There's a Giraffe in my Stocking! A Mom/Daughter Christmas trip!

[mousetravel]

For those that have not read any of my other TR's, I am a single parent to 16year old DD and we LOVE Disney!! This trip was a "first" for us: first time onsite and first time at Christmas!!!

When: Dec 15-21
Where: 3 nights ASM, 3 nights AKL (Jambo)


For our introduction, here's one of my favorite pics from this trip:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1098.jpg


Hope you all will join me for this TR, filled with LOTS of pics and great memories!!!!! :santa:

[LuvEeyore]

Am I really the first to say glad the report is started?

Did you mean to have a picture in your first post, if so it didn't make it through cyperspace.

Lee

[LuvEeyore]

Okay, I am a liar. The picture arrived after I posted. Love the picture by the way!!

[TinkerbellinNY6]

:yay: you started!!! I am following along. I can't wait to read!

[mousetravel]

As we arrive to our favorite place:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/014-1.jpg


We go over to ASM, even though it was a little too early to check in, we wanted to walk around and check it out:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/020-1.jpg

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As we checked in, we were assigned the Love Bug Bldg.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/047.jpg


View from outside our room:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/048-1.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/049.jpg

We had a cute, but small room:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/052-1.jpg

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After we checked in & got settled, we headed out to DTD:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/074-1.jpg

They actually had the photopass photographer here, which I had never seen there before:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/076-1.jpg

Some Christmas goodies at Goofy's candy:
http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/079.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/083-1.jpg

And to end our quick trip to DTD, we had some goodness form Ghirardelli:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/092.jpg


Our next stops for the night would be at the Grand Floridian and Boardwalk to check out their Christmas decor!!!

[LuvEeyore]

Loved the lokes of those Ghirdalli treats.

[mousetravel]

Am I really the first to say glad the report is started?

Did you mean to have a picture in your first post, if so it didn't make it through cyperspace.

Lee

Okay, I am a liar. The picture arrived after I posted. Love the picture by the way!!

Thanks for following me over to my TR!!!

:yay: you started!!! I am following along. I can't wait to read!

Thanks!!

Loved the lokes of those Ghirdalli treats.

They were very good! (Bye, Bye diet for this trip!!!) :rotfl:

[UGAFan0829]

Yeaaa! I'm so excited to read all about the trip! I'm glad to know that AKL was the highlight of the trip...I had a feeling that you might like it there!

Love, love, love Ghirardelli, so I'm glad y'all took the time to make a stop there...it sure is worth it!

Can't wait for more!

[Grumpy's Wife]

Oh I just love Disney at Christmas. Looking forward to hearing all about your trip.

[Pinkocto]

I'm sorry about that rental car lady. Definitely not the best way to start the trip. I can't wait to hear about all the fun though!

[jenseib]

Joining in the fun!!!

Edited to add. great pictures...if you get a chance, be sure to post them on the AS Movies picture thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2815746

[mousetravel]

Yeaaa! I'm so excited to read all about the trip! I'm glad to know that AKL was the highlight of the trip...I had a feeling that you might like it there!

Love, love, love Ghirardelli, so I'm glad y'all took the time to make a stop there...it sure is worth it!

Can't wait for more!


Glad you're here!! That was the first time we actually sat & had something from Ghirardelli, other than just getting their samples and looking around.

Oh I just love Disney at Christmas. Looking forward to hearing all about your trip.

I loved it!!

I'm sorry about that rental car lady. Definitely not the best way to start the trip. I can't wait to hear about all the fun though!

After we checked into the hotel, I called my insurance company and they reassured me that everything would be fine with my coverage. I really began to let her bother me, until I talked to them!

Joining in the fun!!!

Edited to add. great pictures...if you get a chance, be sure to post them on the AS Movies picture thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2815746

Thanks! I will get some pics posted there! I have been trying to get another update done, but have been having problems with photobucket. :confused3
Hopefully I can get more done this weekend!

[mousetravel]

We decided to head over to the Grand Floridian to check out the Christmas decor and the gingerbread house!!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/096.jpg

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The lobby was gorgeous!!!!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/103.jpg

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Orchestra was playing:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/118.jpg


More beautiful decor:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/116.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/127.jpg

We really enjoyed the GF. It was our first time visiting there! And the perfect time to visit!



Next, we decided to visit the Boardwalk!!

[Grumpy's Wife]

Wow, the tree looks like it's four stories high. Beautiful!

[jenseib]

Gorgeous!!!

[UGAFan0829]

BEAUTIFUL GF pics!!!!

[Pinkocto]

That gingerbread house was so cool. I couldn't take enough pictures of it!

[mousetravel]

(I am having the worst time with photobucket. When I try to upload, say, 20 pictures, it takes forever, then only uploads 2 out of all the pictures. Is anyone else having the same problem? I don't think it's my computer because it's doing the same on my desktop and the laptop.???????):confused3



We visited the Boardwalk to check out their decor. This was our first visit there, also.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/134.jpg

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Strike a pose!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/138.jpg

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We had a great time there! They had some great outdoor entertainment and we stayed to watch the fireworks!



We head back to ASM to get some rest and get ready for our next busy day............


Animal Kingdom, Tusker House ADR, and MVMCP!!!




:santa:

[Pinkocto]

You're not alone in the photobucket problems. Many other TRs I've been reading have had the same problem over the holidays.

We never made it to the Boardwalk and now I'm so upset we didn't. Stitch is one of our favorites!

[LuvEeyore]

loving your report so far. I cant wait to find out what a giraffe in a stocking is about.

[mousetravel]

Gorgeous!!!

BEAUTIFUL GF pics!!!!

The GF was sooo pretty!


That gingerbread house was so cool. I couldn't take enough pictures of it!

I know, me too!!!

You're not alone in the photobucket problems. Many other TRs I've been reading have had the same problem over the holidays.

We never made it to the Boardwalk and now I'm so upset we didn't. Stitch is one of our favorites!

I'm glad the photobucket problem isn't just me, or my computer! It's not getting any better, either. I can only upload 2 pics at a time. This is going to be a LONG TR if it doesn't fix itself!!! :rotfl:


The Boardwalk was great! It was our first time visiting there!


loving your report so far. I cant wait to find out what a giraffe in a stocking is about.

Thanks!!

[mousetravel]

(Well, I am still having photobucket problems, so I'll only a few pics to post at a time. But believe me, I have a TON to share!)


So our first day at the parks, we went to Animal Kingdom. This is my 2nd favorite park!!! I LOVE AK!!!



We woke up to a great, sunny day!!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/147.jpg

I'm sure DD was probably saying "Come, on Ma" right at this moment! :rotfl:


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DD took this pic, and I really didn't notice how she had both signs in the picture until I uploaded it. I love this picture.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/ak.jpg


LOVE the AK tree!!! And you'll see lots of little Christmas trees through the park! I loved it!!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/153.jpg

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This pic shows a little example of how the crowds were:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/161.jpg

Love the scenery!

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I even love the benches!!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/169.jpg

Love this little birdhouse: (A few minutes after I took this pic, DD was just hanging out right there while waiting on the characters, and I got a really good picture that I also love (will show it on next post, soon).

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/167.jpg

One of the smaller trees:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/170.jpg


So as were waiting around on the characters at Camp Minnie Mickey, this little fella came out:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/171.jpg


So, can you tell I LOVE AK, yet???! :lmao:


More to come, as I get some photos uploaded on "slow-poke photobucket."
:rolleyes1 :headache:

[jenseib]

I load my photos one at a time on there. sometimes I got for 3 but any more than that and it goes whacky. It can be frustrating.
I'm loving the AK pictures. It's such a pretty park

[UGAFan0829]

Sorry you're having trouble with Photobucket...it can definitely be a pain sometimes!!

Love the pics from AK!! It looks like it was a beautiful day!!

[TinkerbellinNY6]

I loved all of the decorations at AK! They were really pretty... I haven't decided if I am going to do a TR or not but I do have a ton of pics... I loved the gingerbread house at GF, but we didnt make it to see the one at the Boardwalk :sad2: We did go see the ones at the Yacht & Beach Club!

[tyandskyesmom]

I have been so busy and when I get here it is to update my own tip report that I did not even realize you guys had another trip!!!

Christmas time is our favorite time to go to The World...although we have always done closer to Thanksgiving and then we have been after January 1st once.

Skyler would love your daughter's Chick shirt...she is a freak for chickens of any sort!!!

Of all the time we have spent at ASMo we have never even walked back to the Herbie section...looks neat!

Looking forward to the rest of your report!

[mousetravel]

I load my photos one at a time on there. sometimes I got for 3 but any more than that and it goes whacky. It can be frustrating.
I'm loving the AK pictures. It's such a pretty park

I've started uploading them 2 at a time, now. It's a little better doing it that way, but still takes a few minutes. I'll be glad when they fix this issue!


Sorry you're having trouble with Photobucket...it can definitely be a pain sometimes!!

Love the pics from AK!! It looks like it was a beautiful day!!

Thanks! It was a beautiful day, and the whole week was nice weather!


I loved all of the decorations at AK! They were really pretty... I haven't decided if I am going to do a TR or not but I do have a ton of pics... I loved the gingerbread house at GF, but we didnt make it to see the one at the Boardwalk :sad2: We did go see the ones at the Yacht & Beach Club!


We also went to the Beach Club because we went to Cape May.
I hope you'll do a TR, but if not, do you have your pics on FB?(I'd love to see them)



I have been so busy and when I get here it is to update my own tip report that I did not even realize you guys had another trip!!!

Christmas time is our favorite time to go to The World...although we have always done closer to Thanksgiving and then we have been after January 1st once.

Skyler would love your daughter's Chick shirt...she is a freak for chickens of any sort!!!

Of all the time we have spent at ASMo we have never even walked back to the Herbie section...looks neat!

Looking forward to the rest of your report!


Thanks for coming over to my TR!!!

We had been wanting to go for the last few years at Christmas time, and it finally worked out this time! We loved it!

My DD loves those kinds of T shirts, too. (with the "Southern Chick, Carolina Chick" and "Southern Girl" stuff) There are a few shops here that have a ton of those kinds of "Southern" sayings on it.

[mousetravel]

Here's some pics of the "little" Christmas trees near Camp Minnie/Mickey area.
I loved how they had most of the trees themed for each character. So, in this section, they had one for Mickey & Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto and Chip & Dale.


