One Happy Dog Family Lands it for Halloween -- 12/29 final post and MVMCP link!!!

[Happydog]

Where did the time go!!??

Somehow we have arrived at THIRTEEN days until our California Adventure! A literal adventure, as well as a visit to Disney’s!

In just a few short weeks, in TWO weeks from YESTERDAY to be exact, I will be on my way across the country from the east coast to the west coast, and making our first stop! Here we come Disney!

So as I promised I wanted to revisit some of the fun we had this past summer. So I have collected a few photos from Scotland and camping in the Shenandoah’s. I am going to keep with Scotland tonight, then I will share camping in my next post...

First, Scotland! We were there almost two weeks. I know the first things you think about when you hear “Scotland” are kilts, bagpipes, and castles. Well, here are all three!

First, some of the Historic Castle....and some city views.

Walking down from the castle...

A famous PUB! Deacon Brodie, quite a famous figure in Edinburgh history... The pub? Good fish and chips! LOL!!!

The real reason why WE were here...

These next pictures were taken during the official opening of the Edinburgh festival, watching these bagpipe bands march down, what is called the Royal Mile. It is called that because at one end of the road is the historic castle, and at the other end is the official residence of the Queen, Hollyrood House.

Holyrood House is also situated on the site of an abbey, forgive me if I don’t have all the history right, but the royal residence is connected to it, and it is adjacent to a beautiful park with a bluff, and it was the site of the Festival parade, the next day, which includes many of the performing groups who will perform during the festival run. It is a massive event. It was really chaotic, but here are some crowd shots…

The weather was really nice, a little rain on a few days, but generally weather like we have now! Fall like in temp, which was a huge reprieve from the 90s that we were having in August!

These are from our trip to Holyrood House...

More in the NEXT update!!!

 

[Happydog]

Well, not really, BLECK on both accounts!!! At least for me! BUT I ate my weight enough in shepherd's pie, fish and chips, AND the ubiquitous FRIED MARS BAR. NOT kidding. Well, you know, WHEN in Rome... errr... Edinburgh

Okay okay back to the pics... More from Holyrood House and the Abbey. I just love the architecture... you can't take photos inside the residence, so there wasn't much to see there, but frankly, I think the grounds are my favorite part... Each time we come, I make it a point to walk them. I took many more photos of course, but here are just a few more from the previous post. SUCH beautiful peonies!!!!!!!!

Another event we often catch is the Royal Military Tattoo. This is an amazing collection of marching bands, pipe bands, dancers, etc. who all come together to perform in the forecourt of the castle. It is AMAZING to see. I can't really say the photos do it justice, but it is a spectacle replete with fireworks! (WOW, almost like Disney!!!) They go off every night at the end of the performance. When we came here back five years ago I guess it was, we stayed in a flat just off the royal mile (we were there for four weeks -- I had received a gift to study at the university and we chose over festival to go) The most memorable part of it was that we were there with a three year old and an 9 week old. Nope. Not kidding. And every night, just as I had gotten that 3 yr old to bed, GUESS what went shooting off into the sky??!! That was most certainly LIKE Disney!!! So here is the Tattoo....

We had some great meals, of course, and saw some wonderful theater. We also tried out some new places “discoveries” – one was this bar which is known for its elaborate and “old school” cocktail menu… it was CRAZY. Not average offerings, and totally elaborate and the making equally so. It was fun watching the bar tender! He was practically a chef or chemist with his concoctions!!! Amazing. And amazingly strong…

AND, for all you HARRY POTTER FANS.... this is THE cafe of fame and later, fortune!!! This is apparently the cafe where the first book was penned, on napkins. (or so say the locals!)

I didn’t buy many souveniers on this trip. Well I grabbed a few scarves for friends from Ness (one of my favorite shops) and a sweater for myself. And other than pharmacuticals and toffee, that was about it. Oh, I bought a new rugby shirt for my older son, and some honey, that too!

