Your ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE to Disney World at Christmas Time! UPDATE 6/1

[Disneyfreak508]

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n601/PrincessJess508/minnie.gif Ahh The Christmas Season. Just picture it now... http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n601/PrincessJess508/minnie.gif

Everyone is hectic, they're running from here to there, buying presents, going to Christmas parties, and making sure they get enough family togetherness time.

Then there are some who like to pick up and leave in the middle of this fiasco. And they like to take a little trip down to Walt Disney World.

I am one of those people.

Maybe you are planning to be too if you are reading this trip report.

Either that or you’re just following along from my past reports. Or you want to see how Disney truly is during the holidays because you're curious.

No matter what the case, I would like to take it upon myself to WELCOME YOU to my 5th trip report EVER!

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n601/PrincessJess508/MickeyDivider.gif

My name is Jess
And I am going to be your storyteller today.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7408/dsc02633fy.jpg

Let’s do a fun little introduction. I am going to tell you ten facts about myself that will further your understanding of me and my upcoming adventures.

1) I am a Walt Disney World regular and have been there around 20-25 times. I like to consider myself a professional. :laughing:

2) I am not exaggerating when I say my greatest passion in life is Disney. There's something about it that just clicks in my mind. It always has been that way. I am always known as the Disney fanatic in the group. I have more Disney songs on my iPod than regular music. I LOVE meeting people who "understand" Disney. I’m obsessed with Disney smells. I hope to have a Fairytale Wedding one day. (When I finally meet that long lost prince.) And I want to work for the Disney Company somehow. Basically… I can’t find anything other than Disney that makes me happier.

2) My favorite Disney characters are Aladdin, Jasmine, and Pluto.

3) My favorite Disney movies are Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Toy Story 3, Tangled, Peter Pan, The Princess and the Frog, and The Lion King.

4) MY FAVORITE RIDE IS TOY STORY MANIA. That’s a new development as of my most recent trip. You will soon learn.

3) I am a freshman in college and I am approaching the second half of the year. Thank God. This year has been really stressful, which will be explained within the first few days of the trip report.

6) I am hoping to do the Disney College Program either next year or the year after. I NEED TO DO IT. I can’t even explain how much I wish I could do it now. Unfortunately, I can't for many reasons. But EVENTUALLY it will happen. The DCP has been my only life plan since the age of 12. The major I am choosing in college is demanding, so I don’t know if leaving in the middle of the program is going to be my best idea. But I’m hoping I can just do it anyway. Disney is my biggest priority.

7) I was fortunate enough to be an Annual Passholder this past year. That is why I went so many times in 2011. If you're on the fence about getting an annual pass... GET IT. It's such a good investment and the benefits are fantastic! I don't even leave close to Florida and I still got my money's worth! (and then some!)

8) My family belongs to Disney Vacation Club, which is THE OTHER BEST INVESTMENT YOU’RE GOING TO MAKE IN YOUR LIFE. It is a lot of money up front, but if you are going to go to Disney anyways, it’s SO worth it and pays for itself quickly! We joined my sophomore year of high school, and my parents’ only regret is that we didn’t join sooner.

10) I am very lucky to have friends that understand Disney like I do. My friend Kristen (Disneyfreak616) is about up to par with my Disney insanity. You will probably hear me mention her a lot throughout this trip report. I also may mention my friend Nat, who I went to Disney with in August. You can read about both of them in my most recent trip report:
"There’s NO Sleeping in Disney!” SURPRISE - The Frumps Are Back Again! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2800055)
Kristen and my friend Vickie also went to Disney with me this past January, and you can read about that trip here:
The Port Report: Frumpin Around the World with the Bathrobe Princesses :) (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2641037)
Anytime a group of us goes to Disney, we like to call ourselves "the frumps."

And that's pretty much all I have to say about that! That should sum up a lot of what you need to know about me!

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n601/PrincessJess508/MickeyDivider.gif

So, in my last trip report I told you all I had a surprise for you.

Well. Here it is.

**Drumroll Please**

We all know that I went to Disney on December 21st, 2011- January 2nd, 2012, correct?

But, what we may not know is that I ALSO went down to Disney on December 6th-December 9th, 2011.

………

SURPRISE!!!!!

Don’t worry, it wasn’t completely an out of the blue “hey let’s go vacation” thing. We had reasons. It was my Mom’s 50th Birthday on December 7th. I wanted to go to a Character Look Alike Audition. (I didn’t get the job, but I just wanted to give it a shot. I’ll explain more on that later.) And I was out of school for a little while so the timing worked. It was a spontaneous thing. You'll learn all about it all soon - don't worry!

AHH so basically… You all are reading TWO TRIP REPORTS IN ONE.

Are you ready for this?

I don’t know if I am.

But here we go anyways!

We have a RIDICULOUS amount of information coming your way. I think I spent more than half of the month of December in Disney, and I can't tell you how much I have learned. My Disney obsession is THROUGH THE ROOF. And I hope I can share my knowledge with you all!

On these trips, I learned lots of behind the scenes fun facts and details about the Walt Disney World Resort. We did a lot of "different" things besides just riding the rides. We ate a ridiculous amount of food. I took tons of pictures of Christmas Decorations and shows. We visited a good majority of Disney Resorts - and I stayed at three different Disney resorts over the course of these trips. We were there during two differently EXTREME crowd levels. And we had a couple Dis-Meets in the midst of all this, too!

These reasons, as well as many others, are why I'm calling this your "ultimate" guide. Because basically, you're going to find pretty much anything related to Disney and Christmas in here. (Besides like... water parks, Downtown Disney West Side, Sea World, Universal, etc. There's always exceptions, I know.)

So hopefully you'll all be along for the ride! This Trip Report is going to take me a lot longer than my others... but DANG I am excited to write it!

THERE'S BIG DOIN'S GOING ON, SO LET'S GET STARTED!

:santa: And if I'm not mistaking.... It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas right about now! :santa:

POR FAVOR MANTENGASE ALEJADO DE LAST PUERTAS.

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n601/PrincessJess508/monorail2.gif

IT'S ALL WHAM.

Continued in Next Post (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43638391&postcount=3)

[Disneyfreak508]

The Table of Contents


Pre-Trip Business:
Ahh The Christmas Season. Just Picture it Now... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43638330&postcount=1)
Other Trip Reports/Christmas Tips! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43638391&postcount=3)
A Little Background Info Titled: My Life is a Whirlwind (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43640915&postcount=28)

Flower and Frump Festival PRE-TRIP REPORT
Pre-Trip Report #1: I HAVE A FRUMPTASTIC ANNOUNCEMENT! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44248342&postcount=520)
Pre-Trip Report #2: Updated Plans! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44420581&postcount=645)


TRIP #1: DECEMBER 6TH - 9TH, 2011

Day 1: December 6th, 2011
Chapter 1: "...Do You Hear A Cat?" (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43673414&postcount=79)
Chapter 2: Let's Go Downtown for Lunch! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43707436&postcount=109)
Chapter 3: What's Christmas Without A Little Disney Shopping? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43740503&postcount=141)
Chapter 4: An Off-Property Experience (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43798421&postcount=183)
Chapter 5: What a TRIP! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43819073&postcount=216)
Chapter 6: "I Recognize Her... She's One of Those Frumps!" (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43864456&postcount=262)
Chapter 7: "May All Your Christmas Wishes Come True!" (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43884444&postcount=300)
Chapter 8: "Once Upon a Christmastime At Christmas!" (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43884451&postcount=301)
Chapter 9: "Once Upon a Christmastime At Christmas!" (Continued) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43884454&postcount=302)
Chapter 10: Christmas Castle Stage Show Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43995783&postcount=347)
Chapter 11: Christmas Castle Stage Show Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43995814&postcount=348)
Chapter 12: TIME TO GO HOME! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44080063&postcount=382)

Day 2: December 7th, 2011
Chapter 13: Mother's Birthday Morning! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44100254&postcount=404)
Chapter 14: The Best Birthday Cupcake EVER! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44130771&postcount=433)
Chapter 15: "You Only Turn 50 Once, Might As Well Go Crazy!" (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44130778&postcount=434)
Chapter 16: Wandering Through the Parks (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44198222&postcount=473)
Chapter 17: Una Fiesta De Cumpleaños En Mexico! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44223386&postcount=495)
Chapter 18: We're the Last People in Epcot! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44268753&postcount=550)

Day 3: December 8th, 2011
Chapter 19: Our Lazy Morning (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44304203&postcount=581)
Chapter 20: ROAR. DINOSAURS! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44304259&postcount=582)
Chapter 21: THE AUDITION! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44372773&postcount=604)
Chapter 22: Back to Epcot! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44420622&postcount=646)
Chapter 23: A Dinner in France! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44420655&postcount=647)

Day 4: December 9th, 2011
Chapter 24: A Photographed Journey From the Parking Lot to the Magic Kingdom (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44452909&postcount=677)
Chapter 25: A Sweet Start to our Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44452914&postcount=678)
Chapter 26: Riding the Rides (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44496613&postcount=704)
Chapter 27: The Post Full of (MORE) Magic Kingdom Photos (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44496639&postcount=705)
Chapter 28: AutoMagically Having a PhilharMagical Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44528400&postcount=721)
Chapter 29: Waiting For Our Lunch at the Castle (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44559629&postcount=742)
Chapter 30: The Princess and The Queen Dine at Cinderella's Royal Table! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44559689&postcount=743)
Chapter 31: One More Dis-Meet and We're Outta Here! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44599063&postcount=771)

IN BETWEEN THE TRIPS:

Chapter 32: A Brief Christmas/New Years Trip Introduction! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44641087&postcount=796)
Chapter 33: THE INTERLUDE (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44641166&postcount=797)
Chapter 34: THE DAY BEFORE DISNEY OMG! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44657782&postcount=827)

TRIP #2: DECEMBER 21st, 2011 - JANUARY 2ND, 2012

Day 1: December 21st, 2011
Chapter 35: TIME TO GO BACK TO DISNEY! YAYAYAY! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44692918&postcount=863)
Chapter 36: Back to T-Rex and then Checking In! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44730041&postcount=894)
Chapter 37: Our "Joyful" Trip to Epcot (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44788710&postcount=927)
Chapter 38: THE BREAD Has Returned (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44805802&postcount=942)

Day 2: December 22nd, 2011
Chapter 39: Good Morning Hollywood Studios! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44844921&postcount=974)
Chapter 40: I'm a Little Obsessed with the Beach Club. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44938930&postcount=1018)
Chapter 41: The Beach Club's Gingerbread Carousel! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44939061&postcount=1021)
Chapter 42: I Can't Get Enough of this Scenery! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44967232&postcount=1048)
Chapter 43: Our First World Showcase Storytellers! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44967434&postcount=1049)
Chapter 44: Moving Back to Disney! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44985062&postcount=1067)
Chapter 45: Dreams Do Come True in New Orleans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44988095&postcount=1070)
Chapter 46: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=45017733&postcount=1099)
Chapter 47: Delicious Italian Food, Delightful Italian Waiters (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=45049236&postcount=1129)

[Disneyfreak508]

Christmas Tips!
January 12th, 2012

Since this is your ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE, I thought I could point out some very helpful tips that I learned from my experiences. This could be very useful for planning purposes. Anytime you see a new tip, it will be in this green font. And I will add them to this post so you can find the tips all in one place! This can serve as your Christmas Tips Key! I hope this will be helpful!

Enjoy!

YOUR COMPLETE LIST OF CHRISTMAS TIPS:
(As of each most recent update)

Christmas Tip #1: If you're renting a car, think about joining National's Emerald Club. This is the EASIEST way to rent a car. By joining, you don’t have to wait in line at the rental car check-in desk. You go to the garage, pick your car, go through the little gate, and leave! Very convenient if the airport is crowded with fellow Christmastime travelers!

Christmas Tip #2: If you are like me and usually avoid taking pictures with certain statues because the areas are too congested, the early December crowds are light enough where statues/major Disney icons/photo ops won't be surrounded by swarms of people!

Christmas Tip #3: Pay attention to the decorations in the stores in Downtown Disney. Oftentimes they are overlooked because everyone is distracted by the merchandise. But they really are beautiful!

Christmas Tip #4: For Annual Passholders and Florida Residents, Tables in Wonderland is a great way to save money on Disney Dining. What the card does is that it takes off 20% of your bill, and then adds back on 18% gratuity. So basically, you're saving the tip. It really adds up and my parents are VERY happy we got it - they like this even better than the dining plan!

Christmas Tip #5: Make sure you use the exfoliators at the hand scrub tables at Basin! They work so well and they smell fantastic! Plus, it's a free trial! It's awesome.

Christmas Tip #6: If you want to see the animals out the windows at Sanaa, make sure you go during daylight! And during the Christmas season, that would translate as a lunch or an early dinner!

Christmas Tip #7: If you're going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, look up the characters and locations BEFORE you get to the party. The map tells you where everyone is, but they don't say who is at each specific location.

Christmas Tip #8: If you get to meet Flynn Rider at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, ask what is in his satchel!

Christmas Tip #9: If you want to meet the Seven Dwarves at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, line up RIGHT at the very beginning of the party! The line gets SUPER long and the wait would basically take up your whole night.

Christmas Tip #10: If you drive a car to the parks, MAKE NOTE OF WHERE YOU PARKED!

Christmas Tip #11: Starring Rolls Cafe is only open from 9 am - 4 pm. So don't miss out on your opportunity to get a DELICIOUS [RED VELVET] CUPCAKE and other delectable baked goods by showing up too late in the day!

Christmas Tip #12: Always make your dining reservations a little later than you expect to arrive. If you check in early, they usually take you right in and seat you fairly quickly!

Christmas Tip #13: La Hacienda ONLY serves dinner!

Christmas Tip #14: At T-Rex Cafe, if you're using an Annual Pass discount, the discount is only taken off of the entrees. So if you get an appetizer, (such as the T-Rexadillas) that item is not discounted.


Christmas Tip #15: Whether or not you're taking Magical Express, take advantage of being able to check your bags right at the resort! That way you have more time to enjoy your day and you don't have to wait in that line at the airport later!

Christmas Tip #16: If you want a quiet place to enjoy your Main Street Bakery breakfast, grab a table over near Casey's Corner, which is right across the street. Casey's doesn't open until lunch so the area is empty this early in the morning!

Christmas Tip #17 - If you really want to eat at T-Rex but can't get a reservation, get there right at 11:30 am for an early lunch! The restaurant doesn't start filling up until 12 so you will more than likely get seated!

Christmas Tip #18: Make sure you check out "Joyful" at Epcot, especially if you're into Gospel music. This show will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit!

Christmas Tip #19: The Deluxe Resorts have AMAZING Christmas Decorations! Make sure you add the Polynesian to your list! Stop by when passing through on the monorail or make a dining reservation there so you don't miss out! It's so pretty!

Christmas Tip #20: Make sure you check out the Gingerbread Carousel at the Beach Club! You're not going to want to miss it - it's so beautiful!

Christmas Tip #21: If you have the time, I would definitely recommend taking the walk from Hollywood Studios to Epcot/vice versa. I think the friendship boat might even take longer, so you might as well get the exercise! Plus, it's a great way to escape the crowds and relax a little bit during your day.

Christmas Tip #22: If you say you have a party of two at Toy Story Mania, they will send you through the right gate. That way you get to skip the entire line that goes up and down the stairs!

Christmas Tip #23: If you're into pin trading, there is an awesome pin board that is always up in Port Orleans French Quarter's gift shop. Actually, at most of the resort gift shops/main desks there are pins boards or books. Make sure you ask the cast members to see them!



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Other Trip Reports
January-August 2011

Also, I always like to include links to my old trip reports in my most recent one, in case you haven't read them and would like to do so! Each trip has its own story. So if you enjoy this one, you may like the others as well!

My first trip report is about my trip in January, and that featured Kristen, Vickie, My Mom, and me! That was a girls trip that we took in honor of my high school graduation. We stayed at the Yacht Club and had an AMAZING time. This is where my Disney Trip Report Collection began.. as well as the frump phenomenon.

The Port Report: Frumpin Around the World with the Bathrobe Princesses (: (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2641037)


My second trip report took place in February and it was a Family Vacation. We stayed at Old Key West and it was an extremely relaxing trip to the World. That trip included my Mom, Dad, Brother, and Me.

"She's Looking at Food Pictures Again!" ★ A February Family Vacation! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2700505)


My third trip report was during April and it was a Mother Daughter trip! My mom and I stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge and spent a lot of time at the Flower and Garden Festival.

“IT’S OUR MOTHER DAUGHTER TRIP!” Our Spontaneous Getaway - April 2011 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2757430)

My fourth and most recent trip report took place this past August. I went down to Disney with my best friend, Nat. We surprised our other best friend, Kristen, who was on her family vacation. She had NO IDEA we were coming! This trip report tells about all of our frumpy adventures and has a video documentary of the whole thing! It was SUCH a fun trip! We stayed at Coronado Springs for this one!

"There's NO Sleeping in Disney!" SURPRISE - The Frumps Are Back Again! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2800055)

This post is basically for organizational and reference purposes. Everyone who has been reading my TR's for a while probably knows how this goes by now :p

So if you are interested, please feel free to read these! I love sharing my stories with people even when the reports are completed!

Thank you again for being here! I hope you enjoy the upcoming trip report!

Continued in Next Post (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43640915&postcount=28)

[arbolita]

This is going to be the best trip report ever, I can already tell. At least, until July. :banana::banana::banana:

Also, you little sneak, I can't believe you kept it a secret that you were there earlier in December! I didn't think it was possible to get even more excited to read this TR, but you've managed to find a way =)

[ChattaAlley]

Jumping on board for another fun filled trip by Ms. Jess. YAY. :banana:

[Disneymad1993]

Hey :) Normally I'm a lurker on trip reports but decided to say hi! Im Rachel and im also the same age as you! In my first year of university as we call it over in northern ireland :thumbsup2
Looking forward to reading this trip report! I've only been to WDW 3 times so it would be great to see how it is at Christmas!!

[wdw nut]

Cant wait to hear!!! My wife and I are Disney nuts too!!! No one in our family gets it so we are glad to hear there are more of us out there :banana:

[Jazzabelle508]

Awesome you got to go 2 disney twice in december! I love christmas in Disney :)

Also, your hair looks so cute in the picture you posted.

Hope that both of your trips were amazing :)

I can't wait for more :)

[tlaw66]

MY 8 year old daughter just loves all your trip reports and even though the last one is not done she put this one in fav folder so i guss we will read more of what you have to say. Thanks for being silly i think that is what she loves.

[Cllong75]

I found one of your reports awhile back and i've read each one now, I'm so addicted. You girls crack me up and remind me of myself when I was your age, so fun. I'm very excited for your next trip report so I'm subbing early. Your pictures are amazing and I love hearing about your "frumpy adventures", makes me long for my next trip. :dance3:

[marDgreen88]

YAY!!!!!!

Ahem.

[arbolita]

YAY!!!!!!

Ahem.

::snort:: I <3 you.

[mommytominnie]

I'm in!! oohh, I love your reports. Your disney excitement comes through them and they are contagious!!! Can't wait to read more

[hotmamac]

I came on the Dis today because I knew you were going for Christmas and wanted to see if you started your report and :pixiedust: there it was!! I've read the rest of your reports and can't wait to read this one!

[aspiringprincess1]

subbing! i was there at the same time (well, a little before) but IT WAS WONDERFUL! can't wait to read more!!

[Winnie the Goof]

And so it begins....

[mermaid764]

Hey Jess! I am so sorry that I have been totally awol from your TR lately but unforunately this last semester was so demanding I had practically no free time.

I was finally able to get caught up on your other one last night, and just wanted you to know that I am definitely going to try and follow this one as well.

Can't wait to hear all about your two Christmas vacations:goodvibes

[katt789]

Yay! Yet another TR I opened thinking I'd try it out & then realizing it was one I was keeping an eye out for!

So jealous you were there twice in a month! I also did an audition trip in Dec (for character performers, look alikes and show/parade performers). I'm definitely on the fence about getting an annual pass, mainly as flight prices have increased so much for me recently. Also when I talked to a cm last trip, they said that you couldn't get the dining plan with the annual pass, and I was confused on how I would go abouts booking a package trip for me & friends if I had an annual pass already :confused3

Excited to hear about your double trip!!

[PlutosRHM55]

You know the party don't start 'till I walk in...

Yeah, you know I'm here! Totally in! Can't wait to read all about it, Jess! :mickeyjum

And wow, I was wrong about the surprise... I thought it was that you are going to the DCP soon, but I was close since you did say "Character Look-A-Like Audition", but that's awesome we get two TRs in one :thumbsup2 And I'm just loving how your list of favorite characters includes PLUTO now, pretty awesome ::yes:: ;)

[__disneygirl]

party: YAY!!!! So excited for this one! I can't wait to read every detail!!!

I'm so sad our trips are over though. How badly do you wish you could go back one month in time? Oh man. This time last month I was about to go to 'Ohana!!!!!!!! CRY. Flower gleam and glow... let your power shine... make the clock reverse... PLEASE!!! Sheesh, why don't I have magic hair that glows when I sing?!?!

P.S. You have to send me that pic your mom took of us! That was so much fun!!!

[15isto2]

Subscribing to this one, I am thinking on adding on to my DVC so I can do christmas/new year and miss all the family fun too!

[Disneyfreak508]

This is going to be the best trip report ever, I can already tell. At least, until July. :banana:

Also, you little sneak, I can't believe you kept it a secret that you were there earlier in December! I didn't think it was possible to get even more excited to read this TR, but you've managed to find a way =)

Aww thank you! :goodvibes SO EXCITED!

And hahaha :) I didn't tell ANYONE I was going. My Mom and I just booked it out of town. I didn't even tell Kristen until my last night of the trip, and that's because she figured it out. :rotfl:

Jumping on board for another fun filled trip by Ms. Jess. YAY.

YAY Thanks for being here!

Hey. Normally I'm a lurker on trip reports but decided to say hi! Im Rachel and im also the same age as you! In my first year of university as we call it over in northern ireland
Looking forward to reading this trip report! I've only been to WDW 3 times so it would be great to see how it is at Christmas!!

Aww thank you for coming out of lurkdom! It's great to hear that you've been reading along!
And yay for being the same age as me! I'm glad I'm not the only Disney crazy 18 year old out there. :laughing:
I will tell you all about it! I hope you enjoy the TR!

Cant wait to hear!!! My wife and I are Disney nuts too!!! No one in our family gets it so we are glad to hear there are more of us out there

Thank you! That's awesome - I completely understand!! I'm hope one day my husband and I will be the same way :rotfl: There are definitely Disney people out here! :wave: Disboards is the right place to be!

Awesome you got to go 2 disney twice in december! I love christmas in Disney

Also, your hair looks so cute in the picture you posted.

Hope that both of your trips were amazing :)

I can't wait for more :)

Thank you! So do I!
Thanks! Yeah I actually straightened it because there wasn't really much humidity on this trip! (rare occurrence in Florida haha)
They were!
Can't wait to share!

MY 8 year old daughter just loves all your trip reports and even though the last one is not done she put this one in fav folder so i guss we will read more of what you have to say. Thanks for being silly i think that is what she loves.

Aww that's so cute! Thank you both for reading along - I'm so glad you are enjoying! Hahaha I hope there's enough silliness for her in the upcoming report! :laughing:

I found one of your reports awhile back and i've read each one now, I'm so addicted. You girls crack me up and remind me of myself when I was your age, so fun. I'm very excited for your next trip report so I'm subbing early. Your pictures are amazing and I love hearing about your "frumpy adventures", makes me long for my next trip. :dance3:

Aww thank you for reading! That's great! I'm very excited to share with you guys! You're too sweet - thank you! I hope you enjoy the upcoming report!

YAY!!!!!!

Ahem.

:banana:

::snort:: I <3 you.

You guys are frumps. hahaha :p

I'm in!! oohh, I love your reports. Your disney excitement comes through them and they are contagious!!! Can't wait to read more

Yay thank you so much! Aww that's so nice - thanks! I'm so glad! I can't wait to write it!

I came on the Dis today because I knew you were going for Christmas and wanted to see if you started your report and :pixiedust: there it was!! I've read the rest of your reports and can't wait to read this one!

Here it is!!! I wasn't going to start it until I finished August... but I figured I better get a move on - I only have so many days of winter break! I am excited to share the next story with you all! Thanks for being here again!

subbing! i was there at the same time (well, a little before) but IT WAS WONDERFUL! can't wait to read more!!

Isn't it beautiful at Christmas time!? Love it. I can't wait to write more!

And so it begins....

WHAM.
Here we go.

Hey Jess! I am so sorry that I have been totally awol from your TR lately but unforunately this last semester was so demanding I had practically no free time.

I was finally able to get caught up on your other one last night, and just wanted you to know that I am definitely going to try and follow this one as well.

Can't wait to hear all about your two Christmas vacations:goodvibes

Don't worry! Take your time catching up! The TR's will always be here for your reading enjoyment :)
I can't wait to tell you all about them! Thanks for reading!

Yay! Yet another TR I opened thinking I'd try it out & then realizing it was one I was keeping an eye out for!

So jealous you were there twice in a month! I also did an audition trip in Dec (for character performers, look alikes and show/parade performers). I'm definitely on the fence about getting an annual pass, mainly as flight prices have increased so much for me recently. Also when I talked to a cm last trip, they said that you couldn't get the dining plan with the annual pass, and I was confused on how I would go abouts booking a package trip for me & friends if I had an annual pass already :confused3

Excited to hear about your double trip!!

Hahaha perfect! Here it is!
Ahh did you do an audition trip? How did it go for you?
I have gotten the Dining Plan with the Annual Pass before. I did that in August. So I don't know about that! But yeah flight prices could be an issue.
Thanks for being here!

You know the party don't start 'till I walk in...

Yeah, you know I'm here! Totally in! Can't wait to read all about it, Jess! :mickeyjum

And wow, I was wrong about the surprise... I thought it was that you are going to the DCP soon, but I was close since you did say "Character Look-A-Like Audition", but that's awesome we get two TRs in one :thumbsup2 And I'm just loving how your list of favorite characters includes PLUTO now, pretty awesome ::yes:: ;)

Timmy is hereeee!
Thank you!
God, I wish that was the case hahaha. I WANT TO DO THE COLLEGE PROGRAM NOWWWW. Wahh. But yes, it'll be one big ol' trip report!
And yes, Pluto has been one of my top favorites since 7th grade!

party: YAY!!!! So excited for this one! I can't wait to read every detail!!!

I'm so sad our trips are over though. How badly do you wish you could go back one month in time? Oh man. This time last month I was about to go to 'Ohana!!!!!!!! CRY. Flower gleam and glow... let your power shine... make the clock reverse... PLEASE!!! Sheesh, why don't I have magic hair that glows when I sing?!?!

P.S. You have to send me that pic your mom took of us! That was so much fun!!!

YAYYY I'm glad you're here!! :hug:
I know right?! Ugh I'm sad it's hard not having the trip to look forward to.
Very nice tangled reference ;) You are making me want to watch that movie so bad. I need to!!!
And P.S. YES I DO!! Where should I send it? And you probably don't want me to include it in the trip report, correct? Just checking haha

Subscribing to this one, I am thinking on adding on to my DVC so I can do christmas/new year and miss all the family fun too!

Yay thanks for being here! And VERY good idea! I think you should do it. :thumbsup2

[leshunlenese]

Girl! You are on a roll. I am still trying to catch up on your last report and 2 trips to disney in one month. I am jealous because i live in Georgia and i cannot even go down like that. ready for another one if your adventures.:goodvibes

[therussells08]

YAY! I'm here! I'm here! This TR is basically going to be my life until I can go back to Disney...I CAN'T WAIT! :banana:

[Disneyfreak508]

Girl! You are on a roll. I am still trying to catch up on your last report and 2 trips to disney in one month. I am jealous because i live in Georgia and i cannot even go down like that. ready for another one if your adventures.:goodvibes

Hahaha I gotta get as much done before I go back to college :laughing: And lol aww I'm sorry you don't get there as much as you would like! I like revolve my life around it so my mother understands. :rotfl: I'm excited to share with you!!

YAY! I'm here! I'm here! This TR is basically going to be my life until I can go back to Disney...I CAN'T WAIT! :banana:

HOORAY JONI'S HERE!!!! :goodvibes Thanks for reading yet another TR of mine! I hope the rest of your trip was great! And we need to be friends on facebook! I'll PM you my page haha

[TinkerbellinNY6]

Yayy You started!!! I am looking forward to this report! I love seeing somebody else around my age(19) who loves Disney just as much as I do! I also want to do the college program and I think I am going to apply for this fall! I can't believe you snuck down there at the beginning of December. I have been reading your last report and waiting for you to start this one especially since I missed you by one day:scared1: I got back to upstate NY on 12/20!!

[__disneygirl]

YAYYY I'm glad you're here!! :hug:
I know right?! Ugh I'm sad it's hard not having the trip to look forward to.
Very nice tangled reference ;) You are making me want to watch that movie so bad. I need to!!!
And P.S. YES I DO!! Where should I send it? And you probably don't want me to include it in the trip report, correct? Just checking haha


I watch Tangled all. the. time. Like almost literally all the time. Sometimes I'll just have it on in the background if I'm busy and then I end up getting distracted by the flawlessness and getting nothing done. LOL.

You can e-mail it to me capriamoon@gmail.com :) Thank youuu! And yeah you can post it, I don't care. I think I'm going to put my photos with Minnie on my TR because they are just so adorable, and I don't want to deprive the world of that. :laughing:

[Disneyfreak508]

A Little Background Info Titled: My Life is a Whirlwind
Basically Since I Started Looking at College - December 5th, 2011

So, before I can really get to the Disney part of this trip report, I need to give a little bit of background info on why we took the first trip. This way, you can get the whole experience and see a little bit of how my life works.

So basically.... I'm in the middle of transferring colleges.

Why? It's a long story. But I'll give you the summarized version.

It all starts with my decision making the summer before my senior year of high school. I picked a college, visited it, and thought it was the right place. It seemed great and perfect for me. I still didn't know what I wanted to do, but I figured they had any major I would want to go into.

Ha.

So, within the first few weeks I decided I wanted to study Graphic Design and Integrated Marketing.

Woohoo. I mean, I could have done it, and I had a relative interest in it. But... not really. I didn't care THAT MUCH about it. I had no dreams in that field. No passion. And no happiness.

The beginning of freshman year occurred. I was overwhelmed. It was like being plucked out of my life and thrown into this random place with a bunch of people I didn't know. And the weirdest thing was that I wasn't clicking with people. I mean, I had friends, but I could tell I wasn't going to stay friends with them. My best friend that I had at college was actually transferring, too. I didn't know how I was going to survive because I would literally feel all alone when she left.

So... basically that went on from September through November. I was MISERABLE. And I am a happy person, so it was really throwing me off. I just couldn't take it anymore.

My first college was on the trimester system, which means they basically have 3 mini semesters in a year instead of 2. So, we got a two week break at Thanksgiving.

The weekend before Thanksgiving, I went to my high school's production of Grease, which Nat and Kristen were both in. I went ALL THREE NIGHTS.

I was absolutely obsessed with the musicals in high school. Like, next to Disney, they are my favorite things in the WORLD. Omg I just love them. I love people who do musicals, I love being a part of something, and it's just a ton of fun.

So that weekend basically changed my life. It reminded me that I needed to follow my heart.

The Monday after it was over, I experienced a mid-college crisis. I realized that giving up theatre was NOT an option.

My Mom knew how unhappy I was, so we looked into other schools. Thank God for my Mother. I would not have been able to do this all without her. I am SO THANKFUL I had someone to back me up through all of this.

Anyways, before college began, I didn't think I would ever want to major in theatre because it is a difficult field. But I realized, if I love something enough, I'm going to make it work. And happiness is the most important thing to me.

So we found a school in my area that had a theatre program and we went and visited.

I really loved it!! The program seemed to be exactly like what I was looking for. And the way everyone talked about the family atmosphere and the kind of work they do for the major made me love it even more.

So that was on a Tuesday. I had to make a decision by that next Monday.

But it didn't even take me that long to decide.

I knew I was NOT going back to my first school. There was literally nothing holding me back there. That was the first time I literally felt NOTHING telling me to stay somewhere and think it over

I take this as one of those things where God is telling you you need to make a change. It was THAT obvious.

I ceased enrollment, applied at my new school, and got accepted! WOOHOO!

I have been on break since November 16th, and I'm not going back until January... 13th is it? Around then. I had such a long break because the trimesters and semesters didn't really line up.

I don't have any regrets about switching schools, because I believe everything happens for a reason. So, for some reason I went there for a trimester. But now it's time to keep moving forward onto better things!

I will keep you all updated on the whole college situation. I hope everything goes well!

So basically during this whole time of waiting, my life became a WHIRLWIND. Oh my God. I had acting lessons, college visits, and voice lessons almost EVERY DAY. I had to prepare for the college auditions which were like December 11th-13th.

And I also had another mid-college crisis because working at Disney is one of my biggest dreams. I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing out on any opportunity there.

So, my Mom and I looked on the audition website and saw that they had auditions on December 8th.

Since I wasn't in school, we booked the trip exactly one week before. We used old jet blue credits for the flights, booked a hotel with this other timeshare we have called Interval International, (we had to use up weeks from that... so it was off property. LOL more on that decision later) and all we had to pay for was food!

So we booked the trip, I prepared all week, and we were on our way!

I didn't have my hopes very high because I knew how difficult it is to get a role as a Disney character, but I was SO curious about how the audition process went and I wanted to get the experience. So I was very glad I got to do this and made sure I wasn't missing out on any opportunities!

Oh and I didn't tell anyone about this trip. Like... anyone. I didn't tell Kristen until it was my last night. And she figured it out herself! :laughing: Nat and Vickie and all of my other friends didn't find out about it until I got home. And I think some of them still don't know. :rotfl:

My Mom and I were laughing at ourselves because we have a serious Disney addiction. It was like we were fleeing the country or something. I also have this guilt problem sometimes because I go so often. Plus I was going in 15 days for my Christmas trip. But oh well. I went anyway. No regrets.

SOOO yeah! The day before we left, I had an acting lesson and a voice lesson. Then before I knew it, it was nighttime and I had to pack!!

I watched Friends, packed, and went to bed around 12.

DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to let you all know what has been going on with me! WOO. Alright, let's get this party started! Next comes the fun stuff!

Continued in Next Post (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43673414&postcount=79)

[Disneyfreak508]

Yayy You started!!! I am looking forward to this report! I love seeing somebody else around my age(19) who loves Disney just as much as I do! I also want to do the college program and I think I am going to apply for this fall! I can't believe you snuck down there at the beginning of December. I have been reading your last report and waiting for you to start this one especially since I missed you by one day:scared1: I got back to upstate NY on 12/20!!

Yes I did!! :) And oh my gosh yeah I LOVE Disney - don't worry you're not the only one! Ahh you're so lucky you're going to apply for the fall. I was going to, but then with this whole transferring thing it just wasn't going to work out. I'm happy everyone is so anxious for this trip report :laughing: And aww yeah you missed me by one day! The crowds got crazy once you left!!

I watch Tangled all. the. time. Like almost literally all the time. Sometimes I'll just have it on in the background if I'm busy and then I end up getting distracted by the flawlessness and getting nothing done. LOL.

You can e-mail it to me capriamoon@gmail.com :) Thank youuu! And yeah you can post it, I don't care. I think I'm going to put my photos with Minnie on my TR because they are just so adorable, and I don't want to deprive the world of that. :laughing:

Hahaha I love it. I do that with movies sometimes. Especially when I was little. I had to watch them every night or I couldn't fall asleep. :rotfl:
And okay I will do that! You're welcome! And oh yay sounds good! Yeah no need to deprive us from cute pictures!! :laughing: I'm excited. I LOVED your update today!! So great.

[thbath77]

I'm so excited for you!!! I've read your last few reports. I'm not good at posting but excited to read all about it!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Yay, so glad you started!

Wow, talk about life changes! I hope everything works out with your new school and I think you are every brave for making all these changes and pursuing your dreams. Heading to university right after high school can be tough when you aren't sure what you want to do. That happened to me and I "wasted" four years of my life getting a degree that I will not use although I did enjoy the classes and school. Now I am back in school getting another four year degree after finally figuring out what I want to do with my life! :laughing:

[jenneth79]

In in IN!:thumbsup2

Looking forward to reading all about it! I think it's awesome that you "snuck away" for a Disney trip with your mom and an audition. I really feel that just getting to see things "backstage" makes it worth it! (I sooo wish I had thought of that when I was in my early 20s!:rotfl2:)

Can't wait to read the rest, two trips for the price of one! (well, for us readers, at least...:goodvibes)

[katt789]

Jess!! More I read about your trips & life, the more I think we're alike! I'm just S big of a disney nut, and as much as I would love to work as a character, I'd totally be an international representative in Epcot. I also did A semester of uni before transferring to film school! I cant wait to fully get back into theatre! Guh! Love it. Have you thought about doing a vocal/dancer audition?

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

ugh, I'm beyond jealous about how many times you've been to Disney World....this year!

I was there in December too. It was the most amazing vacation I've ever been on!

Cant wait to see how your trip was. I've heard that is a crazy week!

[RyansMommy1]

HERE!!! Just realized you started!! Going back now to read!!

[RyansMommy1]

Back!! LoL!!!

