/i-Gzxzthd-L.jpg

Could there be a better way to celebrate the Christmas season??? :santa:

DMGeurts

02-10-2012, 05:28 AM

I love all the pictures! What a great idea to go off on your own, I wish I could do that this trip, I am sure my girls will drive me crazy! LOL

D~

Queenofallthings

02-10-2012, 08:20 AM

I LOVED this update!! I felt like I was right there and I haven't seen the Christmas parade since 2005...far too long ago:sad2:

I can't pick a favorite picture.....I think I looked at them 10 times before I decided to post a reply....I do love the one of Mary Poppins and who doesn't love the Toy Soldiers:love:

Great great update my friend....your camera takes amazing pictures!

marDgreen88

02-10-2012, 12:29 PM

Beautiful pictures! There's a lot of stuff you don't notice when you're seeing the parade when it's dark out. Example: the gingerbread men have different colored icing! So cute! I feel like this parade was meant for the daylight! :goodvibes

annmarieda

02-10-2012, 01:38 PM

You take the BEST pictures! I really am in awe of the parade photos!!! Those are not so easy to get. (at least not for me. :rolleyes:) I doubt I will go back at Christmas time again, so it is unlikely for me to see this parade again. I really appreciate seeing them from such a good perspective. Thanks for sharing!!! :goodvibes

disneydreamingdebby

02-10-2012, 07:25 PM

So fun to look at - so hard to choose one thing!
My choice will most likely be something that has nuts in it. ;)
Could there be a better way to celebrate the Christmas season??? :santa:

It is very magical, but it still didn't feel like Christmas. :confused3

I typically choose nuts, caramel (or peanut butter) and chocolate. I love chocolate covered marshmellows too. They were the "light" choice. haha

I love all the pictures! What a great idea to go off on your own, I wish I could do that this trip, I am sure my girls will drive me crazy! LOL
D~

You and your girls are going to have a great time! My tip is to put them on Big Thunder by themselves and have a minute at the lookout spot to wave as they come by. It will give you a couple of minutes and you won't be nervous about letting them be on their own.

Also, lounge at the pool while they are swimming...it will give you a little time.

I LOVED this update!! I felt like I was right there and I haven't seen the Christmas parade since 2005...far too long ago:sad2:

I can't pick a favorite picture.....I think I looked at them 10 times before I decided to post a reply....I do love the one of Mary Poppins and who doesn't love the Toy Soldiers:love:

Great great update my friend....your camera takes amazing pictures!

Thanks!:goodvibes I was excited to take the pictures! I used the manual setting and I finally get it! :yay: The toy soldiers and the reindeer were my favorite! :love:

Beautiful pictures! There's a lot of stuff you don't notice when you're seeing the parade when it's dark out. Example: the gingerbread men have different colored icing! So cute! I feel like this parade was meant for the daylight! :goodvibes

Thank you! I am glad there was a perk to the day time viewing. I felt like I missed out by not seeing it at night. :laughing:

You take the BEST pictures! I really am in awe of the parade photos!!! Those are not so easy to get. (at least not for me. :rolleyes:) I doubt I will go back at Christmas time again, so it is unlikely for me to see this parade again. I really appreciate seeing them from such a good perspective. Thanks for sharing!!! :goodvibes

Thank you for your gushing... you should check out the picture of the day thread...those folks take amazing pictures.

The same way that you had the great seats for shots at Beauty and the Beast, I was sitting right on the curb to be able to get these shots. ;)

Our school is breaking early again next year for winter break, but I don't think we will do Christmas again soon either. It is about this time of year that my stress level increases at school and I need a long weekend at Disney to center myself. So, next winter we will go in late Jan/ early Feb. Maybe marathon weekend, and I will run a half. (Did I just type that?-- haha wait until dh reads this! :rolleyes1)

disneydreamingdebby

02-10-2012, 07:53 PM

After the amazing parade, I hopped on a bus to BC. I decided to get off at Yacht and cut through to go check in with my family at Stormalong Bay.

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I took over childcare duties at SAB, and dh went to the gym. I picked up fries for the girls for a snack, and we headed to the beach.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-4NsHtqC/0/L/i-4NsHtqC-L.jpg

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There was a bride and groom--so cool! (The bride seemed less than enthused unfortunately, but let's pretend she was smiling and happy...)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-P5qrxNM/0/L/i-P5qrxNM-L.jpg

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The girls played in the sand...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-d6BjqLm/0/L/i-d6BjqLm-L.jpg

then, we practiced Minnie's pose

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-P95xRxc/0/L/i-P95xRxc-L.jpg

So, the plan tonight was to take a nap and head to MK for a late night until 3AM. We've done this in the past.

Not sure what time we turned in, but we woke to Illuminations. The girls walked outside and then wanted to watch from their bed. We fell back asleep. I messed up the alarm. I woke at 2 in a panic! I woke dh. I felt terrible! Dh and I couldn't sleep, and the girls woke. So then three family members were now quite annoyed with me. UGH. I felt awful. So, dh took the girls to the pool to swim at 2:30 to make up for not making it to MK. They weren't gone too long. The girls decided it was too cold. After they came back we all found our way back to sleep.

There is a good ending to this! So don't feel bad for me. The next morning was our early hour at EPCOT. Because we were rested, we made it there early and we accomplished our goals. So, everyone agreed that it was good that we actually overslept.

WDW's crowd felt double what it had felt in previous days. By the afternoon, Soarin was a 240 minute wait! :scared1:

When I return, I will post the EPCOT day, which began with a fun start!

annmarieda

02-10-2012, 08:47 PM

Maybe marathon weekend, and I will run a half. (Did I just type that?-- haha wait until dh reads this! :rolleyes1)

Ya know I am totally not a runner. I need to get in shape lose a few pounds.. but never did I think of considering running. (we live very near a mountain that is used to train to climb REAL mountains so that is usually my activity of choice) However, I have a delightful disfriend who has been clever enough to convince me that the TOT run might be a good thing to do...then if I am able to accomplish that.. her (evil) plan is to make me do the half marathon.:rotfl: So who knows... maybe I too am under my breath.. "did I just type that" saying maybe to it all.

