Trip Number 9 ~ It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year ~ Christmastime at the GF & Poly

[Lovemy3babes]

Hey Shelly! I was thrilled to see that you've started your TR. Yay! I LOVED the video! You always put such fun things together like that.

 

[T*Bird]

Yay You've started the TR! This is gonna be fun!

I love the video! You are so good at the music and picture interaction.....or whatever you call it. What I'm trying to say is that the music and pictures go together so well.

Your DS13 is hilarious. That part with him dancing under the balcony will come in handy as blackmail in the future. He is too cute and funny! And DS11 is getting in on the action with his hoola-hooping - good for him! You have such precious boys - or maybe they would prefer handsome.

Love the pics of you and Jodi. It looks like you are up on your toes in one of the pics - trying to add a few inches - that was so cute! Your hair looks really pretty. I don't know if I would have noticed a color change from the pictures if you hadn't given us a *heads up* but since I knew, I can tell it is different. Very nice! I agree with Jodi about hair in a bun. I always love my DD's hair when she wears it up. She has long, brown hair that she usually wears down, but I think it makes her look so pretty and sophisticated when it is up. I wish I had long enough hair to do that!

I'm looking forward to all your stories and pics!

 

[mommy2mb]

Joining in!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

No crimes-- that you know of???? You think I'd hide it from you if there was??? I'd never be a good criminal b/c the first thing I'd say is "Holy crap wait till I tell Shelly this story!!"




And yeah, I'm observant. It's bad but I notice small details about people in seconds of seeing them that no one else notices. I better not ever get mugged b/c they'd be in trouble- I could give a full description to the police.


Oh yes... those were good times. Wish I could hit the rewind button. Sorry I scared you opening the door. Ya'll were all relaxing and my big mouth came bustin out there to interrupt you.


Okay so I just looked and a 3 pound box of chocolate assorted is ONLY $51 plus shipping. And yes it has to be 3 pounds. If you're gonna be bad, you have to do it big.

Hey I can't be held accountable for the things you did when you were out of my sight!!

Yes, very observant you are. Maybe you should be a detective when you grow up!!


ONLY $51?? Yeah, that chocolate isn't cheap. But worth every penny!!

I followed a teeny bit of your PTR so I might as well join in for the TR!

Hi there So glad you decided to post! Hope you enjoy!

Hey Shelly! I was thrilled to see that you've started your TR. Yay! I LOVED the video! You always put such fun things together like that.

Welcome Kelli! Glad you liked the video!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Yay You've started the TR! This is gonna be fun!

I love the video! You are so good at the music and picture interaction.....or whatever you call it. What I'm trying to say is that the music and pictures go together so well.

Your DS13 is hilarious. That part with him dancing under the balcony will come in handy as blackmail in the future. He is too cute and funny! And DS11 is getting in on the action with his hoola-hooping - good for him! You have such precious boys - or maybe they would prefer handsome.

Love the pics of you and Jodi. It looks like you are up on your toes in one of the pics - trying to add a few inches - that was so cute! Your hair looks really pretty. I don't know if I would have noticed a color change from the pictures if you hadn't given us a *heads up* but since I knew, I can tell it is different. Very nice! I agree with Jodi about hair in a bun. I always love my DD's hair when she wears it up. She has long, brown hair that she usually wears down, but I think it makes her look so pretty and sophisticated when it is up. I wish I had long enough hair to do that!

I'm looking forward to all your stories and pics!

Hey it's about time you got here!!

Aw thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video! I know, DS13 dancing was hilarious!! As soon as DS11 started hoola-hooping I knew I had to record it for our vacation video because he won't dance for the camera like DS13!

Yeah, Jodi always makes me feel so dang short. But then again, I am!! Yep, the hair is a little darker, but you really can't tell too much in the pics. I wear it up a lot at home, just need it out of my face when I'm doing things around the house. But I hardly wear it up when I'm out.