Basically, I have been enough where really going is just fun, and that makes the trip. I have been to this particular event in Edinburgh four times. It is amazing. SO much fun! SO that was my final weeks vacation in August...

After that, of course school started fast and furious for all of us… my littlest started kindergarten… Here is our first day of school photo.. well one where I actually was able to get them to pose!!!!

My mother came to visit over labor day. It was quite a nice week, visiting with her. We had an adventure over labor day weekend, going down to the Mall downtown and up the Washington Monument!

This series is rather comical....

AND so, a few weeks ago, the weather finally turned fall-ish! And so with the weather cooperating, I was inspired to haul out the fall decorations!!! Sadly, since we will not be home for Halloween, I won’t be bringing out the mother load of ghoulish decorations this year… BUT I think it is a small price to pay for Halloween in DISNEYLAND!!!

So, speaking of Disneyland…

I have been reading my book, and scouring the DIS for info. I will put a post together for these updates soon. But I do have some fun pre-trip info to share....


We have figured out our “reveal” for the kids!


Oh. Did you want to hear about that?????!!!! LOL!

 

[where's_my_prince]

oh my gosh those pictures are AMAZING. the architecture is spectacular!

 

[Happydog]

Joining in

HELLO!!! SO glad you are here! Just a few more weeks before you head down to WDW right??!!

Hi I am joining in looking forward to hearing all about your plans. A new experience for me as we have never been to DL. I haven't caught up with your plans yet so going back to catch up now, wanted to pop in and say hi before I read the plans and all about your halloween trip

Loved the intros and the pics from last christmas Your plans sound well organised. Oh do I see that you are sharing some bits and bobs from your Oregan/Scotland trip Look forward to that and seeing your shopping

Welcome welcome welcome!
I am enjoying your TR, too!!!! SO much to get ready for! But I am looking forward to it!

Another east coast DISer here who loves fall!! We took the boys to a corn maze this morning, ate some cider donuts & bought a couple big pumpkins.

I can't wait to hear all about Disneyland!

Ooooh! Corn Mazes are the BEST! Fall is fabulous on the east coast!

I'm excited to follow your PTR! I have been enjoying your summer trip report for a while, now. It was very well done. Thanks for all of your hard work!

Hi! Welcome! Thanks! I like writing reports, it is fun to share Disney magic with others!

I'm along for the ride, too. I just now saw your report. A quick FYI for you, the Ariel Grotto WOC dinner is NOT a princess meal. There are no characters for dinner time at all.

YES! I got that after the fact, and was glad to know. We are happy with the Wine Country Trattoria, though! Thanks for the tip! I am looking forward to WOC.

 

[Happydog]

I JUST found this!!!! Ooooh and it is on the DL boards...never been over here!!! Okay then...must go back and read sorry I am late
Just went back and caught up.....this is going to be such a great trip!!
I checked out the menu for Blue Bayou and that looks like the perfect place to eat....love the selection and you can't beat the location!! I would love to do the Halloween party ...just to see Jack and the mansion all transformed into Halloweentown...very cool!
If I am ever this late again just knock me over the head or send me a pm!!

Tracy

I am really looking forward to seeing Jack and the mansion too! That will be in full swing in the park, not just for the party! I really can't wait to see this part! Blue Bayou we are both really excited for that! The Disney trip is only a portion of the fun. I am really excited to go to California, and see the difference between Disneyland and WDW. Are you off for the F & W soon??!!

I made it over! Never been to DL so I can't wait to hear all about your adventures and see lots of pics! Perfect timing that you can experience the Nightmare Before Christmas stuff they do there.

Hello! Good to have you along! I am going to take losts of notes and photos! Can't wait!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for an update and less than two weeks until Disneyland!!! Can't wait to hear about the reveal! I have a friend that just went to California recently -- they spent the day at Disneyland, and she loved the HM overlay -- she said it was so neat!

Love your Scotland pictures! It is just like I envisioned! The grounds of Holyrood are gorgeous! I love all those old ruins and stonework! So, no to the Haggis and whiskey? I don't think I could even contemplate trying them, but I would be all about the shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and fried Mars bars! After all, you have to keep your energy up climbing all those hills in Edinburgh!