As for your night you overslept and didn't make it to MK. Since your trip and mine were during the same period, I am fairly certain what night you are talking about. It was the only one where MK was open to 3am on our trip.... the guys in my family decided that they definitely wanted to do MK till 3am (rather than get up early) so that became the plan. It was so SO packed. After park closed, we rode 3 or 4 rides. Then it was about 1am and I decided I had to go back to the room and sleep. The guys stayed till 3am and rode I believe only two more rides. They said the lines had nearly hour wait times (yes at 2am!!!):scared1: So I think you sleeping turned out to be a great thing!!!!

Queenofallthings

02-11-2012, 09:09 AM

Love the Minnie pose;) They are too cute!

I've done that too! Glad it all worked out for you in the end! Can't wait to hear about your early morning at Epcot!

MeMom

02-11-2012, 09:53 AM

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-G45xvSZ/0/L/i-G45xvSZ-L.jpg

Did you also see this whole village set up over at Epcot in America over by the big Christmas tree? So cute! We thought about buying a set, but we would have wanted to get them all, so we ended up with none. :upsidedow

mgsmom

02-11-2012, 01:33 PM

Sometimes, the best times are the unplanned times! I can't wait to hear about Epcot! What date did you notice the crowds starting to swell? I've always wondered where that "sweet spot" is between Thanksgiving and Christmas that is the best time to go.

Doing the Princess half, are you? Ah, sounds like a challenge to me!!! :woohoo:
I bet you could to it - and it would time up with your trip very nicely. Would you do it at the beginning of your trip? Or at the end?

Cute pics of the girls at the beach - love the Minnie poses! ;)

So, I finally resolved my Sunday breakfast issue. I have decided that we are doing the Gospel Brunch over at House of Blues in DTD. Not really what I had in mind to start with, but it's where I landed! I think DH will love it.

disneydreamingdebby

02-12-2012, 04:05 PM

Ya know I am totally not a runner. I need to get in shape lose a few pounds.. but never did I think of considering running. (we live very near a mountain that is used to train to climb REAL mountains so that is usually my activity of choice) However, I have a delightful disfriend who has been clever enough to convince me that the TOT run might be a good thing to do...then if I am able to accomplish that.. her (evil) plan is to make me do the half marathon.:rotfl: So who knows... maybe I too am under my breath.. "did I just type that" saying maybe to it all.

As for your night you overslept and didn't make it to MK. Since your trip and mine were during the same period, I am fairly certain what night you are talking about. It was the only one where MK was open to 3am on our trip.... the guys in my family decided that they definitely wanted to do MK till 3am (rather than get up early) so that became the plan. It was so SO packed. After park closed, we rode 3 or 4 rides. Then it was about 1am and I decided I had to go back to the room and sleep. The guys stayed till 3am and rode I believe only two more rides. They said the lines had nearly hour wait times (yes at 2am!!!):scared1: So I think you sleeping turned out to be a great thing!!!!

Wow! The planes must have landed and everyone headed to MK! (Then, they were in EPCOT the next day...)

I loved the idea of the TOT run, but I am not thinking that the dates work out well for my family. I am not ruling out a solo trip to do it--or I was even considering taking my mom for the weekend to celebrate my 40th...

Love the Minnie pose;) They are too cute!

I've done that too! Glad it all worked out for you in the end! Can't wait to hear about your early morning at Epcot!

Thanks--I love the poses too!

Did you also see this whole village set up over at Epcot in America over by the big Christmas tree? So cute! We thought about buying a set, but we would have wanted to get them all, so we ended up with none. :upsidedow

I walked by America a couple of times...I don't tend to stop there (since I am in America...):rotfl: We really need to take more time and visit. I feel the same, sometimes a set isn't enough... After buying the monorail, I wanted to get all of the playsets. (Because I would really play with the castle--or I have a place where it would not look ridiculous. haha)

Sometimes, the best times are the unplanned times! I can't wait to hear about Epcot! What date did you notice the crowds starting to swell? I've always wondered where that "sweet spot" is between Thanksgiving and Christmas that is the best time to go.

Doing the Princess half, are you? Ah, sounds like a challenge to me!!! :woohoo:
I bet you could to it - and it would time up with your trip very nicely. Would you do it at the beginning of your trip? Or at the end?

Cute pics of the girls at the beach - love the Minnie poses! ;)

So, I finally resolved my Sunday breakfast issue. I have decided that we are doing the Gospel Brunch over at House of Blues in DTD. Not really what I had in mind to start with, but it's where I landed! I think DH will love it.

Oh Beth, beginning or end of trip- now, we are really planning...:rolleyes: I've gotta make it through the 10 miler, then I can consider a half.

We really didn't have any crowd issues until Tuesday, Dec. 20th. The crowd calendar showed a huge jump from the 20th to the 21st, so I would say up to the 19th. Our friends didn't leave until the 22nd, and they had a great day in MK on the 21st, so I guess it's about your touring. Also, Dis friends arrive Christmas night and the mornings following Christmas, they have empty park pictures. People really didn't get up early those days!

I think that your new plan sounds great! I've heard terrific reviews of the Gospel Brunch. It is on my to do someday list.

Dh thinks that his vacation weeks will be in August...I am so hoping for July, but hey, I get to go to Disney. I shouldn't complain because it is the end of the summer.

disneydreamingdebby

02-13-2012, 06:37 PM

We had a big weekend. The girls had their sleepover party to celebrate their 10th birthday!

First, we went to Longhorn Steakhouse for dinner. (This sounds extravagant, yes? Kids meals are 3.99. This was similar in price to ordering a couple of pizzas!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-RBwXpzv/0/M/i-RBwXpzv-M.jpg

My mom, dh and I sat at the table across from them.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-tQgTnPT/0/M/i-tQgTnPT-M.jpg

They shine a light on the birthday girl (my two are on the right; the cutie on the left is their friend who shares the same birthday) and everyone yells Yee-haw...Well, their friends did this quite well. (I am sure the rest of the restaurant loved it...)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-6PmrVfT/0/M/i-6PmrVfT-M.jpg

Then, we headed to an indoor play center. (Where I got a discount for having a party after 8 pm. perfect for my tweens.)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-SMcvVBF/0/M/i-SMcvVBF-M.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Wjwzrmn/0/L/i-Wjwzrmn-L.jpg

See the play thing behind them? They played tag in it...I didn't get pictures inside of it...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-z7CLFqV/0/M/i-z7CLFqV-M.jpg

When we safely made it home (it was of course snowing and roads were getting dicey...), we had a craft to do! 11pm- let's decorate our pillow cases...I wrote their initials on them ahead of time.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-vm2WcVt/0/L/i-vm2WcVt-L.jpg

Hannah's friend helped her and unknowingly created something quite special. Hannah pointed it out to me, "Look Mom, a hidden Mickey."