1. Your hair looks fabulous straight!! Absolutely loveee it!!
2. So glad you decided to follow your heart- I remember telling you to hang in there at the first school- but- it definitely seems like you made a wonderful decision! I did musicals in grade/high school .. I loved it.
3. SUPRISE WEEKEND!!! HOLY MOLY- LUCKY!!!
4. So excited you started this report...can't wait can't wait can't wait :yay:

[duckylady]

OH MAN, I meant to post on your trip report as soon as it started and we're already on page three! I've been lurking on all your past trip reports and loving them so I'll for sure jump in on this one.

I'm so sorry to hear how miserable those couple months were for you. I'll be hearing back from universities within the next three months and I'm so terrified I'll make the wrong choice. I'm really happy everything turned out okay, though!

It makes me laugh how you were like "Two weeks until my Disney trip? TOO LONG TO WAIT. BRB FOR A COUPLE DAYS." You are a true Disney fanatic, Jess.

I'm excited to hear about how your audition went! My best friend tried out this past October because she planned to go into the DCP. It didn't work out, but apparently it was a pretty fun experience.

ALRIGHT THAT WAS A LOT OF WORDS but what I meant to say was: I'm in/subscribed/let's do this!

[cindianne320]

I know I am 10 years older than you, but I LOVE reading your Trip Reports- I have read them all, and enjoy each one!

I learn so much- I've been to the World 10 times, but learn more each time I read a TR!

Anyway- I can't wait to read the whole thing, and it's so cool you got to meet Lia!

I hope you LOVE your new college. I also transferred after my freshman year, and it was the best decision I ever made!

[RyansMommy1]

BTW so weird not to see a ticker in your siggy!!

[MarieTheCat24]

I'M HERE!! I can't wait to hear about everything. Years from now, we will read this trip report aloud to our son Manny and tell him the story of how his four mothers settled upon his name. It's a beautiful thing.

I hope everything works out at your new school! Freshman year can be really rough. It was the exact opposite for me, but I know a lot of people who had a rough time. And now I'm supposed to be a senior and I still have no idea what the heck I'm doing and I'm going to be in college for at least 2 more years, so be glad that you recognized the problem sooner rather than later.

I'm really interested in hearing all about the audition process. You're so awesome for doing that. I'd give my right arm to dance at Disney (specifically in Festival of the Lion King), but professionally auditioning for things terrifies me. I could never do it. So basically you're just way cooler than I am LOL. I truly hope that everything works out for you, girl, because you totally deserve it. :hug:

[snowwhite325]

I'm here! And I had NO idea you went to Disney at the beginning of December :laughing: Did Alicia know? She was telling me about your trip yesterday and she didn't mention it lol

[PlutosRHM55]

Wow, your life really is in a whirlwind. I was a bit winded just reading that O_o Anyways... I'm glad to see you're a lot happier now with this school and your new major. It was also brave how you made the decision to follow your dream versus what you first decided on, that takes huge guts. Then, to change schools... YOWZER! Well... I wish you all the best and hope everything slows down so you can relax for awhile. :thumbsup2 Anyways... I can't wait to read about the audition process, that's so cool you got to experience that ::yes:: I'll have to take more notes ;)

[TinkerbellinNY6]

Yes I did!! :) And oh my gosh yeah I LOVE Disney - don't worry you're not the only one! Ahh you're so lucky you're going to apply for the fall. I was going to, but then with this whole transferring thing it just wasn't going to work out. I'm happy everyone is so anxious for this trip report :laughing: And aww yeah you missed me by one day! The crowds got crazy once you left!!


Thats good to know that I am not the only one! I actually just went through the whole transferring process too. I was at a school for pharmacy but realized that I really did not want to be a pharmacist after a year of school so I transfered to another college for business and want to work at Disney!

I figured the crowds got crazy after I left since they were getting crazier by the day as I was there and I had also been there over Christmas and New Years in 2009! It would have been really cool to meet you but maybe another trip will actually match up :rotfl:

[aly58991]

Very excited to read this TR! I am hoping to audition for DCP for next fall! Or spring depending on how far along I get with my program

[Jazzabelle508]

Sorry to hear you are transferring, hopefully this new school is a better fit. I have a lot of friends from high school that ended up transfering schools as well. It sounds like the new school is a great fit! The way you described the new school reminds me of how I felt about my current school when looking at it and now I love that school. At least you had Disney to distract yourself from the school drama. Also glad to hear you are sticking with theater as a major as well, it seems like you really love it which is always important!

Wow, i'm impressed you managed to keep your trip for your audition a secret! I would NEVER be able to do that! Sorry to hear you didn't get the part but the whole experience of doing a disney audition must have been AMAZING!!! I can't wait to hear about it! What characters were you auditioning for?

[LilAnn]

Oh my gosh, I logged on today and was all surprised to see that you had already started this TR! Surprised the bejeebers out of me. Super excited to hear all about it though.

Love your hair straightened. I mean, you know I love it naturally, but I love it straight too. You have goh-jus hair!

Surprise trip in December? Kind awesome.:thumbsup2

I remember you talking about being homesick and having a rough adjustment. Sorry to hear that things didn't get better, but it looks like things worked out. It sounds like you will be much happier, and really, that is the most important thing. Like someone else mentioned, I also picked the wrong school and the wrong major straight out of school. I think I would have been so much happier if I had followed by gut instincts. But really? That's a major life decision to make and not all of us are ready for it at 17 - I sure wasn't.

Anyways, beyond excited to kick off the new year with this report too!

Ready to see what other cute dresses and clothes I'll in up coveting....

[__disneygirl]

I am so happy you are following your dreams. It's so important to focus on what really makes you happiest in life. SO MANY PEOPLE don't do this. So many people think it's too hard or impractical and they are wrong. It's funny, I've been acting, singing, and dancing since I was 5, left my regular high school to go to a performing arts school when I was 15, been actively pursuing a career in show business since I was 18, i'll be 22 in April and people still tell me I should give up. "It's a hard business," they say. I'm like, you think I don't know that? I've been doing this since I was 5 and I'm not starring on broadway, I don't have my own TV show, and I haven't been to the Oscars so yeah, I KNOW IT'S HARD!! But i'd rather be pursuing this and struggling than having huge success in ANYTHING else. In 2011, I got so distracted with other jobs just because they paid well and I got promoted and blah blah, and honestly it was a complete waste of time. Sure, it's good to have other career options/a back-up plan, but I don't want a back-up plan. I want my dream to happen. This year, it's gonna be ALL about making my dreams a reality :smickey: Don't let anyone beat you down, just keep your eye on the prize and let the pixie dust work its magic. pixiedust:

Anyway, sorry I rambled on there haha. I just can relate to what you are saying completely!

[ChattaAlley]

I am so glad that you realized that your "old" college was not right for you. So many times people stay where they are with those same feelings because they don't want to dissappoint anyone. Isn't it great to have a mother that is there for you and supports you and knows when something just isn't right? I wish you all the best in your new adventure.

Getting the expierence of auditioning for Disney at such a young age is VERY beneficial. Now you will know what to expect the next time. If that is what you want to do then I can see you doing it. Disney has those auditions all the time so just keep auditioning and eventially they will take the blinders off and see what they had been missing all along :thumbsup2.

[ppoe65]

Looking forward to another grfeat trip report

[arbolita]

Trying to decide on a college is such a weird process. I actually got waitlisted for fall, but accepted for the spring semester for the college/theatre program I originally wanted to get into, so for my first semester I decided to pick the school where I thought I was least like to want to stay. Heh, well I fell in love with it and here I am, years later, working for them! You can never predict just how things will turn out, and I think it's great that you are taking life by the reigns and doing what is best for you. You can't deny what you're passionate about and even though being a theatre major does leave a lot of questions as to how you'll make a living after college, if it's what you love you'd be crazy not to pursue it.

Since the school is near where you live, are you going to be staying at home and commuting, or moving into the dorms?

I am so excited to hear about how everything goes at your new school and how much you love the theatre program there! And very eager to hear about the Disney audition process.

[rockin2it]

I really enjoyed your other trip reports and I'm following the one you haven't finished yet too. I can't wait to read about both of your December trips- how exciting!! I love Disney at Christmas time!!!

[lauren_elizabeth]

Christmas & Disney World = 2 of my favorite things! :love::cloud9:

I am SO excited to read this one. REALLY EXCITED! And it's a 2 in 1 trippie, too! YAAAAAY! :banana:

[Nermel9]

I'm in, sounds like this will be a fun TR! I was just there in December too, and it's seriously the BEST time to visit Disney! I mean, anytime is the best time, but December is just a little more magical! :lovestruc

I'm glad you realized so early that your college was not right for you and to follow your dreams, it sounds like your new school will be perfect for you! :wizard:

[Disneyfreak508]

I'm so excited for you!!! I've read your last few reports. I'm not good at posting but excited to read all about it!

Thank you! Haha as long as you're enjoying - no worries! I'm glad you're here!

Yay, so glad you started!

Wow, talk about life changes! I hope everything works out with your new school and I think you are every brave for making all these changes and pursuing your dreams. Heading to university right after high school can be tough when you aren't sure what you want to do. That happened to me and I "wasted" four years of my life getting a degree that I will not use although I did enjoy the classes and school. Now I am back in school getting another four year degree after finally figuring out what I want to do with my life! :laughing:

Yay thanks for being here! I know right?! My life is nuts. Thank you for all of the good thoughts and support too - I hope it works out. I'm sorry you didn't originally get the degree you wanted, but it sounds like you're acting upon what you really want to do so that is GREAT! I really respect people who do that. I hope everything goes well! And thanks again for being here!

In in IN!:thumbsup2

Looking forward to reading all about it! I think it's awesome that you "snuck away" for a Disney trip with your mom and an audition. I really feel that just getting to see things "backstage" makes it worth it! (I sooo wish I had thought of that when I was in my early 20s!:rotfl2:)

Can't wait to read the rest, two trips for the price of one! (well, for us readers, at least...:goodvibes)

THANK YOU!
Hahaha yeah we would totally do something like that. We are funny. And it really is cool going backstage. It feels weird, but it's like a whole other side to Disney.
Yay I'm glad you're excited! Thanks for reading!

Jess!! More I read about your trips & life, the more I think we're alike! I'm just S big of a disney nut, and as much as I would love to work as a character, I'd totally be an international representative in Epcot. I also did A semester of uni before transferring to film school! I cant wait to fully get back into theatre! Guh! Love it. Have you thought about doing a vocal/dancer audition?

Aww that's awesome! Yeah we do sound similar! I know what you mean... I LOVE theatre. There's just something about it. And yeah I have thought about it! But I want to build up my strength first in college with voice lessons and such. And I'm not much of a dancer yet. So once I feel more confident I will definitely audition! I just need to work at Disney... bottom line.

ugh, I'm beyond jealous about how many times you've been to Disney World....this year!

I was there in December too. It was the most amazing vacation I've ever been on!

Cant wait to see how your trip was. I've heard that is a crazy week!

Isn't it great!? December is such a wonderful time to be there! And yes it was a crazy week but it was one of the best trips of my life!

HERE!!! Just realized you started!! Going back now to read!!

Haha welcome! I'm glad you're here!

Back!! LoL!!!

1. Your hair looks fabulous straight!! Absolutely loveee it!!
2. So glad you decided to follow your heart- I remember telling you to hang in there at the first school- but- it definitely seems like you made a wonderful decision! I did musicals in grade/high school .. I loved it.
3. SUPRISE WEEKEND!!! HOLY MOLY- LUCKY!!!
4. So excited you started this report...can't wait can't wait can't wait :yay:

1. Aww thank you!
2. I am too! I just couldn't do it anymore... my heart just wasn't into it and I was unhappy. So I think this will be happy!
3. Haha it was awesome!
4. I'm so glad!

OH MAN, I meant to post on your trip report as soon as it started and we're already on page three! I've been lurking on all your past trip reports and loving them so I'll for sure jump in on this one.

I'm so sorry to hear how miserable those couple months were for you. I'll be hearing back from universities within the next three months and I'm so terrified I'll make the wrong choice. I'm really happy everything turned out okay, though!

It makes me laugh how you were like "Two weeks until my Disney trip? TOO LONG TO WAIT. BRB FOR A COUPLE DAYS." You are a true Disney fanatic, Jess.

I'm excited to hear about how your audition went! My best friend tried out this past October because she planned to go into the DCP. It didn't work out, but apparently it was a pretty fun experience.

ALRIGHT THAT WAS A LOT OF WORDS but what I meant to say was: I'm in/subscribed/let's do this!

Hahaha I know, I am SO behind on comments! But thanks for being here and commenting - I hope you continue to enjoy the stories!

Don't be terrified of making the wrong choice, just think about what you REALLY want and follow your heart. Because my problem was that I over thought it, and then I went back to what I wanted to do originally. Ugh college is a complicated thing.

HAHAHA but basically, that's how it went. I just can't stay away. It's sort of ridiculous. :lmao:

Yeah it was a fun experience! That's cool that she got to try out too. It's SO hard to get a role, so it was just fun to see. Maybe someday... but even if not, I just want to work in Disney as SOMETHING.

Thanks for reading!

I know I am 10 years older than you, but I LOVE reading your Trip Reports- I have read them all, and enjoy each one!

I learn so much- I've been to the World 10 times, but learn more each time I read a TR!

Anyway- I can't wait to read the whole thing, and it's so cool you got to meet Lia!

I hope you LOVE your new college. I also transferred after my freshman year, and it was the best decision I ever made!

Aww that's so nice! Thanks for being here and reading! I'm glad I can introduce you to more fun things to do in Disney!

I LOVED meeting Lia. She's such a sweetheart. We get along really well and are both Disney fanatics so we basically had a fabulous time!

I hope I do too! And ahh I'm so glad to hear that. I feel like that is going to be the case for me too!

BTW so weird not to see a ticker in your siggy!!

I KNOW RIGHT!? I feel awkward. :rotfl:

I'M HERE!! I can't wait to hear about everything. Years from now, we will read this trip report aloud to our son Manny and tell him the story of how his four mothers settled upon his name. It's a beautiful thing.

I hope everything works out at your new school! Freshman year can be really rough. It was the exact opposite for me, but I know a lot of people who had a rough time. And now I'm supposed to be a senior and I still have no idea what the heck I'm doing and I'm going to be in college for at least 2 more years, so be glad that you recognized the problem sooner rather than later.

I'm really interested in hearing all about the audition process. You're so awesome for doing that. I'd give my right arm to dance at Disney (specifically in Festival of the Lion King), but professionally auditioning for things terrifies me. I could never do it. So basically you're just way cooler than I am LOL. I truly hope that everything works out for you, girl, because you totally deserve it. :hug:

HAHAHA Manny Alejado <3 <3 Most brilliant thing we ever came up with. He is going to appreciate hearing about all of our Disney stories and he would be so happy to hear how much we love his father, the monorail voice guy.

I hope it does too! You're so lucky you found the right school right away - that happened to a lot of people I know. But a lot of them transferred. So... we will see how my new school is but I already feel SO much better about it. I'm sorry you still don't know what you want to do :( You should do the Disney College Program!! God, I want to do it SO BAD I can't even tell you.

I wrote down my whole experience so I will definitely be sharing it with you guys! I envy those people in FoTLK because that is LIVING THE DREAM. I understand what you mean about professionally auditioning for stuff though. It scares me SO much. But, I figured if I major in theatre, I'm bound to improve and gain confidence, so I CAN keep auditioning and keep trying. I want to work at Disney more than anything... so I think this will help me get there!

And aww thanks :hug: You're the best. I hope so too!!

I'm here! And I had NO idea you went to Disney at the beginning of December :laughing: Did Alicia know? She was telling me about your trip yesterday and she didn't mention it lol

Hahaha I actually don't think I remembered to tell her. :rotfl: But I hope you enjoyed hearing about my trip from her point of view! I couldn't stop talking about it when she was over the other night. :lmao:

Wow, your life really is in a whirlwind. I was a bit winded just reading that O_o Anyways... I'm glad to see you're a lot happier now with this school and your new major. It was also brave how you made the decision to follow your dream versus what you first decided on, that takes huge guts. Then, to change schools... YOWZER! Well... I wish you all the best and hope everything slows down so you can relax for awhile. :thumbsup2 Anyways... I can't wait to read about the audition process, that's so cool you got to experience that ::yes:: I'll have to take more notes ;)

Hahaha I know, right?! Imagine how it is having to actually experience it. :lmao: That's why my Christmas trip fell at the perfect time.
Aww thank you. I know, everyone keeps telling me it's such a good decision to just do it now. Because I know if I didn't, I would regret sticking it out in a place where I really wasn't enjoying myself or doing what I wanted.
I can't wait to write about everything!

Thats good to know that I am not the only one! I actually just went through the whole transferring process too. I was at a school for pharmacy but realized that I really did not want to be a pharmacist after a year of school so I transfered to another college for business and want to work at Disney!

I figured the crowds got crazy after I left since they were getting crazier by the day as I was there and I had also been there over Christmas and New Years in 2009! It would have been really cool to meet you but maybe another trip will actually match up :rotfl:

That's AWESOME! I really respect people who do that. It really is worth following your dreams because at the end of the day, if you're not happy with your job, you're going to be miserable. And I second the thought of working at Disney - I NEED to work there. Like, I can't even explain.

And oh yeah they did! It was insane. But it was REALLY fun :) And yes maybe someday!

Very excited to read this TR! I am hoping to audition for DCP for next fall! Or spring depending on how far along I get with my program

Yay thanks for being here! And good luck! I envy you! I wish I could do it next year SO bad but I just don't know if it's going to work out.

Sorry to hear you are transferring, hopefully this new school is a better fit. I have a lot of friends from high school that ended up transfering schools as well. It sounds like the new school is a great fit! The way you described the new school reminds me of how I felt about my current school when looking at it and now I love that school. At least you had Disney to distract yourself from the school drama. Also glad to hear you are sticking with theater as a major as well, it seems like you really love it which is always important!

Wow, i'm impressed you managed to keep your trip for your audition a secret! I would NEVER be able to do that! Sorry to hear you didn't get the part but the whole experience of doing a disney audition must have been AMAZING!!! I can't wait to hear about it! What characters were you auditioning for?

Don't worry - me transferring is a good thing! I'm very excited. I'm glad you ended up liking your school after all. I probably could have stuck it out, but really it wouldn't have gotten me where I really wanted to go. And YES thank God I have Disney. Seriously, I would have serious issues if I didn't have that to snap my mind back into shape. :laughing: And yes I LOVE theatre... so it'll be great!

Hahaha I know right?! It's probably because I hadn't seen anyone though all week because I was doing those voice lessons and acting lessons constantly. So I didn't have the opportunity to tell people about it. It was a really cool experience! And I just auditioned for a face character.

[Disneyfreak508]

Oh my gosh, I logged on today and was all surprised to see that you had already started this TR! Surprised the bejeebers out of me. Super excited to hear all about it though.

Love your hair straightened. I mean, you know I love it naturally, but I love it straight too. You have goh-jus hair!

Surprise trip in December? Kind awesome.:thumbsup2

I remember you talking about being homesick and having a rough adjustment. Sorry to hear that things didn't get better, but it looks like things worked out. It sounds like you will be much happier, and really, that is the most important thing. Like someone else mentioned, I also picked the wrong school and the wrong major straight out of school. I think I would have been so much happier if I had followed by gut instincts. But really? That's a major life decision to make and not all of us are ready for it at 17 - I sure wasn't.

Anyways, beyond excited to kick off the new year with this report too!

Ready to see what other cute dresses and clothes I'll in up coveting....

Hahaha SURPRISE! I needed to get it started before I go back to college... because then I definitely won't have time because the theatre major is pretty demanding/time consuming. So for now, enjoy all of the updates!

Aww thank you so much!

Hahaha it was pretty perfect. My Mom and I are slightly insane. No big deal. :upsidedow

Yeah I think everything happens for a reason. I don't think I would have been that miserable STILL if I wasn't meant to be there. I truly feel like this is working out for the best. And aww I'm sorry you did this too! But you know... everything happens for a reason. Maybe you wouldn't have figured out what you really wanted if you went into that originally! It all works out in the end.

Thank you! And hahaha I'm so glad you like my clothes :laughing: Lots of forever 21 disney crew necks coming up!

I am so happy you are following your dreams. It's so important to focus on what really makes you happiest in life. SO MANY PEOPLE don't do this. So many people think it's too hard or impractical and they are wrong. It's funny, I've been acting, singing, and dancing since I was 5, left my regular high school to go to a performing arts school when I was 15, been actively pursuing a career in show business since I was 18, i'll be 22 in April and people still tell me I should give up. "It's a hard business," they say. I'm like, you think I don't know that? I've been doing this since I was 5 and I'm not starring on broadway, I don't have my own TV show, and I haven't been to the Oscars so yeah, I KNOW IT'S HARD!! But i'd rather be pursuing this and struggling than having huge success in ANYTHING else. In 2011, I got so distracted with other jobs just because they paid well and I got promoted and blah blah, and honestly it was a complete waste of time. Sure, it's good to have other career options/a back-up plan, but I don't want a back-up plan. I want my dream to happen. This year, it's gonna be ALL about making my dreams a reality :smickey: Don't let anyone beat you down, just keep your eye on the prize and let the pixie dust work its magic. pixiedust:

Anyway, sorry I rambled on there haha. I just can relate to what you are saying completely!

Umm THANK YOU for rambling. I love that you totally understand me, and what you're saying makes total sense.
Honestly, when I read your first trip report, I was still at my old school going through my college crisis. And I loved reading about how you followed your show business dreams. I always look up to people that do that because I was so into the whole acting/musical thing in high school. I was obsessed with it.. I was one of the main "musical kids" LOL. Then I got into college and realized that ripping it out of my life was not gonna work out. And now is the time for me to do what I want. If I didn't change schools now, I was going to regret it. So basically, I'm glad it has been working out so far. And thanks for being inspirational. :goodvibes
And you are AWESOME for dedicating your whole life to it since you were 5. I would LOVE to have done that and gone to a performing arts school and everything. I hope that your dreams come true and everything works out!! I'm so proud of you for not getting discouraged, because I honestly believe if you work hard enough and love something enough, it's going to work out. You REALLY deserve the best, it'll all fall into place. You're awesome.
And what you said "But i'd rather be pursuing this and struggling than having huge success in ANYTHING else" is SO TRUE. That's EXACTLY how I feel.
I hope everything works out for you!! Your big break has to be just around the corner! And I hope I get to work at Disney someday! And then when our dreams come true we can go celebrate in Disney and eat a celebration feast at Ohana. Then eventually we can have fairytale weddings and our prince charmings/flynn riders will have finally found us. And everything is going to be perfect :wizard:
As you can see, I ramble as much as you do. :rotfl:
Thanks for reading!! And thanks for being my disney loving and show business friend. :hug:

I am so glad that you realized that your "old" college was not right for you. So many times people stay where they are with those same feelings because they don't want to dissappoint anyone. Isn't it great to have a mother that is there for you and supports you and knows when something just isn't right? I wish you all the best in your new adventure.

Getting the expierence of auditioning for Disney at such a young age is VERY beneficial. Now you will know what to expect the next time. If that is what you want to do then I can see you doing it. Disney has those auditions all the time so just keep auditioning and eventially they will take the blinders off and see what they had been missing all along :thumbsup2.

Thank you! Yeah, I didn't want to go through college and feel like I was wasting my time. I wanted to do what I love! So here's to hoping it all works out! And oh yeah thank GOD for my Mom. I wouldn't have been able to do this without her. I can't even explain how blessed I feel to have her in my life. Thank you so much!
And yes that's what I figured! Maybe one day I will succeed! I'm going to keep trying as long as I can because it would be a dream come true. I just need to work for Disney. And aww thank you :) Hopefully someday! I will keep trying!

Looking forward to another grfeat trip report

Thank you!

Trying to decide on a college is such a weird process. I actually got waitlisted for fall, but accepted for the spring semester for the college/theatre program I originally wanted to get into, so for my first semester I decided to pick the school where I thought I was least like to want to stay. Heh, well I fell in love with it and here I am, years later, working for them! You can never predict just how things will turn out, and I think it's great that you are taking life by the reigns and doing what is best for you. You can't deny what you're passionate about and even though being a theatre major does leave a lot of questions as to how you'll make a living after college, if it's what you love you'd be crazy not to pursue it.

Since the school is near where you live, are you going to be staying at home and commuting, or moving into the dorms?

I am so excited to hear about how everything goes at your new school and how much you love the theatre program there! And very eager to hear about the Disney audition process.

You see? Everything happens for a reason! I'm so glad that everything worked out for you. Life is a weird thing... I really think that you always find a way to end up where you need to be! We will see how this all turns out, but I'm thinking that it already feels more right and it hasn't even started yet! And ugh I hate when people ask that question. I just want to work for Disney... so that's what I tell people :rotfl:
I am dorming because I live an hour away from it still. But it's still in our "area." I just live in an awkward place haha
And thank you! I can't wait to experience it and write about the audition!

I really enjoyed your other trip reports and I'm following the one you haven't finished yet too. I can't wait to read about both of your December trips- how exciting!! I love Disney at Christmas time!!!

I'm so glad! Thank you for reading! I can't wait to share - and so do I! It's the best!

Christmas & Disney World = 2 of my favorite things! :love::cloud9:

I am SO excited to read this one. REALLY EXCITED! And it's a 2 in 1 trippie, too! YAAAAAY! :banana:

Same here!
YAYY I'm so excited you're excited! Thanks for being here!

I'm in, sounds like this will be a fun TR! I was just there in December too, and it's seriously the BEST time to visit Disney! I mean, anytime is the best time, but December is just a little more magical! :lovestruc

I'm glad you realized so early that your college was not right for you and to follow your dreams, it sounds like your new school will be perfect for you! :wizard:

It definitely is going to be a great one! I'm so excited to write it! And oh my gosh YEAH it is. You just can't beat it.
So am I! Thank you for the good wishes! I hope it will! :)

[Mini Minnie :)]

ah jess! i can't even tell you how excited i am to read this! i consider myself one of the disney obsessed and i love reading about all your wonderful experiences so thank you for sharing and fueling my disney passion! :laughing: I can't wait to see all the pictures and fun things i've heard all about on twitter so you know i'll be here! cannot wait! :goodvibes

[archdandy]

I'm in! Looking forward to reading about both of your trips! :thumbsup2

[wdhinn89]

Yay! I'm obviously in :goodvibes

The suprise trip sound so amazing! I wish we did stuff like that, just pick up and go to Disney, I miss Disney so much. I reaaallllyyy wanna go back but... wait for it... my mom is sick of Disney and doesn't want to go back for a very long time. :scared1: :eek: I know, she must have hit her head or something. But my dad still is in as much love with it as I am so he'll back me up. Plus, I'm daddy's little girl so that always helps :laughing:

And aww that college thing sounds awful! I have absolutly no idea what I wanna be, what college I wanna got to, etc. I'm only a freshman in high school so I still have time but by next year they are already having a test on what we should be when we grow up based on our likes and like every adult I speak to is asking me on what I wanna be or what college I wanna go to. I mean seriously I'm only fourteen, how am I supposed to figure something that important out?!

Also, Have you ever been to the Stardust Diner in New York City? You would LOVE it. It's a diner in the city (obviously) where the waiters and waitresses all wanna be on Broadway, tv, movies, have albums, etc. and they each have a turn and they like sing around the diner. The last time I was there was in July? maybe idk anyway and in the past year they had like 26 ( I might have the number wrong) of there employees be discovered. It's really cool, and I was thinking of it because it sounds like something you would like.

[__disneygirl]

Umm THANK YOU for rambling. I love that you totally understand me, and what you're saying makes total sense.
Honestly, when I read your first trip report, I was still at my old school going through my college crisis. And I loved reading about how you followed your show business dreams. I always look up to people that do that because I was so into the whole acting/musical thing in high school. I was obsessed with it.. I was one of the main "musical kids" LOL. Then I got into college and realized that ripping it out of my life was not gonna work out. And now is the time for me to do what I want. If I didn't change schools now, I was going to regret it. So basically, I'm glad it has been working out so far. And thanks for being inspirational. :goodvibes
And you are AWESOME for dedicating your whole life to it since you were 5. I would LOVE to have done that and gone to a performing arts school and everything. I hope that your dreams come true and everything works out!! I'm so proud of you for not getting discouraged, because I honestly believe if you work hard enough and love something enough, it's going to work out. You REALLY deserve the best, it'll all fall into place. You're awesome.
And what you said "But i'd rather be pursuing this and struggling than having huge success in ANYTHING else" is SO TRUE. That's EXACTLY how I feel.
I hope everything works out for you!! Your big break has to be just around the corner! And I hope I get to work at Disney someday! And then when our dreams come true we can go celebrate in Disney and eat a celebration feast at Ohana. Then eventually we can have fairytale weddings and our prince charmings/flynn riders will have finally found us. And everything is going to be perfect :wizard:
As you can see, I ramble as much as you do. :rotfl:
Thanks for reading!! And thanks for being my disney loving and show business friend. :hug:


Aww, Jess you are too sweet. You deserve all the best as well, you are seriously one of the nicest people I have EVER met in my life and I know things will work out for you. I'm proud of you too, for sticking with your dreams and trusting your instincts. Not an easy thing to do! :hug:

[leticiagoliveira]

Hey Jess!
This is my very 1st post ever! :) Well, I just love reading your trips reports... I feel like I'm seeing Disney through my own eyes - ok, I know they're yours!
I'm from Brazil (I know, flag groups... Sorry 'bout that :guilty:) and I did my ICP (International College Program) on Hollywood Studios (back when it was still Disney's MGM). I was a custodial from dec/2005 to feb/2006 - and although it was a bit eeeew, I had a blast! It was my one and only time on WDW. Although I've been to Disneyland Paris a few times, well, it's not the same. Maybe next year I'm taking my family to finally enjoy the wonders of the World!
I felt very touched by your college situation - I feel I should've done the same back then. Anyway, I think dreams are a big part of what we - and Walt Disney himself - believe. Follow them!

[Disneyfreak508]

ah jess! i can't even tell you how excited i am to read this! i consider myself one of the disney obsessed and i love reading about all your wonderful experiences so thank you for sharing and fueling my disney passion! :laughing: I can't wait to see all the pictures and fun things i've heard all about on twitter so you know i'll be here! cannot wait! :goodvibes

Aww you're so welcome :) I'm glad there are other people out there who are on my disney obsessed level. I am excited to share everything with you guys! It'll be fun!

I'm in! Looking forward to reading about both of your trips! :thumbsup2

Yay! Thanks for being here! :goodvibes

Yay! I'm obviously in :goodvibes

The suprise trip sound so amazing! I wish we did stuff like that, just pick up and go to Disney, I miss Disney so much. I reaaallllyyy wanna go back but... wait for it... my mom is sick of Disney and doesn't want to go back for a very long time. :scared1: :eek: I know, she must have hit her head or something. But my dad still is in as much love with it as I am so he'll back me up. Plus, I'm daddy's little girl so that always helps :laughing:

And aww that college thing sounds awful! I have absolutly no idea what I wanna be, what college I wanna got to, etc. I'm only a freshman in high school so I still have time but by next year they are already having a test on what we should be when we grow up based on our likes and like every adult I speak to is asking me on what I wanna be or what college I wanna go to. I mean seriously I'm only fourteen, how am I supposed to figure something that important out?!

Also, Have you ever been to the Stardust Diner in New York City? You would LOVE it. It's a diner in the city (obviously) where the waiters and waitresses all wanna be on Broadway, tv, movies, have albums, etc. and they each have a turn and they like sing around the diner. The last time I was there was in July? maybe idk anyway and in the past year they had like 26 ( I might have the number wrong) of there employees be discovered. It's really cool, and I was thinking of it because it sounds like something you would like.

Haha my Mom and I have done a few spontaneous trips this year and they are SUPER fun. They're always really short but we end up having a blast!
I'm SO sorry your Mom is sick of Disney. That probably isn't acceptable behavior. At least your Dad knows what's up!
You have PLENTY of time. I feel bad that people are asking you already. I always HATED when they did that to me. I literally didn't know what I wanted to do until I got into college because it's just too hard to know until you actually get there. But somehow it'll work out - don't worry about it too much! It'll fall into place!
And no I haven't but I have heard of that place! That's awesome!! I would love to go there someday!

Aww, Jess you are too sweet. You deserve all the best as well, you are seriously one of the nicest people I have EVER met in my life and I know things will work out for you. I'm proud of you too, for sticking with your dreams and trusting your instincts. Not an easy thing to do! :hug:

Aww thanks Lia :hug: You are too! I know we'll both be okay - we are pretty cool girls :thumbsup2 haha I'm so glad I have support from my friends - it makes my hectic life a little more manageable!

Hey Jess!
This is my very 1st post ever! :) Well, I just love reading your trips reports... I feel like I'm seeing Disney through my own eyes - ok, I know they're yours!
I'm from Brazil (I know, flag groups... Sorry 'bout that :guilty:) and I did my ICP (International College Program) on Hollywood Studios (back when it was still Disney's MGM). I was a custodial from dec/2005 to feb/2006 - and although it was a bit eeeew, I had a blast! It was my one and only time on WDW. Although I've been to Disneyland Paris a few times, well, it's not the same. Maybe next year I'm taking my family to finally enjoy the wonders of the World!
I felt very touched by your college situation - I feel I should've done the same back then. Anyway, I think dreams are a big part of what we - and Walt Disney himself - believe. Follow them!

Oh my gosh I'm so honored to have your first post on my trip report! I'm so glad you enjoy the trip reports!
Hahaha I hope I don't offend you with any brazilian tour group comments :rotfl: Except I don't really have any stories about them this time. Maybe I will in July though :laughing:
That's AWESOME that you got to do that. If you're gonna do custodial work, disney is the place to do it! That would be so fun! I hope you get to go!
Aww thank you! Don't worry - everything happens for a reason! I'm sure what you did was a good choice! And I agree! Dreams and happiness are what make the world go round! (at least in my world :laughing:)

[PlutosRHM55]

Timmy is hereeee!
Thank you!
God, I wish that was the case hahaha. I WANT TO DO THE COLLEGE PROGRAM NOWWWW. Wahh. But yes, it'll be one big ol' trip report!
And yes, Pluto has been one of my top favorites since 7th grade!

Yes, I know you are just totally awed by my present lol Probably not :)

No problem :teeth:

Oh, I want to do the college program right now too. Why can't their be a High School program, seriously?

OH wow... you've liked him longer than me. I think those were my Goofy days :thumbsup2

[PlutosRHM55]

Hahaha I know, right?! Imagine how it is having to actually experience it. :lmao: That's why my Christmas trip fell at the perfect time.
Aww thank you. I know, everyone keeps telling me it's such a good decision to just do it now. Because I know if I didn't, I would regret sticking it out in a place where I really wasn't enjoying myself or doing what I wanted.
I can't wait to write about everything!

Oh... so you didn't go to auditions? Lemme put on my reading glasses O-O lol But I'm guessing you got to see it at least, still that's pretty cool :)

That makes so much sense. If you were as miserable as you said with your major and classes, I can't even imagine how you would be acting now, but that doesn't matter now, you are doing what you want to do. I'm sure you'll do great too :thumbsup2

I can't wait to read it party:

[kansasdisneygal]

I'm in on this one!! So excited to read you're Christmas TR!! Picking the right college is soooo important!! I was lucky and picked an awesome college that was a good fit for me the first time, but I had several friends that transferred after their first semester and first years. I'm happy that you found a college and major that you're excited to pursue! That is the most important thing!! I'm two years out of college and so happy I picked teaching as my major because I love it--and you have to LOVE what you do!! ((plus I get months off to visit Disney--PERFECT!!:woohoo:)) :)

Anyways, excited to read the TR and good luck with this semester!!

[miss.potatohead]

Subbed in :) I seriously love all your trip reports and any updates are the first thing I check when I log into the disboards (y)

I totally understand your college dilema. The same occurred with me. I'm 19 and just finished my first year of university, I'm doing a Bachelor of Arts (I think it's referred to as Liberal Arts in America?) because I had NO idea what I wanted to study after high school. So I'm basically doing subjects that interest me, but I really cannot see how this will help me once I've finished! I haven't even picked my major yet because I have no idea! I think sociology and geography/environmental science but it could also change to include English. But I had no friends at my university (I've made a few, but you know, old friends are the best. Mine have all moved on :( ) And I felt really lost. But something just clicked and now I just make the best of it and keep working towards possibly being able to go to an American college on exchange.

Anyway I'm so happy that you've sorted it all out! And can't wait to read the rest of your TR :)

[okw19]

Yay, I'm glad you started a new TR! I thought I had seen some Disney pics on Instagram way before your Christmas trip was supposed to take place. :rotfl:
I know I don't know you in real life, but I feel like I do from the TRs and Instagram. Anyways don't think it's weird when I say I'm sooo proud of you for making the decision to transfer! I have several friends who stayed all through Freshman and Sophomore years at schools they weren't happy at before they worked up the courage to transfer. I'm glad you followed your heart. :)

[disneylovin24]

YAY! Im so happy you started this TR:goodvibes I cant believe I didnt get here until page 5 though, you're just too popular;)

I was down there the same time as you in the beginning of December! Wasn't that a great time to be there? The weather was so perfect and the crowds weren't bad at all ( Im sure they were non exsistent compared to your trip 15 days later:laughing:)

Im sorry that you've had some rough times with the whole college thing:hug: Im so glad its working out for you though and you're deciding to follow your dreams:goodvibes Its so important to follow your dreams in life, disney teaches us that right?:thumbsup2 (Funny story, when I was down there in December I brought my friends necklaces for Christmas that said "follow your dreams")

Ok, Im going to stop going on now:laughing: Can't wait for more!

