Trip Report: * Christmas with Mickey 2010 * "The Surreal Trip!" w/lots of pictures! - Page 3 - The DIS Discussion Forums

TheTXTaylors5 · 10-28-2010, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pooh_Girl

Yay!!! Another TR where I can live vicariously through you guys!! lol Can't wait to hear all about it!! I know you guys will have a blast!!

Hi Tina!

One day, you'll be living in Florida and I will be envious of you 365 days a year!

Glad to have you along! This will be a long trip for us. Bill has been really busy at work. He will need the vacation. I told him yesterday, tell work they "can't" call you when we go away!

More planning and anticpating to come ...

Jennifer

TheTXTaylors5 · 10-28-2010, 10:39 AM

Cruise T-Shirts
I ordered our DISUnplugged Podcast Cruise 2.0 t-shirts today! Since, we are going on a "special" cruise, we wanted to get t-shirts to commemorate the cruise. The DIS uses cafepress for their logo t-shirts. Ours should arrive late next week. I can't wait to get them in my hands! I'll post a picture when they arrive.

Jennifer

TheTXTaylors5 · 10-28-2010, 10:55 AM

Packing
I will admit, I have already started some packing "piles" for our December trip. Am I crazy? I washed all our bathing suits and cover-ups & cleaned and put the snorkel equipment in their bags. So, they are all ready to be packed for some fun on Castaway Cay.

We are one of "those families" that does matching t-shirts while at Walt Disney World. Nowhere else but at WDW would my family let me dress them alike. So, I take full advantage! I have some matching t-shirts set aside that are only for our Disney trips. So, they have lasted for years. Since my Mom is coming with us this year, I asked if she would be willing to wear a matching t-shirt and she said "Yes!". So, I am on the look-out for another t-shirt to work into our rotation. Also, I may do some iron-on t-shirts to create something original for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. We'll see.

Some of our matching shirts over the years:

Jennifer

bigmoonmullen · 10-28-2010, 11:55 AM

Jennifer...

Great Stuff here!!!!

Mark

TheTXTaylors5 · 10-28-2010, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigmoonmullen

Jennifer...

Great Stuff here!!!!

Mark

Hi Mark!

Thanks!

I know you are looking forward to this trip too! I promise, no pictures of you parasailing will be published.

Jennifer

bigmoonmullen · 10-28-2010, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTXTaylors5

Hi Mark!

Thanks!

I know you are looking forward to this trip too! I promise, no pictures of you parasailing will be published.

Jennifer

Thank you... I might be confused for a flying whale

Ordered our shirts today and the Photopass.

Can't wait!!!! It will be there before we know it.

Tell Bill I said HI... after he wakes up from his fainting spell.

Mark

mainegal · 10-28-2010, 01:49 PM

Hi Jennifer!
I am enjoying our pre-trip report. Look forward to meeting you at WDW.
I arrive 12/4, depart 12/19.
Fifteen nights! Fourteen full days!
I still can't believe I am doing this. It will be a solo trip for me, except for when I meet up with DISers. I have never been anywhere away from home for that long. Not as an adult any way. As a youngster, I had two week sessions a Girl Scout camp.

I love your family's matching t-shirts.
Have fun with your preparations.

DVCsince02 · 10-28-2010, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTXTaylors5

I need help on two ADR dates. I can't commit to one or the other ...

Jiko or Yachtsman Steakhouse for dinner

The Hollywood Brown Derby or Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre for dinner

We've eaten at Yachtsman Steakhouse, The Hollywood Brown Derby and Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre in the past.

We didn't have the best experience at the Yachtsman Steakhouse. But, we will be staying at the BWV (just a short walk away). So, we wanted to give it another try. However, I have read nothing but rave reviews on Jiko and want to try it. I have a quandary ...