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This is the Finding Nemo tree, and of course, I loved it!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/177.jpg



And this is the picture that I mentioned in last post. I was taking pics (as usual) around the area, when I seen DD here lounging over the bench in some kind of deep thought look. (but her deep thought turned into a huge grin when she knew I was coming with the camera!)

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/178.jpg


Hope to get more pics uploaded over the weekend.


More AK coming up!!!!!!!

:santa:

[mousetravel]

Mickey, Minnie, and the gang finally came out for pics. We ended up only getting pics with Mickey in this area on this day, because when we came out of the Mickey line, it was getting crowded and we wanted to get to the Festival of the Lion King show. We also knew we would be coming back to AK later in the week, so we weren't in a hurry to get everything done this day.


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/181.jpg



As we headed to the Lion King show, we came across these guys. Since the line was very short, we got a quick picture and headed on to the show.


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/187.jpg


We went to the Festival of the Lion King, which I have to say, is my favorite show in ALL of WDW!! I just love it! Here's a few pics, although I can never get really good pics in there!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/189.jpg

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After the show, it was getting close to time for our Tusker House lunch. We did a little shopping while waiting for our reservation time:



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DD found a T shirt that she wanted to go ahead and buy, and change into before we went to our character lunch.

So I bought her the shirt, and finished up my shopping, while she went & changed. Here's her in her new shirt that she loved!!!



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/226.jpg




Coming up: Tusker House character lunch

:donald:

[Grumpy's Wife]

I love your daughter's t shirt. It's so me. :laughing:

I have to agree with you about Festival of the Lion King Show. It's absolutely my favorite show in all of WDW too.

[LuvEeyore]

I so know a young lady ayear older than your daughter that wou;d love that shirt. Thanks for sharing the pictures. Cant wait for more

[UGAFan0829]

Love the different character themed trees--those are way too cute!!

Love M's shirt...it's so cute!

I can't wait to hear about Tusker House!

[mousetravel]

I love your daughter's t shirt. It's so me. :laughing:

I have to agree with you about Festival of the Lion King Show. It's absolutely my favorite show in all of WDW too.

I so know a young lady ayear older than your daughter that wou;d love that shirt. Thanks for sharing the pictures. Cant wait for more


:thumbsup2

Love the different character themed trees--those are way too cute!!

Love M's shirt...it's so cute!

I can't wait to hear about Tusker House!



There's lots more of those themed trees, coming up!

I wish they would have had that shirt in my size! They only had a very limited amount & sizes of those.

[mousetravel]

So we arrive at...........


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/229.jpg




As we arrive, there is a photopass photographer to take pictures with Donald. He doesn't make rounds for pictures inside the restaurant, just the one outdoors. I thought it was a cute set up. Once you get inside, they bring a photo package to you for purchasing. It includes an 8x10 in a very cute paper frame, 4 4x6 prints, and a stock photo with all the characters from Tusker House. Not a bad deal, I thought, for $20, so of course I bought it!



This picture is very similar to the photo package I bought. It was only slightly different, but I still liked it!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/230.jpg


First up, was Daisy!!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/238.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/239.jpg


She came pretty quick after we sat down, so after our pics with her, we went to the buffet. We really enjoyed this one! The food was really good, and they had really good desserts!!!!!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/241.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/242.jpg



Then came Goofy!

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http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/244.jpg

Here he is, striking a pose for me! :rotfl:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/245.jpg


Then Mickey!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/247.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/246.jpg


So after we got pics with them all, we could finally relax and have desserts! :love:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/251.jpg


On our way out, I thought this was really cute, so I had to get a quick pic:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/249.jpg



As we left Tusker House, we came across our first time ever sighting of........







So as I leave you hanging with that :rotfl:,




I wanted to tell you about some Mickey mail I got today!!!!!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/001-2.jpg





***Off Topic Post:


Not sure if you all visit the Dis budget board much, but I was reading a thread about a DVC online tour opportunity that comes with a $40 Disney gift card for participating! So I got to reading more about it. You have to have a Disney Visa to participate, but you call a number and talk to a DVC rep, and they give you an overview of the DVC program, and to 'reward" you for your time, they send out a $40 gift card. Only thing is, if your'e already a DVC owner, you can't participate.

So about a week ago, I called and did the tour, then today I recieved some DVC packet info, with a DVD, some brochures & info and a cute coloring book!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/004-2.jpg


I would really love to be able to do the DVC. Maybe once I finish school I might look more into it...........:teacher:

[petals]

Joining in. Luvin the pics so far!

[UGAFan0829]

I'm betting that you saw Devine for the first time!!

What did you think of the DVC "tour"? I know you've been wanting some infor for a while. I have a friend here at work who just bought in last week. I hope that you'll get to join one day, soon!

The food pics look really yummy! I may have to add that one to my to-do list of restaurants!

[Pinkocto]

All the characters in their safari outfits are so cute!

The decorations at AK were so pretty. We didn't head into that area so didn't see all those cute trees, thanks for sharing!

DVC is so worth it. How cool you were able to get a nice giftcard. All we got were some fast passes, which are nice, but I'd definitely have liked a gift card more.

[NancyLuvsMickey]

I love DD's shirt... :love: Did you make it??? I think I need one...

I know alot of people don't care for Animal Kingdom, but that is one of my favorite parks... And Tusker House buffet, yummy!!! :cloud9:

[jenseib]

I do love DD's shirt. I had eyed one at AK too this summer and didn't buy it and now I regret it.

Can you direct me to that thread or the number. (for the DVC/gift card) I had tried to do this once before, but the offer had expired.

[mousetravel]

Joining in. Luvin the pics so far!

Thanks!!!

I'm betting that you saw Devine for the first time!!

What did you think of the DVC "tour"? I know you've been wanting some infor for a while. I have a friend here at work who just bought in last week. I hope that you'll get to join one day, soon!

The food pics look really yummy! I may have to add that one to my to-do list of restaurants!


See next post to see if you're right!! :rolleyes1

I have been looking through the books, and will probably watch the DVD over the weekend. It's something I'd love to do, but gotta get some more understanding of it. Maybe I'll join the DVC as a gift to myself for graduating!!

You should go to Tusker House on your next trip! I was actually surprised how much we loved it. I was just expecting it to be OK.


All the characters in their safari outfits are so cute!

The decorations at AK were so pretty. We didn't head into that area so didn't see all those cute trees, thanks for sharing!

DVC is so worth it. How cool you were able to get a nice giftcard. All we got were some fast passes, which are nice, but I'd definitely have liked a gift card more.


I thought the character were cute, too!
DVC is pretty interesting and seems like it pays off in the long run!! I think all the money I've spent on our WDW/DCL trips, I could have already paid for the DVC!!!


I love DD's shirt... :love: Did you make it??? I think I need one...

I know alot of people don't care for Animal Kingdom, but that is one of my favorite parks... And Tusker House buffet, yummy!!! :cloud9:

I got the shirt at one of the gift shops, right there near Tusker House. I just don't understand the complaints from people about AK. It is definately my favorite, right after MK!!!



I do love DD's shirt. I had eyed one at AK too this summer and didn't buy it and now I regret it.

Can you direct me to that thread or the number. (for the DVC/gift card) I had tried to do this once before, but the offer had expired.

Yes, the thread is here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2840554

But here's the number if you don't want to search for it: 1-888-838-1406
(I am also sending you a PM)

[jenseib]

Thanks

[mousetravel]

So for our very first time, ever, we came across......



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/253.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/254.jpg


Devine!!!!!!!

I thought it was so neat.


Before the parade was supposed to start, we wanted to find out the wait time for EE to see if we could get in line & ride before the parade, so we head over there, but had to get a quick pic first;


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/261.jpg


I can't remember the exact wait times, but I do remember that we actually rode it twice within 55 minutes!!!!!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/264.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/265.jpg

DD raising her hands as usual, and me holding on for dear life....as usual! :lmao:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/266.jpg




Up next: Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade!



:santa:

[Pinkocto]

How cool that the "firsts" theme is continuing! We saw her for the first time also and thought she was amazing!

2 EE rides in less than an hour is really good!

I'm with you on AK, I just love it.

[mousetravel]

How cool that the "firsts" theme is continuing! We saw her for the first time also and thought she was amazing!

2 EE rides in less than an hour is really good!

I'm with you on AK, I just love it.

There's a lot of "firsts" in this trip!

[mousetravel]

Before we left AK, we wanted to see the parade.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/269.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/270.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/275.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/284.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/287.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/295.jpg

I thought the back of Mickey's float was really cute, with the Happy New Year decor!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/297.jpg


As we got ready to leave the park, we peeked over the bridge and noticed the water was GREEN!
And we were trying to figure out what happened, because if you walked to the other side of the bridge, it was not green!!! (weird)

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/300.jpg

So we got a few more pics on our way out

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/301.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/302.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/303.jpg





We left AK, and went back to our hotel to grab a bite to eat and change clothes. We headed to the food court and got this:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/037-2.jpg





We made our way to MK for the MVMCP, hoping to get there early. After we ate, changed clothes, etc., we ended up only getting there about an hour early.


Coming up next:



MVMCP:

The Good :yay:, the Bad :headache:, and the Ugly :sad1: !!!!!!!

[KatGarcia]

returning the sub!

you and your daughter are just adorable! its a great trip so far.

The EE pic is great, you are too funny but the kid in the front row cracked me up!!! Classic!

I also wanna say that you rock...I have a new respect for single mom's, it's HARD work! :goodvibes

[jennyf2]

Just found your TR ... GREAT so far :) Can't wait to read more!:thumbsup2

[fflmaster]

Very nice report.

[mousetravel]

returning the sub!

you and your daughter are just adorable! its a great trip so far.

The EE pic is great, you are too funny but the kid in the front row cracked me up!!! Classic!

I also wanna say that you rock...I have a new respect for single mom's, it's HARD work! :goodvibes


Thank you!! I noticed the kid in the front row. Cracks me up, too!

It's tough being a single parent, and I wish I would have been able to take her to Disney when she was younger, but it never worked out. So now, we enjoy our trips together so much, we rarely even think of going with others, (to Disney anyway. Everyone thinks we're crazy for wanting to go all the time, so I finally stopped trying to convince anyone else to go!!)