[Disneyfreak508]

Yes, I know you are just totally awed by my present lol Probably not :)

No problem :teeth:

Oh, I want to do the college program right now too. Why can't their be a High School program, seriously?

OH wow... you've liked him longer than me. I think those were my Goofy days :thumbsup2

I don't know. My Mom always wanted there to be a high school program because I always wanted to go there so bad. :rotfl: Now I'm in college and I feel like I should just be there.
Haha my love for pluto developed back in the VMK days. God, I miss that game.

Oh... so you didn't go to auditions? Lemme put on my reading glasses O-O lol But I'm guessing you got to see it at least, still that's pretty cool :)

That makes so much sense. If you were as miserable as you said with your major and classes, I can't even imagine how you would be acting now, but that doesn't matter now, you are doing what you want to do. I'm sure you'll do great too :thumbsup2

I can't wait to read it party:

No I did go to the auditions! It was a Character Look Alike audition.
Exactly! I just couldn't handle it anymore. I hate being miserable... so a change needed to take place. Bottom line. I'm glad I just did it. I was a little scared at the time, but now more than a month has passed since I decided and I still feel really good about it! And thank you! I hope it all works out!
Thank you! I can't wait to start it. Once I get home from Kristen's on Sunday I will try to do an update either here or on the other TR. Or both if I have time. :rotfl:

I'm in on this one!! So excited to read you're Christmas TR!! Picking the right college is soooo important!! I was lucky and picked an awesome college that was a good fit for me the first time, but I had several friends that transferred after their first semester and first years. I'm happy that you found a college and major that you're excited to pursue! That is the most important thing!! I'm two years out of college and so happy I picked teaching as my major because I love it--and you have to LOVE what you do!! ((plus I get months off to visit Disney--PERFECT!!:woohoo:)) :)

Anyways, excited to read the TR and good luck with this semester!!

Hooray! Thank you for being here! I'm so excited to write it!
I agree! That's why I knew if I stayed there I would be wasting my college experience. It just was NOT clicking.
You're so lucky you picked a college that was right for you! I think it's either a hit or miss with people. But at least the ones who transfer act upon their unhappiness instead of wasting time.
I am excited too! I think it'll be a lot of fun!
And teaching would be a great major! My Mom taught before she had me and my brother and she always remembered it fondly! Plus the time off is a big plus! Teaching would be a major that I would consider doing, but I think if I don't do theatre now I would regret it. Maybe one day I can work in a school or go back and get a teaching degree! We will see.

Subbed in :) I seriously love all your trip reports and any updates are the first thing I check when I log into the disboards (y)

I totally understand your college dilema. The same occurred with me. I'm 19 and just finished my first year of university, I'm doing a Bachelor of Arts (I think it's referred to as Liberal Arts in America?) because I had NO idea what I wanted to study after high school. So I'm basically doing subjects that interest me, but I really cannot see how this will help me once I've finished! I haven't even picked my major yet because I have no idea! I think sociology and geography/environmental science but it could also change to include English. But I had no friends at my university (I've made a few, but you know, old friends are the best. Mine have all moved on :( ) And I felt really lost. But something just clicked and now I just make the best of it and keep working towards possibly being able to go to an American college on exchange.

Anyway I'm so happy that you've sorted it all out! And can't wait to read the rest of your TR :)

Aww I'm so glad! I'm happy you're enjoying them - it's always great to hear that!
I'm glad I'm not the only one! College is kind of ridiculous. They put so much pressure on us when we're like 17 to pick something, so then we get into college and a lot of people still don't know what they want to do!
I hope everything works out for you, and as long as you follow your heart and do what you love it'll al fall into place!
Thanks for reading!

Yay, I'm glad you started a new TR! I thought I had seen some Disney pics on Instagram way before your Christmas trip was supposed to take place. :rotfl:
I know I don't know you in real life, but I feel like I do from the TRs and Instagram. Anyways don't think it's weird when I say I'm sooo proud of you for making the decision to transfer! I have several friends who stayed all through Freshman and Sophomore years at schools they weren't happy at before they worked up the courage to transfer. I'm glad you followed your heart. :)

Hahaha yup ;) Those were from the first trip. I'm a sneaky one.
Aww thank you so much! That's really nice. I know if I would have stayed I would have been SO unhappy and having a lot of regrets, so I'm really glad I'm doing this. I feel a lot better already!

YAY! Im so happy you started this TR:goodvibes I cant believe I didnt get here until page 5 though, you're just too popular;)

I was down there the same time as you in the beginning of December! Wasn't that a great time to be there? The weather was so perfect and the crowds weren't bad at all ( Im sure they were non exsistent compared to your trip 15 days later:laughing:)

Im sorry that you've had some rough times with the whole college thing:hug: Im so glad its working out for you though and you're deciding to follow your dreams:goodvibes Its so important to follow your dreams in life, disney teaches us that right?:thumbsup2 (Funny story, when I was down there in December I brought my friends necklaces for Christmas that said "follow your dreams")

Ok, Im going to stop going on now:laughing: Can't wait for more!

Hahaha I can't believe I'm on page 5 either :rotfl: Thank you everybody! That's awesome.
Were you really? That's awesome! It was an AMAZING time to be there! There was no one and the weather was great and it was so christmasy! Loved it.
Aww thanks. I'm glad it is too! And EXACTLY! Disney is such an inspiration haha it helps get me through the struggles! And that sounds like a cute necklace!
Thanks for reading!

[marDgreen88]

Wow, I'm dumb for having missed the 'UPDATE x2' thing for 2 days...

...but wow! I mean, I know you and I have only been 'internet' friends for a couple months but I had no idea you were so unhappy. (I maybe would have if I had discovered that half of the DIS was on twitter a little sooner...) But anyways.

I can totally relate. I had a mid-college crisis like, this past January. I just left. I still don't know what I'm doing, but the good thing is that I do have support from friends and family, and I know that you do too.

I just want to hug you, because I know exactly how you were feeling! :hug:
Honestly that was SO BRAVE of you to transfer and just get your life going in the right direction! And you seem like you're happier already, and you're totally right, HAPPINESS is the most important thing! :goodvibes

You're awesome, and I'm glad I (kinda sorta) know you, and I just know that your life is gonna be awesome because you are following your dreams! :dance3:

[Disneyfreak508]

Wow, I'm dumb for having missed the 'UPDATE x2' thing for 2 days...

...but wow! I mean, I know you and I have only been 'internet' friends for a couple months but I had no idea you were so unhappy. (I maybe would have if I had discovered that half of the DIS was on twitter a little sooner...) But anyways.

I can totally relate. I had a mid-college crisis like, this past January. I just left. I still don't know what I'm doing, but the good thing is that I do have support from friends and family, and I know that you do too.

I just want to hug you, because I know exactly how you were feeling! :hug:
Honestly that was SO BRAVE of you to transfer and just get your life going in the right direction! And you seem like you're happier already, and you're totally right, HAPPINESS is the most important thing! :goodvibes

You're awesome, and I'm glad I (kinda sorta) know you, and I just know that your life is gonna be awesome because you are following your dreams! :dance3:

Hahaha it's okay :laughing: I hope everyone got that!
LOL don't worry... I didn't really mention anything on the trip report. I was trying to figure everything out and it was really complicated. So I figured I'd let you all know once I figured it out.
I'm sorry you experienced the same thing :( It really sucks, doesn't it? But you'll figure out what you want to do - don't worry. It'll all work out eventually!
Aww thank you! And yes that's exactly it!
Thank you! And you too! And I sure hope so! Thanks for all of the kind words :goodvibes

[librarymouse]

YAY! So glad you have another TR in the works! Reading them is the next best thing to being at Disney.

I can't wait to hear how things go at your new school! I really feel for you for what you went through this fall...I had a really rough transition from hs to college as well. It is very hard when you feel like you should be enjoying everything and it's just not happening. I loved high school and was involved in lots of activities (like it seems like you were too!) so I expected to LOVE college too...and I just wasn't clicking with the people I met. I am so glad that you were able to use that experience constructively and figure out where your passion is! hope you love your new school and get to shine!

Whew that was a bit long winded but just wanted to let you know that Im sorry it was a bad experience but I'm glad you're on to bigger and better things! :goodvibes

So looking forward to the rest of your trip report!

[MinnieMoose]

I've checked out a few of your other TRs and loved them so I'm excited for this one! I'm deciding if I want to go to Disney this Halloween or this Christmas (although I'm leaning towards late September so it'll be less busy) so I'm looking forward to seeing some info on Disney at Christmas. I also can't wait to see some first hand pictures of Bay Lake Towers! And good luck with school when you start up in a few weeks!

[Bethislucy]

Glad to see the new report. I just love disney at Christmas. Great job on following your dream. Life is to short to be unhappy with things you can change.

[Kelliroo3]

Wow! So much to say; first...we were in Disney at the same time! I went from the 7th to the 11th of December! No tryouts for me though! I'm definitely not talented in theater...wish I was though! :lmao:

Second, I'm sorry you had to go through all of that with college. It's tough but it had to happen, ya know? That way you could discover what you really want to do. It happened for a reason! I'm lucky like you; we both have very supportive mothers. I am very close to my mom; she's one of my best friends. And that seems the same for you and your mom! It really helps to have someone like that when you're going through a tough time. I am glad you are doing better though!

Third, I'm so excited to hear all about the audition process and your Christmas trip! :goodvibes

Okay...enough commenting for now. :)

[Disneyfreak508]

YAY! So glad you have another TR in the works! Reading them is the next best thing to being at Disney.

I can't wait to hear how things go at your new school! I really feel for you for what you went through this fall...I had a really rough transition from hs to college as well. It is very hard when you feel like you should be enjoying everything and it's just not happening. I loved high school and was involved in lots of activities (like it seems like you were too!) so I expected to LOVE college too...and I just wasn't clicking with the people I met. I am so glad that you were able to use that experience constructively and figure out where your passion is! hope you love your new school and get to shine!

Whew that was a bit long winded but just wanted to let you know that Im sorry it was a bad experience but I'm glad you're on to bigger and better things! :goodvibes

So looking forward to the rest of your trip report!

Aww thank you! :)
I will keep you all updated! And EXACTLY! That's how I felt. Like too the tee of that description. I'm sorry you had to experience that too :( Thanks for the good wishes, and I hope everything works out for you too!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you're here!


I've checked out a few of your other TRs and loved them so I'm excited for this one! I'm deciding if I want to go to Disney this Halloween or this Christmas (although I'm leaning towards late September so it'll be less busy) so I'm looking forward to seeing some info on Disney at Christmas. I also can't wait to see some first hand pictures of Bay Lake Towers! And good luck with school when you start up in a few weeks!

Thank you! Hmm... either way you really can't go wrong. I LOVE Disney at Halloween time. The MNSSHP is SO fun. But Christmas is magical too. You'll decide, I'm sure. I have TONS of info coming up for you... so I hope you enjoy it! Thank you so much!

Glad to see the new report. I just love disney at Christmas. Great job on following your dream. Life is to short to be unhappy with things you can change.

Thank you! So do I, it's amazing. And aww thank you! Exactly! That's why I'm so glad I am making a change for the better!

Wow! So much to say; first...we were in Disney at the same time! I went from the 7th to the 11th of December! No tryouts for me though! I'm definitely not talented in theater...wish I was though! :lmao:

Second, I'm sorry you had to go through all of that with college. It's tough but it had to happen, ya know? That way you could discover what you really want to do. It happened for a reason! I'm lucky like you; we both have very supportive mothers. I am very close to my mom; she's one of my best friends. And that seems the same for you and your mom! It really helps to have someone like that when you're going through a tough time. I am glad you are doing better though!

Third, I'm so excited to hear all about the audition process and your Christmas trip! :goodvibes

Okay...enough commenting for now. :)

Were we really!? That's awesome!
Aww thanks. Yeah, I think it did too. I really don't think I was in the right place, and all of these little things kept adding up. So, making the switch has to be the right thing to do.
And aw that's wonderful that you and your Mom are best friends too! Seriously, thank GOD for my Mom. I don't know what I would ever do without her!
Thank you! I can't wait to share!

[Caretames1]

Ok, just found out this was up! I gotta go back and get caught up.

*I'm Baaccckkk! I wasn't as far outta the loop as I thought! WHew!

Anyway, Spending almost half a month in Disney is awesome! I can't wait to hear all about both trips!

I'm sorry you felt so out of it with your college, it was the right decsion for you to withdraw and go where you're going to be happy. That will make you excel in what you choose!

p.s Kadence wants to work at Disney too, so right now you are her role model for that! She thinks you look like Jasmine, she wants to be Sleeping Beauty.

[DMGeurts]

I'm here - I've followed along on your previous TRs, here and there... I am really excited to follow along on this one and hear about all the Ultimate Survival Guide... :)

D~

[Disneyfreak508]

Ok, just found out this was up! I gotta go back and get caught up.

*I'm Baaccckkk! I wasn't as far outta the loop as I thought! WHew!

Anyway, Spending almost half a month in Disney is awesome! I can't wait to hear all about both trips!

I'm sorry you felt so out of it with your college, it was the right decsion for you to withdraw and go where you're going to be happy. That will make you excel in what you choose!

p.s Kadence wants to work at Disney too, so right now you are her role model for that! She thinks you look like Jasmine, she wants to be Sleeping Beauty.

Welcome welcome! I'm so glad you're here to follow along again!
I am very excited to tell you all about everything!
Aww thank you! I am very excited because I'm just ready to enjoy being there. It just wasn't clicking. I'll let you all know how the new one goes!
And aww Kadence I'm right there with ya! Aw thanks! I would LOVE to be a princess. But really, any job would make me happy. I just need to be there haha.

I'm here - I've followed along on your previous TRs, here and there... I am really excited to follow along on this one and hear about all the Ultimate Survival Guide... :)

D~

Aww thank you for reading again! It's great to have you with us! I hope you enjoy!

[Disneyfreak508]

Chapter 1: "...Do You Hear A Cat?"
December 6th, 2011

So, just to refresh all of our memories, my Mom and I were the only two people going on this little beginning of December trip. The rest of the family joined us for the next one.

Mother and I are Disney nuts. We UNDERSTAND Disney. Thank God for my Mom. She just gets me.

And if you have not read my trip reports before, here is a picture of us:

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/8018/dsc1014p.jpg

Welcome (officially) to the show!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It felt like only minutes since I had fallen asleep. How could my alarm be going off already!?

Oh yeah, it was kind of 4:45 am. The earliest I have ever woken up in my LIFE.

And yet, I jumped right out of bed. Don't ask me how I did it because I have no idea. I give credit to the magic of Disney. Seriously.

I went upstairs and my Mom was still in bed. My parents were quite impressed that I was up. Usually I would not be able to get up at that time of morning without a fight!

I jumped in the shower, got ready, and packed all of my last minute toiletries, technological items, etc.

Soon enough, my Mom was ready. We said goodbye to Dad and we were out the door! WOOOOHOOOO DISNEY!

It was PITCH black outside while we loaded the car. We took my car, turned on the Disney music, and started driving! We left at 6:10 am.

The Magic, Memories, and You song began playing and it made me tear up. I don't know what it is with that song, but it gets me EVERY TIME. I was just so happy we were going!!

You could potentially think that me going to WDW so many times would dull down my Disney obsession and love.

However, if you think that, you would be proven wrong. The result is the polar opposite. Disney makes me more emotional and more happy than it ever has in my life! This is one of those peak times where I'm just in my Disney glory. And I don't know if that will every fade away.

We stopped at got some Tim Horton's for breakfast. We split a Cinnamon Raisin Bagel with light cream cheese. Saving room for Disney food was a necessity, so there was no need to stuff ourselves at 6 in the morning.

Our drive to the airport went by extremely quick even though it's about 40-45 minutes.

We went in the preferred parking lot and looked for a spot. There were barely any!! After weaving through lanes of parked cars for about 10 minutes, we finally found one WAY in the back of section P19. (Sorry about these random specific details, I write down the most random stuff LOL)

We got out our luggage, I was jumping for joy, and we walked in the airport. We went in the door we usually exit, which felt a little weird. However, I didn't care. DISNEY!

There were not a lot of people inside, which is to be expected at 7 am I suppose.

We got through security without a problem, which is always a blessing.

While I was putting all of my stuff together afterwords, the guy who was across the table from me looks at me and goes:

"...do you hear a cat?"

I was like "...uh, what? No, sir, I don't hear a cat...."

and then I heard "meow! meow! meow!"

This family was bringing their cat with them and they were actually on our flight to Orlando. The guy was like "oh thank God, I thought I was going crazy." He must not have slept much the night before hahaha he seemed a bit frazzled!

Mom stopped and got a chocolate raspberry flavored coffee and we went to Gate 8 to sit down.

We started chatting with the family sitting across from us and it was their first time going to Disney!!! YAY! You know what that means... my mother and I went into the "we-go-to-disney-all-the-time, let-us-give-you-a-crash-course" mode and overwhelmed them with information.

They were staying at Wilderness Lodge (lucky!) and we told them all about fastpasses, what rides the kids would like, we discussed their restaurant choices (the mom did a very good job!), etc.

We probably came off as total nuts, but that is to be expected.

The Mom was the researcher. She was studying all of her books, made the ADR's, and had their plan. The Dad was a little reluctant about the whole thing, but I hope he enjoyed it in the end!

Soon enough it was already time to board! We were flight #667 on Jet Blue. Our flight left at 8:15 am and we were in Row 2!

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/6047/dsc0001wu.jpg

We were up in the air in no time! We had extra leg room and nobody was sitting next to us! SCORE! I took a nice nap. I also wrote in my journal, ate some animal crackers, and went over my monologue for my college auditions that were occurring after I got home.

The stewardess chatted with us for a while. She saw my Little Mermaid shirt and went on and on about how she LOVES mermaids. Apparently there's this "mermaid camp" in Tampa and she told me I should work there because I have mermaid hair. LOL if only my heart wasn't set on Disney... but thanks, lady!

Before we knew it, we were landing! YAYYYY! DISNEY!!! That was literally one of the quickest and painless flights of my entire life. Thank God.

HELLOOOOO MY BEAUTIFUL AIRPORT! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/5223/dsc0002nk.jpg

We were the first ones off the plane and we went straight to baggage claim 11A. But not before riding the mini monorail!

Please stand clear of.... eh never mind. It's not worth it. NOT QUITE YET, BE PATIENT.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/6381/dsc0004hp.jpg

Yay for christmas decorations!

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/9673/dsc0005dr.jpg

EEEEEEEEEEE! (:

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/5793/dsc0006oy.jpg

We got our bags and it was time to get goin'!

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/5333/dsc0008se.jpg

Now, we did something EXTREMELY unusual for us. Something that we have never done before.

WE RENTED. A CAR.

People, I don't even think you understand that I have NEVER done this at Disney before. In the 20+ times I have been there, I have ONLY taken the busses. Including the Magical Express, which is always my favorite part of the entire trip. Sadly, that was not to be this time around. *sigh*

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/623/dsc0009ce.jpg

TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!!!!

Okay, actually renting a car was not that bad. It was actually SUPER easy. My Mom found this discount code online for us to join National's Emerald Club basically for free. So all we had to do was go to the National Parking Garage, pick out a car, and drive away!

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8398/dsc0011dj.jpg

They're trying to bribe me for my love of car rentals with a fountain. Nice try.

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/4664/dsc0010rd.jpg

We walked down the aisle and picked us out a silver jeep. That's right, these cool ladies are going to be cruisin' in this baby for the next few days!

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7045/dsc0012ir.jpg

Christmas in Disney Tip #1:
If you're renting a car, think about joining National's Emerald Club. This is the EASIEST way to rent a car. By joining, you don’t have to wait in line at the rental car check-in desk. You go to the garage, pick your car, go through the little gate, and leave! Very convenient if the airport is crowded with fellow Christmastime travelers!

I plugged in all of the addresses for Disney places in my GPS the night before, so I selected our destination and off we went! It's nice to have those Disney addresses accessible at all times in my own GPS, ya know?

And here comes my plethora of road sign pictures because I don't have the opportunity of taking them on a bus because I am so mesmerized by the movie.

DISNEY!!!!!!!

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/2674/dsc0013uj.jpg

CRUISE LINE BUS AHHHH!

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4160/dsc0014ynk.jpg

A PLANE! I am sorry, but you are probably leaving Disney. I feel bad for you all.

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/8454/dsc0015kf.jpg

CENTRAL FLORIDA! My favorite place to be!!

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8199/dsc0016ve.jpg

Foreshadowing!!! Teehee (:

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/4993/dsc0017um.jpg

I wish I could see signs like this when I drove around at home:

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8240/dsc0018tq.jpg

I'm convinced that this was for me:

http://img864.imageshack.us/img864/2492/dsc0019ei.jpg

DISNEYDISNEYDISNEYDISNEYDISNEY!!!!!

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/3483/dsc0020xlb.jpg

*faints*

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9085/dsc0021vm.jpg

AHHHH!

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/984/dsc0023kl.jpg

Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God.

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8928/dsc0024eu.jpg

CAN YOU SEE IT!? "Are you dizzy yet!?!?!"

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/677/dsc0026qk.jpg

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SIGHT IN THE WORLD!

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/5997/dsc0030lsb.jpg

*Dies of Happiness*

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/820/dsc0031st.jpg

It only took about 20-30 minutes to get to our first destination of the trip! HOORAY!

OPEN UP YOUR HEART AND LET THE MEMORIES BEGIN! *sob*

Continued in Next Post (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43707436&postcount=109)

[Mich123]

Subscribed! Wow, there's so much going on--good thing you ended up with an extra long break to recover. Hope everything is working out exactly as planned. As the mom of a 15 year old girl, it's so great to see how much you appreciate your mom, hope your mom reads your trip reports.

[antnyh]

I am so glad to see you started your TR!!! Our trips overlapped! We came home on the 23rd. Boy were the crowds growing. I can only imagine how they were by Christmas morning. BLT was beautiful. Did you have a Theme Park view? We took a tree and decorated it while we were there. It was so much fun! I can't wait to read all about your trip. Excited I am.

**Edit**
I forgot to mention how good it is to see that you are following your heart in college. I always knew I wanted to be an engineer ever since I was a youngin'. Like you, I too love Disney and wanted to intern there during college. For various reasons I didn't and it is one of my biggest regrets to date. I did, however, work at the local Disney store and LOVED it!! I am still applying to be an imagineer. Maybe one day they'll feel sorry for me after seeing all my resumes and just give me a job! One can dream, can't they??

[MarieTheCat24]

First of all, your Mickey top is fabulous! It's from Forever21, right? I love that they carry Disney stuff.

OPEN UP YOUR HEART AND LET THE MEMORIES BEGIN!

There is a "mermaid camp" near Tampa! WeekiWachee! (http://weekiwachee.com/home.html) I've never actually been, but it's relatively close to where my grandma lives.

Driving onto Disney property is the best. It's the perfect combination of joy, relief, and knowing that there's an incredible amount of fun just waiting to be had. :cloud9:

Can't wait for more!

[lovegrumpy]

I love WDW at Christmas time. So I can't wait to hear about your trip.

[SmallWorld71]

YAY! Another trip report!:banana:

Sorry college got off to such a rough start, but it sounds like you made a great choice! I wish you the best in starting at your new one. :goodvibes

Even though the frumps are lots of fun, I love reading about your trips with your Mom! Tell her some stranger on the DIS said she's a great Mom and I hope my kids and I keep having as much fun at Disney as you and your Mom do. :cloud9:

Oh, and FWIW, even though I know you love Jasmine, you have such a radiant smile that I think you'd make a great Snow White. And, I can totally see Kristen skipping around like Alice. :thumbsup2

[ronnmel]

OMG, I just found this out! I'm so excited, your enthusiasm truly is contagious, even through a computer screen!

Even though you didn't get the job, I'm sure it was quite the experience to do an audition. Looking forward to reading about that part.

And really, bringing you car on the plane? Hope it didn't meow the whole time. i know mine would have!

[marDgreen88]

DISNEY DISNEY DISNEY DISNEY!!!! AHHHHH!!!!! OMG what the heck am I doing in my room and not IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MAGIC?!?!?!

Omg. The Magic, the Memories, and You NEVER FAILS to make me just CRY. Like typing this right now I'm in tears. Help?

JET BLUE!!!!! Hahaha um... mermaid camp? Such a thing exists? My mind is blown. Would Eric be there? Wait, nevermind. My mind just always immediately goes to Disney.

Sweet ride. :cool2:

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh gosh I love Disney. I need to just move there. I don't even care what my job is. In the future, when we both work there, we're gonna be friends, okay? :thumbsup2

[__disneygirl]

YAYYYYYY the TR is underway!

I agree that the more Disney you experience, the worse the obsession gets. I imagine it's how drug addicts feel. The more you get, the more you need! I WANT TO GO BACK NOW!! The longest I've gone to WDW for is 10 days, my dream is to go for 2 full weeks, but I'm afraid if we did that I just wouldn't be able to leave.

OMG I love the Disney first-timers or people who hardly come. It's so funny when they ask about something I'm obsessed with so casually, having no idea their lives are about to change. Like, "Have you ever been to that place where you eat in cars?" and I'm like, "KSDJFSLJFAIOSDJDKKJ YES I HAVE BEEN TO THE SCI-FI DINE-IN THEATRE, ONLY LIKE 500 TIMES."

[lauren_elizabeth]

Yay! Yall made it to Disney World! :banana:

I love the big Christmas tree at the airport! :santa:

Driving under the arches is seriously one of the best feelings in the entire world. SO EXCITING! :goodvibes And just like you said, it doesn't matter how many times you have been, the obsession just grows and it never gets old. I seriously think it just makes it THAT much better.

[Disneyfreak508]

Subscribed! Wow, there's so much going on--good thing you ended up with an extra long break to recover. Hope everything is working out exactly as planned. As the mom of a 15 year old girl, it's so great to see how much you appreciate your mom, hope your mom reads your trip reports.

Seriously! There is no way I would have been able to figure out my life if I had any less time. :laughing: And aww thanks! She does sometimes but doesn't totally understand disboards. But she loves that I write them!

I am so glad to see you started your TR!!! Our trips overlapped! We came home on the 23rd. Boy were the crowds growing. I can only imagine how they were by Christmas morning. BLT was beautiful. Did you have a Theme Park view? We took a tree and decorated it while we were there. It was so much fun! I can't wait to read all about your trip. Excited I am.

**Edit**
I forgot to mention how good it is to see that you are following your heart in college. I always knew I wanted to be an engineer ever since I was a youngin'. Like you, I too love Disney and wanted to intern there during college. For various reasons I didn't and it is one of my biggest regrets to date. I did, however, work at the local Disney store and LOVED it!! I am still applying to be an imagineer. Maybe one day they'll feel sorry for me after seeing all my resumes and just give me a job! One can dream, can't they??

Thanks for being here! Ahh did they really? Yeah like my first day on the 22nd there was NOBODY there. And then the 23rd wasn't too bad, and then it got CRAZY. I was just laughing at how crowded it was. Pure insanity!
Aww you stayed there too? Yes, we had theme park view! I thought it would be necessary for this trip just so we could see the fireworks from our room and avoid the crowds lol.
That's super cute that you got a tree! I hung up some Christmas lights! That was fun.

Aww thank you! And oh my gosh.. keep trying!! Don't let your dream die! And working at a Disney store is apparently REALLY good. They like to see that. If the whole Imagineering thing doesn't work out you could always eventually get a little job in Disney just to work there - they wouldn't have a problem giving it to you because of your Disney Store experience! I hope that all works out for you! Don't give up!

First of all, your Mickey top is fabulous! It's from Forever21, right? I love that they carry Disney stuff.

OPEN UP YOUR HEART AND LET THE MEMORIES BEGIN!

There is a "mermaid camp" near Tampa! WeekiWachee! (http://weekiwachee.com/home.html) I've never actually been, but it's relatively close to where my grandma lives.

Driving onto Disney property is the best. It's the perfect combination of joy, relief, and knowing that there's an incredible amount of fun just waiting to be had. :cloud9:

Can't wait for more!

Thank you! And correct, it is from Forever 21! I got it in August!
God, I love that song.
Thanks for that website! LOL it's a very... unique concept. That lady was like obsessed with mermaids. Like... me with Disney obsessed. So that's probably her happiest place on earth haha
I 100% completely agree! Yay for the beginning of Disney!

I love WDW at Christmas time. So I can't wait to hear about your trip.

Aww yay! I can't wait to tell about it!

YAY! Another trip report!:banana:

Sorry college got off to such a rough start, but it sounds like you made a great choice! I wish you the best in starting at your new one. :goodvibes

Even though the frumps are lots of fun, I love reading about your trips with your Mom! Tell her some stranger on the DIS said she's a great Mom and I hope my kids and I keep having as much fun at Disney as you and your Mom do. :cloud9:

Oh, and FWIW, even though I know you love Jasmine, you have such a radiant smile that I think you'd make a great Snow White. And, I can totally see Kristen skipping around like Alice. :thumbsup2

Thank you! I hope it all goes well. Thank you for the good wishes!
Aww thank you! I'm so glad! I definitely will tell her she has some fans on the DIS :laughing: And I'm sure your kids will!
Aww thank you! That's really nice haha

OMG, I just found this out! I'm so excited, your enthusiasm truly is contagious, even through a computer screen!

Even though you didn't get the job, I'm sure it was quite the experience to do an audition. Looking forward to reading about that part.

And really, bringing you car on the plane? Hope it didn't meow the whole time. i know mine would have!

Aww thank you! That's great to hear!
It was a really cool experience! I am glad I did it!
I wasn't sitting near the cat on the plane, but I'm sure it did. :rotfl: MEOW.

DISNEY DISNEY DISNEY DISNEY!!!! AHHHHH!!!!! OMG what the heck am I doing in my room and not IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MAGIC?!?!?!

Omg. The Magic, the Memories, and You NEVER FAILS to make me just CRY. Like typing this right now I'm in tears. Help?

JET BLUE!!!!! Hahaha um... mermaid camp? Such a thing exists? My mind is blown. Would Eric be there? Wait, nevermind. My mind just always immediately goes to Disney.

Sweet ride. :cool2:

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh gosh I love Disney. I need to just move there. I don't even care what my job is. In the future, when we both work there, we're gonna be friends, okay? :thumbsup2

I ask myself that question every day LOL.
That show is somethin'. They just made it perfect.
Yeah apparently! I know, I'm too obsessed with Disney to want to go anywhere else haha.
So do I!! I need to work there or I'm going to be unhappy in life. No big deal. And yes absolutely!

YAYYYYYY the TR is underway!

I agree that the more Disney you experience, the worse the obsession gets. I imagine it's how drug addicts feel. The more you get, the more you need! I WANT TO GO BACK NOW!! The longest I've gone to WDW for is 10 days, my dream is to go for 2 full weeks, but I'm afraid if we did that I just wouldn't be able to leave.

OMG I love the Disney first-timers or people who hardly come. It's so funny when they ask about something I'm obsessed with so casually, having no idea their lives are about to change. Like, "Have you ever been to that place where you eat in cars?" and I'm like, "KSDJFSLJFAIOSDJDKKJ YES I HAVE BEEN TO THE SCI-FI DINE-IN THEATRE, ONLY LIKE 500 TIMES."

YAY!
Oh my gosh I say that all the time. Disney is my drug!! Like legitimately it is. It's probably healthier than all other drugs.. (probably a little more expensive but you know) but it's totally fine! It's the best.
Yeah I went for 12 or 13 days this past trip... and then on top of the December trip at the beginning of the month.. I just don't know what I have to live for now that they're over. :rotfl:
Oh me too. I try not to scare them, but I get a little excited. They're secretly jealous of our lifestyle... no big deal.

Yay! Yall made it to Disney World! :banana:

I love the big Christmas tree at the airport! :santa:

Driving under the arches is seriously one of the best feelings in the entire world. SO EXCITING! :goodvibes And just like you said, it doesn't matter how many times you have been, the obsession just grows and it never gets old. I seriously think it just makes it THAT much better.

Hooray!
So do I! I was so happy when I saw it!
It really is. And yes, it really does! The experience and memories build up and I really just can't get enough. It's about time that I work there and never have to leave. :laughing:

[Kelliroo3]

Great update! I love your Disney clothes; you always have such cute items! I've been having trouble finding the Forever 21 Disney sweatshirts...I have the Alice in Wonderland one but can't seem to find Aladdin, Cinderella, Little Mermaid or any others.

I know I have heard about the Mermaid place...I think the Amazing Race went there one season. I remember thinking it looked pretty cool! And yay to helping Disney newbies! :) Gotta spread the knowledge and love of all things Mickey!

[Amerangel89]

Jess, I am absolutely IN LOVE with the way you write your TR's!!! You make me fall in love with Disney more and more with each one (which I thought I was at MAXIMUM CAPACITY already...turns out I wasn't). I'm chomping at the BIT to hear your take on the Disney auditioning process. It's something I've always toyed around with the idea of, but I've never just gone out there and done it. I'm beginning to feel like I need to LIVE a little...go for those dreams, even if I don't "succeed". I'm so happy to hear that you feel you're finally on your way to finding your niche with your new school and degree. I'm a vocal performance major myself, so I have a bit of a special understanding for the demands that the performing arts can have. I think we should all stick together because we are nearly all kindred spirits with our crazy devotion to putting on a good show!

Anyways...I just wanted to let you know that I am one of your many adoring fans! ;) I think we should all take a collection to establish a "Send Jess to Disney" fund so that we will ALWAYS have new TR's to read. hahahahaha

[duckylady]

Hahaha, I always stop at Tim Hortons before we leave for Florida too. I figure, since I'm going to have to go without for the week, I might as well get my Ice Capp fix while I still can.

You look SO CUTE in your Little Mermaid sweater! I got the Snow White one for Christmas because she's my favourite, I can't wait to wear it to the parks.

I'm so excited to hear the rest of your TR! Your enthusiasm is SUPER contagious.

[katt789]

Thats such an awesome picture of the sign! I have yet to even get a good one, though that may just be as I'm always on the bus, and have a little point & shoot. I definitely would've taken just as many road pic signs! :laughing:

[petals]

So joining this trip report!

As for the getting up early for Disney. I think it has that effect on you. I was able to get up at 6am every morning in Florida no probs but here I'm dragging myself out of bed and not wanting to move! :lmao:

[disneylovin24]

You think waking up at 4 am is bad, I had to get up at 2 am for my past trip:laughing: Wish I could say it was worth it for WDW but it kind of wasn't. We got to our hotel at noon and it felt like it was 5 pm already, I was shot for the afternoon:headache: Oh well, I guess if I was going to be shot for an afternoon Im happy it was in WDW

Can't wait for more:goodvibes

[sunnysideup3]

You were there the same time I was, at least your first mini-trip :) It was perfect then!:wizard:

[dfitzger03]

SUPER excited for this TR. I loved all your other ones and I'm sure that this one is going to be just as, if not more, fabulous :earboy2:

[PlutosRHM55]

YAY! You've started! :hyper: Great start btw

Oh my gosh, it still amazes me how Disney manages to awake me at the craziest times ever. The earliest I've gotten up was 3:00 IN THE MORNING! Even more ridiculous. I'm the unusual morning person, but that's extreme... unless it's another great occasion liiikkkkeeee Christmas. Okay, before I go off on ridiculous tangents let's move on shall we...

:thumbsup2 to listening to Disney Music in the car! That's a total must-do when it comes to Disney. So glad I have so many Disney loops and such saved on my laptop so when I prepare for another trip I won't be having another regret about missing my pre-Disney fix ::yes:: And I totally agree with what you say about Disney. I just fall more and more in love with the place every trip. I think it's the fact you always discover something new when you're there either because they added it or you never noticed it before. Awww... gotta love Disney :)

LOL @ your little random note(s). It's nice to have those though when you get back and need to find your car. But who cares what you write you are going to Disney! And that's so funny at what happened in security. Taking a cat to Orlando... I wonder where those people were going lol And that's so cool how you got to talk with some newbies. So jealous they got to stay at Wilderness Lodge, I REALLY want to stay there :goodvibes Glad to hear they were studying though :thumbsup2

YAY You're off! Great picture of you on the plane with your Pink Mickey Ears, no wonder it is your twitter pic. :thumbsup2 to extra leg room, always nice (: And Mermaid camp? ... okay... cute, but Disney forever, of course... I hope lol

Woot, getting so very close now to those heavenly gates... The Airport Christmas tree looks so pretty! :) All those decorations look great and darn you fake monorail for psyching me out! I want me some REAL monorail :teeth: But I gotta give you HUGE credit for renting a car, I mean... it is more convenient not having to wait for buses and such, but THE MOVIE... but at least you got a nice car. I'm pretty sure they drew you in with the fountain though ;)

Those are some awesome pictures of the signs along the way to Disney. I usually get a few of them but I don't think I've gotten so many pictures. That's awesome how you found a "Welcome Home" banner on the side of the road. It just has so much more meaning down there then up here ::yes:: And I love the pictures you got of the amazing Gates of Heaven. You always get so many :goodvibes

Can't wait to read more! :mickeyjum

[Disneyfreak508]

Great update! I love your Disney clothes; you always have such cute items! I've been having trouble finding the Forever 21 Disney sweatshirts...I have the Alice in Wonderland one but can't seem to find Aladdin, Cinderella, Little Mermaid or any others.

I know I have heard about the Mermaid place...I think the Amazing Race went there one season. I remember thinking it looked pretty cool! And yay to helping Disney newbies! :) Gotta spread the knowledge and love of all things Mickey!