We've eaten at The Hollywood Brown Derby and Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre in the past. We enjoyed both. This will be our Christmas Eve dinner. We don't have to do anything traditional, we're at WDW afterall. The problem with these two ADRs is that one is when the park closes. Has anyone had experience with an ADR when the park is officially closed? Are the CMs rushing you? I'm leaning more towards The Hollywood Brown Derby ADR because we are eating at the Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre earlier in the trip.

Any suggestions???

Jennifer

Try as many places to eat as you can!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTXTaylors5

LODGING
We have been Disney Vacation Club Members for three years. Our home resort is Animal Kingdom Villas. In those three years, we have stayed at the following DVC properties:

Beach Club Villas (2xs)
Boardwalk Villas (2xs)
Saratoga Springs (3xs)
Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

As you can see from above, we have yet to stay at our home resort Animal Kingdom Villas.

We finally get to stay there in December. Pre-cruise we are staying at Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House. Jambo House is the main building at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. They turned some of the regular AKL rooms into DVC Villas while they were constructing AKV. After the cruise, we are staying at the Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village. All the rooms there are DVC Villas. We will have a two-bedroom Villa at both locations. The extra space will be nice. My Mom can have her own room with Emily (DD8). The boys will sleep on the pull-out sofa. Bill and I will have our own king bed room.

We change resorts on the day my Mom leaves. We finish our stay at the Boardwalk Villas. I can't say enough good things about this place. We've stayed here our last two WDW trip. You can't beat the location. A quick walk or boat ride to Epcot AND DHS. It has become my new favorite DVC property. We'll see if this stays true after our stay at AKV.

Jennifer

After this trip in December, we will have stayed at all the WDW DVC properties. I love trying them all!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTXTaylors5

I was given a link for a Disney countdown chain by a fellow DISer. The kids and I are working on it. I'll post some pictures when we get it completed and strung up.

Jennifer

So glad you enjoyed it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTXTaylors5

Glad you found me! I can't wait for this trip! See you soon!

Jennifer

I can't wait to see you all again!

JWren1234 · 11-01-2010, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTXTaylors5

We have a lot of new restaurants (to us) on our itinerary to try during our upcoming trip ...

Biergarten (Dinner)
La Hacienda de San Angel (Dinner)
Les Chefs de France (Lunch)
Via Napoli (Dinner)
Tony's Town Square (Dinner)
Liberty Tree Tavern (Lunch)
Columbia Harbour House (Dinner)
Mama Melrose (Lunch)
Boma - Animal Kingdom Lodge (Breakfast)
Jiko - Animal Kingdom Lodge (Dinner)
Kona Cafe' - Polynesian (Breakfast)

Any reviews, comments, recommendations on the above restaurants would be welcome.

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer!

I've done the Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch and the Kona Breakfast.

The Liberty Tree Tavern lunch is awesome. I like the Pilgrim's Feast, it's essentially Thanksgiving on a plate. Turkey breast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and gravy...I think it is terrific, and something you don't see in a lot of restaurants at WDW. The pot roast is another very good choice. Great colonial atmosphere, very calming break from touring the MK.

Kona breakfast is very nice as well, I always have trouble deciding between the Tonga Toast and the Macadamia Nut Pineapple pancakes. Both are outstanding!

Have a great time!!!!

Jason

tmli · 11-06-2010, 06:13 AM

Just popping in to say hi!! I can't wait to see you guys again it seems like forever since our ABD trip!

Chris isn't coming on the cruise. After the cruise I have to go home and back to work but we will be coming back to Orlando on Dec 23 for 10 nights over Christmas!!

Perhaps we can find time to meet before you guys leave, I know Chris would love to see you again as well!

disneychic · 11-08-2010, 05:28 PM

Hi! Glad I found your PTR! We are in the process of planning our trip to WDW for next Christmas (counting down the days to book our DVC room at our home resort 11 months out for next Christmas). It will be my mom,step dad, my DH and myself, my brother and his fiance. Can't wait! Even though we have 2 more WDW trips planned and a DCL before next Christmas, I'm just SUPER excited for our Xmas trip because this is something we've always dreamed of doing. Anyway, can't wait to read more of your PTR and your TR!!!