We have such a good time, just us. After the tough times, and hard work, I find that just knowing how much she loves doing things together, makes it all worth it!! (Especially when many teenagers are rebelling against their moms at this age, I know I did!)


Just found your TR ... GREAT so far :) Can't wait to read more!:thumbsup2

Thanks for joining my TR!

Very nice report.

Thanks!!

[mousetravel]

I won't be posting any pics in this post, because I wanted to explain the "bad" :headache: and the "ugly" :sad1: portion of our day at MVMCP, so I can then move on to the FUN stuff. (So I'll be skipping around a little bit to explain.)





So for the "ugly" part: :sad1:

First off, this part had nothing to do with Disney, but it was definately the worst! As we entered MVMCP, I took tons of pics, as usual, of all the gorgeous Christmas decor. We got pics with Mickey & Minnie in their holiday outfits. (Because of the crowds, this is the ONLY characters we got pics with during the MVMCP!) As I took pics, I really didn't pay much attention to my camera, until we got our spot to wait for the parade. As we were waiting, I decided to look through my pics. Well, I about had a fit when I noticed ALL the previous pics that I took there were GONE!!!! (All except 2 pictures when we first arrived). Trying not to panic, I tried everything, turned the camera off then on, changed batteries, and changed camera cards. (Thank goodness I always pack a little bag with all the "extras"!)

After I did all of that, the pics I took there after were fine!
BUT I had lost all of the pics I took up to that point. I was so upset, especially because of the Mickey & Minnie pics!! Luckily, though I am getting our photopass pics on CD, so at least I'll have those anyway.

Still don't know what happened on all of those pictures, but when I tried to view them, there was an error message on my camera that said "unidentifiable image" on all those pics!
(And all of our previous pics were fine that we took up to this point! It just started doing that as we went to the MVMCP.)

The next day, before we headed to HS, I took the camera card to Walgreens to ask them about it and the lady said it probably was a corrupt SD card and I could try taking it to Best Buy when I got home and see if they could figure it out. So when I got home, I did take it to Best Buy and the guy said they couldn't fix it. So, at least I'll be able to get our Mickey& Minnie pics anyway from photopass, but still, thats' a lot of pics to lose (about 60 of them!)

For the next few days, I had to keep myself from crying over those pics! :sad1:

But come to find out, we'd get even better pics with Mickey & Minnie later that week!!! (Hint: It wouldn't be at a park, and it's the first pic on this TR!!)










Now for the "bad" :headache:

MVMCP was just too crowded!! We didn't have time to do much of anything that was offered only at the party. We did get to see the parade (seen the 2nd parade after we missed the first one because we waited in a spot for an hour, before being told we could not wait there. So it had gotten too crowded to even see the parade by the time we had to move.)


I was looking forward to shopping for MVMCP merchandise, only to find out that they were only offereing T shirts and pins; no mugs, magnets, etc...

It was so crowded that the only character pics we had time for was with Mickey & Minnie, none of the other rare character appearances.

Most of our time was used fighting through the crowds. We finally decided to just catch a few rides. We rode a few rides with no wait, including HM.

If we went to Disney at Christmas time, I probably would not go to the MVMCP again. I'm sure a lot of people find different ways to navigate through this, but I just wouldn't want to spend that much money for it!

Sorry to put a damper on things, but if you have read any of my previous reports, I always let my Dis friends know the bad that sometimes comes along with the good. (And sometimes even the crazy!)


So since that's out of the way, I can only report GOOD things from that point in our trip!!!!!!!

:yay:

[mousetravel]

Here's the first 2 pictures I took as we arrive at MVMCP, before my camera card went crazy!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/314.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/315.jpg



After I switched camera cards, I was ready to get some pics of the parade!!!!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/354.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/360.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/364.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/366.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/367.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/368.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/370.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/373.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/375.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/380.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/387.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/394.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/396.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/406.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/408.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/409.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/413.jpg





And finally, SANTA!!!! (Santa, please bring me a new camera card for Christmas! :santa:)

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/415.jpg


Coming up: Finishing our night at MVMCP!!!


:santa:

[sl_underwood]

Im subbing... we will be in WDW next December so any tips/tricks you want to share, I am listening!

[DisneyTravelers2008]

What a wonderful mother - daughter trip!!! Awesome pictures! Cant wait to see more...

[disney<333]

Loving your TR! I was at Disney Christmas week and I too have a 16 yr old DD! Is yours a sophomore? :goodvibes

[mousetravel]

Im subbing... we will be in WDW next December so any tips/tricks you want to share, I am listening!

Thanks for joining in on my TR!! My #1 tip would be to not spend $$ on the MVMCP! We enjoyed it more on our regular MK than on our MVMCP day! I'll have more coming up!


What a wonderful mother - daughter trip!!! Awesome pictures! Cant wait to see more...

Thank you!!

Loving your TR! I was at Disney Christmas week and I too have a 16 yr old DD! Is yours a sophomore? :goodvibes

My DD is a junior. I'm going to check out you TR!

[jenseib]

UGH!! How awful. I lost an SD from our trip on the cruise, but luckily most of my pictures were on my other 2 cameras, but I did lose somme valuable ones.
I also had a card go bad this fall. I took pictures and loaded them on the computer and then went to delete them and I got that same message. I took a few more random ones around the house and they wouldn't show up, so I tried formatting the card and it told me it couldn't be done. I just threw the card away then. I gues they can go bad after awhile and it was my oldest card, but I am glad it wasn't anything major on it. And I have since bought 2 new cards as well.
I love your parade pictures. I am thinking of extending our cruise next fall a few days at WDW and going to the party. I know it wil lbe insanley buys, as it wil lmost likely be one of the 1st parties, but I just want to try it out. I think we'll only do that and then a day at HS to see the Osborn lights and take the other day and half as resort days.
I'm loving your updates though. :love:

[Pinkocto]

UGH! What a bummer about the SD card. I'm glad you noticed it mid party and not after leaving and didn't loose all your pictures.

The parade looks great, and the castle is so beautiful all lit up!

[mousetravel]

After the parade, we headed to the castle to catch the Christmas themed show. I didn't get very many good pictures though, but here's a few:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/416.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/428.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/434.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/438.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/441.jpg


We got a few more pics on our way out.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/444.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/447.jpg


Loved all the store front decorations:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/449.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/451.jpg


They had this cute little section called the Candy Cane Garden. It's a little walk through area with decor. Didn't see any characters back there. We just looked through there, didn't walk through.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/454.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/453.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/455.jpg

(My camera doesn't take very good night time pics, sorry those are a little blurry. I have much better pics from our full day at MK, coming up later.)

Finishing up with our MVMCP day, I thought I would share what we did enjoy that night.

1. The parade was fantastic, and even though you can see the same parade during the day after the last MVMCP, there was just something magical about it being at night, with the "snow" falling, and the castle lit up as a backdrop!!

2. They had a "Totally Tomorrowland Christmas" show with Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, and a few other characters. I was hesitant about trying to see it and didn't think it would be all that great. But it turned out to be a great show!! I didn't get any pics of it, though. It was really cute!

3. FREE hot chocolate and cookies!!! They were very yummy!

4. We loved the Christmas show at the castle, and I'm not sure if they showed it after the last MVMCP.

5. We did get to ride a couple of rides with no wait. (HM & TTA) I think that's the only rides we got to do.




Coming up next: Hollywood Studios!!!!!




:santa:

[disney<333]

Glad you guys had a great time despite the crowds! I wanted to see the castle show so badly, but it took 40 minutes to order at Casey's and I missed it! Can't wait to hear about Hollywood Studios!!:goodvibes

[KatGarcia]

Well at least things turned out ok in the end! Sorry about the pics, its happened to me so i can relate!

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Bummer about the SD card and the lost pictures... But at least you realized it right away and only lost a few verses at the end of your trip and losing them all...

I totally agree about the MVMCP... Been to it once and once was enough for me... It was ok, but nothing like MNSSHP...

Disney totally rocks at Christmas time... I just love all the decorations... :lovestruc

[petals]

love your MVMCP pics. Sorry your card broke and you lost some of your pics though. That happened me after my nephew's 5th birthday and I lost nearly all his birthday pics and him and his mam writing his letter to Santa we brought the card to a camera shop and they were able to restore some of the pictures though so maybe see if any camera shop near can do that. You won't get them all back but you might get some if you still have the card that is.

[mousetravel]

Glad you guys had a great time despite the crowds! I wanted to see the castle show so badly, but it took 40 minutes to order at Casey's and I missed it! Can't wait to hear about Hollywood Studios!!:goodvibes

Casey's was packed out everytime we were near there!:scared1:


Well at least things turned out ok in the end! Sorry about the pics, its happened to me so i can relate!

The ones I lost with my camera had a few with Mickey & Minnie, but thank goodness I got those on photopass, too!


Bummer about the SD card and the lost pictures... But at least you realized it right away and only lost a few verses at the end of your trip and losing them all...

I totally agree about the MVMCP... Been to it once and once was enough for me... It was ok, but nothing like MNSSHP...

Disney totally rocks at Christmas time... I just love all the decorations... :lovestruc


I loved it at Christmas time!

love your MVMCP pics. Sorry your card broke and you lost some of your pics though. That happened me after my nephew's 5th birthday and I lost nearly all his birthday pics and him and his mam writing his letter to Santa we brought the card to a camera shop and they were able to restore some of the pictures though so maybe see if any camera shop near can do that. You won't get them all back but you might get some if you still have the card that is.

I might try to take the card to a camera shop. I didn't even think about that, since Best Buy said they couldn't do anything, I didn't think about any where else to go.

[mousetravel]

Our next park day was....Hollywood Studios!!!

It's been a few years since we've been there, so we were excited to go! The last few times we went to WDW, we only visited 2 parks, or DCL, so we were ready to go back!


Part One: (Because I have more photos to upload of this day):



The first thing we noticed when we arrived was the beautiful tree!!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/459.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/462.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/461.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/460.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/465.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/467.jpg

We found a few characters right away, with very short lines!!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/469.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/470.jpg


We noticed Tigger and Eeyore also, but when we went to get in line, the CM said they were getting ready for a break and would be back in a few minutes.

