The Disney Grump & Family Take on the World-Our '09 Christmas w/ the Mouse, COMPLETE

[RachelNinja]

I had to ask Don about Sum of all Thrills since I didn't get a chance to ride it myself. He said there were stations (he couldn't remember if it was 3 or 4) where you designed your ride. You could make it a bobsled, rollercoaster or jet. Once you finished designing the ride they gave you a card with your design on it, you took the card upstairs and waited in another line for a ride vehicle to open up (again, there were 3 or 4 of them). Hope that helps!

I keep meaning to head over and check out your PTR - it's on my list, I just haven't made it over there yet! When in April are you going?

Thanks for the info on the Sum of all Thrills! From the videos I've seen, it looks like there were only 2 so knowing there were more ride vehicles makes me think more about possibly giving it a try!

I'll be going the week of April 4th with my parents, brother, and DBF! I see you've made it to my PTR so yay for another reader

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the things that were inside the baskets! They're all useful things! I see a lot of baskets with chocolates and all that, but if I'm in Disney, I want Disney things! I feel like I can get chocolate anywhere. Did you choose the specific items for the baskets?

 

[SoonerGirl]

What a wonderful first day. The food sounds totally great. I think I could have eaten all of your choices. They sounded really good.

Your surprises for the boys are so cute. It's so fun when such little things can make them so happy. Love the Santa ears.

Tutto was good, I think it might make it onto the 'we have to eat here everytime' list like Le Cellier.

I was happy with the gift baskets, I thought they turned out great!

Finally made it over here and now am all caught up.

Loved the pics of Port Orleans. I'm thinking we may stay there on our next trip. (if I can ever figure out when that would be).

I'm thinking the first week of May would be a great time for you to visit Monica!

I'm here, but haven't read yet - just wanted to get it added to my subscriptions and say HELLO! I will catch up ASAP.

Yay, you made it over! I haven't written too much yet, so it shouldn't take you long to catch up. I even took a cue from you and put links to my updates in the first post

Love the pics of your family at Epcot and how clear they turned out! I really regret our Epcot day - we did not get there till late and I wish we had gone back for a second time but alas...it will have to wait till later!

There is always next time, right?! We probably spent more time in Epcot than in any other park, I it

Thanks for the info on the Sum of all Thrills! From the videos I've seen, it looks like there were only 2 so knowing there were more ride vehicles makes me think more about possibly giving it a try!

I'll be going the week of April 4th with my parents, brother, and DBF! I see you've made it to my PTR so yay for another reader

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the things that were inside the baskets! They're all useful things! I see a lot of baskets with chocolates and all that, but if I'm in Disney, I want Disney things! I feel like I can get chocolate anywhere. Did you choose the specific items for the baskets?

I did send her a list of what I wanted in the basket and she made suggestions as well. The arcade card was her idea and it was a great one, the boys were thrilled!

 

[NMW]

subscribing awesome tr

 

[stace208]

Great first day! We'll have to try out The Sum of All Thrills. My dd and I did the waste management thing too-pretty cool. Did you do the fire safety house game? That was fun as well.

I just those baskets. Thanks for saying where you got them...going to check out her site now!

 

[floridascgirl]

Hey there! I found my way to your TR and I'm all caught up. I also used Memories by Betsy. She did a great basket for my DH and DS a few years ago. She had fun ideas and even e-mailed pictures for me to preview the basket before she sealed it up.

I'm looking forward to hearing more about your trip. Your boys are cuties.

 

[gellybean]

Great update!! Tutto is one of our faves. We spent two hours there last year and I swear they were trying to keep us there longer. Really great service! Plus my MIL thinks all the Italian waiters are dreamy to look at !

That tree in Epcot is huge! We went for Christmas 16 years ago.... I bet a lot has changed. It's on my to do list for a future trip! Along with Halloween, Food and Wine, a cruise, every resort on property at least once....

The baskets for the boys are too cute. I'm gonna have to check out her website. The arcade card was a great add and something I don't think you could get through Disney Florist! WtG Mom!


I totally understand the living out of a suitcase issue. Hate it! We'll definitely be unpacking our first night, if the luggage gets there.

 

[brookelizabeth]

All caught up now, thanks to your links!

What a wonderful first day!! And your room being ready so early in the morning... Those are great goody baskets, I'm sure someone already asked, but where did you order them through?