TheTXTaylors5 · 11-09-2010, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmli

Just popping in to say hi!! I can't wait to see you guys again it seems like forever since our ABD trip!

Chris isn't coming on the cruise. After the cruise I have to go home and back to work but we will be coming back to Orlando on Dec 23 for 10 nights over Christmas!!

Perhaps we can find time to meet before you guys leave, I know Chris would love to see you again as well!

Hi Tracey! (with an "e"

) (Did you ever get your Disney sketch fixed?)

Can you believe how quickly the cruise is approaching?!?!?! I am glad you decided to come along on the cruise. It is going to be a blast! Chris will be missed.

Yes, we'd love to get together while Chris is in town. I will get with you when we meet up on the cruise to see what fits with your schedule.

Jennifer

TheTXTaylors5 · 11-09-2010, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disneychic

Hi! Glad I found your PTR! We are in the process of planning our trip to WDW for next Christmas

Welcome!

I am VERY excited for you on your upcoming WDW Christmas trip for next year. I hope this thread helps you in some way to plan your magical Christmas trip or learn from some of my mistakes ...

I will be honest, normally I am very confident in our plans since we've been to WDW so often even during busy times (week of Thanksgiving (5xs), Spring Break, Summer, Mother's Day, Father's Day (Well, Father's Day wasn't that busy. Poor Dads!

) We have never been for Christmas Day or the days around Christmas. This is a whole new planning experience for me. I have made ADRs, canceled ADRs, made Candlelight Processional Packages and changed dates and restaurants. To me, planning is usually half the fun of our Disney trips. I feel like I've won the lottery if I get a coveted Le Cellier or Tusker House breakfast ADR. At some point in planning this trip, I said enough changing plans and we have what we have. We'll be at Walt Disney World for Christmas, that in itself is enough if nothing else falls into place. So, with this newfound outlook on the trip, I am more relaxed and am having fun shopping for our trip. I am now looking forward to the trip and not dreading the holiday crowds.

Jennifer

TheTXTaylors5 · 11-09-2010, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWren1234

Hi Jennifer!

I've done the Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch and the Kona Breakfast.

The Liberty Tree Tavern lunch is awesome. I like the Pilgrim's Feast, it's essentially Thanksgiving on a plate. Turkey breast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and gravy...I think it is terrific, and something you don't see in a lot of restaurants at WDW. The pot roast is another very good choice. Great colonial atmosphere, very calming break from touring the MK.

Kona breakfast is very nice as well, I always have trouble deciding between the Tonga Toast and the Macadamia Nut Pineapple pancakes. Both are outstanding!

Have a great time!!!!

Jason

Hi Jason!

Thank you for the information on Kona Cafe and Liberty Tree Tavern. These are both new restaurants to us. I've heard nothing but rave reviews on KC for breakfast.

I think we are getting the Tonga Toast. We are the type of people that browse a WDW restaurant menu online before even making an ADR. I think I already know what I am getting at every restaurant during our trip.

Initially, we had a LTT dinner ADR. But, I changed it to lunch. I read too many negative reviews on dinner. I can't wait to try lunch at LTT.

Jennifer

FYI - I take lots and lots of picture on our trips. So, expect lots and lots of pictures including food photos in my upcoming trip report. I am a visual person. I like to include pictures to complete the "story".

TheTXTaylors5 · 11-09-2010, 12:04 PM

Disney Mail!

You know your trip is coming up soon when you get things like these in the mail ...

We got our cruise documents last night. We got my Mom's Magical Express documents a few weeks ago.

We ordered the PCC 2.0 t-shirts on cafepress. Here's what they look like ...

I ordered pink for the girls in our group and white for the boys.

I love Disney mail!