We also decorated a bag to put in our goodies...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-LjRHxKG/2/M/i-LjRHxKG-M.jpg

Then the girls went to the basement and did a gymnastics contest for about 30 minutes...

Next, we played the nail-polish game!

I made one similar, but we used dice.

http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/109916047125279352_f0G7jMre_c.jpg

At 1:30, (three girls went home at 11:30; 11:45 and 1:00), I set up sleepingbags and Soul Surfer. I set the timer on the TV for 30 minutes, since lights out was at 2. (My girls and their one friend had a soccer game at noon.)

At 7, they were up again. Dh started breakfast. I woke when the phone rang at 7:45. One friend returned for breakfast. =)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-zjrzfhc/0/M/i-zjrzfhc-M.jpg

See my wonderful dh in the kitchen? Good daddy!

At ten, the party was supposed to end...but it didn't. They arranged for us to take all to soccer, one friend plays on another team at the same place later...and her mom to bring two back. (We had a lunch date with FIL).

We lost one to exhaustion...and all piled in for soccer.

Apple commercial...iphones and ipods. (They didn't use these all night. If I saw one, I was very casual about getting a kid to put it away. However, it was infrequent that I saw it- maybe twice once while waiting at restaurant...
They were not connected at all. (until the car...even then, they were playing and talking.)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Q3P6Bb4/0/M/i-Q3P6Bb4-M.jpg

The party ended with a win by the Pride team! :yay:

Only two or three meltdowns or sassiness (from mine of course.) Otherwise, a wonderful time! They have AWESOME friends.

disneydreamingdebby

02-14-2012, 06:14 PM

I have to complete the TR! It is time to start planning the summer trip!!

Well, we were well rested, and headed to EPCOT!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZB25pQ2/0/L/i-ZB25pQ2-L.jpg

While we were waiting outside of the turnstiles, a custodian was interacting with the kids and letting them "help" him.

He called Emma over,

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-2BSTkfg/0/L/i-2BSTkfg-L.jpg

showed her what to do,

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-sJXQJdZ/0/L/i-sJXQJdZ-L.jpg

and let her do it..

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-sskQbCs/0/L/i-sskQbCs-L.jpg

I think she had fun.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-T9DvQdV/0/L/i-T9DvQdV-L.jpg

I went to TT to pick up fast passes and met the family at Soarin. I don't remember this day well. We grabbed breakfast; probably rode Test track twice. These pics were from one ride.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-B5GMBrW/0/L/i-B5GMBrW-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-r948NM3/0/L/i-r948NM3-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-fpPt27S/0/L/i-fpPt27S-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-pjTZG5M/0/L/i-pjTZG5M-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-rHG3t2q/0/L/i-rHG3t2q-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-RKzD2cX/0/L/i-RKzD2cX-L.jpg

As we pulled in to unload, a door was open to the garage and a CM was working on a car....

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-RKKzZbZ/0/L/i-RKKzZbZ-L.jpg

Or maybe praying about a car...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-N3dkDHw/0/L/i-N3dkDHw-L.jpg

Behind the scenes!!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-92zrC2x/0/L/i-92zrC2x-L.jpg

annmarieda

02-14-2012, 06:58 PM

Looks like an awesome time! Girl parties are fun... but exhausting too. My boys were all easy.. the girls were the ones that had high levels of energy to them.

disneydreamingdebby

02-14-2012, 10:22 PM

Looks like an awesome time! Girl parties are fun... but exhausting too. My boys were all easy.. the girls were the ones that had high levels of energy to them.

It was fun. Aside from needing more sleep the next day, it really went well.

MeMom

02-15-2012, 04:29 AM

Looks like an awesome time! Girl parties are fun... but exhausting too. My boys were all easy.. the girls were the ones that had high levels of energy to them.

Mine were the same way. The boys would go outside and play basketball for hours, come in and devour mass quantities of food, and then play video games until they fell asleep. Girls drug out all the make-up and nail polish, etc. in the house and made big messes on each others' faces. They had a blast, but there was 'stuff' everywhere. With girls, you risk the drama that comes with some of them - one not liking another or whatever. If I had to do another one, I'd pick a boy sleepover, for sure. Of course, since I have two granddaughters, I don't think I have much of a choice! :laughing:

Debby, looks like a very fun time for your girls. Jill had a party where they decorated bags one time, too. I think she was eleven that time. They really enjoyed that. Puffy paint was a big deal! :thumbsup2

Yay for Epcot pictures. I always sit out with Bella while the others ride Test Track. It messes up my hair, too, so I only like to do it when we're pretty much leaving the park right after that. :crazy:

DMGeurts

02-15-2012, 05:02 AM

I love that the custodiain had Emma help clean - How funny!

I have to back up to the Christmas Village from the other day... There is one house in that set up that I actually have - it's the "Let It Snow" house, and it's one of my favorites - I just love how they had it set up with the garage... Thanks to your pic - I am now on the hunt for the garage. LOL I would love to add the Disney series to my Village collection someday - but as it is, the only place I display them is in my bay window - and I am totally out of room... Unless I find another place... Besides, I really dislike putting it up, and I dread taking it down... I enjoy it while it's up though - so that's why I continue to display it every year. :)

I love the party pics - for the most part, my girls are done with that stage... I kind of miss it and I kind of don't... I had to ROFL at all the Ipods/Iphones in the pic - that is so cute... I wonder how many of those have cracked screens??? LOL My dd dropped her Ipod last summer (after we had just replaced it when it was stolen in Europe), so we told her that she had to replace her screen with her own $$ - it's still cracked. :(

OK... Better get movin' on responding to some of the TRs and PTRs I follow - or I'll never get done today. LOL :)