 

[got2travel]

I'm thinking the first week of May would be a great time for you to visit Monica!

hmm....I could leave the kid at home and make it a solo trip....well solo until I met up with friends

 

[JenAusty]

I'm not sure if I posted before but I'm subbing!! and I'm all caught up. I do believe I commented on your mickey cookies.. but who knows! hehe

Thats good that they will ride rides such as MS without you.. my DH will not do that. He gets mad if I don't want to ride something and even if I say "you can ride it I can wonder around-go shopping or something" he still won't do it. He says he feels bad but he shouldn't- I DON'T CARE. In Jan.2011, we are going with my parents, bro and his GF.. we are going to have to split up a little because there are things that I simply won't ride again.. like rockin roller coaster (I hated the beginning take off), or Mission:Space the regular one. BUT I'm sure my bro/GF will most likely want to ride them.. so we will see how this goes.. hehe maybe it will be easier when there is more people besides just DH and I.

DH gives me that look too when it comes to pictures.. after a while he just keeps walking and I have to walk and snap or snap and then catch up.. hehe which is fine with me.

 

[SoonerGirl]

subscribing awesome tr

Thanks &

Great first day! We'll have to try out The Sum of All Thrills. My dd and I did the waste management thing too-pretty cool. Did you do the fire safety house game? That was fun as well.

I just those baskets. Thanks for saying where you got them...going to check out her site now!

Nope we didn't do the fire safety house, something to put on the list for next time.

I was really happy with how the baskets turned out!

Hey there! I found my way to your TR and I'm all caught up. I also used Memories by Betsy. She did a great basket for my DH and DS a few years ago. She had fun ideas and even e-mailed pictures for me to preview the basket before she sealed it up.

I'm looking forward to hearing more about your trip. Your boys are cuties.

Hey there! Welcome aboard! Betsy was great, she emailed me photos for approval too. It was nice to be able to be 100% sure that it was what I was wanting before we arrived.

Thanks for the compliment about the boys, I think they're pretty cute myself!

That tree in Epcot is huge! We went for Christmas 16 years ago.... I bet a lot has changed. It's on my to do list for a future trip! Along with Halloween, Food and Wine, a cruise, every resort on property at least once....

WDW at Christmas is amazing! Definitely add it to your future trip list. We've been @ Halloween and for Food & Wine, we just did Christmas, and in May I'm going for the Flower & Garden Festival, so I'll have the seasons all covered! I do want to do a cruise though, hopefully sooner rather than later!

The baskets for the boys are too cute. I'm gonna have to check out her website. The arcade card was a great add and something I don't think you could get through Disney Florist! WtG Mom!

She did a great job with the baskets, and they are completely customizable, something I don't think you can get through the Disney Florist, not to mention.....she's cheaper

I totally understand the living out of a suitcase issue. Hate it! We'll definitely be unpacking our first night, if the luggage gets there.

I hear ya, I like to be settled and organized - I just feel too stressed if we're pulling things out of the suitcase and there is crap everywhere - it makes me cranky

All caught up now, thanks to your links!

What a wonderful first day!! And your room being ready so early in the morning... Those are great goody baskets, I'm sure someone already asked, but where did you order them through?

I was so glad that the room was ready so early, I hadn't expected it to be so I was pleasantly surprised when it was.

I got the baskets through Memories by Betsy, she was great to work with!

hmm....I could leave the kid at home and make it a solo trip....well solo until I met up with friends

It's just going to be Mom & I, no kids to pull us around and tell us where to go. We could drink Grey Goose Slushes and shop around the World - could be fun........

I'm not sure if I posted before but I'm subbing!! and I'm all caught up. I do believe I commented on your mickey cookies.. but who knows! hehe

Thats good that they will ride rides such as MS without you.. my DH will not do that. He gets mad if I don't want to ride something and even if I say "you can ride it I can wonder around-go shopping or something" he still won't do it. He says he feels bad but he shouldn't- I DON'T CARE. In Jan.2011, we are going with my parents, bro and his GF.. we are going to have to split up a little because there are things that I simply won't ride again.. like rockin roller coaster (I hated the beginning take off), or Mission:Space the regular one. BUT I'm sure my bro/GF will most likely want to ride them.. so we will see how this goes.. hehe maybe it will be easier when there is more people besides just DH and I.