Joining in!!!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

OK I tried to watch the video and it's not letting me UGH!!! I don't know what's wrong I'll try again then ask DH to help. He gets so frustrated with me. He thinks I am technology illiterate.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

OK I tried to watch the video and it's not letting me UGH!!! I don't know what's wrong I'll try again then ask DH to help. He gets so frustrated with me. He thinks I am technology illiterate.

Hmm...that's weird. Are you just clicking on the picture? It should open a new window to photobucket and start right up. Hope you can get it to work!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Hmm...that's weird. Are you just clicking on the picture? It should open a new window to photobucket and start right up. Hope you can get it to work!

I figured it out!! All by myself! I don't know why it didn't wok the first time.
Awesome video, Shelly!! What great memories!!

 

[thornton0511]

Clicky pics with video behind them....yes ma'am this is too awesome! Loved the video and FYI your family is precious

 

[CleKait]

Hi Shelly! I'm a major lurker but just wanted to let you know I always enjoy your trip reports. I'm looking forward to this one!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Here!!! No time to read but I'll be back this weekend!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

YAY! Too bad I'm a day late (and always a $ short).

Great video - that song was perfect! LOVE the boys!

I'm pretty curious about this amazing chocolate now. Can't wait to hear...

Hi Jo!

 

[TinkyCheeks]

So glad you're doing another TR! I'm in!

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I figured it out!! All by myself! I don't know why it didn't wok the first time.
Awesome video, Shelly!! What great memories!!

What did you do to get it to work? When I click on it, it opens a new tab in chrome and takes me to the mobile site and won't play anything.

 

[lala3291]

I love your video! I just watched it and it looks like you all had such a wonderful time! Can't wait to read all about it.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I figured it out!! All by myself! I don't know why it didn't wok the first time.
Awesome video, Shelly!! What great memories!!

YAY!! I'm glad you figured it out!

Clicky pics with video behind them....yes ma'am this is too awesome! Loved the video and FYI your family is precious

Thank you so much!!

Hi Shelly! I'm a major lurker but just wanted to let you know I always enjoy your trip reports. I'm looking forward to this one!

Hey Kait! Haven't seen you around here in awhile. Hope all is well with you. You should post more!! Glad you enjoy the reports!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Here!!! No time to read but I'll be back this weekend!!

Hey Amy! Thanks for stopping by, we'll see you soon!!

YAY! Too bad I'm a day late (and always a $ short).

Great video - that song was perfect! LOVE the boys!

I'm pretty curious about this amazing chocolate now. Can't wait to hear...

Hi Jo!

Hey Sheree! Glad you're here. You're not that late!! Glad you enjoyed the video and hope you enjoy the rest of the TR!

So glad you're doing another TR! I'm in!

Thanks for joining in!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

What did you do to get it to work? When I click on it, it opens a new tab in chrome and takes me to the mobile site and won't play anything.

Hmm...that's weird. Not sure what could be going on there...

I love your video! I just watched it and it looks like you all had such a wonderful time! Can't wait to read all about it.

Thanks Lauren! Glad you got it to work with no technical difficulties!

We did have a fabulous time! Lots of reports, reviews, and pics to come!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Day 1 – Sunday December 9th



So it was finally here, Sunday Dec 9. We hadn't left on a Sunday since our very first trip many years ago. And I probably won't do that again! Friday and Saturday took forever!! We had a 7am flight out of Pittsburgh. So we were up at 3:30, left the house around 4:20, got to the off-site parking lot at 5:15, and to the airport around 5:30.

Wasn't sure what to expect at the airport at that hour, but it wasn't too bad. We breezed through security in no time and were to our gate.

Boarding started early and our flight left on time! And in less than 2 hours we were to Orlando! We jumped off the plane, made a quick stop for some very over-priced Mtn. Dew for me, and then made our way down to ME. We went right through an empty line and up to the rope at the front. In less than 5 minutes a CM came over and led us to a waiting bus. It was about half full and about 2 other families boarded after us and we were on our way. The driver informed us that the bus would be making 4 stops and the GF would be last.