So we decided to go see The Little Mermaid, then go back to see Tigger and Eeyore. The wait time for Little Mermaid was 15 minutes.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/471.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/472.jpg


Now, back to Tigger & Eeyore!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/478.jpg



When DD went to take pics, they had some really cute interactions! She wanted a pic with Eeyore by himself, and Tigger was acting "jealous". It was so funny! (But DD did want to get a really good pic with Eeyore so she could give it to my sister for Christmas in a frame. My sis LOVES Eeyore!!! But she's never been to WDW.) I loved these pictures, but was really hoping to get their pics in their holiday outfits. (But will we ???????????)

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/479.jpg

Since Tigger was jealous, she said she would take a pic with him. So then Eeyore startd acting "gloomy" and jealous. It was too cute!!!



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/480.jpg




We then headed to TSM. The wait time was 70 minutes, but instead of waiting we decided to go see the Toy Story gang:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/484.jpg



When we finished up there, the wait time was still 70 minutes, but we decided we'd come back later.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/483.jpg


Big mistake, though!!!! because each time we were back in that area, the wait times were up to 110 and 200 minute wait time!!!! I was so disappointed that we didn't just go ahead and wait when it was a 70 minute wait. Later on, all the fast passes were gone, so we didn't get to ride it! :sad1:



Coming up: Part Two of HS!!


:santa:

[Pinkocto]

Eeyore is so cute! I don't think Ive ever seen him out and about.

And I must say you are looking slimmer :)

[jenseib]

Love the eeyore and tigger pictures. I love when characters interact like that.

[cocofifi]

Yay - a mother/daughter trip report! Love those. I'm planning on taking one with my little girl. Enjoying your trip report. Sorry about your lost pics. Your daughter is gorgeous!

[petals]

Love the DHS update. We've never been lucky enough to meet Tigger and Eeyore there we get sent away everytime :sad2:

[StephaniexMarie]

As we got ready to leave the park, we peeked over the bridge and noticed the water was GREEN!
And we were trying to figure out what happened, because if you walked to the other side of the bridge, it was not green!!! (weird)

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/300.jpg


:scared1: We saw the green water in early December. It was very strange!

Love the TR so far. Your daughter's AK shirt is SO cute!! :goodvibes

I partly agree with what you said about MVMCP. We wanted to see all we could, but we didn't have nearly enough time. We went on a handful of rides, saw the 7 dwarves, Holiday Wishes, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade and had plenty of cookies but there was still SOO much left! I also wished that they had more unique MVMCP merchandise. If we went during the holidays again, we'd probably go - but NOT on a busy Friday! :thumbsup2

[MelMel11]

Count me in!! Enjoying your TR..

[mousetravel]

Eeyore is so cute! I don't think Ive ever seen him out and about.

And I must say you are looking slimmer :)


Thank you! I have been trying to lose more weight, but it's slowed down a little. For about 2 months, I've been at a plateau and haven't been losing, but not gaining either.


Love the eeyore and tigger pictures. I love when characters interact like that.

:thumbsup2

Yay - a mother/daughter trip report! Love those. I'm planning on taking one with my little girl. Enjoying your trip report. Sorry about your lost pics. Your daughter is gorgeous!

Thank you! I love our Mom/daughter trips!


Love the DHS update.
Thanks!

We've never been lucky enough to meet Tigger and Eeyore there we get sent away everytime :sad2:




:scared1: We saw the green water in early December. It was very strange!

Love the TR so far. Your daughter's AK shirt is SO cute!! :goodvibes

I partly agree with what you said about MVMCP. We wanted to see all we could, but we didn't have nearly enough time. We went on a handful of rides, saw the 7 dwarves, Holiday Wishes, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade and had plenty of cookies but there was still SOO much left! I also wished that they had more unique MVMCP merchandise. If we went during the holidays again, we'd probably go - but NOT on a busy Friday! :thumbsup2


:thumbsup2

Count me in!! Enjoying your TR..

Thanks for joining in on my TR!!!!

[mousetravel]

Next up, a few more firsts!

We had never done the Backlot Tour, or the Lights, Motors, Action show before.


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/492.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/493.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/494.jpg



I was really excited to see this! Walt Disney's plane!!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/495.jpg


We enjoyed the walk-through exhibit stuff they had:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/497.jpg

Enjoyed this show!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/500.jpg


A couple more pics along the way:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/505.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/508.jpg


Time to eat!!! We went to Pizza Planet!!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/512.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/513.jpg


It was pretty busy, so we went upstairs to sit, where it was actually kinda empty!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/516.jpg

Got some pizza and salad, and a gingerbread cupcake to share!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/514.jpg

Close up of yummy cupcake!!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/515.jpg


We went over to the Monsters, Inc. character line, and waited to see which character we would meet! I thought this area was cute!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/519.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/518.jpg

The line wasn't long at all, so we finally got to meet (for the first time):

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/520.jpg

He did a lot of fun interacting!


A few more pics along the way.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/523.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/524.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/526.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/527.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/529.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/531.jpg



Next up: Finishing up our day at HS!!


:santa:

[petals]

Cute cupcake! I wanted to eat at Pizza Planet but either didn't find it or ran out of time i forget which!

[Pinkocto]

No gaining during the holidays is a huge accomplishment. I'm sad to say I fell off the wagon, but I'm back on now.

I love the Backlot Tour. All the movie props are so cool to see.

[petals]

I might try to take the card to a camera shop. I didn't even think about that, since Best Buy said they couldn't do anything, I didn't think about any where else to go.

I took mine to a Fuji camera shop over here and they recovered some of the pics so it might work.

[jenseib]

I really need to spend more time at HS. I don't think we have ever seen many characters there.

[leshunlenese]

Hey! im joining you from my TR. I read the 1st page and so i got to go back to read the rest. I loved the pic of you guys with my love mickey!:goodvibes



edit:
ok i finished. Im glad i did not have too far to go. I loved animal kingdom tree's at camp minnie mickey. The donald one was my favorite and i like how they put the characters hat's at the top. Secondly, im sorry about your pics. i can kind of relate except i lost a few pics because my 2 year old got a hold of my sd card and ate it. I have never been to mvmcp but hope to go next year and i do not know what is but TSM is always crowded and it is wired because i can remember going in march of 09 and rode it 3 times without that long of wait but it has never been that short since.

[nannye]

Loved it! Sorry about the SD card. Last summer I accidentally deleted videos off our card
Love the tr so far!

[nannye]

Loved it! Sorry about the SD card. Last summer I accidentally deleted videos off our card
Love the tr so far!:flower3:

[mousetravel]

Cute cupcake! I wanted to eat at Pizza Planet but either didn't find it or ran out of time i forget which!

:thumbsup2

No gaining during the holidays is a huge accomplishment. I'm sad to say I fell off the wagon, but I'm back on now.

I love the Backlot Tour. All the movie props are so cool to see.

We enjoyed the Backlot Tour! Wish we would have had more time to look at the props through the line, but it was pretty much walk on so we didn't really get to look at much in there.

I took mine to a Fuji camera shop over here and they recovered some of the pics so it might work.

I'll have to try that!

I really need to spend more time at HS. I don't think we have ever seen many characters there.

That was our first time there in a while, so I was surprised at how much we enjoyed it. It seems like when we went before, we didn't enjoy it as much. Maybe it's because of the lack of rides that I'm not chicken to go on!!!

I didn't ride anything there, but did walk through the Tower of Terror line with DD, and she rode it without me! :scared1:



Hey! im joining you from my TR. I read the 1st page and so i got to go back to read the rest. I loved the pic of you guys with my love mickey!:goodvibes



edit:
ok i finished. Im glad i did not have too far to go. I loved animal kingdom tree's at camp minnie mickey. The donald one was my favorite and i like how they put the characters hat's at the top. Secondly, im sorry about your pics. i can kind of relate except i lost a few pics because my 2 year old got a hold of my sd card and ate it. I have never been to mvmcp but hope to go next year and i do not know what is but TSM is always crowded and it is wired because i can remember going in march of 09 and rode it 3 times without that long of wait but it has never been that short since.


Thanks for joining my TR!!!

Loved it! Sorry about the SD card. Last summer I accidentally deleted videos off our card
Love the tr so far!

Thanks for joining in on my TR!!

[mousetravel]

Finishing up our day at HS!!



We did a few other things that I didn't get pics of. We went to Fantasmic; and I stood in the Tower of Terror line with DD so she could ride it. I am too chicken. I will not ride that!! :scared1:

So then we went to check out the Osborne Family Lights. We got over there about 30 minutes before they started the lights, so we just sat on the sidewalk and rested.

This show of lights was AMAZING!! I loved how they told the back story of the Osborne Family. I loved the music and the "snow"!!! So fun!!! I didn't want to leave!!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/536.jpg

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We went to a few shops:

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http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/550.jpg

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Then, I wanted to go back and watch the light show some more before we left!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/553.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/555.jpg

Then a couple more pics on our way out.


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/548.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/561.jpg



Overall, we had a GREAT time at HS: even more than we expected!!!! We usually leave that park out on our trips, but we will definately go back!!




Coming up: Saying Good-Bye to:



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/566.jpg





And HELLO to:



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/615.jpg





:yay:

[jenseib]

Love the osborne lights. I can't wait to see them for myself some day!!!!

[mousetravel]

On our check out date for ASM, we decided to sleep in a little later than usual. But we got up & ready and packed everything up. We planned to just take our luggage and everything with us instead of having it transferred over to AKL.

I think we finally left right at 11am check out time, and skipped breakfast cause we were anxious to get to AKL!!! I was hesitant about arriving so early because I figured we couldn't check in until 3 or 4pm, but we figured we could tour around the resort for a while. But luckily, they let us check right in when we got there AND they said we could go on into our room!!!! :yay:


Arriving!

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As I went to check us in, DD took the camera and wandered around (because it was taking a little long!)


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/652.jpg


There were only a couple of people in front of me, but one group of people were having problems with their tickets or something, so it was taking forever. Then, a CM came up to me, with a laptop on a rolling cart to take care of my reservation! I thought that was sooooo nice!

So here's a few of DD's pics. I don't know why, but some of my pics came out blurry. I guess because it was kinda dark in there, and my camera doesn't do well in low light areas.(I did get some better ones a little later on.)