DH gives me that look too when it comes to pictures.. after a while he just keeps walking and I have to walk and snap or snap and then catch up.. hehe which is fine with me.

Sometimes it's hard to remember if you just read something or if you commented on it isn't it! I'm pretty sure you posted before though.

I have no problem at all with Don & boys riding something that I don't want to get on. I don't want them to miss out just because I have an issue with something, plus I enjoy being able to walk around and take things in at my own pace or just sit for awhile while they ride!

 

[Happydog]

Hey great update! I just love those gift baskets!!! The Arcade card, what a great idea! I have heard great reports on Tutto. I am glad to know it is a good choice! I have an ADR for our June trip.

Sounds like your first day was a fun one!

 

[kcandbella]

I just read the beginning of your TR and I'm hooked! Joining in and can't wait to hear about the rest!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hey great update! I just love those gift baskets!!! The Arcade card, what a great idea! I have heard great reports on Tutto. I am glad to know it is a good choice! I have an ADR for our June trip.

Sounds like your first day was a fun one!

Wasn't the arcade card a fun idea?!

I think you'll like Tutto

I just read the beginning of your TR and I'm hooked! Joining in and can't wait to hear about the rest!!!

Welcome!!! I'm glad you're enjoying it I've got the next update all ready to go, I'm just waiting for my photopass cd to get here so that I can include those pictures. It shipped on Monday, surely it will be here soon!

I'll have to check out your PTR, it looks like we will be there at the same time!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I followed you over from my TR! What a great start. You have a beautiful family! (my husband also feels the need to spend a huge amount on a pair of measly sunglasses.) Can't wait to read even more!

 

[kcandbella]

Wasn't the arcade card a fun idea?!

I think you'll like Tutto



Welcome!!! I'm glad you're enjoying it I've got the next update all ready to go, I'm just waiting for my photopass cd to get here so that I can include those pictures. It shipped on Monday, surely it will be here soon!

I'll have to check out your PTR, it looks like we will be there at the same time!

Yes we will be there at the same time! I am so excited and even more so because of the flower and garden festival. Let's hope for great weather and low crowds!!!

 

[flafan]

Wonderful updates. I can not wait until you post more.
First beignets then italian - I wish I didn't start my diet already. I am hungry now I will have to settle for some diet pocorn

 

[kschafer]

Hi Michelle,

I noticed your comment on HappyDog's TR about trying the Lost on Safari in May. I see our tickers are only 1 day apart so maybe we'll run into each other there!

Just wanted to say Hi. Gonna go back and read this TR now!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I followed you over from my TR! What a great start. You have a beautiful family! (my husband also feels the need to spend a huge amount on a pair of measly sunglasses.) Can't wait to read even more!

Hey there! Glad you came over. Thanks for the compliment on my family, they're keepers that's for sure.

If Don didn't have an expensive pair of sunglasses at home, it wouldn't have bothered me that he bought a nice pair on vacation. But, he only needed them for week, just grab a cheap pair of glasses for goodness sake!!! Men

Did I see you post on someone else's report that you live in SW MN? My mom was born & raised in SW MN. I still have a lot of family that lives there. We used to come up every summer, but since my grandparents passed I don't make it up that way as often anymore.

Yes we will be there at the same time! I am so excited and even more so because of the flower and garden festival. Let's hope for great weather and low crowds!!!

The Flower & Garden Festival was my in. I knew I couldn't get Don to agree to another family trip that quickly, so I asked my mom if she would like to go and see all the beautiful flowers that they have out at that time of year. To my surprise she said yes! She's really excited about it too. This is her first trip, so I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed for great weather & low crowds!!

Wonderful updates. I can not wait until you post more.
First beignets then italian - I wish I didn't start my diet already. I am hungry now I will have to settle for some diet pocorn

Disney food is soooooo not good for a diet! I was pretty pumped though, even after eating everything in site that week, I only gained 1/2 a lb

I've got the next few updates written and ready to go. I'm waiting on my stupid photopass cd to get here before posting though. If it doesn't come tomorrow I'm just going to continue without it!

Hi Michelle,

I noticed your comment on HappyDog's TR about trying the Lost on Safari in May. I see our tickers are only 1 day apart so maybe we'll run into each other there!

Just wanted to say Hi. Gonna go back and read this TR now!