Thank you! And thanks! :) I love my Disney clothes too haha. Yeah, I don't think they make the Aladdin, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, or Lion King ones anymore. I better grab those new ones before they get rid of them too!
Ah really? That's cool! And yes, I always love doing that!

Jess, I am absolutely IN LOVE with the way you write your TR's!!! You make me fall in love with Disney more and more with each one (which I thought I was at MAXIMUM CAPACITY already...turns out I wasn't). I'm chomping at the BIT to hear your take on the Disney auditioning process. It's something I've always toyed around with the idea of, but I've never just gone out there and done it. I'm beginning to feel like I need to LIVE a little...go for those dreams, even if I don't "succeed". I'm so happy to hear that you feel you're finally on your way to finding your niche with your new school and degree. I'm a vocal performance major myself, so I have a bit of a special understanding for the demands that the performing arts can have. I think we should all stick together because we are nearly all kindred spirits with our crazy devotion to putting on a good show!

Anyways...I just wanted to let you know that I am one of your many adoring fans! ;) I think we should all take a collection to establish a "Send Jess to Disney" fund so that we will ALWAYS have new TR's to read. hahahahaha

Aww thank you so much for the kind words! That's so great to hear!
Honestly, you should just do it! I mean, I didn't get past the initial round, but the experience was so worth taking the trip. You have nothing to lose so giving it a shot only increases your knowledge and experience! So why not? :) They have auditions all of the time so just check the website and hopefully you can try someday!
And thank you! Yes, vocal performance and theatre are in that same performing area. It's gonna be tough sometimes but I know it's gonna be fun! People who go into this kind of stuff definitely have a passion for it - which is great! I hope everything goes well for you!

Aww thank you! And HAHA I would love that. If only. :rotfl: Kristen and I were literally thinking of ways to try and raise money so we could go to Disney this summer. We will see, we will see.

Hahaha, I always stop at Tim Hortons before we leave for Florida too. I figure, since I'm going to have to go without for the week, I might as well get my Ice Capp fix while I still can.

You look SO CUTE in your Little Mermaid sweater! I got the Snow White one for Christmas because she's my favourite, I can't wait to wear it to the parks.

I'm so excited to hear the rest of your TR! Your enthusiasm is SUPER contagious.

It's the place to go! Haha ;)
Aww thank you! The Snow White one is cute too, but I actually don't have that one! I bet it looks adorable on you!
Thank you! And oh yay that's so great to hear! I'm glad you're enjoying!

Thats such an awesome picture of the sign! I have yet to even get a good one, though that may just be as I'm always on the bus, and have a little point & shoot. I definitely would've taken just as many road pic signs! :laughing:

Thank you! I try. I had to crop it a little bit but it looks pretty good I think! And oh yeah, I just couldn't resist! DISNEY SIGNS YAY!

So joining this trip report!

As for the getting up early for Disney. I think it has that effect on you. I was able to get up at 6am every morning in Florida no probs but here I'm dragging myself out of bed and not wanting to move! :lmao:

Yay I'm glad you're here!
Seriously, right!? Ugh waking up at 9 am is a chore when I'm at home. In Disney, 9 am is sleeping in WAYY too late. That's just the way the world works, I suppose!

You think waking up at 4 am is bad, I had to get up at 2 am for my past trip:laughing: Wish I could say it was worth it for WDW but it kind of wasn't. We got to our hotel at noon and it felt like it was 5 pm already, I was shot for the afternoon:headache: Oh well, I guess if I was going to be shot for an afternoon Im happy it was in WDW

Can't wait for more:goodvibes

Oh my gosh that's SO early. I don't think I would have ever fallen asleep! And I can imagine how tired you would be. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth getting up, but like you said, I'd rather be in Disney than at home sleeping anyway!
Thank you!

You were there the same time I was, at least your first mini-trip :) It was perfect then!:wizard:

Oh yay! Yes, it was absolutely wonderful!

SUPER excited for this TR. I loved all your other ones and I'm sure that this one is going to be just as, if not more, fabulous :earboy2:

I'm so glad! Thank you for reading again!

YAY! You've started! :hyper: Great start btw

Oh thank you!

Oh my gosh, it still amazes me how Disney manages to awake me at the craziest times ever. The earliest I've gotten up was 3:00 IN THE MORNING! Even more ridiculous. I'm the unusual morning person, but that's extreme... unless it's another great occasion liiikkkkeeee Christmas. Okay, before I go off on ridiculous tangents let's move on shall we...

I know, right!? Disney has crazy effects on people. If I had to get up at 3 am, I would be done by 5 pm. I would need sleep. :laughing:

:thumbsup2 to listening to Disney Music in the car! That's a total must-do when it comes to Disney. So glad I have so many Disney loops and such saved on my laptop so when I prepare for another trip I won't be having another regret about missing my pre-Disney fix ::yes:: And I totally agree with what you say about Disney. I just fall more and more in love with the place every trip. I think it's the fact you always discover something new when you're there either because they added it or you never noticed it before. Awww... gotta love Disney :)

I listen to Disney music in my car on a daily basis, I'm not gonna lie. But Disney loops are the BEST. I love them.
I know right?! Disney just gets better as time goes on! The memories live on and build up and are always magical!

LOL @ your little random note(s). It's nice to have those though when you get back and need to find your car. But who cares what you write you are going to Disney! And that's so funny at what happened in security. Taking a cat to Orlando... I wonder where those people were going lol And that's so cool how you got to talk with some newbies. So jealous they got to stay at Wilderness Lodge, I REALLY want to stay there :goodvibes Glad to hear they were studying though :thumbsup2

I know, right? That's why I wrote them. Then I thought, "why not, let's just throw it in the trip report!" I like to be detailed. It makes it more real LOL
Yeah I have NO idea where they were going. Disney might be too hectic for a cat, I'm not gonna lie.
I know, I want to stay there too!! It's beautiful1

YAY You're off! Great picture of you on the plane with your Pink Mickey Ears, no wonder it is your twitter pic. :thumbsup2 to extra leg room, always nice (: And Mermaid camp? ... okay... cute, but Disney forever, of course... I hope lol

Thank you! Haha it describes my life basically. And yeah Disney forever. That's never gonna change!

Woot, getting so very close now to those heavenly gates... The Airport Christmas tree looks so pretty! :) All those decorations look great and darn you fake monorail for psyching me out! I want me some REAL monorail :teeth: But I gotta give you HUGE credit for renting a car, I mean... it is more convenient not having to wait for buses and such, but THE MOVIE... but at least you got a nice car. I'm pretty sure they drew you in with the fountain though ;)

I LOVE THE MONORAIL! And lol yeah that's how I feel about it too. Oh well! I am up for either mode of transportation as long as I'm in Disney!

Those are some awesome pictures of the signs along the way to Disney. I usually get a few of them but I don't think I've gotten so many pictures. That's awesome how you found a "Welcome Home" banner on the side of the road. It just has so much more meaning down there then up here. And I love the pictures you got of the amazing Gates of Heaven. You always get so many.

Thank you! And I agree - it means a lot when you're going to Disney! HOORAY! YAYYY! And yes, that's one of my favorite views in the world - you can never have enough pictures of that!

Can't wait to read more!

[abarnold]

I have to say I LOVE your trip reports!! I don't get the opportunity to go as often as I would like, so I live vicariously through your TRs :banana:

I really cant wait for this one- we were supposed to go for Christmas this year (we were living in TX at the time) but my husband is in the Army and we had to move to WA and there was no way we would be ale to drive across the country and back in the 2 weeks the kids had off (and we're a small army ourselves and can't afford to fly:rotfl:) What my husband found sad was while yes I was upset to be leaving family and friends behind, I was inconsolable when I had to call up and CANCEL our very first Disney trip at Christmas:sad2: However my dh promised me we would go to DL next Christmas:woohoo: We would have gone this year but my daughter does competitive cheer and we had to spend the $$$ for her to be able to join a team up here ( which if you notice will go to WDW in March:cheer2: dh thinks that's the only reason I chose this cheer group......:rolleyes1)

I laughed when I read about you and your mom giving the crash course to the family in the airport- I do the same thing all the time. Yes, I am obsessed as well lol. DH, bless his heart, pretty much says- you plan the trip I'll go along for the ride (he's a VERY smart man) I quickly became known as the "Disney mom" and I LOVE IT!!! :lovestruc

All of my kids have been well trained- they see midden mickeys EVERYWHERE and they dont care where they are they will scream out "HIDDEN MICKEY!!!!!" They make me sooooooo proud :lmao: My daughter absolutely LOVES your hidden mickey dresses- where in the world did you find those?

Thank you again for all of your hard work in the TR- they really make me feel like I am right there in the parks! I am glad that there are others out there like me :hug: Can't wait for the next chapter!!:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

[rdkeim]

Absolutely LOVE your trip reports! You could make the worst skeptic into a Disney lover :-) Can't wait to follow along on your December trips. We were there Dec. 3-8 so I'll be interested to see how your trips went. It's my favorite time to go for sure.

Sounds like a good decision on the school change. If someone like you wasn't "connecting" probably wasn't the right place for you. Keep moving forward and I'm sure you'll be very successful.

[Jiminy_78]

I've been reading your TRs and I love following along your adventures!

I had to comment because we were just in WDW this past weekend, because I ran the half marathon, and we stayed at the Dolphin so we had to rent a car to get to/from the airport. I think we had the same car you had; it was a beautiful boxy Jeep! I'll have to go back and look at our pictures but we also use the Emerald Aisle club and love the convenience of just picking a car and leaving. That's too funny! It was a nice car. :rotfl:

[midwest2wdw]

Joining a trip report for the first time and looking forward to it. We were there the first few days of December and had a wonderful time!! I am ready to go back, but unfortunately, nothing is planned yet. I am anxious to hear more about your trip.

[debrapagliasotti]

Joining in! popcorn::

We are going to WDW this Christmas, so your title IMMEADIATELY drew me in!

[ChattaAlley]

The Cat part was hilarious. I am always thinking I hear things. Whether I do or not is still to be determined.

The Little Mermaid shirt is adorable. That use to be my favorite Disney movie. Now I think it is Tangled and Cinderella. IDK it changes all the time. But TLM holds a special place in my heart.

The WDW Entrance never gets old I could see that welcome sign everyday and be ok with it.

Looking forward to your Christmas adventure.

[emma212010]

Hi!! :wave2:

I was a lurker on your last TR, but I am soooo excited for your Christmas TR!! :santa:

I wish you the best of luck in pursuing your dreams! I'm a freshman in college too, and I'm in the process of changing majors. Luckily, my college has the major I want, but I totally know what a headache it is! :headache:

I can't WAIT to hear about your audition!!!! :goodvibes

Oh, and that is so funny about the cat!! :rotfl: I probably would have died laughing right there!!! Can't wait to hear more!!

[poohbearluver]

Hi there (:
I'm loving your TR! I loved hearing about your college plans, and I think it's awesome that you went with what you love.

Super excited to hear about your audition! :goodvibes

[Disneyfreak508]

I have to say I LOVE your trip reports!! I don't get the opportunity to go as often as I would like, so I live vicariously through your TRs

I really cant wait for this one- we were supposed to go for Christmas this year (we were living in TX at the time) but my husband is in the Army and we had to move to WA and there was no way we would be ale to drive across the country and back in the 2 weeks the kids had off (and we're a small army ourselves and can't afford to fly:rotfl:) What my husband found sad was while yes I was upset to be leaving family and friends behind, I was inconsolable when I had to call up and CANCEL our very first Disney trip at Christmas. However my dh promised me we would go to DL next Christmas:woohoo: We would have gone this year but my daughter does competitive cheer and we had to spend the $$$ for her to be able to join a team up here ( which if you notice will go to WDW in March:cheer2: dh thinks that's the only reason I chose this cheer group......:rolleyes1)

I laughed when I read about you and your mom giving the crash course to the family in the airport- I do the same thing all the time. Yes, I am obsessed as well lol. DH, bless his heart, pretty much says- you plan the trip I'll go along for the ride (he's a VERY smart man) I quickly became known as the "Disney mom" and I LOVE IT!!! :lovestruc

All of my kids have been well trained- they see midden mickeys EVERYWHERE and they dont care where they are they will scream out "HIDDEN MICKEY!!!!!" They make me sooooooo proud :lmao: My daughter absolutely LOVES your hidden mickey dresses- where in the world did you find those?

Thank you again for all of your hard work in the TR- they really make me feel like I am right there in the parks! I am glad that there are others out there like me :hug: Can't wait for the next chapter!!:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

Aww thank you so much! :)
I'm so sorry your Christmas trip didn't work out :( Ugh that had to be sad. But going to DL for next Christmas is EXTREMELY exciting... you have no idea how much I want to go there!!! And haha that's fantastic about the cheerleading. Hey, I would pick the squad if they were going to Disney... just sayin'. :laughing:
VERY smart man you have there. That's super funny. And oh I know I'm going to be known as the Disney Mom when I'm older. It's going to be great.
And my kids will be finding hidden mickeys everywhere too! That's' super cute. And thank you! I actually got those dresses at Island Mercantile in AK and MouseGear in Epcot in April. Then apparently after I left they were not available for much longer! Maybe they're just a spring thing. I'm not sure!
Aww thank YOU for reading them! That's so good to hear - it just means that all of this writing is worth it! And trust me, I'm as Disney crazy as anyone can get! You're definitely not alone! Thanks for reading!!

Absolutely LOVE your trip reports! You could make the worst skeptic into a Disney lover :-) Can't wait to follow along on your December trips. We were there Dec. 3-8 so I'll be interested to see how your trips went. It's my favorite time to go for sure.

Sounds like a good decision on the school change. If someone like you wasn't "connecting" probably wasn't the right place for you. Keep moving forward and I'm sure you'll be very successful.

Thank you! And aww that's such a compliment haha. I always try to point out the good side of Disney to people. I don't know if they actually believe me or if they just agree to get me to shut up... but you know. It's effective. :laughing: That's awesome that you were there when we were! I can't wait to tell all about it!
Thank you! It DEFINITELY was a good decision. I just went there today and all of these good things are lining up... I'm very excited. And yeah, I'm an optimistic person, and if I was miserable somewhere, I knew it couldn't have possibly been right. But thank you very much! I definitely will!

I've been reading your TRs and I love following along your adventures!

I had to comment because we were just in WDW this past weekend, because I ran the half marathon, and we stayed at the Dolphin so we had to rent a car to get to/from the airport. I think we had the same car you had; it was a beautiful boxy Jeep! I'll have to go back and look at our pictures but we also use the Emerald Aisle club and love the convenience of just picking a car and leaving. That's too funny! It was a nice car. :rotfl:

Thank you so much!
Congrats on the half marathon! I'm not a runner so I could probably never do it (unless I walked LOL) but I always admire the people who do it! Hahaha I'm not even kidding... we probably had the same car! That's so cool. What a small world. We liked that car too! It was perfect for our trip!

Joining a trip report for the first time and looking forward to it. We were there the first few days of December and had a wonderful time!! I am ready to go back, but unfortunately, nothing is planned yet. I am anxious to hear more about your trip.

Thank you! I really hope you enjoy it - it's going to be a lot of fun! That's so great to hear that you had a fun time! And I know what you mean... I'm always ready to go back but the next trip seems so far away. :laughing: I'm excited to write all about it! Thanks for reading!

Joining in! popcorn::

We are going to WDW this Christmas, so your title IMMEADIATELY drew me in!

Hooray! Thanks for being here!
And oh good I am SO happy! By the end of this trip report, you're going to be a WDW Christmas pro. I hope you have a magical trip when it finally gets here! :wizard:

The Cat part was hilarious. I am always thinking I hear things. Whether I do or not is still to be determined.

The Little Mermaid shirt is adorable. That use to be my favorite Disney movie. Now I think it is Tangled and Cinderella. IDK it changes all the time. But TLM holds a special place in my heart.

The WDW Entrance never gets old I could see that welcome sign everyday and be ok with it.

Looking forward to your Christmas adventure.

Hahaha I'm so glad you found that amusing. I sure did.
Thank you! Ahh I know it was my favorite when I was 5. I was obsessed. Now I love Aladdin the most.. but I know what you mean about it changes all of the time. There are just so many great options!
I agree 100%!
Thank you!

Hi!! :wave2:

I was a lurker on your last TR, but I am soooo excited for your Christmas TR!! :santa:

I wish you the best of luck in pursuing your dreams! I'm a freshman in college too, and I'm in the process of changing majors. Luckily, my college has the major I want, but I totally know what a headache it is! :headache:

I can't WAIT to hear about your audition!!!! :goodvibes

Oh, and that is so funny about the cat!! :rotfl: I probably would have died laughing right there!!! Can't wait to hear more!!

Hello! I'm so glad you're here and ready for the next one!
Thank you so much! I hope it all works out. Changing majors is a chore too... but at least you're doing it now! You'll be happy you changed for what you really wanted in the long run!
I'm excited to tell all about it!
And LOL yeah that was REALLY funny. My Mom and I couldn't stop saying "Do you hear a cat?!" all morning! :lmao:

Hi there (:
I'm loving your TR! I loved hearing about your college plans, and I think it's awesome that you went with what you love.

Super excited to hear about your audition! :goodvibes

Hello! Thank you so much! And I'm so glad - I had to let you all know what was going on with my crazy life haha.
I'm excited to tell about it! Thanks for being here!

[Disneyfreak508]

Chapter 2: Let's Go Downtown for Lunch!
December 6th, 2011

Our first stop on this trip was.... DOWNTOWN DISNEY! We needed to get some lunch! It was Disney food time!

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We parked in Lot E which is near T-Rex Cafe. I saw the Characters in Flight balloon off in the distance. I really need to do that someday, seriously.

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We walked in Downtown Disney and one of the first things we saw were the Lego Statues! Can you believe I never saw them until this trip!? The last time I was in Downtown Disney was February, so these were new to me.

My FAVORITE, of course, was the Toy Story one. Like... you can't get cuter than that!

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The Snow White one is PRECIOUS. My Nana would love it. Snow White is her favorite.

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LOOK! DEER!

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The Sleeping Beauty one is so extravagant! It's really impressive. That has to be a 7 year old boy's dream to build something like that! Amazing.

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Also, THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS WERE UP!!!! This was my first look at Disney Christmas Decorations in person since I was 10 years old. Like... EEEEEEEE!!!! I can't tell you how thrilled I was. It's all so BEAUTIFUL!

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And why is Christmas my favorite holiday, you ask? Because there are Deer EVERYWHERE! Be prepared for a slew of deer pictures throughout this report. There are tons.

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DEER FACE!

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Oh shoot. I never explained the deer face in this trip report for all of my new readers. OR what a frump is! (In case you hear me mention that later on) Let me throw in this explanation right now so everyone can be caught up to speed. This excerpt is taken from the beginning of my August Trip Report:

FIRST of all, the most important question of the day: "What is a Frump?"

I’m sure you’ve all heard the word “frump” used, but not commonly. Well, that’s about to change... because frump is our favorite word!
A frump is basically a lazy person. Like, for instance, on a day when you wear baggy sweatpants and a big tee-shirt, you may say: “I look like a frump today.”
Frump has many definitions, though. It can also be talking about a crazy person (such as someone who gets a little too excited over Schoolbread or Muppet Vision… aka Kristen).
It can be someone who is overly sleep-deprived and laughs at anything.
Or there are always random people in crowds that you just find “frumpy.” It’s a self explanatory kind of thing.
We started with this whole Frump thing (on disboards, anyway) back in January, so we’re continuing on the tradition!

The deer face is a very frumpy aspect of our friendship. This face is used for SO many things – most commonly excitement. ESPECIALLY about food.

The face originated because, since we are so unathletic, Kristen would do this frumpy run and I would say “you run like a deer.” Then she would make this face, where you basically smile without your teeth and your eyes get really wide.

It reminded me of a deer in headlights.

So, hence, the deer face! It has been a standing joke for over a year now… and I don’t think it’s going anywhere.

So if you see me making this "deer face," you now know what it is!

Anyways, we stopped in front of Once Upon A Toy and I got some pictures with two of my favorite toys!

CITIZENS OF TOMORROWLAND, JOIN BUZZ LIGHTYEAR ON A DARING SPACE MISSION TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE FROM THE EVIL EMPEROR ZURG.

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Ahem.

LOVE Mr. Potato Head. ♥

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Christmas Tip #2: If you are like me and usually avoid taking pictures with certain statues because the areas are too congested, the early December crowds are light enough where statues/major disney icons/photo ops won't be surrounded by swarms of people!

After taking a little walk, we had to decide on lunch. There were two places we wanted to try: Earl of Sandwich and Wolfgang Puck Express. Since I had been to Disney last time, I had picked out some menu items that I needed to try at both places. So now was the time to chip one of those stops off of the food list!

We tried Earl of Sandwich first, but the line was RIDICULOUS. Like out the door. So we turned around to try somewhere else.

That meant WOLFGANG PUCK EXPRESS! YAY!!!

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We got in line and it was SO much shorter. Before I knew it we were ordering our food!

I love that they have these words under the kids menu. This is like my life motto:

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But really.

We placed our order and we grabbed a table in the corner near the front door. While we were sitting there, I took some pictures! This one is the view out our window:

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CHRISTMAS!

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Did you all ever notice that the Maximum Occupancy of this restaurant is 77? That seems really small to me, for some reason.

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Beautiful Poinsettias!

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Soon, our food was brought to our table! - JUMPS FOR JOY!!! -

My Mom ordered the Romaine Heart Salad, which she liked. She had her eye on another salad though and didn't know it's name. So this wasn't exactly what she wanted, but she enjoyed it nonetheless.

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And now for my meal... thank you to my good friend, Lia, and her AMAZING trip report, The MCLOVINS Hit the World - HARD!!!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2449416), I knew EXACTLY what I had to get at this restaurant. And not just because she raved about it and got it three times throughout her trip. ;)

I got the 4 Cheese Pesto Pizza:

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JUST LOOK AT HOW BEAUTIFUL IT IS!!!!!

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This pizza is absolutely fantastic. Up until about a year or so ago, I have ALWAYS only gotten cheese/cheese and pepperoni pizza. However, it was time to branch out. It was time to LIVE. And let me tell you, this was AMAZING.

It did have a lot of cheese, and although I'm not a huge cheese person, I was able to eat a very good amount of it. My Mom had some too, and she was VERY happy. Absolutely delicious.

And now after reading that I'm not a huge cheese person, you may wonder why I got pizza with a lot of cheese, as well as macaroni and cheese for my lunch.

I don't know. I'm weird. I like cheese in certain forms. But give me one of those Kraft singles and I'll shove it right back in the fridge.

I don't even know.

So YES, like I said, we also got the mac and cheese!! My Mom and I split it. And this was the KIDS' SIZE!

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This kids portion was big! Like I could have eaten this alone and I would have been perfectly fine. If we would have gotten the adult portion, so much would have gone to waste!

This is not your normal mac and cheese. It has bread crumbs on top that gave it more flavor (ahhh so good). And it is obviously made out of different noodles and cheese than you usually see at Disney restaurants. But WOW it's just like... so GOOD! I love it so much more than that typical mac and cheese concoction to put on your plate at every other Disney buffet in the world.

Also, since it was a kids' portion, they gave me a Kids' Cup. (Yes, I am 18. JUDGE ME.) I NEVER drink anything besides water, but they for some reason wouldn't let us get a water bottle to substitute. So I splurged. I got lemonade. LOL.

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Overall, we got the perfect amount of food. We were able to finish almost all of it. IT WAS SO GOOD!

And also, thank you, Lia, for your wonderful suggestions. We were extremely satisfied and I really want to go again! YUM!!!

Continued in Next Post (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43740503&postcount=141)

[librarymouse]

Oh my gosh that mac n cheese looks AMAZING!! I wonder if my hubby and I will have time to try WP Express when we are there...only 10 days to go! I have never been there either, but it definitely looks yummy!

I really like your Little Mermaid shirt! Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

[Merida]

Kraft singles aren't really cheese! That's why you put them back in the fridge.

Honestly, I have more to say but that was super important. I need to catch up on both your trip reports!

CHOOSE REAL CHEESE! (and kids' cups. Seriously kids' stuff is way better and way cheaper than adult stuff.)

[__disneygirl]

YAY!!!!!! hahaha as I was reading this I was like, omg, I hope they go to Wolfgang Puck's!!! AND YOU DID! I just have so much influence on the world with my food choices, it's unreal LOL.OMG that is seriously one of the most ridiculously good meals I have ever had in my life. Now you have my stomach screaming!

[Disneyfreak508]

Oh my gosh that mac n cheese looks AMAZING!! I wonder if my hubby and I will have time to try WP Express when we are there...only 10 days to go! I have never been there either, but it definitely looks yummy!

I really like your Little Mermaid shirt! Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

Oh my God it was SO GOOD. And AHHH that's so exciting!! Have a magical trip! :wizard: You should definitely try WPE if you have the chance!

Thank you! And thanks! I can't wait to write more about it! :)

Kraft singles aren't really cheese! That's why you put them back in the fridge.

Honestly, I have more to say but that was super important. I need to catch up on both your trip reports!

CHOOSE REAL CHEESE! (and kids' cups. Seriously kids' stuff is way better and way cheaper than adult stuff.)

Hahaha that could be why! :lmao:
I hope you like catching up! haha but that was important LOL
And I will! Very true! :thumbsup2

[Disneyfreak508]

YAY!!!!!! hahaha as I was reading this I was like, omg, I hope they go to Wolfgang Puck's!!! AND YOU DID! I just have so much influence on the world with my food choices, it's unreal LOL.OMG that is seriously one of the most ridiculously good meals I have ever had in my life. Now you have my stomach screaming!

Hahaha we did! Your food choices really do have an influence on me. :rotfl: After seeing it like three times in your trip report, I was like... I have to. It just sounds SO GOOD. And it was :love: Wahh I want some now. I'm hungry!! :laughing:

[kansasdisneygal]

Oh my goodness! I LOVE the Christmas decorations! I am so excited to see more pictures of them!!! Also, that Mac and Cheese looks divine! Yum!!

[Disneyfreak508]

Oh my goodness! I LOVE the Christmas decorations! I am so excited to see more pictures of them!!! Also, that Mac and Cheese looks divine! Yum!!

I have HUNDREDS of Disney Christmas Decoration pictures, so I'm sure you will be satisfied by the time I'm done here :laughing: And YUM oh my gosh it was so good. I want some now lol

[ChattaAlley]

Yummmm WPE. Love that place. And the Pesto Pizza sounds devine. Will try the next time.

Awe I love :lovestruc how happy Woody and Buzz look in legos. That is some amazing Lego work.

I catch myself saying Frump now all the time. :cool2: So it must be a pretty cool saying.

[disneylovin24]

That mac'n cheese looks amazing!

The 6th was Tuesday right? Im trying to remember what I was doing that day:laughing:

[DMGeurts]

That pizza and mac n' cheese looks so amazing!!!

Sadly, we are not planning to eat at WGP while we are in DTD... That's an OOP meal for us, and I am a tightwad - so it's EoS while we are there... Which I have heard good things about - so I am sure we won't starve.

Loved the update. :)

D~

[DMGeurts]

Yes, I did just quote myself. LOL Only because the Dis has been weird today...

That pizza and mac n' cheese looks so amazing!!!

Sadly, we are not planning to eat at WGP while we are in DTD... That's an OOP meal for us, and I am a tightwad - so it's EoS while we are there... Which I have heard good things about - so I am sure we won't starve.

Loved the update. :)

D~

So, I reworked my #'s and going off what the girls and I would potentially order, the price difference is (wait for it....) a whopping $8 - yup... I think we are going to WGPE for lunch on our DTD day. :banana: Who could resist that yummy looking food? :rolleyes1

D~

[antnyh]

The Christmas decorations were beautiful weren't they? I am glad to see a review from Wolgang's. It looks very good. We haven't ever gone there, but may now that it is on the dining plan. I hope that means it will be added to the tables in wonderland card. Great TR thus far....looking forward to the future updates. Oh, and I hope the college life is going good as well.

[Kelliroo3]

Yay for all things Christmas! Don't you just love it? Aww, brings back memories.

Earl is ALWAYS busy! Well, I take that back. It wasn't as crazy for dinner, but every time we go there for lunch (which is a lot) it's always busy. Busy where you gotta hunt for a table..I hate that. But it's so worth it...the food is yummy!

Wolfgang Puck looked good too! I love their pizza; never had anything else there though. When I went with my college roommate she got the mac and cheese and loved it!

Can't wait for more! :goodvibes

[vickxo]

So far your 10/10 on your outfit choices! :lmao: I honestly love them! & Wolf Gang is by far my favorite meal outside of the parks! The portions are huge and delicious - and it doesn't hurt that it counts as a quick service point! :goodvibes

[mermaid764]

Awesome update Jess, the weather looks gorgeous for that time of year, and how exciting that all the christmas decorations were up:cool1:

Your food at WPE looks amazing! We've only eaten here once and unforunately it was a really bad experience. From everyone else's rave reviews though we may have to give it a try on our next trip.

I also had not gotten a chance to comment on your experience with switching schools. If you feel that you made the right decision, then you definitely did as spending four years in a school you are miserable at is definitely not a good thing. I went into university originially to get my bachelor's in biology as I really wanted to become a dolphin trainer, but alas it was not the course for me and I ended up switching second year and am much happier with my decision and will be graduating this semester. I'm happy for you that you chose to follow your dream, and I'm sure the theatre major will be a really rewarding experience for you :goodvibes

[katt789]

Oh my goodness!! That pizza looks INCREDIBLE! A cheese & pesto...wow!! I'll have to remember to try it next time!

[petals]

You were there 6th December?? Why didn't I realise this before we went?! We were there until the 8th and had a (total spoiler) Dis Xmas Secret Santa meet on the 7th!

[Disneyfreak508]

Yummmm WPE. Love that place. And the Pesto Pizza sounds devine. Will try the next time.

Awe I love :lovestruc how happy Woody and Buzz look in legos. That is some amazing Lego work.

I catch myself saying Frump now all the time. :cool2: So it must be a pretty cool saying.

It's so good! YUM. Yes you should definitely try it!
I know, aren't they precious? That really insanely good when you think about it.
And oh yay I'm so glad :rotfl: Frump is the perfect word for so many occasions.

That mac'n cheese looks amazing!

The 6th was Tuesday right? Im trying to remember what I was doing that day:laughing:

It was SO good! And yes, I believe it was! I wonder what you were doing haha. You'll have to see if any of our days matched up as the TR goes along!

That pizza and mac n' cheese looks so amazing!!!

Sadly, we are not planning to eat at WGP while we are in DTD... That's an OOP meal for us, and I am a tightwad - so it's EoS while we are there... Which I have heard good things about - so I am sure we won't starve.

Loved the update. :)

D~

Yes, I did just quote myself. LOL Only because the Dis has been weird today...



So, I reworked my #'s and going off what the girls and I would potentially order, the price difference is (wait for it....) a whopping $8 - yup... I think we are going to WGPE for lunch on our DTD day. :banana: Who could resist that yummy looking food? :rolleyes1

D~

You can't go wrong with EoS or WPE, but I think I like WPE a teenyyyy bit more. So YAY that's so exciting that you're going there!! I hope you enjoy it!

The Christmas decorations were beautiful weren't they? I am glad to see a review from Wolgang's. It looks very good. We haven't ever gone there, but may now that it is on the dining plan. I hope that means it will be added to the tables in wonderland card. Great TR thus far....looking forward to the future updates. Oh, and I hope the college life is going good as well.

Yes they were amazing! So beautiful.
It is really good! It's only a QS credit on the dining plan so you should definitely give it a try! I don't think they would add it to TiW because it is a quick service. But I want to say there are AP or DVC discounts there.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you're here! And thanks! I will keep you all updated on how college goes next semester!

Yay for all things Christmas! Don't you just love it? Aww, brings back memories.

Earl is ALWAYS busy! Well, I take that back. It wasn't as crazy for dinner, but every time we go there for lunch (which is a lot) it's always busy. Busy where you gotta hunt for a table..I hate that. But it's so worth it...the food is yummy!

Wolfgang Puck looked good too! I love their pizza; never had anything else there though. When I went with my college roommate she got the mac and cheese and loved it!

Can't wait for more! :goodvibes

It's so magical! I love it so much!
It really is busy like 95% of the time. The line moves fast but it's just a pain.
Mmm their pizza is great! I'm glad your roommate liked the mac and cheese too! I sure did!
Thanks for reading!

So far your 10/10 on your outfit choices! :lmao: I honestly love them! & Wolf Gang is by far my favorite meal outside of the parks! The portions are huge and delicious - and it doesn't hurt that it counts as a quick service point! :goodvibes

Aww thank you! :goodvibes That's so nice!
It's SUCH a good spot, isn't it? They do serve a lot of food! It's awesome. For a QS credit that's a great deal!

Awesome update Jess, the weather looks gorgeous for that time of year, and how exciting that all the christmas decorations were up:cool1:

Your food at WPE looks amazing! We've only eaten here once and unforunately it was a really bad experience. From everyone else's rave reviews though we may have to give it a try on our next trip.

I also had not gotten a chance to comment on your experience with switching schools. If you feel that you made the right decision, then you definitely did as spending four years in a school you are miserable at is definitely not a good thing. I went into university originially to get my bachelor's in biology as I really wanted to become a dolphin trainer, but alas it was not the course for me and I ended up switching second year and am much happier with my decision and will be graduating this semester. I'm happy for you that you chose to follow your dream, and I'm sure the theatre major will be a really rewarding experience for you :goodvibes

Thank you! Yeah the weather was perfect for the majority of the days I was there in December! You needed about every type of clothing within a short period of time, but it was great to wear sweatshirts one day and then shorts the next!
It was delicious! You should definitely try again and go back - I hope your experience goes better!
Thank you for all of the support! And I see it exactly that way, too. If I was going to be miserable for four years it wouldn't have been worth it! I'm glad that you ended up switching and you are happy with your decision! Things always find a way of working out! And thank you! I think it will too!

Oh my goodness!! That pizza looks INCREDIBLE! A cheese & pesto...wow!! I'll have to remember to try it next time!

It was SO good! Definitely give it a try!

[Disneyfreak508]

You were there 6th December?? Why didn't I realise this before we went?! We were there until the 8th and had a (total spoiler) Dis Xmas Secret Santa meet on the 7th!

Yes I did! Probably because I didn't tell a soul. :laughing: Don't worry. And aww that's so fun! I hope you had a magical trip! :wizard:

[mike the canuck]

Following along.
I was in Disney for Christmas a few years ago. It was awesome! We were in DAK on Christmas day and rode EE over and over. Had our xmas dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe :)

My GF and I are planning to go early Dec 2012. Can't wait :) :)

[marDgreen88]

CHRISTMAS. :love: Disney decorates so well it's unbelievable, yet obviously believable because hello, it's Disney. YA KNOW?

YUM. Another thing to add to my 'next time' list... WOLFGANG PUCK EXPRESS PIZZA. :thumbsup2

[emma212010]

Oh my... that meal looks AMAZING!!!!!! That pizza! That mac and cheese!!! :love: Ok, I'm totally drooling all over my computer!!! :laughing: I will definitely have to try WPE next time!!

I am also a huge fan of Christmas in WDW, but I haven't been able to get down there in over 8 years!!! :scared1: I need to get back for Christmas again! Those decorations are so beautiful! Definitely puts you in the Christmas spirit!! :goodvibes

[mikera329]

I'm IN! I'm HERE!! And I'm LOVING IT!!! Shocker, I know :woohoo: I was so excited to start reading this TR, but as I read on and found that you went with your heart and switched colleges, I got that much more excited! Good for you, and wonderful for you that you have such a understanding and caring family to support you in your dreams :love: YOU GO, GIRL!!! We are hoping to take a short 4/5 day trip this year during the first week of December so I'm taking some serious notes! Thanks ahead of time, Jess :flower3:

[Disneyfreak508]

Following along.
I was in Disney for Christmas a few years ago. It was awesome! We were in DAK on Christmas day and rode EE over and over. Had our xmas dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe :)

My GF and I are planning to go early Dec 2012. Can't wait :) :)

Yay thanks for being here!
Isn't it amazing!? Wow, that sounds like an awesome day! AK is the best way to avoid the crowds if you're going to be in a park on christmas day!
And aww yay! That sounds wonderful! I hope you guys have a magical trip! :wizard:

CHRISTMAS. :love: Disney decorates so well it's unbelievable, yet obviously believable because hello, it's Disney. YA KNOW?

YUM. Another thing to add to my 'next time' list... WOLFGANG PUCK EXPRESS PIZZA. :thumbsup2

Hahaha exactly!
And YUM you won't be disappointed! :goodvibes

Oh my... that meal looks AMAZING!!!!!! That pizza! That mac and cheese!!! :love: Ok, I'm totally drooling all over my computer!!! :laughing: I will definitely have to try WPE next time!!

I am also a huge fan of Christmas in WDW, but I haven't been able to get down there in over 8 years!!! :scared1: I need to get back for Christmas again! Those decorations are so beautiful! Definitely puts you in the Christmas spirit!! :goodvibes

It was SO GOOD! If you get to try it, I hope you enjoy your meal! It's amazing there!
Aww well you will need to go very soon! It's absolutely amazing down there at Christmastime! :lovestruc

I'm IN! I'm HERE!! And I'm LOVING IT!!! Shocker, I know :woohoo: I was so excited to start reading this TR, but as I read on and found that you went with your heart and switched colleges, I got that much more excited! Good for you, and wonderful for you that you have such a understanding and caring family to support you in your dreams :love: YOU GO, GIRL!!! We are hoping to take a short 4/5 day trip this year during the first week of December so I'm taking some serious notes! Thanks ahead of time, Jess :flower3:

HOORAY! Thanks for being here!
Aww thank you so much for the kind words! I hope it all works out! I'm moving in on Sunday and I already feel like this was SUCH a good decision!
Oh yay! Yes, this is the trip report for you, then! I have a short little early December trip in here for you early December travelers, and then we'll get to the hardcore Christmas week as time moves on! :laughing:
You're welcome! Thanks for reading!