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/573.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/576.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/619.jpg


I asked the CM if she could check and see if there were any reservations available for any of the 3 days we were going to be there. I knew it was last minute and didn't expect to even get anything, but she found one open reservation available for that night at 8:50pm!!!!! So I told her I would take it, since we're "night owls" anyway!!!




While I was still checking in, DD had met a really nice CM outside the entrance and they chatted for a while. So I went out there and told her we were good to go and took their picture.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/578.jpg


Coming up: ROOM PICS!!!!!!!!!


:santa:

[Pinkocto]

I can't wait to see where the reservation is for! What a nice CM :) I love seeing that Jambo House sign :cloud9:

[jenseib]

Beautiful. I still haven't even toured AKL yet. I do want to check it out someday.
Where did you get reservations for?

[mousetravel]

I can't wait to see where the reservation is for! What a nice CM :) I love seeing that Jambo House sign :cloud9:



Beautiful. I still haven't even toured AKL yet. I do want to check it out someday.
Where did you get reservations for?



We got a last minute reservation for............. Boma!!! We wanted to go there so bad, but was afraid since we didn't get a ADR, that we would miss out on it. I thought it was a little pricey, though, at a little over $40 each. But it was totally worth it!!!

I will definately go back there when we go back to WDW!!!

[mousetravel]

We were ready to check out our room! We had a studio with a savannah view.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/594.jpg

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I loved the deatails on the bathroom wallpaper!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/609.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/610.jpg



This was our view from the balcony!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/588.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/589.jpg





DD wanted to go to our usual first stop, Downtown Disney and also make a trip to the Florida Mall and do a little shopping before we would come back to get ready for Boma!

[Grumpy's Wife]

Your room is just beautiful.

[Pinkocto]

The view from your room is great!

I agree, I thought the Boma price tag was high, but it was just so delicious I'd love to eat there again.

I love the cute details by the sink!

[mousetravel]

Your room is just beautiful.

The view from your room is great!

I agree, I thought the Boma price tag was high, but it was just so delicious I'd love to eat there again.

I love the cute details by the sink!



I loved the room! I was telling DD how I'd love to be able to "re-create" my own room to look like that! I love the safari type decor!


I'll definately go back to Boma when we return, even though it's a little pricey, compared to other dining at WDW (especially when you can even get a character dining for cheaper!)

[LuvEeyore]

I love Boma and try to go every time I go to Disney. It is more costly than a character meal but so much better food!!

[mousetravel]

We made a trip to Downtown Disney, but I didn't get any pics on this day. We did go back there later on and I took some pics then! :thumbsup2

Then we went to the Mall to do some shopping, where I only took one picture. We loved the M&M's World there, and seen this cute little guy:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/666.jpg


We came back to AKL and decided to get dressed and ready for Boma. We came down to the lobby and hang around for a bit because it was still a little early for our ADR, and found Donald & Daisy taking pics!!!

This was so exciting! We could get some holiday character pics right in the lobby!!

I was chatting with the CM while in line, and he said that they were switching out with Chip & Dale every 30 minutes. We didn't get pics with them though, since we were going to Boma.


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/680.jpg



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Now it was time for:


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We discovered these YUMMY desserts that I heard so much about on the Dis. I was excited to finally try them.


(Fast forward to our last day, we went back and bought 3 containers of these to take home!!) :rolleyes1


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/697.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/698.jpg





Coming up next: A great day at MK!!




:santa:

[jenseib]

You really have me considering renting points. I forget who you went through, was it another Diser? I have been debating this off and on now for a few months....I might have to look further into it.

[KatGarcia]

The room is soooo beautiful! I really hope to stay there one day. It's awesome you got a ressie to Boma, I love that place!

[mousetravel]

I love Boma and try to go every time I go to Disney. It is more costly than a character meal but so much better food!! :thumbsup2

You really have me considering renting points. I forget who you went through, was it another Diser? I have been debating this off and on now for a few months....I might have to look further into it.

I went through a Diser friend that usually doesn't rent out her points, but had some points she wasn't planning to use and she let me rent.

You can go on the DVC threads and there's lots of posts where Dis'ers rent out their points. I would definately rent again! It went so smoothly, maybe because we're friends, but if you rent from someone over on the DVC boards, I think they draw up agreements and paperwork.



The room is soooo beautiful! I really hope to stay there one day. It's awesome you got a ressie to Boma, I love that place!


I think even if I never get to stay there agin, I will definately go back to the restaurant and also "tour" around the resort and check out the animals!!

[mousetravel]

We got up bright & early for our day at MK!
(Well, not too early, but definately bright!!)


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/706.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/705.jpg


As we made our way down to the lobby, we decided to stop & get a pic:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/709.jpg



Arriving to MK, with not too much traffic,

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/712.jpg

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I couldn't believe how beautiful it was in the daytime: all the Christmas decor and the huge tree!!!

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It was almost time for the parade, so DD wanted this candy cane ice cream sandwich thing.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/738.jpg


We stayed and watched the Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it Parade. We always liked this one. (here's just a couple of pics)

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/741.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/742.jpg



After the parade, we figured we would get pics with Minnie & Mickey since we were close by.





DD with her "Don't take a picture of me" look!

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/746.jpg


Mickey peeked out the door as we were waiting.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/747.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/748.jpg




After we finished up with the pics, I decided to get a good spot early for the parade, so we sat & rested for a bit. DD got bored so she got up & went to the shops nearby.

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/753.jpg



I decided to get up and stretch a little & strike a pose when she got back!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/755.jpg




Coming up next: Christmas Parade!!




:santa:

[jenseib]

I can't wait to see MK decorations myself.....It looks so fun and pretty!

[UGAFan0829]

Ahhhh, the pics of the decorations are beautiful! I hope we get to experience them one day!

Love the pic of you striking a pose in front of the castle...way too cute!

And I'm glad that you felt everything went smoothly with the points rental!:)

[mousetravel]

I can't wait to see MK decorations myself.....It looks so fun and pretty!


:thumbsup2

Ahhhh, the pics of the decorations are beautiful! I hope we get to experience them one day! It was really beautiful!

Love the pic of you striking a pose in front of the castle...way too cute!

:rotfl:. Thanks! I enjoy taking pictures a lot more now since I've been losing weight!

And I'm glad that you felt everything went smoothly with the points rental!:)
Thanks! Everything went great!!!

[mousetravel]

While I loved the parade at night with all the lights and the snow falling, I was really excited to see it in the daytime!!


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More parade pics coming up!




:santa:

[jenseib]

great parade pictures!!!!

[LuvEeyore]

I love the pictures!! Looks like a great day.

I have some Amtrak questions. I am thinking of taking the train from Cary NC to Orlando roundtrip before the cruise. Do you and your daughter go in coach seats? How is the comfort? Did your trains arrive on time? If not, how late? How easy is the rental at Hertz in the train station? Are the cars there? We would arrive on a Friday and leave on the Fantasy on Saturday? Trying to decide if to stay in Orlando and go to a park Friday evening or just go to port and chill before leaving? Any suggestions?

[mousetravel]

I love the pictures!! Looks like a great day.

I have some Amtrak questions. I am thinking of taking the train from Cary NC to Orlando roundtrip before the cruise. Do you and your daughter go in coach seats? How is the comfort? Did your trains arrive on time? If not, how late? How easy is the rental at Hertz in the train station? Are the cars there? We would arrive on a Friday and leave on the Fantasy on Saturday? Trying to decide if to stay in Orlando and go to a park Friday evening or just go to port and chill before leaving? Any suggestions?



All the seats are coach, unless you decide to get one of the "rooms" which is very tiny and expensive. The seats were very roomy and comfortable, similar to plane seats, but better! :rotfl:

We have traveled twice on the Amtrak, and both times it ran a little late either coming or going. But it wasn't bad at all. Not sure if I mentioned it in this TR, but on this past trip, it was scheduled to leave from Columbia at 1:44am. Well, we were already halfway there, and they call with a message that the train is running late and will arrive around 3:15am!! But at least they did call, so we just went to McDonalds drive through, and tried to find an open WalMart or something! (no luck there) :lmao: But again, really, it wasn't that bad.

The Hertz rental car place is very easy! The first time we took the train we went through Hertz, this past time we went through Enterprise downtown Orlando (just because they were cheaper). I found the Hertz people were WAY nicer than Enterprise and the process was a lot easier. Also, at the Hertz station, if you bring the car back after hours, they have some paperwork and a drop box where you can leave the keys, and info, etc. the cars are there at the station. they ahve their own parking spaces. VERY EASY!!!

Depending on what time the train arrives, you may have time to go to a park that Friday. Have you checked the schedule? What time does it arrive?

I'm also going to send you a PM of some questions (and my answers) where a Dis'er PM'd me some questions. Maybe that will help a little.

[mousetravel]

Parade Pics continued:



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/824.jpg

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After the parade, DD wanted some ice cream, so while I stood in line, DD took some Fantasyland construction pics.


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/846.jpg

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We got our ice creams and walked around for a bit.
I got mine is this cute souvenir ceramic keepsake:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/856.jpg





We then decided to go eat at Cosmic Ray's:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/858.jpg



Yep, ice cream before dinner!!! :rolleyes1 :rotfl:



Coming up: Night time comes too quickly at MK, and a couple of "first time" rides!!





:santa:

[leshunlenese]

i love jambo house! but i am a wea bit jealous because i never say any characters in the lobby.:sad1: Boma is so good but i want to try it for breakfast because waking up every morning with the scent from the buffet was so tempting

[jenseib]

I love the icecream before dinner idea...Dessert is VERY important! Of course..I am very overweight right now...so you might not want to listen to me....:rotfl:

[mousetravel]

..... i want to try it for breakfast because waking up every morning with the scent from the buffet was so tempting

I know what you mean!!!: :love:



I love the icecream before dinner idea...Dessert is VERY important! Of course..I am very overweight right now...so you might not want to listen to me....:rotfl:

I LOVE ice cream!! Guess that's why it's a struggle for me losing weight. I can do without a lot of things, but NOT ice cream! :lmao:

[mousetravel]

My night time pictures at MK didn't turn out too well, which they hardly do at night time anyway. I hope our photopass pics taken that night, turn out good. The photopass CD should be here any day now! (did the photopass share, so it's taking a little longer than just ordering it straight from Disney)


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/867.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/899.jpg

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So for the first time ever we rode.........