Jennifer

10-28-2010, 10:39 AM	#32
TheTXTaylors5 He's the Mickey to my Minnie Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 7,354	Cruise T-Shirts I ordered our DISUnplugged Podcast Cruise 2.0 t-shirts today! Since, we are going on a "special" cruise, we wanted to get t-shirts to commemorate the cruise. The DIS uses cafepress for their logo t-shirts. Ours should arrive late next week. I can't wait to get them in my hands! I'll post a picture when they arrive. Jennifer __________________ Jennifer DH (DisneyTaylors) DS12 DD10 DS7 DIScat (Minnie) 2004: CBR; 2006: BC ~ DCL(Wonder); 2007: BCV,YC,BC,SSR,ASMU ~ MVMCP ~ DCL(Magic); 2008: VWL,BCV,SSR,BC,POR Trip Report ,FW(cabin) ~ DCG, PPP,MNSSHP & MVMCP ~ DCL(Wonder); 2009: DLH (DLR) Trip Report, POR Trip Report , SSR Trip Report , BWV Trip Report , POFQ ~ DAP; 2010:BWV(2xs), ABD CA ~ GC (DLR) Trip Report ~ Napa Rose Review, AKV ~ DCL(Wonder) Trip Report; 2011:BCV(2xs), AKV (2xs) ~ F&W, MNSSHP, MVMCP, 1st 5K Race! ~ DCL(Dream); 2012: AKV, BWV, BLT ~ F&W, MNSSHP ~ DCL(Fantasy) ~ CC5K; 2013: 04/AKV, 05/AKV ~ Expedition Everest Challenge & Epcot Flower and Garden; 12/VGC (DLR); 2014: 06/DCL ~ Wonder (Alaska), 10/DCL - Magic (Southern Caribbean)

10-28-2010, 10:55 AM	#33
TheTXTaylors5 He's the Mickey to my Minnie Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 7,354	Packing I will admit, I have already started some packing "piles" for our December trip. Am I crazy? I washed all our bathing suits and cover-ups & cleaned and put the snorkel equipment in their bags. So, they are all ready to be packed for some fun on Castaway Cay. We are one of "those families" that does matching t-shirts while at Walt Disney World. Nowhere else but at WDW would my family let me dress them alike. So, I take full advantage! I have some matching t-shirts set aside that are only for our Disney trips. So, they have lasted for years. Since my Mom is coming with us this year, I asked if she would be willing to wear a matching t-shirt and she said "Yes!". So, I am on the look-out for another t-shirt to work into our rotation. Also, I may do some iron-on t-shirts to create something original for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. We'll see. Some of our matching shirts over the years: Jennifer __________________ Jennifer DH (DisneyTaylors) DS12 DD10 DS7 DIScat (Minnie) 2004: CBR; 2006: BC ~ DCL(Wonder); 2007: BCV,YC,BC,SSR,ASMU ~ MVMCP ~ DCL(Magic); 2008: VWL,BCV,SSR,BC,POR Trip Report ,FW(cabin) ~ DCG, PPP,MNSSHP & MVMCP ~ DCL(Wonder); 2009: DLH (DLR) Trip Report, POR Trip Report , SSR Trip Report , BWV Trip Report , POFQ ~ DAP; 2010:BWV(2xs), ABD CA ~ GC (DLR) Trip Report ~ Napa Rose Review, AKV ~ DCL(Wonder) Trip Report; 2011:BCV(2xs), AKV (2xs) ~ F&W, MNSSHP, MVMCP, 1st 5K Race! ~ DCL(Dream); 2012: AKV, BWV, BLT ~ F&W, MNSSHP ~ DCL(Fantasy) ~ CC5K; 2013: 04/AKV, 05/AKV ~ Expedition Everest Challenge & Epcot Flower and Garden; 12/VGC (DLR); 2014: 06/DCL ~ Wonder (Alaska), 10/DCL - Magic (Southern Caribbean) Last edited by TheTXTaylors5; 10-28-2010 at 11:11 AM.