I am cracking up over your boys trying to move the blocks on the Washington Monument!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Your Scotland pictures are aaaaaamazing!

My brother and his wife went to England and Scotland this past summer, they have been to England before as his wife's family is English and they visit quite often. My brother said as much as he loves England he couldn't get over how beautiful Scotland was. I really want to go there someday!

 

[Native NYer]

Love your photos of Scotland. I'd love to visit one day.
I can't belive your Halloween trip is so close! It's amazing how it just sneaks up on you. I'm in shock that the NCTE convention at the YC is only a month away. Since school started, I haven't been keeping track.

Can't wait to see the camping photos.

 

[jenjolt]

I so want to visit Scotland one day!! Just to stand on the cliffs and let the wind blow through my hair!! What amazing pictures and it sounds like you guys had an amazing time!!

Now I want Fish and Chips for dinner!! LOL!!!

I can't wait to find out how you plan to reveal this trip to the boys!!! Going to be a great surprise I'm sure!!!!!

 

[Dugette]

Thanks for posting all the Scotland pictures! My DH spent a year of college studying in Aberdeen, Scotland, so it was neat to see those pics. He recognized a lot of things in your pics.

Can't wait to hear about the big reveal!

 

[eandesmom]

I loved the Scotland pictures! I so so so want to go someday, just gorgeous!!!!!!!

Not so sure about the fried mars bar though.



13 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So much fun.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

What a super update!
Scotland just looks fantastic, I would love to see it some day. I am a Harry Potter fan so thank you for that picture!!!

Those boys of yours never fail to put a smile on my face. Such the little goofs! Just push over the Washington Monument, can you imagine if it had moved?

Can't wait to hear all about the big reveal!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Gorgeous pictures from Scotland, I so want to visit one day!

I can't believe you are under 2 weeks already until your California trip, it got here so fast! Can't wait to hear about the reveal!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Wow - Amazing Scotland pictures!!!

I can't wait to hear about your reveal!

 

[gallmcduck]

Wow your pics definatley do Edinburgh justice, it is a beautiful city The edinburgh tattoo always brings in the crowds and is a great show to watch. I am with you on the haggis and whiskey! Although the kids like it, we tend to only have it on rabbie burns night, this is at the beginning of the year. A reveal how exciting that will be We do like to decorate our houses for halloween now also although a few lights and some pumpkins is as far as it goes. I am way behind on my TR, hectic schedules have interputed DISing We have had some time to do some preparatory planning for our 2012 cruise which is exciting

 

[manntra]

Ooooh I loved your pictures of Scotland! It is just as I pictured. Must be amazing hearing so many different bagpipers. Over Labor Day weekend there was a woman playing a bagpipe being driven around in a boat. It was pretty cool and we were all hotting and hollerin for her!
Can't wait for your big reveal! You always have the BEST ideas.....you should video it and send it in to Disney so you can be on tv
Yes, getting ready for F&W....leaving Saturday am Heading straight over to Epcot to meet up with Melissa and C before they go home. I am sooooooo ready to go!! Cosmo Slushie here I come!

Tracy

 

[tinkermell]

Hi!

Welcome to the DL boards! We are like family here!

I love your PTR and all of your pics are wonderful!

You will love the HM overlay! My DD and I love the overlay more than the original. I know....blasphemous.

Be sure to check out Big Thunder Ranch for the carved pumpkins, and the Ray Bradbury Halloween Tree in Frontierland. Space Mountain has a Halloween overlay also.

Have a pumpkin muffin for me! Yum! Or an Apple Pie Caramel Apple!

You will love staying at the Grand! The location can not be beat!
DTD, is right there and so fun to watch everything. If you need a place to eat the first night, one of my favorites is the Jazz Kitchen. Request a table on the balcony, overlooking DTD. If that is too fancy, then there is always the Rainforest or ESPN Zone.