We first stopped at the WL and we were in and out of there in no time! Then it was onto the CR. Where it took forever. There was a traffic jam as soon as we pulled in there. (We found this to be the case there all week on the buses) It took several minutes to even get to the bus stop to let people off. Ten minutes or more I would guess. Then we finally got to the ME stop and the people all unloaded, slowly it seemed like! Then more traffic on the way out. Crazy!

While we were sitting at the CR stopped we noticed a car sitting there that said Turner Drugs Delivery. We made note of this number just in-case. DS11 had strep the week before we left and was still on an anti-biotic for it. We were very afraid DS13 was going to get it when we were on vacation. So our pediatrician here told us to find a drug store at WDW that they could call something into if DS13 got sick. Little did we know, this number would come in handy 2X during this trip...

So during all of our ME stops Jodi (JoBird) and I were texting back & forth, she had arrived at the GF the night before. Her and her family were up and ready to head out to DTD for an early lunch because they had early dinner ADR's later. I had expected to be at the GF by now, but with all the stops it was taking longer than expected. So they were waiting on us at the front entrance of the GF so we could all say hi before they headed off to DTD and we got checked in and headed off to AK.

Our final ME stop before the GF was the Poly. Thankfully it didn't take too long! And then we were finally at the GF!! I'm not even sure what time it was.....10:30 maybe?

Our bus pulled up and we saw Jodi and family standing there!

We jumped off the bus, grabbed our bags, and headed over. We were greeted by a CM on the way. She asked for our name and we walked towards the main building with her. While she was looking up our ressie we said quick hello's to Jodi and family before they headed out to DTD. While we were doing that the CM came back over and told us that our room was not ready, so we would need to store our luggage with Bell services. It was very warm and humid and we were in jeans, so I told her that since our room was not ready we were going to need to change our clothes before heading out to AK. She kind of looked at me strange like no one had ever made that request before and there was an awkward pause.....So I said – where would be a good place for us to go change? We were now standing at the front of the building. Jodi leans over to me and reminds me to ask if my room requests have been granted and tells me that they are going to take off. So we say our good-byes to them. The CM tells us that there is a changing room right around the corner and points to the right side of the building. So I thought maybe there was some kind of restroom/changing room on the outside of that side of the building. So I quickly grab us each a pair of shorts out of our bags and we head back. We are walking along a sidewalk with a fence running along side of it. Apparently looking confused. Pretty soon she comes walking behind us and points out by the pool. Here she meant the changing rooms out by the beach pool! Had I known that's what she meant I probably would have just went into the restrooms by 1900 PF.

So after all that, we put our extra clothes we had changed out of into the luggage and Bell services took it and our CM walked us through the lobby and to the SL building.

When we got there she sat us at a table in the lounge while she headed over to check us in with the CM at the desk. I asked her if our room requests had been noted, assuming they had been since they were noted on my ressie when I made it, plus had been confirmed with IPO via email. But she couldn't see them anywhere. So I told them that I had requested an upper floor, daybed, and Marina view (since the other side of the building's view was into the courtyard pool construction zone). She said they would do their best. They gave us our packet and room keys and told us they would text us our room number when it was ready.

So by now we were all starving! And unfortunately the lounge had stopped serving breakfast by now and it was going to be another 20 minutes or so before the 11:30-2 Refreshment offerings. So we decided to just chill a little bit and wait it out. Pop and lemonade and other beverages are always out, so we got some drinks and waited. Pretty soon they started to bring snacks out and we got something to eat and then headed out to the bus stop to go to AK for a bit.

Heading out to the bus stop ~

There is a new TV screen hanging up at the bus stop telling you the time the next bus will arrive for each park. It's really pretty neat. Except that the time changes as you are sitting there. I suppose it's going off of the GPS on the bus and if there is traffic or a wheelchair to load or any other hold up, the time will change accordingly.

Up Next: Animal Kingdom

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Yikes! What a hassle checking in was for you. I'm not sure why she didn't understand why you needed to change? Hello?

I love those screens! How convenient when you are waiting for a bus. Very neat!

Great start! I cannot wait to read more. If you are interested, I just started my TR this morning. The link is in my signature.