D~

disneydreamingdebby

02-15-2012, 05:03 PM

Mine were the same way. The boys would go outside and play basketball for hours, come in and devour mass quantities of food, and then play video games until they fell asleep. Girls drug out all the make-up and nail polish, etc. in the house and made big messes on each others' faces. They had a blast, but there was 'stuff' everywhere. With girls, you risk the drama that comes with some of them - one not liking another or whatever. If I had to do another one, I'd pick a boy sleepover, for sure. Of course, since I have two granddaughters, I don't think I have much of a choice! :laughing:

Debby, looks like a very fun time for your girls. Jill had a party where they decorated bags one time, too. I think she was eleven that time. They really enjoyed that. Puffy paint was a big deal! :thumbsup2

Yay for Epcot pictures. I always sit out with Bella while the others ride Test Track. It messes up my hair, too, so I only like to do it when we're pretty much leaving the park right after that. :crazy:

You're a hoot...there will be no evidence of your hair being disturbed :rolleyes1

I am happy for my girls. I can't imagine boys.

I love that the custodiain had Emma help clean - How funny!

I have to back up to the Christmas Village from the other day... There is one house in that set up that I actually have - it's the "Let It Snow" house, and it's one of my favorites - I just love how they had it set up with the garage... Thanks to your pic - I am now on the hunt for the garage. LOL I would love to add the Disney series to my Village collection someday - but as it is, the only place I display them is in my bay window - and I am totally out of room... Unless I find another place... Besides, I really dislike putting it up, and I dread taking it down... I enjoy it while it's up though - so that's why I continue to display it every year. :)

I love the party pics - for the most part, my girls are done with that stage... I kind of miss it and I kind of don't... I had to ROFL at all the Ipods/Iphones in the pic - that is so cute... I wonder how many of those have cracked screens??? LOL My dd dropped her Ipod last summer (after we had just replaced it when it was stolen in Europe), so we told her that she had to replace her screen with her own $$ - it's still cracked. :(

OK... Better get movin' on responding to some of the TRs and PTRs I follow - or I'll never get done today. LOL :)

D~

I have the same love/hate relationship with some holiday decorations! :santa:

I think we are in for several more years of sleepovers. Really, I can't imagine it will stop before they move out... I am happy to have them here though. I get to be in the loop and hear about "crushes" etc. One little girl told me her "crushes." The rest are not yet interested in boys. Thankfully!!

The girls all have cases and luckily no cracked screens. Dh had one without the case on it, and the cat knocked it off the counter...it has a large crack. He now has an iPhone. We went to a trail one day and while putting the bikes on the Jeep rack, dh put the phone on the bumper. Can you guess what happened next. We drove off. Once home, he realized what had happened and we quickly went back. I spotted in on the road, and grabbed it. It had tire marks on the case, but the case protected it from any damage!

disneydreamingdebby

02-15-2012, 05:36 PM

After some rides, we headed to WS to catch a couple of storytellers. We sat in France to wait for Pere Noel.

The girls were having a private conversation and bonding.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-GMHPLvz/0/L/i-GMHPLvz-L.jpg

Crowd level shot 12/20: (They were all over in FW...by the afternoon, the wait time for Soarin was 240 minutes. I KID YOU NOT!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-gm5G4b4/0/L/i-gm5G4b4-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-GKc84z5/0/L/i-GKc84z5-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-XGjK4HC/0/L/i-XGjK4HC-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-vxsw92p/0/L/i-vxsw92p-L.jpg

We headed back to BC for our Cape May Cafe Clam Bake.

I caught a previously missed photo op on the walk back.
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-NdwzZwX/0/L/i-NdwzZwX-L.jpg

Only picture from dinner... (??)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-wrR3Mfp/0/L/i-wrR3Mfp-L.jpg

We walked back through EPCOT and stopped for Father Christmas.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-vddf7nD/0/L/i-vddf7nD-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-pSXWfHL/0/L/i-pSXWfHL-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-8kBpknj/0/L/i-8kBpknj-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

02-15-2012, 05:52 PM

We walked to the front of the park to catch the monorail.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-5gtgWCJ/0/L/i-5gtgWCJ-L.jpg

We hopped off at the TTC and caught the boat to MK - this was the way to go!

Could not get a good shot!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-qDWdcLh/0/L/i-qDWdcLh-L.jpg

From here, I started using my lines app. I would look to see what wait times people posted and that told us where to go.

At MK we visited a lovely mansion: (Again, I did not take flash photography on rides.)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JT9Wsqh/0/L/i-JT9Wsqh-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-r3pG3Kz/0/L/i-r3pG3Kz-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JrmM6bR/0/L/i-JrmM6bR-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-5jVPNbm/0/L/i-5jVPNbm-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-pM7CzWQ/0/L/i-pM7CzWQ-L.jpg

I like to post the wait times as we travel through the parks to help others. I was glad that others did it to help me.

We hit Pirates for a 5 minute wait time - we walked on.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-BVPwcqZ/0/L/i-BVPwcqZ-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-vvgQbhM/0/L/i-vvgQbhM-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-hXnr4hJ/0/L/i-hXnr4hJ-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-2W6hzjb/0/L/i-2W6hzjb-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-cVCzWhk/0/L/i-cVCzWhk-L.jpg

Then, it was the Jungle Cruise- no wait. Our captain was fantastic...I meant to write a guest satisfaction card. I need to carry something next trip to do that!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-gMRmgQp/0/L/i-gMRmgQp-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-NVjnJFD/0/L/i-NVjnJFD-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-rMbCSQT/0/L/i-rMbCSQT-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

02-15-2012, 06:10 PM

After this, I sent the family to Space or somewhere...:rolleyes1

It was time for Magic, Memories and You. Now, like every trip, my tragic downfall is that I don't stake out a spot...this is a no-no for photographers. So, I, like usual, had an obstruction - I fully believe that some of the trees really need to be trimmed back!