[Dream426]

Joining in. I really enjoyed reading your last TR. :)

[POLY1985]

Very excited to be reading this since I've always wanted to go to Disney at Christmas - maybe some year. I am looking forward to your photos which are always beautiful.

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

ohhh, love the little mermaid shirt!

And that mac n cheese looks SO good!

We waited in the long line for Earl of Sandwich. (twice!) It was just so good!

[disneylovin24]

It was SO good! And yes, I believe it was! I wonder what you were doing haha. You'll have to see if any of our days matched up as the TR goes along!





I was at MK that day:cloud9: Actually, it was probably the only day of the trip I was not at DTD, since we were staying at SSR! :laughing:

[jpmandan]

Ok, I'm in! I could use a Good Christmas TR about now. :thumbsup2

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

just finished your last trip report, so now I can start to enjoy this one!

[Disneyfreak508]

Joining in. I really enjoyed reading your last TR. :)

Thank you so much! I'm glad you're here!

Very excited to be reading this since I've always wanted to go to Disney at Christmas - maybe some year. I am looking forward to your photos which are always beautiful.

Thank you! I'm glad you're here! And aww thanks! I have a couple thousand photos (which I really need to sort through hahaha) so there are plenty to come!

ohhh, love the little mermaid shirt!

And that mac n cheese looks SO good!

We waited in the long line for Earl of Sandwich. (twice!) It was just so good!

Thank you!
Oh my gosh it was!! YUM!
I know, it really is delicious! Don't worry - we went there at some point during this month! Haha I love it too much!

I was at MK that day:cloud9: Actually, it was probably the only day of the trip I was not at DTD, since we were staying at SSR! :laughing:

Were you? Haha that's funny. Of course I would be in DTD on the day you weren't there!

Ok, I'm in! I could use a Good Christmas TR about now. :thumbsup2

Aww yay well then this is perfect for you! Thanks for being here!

just finished your last trip report, so now I can start to enjoy this one!

Yay! I hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for being here!

[Disneyfreak508]

Well everyone, tomorrow is the big day! I'm moving into college and officially (and finally!) starting that next chapter of my life! I hope it all goes well!

I thought I'd squeeze in one last update tonight. I don't know how busy I am going to get over the next few months, but as far as I can tell, my major is going to be pretty demanding. I will update as often as possible, though, so don't worry!

And also, yesterday (January 14th) marked the one year anniversary of the VERY FIRST Frump trip that ever occurred on this earth! At this time right now, Kristen, Vickie, Me, and My Mom were at the Yacht Club! Kristen and I will be feeling very nostalgic for the next couple days while we remember the fun times we experienced. Ahh that was such a fun time.

And also, I added a new portion to the this trip report! You may notice my "Christmas Tips" being thrown into the updates. So if you haven't already, please catch up with my edit that I added in to this post right near the beginning!
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43638391&postcount=3
That should explain it! If you have any questions, let me know!

Alright I think that's enough rambling for tonight. Here's the update! Enjoy!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 3: What's Christmas Without A Little Disney Shopping?
December 6th, 2011

After our delicious lunch, my Mom and I decided to browse through the stores in Downtown Disney. There was a lot of fun merchandise to look at that day!

Our first stop was the Christmas Store, which was the perfect place to visit around this time of year! The first thing I noticed when I walked in...

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/1039/dsc0064o.jpg

DEER GENIE! How fantastic is that!?

I was very partial to the Toy Story Merchandise in this store. Specifically this beautiful stocking (that Nat would LOVE):

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/1743/dsc0065ld.jpg

And this Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head Ornament! So precious!

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/3665/dsc0066dz.jpg

I loved this 7 Dwarves mural that was on the wall. It's such an amazing piece of artwork!

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/1187/dsc0067gy.jpg

This leads me to my next tip:

Christmas Tip #3: Pay attention to the decorations in the stores in Downtown Disney. Oftentimes they are overlooked because everyone is distracted by the merchandise. But they really are beautiful!

I kept walking through and then saw the best ornaments ever.... DISNEY TRANSPORTATION ORNAMENTS! There's a Bus... and a Monorail... and a Tram... and a Jungle Cruise Boat!!! How awesome is that?!

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/9743/dsc0069c.jpg

They had the Mickey's Christmas Village Displays all set up. They are also for sale, but they are SUPER expensive. However, one day when I win the lottery, I am going to buy them all so I can have my own Disney Christmas Village. They are SO CUTE!

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/6158/dsc0070oa.jpg

I saw this Advent Calendar that I LOVED! We almost bought this because our one at home is very old. However, I don't think we ever got around to purchasing it. It's just perfect though, isn't it!?

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/962/dsc0071ge.jpg

We made our way completely through the Christmas Store, and then we went over to Tren-D to look around. This has to be one of my top favorite stores in Disney. I don't often buy anything from here (well, I got a few things on my most recent trip!) but I LOVE looking around. It's a disney loving teenage girl's dream store.

The light fixtures in here are so cool. I'm telling you, LOOK AT THE DECORATIONS IN THE STORES!! I noticed so many cool things that day.

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/1526/dsc0074ep.jpg

I thought this shirt was really cute. Very clever Tiana merchandise.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3169/dsc0075eo.jpg

I LOVED this Little Mermaid shirt. Sadly, I didn't see it when I went back later that month. Good thing I took a picture of it!

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/3039/dsc0077ee.jpg

We exited Tren-D and made our way over to Guest Relations! We decided that we wanted to get a Tables in Wonderland Card!

Christmas Tip #4: For Annual Passholders and Florida Residents, Tables in Wonderland is a great way to save money on Disney Dining. What the card does is that it takes off 20% of your bill, and then adds back on 18% gratuity. So basically, you're saving the tip. It really adds up and my parents are VERY happy we got it - they like this even better than the dining plan!

The Tables in Wonderland Card cost $75 dollars and it's going to stay good until January 31st, 2013! So that's a good long time!

Our next stop was Ghiradelli's because I WANTED ICE CREAM! Ice Cream is my favorite food and since I didn't have dessert at Wolfgang Puck Express, it was time to load up on some sugar!

We got The Domingo - aka the Banana Hot Fudge Sundae. We split it between the two of us and it was plenty! Ghiradelli Hot Fudge is RIDICULOUSLY phenomenal. Oh my God.

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/6678/dsc0080mmd.jpg

Once we were filled up with that chocolately goodness, we headed over to The World of Disney.

LOOK WHO IT IS!

http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/3765/img0393sw.jpg

My idol.

Here I go with the decorations again. THEY'RE JUST SO AWESOME! Like... look at this castle. It's basically like the real thing shrunk down and plopped in the middle of the store. So cool.

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/2496/dsc0082ax.jpg

And this is an even better sight... ALADDIN AND JASMINE!!!!

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/5521/dsc0083sw.jpg

So while I was looking around, my Mom got a phone call. She was chatting away, and then all of the sudden I found the best merchandise I have ever seen in my life. Whoever my Mom was talking to on the phone probably thought I was a nut because I was FREAKING OUT and talking a million miles an hour.

LOOK AT THESE SHIRTS!

IT'S THE MONORAIL!!! YOUR HIGHWAY IN THE SKY!!!

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/2203/dsc0084cq.jpg

And you all know how much I love the PeopleMover!!!! IT'S A PEOPLEMOVER SHIRT!!! PAGING MR. MORROW, MR. TOM MORROW!!!

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/2366/dsc0085ki.jpg

Seriously the best shirts I have ever seen in my life. They were actually reasonably priced too!

So yes, I bought both of them. And I bought the monorail one for Kristen for her Christmas Present. She screamed when she opened it. PROBABLY BECAUSE IT'S THE BEST SHIRT EVER MADE.

At World of Disney, I also bought a Santa Mickey Hat, Mom bought some polka dot socks with hidden mickeys in them, and then I got the promotional christmas castle blanket of the year!

We cashed out and then exited the store. Our next stop was Basin, which my Mom and I never had been to before!

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/1695/dsc0096m.jpg

THIS STORE IS AWESOME. Oh my gosh, I can't even get over how cool it is! For those of you who have never been in there, Basin is basically a store full of soaps. But really cool ones! Like take a look:

Hidden Mickey Soap:

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/9060/dsc0090zhf.jpg

Ice Cream and Cake Soap:

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/391/dsc0092vq.jpg

Princess Soap (Perfect for me, right?!):

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/2782/dsc0093ax.jpg

Caffeine Soap (which I really needed that day after getting up so early!):

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/6982/dsc0094o.jpg

"Not recommended for couch potatoes." LOL

And last but not least... DEER SOAP!!!!

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7484/dsc0089nrl.jpg

Those are only a few of them, too. There were SO many cool designs. I loved it!

Then we went over to the hand scrub table, which was SO cool. This stuff seriously worked - my hands felt amazing afterwords!

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/127/dsc0095ea.jpg

Christmas Tip #5: Make sure you use the exfoliators at the hand scrub tables at Basin! They work so well and they smell fantastic! Plus, it's a free trial! It's awesome.

We used the Almond kind, which smelled AMAZING. My Mom ended up buying it because she loved it so much. As well as the almond scented lotion. It had a unique kind of Almond smell to it.. it's hard to describe. It was sweet. I loved it.

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/5147/dsc00902c.jpg

While we were standing around the hand scrub table, my Mom struck up a conversation with this old woman who was from Minnesota. My Mom asked her if she knew about the Mayo Clinic. The old lady did, and she had only good things to say about it!

My Mom asked about the Mayo Clinic because during my sophomore year of high school, my Mom was actually diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The doctors were going to perform a very serious surgery on her, but my Dad insisted on her going to get a second opinion. He had heard of how amazing the Mayo Clinic is, so my parents took a trip there. My Mom was given the amazing news that she did in fact not have cancer, but a different non-cancerous condition that was treatable! My parents swear by the Mayo Clinic and ALWAYS recommend that people go there if they are diagnosed with cancer to get that second opinion. It is absolutely an amazing place and truly turned my Mom's life around.

So my Mom told this old lady her story and the lady was so touched. She was so happy that it all worked out for her. I do know that this lady told us a story about people she knew who went there as well, but unfortunately I forgot to write it down. However, I know it was about how the Mayo Clinic helped out people she knew. It's such a great place - my family is so thankful for it!

So after chatting for quite a while, we parted ways. My Mom made her purchases and we were on our way to our hotel!

Continued in Next Post (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43798421&postcount=183)

[kansasdisneygal]

I did the salt scrub too! AH-MAZ-ING!!! Basin is super cool!! When my best friend and I went to Tren-D she got this gorgeous scarf that's pink and has darker pink outlines of hidden mickeys on it! It's so soft and I want to steal it everytime she wears it :laughing:

Totally off topic question, but we're going in May and want to try more restaurants at the resorts. What would a couple of your top picks be for resort dinner dining?? THANKS!!!!

[__disneygirl]

Oh man... DEER AND SANTA GENIE!! I love it!

I agree so much about the store decorations/displays... especially at Animal Kingdom, so much of that stuff looks like priceless art and they just use it to hold up t-shirts!

OMG THOSE SHIRTS. WHEN are they going to bring back the old PeopleMover spiel? The new one is nothing compared to the old one!

Basin is one of my favorite places at WDW but I've only been to the Grand Floridian location! I've heard the DTD one is even better.

WOW that is an UNBELIEVABLE story about your mom and the Mayo Clinic! She sure had an angel on her shoulder. I wonder how many misdiagnoses occur every day, it's so terrible. I'm so happy your mom is ok :hug:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I totally agree, the shop decorations are amazing!

Love all the shirts that you saw at Tren-D and of course the monorail and Peoplemover shirts. :thumbsup2

Basin:love:

What a wonderful story about your Mom and the Mayo Clinic. :goodvibes

[Dream426]

We got that advent calendar the last time we went. I did too much damage in their christmas store.

[DMGeurts]

Great update! I am anxious to spend a day at DTD... I am sure my girls will love Tren-D, and maybe (gasp) they might actually buy something Disney???

We'll have to try the hand soaps and the Ghiradelli sundae - need to add that one to my spreadsheet, it looks delicious!

D~

[Caretames1]

What a great day at DTD! We love to have that first half day there. I suggest to everyone that they have to wander it, there is so much to see!

Kadence got that exact Miss Piggy for Christmas! The Disney store was having a sale, 2 plushes for 28 so we got her Miss Piggy and of course Kermit!

The Mayo clinic is a few hours drive from here, and I personally know 3 families who have been treated there. There is a kind a awe the that place, you know you're going to be taken care of there!

[cindianne320]

Oh, wow, Jess- how scary about your mom's cancer scare.

I live in MN, and one of my friends from high school actually was diagnosed with leukemia while pregnant, and the Mayo clinic saved her and the baby's life. My friend is now an oncologist nurse.

DTD is absolutely beautiful at Christmas. I can't wait to take my children there someday.

[Samlovesthemouse]

I just wanted to post and say how much I love all your trip reports! I don't post much due to loads of uni work and a full time job:sad2: but over christmas I sat and read all of your trip reports, it was sooooo much fun! :thumbsup2

I wish i could get to WDW as often but living in the UK airfare is a killer and student/business trainee money is poor!

I love the deer face, all your cute disney clothes and how much fun you guys have. I think you look sooo much like jasmine....is that who you auditioned for? I would love to be Belle! In fact id take any job there!

Good luck in college! You'll do great! :goodvibes

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I'm a little late but here! I have 10 pages to catch up on :)

[Kelliroo3]

Wow, what wonderful news for your mom and your family. Amazing. :)

Love love love the shopping update! But wait! Hold the phone. Stop the presses....A MR. TOM MORROW SHIRT!? WHAT??? How was I not aware of this!? I was at Disney in December! 7-11, and did not see it! AHH! Wow! I so hope they are there in May! I want one!!!! Thanks for sharing those; they are amazing. I need both of them!!! Do you remember what section of the store they were in??

Love the ice cream; yum yum! I always get the peanut butter one but might have to try to get a different one haha. We'll see. Tren-D is a fun store! Never bought anything there but always enjoy looking around.

Good luck in school! :) Can't wait for more updates!

[petals]

Yes I did! Probably because I didn't tell a soul. :laughing: Don't worry. And aww that's so fun! I hope you had a magical trip! :wizard:


Ok I was wondering how I missed the fact you were going then when I was reading your other trip report! :goodvibes

Luvin the new update btw. Basin is totally cool. I didn't see the monorail and peoplemover t-shirts though.

[IheartDDuck]

I'm here! (FINALLY!)

I just have to go back and read!

[katt789]

Ah!! The Ariel shirt!! I tried it on, but it was one of those "baggy styled" shirts that just didn't fit quite right & gave me the pregnant look (which a lot of them do, due to me having a bigger chest :sad1: ) Haha! I did manage to find a kermit one and another ariel one in TrenD for myself though! I had a new love to that store on my past trip!
Excited for more!

[Laffites Landing]

Hey there Jess. I just got finished reading your previous thread and since I am completely outside of your demographic (other than being a hardcore lover of Disney), I kind of felt like I was stalking!

Anyway, here I am to stalk some more your Christmas Trip Report. In many ways, I think my daughter is going to be like you where it comes to Disney when she is your age in about a decade or so. She is already telling me that she wants to work as Belle in the parks (mainly because she looks a great deal like her). I would be such a proud Father if that ever came to pass.

I'm planning on beginning my own pre trip report in March for our June trip to WDW this year. I am going to use some of your format on mine if you don't mind. It is just so easy to read and fun. I even asked my wife today all the questions you seem to put your friends through. Stuff like "Who's your favorite Disney character, movie, song....etc". It was a lot a fun to find out what she said. I'm subscribing and look forward to upcoming "chapters"!

[ChattaAlley]

The decorations are very cute. Love the Santa Genie.

There is just too much great merch at all these stores. It is so hard for me to make decisions :confused3 on what to get. I think you made some fantastic choices. Love :lovestruc the Monorail and Peoplemover shirts.

Sorry to hear your mother had to go through that but I am very glad she got such great news and that your dad insisted on a second opinion.

Loving the tips. :thumbsup2

[disneyhockeymad]

I'm here! Finally! So excited read your Christmas report and so excited that you got to go twice :) too cool! That scrub looks amazing, it's definitely going on my to do list when I head out there in September! :) good luck with your new college, I can definintely see you being a drama student!:)

[emma212010]

OMG I love the Basin!!!! :love: That store is amazing!!! It smells soooo good in there!

Oh and I agree, the decorations in the shops are beautiful!! That's the best part of going shopping in DTD! I love Tren-D too! It's such a cool little store!

OMG Ghiradelli's!!!!!!!!!!!! :love: That is all I have to say! :laughing: Soooo good!!


Good luck to you in your new college! I hope all goes well for you and that you truly enjoy it! :goodvibes

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

I've read a your previous reports, so I guess you can count me in on this one too! They are always enjoyable!




I saw this Advent Calendar that I LOVED! We almost bought this because our one at home is very old. However, I don't think we ever got around to purchasing it. It's just perfect though, isn't it!?

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/962/dsc0071ge.jpg



I actually have this! It was a suprise present my parents sent up for my family after I helped them plan a Christmas weekend at Disney! We loved it!

[DirtyDiana]

YAYYYYYYY
I'm so excited for this TR! I can't wait to see pics of all the Christmas decorations!

I'm trying to do the CP too! I'm applying for fall :) If I don't get in I think I will seriously be crushed. It will be the death of me, lol. I recently went through that college-change thing too. I discovered what I was majoring in probably wasn't for me and now I'm changing to something new. It somewhat sucks since I've already taken numerous classes towards my old one, but oh well. I think I will be much happier :)

And I need that Miss Piggy and those monorail & people mover shirts :eek: Jealous!

[disneylovin24]

Good luck at your new college!:goodvibes

I LOVE the Mr.Tomorrow shirt! Definetely one of Disney's best products ever!

That sundae looks delicious! I wanted to go to Ghiradelli on my trip but I never got there:guilty: I think ever time I was going to go I ended up getting a Mickey Premium Bar for ice cream instead:laughing:

Can't wait for more!:goodvibes

[Disneyfreak508]

I did the salt scrub too! AH-MAZ-ING!!! Basin is super cool!! When my best friend and I went to Tren-D she got this gorgeous scarf that's pink and has darker pink outlines of hidden mickeys on it! It's so soft and I want to steal it everytime she wears it :laughing:

Totally off topic question, but we're going in May and want to try more restaurants at the resorts. What would a couple of your top picks be for resort dinner dining?? THANKS!!!!

I know, right!? Basin is the best.
And ahh I actually got a scarf for my friend from Tren-D! And I secretly want to steal it, too :laughing:
And hmmm I would definitely reccomend Kona (for breakfast or dinner) and Ohana (for dinner) at the Polynesian! Cape May at the Beach Club for dinner is REALLY good. And Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge for any meal is a lot of fun as well! I hope that helps! Let me know what you decide!

Oh man... DEER AND SANTA GENIE!! I love it!

I agree so much about the store decorations/displays... especially at Animal Kingdom, so much of that stuff looks like priceless art and they just use it to hold up t-shirts!

OMG THOSE SHIRTS. WHEN are they going to bring back the old PeopleMover spiel? The new one is nothing compared to the old one!

Basin is one of my favorite places at WDW but I've only been to the Grand Floridian location! I've heard the DTD one is even better.

WOW that is an UNBELIEVABLE story about your mom and the Mayo Clinic! She sure had an angel on her shoulder. I wonder how many misdiagnoses occur every day, it's so terrible. I'm so happy your mom is ok :hug:

Oh my gosh yes! Animal Kingdom has SUCH amazing gift shops... I can't believe how authentic everything is! FOR A GIFT SHOP. Disney just is too good.

I went to the Grand Floridian one on this past trip! I like both of them... but the DTD one is bigger. I just love Basin so much!!

Oh my gosh yes, she definitely did. That whole experience was really hard for my family but finding the Mayo Clinic was absolutely a God-sent miracle. You gotta have faith at times like that. Thank goodness it all worked out okay because I love my Mom too much for anything to happen to her! :hug: And ugh I think about that all the time.. and that's why my Mom loves to spread that Mayo Clinic story. Because second opinions are ALWAYS a very good idea. But thank you! I am happy too!

I totally agree, the shop decorations are amazing!

Love all the shirts that you saw at Tren-D and of course the monorail and Peoplemover shirts. :thumbsup2

Basin:love:

What a wonderful story about your Mom and the Mayo Clinic. :goodvibes

Aren't they!? I love them.
Haha thanks!
And thank you! It really was a miracle!

We got that advent calendar the last time we went. I did too much damage in their christmas store.

Did you!? I love it!! I wish we would have remembered to get it. I can just imagine myself one day when I have a house of my own to decorate for Christmas. It's going to be dangerous. :rotfl:

Great update! I am anxious to spend a day at DTD... I am sure my girls will love Tren-D, and maybe (gasp) they might actually buy something Disney???

We'll have to try the hand soaps and the Ghiradelli sundae - need to add that one to my spreadsheet, it looks delicious!

D~

DTD is awesome! And THEY SHOULD BUY SOMETHING DISNEY!!! Gasp, Disney merchandise is an essential key to life!!
Yes, definitely try both of those out! You won't be disappointed!

What a great day at DTD! We love to have that first half day there. I suggest to everyone that they have to wander it, there is so much to see!

Kadence got that exact Miss Piggy for Christmas! The Disney store was having a sale, 2 plushes for 28 so we got her Miss Piggy and of course Kermit!

The Mayo clinic is a few hours drive from here, and I personally know 3 families who have been treated there. There is a kind a awe the that place, you know you're going to be taken care of there!

It really was! We enjoyed that too. It was a different sort of pace than we usually take right when we get there, but I enjoyed it very much!
Hahaha did she really!? That is AWESOME! I want a Kermit and Miss Piggy stuffed animal!! I'm sure she takes very good care of them.
Oh wow, is it!? That's so cool. And wow, that is so amazing to hear. I agree. I went there one time with my Mom for a followup appointment and that place is just amazing. It's definitely worth the travel time because you can tell that they really care about their patients!

Oh, wow, Jess- how scary about your mom's cancer scare.

I live in MN, and one of my friends from high school actually was diagnosed with leukemia while pregnant, and the Mayo clinic saved her and the baby's life. My friend is now an oncologist nurse.

DTD is absolutely beautiful at Christmas. I can't wait to take my children there someday.

I know! I am so happy that it all worked out, but it was a really scary time.
Oh my God. That is an absolutely beautiful story. I will have to share that with my Mom. I'm so glad that they were able to save two lives - what a miracle!
It really is! DTD is so magical when it's all done up for the holidays! I love it. And I can't wait until I can take my children there someday, too! (wayy down the road. :laughing:)

I just wanted to post and say how much I love all your trip reports! I don't post much due to loads of uni work and a full time job:sad2: but over christmas I sat and read all of your trip reports, it was sooooo much fun! :thumbsup2

I wish i could get to WDW as often but living in the UK airfare is a killer and student/business trainee money is poor!

I love the deer face, all your cute disney clothes and how much fun you guys have. I think you look sooo much like jasmine....is that who you auditioned for? I would love to be Belle! In fact id take any job there!

Good luck in college! You'll do great! :goodvibes

Thank you! I'm so glad you were able to read them and enjoyed the stories! Don't worry about not posting - I'm just glad you're here!
Aww yeah I understand. Well, at least you have disboards to tide you over until you can get back!
Thank you LOL we love that deer face too. And thanks! I think I own more Disney clothes than regular clothes! And yay that's so nice! Thank you! I would love to be Jasmine or Belle or ANYTHING. But when I auditioned I just went for a "face character" audition. You don't specify ahead of time.
But thank you so much! I really hope so!

I'm a little late but here! I have 10 pages to catch up on :)

Hooray! Thank you for reading yet another report! It's good to have you here!

Wow, what wonderful news for your mom and your family. Amazing. :)

Love love love the shopping update! But wait! Hold the phone. Stop the presses....A MR. TOM MORROW SHIRT!? WHAT??? How was I not aware of this!? I was at Disney in December! 7-11, and did not see it! AHH! Wow! I so hope they are there in May! I want one!!!! Thanks for sharing those; they are amazing. I need both of them!!! Do you remember what section of the store they were in??

Love the ice cream; yum yum! I always get the peanut butter one but might have to try to get a different one haha. We'll see. Tren-D is a fun store! Never bought anything there but always enjoy looking around.

Good luck in school! :) Can't wait for more updates!

Thank you! It really was a miracle. Thank goodness!
Thanks! And YES I KNOW, RIGHT!? It's an AWESOME shirt!! I saw it on twitter a few days before I went so I made sure to scope it out. I hope you can get it next time. Since their so awesome, hopefully they'll still be there due to popular demand! I remember that they were in that main room in World of Disney that leads up to the castle replica. With the big TV screen in it. Hopefully that helps! I don't know if they're still there, but I'm sure the CM's could help you!
Thank you so much! I can't wait to write more updates!

[Disneyfreak508]

Ok I was wondering how I missed the fact you were going then when I was reading your other trip report! :goodvibes

Luvin the new update btw. Basin is totally cool. I didn't see the monorail and peoplemover t-shirts though.

Haha yeah. It was a spontaneous trip!
Thank you! I love Basin as well. I didn't see those shirts around very much... only in World of Disney and the Emporium.

I'm here! (FINALLY!)

I just have to go back and read!

HOORAY! Welcome! I hope you enjoy!

Ah!! The Ariel shirt!! I tried it on, but it was one of those "baggy styled" shirts that just didn't fit quite right & gave me the pregnant look (which a lot of them do, due to me having a bigger chest :sad1: ) Haha! I did manage to find a kermit one and another ariel one in TrenD for myself though! I had a new love to that store on my past trip!
Excited for more!

Aww I'm sorry it didn't fit you right! I totally know what you mean though because they fit me weird too. They're like cut short or something. I don't know.
But oh my gosh those both sound REALLY cute. Tren-D is the best!! I wish it was more affordable because I would own everything in the store. :rotfl:

Hey there Jess. I just got finished reading your previous thread and since I am completely outside of your demographic (other than being a hardcore lover of Disney), I kind of felt like I was stalking!

Anyway, here I am to stalk some more your Christmas Trip Report. In many ways, I think my daughter is going to be like you where it comes to Disney when she is your age in about a decade or so. She is already telling me that she wants to work as Belle in the parks (mainly because she looks a great deal like her). I would be such a proud Father if that ever came to pass.

I'm planning on beginning my own pre trip report in March for our June trip to WDW this year. I am going to use some of your format on mine if you don't mind. It is just so easy to read and fun. I even asked my wife today all the questions you seem to put your friends through. Stuff like "Who's your favorite Disney character, movie, song....etc". It was a lot a fun to find out what she said. I'm subscribing and look forward to upcoming "chapters"!

Hahaha aww don't worry! I'm glad you're enjoying the trip reports!
Your daughter sounds just like me when I was a kid! Seriously though, I used to say the same exact thing. I'm tellin' ya, if you raise her on Disney (between the movies and going to the parks) and then the magic just hits her in the right way, she's probably gonna end up just like me. :rotfl:
Go right ahead! I got my ideas from reading other TR's around the dis! I'm sure your pretrip report will be a lot of fun! I hope you all have a magical trip! And thank you for reading!

The decorations are very cute. Love the Santa Genie.

There is just too much great merch at all these stores. It is so hard for me to make decisions :confused3 on what to get. I think you made some fantastic choices. Love :lovestruc the Monorail and Peoplemover shirts.

Sorry to hear your mother had to go through that but I am very glad she got such great news and that your dad insisted on a second opinion.

Loving the tips. :thumbsup2

I agree!
I know, right!? I seriously need to work at Disney so I can get merch discounts. I would save hundreds of dollars :rotfl: All I buy is disney stuff anyways. And thank you! I was happy with what I picked out!
Aww thank you! I'm SO happy that whole situation ended okay. It was scary!
Thanks I'm glad!

I'm here! Finally! So excited read your Christmas report and so excited that you got to go twice :) too cool! That scrub looks amazing, it's definitely going on my to do list when I head out there in September! :) good luck with your new college, I can definintely see you being a drama student!:)

Hooray! Welcome, welcome! It was a lot of fun!
You should definitely try the hand scrub! It's a unique little thing to do but it's lots of fun!
Thank you! And aww that's so sweet! :goodvibes I hope everything will work out well!

OMG I love the Basin!!!! :love: That store is amazing!!! It smells soooo good in there!

Oh and I agree, the decorations in the shops are beautiful!! That's the best part of going shopping in DTD! I love Tren-D too! It's such a cool little store!

OMG Ghiradelli's!!!!!!!!!!!! :love: That is all I have to say! :laughing: Soooo good!!


Good luck to you in your new college! I hope all goes well for you and that you truly enjoy it! :goodvibes

I know, right!? It's so awesome.
DTD is just a wonderful place. I love everything about all of the stores!
YUM I wish I could have an ice cream sundae right now!
And thank you! That's all I hope too! I survived the first day so it can only get better from here! :thumbsup2

I've read a your previous reports, so I guess you can count me in on this one too! They are always enjoyable!




I actually have this! It was a suprise present my parents sent up for my family after I helped them plan a Christmas weekend at Disney! We loved it!

Hooray! Thanks for being here! I'm glad you're enjoying them!
Aww that's so cute! How nice of them. That is an awesome advent calendar! It's the best one I've ever seen!

YAYYYYYYY
I'm so excited for this TR! I can't wait to see pics of all the Christmas decorations!

I'm trying to do the CP too! I'm applying for fall :) If I don't get in I think I will seriously be crushed. It will be the death of me, lol. I recently went through that college-change thing too. I discovered what I was majoring in probably wasn't for me and now I'm changing to something new. It somewhat sucks since I've already taken numerous classes towards my old one, but oh well. I think I will be much happier :)

And I need that Miss Piggy and those monorail & people mover shirts :eek: Jealous!

I have hundreds of them coming your way, so I'm glad you're excited haha
Aww are you!? That's awesome. I was going to apply for fall, but now spring is looking like the better option because of this whole transfer thing.
And you know what? I'm really proud of you! I always give people a lot of credit for changing their major or transferring because that means you know what you love and you're going for it. So I hope everything works out for you, and in the long run you will be happy you did something that makes you happy!
Aren't they awesome!? You will need to get them!

Good luck at your new college!:goodvibes

I LOVE the Mr.Tomorrow shirt! Definetely one of Disney's best products ever!

That sundae looks delicious! I wanted to go to Ghiradelli on my trip but I never got there:guilty: I think ever time I was going to go I ended up getting a Mickey Premium Bar for ice cream instead:laughing:

Can't wait for more!:goodvibes

Thank you so much!
I know, right!? Love. It.
Yummm those sundaes are unbelievable. I didn't get a mickey bar on either trip because I ate so much other stuff. (I know, that's practically a sin. I'M SORRY!) But one day you'll definitely have to get a sundae!

[onelilspark]

6) I am hoping to do the Disney College Program either next year or the year after. I NEED TO DO IT. I can’t even explain how much I wish I could do it now. Unfortunately, I can't for many reasons. But EVENTUALLY it will happen. The DCP has been my only life plan since the age of 12. The major I am choosing in college is demanding, so I don’t know if leaving in the middle of the program is going to be my best idea. But I’m hoping I can just do it anyway. Disney is my biggest priority.


So I need to read more of your report, just joining in now. But I wanted to comment on the thing I quoted from your first post.

Do it. School will wait, you can do summer classes. I started to go through the process for the CP, gathering information and such. But it meant I would have needed to take 2 summer classes to graduate on time and at the time I dismissed the CP as being too difficult to fit into my schedule. It is the *one* thing I regret not doing. My cousin and best friend both did the program and they say it was one of the best experiences of their lives.

Obviously you know what's best for you, but don't dismiss the CP as being too difficult if it's something that you really want to do. Try your best to make it work :thumbsup2

(...sigh, I sound so old!)

[onelilspark]

Christmas Tip #1: If you're renting a car, think about joining National's Emerald Club. This is the EASIEST way to rent a car. By joining, you don’t have to wait in line at the rental car check-in desk. You go to the garage, pick your car, go through the little gate, and leave! Very convenient if the airport is crowded with fellow Christmastime travelers!


To add to this tip...if you go to Mousesavers.com, you can get a free membership to the Emerald Club.

[skyfired]

Finally all caught up on all of your other trip reports so I can get on this one! I'm so excited to follow along- I :lovestruc:lovestruc Disney at Christmas time!

Also, I have to say I loved your Mother/Daughter report! I'm going with my Mama in March and we're staying at AKL too!

[TinkerbellinNY6]

Enjoying your updates! Can't wait to read more:goodvibes I am sorry that you don't have a trip planned right now, my next trip isn't until August to watch my nieces' dance!

Did you start the semester yet? I started mine today and found out I get to study a company of my choice, any guess on my choice? :rotfl:

[IheartDDuck]

Okay, phew, I'm all caught up. Here we go:

It's good that you've decided to do something that you ultimately believe will make you happy. You only have so many opportunities to do that in live, and you should take control of them when you can. I regret not fully following my dream sometimes. I wanted to be a Disney Animator (for real), and went to school as an art major. But I allowed things to get in the way and just changed course.

Anywho, I think you've made a good choice and I hope you're happy at your new school.

Love WPE. I don't know if you've ever eaten breakfast there, but dear lord, I highly recommend it. Best breakfast ever!

[librarymouse]

Hey Jess! Just wanted to say that I hope your first week at your new school is going well- let us know how you like it! Love all the Christmas/shopping updates too- I love seeing the Disney merch!

[schmoopypoo]

Just wanted to say I've read all your trip reports and love them! I hope DD grows up to love Disney as much as you...she's only 10 and has been 6 times (we're DVC members too :thumbsup2). She actually reads your trip reports with me and gets all excited anytime there's an update. Can't wait for the rest!

[oopsiDAISY]

6) I am hoping to do the Disney College Program either next year or the year after. I NEED TO DO IT. I can’t even explain how much I wish I could do it now. Unfortunately, I can't for many reasons. But EVENTUALLY it will happen. The DCP has been my only life plan since the age of 12. The major I am choosing in college is demanding, so I don’t know if leaving in the middle of the program is going to be my best idea. But I’m hoping I can just do it anyway. Disney is my biggest priority.

I have been a lurker on ALL of your trip reports and decided to come out of hiding... :upsidedow

Not sure if you have seen it yet, but another Diser is doing a TR on her 5 months with the college program. She is not TOO far into it yet if you would like to follow it. Here is a link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2843750

[Tinkerbellgal]

I read every single one of your trip reports and I love them all, so I decided to stop lurking :thumbsup2

You always take amazing pictures too! <3

[Disneyfreak508]

So I need to read more of your report, just joining in now. But I wanted to comment on the thing I quoted from your first post.

Do it. School will wait, you can do summer classes. I started to go through the process for the CP, gathering information and such. But it meant I would have needed to take 2 summer classes to graduate on time and at the time I dismissed the CP as being too difficult to fit into my schedule. It is the *one* thing I regret not doing. My cousin and best friend both did the program and they say it was one of the best experiences of their lives.

Obviously you know what's best for you, but don't dismiss the CP as being too difficult if it's something that you really want to do. Try your best to make it work :thumbsup2

(...sigh, I sound so old!)

Welcome!
I just wanted to thank you so much for those words. I am so sorry that you didn't end up doing the CP. :( But everything happens for a reason I guess.
I am going to do whatever it takes to do that CP. It has been my only life plan since I was 12 years old... IT HAS TO HAPPEN! I think my top choice of when to go right now is next year spring semester. Since my program is so vigorous (and I want to double major) I know my advisors are going to discourage me from doing it and waiting until after college... but I can't. I'm going to do whatever it takes so I can go!!
So thank you so much for the encouragement! I hope it all works out!

To add to this tip...if you go to Mousesavers.com, you can get a free membership to the Emerald Club.

Ah yes, it was mousesavers! That's where we got the code haha. Thank you - I'll add that in.

Finally all caught up on all of your other trip reports so I can get on this one! I'm so excited to follow along- I :lovestruc:lovestruc Disney at Christmas time!

Also, I have to say I loved your Mother/Daughter report! I'm going with my Mama in March and we're staying at AKL too!

Hooray! Welcome, welcome!
And aww you guys are going to have an AMAZING time! Mother daughter trips are the best.

Enjoying your updates! Can't wait to read more:goodvibes I am sorry that you don't have a trip planned right now, my next trip isn't until August to watch my nieces' dance!

Did you start the semester yet? I started mine today and found out I get to study a company of my choice, any guess on my choice? :rotfl:

Thank you so much! I can't wait to write more!
Haha aww it's okay. I'm sure I'll figure something out soon. I have some potential ideas of when I could go, but nothing is booked yet. And yay that's awesome! August will be here before you know it!
Yes I started on Monday! And hahaha I totally would have done the same thing. :rotfl: At least you'll have fun with that!

Okay, phew, I'm all caught up. Here we go:

It's good that you've decided to do something that you ultimately believe will make you happy. You only have so many opportunities to do that in live, and you should take control of them when you can. I regret not fully following my dream sometimes. I wanted to be a Disney Animator (for real), and went to school as an art major. But I allowed things to get in the way and just changed course.