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/889.jpg

Yes, this is the first time we have ever gotten the chance to ride the Carousel!! And it was walk on, no waiting in line!


The other first timer ride was the Astro Orbiter. I was real hesitant about riding it.
(I am slowly coming out of my "chicken-ness" on some of these rides!! :rotfl: )

I actually liked it though, and loved the view of the castle from there!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/865-1.jpg



We took a few more pics on our way out:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/866.jpg






Coming up: Another full day planned, with a "tour" around the resort, Cape May Cafe, and AK!!!
:santa:

[mousetravel]

I recieved my photopass CD today!!:cool1:

So, do ya'll remember previously on my TR, where my camera went crazy on some of my MVMCP pics? And I was really sad because the only character pics we got that night was Mickey & Minnie! Well, the photopass pics turned out good, so I though I'd go ahead and share those pics, then I'll put some more up later on:









http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0381FourBySix.jpg






http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0383FourBySix.jpg






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http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0391FourBySix.jpg


:woohoo:

[jenseib]

I think your night shots of the castle are great. I love that color!!!

Yay for photopass!

[Pinkocto]

Just got back in town so was behind on everything.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the parade pictures! And the castle looks so beautiful with the drippy lights all over. We never made it to MK at night. Must do another Christmas trip.

The Mickey and Minnie pics came out great! I love that new area. The icecream looks so delicious.

[mousetravel]

I think your night shots of the castle are great. I love that color!!!

Yay for photopass!

I'm so glad we decided to get the photopass CD! (Even better, saving money on it by doing the share!) :woohoo:


Just got back in town so was behind on everything.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the parade pictures! And the castle looks so beautiful with the drippy lights all over. We never made it to MK at night. Must do another Christmas trip.

The Mickey and Minnie pics came out great! I love that new area. The icecream looks so delicious.

Glad you're back!! :)

[mousetravel]

I woke up very early each morning at the AKL. I went out on the balcony with my "mini breakfast" (Mt. Dew & mini muffins...what a nutritious breakfast!) :rotfl: while I let DD sleep in.


This morning was a little different. I noticed several hot air balloons!!!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/909.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/915.jpg


Each morning, I would get up first and finish getting ready, then wake DD up. So this morning I decided to tour around the resort a while, as I was waiting on her to get ready. And took a bunch of pictures, as usual.


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/918.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/920.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/923.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/925.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/931.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/933.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/934.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/935.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/936.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/942.jpg




Continuing in next post:

[mousetravel]

I headed back to the room to get DD, so we could make our way to the Beach Club for our breakfast at Cape May. We LOVE this place, and was so ready to finally get back there!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/952.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/955.jpg





Loved the chocolatey decor here!!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/958.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/959.jpg



We didn't have a lot of time upon arriving to take a lot of pics or really look around, but we'd stop back by here as we were leaving.



A few Christmas trees:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/961.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/983.jpg


And cute decor at the buffet:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/985.jpg



A couple of our food plates:



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/966.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/972.jpg


I love this place so much, definately for the food, but especially the character interaction.



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/971.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/978.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/981.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/982.jpg


A few more pics around the lobby before leaving:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/990.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/986.jpg





DD loved the Ariel design on this horse!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/987.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/989.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/991.jpg


We were finished up with our breakfast, so we headed out, taking a few pics of this beautiful resort:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/992.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/993.jpg



Next up: Back to AKL for a bit, then off to AK!!





:santa:

[UGAFan0829]

LOVE the Beach Club pics! That's where we're HOPING to stay for the Tower of Terror Race! And we thought we'd try breakfast at Cape May for the first time as well, so I loved seeing all the yummy food...can't wait to try it now! The characters were SO cute in their beach attire!

Looks like y'all had a great view from the balcony. Were you able to see many animals? The hot air balloons were cool...I can only imagine what the view would be like from up there!

[mousetravel]

LOVE the Beach Club pics! That's where we're HOPING to stay for the Tower of Terror Race! And we thought we'd try breakfast at Cape May for the first time as well, so I loved seeing all the yummy food...can't wait to try it now! The characters were SO cute in their beach attire!

Looks like y'all had a great view from the balcony. Were you able to see many animals? The hot air balloons were cool...I can only imagine what the view would be like from up there!

Hope ya'll do go to Cape May. That is DD's absolute favorite character dining place!!!

We had a great view, but since we were gone most of the day, we didn't see a whole lot from the balcony (except for a few here & there each morning, as I would get up about 7am). I think they were putting out food for the animals (mainly the giraffes) each morning, mostly on the other side from where we were. But when we would walk through our hallway, you know where the "lookouts" are in between the buildings? We always seen a bunch of giraffes and zebras there. So in the next post, I'll have some pics I got after we left Cape May and returned to AKL for a little bit, where we seen them from inside.

Those hot air balloons were so neat, to see them from the balcony!

[Pinkocto]

Was the carousel made entirely out of chocolate? I've heard that but not sure.

Love the pictures as usual :)

[partyof2]

I don't think I've ever seen pictures of the rooms at AKL before but WOW!! They are beautiful, the decor is absolutely amazing. I think it's now my dream resort.

[mousetravel]

Was the carousel made entirely out of chocolate? I've heard that but not sure.

Love the pictures as usual :)

I'm not really sure about he carousel. From what I've seen on the Travel Channel before, I think it is.


I don't think I've ever seen pictures of the rooms at AKL before but WOW!! They are beautiful, the decor is absolutely amazing. I think it's now my dream resort.

I loved the AKL! It has always been my dream resort! Even if I don't get to ever stay there again, I'll definately be going back to "tour" around again!!

[mousetravel]

After our breakfast at Cape May, we decided to head back to the resort before going to AK. We stopped on the way to our room, as we seen the giraffes from the hallway outlook area of the resort.


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/998.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/999.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1001.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1003.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1011.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1013.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1020.jpg





We went to our room and I decided to change clothes, and we headed out to AK!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1025.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1027.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1030.jpg


We went back to Camp Mickey/Minnie. The lines were long, so we decided the main character we wanted a picture with would be Minnie!!

Love all the decor!



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1031.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1032.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1033.jpg


Did some more shopping:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1039.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1040.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1044.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1083.jpg



We came upon Devine again!! We thought we were lucky, to have not only seen her once (for the first time), but twice!!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1041.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1043.jpg






Coming up: Finishing up our day at AK!!


-More characters
-Another 1st time ride!
-A little magical moment with a guest
-And a wonderful surprise encounter as we end our day, returning to the resort!



:santa:

[Pinkocto]

The giraffe pictures are so beautiful! What a perfect view from the balcony!

[jenseib]

I love Cape May too. I have been there twice and both times the food has been great...and love the characters. I love your balcony views...I guess I have to keep wishing for now. I know this is another place Claire would love to stay!

[mousetravel]

The giraffe pictures are so beautiful! What a perfect view from the balcony!

:thumbsup2

I love Cape May too. I have been there twice and both times the food has been great...and love the characters. I love your balcony views...I guess I have to keep wishing for now. I know this is another place Claire would love to stay!

I think Claire would love to visit there, even if you don't stay there, especially where you can go to the "outlooks" and see all the animals. I am definately going back on our next trip, even if it's just to see the giraffes, my favorite!!

[petals]

love all the updates

[KatGarcia]

Love the pic with Minnie!!!

[mousetravel]

love all the updates

Love the pic with Minnie!!!

Thank you!!

[mousetravel]

Finishing up our day at AK!!!



We went to see Pooh & friends! Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore was there and it wasn't crowded at all!



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1045.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1048.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1049.jpg



DD having some fun with Tigger!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1054.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1055.jpg


I thought their Christmas tree was so cute!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1056.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1057.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1058.jpg


After our character meeting, we headed over to Dinoland, where we rode for the first time......Primeval Whirl!! I didn't get any pics, but I thought it was a fun little ride. I was kind of worried about the "spinning" at first, but it wasn't bad at all!


Then we seen Pluto & Goofy doing character photos, so we decided to head over there.

I was trying to get some pics of their tree, but the line was moving along pretty good, and it wasn't crowded, so I didn't get many pics.


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1061.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1060.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1064.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1065.jpg


We then went over to Dinosaur. I said I would never ride that thing again!!
:rotfl:
But I decided to anyway, for my DD's enjoyment of laughing at me being scared! :scared1:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1067.jpg

Very loud & scary ride :lmao:



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1069-1.jpg

As we came into the gift shop, I thought this was cute:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1070.jpg





A few random pics:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1071.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1072.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1073.jpg

[mousetravel]

So here's where our magical moment came about:

We headed over to EE, because we were getting ready to leave, but wanted to ride it one more time. All the fast passes were gone, and the line was long by now. We were just standing there debating whether to wait in line, or just head on out. Well, there was a group of about 8 people standing close by, and must have overheard us talking. This guy came up to us, and said that they had fastpasses for their group, but 2 people were "chickening out", and he offered us the fastpasses! I asked him a few times was he really sure, and I kept thanking him and telling him how sweet that was! They were laughing about their friends chickening out, and we all got to laughing, and me & DD finally got in the fastpass line. Since this was our last ride of our last day, we wanted to ride up front for the first time. So we got in that line, and then here comes the same guy getting in that line, too. So we were still laughing and talking all the way through. He even gave us some "shout outs" as we were sitting in the train, ready to ride! That had to be one of our highlights of the trip. It was just a fun, little moment.


I took a few pics along the ride:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1074.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1076.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1077.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1078.jpg

Here we are, and I'm looking crazy, as usual in these pics! :rotfl:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1081.jpg


We took more pics on our way out:

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1082.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1084.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1085.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1086.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1090.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1096.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1097.jpg

[tyandskyesmom]

Ok..caught up!

We love, love, love Animal Kingdom Lodge! It is our favorite deluxe hotel. Just wish we could stay there on every trip!

Tyler loves all that elephant stuff at Animal Kingdom (and the Lodge too!) he is an elephant freak! If he could bring all oif it home, he would. Don't know where he'd put it but that wouldn't matter. Luckily, finally, at 13, he is starting to get how much some of that stuff costs!!!!

[jenseib]

fabulous magical moment. It's always so nice when people give away FP's...I'm a hoarder... I wouldn't give it away till I was walking out the gate to leave! :rotfl2:

I have horrid ride pictures...I always have the dumbest expressions on my face.