10-28-2010, 11:55 AM	#34
bigmoonmullen Disney Adventurer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,202	Jennifer... Great Stuff here!!!! Mark __________________ 2002 - Offsite - (Feb) 2004 - POP / BC (Sep/Oct) 2007 - AKL / WL (Nov/Dec) 2008 - Dolphin / OKW (Nov/Dec) 2009 - Dolphin (Oct) 2010 - Swan / POD2.0 / Swan (Dec) 2011 - ABD - Backstage Magic Tour (Apr) 2011 - Oct - Fun with friends 2012 - May - VWL & BCV 2012 - Oct - BCV & DCL Fantasy Upcoming: 2012 - Dec - BCV & DCL Fantasy

11-06-2010, 06:13 AM	#40
tmli Wants to be known as tmlh.... Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 2,683	Just popping in to say hi!! I can't wait to see you guys again it seems like forever since our ABD trip! Chris isn't coming on the cruise. After the cruise I have to go home and back to work but we will be coming back to Orlando on Dec 23 for 10 nights over Christmas!! Perhaps we can find time to meet before you guys leave, I know Chris would love to see you again as well! __________________ Tracey

11-08-2010, 05:28 PM	#41
disneychic DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: North West, NJ Posts: 2,734	Hi! Glad I found your PTR! We are in the process of planning our trip to WDW for next Christmas (counting down the days to book our DVC room at our home resort 11 months out for next Christmas). It will be my mom,step dad, my DH and myself, my brother and his fiance. Can't wait! Even though we have 2 more WDW trips planned and a DCL before next Christmas, I'm just SUPER excited for our Xmas trip because this is something we've always dreamed of doing. Anyway, can't wait to read more of your PTR and your TR!!! __________________

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10-28-2010, 01:49 PM	#37
mainegal I am becoming very good at making crushed ice DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central Maine Posts: 6,016	Hi Jennifer! I am enjoying our pre-trip report. Look forward to meeting you at WDW. I arrive 12/4, depart 12/19. Fifteen nights! Fourteen full days! I still can't believe I am doing this. It will be a solo trip for me, except for when I meet up with DISers. I have never been anywhere away from home for that long. Not as an adult any way. As a youngster, I had two week sessions a Girl Scout camp. I love your family's matching t-shirts. Have fun with your preparations.

11-09-2010, 12:04 PM	#45
TheTXTaylors5 He's the Mickey to my Minnie Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 7,354	Disney Mail! You know your trip is coming up soon when you get things like these in the mail ... We got our cruise documents last night. We got my Mom's Magical Express documents a few weeks ago. We ordered the PCC 2.0 t-shirts on cafepress. Here's what they look like ... I ordered pink for the girls in our group and white for the boys. I love Disney mail! Jennifer __________________ Jennifer DH (DisneyTaylors) DS12 DD10 DS7 DIScat (Minnie) 2004: CBR; 2006: BC ~ DCL(Wonder); 2007: BCV,YC,BC,SSR,ASMU ~ MVMCP ~ DCL(Magic); 2008: VWL,BCV,SSR,BC,POR Trip Report ,FW(cabin) ~ DCG, PPP,MNSSHP & MVMCP ~ DCL(Wonder); 2009: DLH (DLR) Trip Report, POR Trip Report , SSR Trip Report , BWV Trip Report , POFQ ~ DAP; 2010:BWV(2xs), ABD CA ~ GC (DLR) Trip Report ~ Napa Rose Review, AKV ~ DCL(Wonder) Trip Report; 2011:BCV(2xs), AKV (2xs) ~ F&W, MNSSHP, MVMCP, 1st 5K Race! ~ DCL(Dream); 2012: AKV, BWV, BLT ~ F&W, MNSSHP ~ DCL(Fantasy) ~ CC5K; 2013: 04/AKV, 05/AKV ~ Expedition Everest Challenge & Epcot Flower and Garden; 12/VGC (DLR); 2014: 06/DCL ~ Wonder (Alaska), 10/DCL - Magic (Southern Caribbean)

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