Anywho, I think you've made a good choice and I hope you're happy at your new school.

Love WPE. I don't know if you've ever eaten breakfast there, but dear lord, I highly recommend it. Best breakfast ever!

Aww thank you so much! I know this is the right choice, because if I ever did anything different I would regret not doing this. I am SO much happier already. And I'm sorry you didn't fully get to live out that dream :( But I'm sure you've had many other good dreams come true!
And thank you so much! Once I am adjusted and used to everything, I know I'm going to love it!
I haven't actually but it looks AWESOME. Next time I'm in the area at breakfast time I most definitely will eat there!

Hey Jess! Just wanted to say that I hope your first week at your new school is going well- let us know how you like it! Love all the Christmas/shopping updates too- I love seeing the Disney merch!

Thank you so much! I am really liking it so far - I can tell this was a good decision! :) And oh thank you! I'm glad you like the updates!

Just wanted to say I've read all your trip reports and love them! I hope DD grows up to love Disney as much as you...she's only 10 and has been 6 times (we're DVC members too :thumbsup2). She actually reads your trip reports with me and gets all excited anytime there's an update. Can't wait for the rest!

Aww thank you! I'm so glad! And aww that's so precious! I hope she always loves Disney as much as she does now! (if not more!) Thank you both for reading and I will try and update as soon as I can!

[DirtyDiana]

I have hundreds of them coming your way, so I'm glad you're excited haha
Aww are you!? That's awesome. I was going to apply for fall, but now spring is looking like the better option because of this whole transfer thing.
And you know what? I'm really proud of you! I always give people a lot of credit for changing their major or transferring because that means you know what you love and you're going for it. So I hope everything works out for you, and in the long run you will be happy you did something that makes you happy!
Aren't they awesome!? You will need to get them!



Yay! I can't wait to see them! There is no such thing as too many Disney Christmas photos haha. That's so exciting! I'm hoping that if I'm accepted for Fall that I will be able to extend for Spring so maybe I'll see you there :p I'm really proud of you too! It's a great feeling when you realize that you need to do what you love. I LOVE theater and would like to major in it but I unfortunately don't see a career in it for me. But I will do it for the rest of my life on my own time though! Sounds like you've got everything all worked out :)

[Disneyfreak508]

I have been a lurker on ALL of your trip reports and decided to come out of hiding... :upsidedow

Not sure if you have seen it yet, but another Diser is doing a TR on her 5 months with the college program. She is not TOO far into it yet if you would like to follow it. Here is a link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2843750

Aww yay! Thank you for doing so! It's nice to know you're here!
And AHH I started reading it and I LOVE IT. I was actually thinking of doing that myself when I finally do the college program, so it's nice to see how she's doing it! Yay thanks for sharing that with me!

I read every single one of your trip reports and I love them all, so I decided to stop lurking :thumbsup2

You always take amazing pictures too! <3

Aww thank you so much for reading! It's nice to know that your'e here! And aww thank you! I love taking pictures :goodvibes

Yay! I can't wait to see them! There is no such thing as too many Disney Christmas photos haha. That's so exciting! I'm hoping that if I'm accepted for Fall that I will be able to extend for Spring so maybe I'll see you there :p I'm really proud of you too! It's a great feeling when you realize that you need to do what you love. I LOVE theater and would like to major in it but I unfortunately don't see a career in it for me. But I will do it for the rest of my life on my own time though! Sounds like you've got everything all worked out :)

Haha I totally agree! Yay let me know how it all goes, because that would be AWESOME! I hope I can do it next year.
And oh my gosh, YEAH it is. I mean, today is my third day of classes, and literally every day I feel even better about my decision. Thank you!
It's sort of difficult for me to think about what type of career I'm going to do with my theatre degree exactly, because I'm not the type of person who wants to move off to New York or LA. But I do know I want to work for Disney, so this theatrical training is going to help me SO MUCH. Then if I want to live in my hometown, maybe I could do some teaching or work at/own a studio. And I'm hoping to dual major in communications as well so that will open a ton of other doors for me. The possibilities are endless! :goodvibes I'm just SO glad I made this decision to transfer. (lol sorry for giving you my life story there. I have a lot of ideas swirling around in my head) It's really exciting trying to figure out what to do with myself! It's like a big adventure!
Yeah keep up with theatre! Even if it's not done professionally, the experience is just amazing.
Thank you so much! And thanks for reading!

[LilAnn]

Hi Jess, I hope you are getting all settled in at your new college and that it's going well.

Yay for WPE! I love eating there! You didn't get dessert though? I love their creme brulee and it's such a large portion! So yummy. Our little girl was loving the mac and cheese there.

Love Basin. I can spend so long in that store between smelling the different soaps and looking at all the designs.

What an amazing story about your mom and the Mayo Clinic. Crazy that she could have gone through all that treatment for cancer when she didn't even have it!

And ohhhhh, the Disney Christmas village houses. I want them so bad! I just need way more money.......

[debrapagliasotti]

OMG, :love: Basin!! Went to the Basin White store in Las Vegas in May and the lady told me about the stores at GF & DTD. I knew immeadiately that I would be making a trip there! The scrub is AMAZING! I have the Satsuma scent :)

[basketkat]

I'm a little tardy, but I'm here!!! I love your trip reports!!!! :cool1::thumbsup2

[marDgreen88]

omg, I totally missed this update! I dunno what was wrong with me a few days ago, but I missed Kristen's update too! SO HELLO, I'm dumb. Anyways, very cute idea with the Christmas tips, I love it!

THOSE ORNAMENTS! Those are just perfect. My future tree will hold those proudly I tell ya.

Hahahhaha YES! That monorail shirt is amazing! I got it too, and I had a freak attack when I found it as well. I wish I had bought the PeopleMover shirt too! I was running out of money by the time I saw it, though hahah wahhh. (NEXT TIME.)

Wow, that's so incredible about your mom! I'm so glad she didn't have cancer! That must have been so scary for yall. God was looking out for yall for sure. :)

[mom of princess]

Love your TRs:)

Glad to read this one so I have some ideas of things to check out when we go in (drumroll please) 175 days:cool1::cool1:

Have to show DH those shirts. He always says his 2 must rides are the monorail and the TTA! :lmao: of course we bought THE monorail shirt of years past... And the monorail playset for his game room. His dream job at retirement is to drive a monorail or the MK train.:confused3 whatever...he's a high school teacher now. As long as I can get away from the PA winters I'll support him!

I do want to check out basin, thanks for the pictures of what I should expect.
Can't wait to read more!

[Jazzabelle508]

I'm Back :)

Sorry I haven't commented in a while, I actually just got back from Disney myself, it's nice to have so many TR's 2 catch up on while I deal with Disney Homesickness! Anyway on to your updates.

I find it amazing how little sleep I can function on while in disney! I find myself able 2 wake up at crazy early times and sleep at super late times all in one day. I say this because I can totally understand how easy it is 2 wake up early when leaving for disney.

Yay for Disney music on your way 2 the airport! It really does help start the trip on a good note!

Glad you guys managed to find a spot at your airport parking lot without 2 many problems! It is pretty much impossible to park at our local airport.

Glad you got to your gate with out any problems! That is also a great way 2 start a trip!

I love when i get the opportunity to give tips to disney newcomers! I had one family that we gave tips to that we saw many times throughout the day and then at our resort that night!

Love the hat you are wearing in your picture! I can't really convince myself to actually buy mickey and minnie ears but I love modeling them!

That must have been really weird for you 2 rent a car on this trip! How did you enjoy the experience? Did you find you like rental cars better or do you still perfer the disney buses? my family normally rents cars on our trips but I am working on convincing my mom to go on the buses for a future trip.

Love the pics of the signs leading up 2 disney! I always try to get pics of those signs but my camera isn't fast enough to really get the pics!

[Disneyfreak508]

Hi Jess, I hope you are getting all settled in at your new college and that it's going well.

Yay for WPE! I love eating there! You didn't get dessert though? I love their creme brulee and it's such a large portion! So yummy. Our little girl was loving the mac and cheese there.

Love Basin. I can spend so long in that store between smelling the different soaps and looking at all the designs.

What an amazing story about your mom and the Mayo Clinic. Crazy that she could have gone through all that treatment for cancer when she didn't even have it!

And ohhhhh, the Disney Christmas village houses. I want them so bad! I just need way more money.......

Hi! Thank you so much. It's going REALLY well. I am so much happier here... it was SUCH a good decision! :goodvibes
I'm not a big creme brulee person, but my parents had it from WPE in February and they loved it! I had a few other DTD desserts in mind for that trip so someday in the future I will have to actually get some at WPE! And yum that mac and cheese is WONDERFUL!
It's a great store! I could totally spend hours in there!
And I know... that whole situation was insane. Thinking about it just stresses my Mom out so much... because she almost went through all of that treatment for no reason. That would have been awful :( Thank God everything worked out!
I KNOW. One day when I am a millionaire I will buy them all. LOL

OMG, :love: Basin!! Went to the Basin White store in Las Vegas in May and the lady told me about the stores at GF & DTD. I knew immeadiately that I would be making a trip there! The scrub is AMAZING! I have the Satsuma scent :)

Me too! Oh wow, there's on in Las Vegas!? That's so cool. I bet they're all over the country! You definitely will have to check out the WDW ones! And mmm I bet that smells great!

I'm a little tardy, but I'm here!!! I love your trip reports!!!! :cool1::thumbsup2

Welcome, welcome! I'm glad you are on board for another one!

omg, I totally missed this update! I dunno what was wrong with me a few days ago, but I missed Kristen's update too! SO HELLO, I'm dumb. Anyways, very cute idea with the Christmas tips, I love it!

THOSE ORNAMENTS! Those are just perfect. My future tree will hold those proudly I tell ya.

Hahahhaha YES! That monorail shirt is amazing! I got it too, and I had a freak attack when I found it as well. I wish I had bought the PeopleMover shirt too! I was running out of money by the time I saw it, though hahah wahhh. (NEXT TIME.)

Wow, that's so incredible about your mom! I'm so glad she didn't have cancer! That must have been so scary for yall. God was looking out for yall for sure. :)

Hahaha it's okay! As long as you found it now - that's all that matters! Thank you!
Same here. I need to start buying a new ornament every time I go to Disney so I can have enough to fill a whole tree. :laughing:
Next time for sure! Those shirts are the best!
And yeah that was awful :( But I'm so glad everything worked out! And you're right about that for sure!

Love your TRs:)

Glad to read this one so I have some ideas of things to check out when we go in (drumroll please) 175 days:cool1::cool1:

Have to show DH those shirts. He always says his 2 must rides are the monorail and the TTA! :lmao: of course we bought THE monorail shirt of years past... And the monorail playset for his game room. His dream job at retirement is to drive a monorail or the MK train.:confused3 whatever...he's a high school teacher now. As long as I can get away from the PA winters I'll support him!

I do want to check out basin, thanks for the pictures of what I should expect.
Can't wait to read more!

Thank you so much!
YAYYY your trip is soon! It'll be here before you know it!
Oh my gosh that's precious. I bet he would be a fantastic monorail driver! Someday he'll have to get down there and live out that dream! (Plus the warm weather wouldn't be too bad of a thing to throw into the deal. :laughing:)
You're very welcome! I'm sure you'll enjoy it! And thank you! I can't wait to write more!

I'm Back :)

Sorry I haven't commented in a while, I actually just got back from Disney myself, it's nice to have so many TR's 2 catch up on while I deal with Disney Homesickness! Anyway on to your updates.

Welcome back! I know, coming home and experiencing that Post Disney Depression is the saddest thing. I don't think mine is going to go away until I go back! :laughing:

I find it amazing how little sleep I can function on while in disney! I find myself able 2 wake up at crazy early times and sleep at super late times all in one day. I say this because I can totally understand how easy it is 2 wake up early when leaving for disney.

I know, right!? It's kind of crazy.

Yay for Disney music on your way 2 the airport! It really does help start the trip on a good note!

Haha I listen to Disney music every day... so my life is just one happy disney-music-filled experience. :laughing:

Glad you guys managed to find a spot at your airport parking lot without 2 many problems! It is pretty much impossible to park at our local airport.

Yeah, I mean it was a little tricky but I'm glad we finally found one! I hate when airports are crowded! :headache:

Glad you got to your gate with out any problems! That is also a great way 2 start a trip!

I love when i get the opportunity to give tips to disney newcomers! I had one family that we gave tips to that we saw many times throughout the day and then at our resort that night!

That's really cute! I love when that happens!

Love the hat you are wearing in your picture! I can't really convince myself to actually buy mickey and minnie ears but I love modeling them!

Thank you! I bought those back when I was in middle school LOL. I don't think I ever actually wore them to the parks... but they are really cute and are displayed proudly in my bedroom at home!

That must have been really weird for you 2 rent a car on this trip! How did you enjoy the experience? Did you find you like rental cars better or do you still perfer the disney buses? my family normally rents cars on our trips but I am working on convincing my mom to go on the buses for a future trip.

You know, I liked it a lot! There are a lot of plusses and minuses to the whole car rental thing. I love the convenience... but I don't like how much farther it is from the park entrance. And it is tricky to drive around WDW so it's easier when the bus driver knows where he's going. So I don't know... I really like both! As long as I'm in Disney and I'm being transported.. I can't go wrong!

Love the pics of the signs leading up 2 disney! I always try to get pics of those signs but my camera isn't fast enough to really get the pics!

Thank you! I know.. it's tricky!

[Disneyfreak508]

Hello, everyone! So I have officially completed my first week of classes at my new college.

I have FANTASTIC news... I absolutely LOVE it here.

I feel more at home here after a week than I did after 3 months at my old college. It's like God was telling me to get my butt over here, because this is absolutely PERFECT for me. The theatre program is AWESOME. I'm taking acting, speech, physical theatre, and ballet which are all really fun! (as far as theatre courses go. There are a lot of less interesting core classes, but you know)

And the whole department is REALLY nice. I have gotten to know a lot of people in the past week! It's so great. Seriously, this was such a good decision. I don't have one regret in the world! I really think this was where I was supposed to go!

I will continue to keep you all updated, but I just wanted you to know that the first week went wonderfully. So everything is really working out! Thank GOD!

The only downside is that my internet connection is pretty weak, so I am having some issues with ImageShack. Thankfully, after resizing all of the pictures (and sadly reducing the quality) I was able to email them to Kristen and she uploaded them all for me! But until I go home and do a mass upload (or figure out another solution) I'm going to be a little slow on the updates. I'll let you know how that all works out, too.

I wrote the update last night and I finally have these pictures, thanks to Kristen, so I'm going to post it! I hope you enjoy!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4: An Off-Property Experience
December 6th, 2011

We finished up our shopping and browsing, and decided that it would be a good idea to make our way out of Downtown Disney.

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/993/imageyeve.jpg

DEER!

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/2929/imagejsy.jpg

We stopped in front of this guy to take a picture, just because I love him.

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2817/imagerec.jpg

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4630/imagebncs.jpg

We made our way to the parking lot and drove out of Downtown Disney! It was time to go to the hotel!

I finally got some pictures of these road signs that I never was able to capture before because I have always been on a bus. So I guess that's one more benefit of driving.

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/9753/imageoqh.jpg

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/9536/imagellfm.jpg

Alright, so like I said, we were headed to our hotel. Goodbye Disney....

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/5549/imagetlx.jpg

Dun, Dun, Dunnnn.

This calls for an explanation.

We were staying off property.

I KNOW! YOU'RE SHOCKED BEYOND BELIEF, RIGHT!?

You see, this trip was taken very spontaneously. We literally planned it one week before. And since we had our other trip coming up literally days after we came home, we wanted to keep the cost down.

So, basically my whole life we have been members of this timeshare called Interval International. My parents bought it when I was 5 when we were in Aruba. We've gone to a few good places with it, but we mostly used it to exchange for Disney property. However, Disney is no longer one of their destinations as of like.. my freshman or sophomore year of high school. So that's why it took us so long to invest in DVC, which we purchased when I was a sophomore.

We absolutely LOVE DVC, so we have no trouble using up our points there. On the other hand, it's difficult for us to actually use up our weeks for Interval. It's almost impossible to find places that are available. (that are actually nice)

So anyways, for this trip we decided to stay off property and use our Interval Timeshare just to use up some weeks. All we would have to pay would be the exchange fee and then we'd have a place to stay. Lovely, right?

We picked out this place called "Westgate Vacation Villas." It looked decent online, I suppose. Of course it's not going to be Disney, but we thought we could survive.

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/2898/imagecte.jpg

This hotel was located in Kissimmee, Florida which you would be familiar with if you ever drove in the area outside of Disney. Oh my God, it's a reality shock once you leave those beautiful gates. Literally, this place is like, tacky tourist central.

So we arrived at the Westgate Vacation Villas and pulled in. From a distance, it really doesn't look too bad. I was trying to tell my Mom "it's fine, don't worry. It can't be that bad. It kind of looks nice."

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/6299/imagedpo.jpg

We drove in and went to the main check in building. The resort was HUGE. Like... I don't even know how to explain it. It was just building after building, spread out all over the place. I felt like I was in this maze of random orange buildings.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/542/imageoeq.jpg

The inside of the check in building was huge too. It was weird, because you could tell they were trying VERY HARD to be a nice hotel. Like, VERY hard. It looked all sparkly and unusually clean... like nobody had been in there in a very long time.

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/3108/imagefaf.jpg

And they decorated with wreathes. How thoughtful. LOL

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/2637/imagenpnf.jpg

Yeah, the giant lobby was practically deserted. That probably should've been our first sign. But you know, whatever. Sorry I didn't take a picture. I should have.. but you know. Absorbing all of this was a lot to handle.

There was this "tourist information center" that was all about the "Orlando Theme Parks." (ew I just hate that. "Orlando Theme Parks." Like... no. It's DISNEY WORLD or nothing. Bye.)

Universal was advertised EVERYWHERE. And okay, I don't want to discriminate because I know that the rides are good and everything. But we all know I am a 100% Disney girl. Nothing's gonna change that. The forced universal advertising in this lobby was a little too much for me.

So we got to the desk and checked in. Every employee we encountered was foreign, which I don't mean in a bad way AT ALL. Because at Disney we encounter an unlimited number of foreign CM's and they're all wonderful. But here, they seemed a little off. They didn't speak english well, first of all. And on top of that they were VERY pushy.

They took our name and information and everything. And then they asked for our credit card number "just to keep on file..." which my Mom found VERY sketchy. So we reluctantly gave it to them. They wanted to hold a $50 deposit for some reason. It was just weird. That gave us a bad feeling.

Then they had us go over to the concierge where this lady could ramble on about all of the great deals and coupons they had for universal. And they wanted to sell us a timeshare for that hotel. And she asked my Mom "is your husband with you?" which is just another sketchy question to ask. My Mom was like "uh.. no," and the lady stopped talking to us about the whole timeshare thing. We were like... okay?

So... once we were all checked in, they had this guy Donald take us to our room. He rode in this golf cart while we followed behind him to our building, which was Building GG202.

That's Donald on the golf cart, and yes, that is a Thomas the Tank Engine train thing in the background. Random much?

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/7016/imagexfq.jpg

So, you would think that since this guy Donald had a Disney name that we would feel better about this whole thing. However, he was a creep. He brought up our luggage for us, and he literally stayed in our room for TEN MINUTES. Maybe fifteen. I don't know.. it was a VERY long time. And he just wouldn't leave! He took us through every single cabinet, and every single drawer, turned on all of the TV's, explained all of the paperwork, etc. It was a little much. My Mom and I were both like... okay, you can leave now. He was super creepy and made us uncomfortable. We were really happy when he left haha

Now, at this point I couldn't tell if I was just spoiled by Disney Resorts or if this really was no good. It's a touchy subject because I don't want to come off as a snob or anything, but like... it just was not good! My Mom and I were getting these bad vibes from the place. We just were not satisfied there and it had literally only been minutes.

I took some pictures of the room:

The living room with the beautiful, tacky, teal leather couches. (and my Mom may be smiling, but she was thinking "get me out of here.")

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/1914/imageoqi.jpg

Here's the bedroom:

http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/9840/imagedxv.jpg

And the bathroom:

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3876/imagerix.jpg

It was a little dated, as you can probably tell. And I mean, it might not look bad, but we just got this weird vibe from the place.

I decided to unpack. Living out of a suitcase is such a burden to me, so I thought I might as well just do it.

Speaking of which, Stacey's channel was all fuzzy. That's just not okay. I need to have Stacey playing when I'm unpacking and I could barely understand her. UGH.

After about 40 minutes of trying to get settled, it was already time for us to head out to dinner! I got my Christmas attire on, took a mirror picture on my iPhone, (because I'm super cool, you know) and then headed out the door!

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3196/imageyot.jpg

Thank God, we wanted to get out of there.

Continued in Next Post (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43819073&postcount=216)

[mom of princess]

In honor of your 'listen to Disney music daily' lifestyle, I honored you today with the Wishes soundtrack pixiedust: and main street electrical parade soundtrack at work today. You are right, it does make the day better:thumbsup2

[jecskc]

During our September trip, we stayed at our other time share place and we felt exactly the same way. And ours had those mirrors every where too. And even though we already owned points, they called us constantly to try to get us to come to a "free breakfast". I quit answering the phone and they sent a maintenance man up to check and see if our phone was working. It was so annoying.

I was so happy get checked in at Saratoga Springs for the last few days of our trip. We vowed to never stay off property again if we could help it. So I completely understand how you felt.

[MickeyLuvrLauren]

Hi Jess! Ive started reading your TR and its sooo good! I'm really enjoying it so far, so keep up the good work! :thumbsup2

[Disneyfreak616]

Yayy it worked! I'm so glad! Ew that place is mega sketch LOL. Good thing I'm in on all this hehehe.

[IheartDDuck]

I remember when DVC used to exchange with Interval International. We never did it before, but that stinks that they were so icky.

That's the thing that I hate about all other timeshares that are not Disney. I went to Las Vegas with my cousin and we used her timeshare while we were there. Well, as soon as we checked in, it was all about "you want to buy this, take our tour, buy-in more, blah blah blah". It was so annoying! I looked right at her and said "they don't do this at Disney. FYI."

[mermaid764]

I am so happy for you that switching schools has been an awesome experience:goodvibes

Ugh about the accomodations....I would have been seriously creeped with an employee that stayed in the hotel room for that long, hopefully things improved for you guys

Can't wait to hear more

[SmallWorld71]

So glad to hear that your first week at your new school went so well!:banana:

And, while I can assure you that there are some perfectly nice places offsite, I'm getting the creeps from this place too and I wasn't even there.:eek:

[Mich123]

So glad you're happy at your new school! Are you near to home?

We stayed at a Westgate timeshare in Orlando that my parents actually purchased for the purpose of a big Disney trip for me and my family, my brothers, their wives and the grandchildren. It was our first family Disney trip (I'd stayed at Coronado Springs for a conference the year before) since 1985 and I was so jealous of everyone that was staying on property! Thank goodness, my immediate family booked an extra four days (after a week at the timeshare) at POR. We were constantly lost trying to get from Disney to the timeshare--no problem getting to Disney, but we seriously got lost every time! We actually knew where we were, but couldn't get back. Ended up in Celebration. Ended up on a toll road with no change. Ended up on the way to the airport. It was a crazy nightmare.

Pretty much as soon as that trip was over I was plotting the next trip and my mom and dad said that if we ever went to Disney again that they'd like to stay with us. I said, "OK, but when we go again, we are staying on Disney property and we are all doing the dining plan." Thankfully they agreed!

Since you had two trips the same month, I can completely understand staying offsite for one---I hope it turned out ok and that Donald was not seen again!

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I was excited for you when you said Westgate Villas because a former student of mine and her parents own a property there and I went to visit theirs and it was BEAUTIFUL. I was really upset when I saw the pics of yours :( Theirs was all black leather furniture, stainless steel appliances with multiple bedrooms and was beautiful. I can't believe that villa was on the same property!!!!! So sorry for that yuck of a room!! The resort is very large though! Did you end up staying there the whole time??!!! There are so many other horrible places off property in that same area lol. I live about 5 mins from that resort :)

[Disneyatheart90]

Hey I just started reading your TR and am loving it.

I"m sorry you got weird vibes from Westgate, I stay there all the time and love it, I've also stayed in Disney resorts and love that too but we don't always have the money for it. The question about if your dad was there may have seem sketchy but really she was trying to sell you a timeshare and since your mom is married your dad needs to sign as well if she had decide to buy the timeshare. I agree the whole Universal thing is advertise everywhere but they have a movie theater in the main lobby that plays Disney movies everyday. Another thing I think the reason the employee stayed for awhile is to make sure you were fine with the accommodations and that everything was working fine, reason why he ran through everything with you.

It looks like you guys got a older room, where much of the building are newer reason where they were trying to look a lot newer on the outside, reason why they're was some tacky looking furniture. I've read your other TR and know your love for Stacey and I'm sorry you had issues with her channel I've never had.

It really is a nice place to stay but I understand that you love your Disney resorts, it's usually busier in the summer than during the winter.


Ok sorry about the whole Westgate spiel just wanted to just wanted to inform you about it and clear up a few things that seemed to somewhat bother you (best way I could put it). Oh and the Thomas train is kinda random but cute since it goes around the villa it's a little train ride for the kids.

[petals]

nice Santa Mickey t-shirt!

[basketkat]

I'm so glad your new school is so wonderful!!! :dance3:

Yikes to that place you're staying...how uh....:scared1:

I love your festive shirt!!! :thumbsup2

[emma212010]

Yay!!! I'm so happy you love your school! :woohoo:

WOW that is MAJOR sketch!! :eek: I would not be very happy there!! I hope everything turns out ok, though!

[arbolita]

I am so so happy to hear that things are going well so far! I know you were feeling good about your decision prior to starting the semester, but it's always a relief once you're there and able to know for sure that things are just as great as you pictured.

I was reading your description about the hotel, and I was giving it a little bit of a head tilt, because I guess we all are just used to the way Disney runs things, but my jaw dropped when you got to the part about asking your mom if her husband was there and then blowing her off when he wasn't. RUDITY.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/treecannedfresh/Gifs/4711c938.gif
Look, even Audrey Hepburn is judging her.

Anyway. Yeah, that whole situation sounds completely sketch. On the plus side, I have the same iPhone cover as you, and you look so adorable in that picture!

[kansasdisneygal]

YAY YAY YAY for LOVING your college!!!!!!!!!:goodvibes

So yea after reading what you wrote about the sketchy resort and its employees I was feelin not so great about it either...eeeekkk...creepy.
Donald sounded like a creeper...ick.
AND all the furniture is like OLD and way outdated...interested to see how you and your mother handle this resort...dun dun dunnnn.:sad2:

[marDgreen88]

JESS! That's so awesome! I'm so so so excited for you. :cool1:

Okay ew. Are yall kinda stuck with Interval (or whatever it was, I forgot already) now or can you cancel the membership or something?

I'M THE SAME WAY. If I'm in the Orlando area you'd best believe that I am not going anywhere but Disney. Yeah, I like big rollercoasters and thrill rides but my local amusement parks have plenty of those. And I'm not into Harry Potter so there's no reason to go. THANK GOODNESS.

That just... that is just so sketch. Ugh. It was something that you had payed for in advance, so there is absolutely no reason they'd need a credit card. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me that yall didn't stay there!!! (Wishful thinking.)

[Disneyfreak508]

In honor of your 'listen to Disney music daily' lifestyle, I honored you today with the Wishes soundtrack pixiedust: and main street electrical parade soundtrack at work today. You are right, it does make the day better:thumbsup2

Oh yay! That's wonderful. I'm so glad it brightened your day! :goodvibes

During our September trip, we stayed at our other time share place and we felt exactly the same way. And ours had those mirrors every where too. And even though we already owned points, they called us constantly to try to get us to come to a "free breakfast". I quit answering the phone and they sent a maintenance man up to check and see if our phone was working. It was so annoying.

I was so happy get checked in at Saratoga Springs for the last few days of our trip. We vowed to never stay off property again if we could help it. So I completely understand how you felt.

I'm glad we had a similar experience! And AHHH the free breakfast! I can't tell you how many times I heard that haha. I can't believe they called so many times that they actually noticed there was no one answering the phone!

Ahh Saratoga Springs. What a relief. That's what we have decided too! I mean, the off sites near DTD aren't that bad, but at least in the area we were in, never again!

Hi Jess! Ive started reading your TR and its sooo good! I'm really enjoying it so far, so keep up the good work! :thumbsup2

Aww thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for being here!

Yayy it worked! I'm so glad! Ew that place is mega sketch LOL. Good thing I'm in on all this hehehe.

Thank goodness! I couldn't have posted the update without you!
And yeah it was hahaha. You have no idea how much more I appreciate Disney resorts now LOL

I remember when DVC used to exchange with Interval International. We never did it before, but that stinks that they were so icky.

That's the thing that I hate about all other timeshares that are not Disney. I went to Las Vegas with my cousin and we used her timeshare while we were there. Well, as soon as we checked in, it was all about "you want to buy this, take our tour, buy-in more, blah blah blah". It was so annoying! I looked right at her and said "they don't do this at Disney. FYI."

Yup! Back in the day. It's a shame they stopped because we haven't found many good places to stay since then.
I'm sorry you had that experience in Las Vegas! With DVC you never have to worry because it's like guaranteed that the place you're going will be nice. With other timeshares it can be hit or miss I guess.

I am so happy for you that switching schools has been an awesome experience:goodvibes

Ugh about the accomodations....I would have been seriously creeped with an employee that stayed in the hotel room for that long, hopefully things improved for you guys

Can't wait to hear more

Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad it's working out!
Yeah, that was really not a fun experience lol. You will have to see what happens...!
Thank you!

So glad to hear that your first week at your new school went so well!:banana:

And, while I can assure you that there are some perfectly nice places offsite, I'm getting the creeps from this place too and I wasn't even there.:eek:

Thank you so much!
Oh yeah, definitely! I know like the Wyndam (is that what it's called?) and the double tree and others in that DTD area are very nice. This one just wasn't too good! Oh well.

So glad you're happy at your new school! Are you near to home?

We stayed at a Westgate timeshare in Orlando that my parents actually purchased for the purpose of a big Disney trip for me and my family, my brothers, their wives and the grandchildren. It was our first family Disney trip (I'd stayed at Coronado Springs for a conference the year before) since 1985 and I was so jealous of everyone that was staying on property! Thank goodness, my immediate family booked an extra four days (after a week at the timeshare) at POR. We were constantly lost trying to get from Disney to the timeshare--no problem getting to Disney, but we seriously got lost every time! We actually knew where we were, but couldn't get back. Ended up in Celebration. Ended up on a toll road with no change. Ended up on the way to the airport. It was a crazy nightmare.

Pretty much as soon as that trip was over I was plotting the next trip and my mom and dad said that if we ever went to Disney again that they'd like to stay with us. I said, "OK, but when we go again, we are staying on Disney property and we are all doing the dining plan." Thankfully they agreed!

Since you had two trips the same month, I can completely understand staying offsite for one---I hope it turned out ok and that Donald was not seen again!

Thank you! I'm about an hour from my house, but that's because I live in a weird location. However, people would consider this college to be "local" because it's only 25-30 minutes from the main city! So it's perfect! Now my friends are more likely to come visit me! Yay! haha

Ahh I'm sorry your resort situation was so complicated! I guess it worked out that you got to stay at POR in the end though! LOL we had such a hard time navigating our way around, too! Not that bad because we had my handy dandy GPS, but still, we had a lot of turn arounds and such.

Yay for them agreeing! You just can't compare to the service and quality of Disney resorts. Seriously!!

Yes, that's what we thought too LOL. Don't worry, we didn't see Donald again haha. But yes, you guys will have to wait and see how this all turns out!

I was excited for you when you said Westgate Villas because a former student of mine and her parents own a property there and I went to visit theirs and it was BEAUTIFUL. I was really upset when I saw the pics of yours :( Theirs was all black leather furniture, stainless steel appliances with multiple bedrooms and was beautiful. I can't believe that villa was on the same property!!!!! So sorry for that yuck of a room!! The resort is very large though! Did you end up staying there the whole time??!!! There are so many other horrible places off property in that same area lol. I live about 5 mins from that resort :)

Oh wow, that does sound really nice!! I'm glad that we're not the only ones who thought our room was outdated! That's so crazy. It is a VERY large resort... I would never have found my way out of there if it wasn't for my Mom lol. And well... I don't want to give it away, but my Mother and I REALLY like Disney resorts... so you will have to wait and see! You will probably find out within the next update or so ;) And yeah, I wasn't a huge fan of that whole strip. But hey, you are VERY close to Disney so that is great!!

Hey I just started reading your TR and am loving it.

I"m sorry you got weird vibes from Westgate, I stay there all the time and love it, I've also stayed in Disney resorts and love that too but we don't always have the money for it. The question about if your dad was there may have seem sketchy but really she was trying to sell you a timeshare and since your mom is married your dad needs to sign as well if she had decide to buy the timeshare. I agree the whole Universal thing is advertise everywhere but they have a movie theater in the main lobby that plays Disney movies everyday. Another thing I think the reason the employee stayed for awhile is to make sure you were fine with the accommodations and that everything was working fine, reason why he ran through everything with you.

It looks like you guys got a older room, where much of the building are newer reason where they were trying to look a lot newer on the outside, reason why they're was some tacky looking furniture. I've read your other TR and know your love for Stacey and I'm sorry you had issues with her channel I've never had.

It really is a nice place to stay but I understand that you love your Disney resorts, it's usually busier in the summer than during the winter.


Ok sorry about the whole Westgate spiel just wanted to just wanted to inform you about it and clear up a few things that seemed to somewhat bother you (best way I could put it). Oh and the Thomas train is kinda random but cute since it goes around the villa it's a little train ride for the kids.

Thank you!

Ahh I meant to write a disclaimer about how I didn't want to offend anyone who likes this resort, but with the whole picture uploading fiasco I forgot to add it in.

All of the conclusions you stated are true, and I recognized those when we were there. But I think just the fact that it was only my mom and me staying in this slightly sketchy area that we had never been to before was overwhelming for both of us. I'm sorry if it came off in a bad way.

And about Donald, I'm sure he was doing his job, but I have experienced people checking us in like that before and his way of doing it was definitely on the creepy side. But I mean, there's nothing we can do about it now. It was just an observation.

Yeah, I heard about the newer rooms and that they're pretty nice! Hmm I guess we just got stuck in an old one. I missed Stacey! :( Maybe it was just our TV.

I just don't think anything can compare to Disney resorts, so this was a slight reality shock. I don't mean to bash the resort, it just wasn't what we expected. I mean, we didn't expect Disney resort accommodations, of course, but this was just wayy off the charts in our opinion.

Yes, thank you! I'm sorry if I offended you or any other Westgate Villa guest in any way! I guess that everyone just has different preferences haha. And the Thomas Train was kind of cute. My brother used to LOVE the Thomas show when he was little, so it was nice to see that he's still around haha.

nice Santa Mickey t-shirt!

Thank you! I got it at Target on Black Friday for $5!

I'm so glad your new school is so wonderful!!! :dance3:

Yikes to that place you're staying...how uh....:scared1:

I love your festive shirt!!! :thumbsup2

Thank you so much! I am too!
Yeah, that was somethin' alright! LOL
Thank you so much!

Yay!!! I'm so happy you love your school! :woohoo:

WOW that is MAJOR sketch!! :eek: I would not be very happy there!! I hope everything turns out ok, though!

Me too! Thank you!
Yeah, we definitely weren't! You'll all have to wait and see what happens! haha

I am so so happy to hear that things are going well so far! I know you were feeling good about your decision prior to starting the semester, but it's always a relief once you're there and able to know for sure that things are just as great as you pictured.

I was reading your description about the hotel, and I was giving it a little bit of a head tilt, because I guess we all are just used to the way Disney runs things, but my jaw dropped when you got to the part about asking your mom if her husband was there and then blowing her off when he wasn't. RUDITY.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/treecannedfresh/Gifs/4711c938.gif
Look, even Audrey Hepburn is judging her.

Anyway. Yeah, that whole situation sounds completely sketch. On the plus side, I have the same iPhone cover as you, and you look so adorable in that picture!

It definitely is! I was happy I was transferring, but you never know if it's all in your head. Thankfully, every day I am here, I just realize how much of a good decision this was. I wouldn't have it any other way. I really think that I was meant to go here!

Yeah, I know right!? I think they wanted to sell us a timeshare and my Dad's presence was required, but still. My Mom was just uncomfortable with the question.

HAHAHA great picture.

Yeah, it was quite a situation! But aww thank you! That iPhone cover is the best! However, I drop my phone a lot so I cracked the top of the case a few times LOL. Oh well. It's still holding up for now! Thankfully I have two backup cases for when it breaks haha

YAY YAY YAY for LOVING your college!!!!!!!!!:goodvibes

So yea after reading what you wrote about the sketchy resort and its employees I was feelin not so great about it either...eeeekkk...creepy.
Donald sounded like a creeper...ick.
AND all the furniture is like OLD and way outdated...interested to see how you and your mother handle this resort...dun dun dunnnn.:sad2:

YAYYY I'm so happy I can't even tell you! Thank you!
Yeah... it was just sketchy. We were not feelin too good about it. And I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought it was outdated!
You guys will find out shortly...!

JESS! That's so awesome! I'm so so so excited for you. :cool1:

Okay ew. Are yall kinda stuck with Interval (or whatever it was, I forgot already) now or can you cancel the membership or something?