Have your boys been on Indy Jones? Or Pirates at DL?

Well I am excited for you. If you have any questions, please ask away!

Looking forward to your report back.
Have a wonderful time!

 

[burly]

Woot woot another happydog report. I loved the Nightmare before xmas overlay on the Haunted Mansion. Let me know what you think of it.


KIM

 

[EnchantedPlayroom]

It is FALL! Welcome to a Happy Dog DISNEYLAND PTR!

As I said, with the onset of cooler temps it is time in our house to drag out the fall decorations and more importantly, time to pull out the movies inspired by the season… SO that includes a few Peanuts classics, like The Great Pumpkin and the Thanksgiving special -- BUT the most important DVD in our house for the next month IS:

The Nightmare before Christmas …

[/B]

Yaaaaaaaay!!! I FINALLY made it in time for one of your PTR's!! I always try to subscribe AFTER you're done writing and the DIS tells me that the page is no longer accepting subscribers. You would not believe how many of your TR's are bookmarked on my computer for easy referencing. It was actually your Xmas TR that lead me to plan my Mommy and Me Xmas WDW trip for this coming December. I even completely copied one night of yours. I booked Hoop Dee Doo to be followed by the Sleigh Ride around FW. Thank you SO MUCH for posting that. I have never heard about the sleigh ride and I know my DD will just LOVE it. It's going to be a surprise for her.

She and I LOVE Nightmare Before Christmas and LOVE the Nightmare overlay. (Did I mention we're DL AP's and head up there ALL the time?? )

I so get why Tim Burton's movie was inspired by the window decorations going from Halloween to Christmas. Already in TARGET they have one aisle that is Christmas right encroaching on the Halloween territory. CAN you believe that??!!

Oh my, you would hate my family. My mom just put our Christmas Tree up this weekend. We went to Disneyland on Fri/Sat and as usual, got sucked into the ornament shop. Well, I guess that was enough for my DM. When we got home she sent dad out to the garage to dig out the tree and it is now up and in all it's glory!! But we try to tie it in. I usually put mine up on Halloween night and play "Nightmare Before Christmas" on tv or play the soundtrack as Trick or Treaters come up. Thank you Tim Burton, for making it okay for my family to be nuts!!

Here are the three boys this past June, at Chef’s de France with Remy…

I am so jealous! I just had to cancel almost all of our ADR's for December because we are downgrading to the QS DP. I had Le Chefs booked because DD LOVES Ratatouille and I knew she would have gotten such a thrill from seeing Remy. The bright side is that we downgraded in order to get another trip in for February!!

Check into the Grand Californian Villas

We just stayed there this weekend. DVC Studio. Let me know if you'd like some pics??

Saturday October 30th

World of Color Dining Package @ the Wine Country Trattoria - second show

We did this exact package the day that WOC opened to the public and let me sadly say...it was terrible!!! The restaurant was completely empty, so I have NO idea why it took our dinner over an HOUR to come to the table...cold! We never got a bread basket. Our waiter was MIA for most of the dinner, our drinks were NEVER refilled, and once we left the restaurant the WOC CM's didn't seem to know what was going on or where to send us. I am hoping and sending you pixie dust that your experience trumps ours. I'm hoping that it was just because it was the first night of a new ordeal and that they have worked out the kinks by now. The bright side was that our view for WOC was AMAZING!!! I don't know if you'll find this a bonus or a spoiler...but from that restaurant you can completely hear the first show. The venues are very near each other.

....... we decided to save our $$ for the next leg of our vacation, which includes LegoLand, and other fun places.

Would you believe...I live right down the street from Legoland??

Just sayin'...

 

[EnchantedPlayroom]

I've got to throw this in there too...

I totally love following your family through DIS. I've been telling my mom that she needs to get on here and read your TR's because your family is so great and the kiddos are just too cute!!! Any time DISers have a question about WDW Xmas, I point them in the direction of your TR to help them out. "Oh! Check out HappyDog's HO! HO! HO! TR. It's great!!"