So, humor me. The tree adds some interest to the castle shots, right? ::yes::

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-sqHssQt/0/L/i-sqHssQt-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Rgd5S5n/0/L/i-Rgd5S5n-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-9SdpQQt/0/L/i-9SdpQQt-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZzGXRF8/0/L/i-ZzGXRF8-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-DJ3WJLh/0/L/i-DJ3WJLh-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-QPcdtrb/0/L/i-QPcdtrb-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-7j8Q6GX/0/L/i-7j8Q6GX-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JZhH9WW/0/L/i-JZhH9WW-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-2Pc3Nkd/0/L/i-2Pc3Nkd-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-qW6S7qK/0/L/i-qW6S7qK-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-gKMWWst/0/L/i-gKMWWst-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-MSBB5V5/0/L/i-MSBB5V5-L.jpg

BOO tree and I really need to work on fireworks shots!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-TTKN3ft/0/L/i-TTKN3ft-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-mw2cD5Z/0/L/i-mw2cD5Z-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-3B82rDg/0/L/i-3B82rDg-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-tNsBRST/0/L/i-tNsBRST-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-vq7zfdN/0/L/i-vq7zfdN-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Zx9bTrK/0/L/i-Zx9bTrK-L.jpg

crowd shot:

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-QZ8hhs2/0/L/i-QZ8hhs2-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-cb7mgBk/0/L/i-cb7mgBk-L.jpg

Up next a castle stage show...

annmarieda

02-15-2012, 06:22 PM

disneydreamingdebby

02-16-2012, 05:18 PM

After the fireworks, I was able to see the Celebrate the Season Stage Show.

Now, I sat down with others to wait. When the show began, I immediately stood up, and no one else around me did. :confused3 I was so confused...at the castle lighting, everyone stood. Someone actually, politely told me to sit down. I quick moved to the side so that I wasn't in anyone's way while I stood.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-4c6x4hT/0/L/i-4c6x4hT-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-xr76t3D/0/L/i-xr76t3D-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-3hdXjmp/0/L/i-3hdXjmp-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-nCxH3k8/0/L/i-nCxH3k8-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-PkhLfkv/0/L/i-PkhLfkv-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Pt7ZcMM/0/L/i-Pt7ZcMM-L.jpg

Many of the characters in the parade were in this show!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-qWVZdHQ/0/L/i-qWVZdHQ-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-rhWWpQN/0/L/i-rhWWpQN-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-wXskRrL/0/L/i-wXskRrL-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-VDxcV29/0/L/i-VDxcV29-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-qZQzqQr/0/L/i-qZQzqQr-L.jpg

We left the park around 11 or so. The family was wiped. I wanted to stay and take pictures of an empty Main Street and castle, but I thought I'd imposed too much on dh during the days with the girls. I didn't want him to have to take the bus back with them alone.

Last day of our trip coming up!

annmarieda

02-17-2012, 12:27 PM

mgsmom

02-17-2012, 12:53 PM

I bet seeing the castle change colors like that was awesome - I would LOVE to see it as a gingerbread house!

Cute shot of the girls with their heads together at Epcot. So sweet! I don't know what we'll do when DD gets to be that age. Maybe we'll take a friend with us on some trips...

The birthday party looked like lots of fun! Good for you, having crafts and games! I'm with you - I want to be the house where everyone hangs out and can talk in front of me.

I can't believe your trip is ending!! Let us know when you start a PTR for your next trip!

disneydreamingdebby

02-18-2012, 07:14 AM

I thought we stood for this show.:confused3 Course, I am not certain that this was the show I even saw since we were standing in a crowd in front of the castle.

Your pictures are (as always) amazing!!!:goodvibes

It was so odd; it was comical! :lmao:

Thanks!:goodvibes (The attraction ones need some work. Taking dark ride shots would be easier with more ISO and a higher quality lens--both cost more than I can justify at this point...someday, though.)

I bet seeing the castle change colors like that was awesome - I would LOVE to see it as a gingerbread house!

Cute shot of the girls with their heads together at Epcot. So sweet! I don't know what we'll do when DD gets to be that age. Maybe we'll take a friend with us on some trips...

The birthday party looked like lots of fun! Good for you, having crafts and games! I'm with you - I want to be the house where everyone hangs out and can talk in front of me.

I can't believe your trip is ending!! Let us know when you start a PTR for your next trip!

The holiday show was cool! When the castle was green, a star firework was released (the tree prevented that shot...).

I think as long as you or Dh will ride with dd on the rides, you won't need a friend for her until she is like 15... (You'd think mine were 15 some days.)

The party was fun. It is great to have them want to be around me. I read somewhere that driving girls around provides time to hear what's going on if your kids lives. Their friends tend to tell a lot in the car. (Keep that tip for later.)

I am going to wrap this one up today. I am excited share the planning of the next!

Queenofallthings

02-18-2012, 07:25 AM

TanzUnited99

02-18-2012, 10:54 AM

Hey am back and catching up on the boards :goodvibes

Thank you for your kind words over the past week :hug:

I love AK and it looks even better at Christmas time - love the family shot with Mickey :thumbsup2

Yay you got to meet Daisy - am so jealous!!! :lmao:

OMG the Christmas parade looks amazing!

Charleston Princess

02-19-2012, 07:50 AM

Love all the great character pics from Camp Mickey -- I bet your Christmas cards were adorable!!!

I am longing for Tusker House now. LOL!

Wonderful parade shots! Don't you just love all the princesses in the Christmas finery?

What a shame that you weren't able to make it to MK for the late night, but your Epcot morning is lovely. How cool to see the storytellers!

ortholablady

02-19-2012, 08:54 AM

Just read through your whole TR. Good reading for a Sunday morning! Looks like you had a great time. Disney is so beautiful at Christmas! I took a trip early in Dec. a few years ago with my DS and when the parks were too crazy we just toured around the resorts looking at the decorations catching some entertainment like a brass band playing Christmas carols at the BW.

ortholablady

02-19-2012, 09:03 AM

disneydreamingdebby

02-20-2012, 02:21 PM

Great birthday party/sleepover for the girls! Sounds like they had a lot of fun...you can see it on all their faces too!:thumbsup2

It definitely looks like he is praying over the car.....it goes down at least once when we're in line every trip:rotfl2:

They did have a blast.

It will be interesting to see what Test Track is like after the refurb. It sounds interesting, but I can't quite figure out how they will make individual experiences.

Hey am back and catching up on the boards :goodvibes

Thank you for your kind words over the past week :hug:

I love AK and it looks even better at Christmas time - love the family shot with Mickey :thumbsup2

Yay you got to meet Daisy - am so jealous!!! :lmao:

OMG the Christmas parade looks amazing!