I'M THE SAME WAY. If I'm in the Orlando area you'd best believe that I am not going anywhere but Disney. Yeah, I like big rollercoasters and thrill rides but my local amusement parks have plenty of those. And I'm not into Harry Potter so there's no reason to go. THANK GOODNESS.

That just... that is just so sketch. Ugh. It was something that you had payed for in advance, so there is absolutely no reason they'd need a credit card. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me that yall didn't stay there!!! (Wishful thinking.)

Thank you so much! I am SO much happier!
Hmm well I guess that there's a way to sell it, but we have to figure out how it works. My Dad was thinking about selling that and then investing in more DVC points in the future... so I mean, that would be AWESOME! However, that probably wouldn't happen for like 1-4 years from now. Who really knows. At least the idea is in his head!
I'm so glad you understand haha. I mean, when I do my DCP maybe I will have someone who will go to Universal with me for a day and show me around, but considering I don't like Harry Potter, I have no desire to leave Disney. Except maybe I would go to SeaWorld. But I don't know lol
I know, right? Ugh that whole situation was somethin' alright. You will have to wait and see....!

[__disneygirl]

I am so happy you are having such a wonderful time at school!!! It sounds perfect for you there. Yay!

Oh man... I remember you guys telling us about that terrible offsite place when we were at Epcot. That's all I'll say for now cause I don't want to give away what ended up happening...but I will say, Disney Property all the way!!!! :cloud9:

I hate the area outside of Disney property. I know there are some really nice areas surrounding Orlando, but the tacky tourist highways are NOT cute. I hate all the stores with fake Disney crap and huge glowy signs with painted Mickeys on them that don't even look like Mickey...uuuuuuuuuggggggggh. I didn't realize it, but before this last trip, I hadn't left Disney property on one of my trips since 2006. It's so much better to be in the bubble the whole time!

[arbolita]

Regarding Universal, I do think it's worth checking out once, especially since you can easily fit in both parks in one day and they're right across the walkway from each other. The Spiderman ride is pretty cool and so is the technology they use for the main Harry Potter ride. Although since they got rid of Jaws, I think we're breaking up with Universal for awhile. We actually decided that next time we do a long Disney vacation, we'll use the day we typically see Universal and go to SeaWorld, just to check it out. I'll definitely let you know how it is!

[pixidustmom]

All caught up. Finished the last trip and looking forward to the two combined ones.
Glad your enjoying your new school and major. I was so into my drama classes in high school. Even lettered it in. I would have died to have the chance you have. Instead I got excited to start a family instead.
I have some sad news. You know how I was planning my trip with the whole family including the grand kids. Well I had a very bad health scare, I have pulmonary embolism (several clots in my left lung). So any monies for a trip our out of the question since I have no insurance. The worst part is that is my biggest worry. I know I will be fine in time but I wanted this trip so bad!! I dream, sleep, eat Disney. I know you understand that feeling. So not having a time frame to ever get to go is breaking my heart more than I can say. My family thinks I am nuts as they said I shouldn't worry about that but I do. It's just something inside that I can't shake. It's the one place I feel so good at. I wanted to share this love with my grand kids. ugh!!
Anyway, thank you for sharing your stories, I do love to read them.

[Caretames1]

I'm so glad you're enjoying your new college. I bet you'll have the best year now!

Your hotel sounded creepy! I would have felt uncomfortable being asked those questions as well. And the bagage man....CREE-PEE!

I hope you kept your belongings close.

[Jazzabelle508]

Yay that you are loving your new school! Your class schedule sounds like so much fun, especially the dance class :).

Sad that you guys ended up staying off property :(. Hopefully the resort ends up improving a lot. I just had 2 laugh when you guys were comparing everything 2 Disney, that is EXACTLY what I do when i go anywhere in orlando that isn't disney. I also completely understand how annoyed you were about the advertising of other orlando theme parks. I really don't understand how you go 2 orlando and NOT at least WANT to spend any time in Disney :sad2:.

That place does sound super sketchy. I probably would have been really creeped out if a hotel worker spent that much time in my room.

LOVE the mickey santa ears! I have a pair just like them, I use them as a decoration during the christmas season! I also happen to have the same shirt you are wearing in the pic as well, It really is super cute!

[cocofifi]

I love, love, love all of your trip reports! So entertaining. It's refreshing to see you having a good time with your mom. My little girl is 7 - I hope she still wants to go to Disney with me when she's your age!

[ChattaAlley]

I know it must feel like a foreign land staying off property. That place didn't look that bad. But I know ow I would feel if I were to stay off property too so I understand.

The Thomas the Train was cute. My nephew loves him.

[Vwdiva93]

Hey Jess! Joining in kinda late, but that's because this is probably my first times being on the DIS so far in 2012. haha I think I'm going to make it one of my resolutions to come on here more often! It's just hard though because I have no trips at all in my future until I do the DCP.

I'm so glad you finally found the right college! I went (and am still going through) pretty much what you did at your first school as well. I definitely thought I had chosen the perfect school too but I haven't clicked with anyone here really and have been thinking about transferring. It also hasn't helped that my school is about 3 1/2 hours away from my home:sad2: Enough of my sob story though, haha. That's cool that you're taking ballet! I took it last semester and oh my gosh it was actually hard! I wasn't expecting it to be so intense, and I remember my calves were insanely sore for the first 2 weeks! It was a really interesting class though, I just wish I was better at it!

Anyways, I'm looking forward to hearing more about your trips and I'm so excited to hear about your audition! I hope to audition for fun one day so I'm anxiously awaiting your post about your experience! :)

[ronnmel]

I'm so happy for you that you are finally loving your college experience! College can be such a fun time and a good growing up experience. :)

Awwwww, I'm sorry you had such a bad experience (why am I saying that word so much today?) with the Time Share. In 2009 we spent one night with DH's parents in their Time Share, the Hilton grand Vacation Club. It was AMAZING! Beautiful granite counter top, huge tub in the master bathroom, beautiful fountain in the middle of the lake, nice big pool. Everything looked so luxurious! Like, Grand Floridian luxurious, but at a fraction of the price. Plus, we could literally walk to the Premium Outlets. Yay for shopping! :cloud9:

But, despite how amazing it looked and our great time there, we refused their offer of staying there for our honeymoon in favor of staying at POP Century. It may not be nearly as luxurious, but nothing beats being on Disney property. :thumbsup2

[POLY1985]

Jess, I'm so glad you are happy at your new college. Best of luck with all that.

I have to confess I am a Disney snob. Part of the fun of going to Disney is staying there. Even if someone were to give me a free place to stay offsite, I think it would ruin the trip for me. After spending all day in the parks, the thought of leaving the property would be too upsetting. I like heading back to my resort and seeing all my hidden Mickey's:lovestruc.

[disneyhockeymad]

Oh wow that hotel didn't look fun at all. We always stay off property (for a Brit it's sometimes better value, plus my parents refuse to spend money on the Disney hotels because at the end of the day we only use it to sleep in!) but the hotel we use is definitely a lot better than the one you were at, at least you had your Christmas trip to look forward to!! Donald sounds über creepy too, why would he need to run through everything with you? I'd kick him out haha.

Your Christmas hat and shirt are so cute! I've been to Disneyland Paris a few times at Christmas and have a santa hat with mickey ears on that I wore all the time, it was so cool :) loved it!

I'm so so glad you're loving school now, your classes sound amazing! My friend is at The American Academy of the Dramatic Arts in NYC and does things very similar to you, she loves it too :) I can't wait to hear what else you get up too :)

Ooh and I may have to pm you at sometime, we're approaching the 180 mark for our trip and I need suggestions for places to eat, the last time we went to WDW was 2008 and there are so many new places now I want to try!!

[PrincessCaitlin]

I am back and following along!

I am so glad everything is going well with your new college!

I foresee a Disney resort with 90s theme music in your future? I am sorry that other place was so bad but once you go Disney there really aren't any hotels that compare!

[cindianne320]

Anxiously awaiting your next update!!!

[Disneyfreak508]

I am so happy you are having such a wonderful time at school!!! It sounds perfect for you there. Yay!

Oh man... I remember you guys telling us about that terrible offsite place when we were at Epcot. That's all I'll say for now cause I don't want to give away what ended up happening...but I will say, Disney Property all the way!!!! :cloud9:

I hate the area outside of Disney property. I know there are some really nice areas surrounding Orlando, but the tacky tourist highways are NOT cute. I hate all the stores with fake Disney crap and huge glowy signs with painted Mickeys on them that don't even look like Mickey...uuuuuuuuuggggggggh. I didn't realize it, but before this last trip, I hadn't left Disney property on one of my trips since 2006. It's so much better to be in the bubble the whole time!

Thanks girl! I am SO much happier oh my God. I actually don't mind being here. At my first school I like cried every day for the first month and then sporadically until I left. :laughing: Geez, I'm just SO relieved right now. And LOL there is seriously this girl in the theatre program and she looks JUST like you. It's so crazy!! I need to keep reminding myself that it's not you.. or else I'll start talking Disney with her and she would probably think I was insane. :rotfl:

AHH what a nightmare. I will continue with the story, but you already know what happens... :rolleyes1

I TOTALLY AGREE. ugh it like... ew. I just don't even like it. It just makes me feel gross. The fake Disney stores are just tacky. The stuff isn't even cute! I wish it was... because if it was cute I would buy ALL of it. Unfortunately... no. Living in a disney bubble is just five million times better!

Regarding Universal, I do think it's worth checking out once, especially since you can easily fit in both parks in one day and they're right across the walkway from each other. The Spiderman ride is pretty cool and so is the technology they use for the main Harry Potter ride. Although since they got rid of Jaws, I think we're breaking up with Universal for awhile. We actually decided that next time we do a long Disney vacation, we'll use the day we typically see Universal and go to SeaWorld, just to check it out. I'll definitely let you know how it is!

Yeah, if I ever have a trip where I am down there for a VERY long time, I definitely would go there. Maybe during my DCP or something. I'm just not familiar with all of the movies all of the rides are based on in universal, so I would solely be going there for the thrill factor. Eh someday I will. I would pick seaworld over it only because I love dolphins and whales and aquatic animals haha. So let me know! We almost went on our past trip... but Disney won. SURPRISE!

All caught up. Finished the last trip and looking forward to the two combined ones.
Glad your enjoying your new school and major. I was so into my drama classes in high school. Even lettered it in. I would have died to have the chance you have. Instead I got excited to start a family instead.
I have some sad news. You know how I was planning my trip with the whole family including the grand kids. Well I had a very bad health scare, I have pulmonary embolism (several clots in my left lung). So any monies for a trip our out of the question since I have no insurance. The worst part is that is my biggest worry. I know I will be fine in time but I wanted this trip so bad!! I dream, sleep, eat Disney. I know you understand that feeling. So not having a time frame to ever get to go is breaking my heart more than I can say. My family thinks I am nuts as they said I shouldn't worry about that but I do. It's just something inside that I can't shake. It's the one place I feel so good at. I wanted to share this love with my grand kids. ugh!!
Anyway, thank you for sharing your stories, I do love to read them.

Ah thanks for reading! I'm glad you enjoyed the last one and are now here for these adventures!
Thank you! I am so happy too! Theatre seems to have hit you in a similar way it affected me. Some people just really love it! But aww starting a family is quite a blessing too, though! I'm sure that was very exciting and rewarding as well!
I am SO SORRY to hear that sad news :( Oh my gosh I feel so terrible. I will pray for you and your family - I hope you get better soon! And I will also pray that you get to go to Disney soon. I'm sure it will work out soon and you'll have something booked, but that unsettled feeling is the worst! I really am so sorry! But I hope you get to share the magic with your grandkids very soon! I'm sure you will!
Thank you so much for reading! It's great to have you here!

I'm so glad you're enjoying your new college. I bet you'll have the best year now!

Your hotel sounded creepy! I would have felt uncomfortable being asked those questions as well. And the bagage man....CREE-PEE!

I hope you kept your belongings close.

I really hope so! This year has been crazy, but it looks like we are headed in a much better direction now!
Yeah, it just gave off a very bad vibe! Not a pleasant experience, really.
Haha we did! That's for sure!

Yay that you are loving your new school! Your class schedule sounds like so much fun, especially the dance class :).

Sad that you guys ended up staying off property :(. Hopefully the resort ends up improving a lot. I just had 2 laugh when you guys were comparing everything 2 Disney, that is EXACTLY what I do when i go anywhere in orlando that isn't disney. I also completely understand how annoyed you were about the advertising of other orlando theme parks. I really don't understand how you go 2 orlando and NOT at least WANT to spend any time in Disney :sad2:.

That place does sound super sketchy. I probably would have been really creeped out if a hotel worker spent that much time in my room.

LOVE the mickey santa ears! I have a pair just like them, I use them as a decoration during the christmas season! I also happen to have the same shirt you are wearing in the pic as well, It really is super cute!

It's a lot of fun! And the theatre kids are great! I'm just so happy I'm here - this is working out great!
I ALWAYS compare everything to Disney. It's so bad because Disney completely spoils you. But like... come on. Nothing can be better!
Yeah, I definitely was. Like, I know it was his job and all... but he was just skeetchy.
Thank you! I love them they're so cute! I actually wore them to an ugly sweater party this year! :laughing: And aww do you? I love that shirt! I got it on black friday!

I love, love, love all of your trip reports! So entertaining. It's refreshing to see you having a good time with your mom. My little girl is 7 - I hope she still wants to go to Disney with me when she's your age!

Aww thank you so much! And yes, my Mom and I have SO much fun! I'm sure your little girl will want to go to Disney with you! Someday you'll have to go on a mother daughter trip! I'm sure it will be magical! :wizard:

I know it must feel like a foreign land staying off property. That place didn't look that bad. But I know ow I would feel if I were to stay off property too so I understand.

The Thomas the Train was cute. My nephew loves him.

Yeah it really wasn't the "look" that sketched us out. It was more of the feeling we got when we were there, you know? Ah well. If I have to stay off property again I would rather stay at the ones near DTD.
And yeah my brother used to LOVE Thomas. So cute. I'm glad kids still like him so many years later!

Hey Jess! Joining in kinda late, but that's because this is probably my first times being on the DIS so far in 2012. haha I think I'm going to make it one of my resolutions to come on here more often! It's just hard though because I have no trips at all in my future until I do the DCP.

I'm so glad you finally found the right college! I went (and am still going through) pretty much what you did at your first school as well. I definitely thought I had chosen the perfect school too but I haven't clicked with anyone here really and have been thinking about transferring. It also hasn't helped that my school is about 3 1/2 hours away from my home:sad2: Enough of my sob story though, haha. That's cool that you're taking ballet! I took it last semester and oh my gosh it was actually hard! I wasn't expecting it to be so intense, and I remember my calves were insanely sore for the first 2 weeks! It was a really interesting class though, I just wish I was better at it!

Anyways, I'm looking forward to hearing more about your trips and I'm so excited to hear about your audition! I hope to audition for fun one day so I'm anxiously awaiting your post about your experience! :)

Hey girl! I was actually just thinking about you since you haven't commented in a while! It's good to have you back! But I totally understand.. when I didn't have a trip planned for my entire junior year, I never came on the DIS. Once you have a plan, I'm sure you'll be back! But yay for the DCP! When are you thinking of doing it??

I am too. Oh my gosh, it's such a relief. If you're feeling that way, I would definitely look into other schools. I'm sure if you stuck it out you would survive.. but it's also important to be happy. College is so complicated. I really hope that everything works out for you!

Yeah Ballet is intense! All of us are always sore after it haha but it's really fun. I am SO happy I get to take dance classes because I quit dance when I was young and I regret it SO MUCH. ugh. But let's not get started on that lol

Thanks for reading again! And oh yes, I'll do a whole update on that! I'm glad you're looking forward to it!

I'm so happy for you that you are finally loving your college experience! College can be such a fun time and a good growing up experience. :)

Awwwww, I'm sorry you had such a bad experience (why am I saying that word so much today?) with the Time Share. In 2009 we spent one night with DH's parents in their Time Share, the Hilton grand Vacation Club. It was AMAZING! Beautiful granite counter top, huge tub in the master bathroom, beautiful fountain in the middle of the lake, nice big pool. Everything looked so luxurious! Like, Grand Floridian luxurious, but at a fraction of the price. Plus, we could literally walk to the Premium Outlets. Yay for shopping! :cloud9:

But, despite how amazing it looked and our great time there, we refused their offer of staying there for our honeymoon in favor of staying at POP Century. It may not be nearly as luxurious, but nothing beats being on Disney property. :thumbsup2

Exactly! It's a crucial part of life and a time when you're figuring yourself out... and if I was at a place that I really didn't like, that just would have turned out badly overall haha

Ohh the Hilton's are always so nice! I definitely wouldn't mind staying there! I wish our place would have been better... but oh well. I need to get to those Premium Outlets someday!

And aww that's precious. I would TOTALLY do the same thing. The Disney resort experience just beats everything!

Jess, I'm so glad you are happy at your new college. Best of luck with all that.

I have to confess I am a Disney snob. Part of the fun of going to Disney is staying there. Even if someone were to give me a free place to stay offsite, I think it would ruin the trip for me. After spending all day in the parks, the thought of leaving the property would be too upsetting. I like heading back to my resort and seeing all my hidden Mickey's:lovestruc.

Thank you so much!
Hahaha my mother and I are too, don't worry. I totally understand what you're saying. It just makes the trip, truly. Disney resorts always win.

Oh wow that hotel didn't look fun at all. We always stay off property (for a Brit it's sometimes better value, plus my parents refuse to spend money on the Disney hotels because at the end of the day we only use it to sleep in!) but the hotel we use is definitely a lot better than the one you were at, at least you had your Christmas trip to look forward to!! Donald sounds über creepy too, why would he need to run through everything with you? I'd kick him out haha.

Your Christmas hat and shirt are so cute! I've been to Disneyland Paris a few times at Christmas and have a santa hat with mickey ears on that I wore all the time, it was so cool :) loved it!

I'm so so glad you're loving school now, your classes sound amazing! My friend is at The American Academy of the Dramatic Arts in NYC and does things very similar to you, she loves it too :) I can't wait to hear what else you get up too :)

Ooh and I may have to pm you at sometime, we're approaching the 180 mark for our trip and I need suggestions for places to eat, the last time we went to WDW was 2008 and there are so many new places now I want to try!!

Yeah I know there are places that are very nice off property, however this just wasn't one of them! Yeah, I'm glad we had our Christmas trip to look forward to, too. It was wonderful. :cloud9: Oh God, I miss it SO MUCH.

But yeah.. like I don't know. That was Donald's job but still. I was like... LEAVE. PLEASE. That's enough explaining!!

Thank you! And aww that's so cute! I bet that was really fun!

Me too! I'm SO much happier to be here! And wow, that's so awesome that she goes there! I don't' think my school is quite as intense as the schools in NYC, but the program is really great and I am so happy I get to be a part of it!

Oh my gosh, PLEASE do! I love suggesting restaurants and giving planning tips, so if you have any questions at all just let me know! I'd be happy to help! :goodvibes

I am back and following along!

I am so glad everything is going well with your new college!

I foresee a Disney resort with 90s theme music in your future? I am sorry that other place was so bad but once you go Disney there really aren't any hotels that compare!

Caitlin!! Welcome back, girl! We've missed you!
Thank you so much!
Haha you will have to see...! And I know, it's so true. Disney just spoils us all! But that's okay because I love it haha

Anxiously awaiting your next update!!!

I think I am going to try and write it now! Thanks for reading!

[SuddenlyObsessed]

Hi! I am Jackie, I am pretty new on here but wanted to tell you that I have LOVED reading your TRs and you inspired me to subscribe and start writing my own pre-TR and hopefully a full TR once my trip is done in June. Your enthusiasm and love for Disney has really inspired me and made me more excited than ever for my upcoming Disney trip (which I consider my first "real" Disney trip!) Anyway, I look forward to reading more about your adventures from your trips in December!

Also, congrats on the move to a new school. I transferred colleges after my freshman year and it was also the best decision I ever made. It sounds like you absolutely did the right thing.

[Disneyfreak508]

Chapter 5: What a TRIP!
December 6th, 2011

So we zoomed out of the Westgate and breathed a deep sigh of relief when we went back under the purple arches. PRAISE THE LORD, WE'RE BACK AT DISNEY!

We had a dinner reservation at 5 o'clock. As you may remember from my introduction.. this was not only an audition trip, but it was ALSO my Mom's 50th Birthday Trip!!! So I thought we should start off our adventure at her FAVORITE restaurant - Sanaa!

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We arrived at Animal Kingdom Lodge and went over to Kidani Village!

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They told us to Park in Timon E and then take the elevator up to the main building. (Mother wanted to pose like Timon haha. What a princess.)

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Welcome to Kidani Village!

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We went Sanaa and we were seated immediately! Perfect!

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I have a slight disclaimer about our dining experiences this trip: We were SO bad at noticing the names of our waiters/waitresses! It was awful! I didn't write any down and I didn't really write my little dining reviews. I guess I was just lazy because I knew we had the big trip coming up. I'm just warning you about that now. Sorry about that!

All I know is that we had a waitress at Sanaa and she was very pleasant! We liked her a lot!

We were seated in the main room this time, but we were pretty far from the windows. Which was fine... I was more concerned about the food anyway.

Even though we were far, we could actually see some Giraffes and Zebras out the window! Well... when it was light out anyway. After it got dark, seeing animals was a hopeless cause.

Christmas Tip #6: If you want to see the animals out the windows at Sanaa, make sure you go during daylight! And during the Christmas season, that would translate as a lunch or an early dinner!

We placed our order, and while we were waiting for our food, my Mom and I were discussing our hotel situation. We were just in this weird, shocked state of "hahaha uh... what to we do?"

We did some brainstorming, and we were just curious about how much it would cost to switch to a Disney Resort. Thanks to my handy dandy iPhone, I was able to look up some rates. We mulled it over while we ate.

Soon our food was served! HOORAY!

Another thing about these Christmas Trips is that you may see some repeats of meals from past trips. Sometimes certain foods are SO good that we just get them multiple times!

I ordered the same meal that I got in April, which is the Beef Short Ribs, Shrimp with Green Curry Sauce, and Basmati Rice.

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YUM. Like... this meal is just pure brilliance. Sadly, I was still slightly full from Wolfgang Puck Express so I don't think I finished all of it... but DANG it was good. I definitely recommend getting this combination of items. It's perfection.

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My Mom started with the Salad Sampler. Roasted Beets, Kachumbar, and Bhel Puri were her three choices. The African sounding salads were recommended by our waitress, and my Mom really liked them! Unfortunately, I don't know which one is which. I do know the beets are in the middle, though.

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Mother got the Tandoori Lamb with Basmati Rice for her entree once again - same as the April trip. Mmm it's so good! I decided I'm definitely getting that for myself next time. It's SO delicious.

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And side note: Basmati Rice is definitely the way to go. If you have trouble deciding between that and the Five Grain Pilaf - TRUST ME. Get the Basmati Rice. It's so SO good.

And what's a Disney meal without dessert?! I ordered Sanaa's AMAZING Orange Sesame Cake that I also got in April. I just HAD to get it again! It's one of those desserts I was looking forward to for months. The flavor is amazing. It tastes like yellow cake with a hint of orange. And it's light and perfect and YUM! Also, the little sorbet that comes with it is very good too! It's more tart so it's a good compliment to the sweet cake. It it basically is made up of little ice shavings. It's interesting haha, I love it! Such a winning dessert.

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They also brought Mom a little Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sorbet for her birthday! How nice! She loved it!

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YAY CAKE.

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Sanaa is still my Mom's all-time favorite Disney restaurant! We loved our dinner! It was FANTASTIC! So amazing.

After finishing every last crumb of those beautiful desserts, we headed out of the restaurant.

I wanted to see the Christmas Decorations in Kidani's Lobby so we went upstairs.

SO PRETTY!

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I love these little signs:

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This tree is INSANELY tall. It's awesome.

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We also just wanted to take a quick look in the gift shop.

And guess what.

The Cast Member in the gift shop looked EXACTLY like Donald!!!

I'm not even kidding. My Mom and I were cracking up. We were SO tired so we were probably delirious when we concluded this, but from a distance it DEFINITELY looked like him! HE WAS FOLLOWING US!!! lol just kidding, he really wasn't.

We left the gift shop and went downstairs. And then we got lost and ended up back at Sanaa.

And I took a picture of this little tree by the elevator:

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So we went back up to the main floor and we had to ask for directions on how to get to the parking garage.

I may or may not have asked the Donald look-alike cast member JUST so I could get a look at his name tag and make sure it wasn't him.... LOL.

DON'T WORRY! It wasn't. It was just our imaginations going a little crazy on us. But he did have an accent. And so did Donald. But... a lot of people have accents in this world. Yeah... that's what we'll go with.

I'm tellin' ya... staying off property messes with your brain.

Or maybe Disney is the one who has messed with my brain in the first place.......

Eh, I like it that way.

ANYWAYS, thanks to the directions from the Donald look alike cast member, we found the parking garage.

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And things were looking up!

Or in my case.... down.

STORY TIME.

We were walking through the parking garage and because I am a VERY SMART teenager, I was EXTREMELY absorbed in my iPhone.

But in my defense, I was looking up Disney Resort information!!!!

I was reading my phone and walking a little slower behind my Mom. So we're going along, everything is going swimmingly.... and then...........

BAM!

Suddenly I'm on the ground.

And I literally had no idea what just happened.

Apparently there was this step in the parking garage (once again in my defense - IT WAS THE SAME COLOR AS THE PAVEMENT SO IT BLENDED IN) and I just completely tripped and fell because my iPhone DISTRACTED ME!

So yes, Jess took a tumble. Hardcore. In Disney World. In Kidani Villiage's Parking Garage.

WHAM.

I know my life is awesome.

I just remember the whole thing happened in slow motion. I just had no idea what was happening! I was just goin' down and the whole world was a blur and there was NOTHING I COULD DO TO STOP MYSELF.

It was actually extremely humorous if you think about it. If I was witnessing the scene, I would have probably laughed at myself.

There were two people who were walking a little bit behind us that saw me go down but they didn't say anything. I could imagine that they got back to their car and started cracking up. HOW STUPID I MUST HAVE LOOKED TRIPPING BECAUSE I WAS LOOKING AT MY IPHONE!!!!

Somebody really should have recorded it and sent it to America's Funniest Home Videos. I don't know if that show even exists anymore. But STILL.

The not so glamorous part of the situation was that I scraped my knee REALLY bad. (I still have a scar to this day. But it's from Disney. So whatever.) I also scraped my elbow. And I landed on my hand, but thankfully no marks were left there.

Also, my camera was around my neck and hit the ground when I fell. Thank JESUS nothing happened to it. I'm actually quite surprised, but I am SO glad.

So, in the meantime my Mom was walking ahead. And she was like "...Jess, where'd ya go?" and then she looked back and I was on the ground. HAHAHA. Why am I such a frump? I have no idea.

My Mom came back and helped me get up. So we walked to the car and got inside.

And then I just started CRYING! Like... okay, I may say I'm 18 but I really think I'm 8 years old. I cried like my child self when I used to fall on the sidewalk in my neighborhood back in the day.

I mean, my knee was in the most pain, but just the fact that I fell made me cry because I was so shocked!

Then after like 3 minutes.... I started CRACKING UP. Like absolute uncontrollable laughter. I was laughing so hard I was CRYING. Oh my God. Tears were basically streaming down my face no matter what that night.

Now, my Mom is the sweetest person in the world and you would never guess it, but she finds it EXTREMELY hilarious when people fall down. (I mean, after she checks if they're okay.) Like... she can't breathe she laughs so hard!

We pulled out of the garage when I started finding the humor in the situation. So she's driving the car through the confusing streets of Walt Disney World and she's DYING laughing and telling me "DON'T MAKE ME CRASH, DON'T MAKE ME CRASH!!" and I'm in the passenger seat just having a laughing/crying fit and restating what just happened. I couldn't comprehend that I actually FELL.

:rotfl2:

Oh my God. It was just SO FUNNY. I just couldn't even believe it.

Ahh... anyways. So I never even told you where we were going! Well this is the situation:

It was like 6:20 or 6:40 pm when we left Sanaa and we had somewhere to go anytime after 7 o'clock. So since we had a little time, we decided to go on over to a DISNEY resort to see if they had any availability for the night! We thought it would just be easier than calling.

That chosen DISNEY resort was.... *drum roll*.... PORT ORLEANS RIVERSIDE!

Since I was sitting down I was safely able to get the address from my iPhone, and we were at POR in no time!

We pulled up to the gate and the guard asked about our situation. My Mom explained to him that we wanted to check availability here because we were staying offsite. He asked where we were staying and we told him "The Westgate Villas." He said "say no more!" and opened the gate for us. Hahaha thank you, kind sir!

Mom went to the front desk and I went to the gift shop to get some peroxide and band aids for my scraped knee and elbow.

I sat on a chair in the lobby and mended my wounds while Mom chatted with the Cast Member at the desk. Thankfully it wasn't a weekend, it was off season, and we got an Annual Pass Discount, so after a little negotiating, we were able to get a reasonable price for a room for the next three nights!!!!! Mom used her birthday money that my Dad gave her to go towards the room because she just "couldn't wake up at that westgate hotel on her 50th birthday!!"

Being at Riverside was seriously a breath of fresh air. The decorations were SO pretty and I was so so HAPPY! We both were! I was still a little shaken up from my fall, but it just felt so good to know that we had a Disney Resort to go home to later!

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Once we were all settled and I was all bandaged up, we went back to the car and drove to THE MAGIC KINGDOM! We had Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party to get to!

We parked in Captain Hook 80. We got all the way to the tram... and we realized we forgot the party tickets in the car! So we had to RUN back to the car, (which was at the end of the row) and run BACK to the tram - thankfully before it left.

This was my first tram ride EVER! So that was a pretty monumental moment. I'm glad it was really frumpy.

We got to the TTC and took the monorail. And then WE WERE AT THE MAGIC KINGDOM!!!!

ASDFGHJKIUGHBKHGKJFGKJDHLKJHGBKASJKFSGJHJLHADKJ!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My excitement keeps growing as I take more trips, I swear to God.

We got through the gates and received our wristbands. We walked in and I saw my first look at the Magic Kingdom Christmas Decorations since I was TEN YEARS OLD. WOW, WOW, WOW!!! They were SO BEAUTIFUL!

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http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/8588/imageyzu.jpg

Ahhh so we had a whole party ahead of us! Get ready to be put in the Christmas (and Disney) spirit...!

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Continued in Next Post (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43864456&postcount=262)

[Caretames1]

OMG! I would have laughed so hard if I'd have seen you fall. I don't know why I do that, I am always concerned if a person is ok, but falling in my book is FUNNY!

I am glad you were ok, along with your camera and phone!:lmao:


POR!!! MY home away from home! It looked so beautiful. It was actually one year ago today that we were at POR for 10 days.

[Jazzabelle508]

Happy belated birthday 2 your mom :)

Sanna looks amazing! I have heard nothing but amazing things about it!

:( about your fall, that sounds a lot like me right down 2 the fall, sorry about your injuries though!

Yay you got another room 4 the night :) did u have 2 go back 2 the other hotel at all during the trip or did u stay @ Port Orleans the rest of the trip?

Yay MVMCP :) :) :) That party is one of my fav things about Disney @ Christmas!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Awww, poor you, I bet that hurt! However, I will say that it is kinda funny but ONLY because you were so absorbed in your phone! I have seen so many "phone" accidents. :laughing:

Hurray for grabbing a Disney room!

[Jazzabelle508]

Happy late birthday 2 your mom :)

Sanna looks amazing! I have heard nothing but amazing things about it!

:( about your fall, that sounds a lot like me right down 2 the fall, sorry about your injuries though!

Yay you got another room 4 the night :) did u have 2 go back 2 the other hotel at all during the trip or did u stay @ Port Orleans the rest of the trip?

Yay MVMCP :) :) :) That party is one of my fav things about Disney @ Christmas!

[MrsFerrell]

Cant wait to hear more. Love your story telling style!!

[katt789]

I'm so glad you got out of that offsite hotel!! I don't think I'd EVER stay offsite in Florida,though I find it doesn't matter as much at DLR? :confused3

Sana looks sooo good!! And I definitely agree on the basamati rice! They've got it at Tusker House breakfast and I fill at least half my plate with it every time! Although when I make it myself...just not the same...at all...:sad2:

That SUUCKS about your fall, thank god your camera made it through scratch free!! I know what you mean about the laughing/crying moments though! :rotfl: And yay for staying on property! And MVMCP! EEP!

[ChattaAlley]

Good restaurant choice. It would be so cool to see the animals out your window while you ate. It would be funny if all the animals had on Santa hats . . .or at least I think it would be :D.

Your mom looks so young. In fact she looks the same age as I am. So that either says I am older or I look really young. I am going with the later since I am only in my early 30's. Happy Birthday to Mother.

I am sorry about your tumble but I like your mother would have laughed (after the fact). I watch America's Funniest Videos and just crack up at all those that fall or get hurt then I feel bad cause they really could have gotten hurt. Glad it wasn't anything more then a scraped up knee. Oh . . . and that your camara was ok.

Ok . . . from now on your family should know that yall will not be happy off property. You have tried it what . . . twice now? LOL. Don't do it again. LOLOL. Just stay where you are the most happiest.

So I assume after the Christmas Party yall will have to go back to the dreaded off property hotel and get your stuff. I bet you will be beat.

[disneyhockeymad]

OK so I laughed a lot when said about your fall, but only because I've been there and done it myself, only I managed to walk into a glass door hahaha. I still find it hilarious thinking back on it, but I cried too and not because it hurt but because of the shock, my dad on the other hand was on the otherwise of the door and found the whole thing as funny as your mum did! Gotta love parents! I'm glad you were ok though, kinda neat you have a Disney scar now!

Oh my. Sanaa just looks so good, I love Indian food so this is like heaven, it is most definitely 100% a must do for us!! And that cake, yummy! I'm hungry just thinking about it all!

Magic Kingdom looks gorgeous all decorated for the holidays I can't wait to see your party pictures of the rest of it :)

[lauren_elizabeth]

This is the 2nd thing I've read about Sanaa today... it must be a sign that I need to try it! Your meal looks absolutely delicious! Oh my gosh. Is the shrimp spicy? YUMMMM! Your mama's meal looks really good, too. :love:

I'm so sorry you fell in the parking garage. That totally sounds like something that would happen to me. So funny that your mama was cracking up! ;)

I bet yall felt so much better knowing you were going to be staying at Port Orleans. The lobby decorations look so pretty.

YAAAAAAAY for MVMCP! Such a fun time!

[Disneyfreak616]

We are the same, I swear. I always do the exact same thing when I fall. I cry a little and then laugh a LOT. :P that's so funny.

Ahh that meal at Sanaa looked fabulous. I am so DEFINITELY booking us a lunch there for August. (we like the animals hehe)

Ahhh KNKJCQSKDJNCN DMNKAJDCBCKJWNEFKMV WE,FCIBDCKJ MAGIC KINGDOMMMMMM.

I CANNOT WAIT to hear about the Christmas party. Christmastime at Disney world is kinda a dream of mine. <3

[Kelliroo3]

AHH! I missed 2 updates! How did this happen?! Okay...first ones first!

Chapter 4 Reply
Yay for liking college! I'm so happy for you!! So glad it is going well!

I've never stayed off property at Disney, but I can just imagine how strange it would be! Some of the things you mentioned would be odd to me as well! The Thomas train...that is random! Interesting room; not bad and at least it's clean. The bedroom made me laugh out loud because of all of those mirrors! That would freak me out; waking up in the middle of the night with all the reflections! AHH :lmao:

Don't worry my mom and I jokingly call ourselves "hotel snobs" because Disney has spoiled us so much! Regular hotels are not the same anymore lol. We just have higher expectations now. Oh well. But honestly, as long as the non-Disney hotel is clean and safe then I'm okay!

Great update! Now onto the next. :)

[oopsiDAISY]

Oh I can't wait to hear your review of POR, that is where we are staying...in 45 DAYS!!!!! :cool1::dance3:

What a crazy story of your fall...OUCH! :eek:

[Kelliroo3]

Chapter 5 Reply

HAHAHAHAHA OMG! Can I just say I love your Disneyness! I can't believe you changed your hotel! That is fantastic. A great idea! I love POR; I stayed there in September 2010 for my first mom daughter trip. Isn't it so pretty? I loved taking the boat to DTD. Perfect and lovely.

Sanaa looks good. Have you ever tried Jiko? I'm going there with my mom for mother's day in May. We're staying at Jambo House DVC; yay can't wait! I love that hotel. I love the Timon parking lot picture. So cute. I love those details that Disney adds.

I'm sorry but :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl: ya, I'm like your mom. I laugh when people fall...but after making sure they're okay! Oh Jess! At least you have a Disney scar lol...Disney is now literally apart of you! And, I would have cried too!!

Can't wait to hear about the Christmas party. We didn't do that in December, :( Maybe next time! Have you ever tried the Halloween party? I loved that!

[Windsor Princesses]

Can't wait to read the rest of your TR Jess! We are just so jealous that you got to go for a spur of the moment Disney trip.
Was that Little Mermaid Sweatshirt from Forever 21? I got a 101 Dalmatians one a few months ago from there and that Little Mermaid one is just like it.