Hi there! Thanks for coming over to read. I'll have to check out your PTR, from your title it looks like it's a girls only trip? Mine will be just my mom & I - I'm pretty excited to be able to take things at my pace instead of running around keeping the kids happy!

 

[SoonerGirl]

OK, so I went and checked out kcandbella & kschafer's PTRs since we are going to be at WDW at the same time in May and it made me want to share my plans too! And since I'm killing time waiting for that stupid PhotoPass CD to get here before I post my next real update, I decided that I'd do that here - hope nobody minds!

Knowing that another family trip is some time off (remember, I had to promise the Disney Grump - no more Disney trips) I started plotting how to get myself back to Disney World. Hmmmmm, who can I get to go with me? None of my friends 'get' Disney, so I'm thinking & thinking. Finally it dawns on me - MOM! She has never been to WDW and she LOVES gardening and flowers. So, I planted a little bug in her ear about the Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot. She didn't say much, but about 3 or 4 weeks later she said, do you think you and I could go to that festival you were telling me about at WDW?? Yippee, Woo Hoo, Yay!!! I'm going back to Disney World!

As soon as she said that, I ran with it. I loaded her up with information, asked her where she would like to stay, eat, visit, etc. She gave me a little input, but basically left everything to me.

I asked Mom if she cared if I put a picture of her on the internet and she said only if it's from when I was young and pretty. So, here ya go, Mom when she was young and pretty

Personally, I think she's still pretty and hope I look as good as she does when I hit 60! Here she is last spring with my aunt, don't mind the big black dot on my aunt's face - I didn't want to post a photo of her without her permission, so I just put a sticker on her face

Here's the plan:

We arrive on May 1st, flight lands at 1pm. We leave on May 8th, mid afternoon. We are staying at CSR, I haven't stayed here since 2005 and I can't wait to see the newly remodeled rooms!

Last week I got an email from my TA after they came out with the AP rates for the week of our trip. She had it applied to my ressie and knocked the price down by $560! Now I had more money to spend on fun stuff! So, we decided to add some tours, Behind the Seeds & the WS Segway one. We're also going to Cirque du Soliel & are hopeful that the Wishes dessert party will come back. My TA said she would be on the lookout and will do her best to book it for us as soon as she hears anything.

Saturday, May 1st

We plan on just grabbing a snack at the bar by the pool and just hanging out until we have to go get ready for dinner.
ADR for the night is at Jiko @ 7:05

Sunday, May 2nd

AK in the morning
Yak & Yeti CS or Pizzafari for lunch
Epcot in the evening
Dinner, Tutto Italia @ 6:25
Illuminations

Monday, May 3rd

Epcot in the morning
Behind the Seeds Tour
CS lunch, either Mexico or Norway
Dinner, Grand Floridian Cafe @ 6:20
Either MK or Epcot after

Tuesday, May 4th

Magic Kingdom in the morning
CS lunch, Columbia Harbour House
Dinner, Kona @ 6:10
Either MK or Epcot after, hoping for dessert party for this night

Wednesday, May 5th

Epcot in the morning
Segway Tour
CS lunch
DTD later & Cirque de Soliel
Dinner @ either Wolfgang Puck Express or Earl of Sandwich

Thursday, May 6th

DHS in the morning
CS lunch, thinking of adding Sci-Fi OOP here - I just hate DHS CS
Epcot in the evening
Dinner, Coral Reef @ 6:30 - not sure if I'll keep this one or change it to something else. I've eaten here once before, food was good, but the service - not so much...

Friday, May 7th

Morning either AK or MK whichever Mom wants to do
Epcot in the evening
Dinner, Le Cellier @ 7:55 - trying to get an earlier ADR here, but so far no luck

Saturday, May 8th

Departure day. I can't decide here what I want to do yet. I would really like to go to MK for a bit but I'm just not sure. Our flight leaves at 3:15, so ME pickup would probably be around noon. Is that too little time to try and squeeze in some park time??? We could also go to DTD for a bit and just shop. Or not go anywhere at all, just take our time getting ready to go that morning and hang out around the resort. Decisions, decisions!!

I welcome all thoughts & suggestions! Thanks for letting me share

 

[stace208]

Your plans sound great! You guys are going to have a blast! Just leave that last day open and see where you feel like going.