Hope things keeping looking up! :hug:

I love Daisy...I might have to stop in the middle of the Toy Story Dash this next trip to say hi!

Being there at Christmas was a great experience!

Love all the great character pics from Camp Mickey -- I bet your Christmas cards were adorable!!!

I am longing for Tusker House now. LOL!

Wonderful parade shots! Don't you just love all the princesses in the Christmas finery?

What a shame that you weren't able to make it to MK for the late night, but your Epcot morning is lovely. How cool to see the storytellers!

It worked out really well that we didn't go for EMH--our next night at MK we accomplished everything easily.

I would have loved a shot of Belle in her holiday garb, but I just couldn't justify the cost of the party tickets!

Just read through your whole TR. Good reading for a Sunday morning! Looks like you had a great time. Disney is so beautiful at Christmas! I took a trip early in Dec. a few years ago with my DS and when the parks were too crazy we just toured around the resorts looking at the decorations catching some entertainment like a brass band playing Christmas carols at the BW.

Thanks for reading!! I am the same way; I read trip reports in one sitting. (Much like I read books)

I think those special unexpected events make WDW such a great place! Also, the fact that there are other options than the park when you need a break that don't feel like you are missing out! How old is your DS?

disneydreamingdebby

02-20-2012, 02:34 PM

I had 27 pictures and much commentary finished when I paused...I had to go back and move pictures to get under 25.

I took my laptop to my mom's (details as to why soon), and I shut down completely forgetting about the unsaved post! UGH!!!

So, I have been cheating on the DIS. I have been reading "reviews" and posts on Cruise Critic. My mom decided that since my brother, SIL and nephew were vacationing in May with SIL's family and wouldn't be able to vacation with us in June, that she wanted to go on a cruise. Intially, I balked at this. My mom pays for the girls and I to vacation with her --she and my dad paid for a condo rental for years for all of us to be able to spend time together. (I am a very spoiled child. :goodvibes) I told her a cruise would be too much money.

Then, I researched it and found it will be about the same, if not a little cheaper. So, I agreed with two concerns: one my brother being annoyed that mom is taking us on a cruise, and two - I am nervous about a cruise. I would be less nervous if dh was present, but someone has to work in the summer to pay for my extras... :rotfl:

I determined that bro would have to understand. Without dad, mom doesn't have anyone to cruise with. Also, I would have to get over my irrational fears.

So, on Sat. we booked our Carnival Cruise from Balt to the Bahamas. I have been researching since, and I found that their is a population out there as crazy about cruises as we are about Disney!

I didn't look into a Disney Cruise since I knew it would be more $$ and dh would not be okay with us doing this vacation without him. He has no interest in cruising, but every interest connected to Disney! Since he is very supportive about the girls and me having an extra vacation, I wouldn't push it!

disneydreamingdebby

02-20-2012, 02:45 PM

On our last day, I had a quiet moment alone with our room to say goodbye. Pictures posted on page 4, I think. Dh took our luggage to the Unmagical Express area.

As we were headed to HS, one dd had to use the restroom. I was going to go get us breakfast at the Boardwalk Bakery, but discovered that the line was outrageous! I headed in to Boardwalk to meet my family.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-HsTKhr8/0/L/i-HsTKhr8-L.jpg

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-NwHKQLX/0/L/i-NwHKQLX-L.jpg

Wouldn't this picture be better without people? Well, the guy sat down, with no signs of moving. Then, this family came. We had places to go, attractions to see!
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-7PFzQtW/0/L/i-7PFzQtW-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

02-20-2012, 02:58 PM

On our way over to HS, we saw this guy of interest.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-cgbQg97/0/L/i-cgbQg97-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-SgZWmnD/0/L/i-SgZWmnD-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-FwFkV3V/0/L/i-FwFkV3V-L.jpg

We also saw some pirate booty!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-gLCCrJC/0/L/i-gLCCrJC-L.jpg

Ahh, and in the distance...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-gn7m3Tt/0/L/i-gn7m3Tt-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-SdMqbCQ/0/L/i-SdMqbCQ-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Qq36Jbp/0/L/i-Qq36Jbp-L.jpg

Then, we were a little behind the schedule, which meant a little behind the crowd...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Ch5CqrN/0/L/i-Ch5CqrN-L.jpg

We had fun on the TOT...I held on to my camera and for my life! My family, as you can see, enjoys this ride differently!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Q8QLgQt/0/L/i-Q8QLgQt-L.jpg

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disneydreamingdebby

02-20-2012, 03:07 PM

One of the girls was hungry, so we went to Pizza Planet.

Here's the cute holiday cupcake!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JtWDWz4/0/L/i-JtWDWz4-L.jpg

Yummy cupcake...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-ngzcZS4/0/L/i-ngzcZS4-L.jpg

Emma's pizza-
http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Tx8nndB/0/L/i-Tx8nndB-L.jpg

Large chix tossed salad for Hannah (she doesn't like pizza or the two could have shared!)

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-JNHdk8g/0/L/i-JNHdk8g-L.jpg

On to an attraction loved by dh

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-HjgKmHz/0/L/i-HjgKmHz-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-8txjp4M/0/L/i-8txjp4M-L.jpg

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http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-FWGz4Cx/0/L/i-FWGz4Cx-L.jpg

After dh and the girls headed to TOT again, and I sat on a bench and people watched, we headed back towards the BC

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-P7vsmv6/0/L/i-P7vsmv6-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

02-20-2012, 03:12 PM

We headed back to EPCOT.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-wf7Bp9f/0/L/i-wf7Bp9f-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-XnZm7Sb/0/L/i-XnZm7Sb-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-QK8WFCg/0/L/i-QK8WFCg-L.jpg

It was the time for the Gospel show at EPCOT...this was wonderful! The singers were great; the EPCOT ball was in the background. Amazing feeling to be listening to this!

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-pTfzMKB/0/L/i-pTfzMKB-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-Z9mJx39/0/L/i-Z9mJx39-L.jpg

Great way to end at a park! DH and I picked up our remaining counter service meals (something like 7!) We headed back early and hung out in the breezeway waiting for our bus. We ate a snack and took the rest of the food to the airport.

When we arrived at the airport, we learned that our flight was delayed! So, the two hours wait turned into four!!! UGH!!
The girls handled it just fine...

Dh's new toy made it too...http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-pQqsFSM/0/L/i-pQqsFSM-L.jpg

After we were home, I ordered these...

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-djXJF3b/0/L/i-djXJF3b-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-h2rCWPb/0/L/i-h2rCWPb-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

02-20-2012, 03:22 PM

I'm running out of charge on the laptop, so I'll be back with a wrap up!:santa:

ortholablady

02-20-2012, 06:26 PM

They did have a blast.

It will be interesting to see what Test Track is like after the refurb. It sounds interesting, but I can't quite figure out how they will make individual experiences.

Hope things keeping looking up! :hug:

I love Daisy...I might have to stop in the middle of the Toy Story Dash this next trip to say hi!

Being there at Christmas was a great experience!

It worked out really well that we didn't go for EMH--our next night at MK we accomplished everything easily.

I would have loved a shot of Belle in her holiday garb, but I just couldn't justify the cost of the party tickets!

Thanks for reading!! I am the same way; I read trip reports in one sitting. (Much like I read books)

I think those special unexpected events make WDW such a great place! Also, the fact that there are other options than the park when you need a break that don't feel like you are missing out! How old is your DS?

DS is 19. He's in college now so we haven't gone together in about 3 years. My DH was not a big Disney fan so he was ok with DS and I taking our own trips. I have lots of great memories! I'm hoping he will be able to come with me at some point in the next couple years. I have some cousins interested in a Disney family reunion so I will probably be planning that with my brother who lives in FL a little over an hour from WDW.

TanzUnited99

02-21-2012, 12:31 PM

Oh no on it being your last day but time for the next trip? ;)

Love the pics you got on the way to DHS.

Mmm more food - I really need to get off these boards and go an make myself something to eat! :lmao:

mgsmom

02-21-2012, 12:45 PM

Oh, that stinks on losing your whole post!!! I've done that before and :headache: man!

Love the pics - I haven't been in a LOT of those rides at DHS. I think about all I've done (recently) is the Rockin Roller Coaster - I'm a thrill ride junkie, though. It's hard to pass them up when we are with DD, but I have lots of other chances to ride roller coasters when I'm not at WDW, so...

Where is that gospel show at Epcot? I'm trying to look at the surroundings and figure it out, but I'm not visualizing well - especially with the ball right there. I bet that was really cool! We love music, too.

annmarieda

02-22-2012, 02:41 AM

How frustrating to lose that post!!!

Very cool that you are going on a cruise!! I have heard that there are "cruise" communities like our little dis community... I bet that will be fun to explore.

The cupcake at DHS... my dd tried it. Not our favorite but super cute. Worth getting just for that... but the bow was so overly colored with dye that it not only tasted like it but turned my dd's tongue a bright pink.

What kinds of cs meals did you bring to the airport? I always wonder what you can take and what you can't. :confused3 TSA just has me so nervous to bring anything!

And...:sad2: Sad that this was your last day!!! What a great trip though!

MeMom

02-22-2012, 05:19 AM

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-NwHKQLX/0/L/i-NwHKQLX-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-7PFzQtW/0/L/i-7PFzQtW-L.jpg

Yes, this was absolutely lovely! I did Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk pictures one afternoon while the others went back to the room to take naps. They were all so pretty!

I heard the holiday singers in Epcot, too, but I had a sleeping Bella in the stroller, and the music was so loud. I sat out on the wall in front of MouseGear at first, but then I moved a little further away so that she wouldn't wake up. It's nice to have the extra entertainment things like this.

Great pictures, as always! Wish I could be there now. :)

Queenofallthings

02-24-2012, 05:56 PM

Can't believe it's your last day! I love the ornaments and Chip and Dale....too cute!! So when's the next PTR starting????popcorn::

disneydreamingdebby

02-25-2012, 07:56 AM

DS is 19. He's in college now so we haven't gone together in about 3 years. My DH was not a big Disney fan so he was ok with DS and I taking our own trips. I have lots of great memories! I'm hoping he will be able to come with me at some point in the next couple years. I have some cousins interested in a Disney family reunion so I will probably be planning that with my brother who lives in FL a little over an hour from WDW.

What a wonderful way to build memories with your son! I am very blessed that my dh is a huge Disney lover. (He wouldn't be okay with me and the girls going without him. I'd feel bad doing it.) Someday that son of yours might give you some grandkids to take! Yay!

I hope your family decides to do the reunion at Disney!

Oh no on it being your last day but time for the next trip? ;)

Love the pics you got on the way to DHS.

Mmm more food - I really need to get off these boards and go an make myself something to eat! :lmao:

I think the night before the last day is the hardest! You think,"oh no, I have to go home tomorrow."

Maybe we should warn people to eat before reading. :lmao:

Oh, that stinks on losing your whole post!!! I've done that before and :headache: man!

Love the pics - I haven't been in a LOT of those rides at DHS. I think about all I've done (recently) is the Rockin Roller Coaster - I'm a thrill ride junkie, though. It's hard to pass them up when we are with DD, but I have lots of other chances to ride roller coasters when I'm not at WDW, so...

Where is that gospel show at Epcot? I'm trying to look at the surroundings and figure it out, but I'm not visualizing well - especially with the ball right there. I bet that was really cool! We love music, too.

Most of the pictures were from The Great Movie Ride. Some rides just feel like Disney to me. When I sit in the buggy at Haunted Mansion, the boat in Pirates and the car at The Great Movie Ride, I think I audibly exhale. ;)

The stage was set up behind the Fountain of Nations. If you are looking at the stage, Mouse Gears is to your right and World Showcase is behind you.

How frustrating to lose that post!!!

Very cool that you are going on a cruise!! I have heard that there are "cruise" communities like our little dis community... I bet that will be fun to explore.

The cupcake at DHS... my dd tried it. Not our favorite but super cute. Worth getting just for that... but the bow was so overly colored with dye that it not only tasted like it but turned my dd's tongue a bright pink.

What kinds of cs meals did you bring to the airport? I always wonder what you can take and what you can't. :confused3 TSA just has me so nervous to bring anything!