[emma212010]

OMG your story reminds me so much of my mom and I!! :lmao: We get laughing SO HARD sometimes that she has to pull over to the side of the road if we are driving! I'm sorry you fell, but that sure makes for great memories with your mom! :goodvibes

Oooh, Sanaa...I've yet to try it! It kind of scares me a little because I'm sure what I would like there since I'm not into seafood and a bit picky! I'm glad you enjoyed your meal, though!!

YAYAYAYAYYAY!!!! I'm so happy you get to stay onsite!!!!! :woohoo: There is no way I would last in that sketchy hotel either!

Aww I love Christmas! :goodvibes I can't wait to hear about the Christmas party!! Ahhh I want to visit for Christmas SO BAD! :goodvibes

[antnyh]

Sanaa looked amazing. We toured Kidani during our stay and I wanted to try it so bad, but we didn't have time. The lobby there was AMAZING!! Absolutely gorgeous. It was my favorite of the trip. I even liked it better than GF. So sorry to hear about the tumble. Truth be known, I did laugh at you while I was reading it. Does that make sense? Maybe not, but I did laugh. Glad you were Ok though. Plus you had MVMCP to cheer you up. Congrats on having a parent that would switch your room over to Riverside. You are right though, once you exit the Disney gates...Orland/Kissimmee has to be the most tacky tourist area ever! I thought Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg was bad. Looking forward to more updates!!

[Mollybug1]

When you are in the college program,promise you will send me a link to your blog. Also , promise you will have a blog!

I love your trip reports. They remind me of when I was in college. I was a total frump. :)

Now I am a mom, which is equally awesome, but I like remembering the time when I was completely free. So please please do a blog when you get in the college program and link it to me.

I hope my daughter and I are as close as you and your mom when she is your age. ( she is 6 and a total Disney freak. We go at least once a year). Anyway, keep writing. Your trip reports are so fun!

Also, good job switching college programs. Go after what you love to do and the money will follow. I make a great living doing what I love and I enjoy going to work. You will be so happy later in life that you pursued what you really love.
Amy

[Winnie the Goof]

It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt....then it's hilarious.
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:lmao: Your reaction was priceless. My condolences to your knee.

Sanaa looks delicious. It's so unfortunate that I find such gastronomic goodness on the same day I return to :eek: DINING HALL FOOD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g9WjcGdxuM)!

Yeah, Westgate Villas, It's like one big party! Those are my peopl.....hehe ahem....I mean, WOW, how sketchy is that place! :rolleyes1

We pulled up to the gate and the guard asked about our situation. My Mom explained to him that we wanted to check availability here because we were staying offsite. He asked where we were staying and we told him "The Westgate Villas." He said "say no more!" and opened the gate for us. Hahaha thank you, kind sir!
Haha, sounds like Mr. Security Guard has seen this happen before....not exactly a ringing endorsement for Westgate.

It's nice to know that Disney is always a bastion of safety and comfort. I'm glad your hotel situation worked out.

Can't wait to read about the Christmas Party, because that's on my to-do list for the future...

[marDgreen88]

MMMM. That food looks good. I'm kinda picky though and I want to try Sanaa but I'd be scared that I wouldn't like it! I dunno! Haha, not that it really matters.

OMG. :lmao: You're just like, OH, I'm on the ground. That's cool. Happens all the time. I can just picture your mom walking along talking to you and she looks back and you're just on the ground. Hahahahaha! I'm glad that you could laugh about it! You always have to laugh at yourself in that kinda situation. :thumbsup2

YAY POR!!! (Sidenote: I just typed ROP. Like, yeah, that's my favorite Disney resort. You didn't know it existed?) So glad yall could switch! AND YAY FOR MVMCP!!!!! AHHHH! :santa:

[Disneyfreak508]

Hi! I am Jackie, I am pretty new on here but wanted to tell you that I have LOVED reading your TRs and you inspired me to subscribe and start writing my own pre-TR and hopefully a full TR once my trip is done in June. Your enthusiasm and love for Disney has really inspired me and made me more excited than ever for my upcoming Disney trip (which I consider my first "real" Disney trip!) Anyway, I look forward to reading more about your adventures from your trips in December!

Also, congrats on the move to a new school. I transferred colleges after my freshman year and it was also the best decision I ever made. It sounds like you absolutely did the right thing.

Hi Jackie! Welcome, welcome! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the Trip Reports! Good luck with writing yours - I'm sure it's going to be great! And aww I am so glad! I am so excited for you - you are going to have a magical trip! And thanks! I am excited to write about them all!

Thank you so much! I am SO happy I did - I am a lot happier here. I'm glad that it turned out good for you too. That's great to hear. And yes, I am feeling that it was! I hope it continues to go well!

OMG! I would have laughed so hard if I'd have seen you fall. I don't know why I do that, I am always concerned if a person is ok, but falling in my book is FUNNY!

I am glad you were ok, along with your camera and phone!:lmao:


POR!!! MY home away from home! It looked so beautiful. It was actually one year ago today that we were at POR for 10 days.

Hahaha I totally wouldn't blame you!! I would laugh at myself too. :rotfl: But I'm glad I was able to get up basically in one piece LOL.
And ahh it's so beautiful. Aww 10 days there would be heavenly! We sadly didn't get to explore the resort much because we were so busy, which I regret. But it is so beautiful I love it!

Happy belated birthday 2 your mom :)

Sanna looks amazing! I have heard nothing but amazing things about it!

:( about your fall, that sounds a lot like me right down 2 the fall, sorry about your injuries though!

Yay you got another room 4 the night :) did u have 2 go back 2 the other hotel at all during the trip or did u stay @ Port Orleans the rest of the trip?

Yay MVMCP :) :) :) That party is one of my fav things about Disney @ Christmas!

I'll tell her for you!
It is DELICIOUS! I love it there!
Hahaha it was really a frumpy moment. But that's okay! I survived and now I have a great story to tell LOL.
YAY I was so excited! We just stayed at POR for the rest of the trip!
I love that party it's SO awesome!! I can't wait to tell all about it - I have TONS of pictures!

Awww, poor you, I bet that hurt! However, I will say that it is kinda funny but ONLY because you were so absorbed in your phone! I have seen so many "phone" accidents. :laughing:

Hurray for grabbing a Disney room!

Haha yeah it did... but I was okay, thankfully LOL. Of course I would do that. iPhones can be VERY dangerous!
And YAY that was wonderful! I was so happy!

Cant wait to hear more. Love your story telling style!!

Aww thank you so much! I'm glad you're here and enjoying! That means a lot!

I'm so glad you got out of that offsite hotel!! I don't think I'd EVER stay offsite in Florida,though I find it doesn't matter as much at DLR? :confused3

Sana looks sooo good!! And I definitely agree on the basamati rice! They've got it at Tusker House breakfast and I fill at least half my plate with it every time! Although when I make it myself...just not the same...at all...:sad2:

That SUUCKS about your fall, thank god your camera made it through scratch free!! I know what you mean about the laughing/crying moments though! :rotfl: And yay for staying on property! And MVMCP! EEP!

Me too! I was SO happy! And yeah the one time I went to DLR we stayed offsite which I was totally fine with. I mean, now I would rather stay onsite just because I realize I NEVER get to go there. But still... it doesn't seem too bad!

Mmm it's so good! And oh they have it there!? That's so cool I didn't know that! And aww I know. Disney food is just not the same at home sometimes.

Hahaha I know! Thank God! It was so funny though, I have to admit. And YAY YAY great stuff was happening that night!

Good restaurant choice. It would be so cool to see the animals out your window while you ate. It would be funny if all the animals had on Santa hats . . .or at least I think it would be :D.

Your mom looks so young. In fact she looks the same age as I am. So that either says I am older or I look really young. I am going with the later since I am only in my early 30's. Happy Birthday to Mother.

I am sorry about your tumble but I like your mother would have laughed (after the fact). I watch America's Funniest Videos and just crack up at all those that fall or get hurt then I feel bad cause they really could have gotten hurt. Glad it wasn't anything more then a scraped up knee. Oh . . . and that your camara was ok.

Ok . . . from now on your family should know that yall will not be happy off property. You have tried it what . . . twice now? LOL. Don't do it again. LOLOL. Just stay where you are the most happiest.

So I assume after the Christmas Party yall will have to go back to the dreaded off property hotel and get your stuff. I bet you will be beat.

Hahaha I mean if Disney REALLY wanted to decorate everything they could always put the Santa hats on the animals :laughing: But I feel like they wouldn't enjoy that too much LOL. It is fun to watch them out the window though! They are so cool!

Aww that's so nice! Everyone tells her she looks so young and I agree! I hope I age as gracefully as her! I will tell her you said happy birthday!

HAHAHA yeah I would have laughed too. I'm a frump, what can I say? Lol whenever I watch that show I'm always like "OW!! oh my GOD! they probably just got so hurt!!" I kind of freak out. I always feel bad hahaha

Yeah, DON'T WORRY! The off property thing will not happen again.

Haha you will have to see what happens!

OK so I laughed a lot when said about your fall, but only because I've been there and done it myself, only I managed to walk into a glass door hahaha. I still find it hilarious thinking back on it, but I cried too and not because it hurt but because of the shock, my dad on the other hand was on the otherwise of the door and found the whole thing as funny as your mum did! Gotta love parents! I'm glad you were ok though, kinda neat you have a Disney scar now!

Oh my. Sanaa just looks so good, I love Indian food so this is like heaven, it is most definitely 100% a must do for us!! And that cake, yummy! I'm hungry just thinking about it all!

Magic Kingdom looks gorgeous all decorated for the holidays I can't wait to see your party pictures of the rest of it :)

LOL I'm glad that you laughed - I was hoping that I described it in the funniest way possible. HAHA my friend walked into a glass door the other day. FUNNIEST THING EVER. I love thinking back on moments like those - you can definitely get a good laugh out of it! And yes, my Disney scar! How special haha

Mmm I'm glad you found Sanaa then! It's just perfect, isn't it!?

I have TONS of pictures - I can't wait to share them!

This is the 2nd thing I've read about Sanaa today... it must be a sign that I need to try it! Your meal looks absolutely delicious! Oh my gosh. Is the shrimp spicy? YUMMMM! Your mama's meal looks really good, too. :love:

I'm so sorry you fell in the parking garage. That totally sounds like something that would happen to me. So funny that your mama was cracking up! ;)

I bet yall felt so much better knowing you were going to be staying at Port Orleans. The lobby decorations look so pretty.

YAAAAAAAY for MVMCP! Such a fun time!

You probably are gonna have to go then! IT'S SO GOOD! The shrimp... hmm I want to say that there is a little kick to it, but it's not too bad considering I actually ate it. :laughing: I can't handle super super spicy stuff. And mmm my Mom's meal was great! It's just such a good restaurant the food is phenomenal.
LOL it's okay. I survived. And it was funny so I mean... no big deal. :laughing:
Yes we were SO relieved. Thank God for Disney resorts!
YAYYY it was SO fun! I can't wait to tell all about it!

[TinkerbellinNY6]

Loved the update! And that's great that you got to move to POR and be onsite! I had a moment like you well texting someone on my phone. I was in line at TOT and walked into the garbage can just before you enter the lobby and I almost walked into a pole after getting on splash! I always have a few frumpy moments on all of my trips:rotfl:

[Disneyfreak508]

We are the same, I swear. I always do the exact same thing when I fall. I cry a little and then laugh a LOT. :P that's so funny.

Ahh that meal at Sanaa looked fabulous. I am so DEFINITELY booking us a lunch there for August. (we like the animals hehe)

Ahhh KNKJCQSKDJNCN DMNKAJDCBCKJWNEFKMV WE,FCIBDCKJ MAGIC KINGDOMMMMMM.

I CANNOT WAIT to hear about the Christmas party. Christmastime at Disney world is kinda a dream of mine. <3

Hahaha "IS THE CHEESECAKE OKAY!?!?!" So funny. Falling is just the weirdest thing, I swear to God. It's like... did that really just happen? :rotfl:

It was SO good! You definitely have to go!!

MAGIC KINGDOM GHJKNBVCGHJBVGCFGYKHJBMVCFGHKJBMVGJKHLJBVFYGKHJFJD GFCVHJJFGHCNGVHGHJGBNMVGHJKGFGVMHBGKFJGHVJUYFTGCVH FTGYUTRDFGRESDFSASZESDXF!!!!!!

I'm sure you'll go for Christmas soon! It's BEAUTIFUL. I can't wait to write all about it. Except I have a TON of pictures so I hope that's okay. Thanks for helping me :hug:

AHH! I missed 2 updates! How did this happen?! Okay...first ones first!

Chapter 4 Reply
Yay for liking college! I'm so happy for you!! So glad it is going well!

I've never stayed off property at Disney, but I can just imagine how strange it would be! Some of the things you mentioned would be odd to me as well! The Thomas train...that is random! Interesting room; not bad and at least it's clean. The bedroom made me laugh out loud because of all of those mirrors! That would freak me out; waking up in the middle of the night with all the reflections! AHH :lmao:

Don't worry my mom and I jokingly call ourselves "hotel snobs" because Disney has spoiled us so much! Regular hotels are not the same anymore lol. We just have higher expectations now. Oh well. But honestly, as long as the non-Disney hotel is clean and safe then I'm okay!

Great update! Now onto the next. :)

That's okay! No problem!

It just is one of those things that you always wonder about... and then you do it and you're like "uh... nope I had it right the first time! Never again!" Yeah the room seemed clean but I still felt gross when I was in there. I don't know why. Ick I don't want to go back haha. And AH those mirrors. How weird.

I totally understand. "Hi my name is Jess and I am a Disney Resort Snob..." but really. LOL oh well. Regular hotels can not measure up to par. Unless I'm in a random city.. then I'll get over it. When I'm in Disney, I expect Disney service haha.

Oh I can't wait to hear your review of POR, that is where we are staying...in 45 DAYS!!!!! :cool1::dance3:

What a crazy story of your fall...OUCH! :eek:

YAYY! That's so SOON! You're going to have a magical time! I will definitely write about as much as I can... but unfortunately we didn't get to spend a lot of time there because it was such a short trip. But I have some pictures and such so I'll post them for sure!

And LOL oh yeah. That was real fun hahaha. :rotfl2:

Chapter 5 Reply

HAHAHAHAHA OMG! Can I just say I love your Disneyness! I can't believe you changed your hotel! That is fantastic. A great idea! I love POR; I stayed there in September 2010 for my first mom daughter trip. Isn't it so pretty? I loved taking the boat to DTD. Perfect and lovely.

Sanaa looks good. Have you ever tried Jiko? I'm going there with my mom for mother's day in May. We're staying at Jambo House DVC; yay can't wait! I love that hotel. I love the Timon parking lot picture. So cute. I love those details that Disney adds.

I'm sorry but :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl: ya, I'm like your mom. I laugh when people fall...but after making sure they're okay! Oh Jess! At least you have a Disney scar lol...Disney is now literally apart of you! And, I would have cried too!!

Can't wait to hear about the Christmas party. We didn't do that in December, :( Maybe next time! Have you ever tried the Halloween party? I loved that!

Hahaha SURPRISE! Yup, we switched. POR is SO pretty and it's such a perfect Mother Daughter Resort!

I have tried Jiko! I went there in April with my Mom on our first Mother Daughter Trip. Feel free to read it if you're interested! I have a whole chapter on it... it was on our first night! It's SO good!! Have fun at AKL... it's AMAZING!

Hahaha I totally understand, I was cracking up! It was just so funny.

And I can't wait to share about it! Aww I'm sorry you didn't get to go! Yeah, I did the Halloween Party when I was 13 (which I secretly like even more than the Christmas party just because you get to dress up and eat candy :laughing:) But the MVMCP was awesome!!!! I loved it. I have lots of pictures!

Can't wait to read the rest of your TR Jess! We are just so jealous that you got to go for a spur of the moment Disney trip.
Was that Little Mermaid Sweatshirt from Forever 21? I got a 101 Dalmations one a few months ago from there and that Little Mermaid one is just like it.

Aww thank you! It was a lot of fun. When we thought of the idea, I was like... THIS IS SO INSANE!! But we did it anyways!
Yes it was from Forever 21! I saw the 101 Dalmatians one online - it's so cute! The Little Mermaid one isn't available anymore, sadly. :( Last time I checked anyway.

OMG your story reminds me so much of my mom and I!! :lmao: We get laughing SO HARD sometimes that she has to pull over to the side of the road if we are driving! I'm sorry you fell, but that sure makes for great memories with your mom! :goodvibes

Oooh, Sanaa...I've yet to try it! It kind of scares me a little because I'm sure what I would like there since I'm not into seafood and a bit picky! I'm glad you enjoyed your meal, though!!

YAYAYAYAYYAY!!!! I'm so happy you get to stay onsite!!!!! :woohoo: There is no way I would last in that sketchy hotel either!

Aww I love Christmas! :goodvibes I can't wait to hear about the Christmas party!! Ahhh I want to visit for Christmas SO BAD! :goodvibes

Hahaha that's awesome. I know, we were DYING laughing. Such good times. It really does make great memories!

Well, there are a lot of options that don't involve seafood... but if you are picky, you might want to just look over the menu first and see if you could find something. It is VERY good, but it is definitely different!

I was SOO happy! Thank God!!

I can't wait to tell all about it! Disney at Christmas time is the most magical thing in the WORLD!

Sanaa looked amazing. We toured Kidani during our stay and I wanted to try it so bad, but we didn't have time. The lobby there was AMAZING!! Absolutely gorgeous. It was my favorite of the trip. I even liked it better than GF. So sorry to hear about the tumble. Truth be known, I did laugh at you while I was reading it. Does that make sense? Maybe not, but I did laugh. Glad you were Ok though. Plus you had MVMCP to cheer you up. Congrats on having a parent that would switch your room over to Riverside. You are right though, once you exit the Disney gates...Orland/Kissimmee has to be the most tacky tourist area ever! I thought Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg was bad. Looking forward to more updates!!

Mmm it was SO good! I love that restaurant. I guess you'll just have to go back so you can eat there! ;) It is really a gorgeous lobby. I always am in awe when I go in there.

Hahaha I'm so glad you laughed while you were reading it - I was hoping you guys would!

Yes, nothing was gonna bring me down! (well, my spirits anyway haha) I was in Disney and had to go to the MVMCP!! It was awesome.

Oh thank you. I know, I'm glad my Mom and I think alike. That really worked out for the best. And I KNOW RIGHT!? I so agree. It's so weird because Disney is this bubble of perfection, and right outside of it is just... tacky tourist central. It's weird.

When you are in the college program,promise you will send me a link to your blog. Also , promise you will have a blog!

I love your trip reports. They remind me of when I was in college. I was a total frump. :)

Now I am a mom, which is equally awesome, but I like remembering the time when I was completely free. So please please do a blog when you get in the college program and link it to me.

I hope my daughter and I are as close as you and your mom when she is your age. ( she is 6 and a total Disney freak. We go at least once a year). Anyway, keep writing. Your trip reports are so fun!

Also, good job switching college programs. Go after what you love to do and the money will follow. I make a great living doing what I love and I enjoy going to work. You will be so happy later in life that you pursued what you really love.
Amy

I promise I will do a blog! I will do a trip report or a blog or SOMETHING for sure! I need to document that experience!

Thank you so much! And haha being a frump is the best thing to be!

Aww being a Mom is so fun! I'm sure you're loving that! I will definitely write a blog or something so you can follow along on my adventures!

That's so cute!! I'm sure if you keep going to Disney, she will definitely love it when she's older! It's one of those things that just never get old!

You have no idea how much that means to me - thank you! I'm so so glad that I switched, I feel SO much better about it all. I am hoping that the money situation will work out, but I'm sure it will some how! Happiness is SO important to me, so I'm just glad I'm doing something that I actually enjoy now! No sense going through life miserable! I'm so glad you get to do what you love, too!

[Disneyfreak508]

It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt....then it's hilarious.
http://theuniblog.evilspacerobot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/1f70bp.gif http://theuniblog.evilspacerobot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/tumblr_lobr9f8jmk1qzrlhgo1_400.gif

:lmao: Your reaction was priceless. My condolences to your knee.

Sanaa looks delicious. It's so unfortunate that I find such gastronomic goodness on the same day I return to :eek: DINING HALL FOOD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g9WjcGdxuM)!

Yeah, Westgate Villas, It's like one big party! Those are my peopl.....hehe ahem....I mean, WOW, how sketchy is that place! :rolleyes1


Haha, sounds like Mr. Security Guard has seen this happen before....not exactly a ringing endorsement for Westgate.

It's nice to know that Disney is always a bastion of safety and comfort. I'm glad your hotel situation worked out.

Can't wait to read about the Christmas Party, because that's on my to-do list for the future...

HAHAHA those gifs are quite fantastic, I'm not gonna lie. Too bad nobody captured my fall. That would have made for some quality gif material. :laughing: But thank you. I'm glad my knee is better, besides my Disney scar.

LOL PERFECT dramatic sound effect. I know exactly what you mean... I literally just finished up a delicious dining hall dinner. Mm-Mm Good. Just kidding. I want Disney food.

Ahh the westgate. What a place. That security guard definitely knew what was up haha

I am very glad too! Thank goodness!

I have tons of pictures from MVMCP! I can't wait to tell all about it!

MMMM. That food looks good. I'm kinda picky though and I want to try Sanaa but I'd be scared that I wouldn't like it! I dunno! Haha, not that it really matters.

OMG. :lmao: You're just like, OH, I'm on the ground. That's cool. Happens all the time. I can just picture your mom walking along talking to you and she looks back and you're just on the ground. Hahahahaha! I'm glad that you could laugh about it! You always have to laugh at yourself in that kinda situation. :thumbsup2

YAY POR!!! (Sidenote: I just typed ROP. Like, yeah, that's my favorite Disney resort. You didn't know it existed?) So glad yall could switch! AND YAY FOR MVMCP!!!!! AHHHH! :santa:

I mean, look at the menu and see if there's anything you would want to try! It is VERY good but it definitely is different! I probably wouldn't recommend it to picky eaters.

Hahaha but really... that's how I was. :lmao: However, I surprisingly don't fall a lot. So I was just plain old shocked! HAHAHA oh my God, that whole picture of my Mom walking along is what made us laugh SO HARD. Ahh so funny. "Jess, Where'd ya go!?"

Yayyy I love that resort! Haha ROP. Riverside's evil twin. Muahaha. Just kidding Disney resorts don't have evil twins.

I'm glad we could switch too! And YAYYYYY!

Loved the update! And that's great that you got to move to POR and be onsite! I had a moment like you well texting someone on my phone. I was in line at TOT and walked into the garbage can just before you enter the lobby and I almost walked into a pole after getting on splash! I always have a few frumpy moments on all of my trips:rotfl:

Thank you! And yes, it was perfect!!

Hahaha that's so funny! I know... I do stuff like that a little too often. Phones are just so distraction!

[debrapagliasotti]

Ugh, that place looked creepy...blue leather couches?? So glad you guys were able to get a room at POR and be back on Disney property :)

So excited to hear all about MVMCP. I dont think we will go...not b/c we dont want to, but b/c I think the parties will have just ended when we get there (arrival Dec 20).

[Disneyfreak508]

Ugh, that place looked creepy...blue leather couches?? So glad you guys were able to get a room at POR and be back on Disney property :)

So excited to hear all about MVMCP. I dont think we will go...not b/c we dont want to, but b/c I think the parties will have just ended when we get there (arrival Dec 20).

Yeah... not classy! I wasn't a fan. :laughing: Thank God for Disney Property!

I can't wait to share all about it! Yeah by December 20th I think the parties will be over, sadly :( I think the last one this year was December 19th. They end pretty early. But the good thing is that they do all of the Christmas entertainment during the week of Christmas so that's exciting! Going for Christmas was probably the best experience of my life... I miss that trip SO much. This trip report is just going to be great. (and it's going to go on forever and ever. :laughing:)

[PrincessCaitlin]

Yay for being back on magic soil!!

Such an exciting trip! Auditioning and your mom's bday! No better way to celebrate than at Disney!

Adorable picture of your mom posing like Timon!

You look so cute in your Santa Mickey hat! I got one when we went in 08 and I wore it to work as much as I could during this past December :laughing:

Looks like a great meal at Sanaa! I really need to get over there one day!

Great pictures of AK's beautiful decorations!

When I first read about the CM looking like Donald I thought you meant the duck :laughing: But then I remembered the guy who tried moving in with you are your mom in the hotel room :laughing:

You and your mom are too cute love the elevator pic!

Who hasn't fallen in Disney? :laughing: I mean usually it's tripping over small children or fallen soldiers on the way to TSM but still. :laughing: I can so relate to being absorbed in a phone though I have really bad depth perception with mine and I have bypassed a few doors to my classes in college :laughing:

I am so sorry you got somewhat hurt! It is good that nothing happened to your camera! I would freak if I fell while holding my camera!

My mom and I have had a lot of those cracking up moments it is so nice having a close relationship with a parent!

I am so excited you decided to go to POR the picture of the lobby is making me even more excited for next month! Yay for staying there! I knew you would end up somewhere Disney!

Wow you two did a ton that day! Can't wait to see your MVMCP pics!

[rockin2it]

I'm sorry but you falling down just completely made me laugh! I can see myself doing that-lol.

I'm so glad you got to stay on Disney property. I don't know how anyone can go to Disney World and NOT stay on property. I love POR! We actually stayed there when we went this past September..it was nice because we had a refurbed room in the mansion section.

Disney World at Christmastime is the absolute best! The last time I was there at that time of the year was 2005 so I definitely miss it and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your pics of the Christmas decorations!

[__disneygirl]

Whoa. I could have sworn I replied to this 2 days ago. I am losing my mind, what a surprise! Oh well.

That picture of your mom posing like Timon is GOLD! Love it!!

Sanaa looks YUMMY! I remember your mom telling me that since I love Boma I would really like it there... it looks even better than Boma from your pictures though! I like that your meal came in three separate dishes, that's really cool. Ahhh I miss AKL so much!

I know what you mean about getting the same food at the same places... we do that too! It's just that you have that idea of that amazing food you had and you've been waiting to eat it again for so long, you don't even think of ordering something new! Actually, on our trip my mom got the same food at the same restaurant twice! Disney food is just too good you have to get as much of your favorites in before it's time to go!

OH MY GOD I totally remember you telling me that you tripped and fell and now I remember that I did the same thing for the same reason at Pop! I was texting and I tripped over that stone thing that's at the end of the parking spaces. WE ARE THE BIGGEST FRUMPS EVER. I'm surprised we didn't get into some crazy frumpy situation when we were at the parks together LOL. Well, we kind of did, being like the last people in Epcot and all. haha!

LOL I love how the guard seemed to know how terrible the Westgate Villas are. You know, I bet that kind of thing happens all the time.

[Disneyfreak508]

Yay for being back on magic soil!!

Such an exciting trip! Auditioning and your mom's bday! No better way to celebrate than at Disney!

Adorable picture of your mom posing like Timon!

You look so cute in your Santa Mickey hat! I got one when we went in 08 and I wore it to work as much as I could during this past December :laughing:

Looks like a great meal at Sanaa! I really need to get over there one day!

Great pictures of AK's beautiful decorations!

When I first read about the CM looking like Donald I thought you meant the duck :laughing: But then I remembered the guy who tried moving in with you are your mom in the hotel room :laughing:

You and your mom are too cute love the elevator pic!

Who hasn't fallen in Disney? :laughing: I mean usually it's tripping over small children or fallen soldiers on the way to TSM but still. :laughing: I can so relate to being absorbed in a phone though I have really bad depth perception with mine and I have bypassed a few doors to my classes in college :laughing:

I am so sorry you got somewhat hurt! It is good that nothing happened to your camera! I would freak if I fell while holding my camera!

My mom and I have had a lot of those cracking up moments it is so nice having a close relationship with a parent!

I am so excited you decided to go to POR the picture of the lobby is making me even more excited for next month! Yay for staying there! I knew you would end up somewhere Disney!

Wow you two did a ton that day! Can't wait to see your MVMCP pics!



Thank goodness!
Yeah it was a really short trip but a lot was going on at once! It was a lot of fun! My Mom said there was no place she'd rather be for her 50th Birthday!
Aww thanks! And ah yay I'm glad you have one too! It's the cutest hat ever! I wish I could wear it year round LOL
Yes you'll definitely have to try Sanaa. It's delicious!
Hahaha I had a feeling I might confuse people with that. :rotfl: But I'm glad you got it!
Thanks! Gotta love mirror pics haha
Hahaha I'm so glad I'm not the only one who is a total frump and falls down. :lmao: Oh well. I guess it's part of life. And AMEN to the tripping over strollers during the TSM mad dash :laughing:
It's okay! I'm thankful I wasn't in too much pain! And oh my God I know. If my camera would have broke.. I would have been in SUCH deep trouble because replacing is not in my budget. :laughing:
I totally agree! I love my Mom SO much. It really is awesome to have that kind of mother daughter relationship!
Haha I'm so predictable :p But yes, POR was a wonderful choice!! I'm so glad we got to stay there!
We really did! I have no idea how we managed to fit so much stuff in, but we did! It was awesome!

I'm sorry but you falling down just completely made me laugh! I can see myself doing that-lol.

I'm so glad you got to stay on Disney property. I don't know how anyone can go to Disney World and NOT stay on property. I love POR! We actually stayed there when we went this past September..it was nice because we had a refurbed room in the mansion section.

Disney World at Christmastime is the absolute best! The last time I was there at that time of the year was 2005 so I definitely miss it and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your pics of the Christmas decorations!

Hahaha I'm glad you found humor in the situation! I was hoping people would laugh LOL
Me too! I can't stay off property anymore. It just always turns into quite the situation haha. I love POR too! That's awesome that you got to stay in a refurbed room! We stayed in the mansion section so it wasn't a new room. Which I didn't mind, of course, but someday I need to go back because I really really want to stay in a reburbed one! They're beautiful!
It really is! This was probably my best Christmas EVER - there's no better place to be than Disney for Christmas! The decorations are just magical! I have lots of pictures so I hope you enjoy them!

Whoa. I could have sworn I replied to this 2 days ago. I am losing my mind, what a surprise! Oh well.

That picture of your mom posing like Timon is GOLD! Love it!!

Sanaa looks YUMMY! I remember your mom telling me that since I love Boma I would really like it there... it looks even better than Boma from your pictures though! I like that your meal came in three separate dishes, that's really cool. Ahhh I miss AKL so much!

I know what you mean about getting the same food at the same places... we do that too! It's just that you have that idea of that amazing food you had and you've been waiting to eat it again for so long, you don't even think of ordering something new! Actually, on our trip my mom got the same food at the same restaurant twice! Disney food is just too good you have to get as much of your favorites in before it's time to go!

OH MY GOD I totally remember you telling me that you tripped and fell and now I remember that I did the same thing for the same reason at Pop! I was texting and I tripped over that stone thing that's at the end of the parking spaces. WE ARE THE BIGGEST FRUMPS EVER. I'm surprised we didn't get into some crazy frumpy situation when we were at the parks together LOL. Well, we kind of did, being like the last people in Epcot and all. haha!

LOL I love how the guard seemed to know how terrible the Westgate Villas are. You know, I bet that kind of thing happens all the time.

Hahaha that's okay! I'm glad you're here now. :laughing:

LOL my mother. What an angel. I'm glad you like that picture!

That's so precious that my Mom was telling you about Sanaa haha. She LOVES it there!! You really would love it there, we're not kidding. It's SO good!! But ahh I miss it too </3 I miss Disney. I want to go back. (or know WHEN I'm going back!!)

I'm so glad I'm not the only one! I always have my "regular" meals, which are so good that I need them on every trip because you can only get them every so often! But then I'm too full to try other stuff. :rolleyes: Thank God for food pictures so I can learn about all of the foods and prioritize. :laughing:

HAHAHA NO YOU DIDN'T!! That's so funny. We WOULD both do that. We really are huge frumps. :lmao: But I love it. I am surprised too! Being the last people in Epcot was DEFINITELY frumpy LOL. We would. And I mean, squeezing in a Space Mountain Ride literally 10 minutes before I had to leave for the airport was pretty frumpy LOL. But I think if we would have seen eachother more, some intense frumpiness would have definitely occurred! I'm hope we'll be back at Disney at the same time again someday so we can have more frumpy moments! (ahh side note [and brilliant idea] - when I finally do my DCP you should plan a trip so you can be there while I'm there! And then I can give you a special tour about all of the cool stuff I learn! AH that would be so fun!!!)

And yeah, seriously! I am wondering if he actually heard about it or if he was just being like "DISNEY RESORTS ARE BETTER! ALL OF YOU OFF SITE PLACES FAIL!" I guess the world will never know.

[IheartDDuck]

Apparently I've lost my mind and thought I had read this update and responded. :eek: I think I've found my mind now.

Okay, you and your mom did exactly what my mom and I would have done. Get the heck out of that hotel and switch to another one!!!! Good lookin' out, for real.

Dinner sounds scrumptious.

Okay, the falling incident. *sigh* I have an unfortunate falling habit. I feel your pain. I used to work at Six Flags for 6 years and had an epic fall each year. Over a garbage can (no joke), into a trough of water at a water ride, into a kiddie ride. You name it. I did it.

BTW, America's Funniest Home Videos does still exist. Because, let's admit it, we're all like your mom and can't help but crack up when people fall.

[sunnysideup3]

Crazy, I was at POR the same time you were and at MVMCP the same night, too... small world. Glad you switched, that other place looked a little....shady.:scared1:

[Disneyfreak508]

Apparently I've lost my mind and thought I had read this update and responded. :eek: I think I've found my mind now.

Okay, you and your mom did exactly what my mom and I would have done. Get the heck out of that hotel and switch to another one!!!! Good lookin' out, for real.

Dinner sounds scrumptious.

Okay, the falling incident. *sigh* I have an unfortunate falling habit. I feel your pain. I used to work at Six Flags for 6 years and had an epic fall each year. Over a garbage can (no joke), into a trough of water at a water ride, into a kiddie ride. You name it. I did it.

BTW, America's Funniest Home Videos does still exist. Because, let's admit it, we're all like your mom and can't help but crack up when people fall.

Haha I'm glad your mind wasn't misplaced for too long ;)

I'm glad we're not the only ones who would do that! ugh we just couldn't do it.

It was FANTASTIC. Yum food.

Oh my goodness :laughing: I'm glad I'm not the only frumpy one who falls. I hope you didn't get any injuries from those! They sound a lot more intense than mine haha

Oh I'm so glad it exists. That show has been around for my whole life (at least!!) And seriously... so true. :lmao:

Crazy, I was at POR the same time you were and at MVMCP the same night, too... small world. Glad you switched, that other place looked a little....shady.:scared1:

Were you really!? Ahh that's crazy. This IS a small world! I'm glad we switched too! We felt so much more at home at POR! :goodvibes

[LilAnn]

Wierd, I thought I had responded to your last update, but I guess not. It must have been when the boards were slow and I was only patient enough to read updates but not wait to post.

N-E-ways, ugh on the off-site resort. Whenever we have stayed off-site, it's usually at some really, really nice places that we manage to score for some ridiculously good prices. However, we did have a not so perfect experience at the end of our August trip...which I will most likely touch upon briefly in my TR. Glad that you ended up at POR - love that resort.

The pics of you and and your mom are too cute. You both look so happy! Adorable.

Sanaa looks so yummy! We keep meaning to try it out, but there are just some restaurants that we keep going back to for the same dishes...over and over again.

Love that you wore the hat the whole time. Super cute.

[__disneygirl]

Hahaha that's okay! I'm glad you're here now. :laughing:

LOL my mother. What an angel. I'm glad you like that picture!

That's so precious that my Mom was telling you about Sanaa haha. She LOVES it there!! You really would love it there, we're not kidding. It's SO good!! But ahh I miss it too </3 I miss Disney. I want to go back. (or know WHEN I'm going back!!)

I'm so glad I'm not the only one! I always have my "regular" meals, which are so good that I need them on every trip because you can only get them every so often! But then I'm too full to try other stuff. :rolleyes: Thank God for food pictures so I can learn about all of the foods and prioritize. :laughing:

HAHAHA NO YOU DIDN'T!! That's so funny. We WOULD both do that. We really are huge frumps. :lmao: But I love it. I am surprised too! Being the last people in Epcot was DEFINITELY frumpy LOL. We would. And I mean, squeezing in a Space Mountain Ride literally 10 minutes before I had to leave for the airport was pretty frumpy LOL. But I think if we would have seen eachother more, some intense frumpiness would have definitely occurred! I'm hope we'll be back at Disney at the same time again someday so we can have more frumpy moments! (ahh side note [and brilliant idea] - when I finally do my DCP you should plan a trip so you can be there while I'm there! And then I can give you a special tour about all of the cool stuff I learn! AH that would be so fun!!!)

And yeah, seriously! I am wondering if he actually heard about it or if he was just being like "DISNEY RESORTS ARE BETTER! ALL OF YOU OFF SITE PLACES FAIL!" I guess the world will never know.

I am dying to know when I'll get to go back too. I don't think I'll know for awhile. Are you guys thinking about any particular time? If I can't make it in July, then I definitely want to aim for October because Food & Wine is the highlight of my life, but who knows what will be going on by then! UGH.

I know, right? We are frumpalicious. It WAS pretty frumpy to do Space Mountain that way but it was SO fun! I mean, what's better than your friend calling to say she's waiting for you with a fastpass? It worked out so well! So much fun! and YES, that is a brilliant idea for me to come when you're in the CP! Ahhh I bet you are dying to know what you will end up doing! I think about that all the time, what job would I get if I worked at Disney? Obviously the ideal job would be in entertainment, but you never know!