[Pinkocto]

Very cool about the FPs. And that you were able to get front row!

Love all the character pictures, they are all so cute in their holiday getup.

I can't believe this is the last day, I'm going to have to go back and see where the time went, I thought for sure we had more to hear about. It's always sad for a TR to end.

[RGirl]

Well, I am late to the party, but I am finally here! And I am loving your report!!!! :woohoo:

I am so enjoying seeing all the Christmas decorations - they are so beautiful!

And your DD is just gorgeous. It makes me so happy to see the two of you enjoying your time at WDW so much - I hope that my DD and I will still be doing that when she is almost grown. :lovestruc

How did you like staying at AKV? I am in love with that resort when I walk in there. I really want to stay there, but I am nervous about the "commute time" to the parks. :confused3

[petals]

Oh I love WTP's christmas tree. We never got to see that one because they closed the character line when we went to see them and we never got time to go back. I think I saw every other Christmas tree in Animal Kingdom besides that one :goodvibes

[aspiringprincess1]

Wanted to let you know that I joined in! I'll be going back and reading all of your posts!

Can't wait to see what you read and how you did Disney at Christmas! :)

[mousetravel]

Gotta catch up with my Dis-peeps!!!! :cool1:


I always like to acknowlege all my posts from my readers. I'm so thankful to have my Dis-friends reading my TR's! As most of you know, these TR's take up a lot of time, especially with photobucket acting so crazy lately!! So I thank you all for reading (or lurking...:rolleyes1), and hope you stick around till the end which will probably be pretty soon. I'm always sad as my TR ends, or the other TR's I follow!

Hoping to get another update done tomorrow, before the beginning of another crazy week at school. :teacher:

Ok..caught up!

We love, love, love Animal Kingdom Lodge! It is our favorite deluxe hotel. Just wish we could stay there on every trip!

Tyler loves all that elephant stuff at Animal Kingdom (and the Lodge too!) he is an elephant freak! If he could bring all oif it home, he would. Don't know where he'd put it but that wouldn't matter. Luckily, finally, at 13, he is starting to get how much some of that stuff costs!!!!

I love all the safari animal stuff, especially giraffes!!


fabulous magical moment. It's always so nice when people give away FP's...I'm a hoarder... I wouldn't give it away till I was walking out the gate to leave! :rotfl2:

I have horrid ride pictures...I always have the dumbest expressions on my face.

Most of my ride pics are bad, the "redneck" version is good enough for me! :rotfl:



Very cool about the FPs. And that you were able to get front row!

Love all the character pictures, they are all so cute in their holiday getup.

I can't believe this is the last day, I'm going to have to go back and see where the time went, I thought for sure we had more to hear about. It's always sad for a TR to end.

This TR has went by pretty fast! That was our last day at the parks, but I have a little bit more to share: our departure day touring around AKL some more, DTD, photopass pics, and some possible upcoming plans!!


Well, I am late to the party, but I am finally here! And I am loving your report!!!! :woohoo:

I am so enjoying seeing all the Christmas decorations - they are so beautiful!

And your DD is just gorgeous. It makes me so happy to see the two of you enjoying your time at WDW so much - I hope that my DD and I will still be doing that when she is almost grown. :lovestruc

How did you like staying at AKV? I am in love with that resort when I walk in there. I really want to stay there, but I am nervous about the "commute time" to the parks. :confused3

Glad you're here!! Thank you for compliment on DD! We love taking these trips - just the two of us!

I loved staying at AKL! We only took the bus once, to DTD, and that was enough for us! It took way too long, so for the remainder of the time, I drove the rental car, and it was a lot quicker!!


Oh I love WTP's christmas tree. We never got to see that one because they closed the character line when we went to see them and we never got time to go back. I think I saw every other Christmas tree in Animal Kingdom besides that one :goodvibes

:thumbsup2

Wanted to let you know that I joined in! I'll be going back and reading all of your posts!

Can't wait to see what you read and how you did Disney at Christmas! :)

Thanks for joining in on my TR!!!

[mousetravel]

After our day at AK, we headed back to AKL to find Mickey & Minnie in the lobby!!!! IN their holiday outfits!!

I was SOOOO excited to see them one more time, especially since our pics with them at MVMCP didn't turn out on my camera.

We ran up to our room to change into our Christmas shirts, and came back in plenty of time. They said Pluto or Goofy (can't remember which one) was alternating times with Mickey & Minnie, but we were pretty tired and had to get our stuff packed that night, so we didn't stay for them.


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1098-1.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1099.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1100.jpg





So for our final morning, I got up early and sat on the balcony for a while & let DD sleep in a little bit.


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1103.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1105.jpg

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http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1113.jpg


There weren't many animals out and I really wanted to see the giraffes again before we left!!!! Well, I got DD up and we finished getting ready, got our luggage together, and got them to hold it until we were getting ready to leave. The train wouldn't be leaving until about 7pm, so we still had a half day left!!!!

We went to Mara and had breakfast:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1121.jpg

Then went & did some more touring at AKL, of around the pool area. We hadn't even been there at all, yet!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1123.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1125.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1126.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1127.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1138.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1145.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1152.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1155.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1160.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1161.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1171.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1173.jpg


Coming up: Back to DTD for some last minute shopping!



:santa:

[aspiringprincess1]

WOW! AKL looks BEAUTIFUL. I think this every time I see pictures from that resort, but it really does take my breath away. I am going to have to stay there eventually!

On our trip, we were surprised by Minnie and Mickey too! We didn't get a chance to see them at the party, so it was nice to find them at a random resort! My sister and I saw them at Wilderness Lodge!

Can't wait to read more! :)

[leshunlenese]

i did not even go down to the pool area1 Great pics and more characters in the lobby. :woohoo:

[Pinkocto]

You got some beautiful and unique shots of the resort and savannah! I hope you were able to see the giraffes before you left.

[UGAFan0829]

Oh, I just LOVE those morning pics from the balcony. It made me feel like I was there with you. There's just something so peaceful and serene and magical about Disney in the morning!!! Aaaaahhh! I so wish I was there now!:cloud9:

[mousetravel]

WOW! AKL looks BEAUTIFUL. I think this every time I see pictures from that resort, but it really does take my breath away. I am going to have to stay there eventually!

On our trip, we were surprised by Minnie and Mickey too! We didn't get a chance to see them at the party, so it was nice to find them at a random resort! My sister and I saw them at Wilderness Lodge!

Can't wait to read more! :)

I wish I knew ahead of time that the characters would be at different resorts! We would have taken a day to tour around more resorts and get character pics!!

i did not even go down to the pool area1 Great pics and more characters in the lobby. :woohoo:

We kind of "accidently" came upon this area after eating breakfast. I didn't even think of going to the pool area while we were there!


You got some beautiful and unique shots of the resort and savannah! I hope you were able to see the giraffes before you left.

Thank you! More to come (if we got to see giraffes, or not?????)

Oh, I just LOVE those morning pics from the balcony. It made me feel like I was there with you. There's just something so peaceful and serene and magical about Disney in the morning!!! Aaaaahhh! I so wish I was there now!:cloud9:

I loved going out there on the balcony every morning. It was so beautiful! And even with DD sleeping in, and me being out there by myself, it was so nice!! Wish I was there, too!!!

[jenseib]

Love the Holiday Mickey and Minnie pictures!!!

[RGirl]

How great to find Mickey and Minnie in the lobby! :woohoo:

AKL looks so beautiful. Darn the bus situation! :laughing:

[mousetravel]

Love the Holiday Mickey and Minnie pictures!!!

Thanks!!


How great to find Mickey and Minnie in the lobby! :woohoo:

AKL looks so beautiful. Darn the bus situation! :laughing:

:thumbsup2

[mousetravel]

We left from AKL to go do our last minute shopping at DTD.
I loved the Christmas decor there!!



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1177.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1178.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1179.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1183.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1184.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1185.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1188.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1189.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1192.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1190.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1194.jpg


They announced over the loud speaker that a "Bibbidi Bobbidi Parade" was about to start, so we rushed over to see what was going on. It was a parade of a few kids that had gotten makeovers at BBB. It was so cute. This was the first time I had ever seen this at DTD!

It was too cute. Lots of people were taking pictures as they went by, as if they were the paparazzi!! :rotfl:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1198.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1199.jpg


A Lego pic on our way out. Loved the newest Lego decor!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1201.jpg





We left DTD and went back to AKL to hang out a bit before time to leave. We also went back to the gift shop and wandered around a little bit:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1204.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1205.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1206.jpg



We had about an hour and half before we needed to leave, and I wanted to check out the outdoor "outlook" area, and DD wanted to check out some other areas, so we split up and decided to meet back in an hour.

So I wanted to "squeeze" all the atmosphere in, before having to leave! I actually enjoyed strolling around by myself for a bit. So I headed outdoors, and found the most wonderful sight as we were ending our wonderful trip!!!!!




:santa:

[Pinkocto]

I hope it was the giraffes!

[KatGarcia]

nice cliffhanger.... now get back here and tell us what it was! LOL!

[disneymomjcs]

Parade Pics continued:



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/824.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/827.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/831.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/835.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/837.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/842.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/843.jpg




After the parade, DD wanted some ice cream, so while I stood in line, DD took some Fantasyland construction pics.


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/846.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/849.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/851.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/853.jpg




We got our ice creams and walked around for a bit.
I got mine is this cute souvenir ceramic keepsake:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/856.jpg





We then decided to go eat at Cosmic Ray's:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/858.jpg



Yep, ice cream before dinner!!! :rolleyes1 :rotfl:



Coming up: Night time comes too quickly at MK, and a couple of "first time" rides!!





:santa:

I love the ceramic mug with icecream! Of course ice cream before dinner your on vacation!:wizard:

[disneymomjcs]

:cheer2:I loved reading your trip report. I can tell you and your daughter had a great time and it shows in your pictures. We love Animal Kingdom Lodge especially Jambo house! It is one of our favorite resorts. :thumbsup2 Thanks for sharing!:cheer2:

[jenseib]

oh man....not a cliff hanger!!!!!

I love the BBB parade shots. I think that is so cute

[LuvEeyore]

Cliff hanger:scared1::scared1:

[mousetravel]

I hope it was the giraffes!

:)


nice cliffhanger.... now get back here and tell us what it was! LOL!