And...:sad2: Sad that this was your last day!!! What a great trip though!

I like our community much better. :rolleyes1 The forum I found is like ours and has amazing information. Instead of Trip Reports, they do "reviews." People comment just like here, but it doesn't seem that the "norm" is to develops friendships like ours.

Wasn't that red dye ridiculous? The little bow fell off and I tried to fix it for the picture. What a mess. As good as the cupcakes looked, neither was very tasty.

You can take any food you want to the airport. Depending on the time of day, we either eat before going through security. (We do have three hours at the airport after all...) However, we have taken food on the plane. We just can't bring drinks...

On one flight, we had our sandwiches from Main Street Bakery. Oh, how wonderful! On that flight or another, a family was sharing a pizza from one of the Disney resorts...

Yes, this was absolutely lovely! I did Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk pictures one afternoon while the others went back to the room to take naps. They were all so pretty!

I thought the trees at the resorts were so beautifully decorated!

I heard the holiday singers in Epcot, too, but I had a sleeping Bella in the stroller, and the music was so loud. I sat out on the wall in front of MouseGear at first, but then I moved a little further away so that she wouldn't wake up. It's nice to have the extra entertainment things like this.

It was loud, and dh sat on that same wall. (He isn't one to sit on the ground...)

Great pictures, as always! Wish I could be there now. :)

Thanks! It won't be too long- we just need February to end...this is the longest short month. EVER.

Can't believe it's your last day! I love the ornaments and Chip and Dale....too cute!! So when's the next PTR starting????popcorn::

I thought the ornaments were great! We did bring one back, and worrying about it breaking was stressful. DH loves chip and dale. I have to try to find him non-Christmas ones. He uses that picture as his avatar for facebook.

I will be starting the PTR soon. I hate writing PTR's though. Just not as much to say/ lacks pictures except ones everyone has seen!

disneydreamingdebby

02-25-2012, 07:59 AM

A couple of more purchases:

The girls t-shirts- they are not as crisp as new after washing them. The girls wear them once a week.

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-zfXzFLZ/0/L/i-zfXzFLZ-L.jpg

http://dgherm.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZBcmJ8t/0/L/i-ZBcmJ8t-L.jpg

disneydreamingdebby

02-25-2012, 10:20 AM

mgsmom

02-25-2012, 12:59 PM

Really enjoyed your TR! I know what you mean about the mom melt-down moment - ours was outside Pirates of the Caribbean last year and it all started with an overcooked cheese quesadilla... :confused3

I can't wait to read your PTR! I've already subscribed. :thumbsup2

Charleston Princess

02-26-2012, 07:04 AM

So sad that your fabulous Christmas trip is over, but I am headed right on over to your PTR!

TanzUnited99

02-27-2012, 12:07 PM

Love the shirts and the wrap up! :thumbsup2

Tell Hannah I agree with her opinion of Pop Century. Heading over to the PTR next! :goodvibes

RooRach0906

02-27-2012, 01:58 PM

All caught up again, your girls look like they had a great bday! I love the pictures of the Magic, Memories, and You show and the other Christmas show at the castle. I need to make a list of Must See. Im sad your report is over but I will follow you PTR.

annmarieda

02-27-2012, 08:46 PM

:santa: Christmas Trip Wrap Up
What was my favorite part of the trip?
I would have to say seeing the Candlelight Processional, the story tellers in France and Japan, and the Christmas Parade. The emotions of those events were memorable and memories that I treasure.

Also, the castle lighting. It was so beautiful and my family was there.

DH: Osborn Lights

Hannah: without knowing her dad's answer said Osborn Lights

Emma has memory issues :rotfl: so no answers from her....

I think you nailed it when you mention the "emotions of the events" I know that for me, Disney in general can stir emotions. The events you mentioned really are even more emotion stirring.

What was my favorite sit down meal? :confused3

Biergarten food was the best, and it was interesting to eat with other people.

Tusker House breakfast was probably the best overall experience for our family.

DH: Chef Mickey and Tusker House for both food and experience (I thought that Chef Mickey was too much up and down for characters.)

I have never been to Biergarten or Chef Mickey... I may have to add those to my bucket list.

Low Points: eh, let me think of that melt down from my children that happens every trip and I respond by telling them I am not bringing them to WDW...yeah, I know bad mom moment...Can't think of it. Good. I'll stop trying.
I think we all have those low points...since they are inevitable, you shouldn't count it. So..no low point :goodvibes

What I learned from this trip:

If there is something I want to do, don't drag the family. Give them the choice and meet up with them later.
I think that is what I learned from your TR. Next time I go...I am going to be brave and venture out on my own. You have inspired me. :thumbsup2

Seeing the decorations and special holiday events was amazing, but I am not anxious to go back before Christmas. I love Christmas and being at Disney took away from the anticipation of the holidays at home. Also, I need that break in Jan or Feb from school that I've had the last two years. This has been the longest February for me.

I agree. While I loved the decorations, I don't look forward to going back for Christmas. It was just too hard to come home and do Christmas right away. I missed our holiday traditions. AND like you.... I long to be doing something over the school breaks. We normally take a trip in February or April, so I am feeling a bit stir crazy.

What will we do on the next trip?

PTR JULY 2012: I talked my way into one more Disney Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=44133302&posted=1#post44133302)

I only set up the link...I promise to update it by tonight though!
:thumbsup2

[I like our community much better. The forum I found is like ours and has amazing information. Instead of Trip Reports, they do "reviews." People comment just like here, but it doesn't seem that the "norm" is to develops friendships like ours.

I know what you mean... I love dis... I find the people here to be so nice.
Wasn't that red dye ridiculous? The little bow fell off and I tried to fix it for the picture. What a mess. As good as the cupcakes looked, neither was very tasty.
That red dye was indeed ridiculous!!! and very ucky tasting!!!

You can take any food you want to the airport. Depending on the time of day, we either eat before going through security. (We do have three hours at the airport after all...) However, we have taken food on the plane. We just can't bring drinks...

On one flight, we had our sandwiches from Main Street Bakery. Oh, how wonderful! On that flight or another, a family was sharing a pizza from one of the Disney resorts...

How cool to take your food onto the plane. Kinda makes helps to extend the vacation a bit.