:rotfl:


I love the ceramic mug with icecream! Of course ice cream before dinner your on vacation!:wizard:

I loved it, too. Will make a cute candy cane holder next Christmas!!


:cheer2:I loved reading your trip report. I can tell you and your daughter had a great time and it shows in your pictures. We love Animal Kingdom Lodge especially Jambo house! It is one of our favorite resorts. :thumbsup2 Thanks for sharing!:cheer2:

Thank you!!!



oh man....not a cliff hanger!!!!!

I love the BBB parade shots. I think that is so cute

It was cute. That's the first time I ever seen that at DTD.


Cliff hanger:scared1::scared1:

:thumbsup2




Hoping to get updated tonight or tomorrow!! :surfweb:




:santa:

[mousetravel]

I walked outside to the outlook area and seen a few animals on this side:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1210.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1228.jpg


I continued walking around, and on the other side, what I wanted to see up close all along!!!!



Is this not the cutest little thing ever??!!!!!! :love:



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1213.jpg




I was so excited about this little guy. He was so adorable. I wish I could have found out how old he was, but he seemed to be pretty young. Maybe not a "baby", but a little one.

I think I spent almost an hour here just amazed because I love safari animals, mainly giraffes.



Finding some dinner in the tree:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1215.jpg




I even decided to make this picture my screensaver!!


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1216.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1217.jpg



And there he goes. Looks like I had gotten there right on time!!



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1218.jpg



A few zebras were nearby:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1220.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1214.jpg


And a couple more shots as I needed to get back to meet DD.


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1219.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/1222.jpg




What a great way to end our trip!!




Coming up: Some photopass pics and......






upcoming plans????????????







:santa:

[Pinkocto]

Love the picutres! What a perfect way to end the trip :)

[RGirl]

Aww - love those giraffe pics! :lovestruc

I think one could vacation at the AKL and never do any parks - just hang out watching the animals, swimming, etc. :cloud9:

[jenseib]

I love little giraffes. Our zoo had one born last summer and he was so cute.

[therussells08]

Okay I just finished catching up on your TR!

Love the gingerbread house pics at GF! I've been at Christmas twice and still haven't seen it!

Your DD is so photogenic! She's gorgeous!

Yay! I love FotLK so much! It's so fun! :goodvibes

I love DD's new shirt! Very cute!

Oh my, those Tusker House desserts look amazing!

I remember the first time I saw Devine. I wasn't on the DIS yet, so I had no idea what she was! :rotfl:

Ugh, I'm sorry to hear about your screwy SD card! At least you have your PP pictures!

Awww, that interaction with Eeyore and Tigger sounds precious! I love those guys! :lovestruc

Ohh I love AKL so much! I'm so glad you took a picture of that amazing bathroom wallpaper! I just posted about that in my TR! :laughing:

I love the Christmas parade at MK. I am obsessed with the white ponies that pull Cinderella's carriage. They're so adorable! :lovestruc

YAY I love your Beach Club pics! That's where we're staying in July for the first time!

That's so awesome that you got those FPs! what a magical moment!

That baby giraffe is SO adorable!

What a great TR! I can't wait to hear about your upcoming plans!

[mousetravel]

Love the picutres! What a perfect way to end the trip :)

Thanks!


Aww - love those giraffe pics! :lovestruc

I think one could vacation at the AKL and never do any parks - just hang out watching the animals, swimming, etc. :cloud9:

I could definately vacation at the AKL and not go anywhere else!


I love little giraffes. Our zoo had one born last summer and he was so cute.

Aww, I'd love to see a newborn baby giraffe.



Okay I just finished catching up on your TR!

Thanks for joining in on my TR!


Love the gingerbread house pics at GF! I've been at Christmas twice and still haven't seen it! I had seen it only on the Travel Channel specials, and was so excited that we finally saw it!!


Your DD is so photogenic! She's gorgeous! Thank you!!




Yay! I love FotLK so much! It's so fun! :goodvibes Me too. It's my favorite show in all of WDW!!

I love DD's new shirt! Very cute!



Oh my, those Tusker House desserts look amazing! :thumbsup2

I remember the first time I saw Devine. I wasn't on the DIS yet, so I had no idea what she was! :rotfl:


Ugh, I'm sorry to hear about your screwy SD card! At least you have your PP pictures!

Awww, that interaction with Eeyore and Tigger sounds precious! I love those guys! :lovestruc

Ohh I love AKL so much! I'm so glad you took a picture of that amazing bathroom wallpaper! I just posted about that in my TR! :laughing:

I noticed where you included that in your TR! The details in everything at the AKL are amazing!

I love the Christmas parade at MK. I am obsessed with the white ponies that pull Cinderella's carriage. They're so adorable! :lovestruc

YAY I love your Beach Club pics! That's where we're staying in July for the first time! I would love to stay there. Cape May Cafe is my DD's favorite character dining place.

That's so awesome that you got those FPs! what a magical moment!

That baby giraffe is SO adorable!

What a great TR! I can't wait to hear about your upcoming plans!

Thank you!

[LuvEeyore]

I love the pictures of the giraffe!!

Another note, thanks for the train info. I got our tickets today for our December trip. The prices dropped so so I locked in the price!!

[mousetravel]

I love the pictures of the giraffe!!

Another note, thanks for the train info. I got our tickets today for our December trip. The prices dropped so so I locked in the price!!


Oh, yeah, I have been planning to email or PM to ask if you got my email and all the info. I wish I was able to have taken pics of our train trip portion, but for the most part, everytime we were traveling, it was at night! I only have a couple of pics, and I think they're in my 2011 DCL TR.

[mousetravel]

Here's some of our photopass pictures. I have a lot of them. I think we took more photopass pics on this trip than any other one!!!

So I thought I'd end my TR with a few posts of my favorite photopass pics:





http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0274FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0293FourBySix.jpg

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0304FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0310FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0316FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0318FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0404FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0419FourBySix.jpg



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0427FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0430FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0461FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0474FourBySix.jpg




Next up: More Photos ( gotta get more uploaded)




:santa:

[jenseib]

Awww...Cute!

[mousetravel]

More photopass pics!



http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0479FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0487FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0536FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0542FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0547FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0583FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0605FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0612FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0638FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0648FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0657FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0672FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0773FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0798FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0795FourBySix.jpg

[jenseib]

I am clicking the like button! LOL

[mousetravel]

Awww...Cute!

I am clicking the like button! LOL


Thanks!!

[mousetravel]

A few more photopass pics:


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0807FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0815FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0837FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0849FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0871FourBySix.jpg


http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m508/mousetravel22/Photo0902FourBySix.jpg

[mousetravel]

Upcoming Plans!!





:cheer2: We're going back on another mother/daughter trip to Disney!! For DD's 17th Birthday!!:cheer2:


I can't believe I am now making plans for a 17th birthday! Time flies!!

This time last year we were planning her 16th birthday!! (WDW/DCL)

She wants to go back for her 17th birthday! Who am I to argue with that??? :rotfl:


So I have been researching a few things to plan for a semi budget-y trip!


We're still in the process of planning, but here's what we know so far;

We are flying this time!! This won't be our first time flying, but it will be our first time flying to Florida! I am so excited. All of our trips there & back have been very long, boring, and tiring trips! I have always drove there & back by myself, except for twice we took the Amtrak, which was still the same length of time, just me not having to drive. I will be so happy to arrive from here to Fl within an hour and a half!


In planning this trip, we debated on doing things differently, maybe adding a few days at a nearby Fl. beach, or a few days at Universal. Well, I got to looking around on the budget board for some budget-y ideas, and came across some info on the Disney Y.E.S. program. It's a youth education program where the they can sign up to take some educational "classes" while at Disney. One of the perks to signing up for this is deeply discounted park tickets! (for the youth participant and parents). So we looked into it more, and found the perfect class for DD: "Making Waves with a Marine Career". This class will take place at Epcot involving her favorite......dolphins!!
We're very excited about this, and I get to go to it, too!


So we decided to just stick with Disney parks on this trip!
(no surprise, there!) :lmao:


I'm not sure where we will stay, but it will probably be Best Western LBV (Downtown Disney hotel). We loved this hotel when we stayed last year and they have great promotion specials. So for my budget-y plans, it would work out just right, because they have a "birthday special" where if you stay 4 nights, you get 2 nights free!


We know we want to do some character dining, but we're still looking into that and trying to decide.



So this sums up where I am now in my planning. Stay tuned and I'll post updates as we make our plans.



:dance3:

[jenseib]

You hit the photopass jackpot!

I'm loving your plans! ;)

[KatGarcia]

You need to start a PTR so we can plan along with you!!!!!

[Pinkocto]

I love the plans! It's never too early to start planning the next trip. And how fabulous that DD wants it to be a Disney trip. The Y.E.S. thing sounds great. How can you beat a fun class and discounted tickets.

Flying is so nice, I usually find great deals with Southwest or AirTran. JetBlue has good ones most of the time too. You really can't beat the short travel time.

[mousetravel]

You hit the photopass jackpot!

I'm loving your plans! ;)

Thanks!!

You need to start a PTR so we can plan along with you!!!!!

I know. I may get one started when spring break starts. School has been extra crazy-busy the last few weeks, and I'll be glad when spring break gets here! I can finally relax for a bit and get back to Disney business!! :rotfl:



I love the plans! It's never too early to start planning the next trip. And how fabulous that DD wants it to be a Disney trip. The Y.E.S. thing sounds great. How can you beat a fun class and discounted tickets.

Flying is so nice, I usually find great deals with Southwest or AirTran. JetBlue has good ones most of the time too. You really can't beat the short travel time.


I was so glad DD said she wanted to go back! At first she thought we could use a break from Disney, and we looked into different things to do: Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, and even checked out some cruise prices, but we finally decided we had to go back to Disney!

I checked on prices for Southwest, but found better deals with Allegiant. Allegiant has fees for everything, but it ultimately came to be the best priced! It is a budget airline, but for just an hour and a half flight time, I can deal with it! And I do get kinda nervous on flights, so I'll just have to deal with my nerves, too! (maybe I still have some nerve medication left over from my last flight!) :lmao:

[mousetravel]

I finally got a PTR started for our next trip.

Hope you'll join me!!!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=44477746&posted=1#post44477746


:cheer2: