NoAlice?Rabbit,Hatter&Chessie Do a HolidayTrip.NEW11/27 1 More Day&I crush on Snowmen

[PracPerfPatricia]

Quebec, Ile D'Orleans Continued...

It was really quite pretty and the tastings were very good...

So I'll leave Quebec with two thoughts...

1. If General Montcalm had beaten General Wolfe on the Plains of Abraham, (instead of the way it actually happened) in a 20 minute battle during the Seven Years or French and Indian Wars, we might all be writing trip reports in French right now...

and

2. I'm truly not sure if I can actually go to a country that isn't in World Showcase...

....



and since we'll be staying at the Beach Club-I'll be able to easily walk over and think about that...

I am going to keep my Rose and Crown Pub Ressie for our first lunch and I moved Via to the last lunch...

Now I just have to think about how many breakfast ressies I want and where...

[MEK]

OOps. Sorry I interrupted your updates last night. I will come back this evening to read the ones I missed. I absolutely can't even start without being able to see the pictures, so hold my spot until I return.

[eandesmom]

Ugh, crossing the border stresses me out anymore. Used to be such a low key thing and now...UGH. I get grilled each time b/c the E's have a different last name. Last time they even asked the boys how long they'd known each of us.

Chateau Frontenac, oh I love that place. I was lucky enough to stay there.

Great update!

[MEK]

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

Quebec Continued...


Oddly enough there is no Le Cellier on the map???



Hmmm...Maybe they forgot to put it on... I'll bet if there was one here it would be easier to get into than the one in Epcot...

You are certainly correct on that account!

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

[COLOR="Red"]

Cute picture!

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

[COLOR="Red"]
The Island itself is picturesque and full of vineyards and cideries... we stopped a couple of times and did some tastings, had lunch, etc. And there is something even better than cider and that would be the ice cider... which is kind of equivalent to ice wine. Ice cider is absolutely wonderful as an after or before dinner drink but you have to be careful because it just tastes like the most wonderful concentrated apple juice you have ever had...

Now that's what I'm talking about!!!!!!!!





I also LOVE this picture!

[jeremysdisneymom]

I'm here and joining in the fun.

We are going to miss each other by a few days. We are spending our last 2 nights at the Beach Club. I can hardly wait. I have been dying to stay there for some time.

Loving your report on Quebec. Such beautiful area. Would love to visit someday.

Are you going to do a report on Disneyland?

[PracPerfPatricia]

Originally Posted by MEK

I have been really lucky on the college tours - no crazy parents asking a million questions. Not sure how I have been lucking out, but I have.

YOU have been lucky... Probably part of my problem is I'm always in search of a cup of coffee during the info sessions... and when I don't get one it makes me cranky... I'm really pretty empathetic and I get that it's a rough process emotionally but I think that some of the parent's I've run into think their kids are going to be way more supervised than they are ... I think by the time "kids" are in college they are going to have access to alcohol by hook or by crook and access to members of the opposite sex... and you'd better just hope you've had all of those talks already... not when they're walking out your door to college...

I really want to visit Canada. I haven't been there for quite awhile and I want to go back.

Well you should... you could go up to Quebec or Montreal-neither too far or Nova Scotia if you want more English...

or if we nab some extra cash...

we could go to Vancouver and Victoria and then visit Cynthia in Seattle... I'm sure she'd be happy to us to the Pacific Northwest...

Really cute pics of Em! Love this one.....

Originally Posted by MEK

OOps. Sorry I interrupted your updates last night. I will come back this evening to read the ones I missed. I absolutely can't even start without being able to see the pictures, so hold my spot until I return.

S'ok...all good

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Ugh, crossing the border stresses me out anymore. Used to be such a low key thing and now...UGH. I get grilled each time b/c the E's have a different last name. Last time they even asked the boys how long they'd known each of us.

Chateau Frontenac, oh I love that place. I was lucky enough to stay there.

Great update!

It feels weird doesn't it? Ugh... I can't believe they asked the E's that... we had something like that at the airport once...they asked David who we (Eric and I were... ? ) I know it's probably all for the best... but still...

O la la ... you stayed at the Frontenac... did you know they have a Starbucks 0n the side/in the Lobby now? I have mixed feeling about that but I happened to make use of it... ...tables outside with good people watching...probably one of the best views at any Starbucks...with the St. Lawrence in the view... but I'm sure there will be a Starbucks at the Vatican one day... hmmm...the souvenir possibilities boggle the mind...

[PracPerfPatricia]

Originally Posted by MEK

You are certainly correct on that account!

I mean seriously... I'd be surprised to find many restaurants in all of Canada that are as hard to get into as Le Cellier...

Cute picture!

Now that's what I'm talking about!!!!!!!!

I really love the Hard Apple Cider...I don't like beer that much and a cider is a really nice alternative...(I love just about apple... and the ice cider really is to die for..





I also LOVE this picture!

Thanks...

Originally Posted by jeremysdisneymom

I'm here and joining in the fun.

Glad that you're here...

We are going to miss each other by a few days. We are spending our last 2 nights at the Beach Club. I can hardly wait. I have been dying to stay there for some time.


I'm so excited to be staying there...... Aren't you super excited about Fantasyland too? Even though the official opening is December 6th... they have to be previewing since Be Our Guest will be open... but you already know that cause you scored ressies...


Loving your report on Quebec. Such beautiful area. Would love to visit someday.

Thank you... it really was lovely...

Are you going to do a report on Disneyland?

Well it's funny that you should mention that... ... I am and I think I'll start it later today...Last summer August 2011...we were in San Francisco, Big Sur, LA and Disneyland for 3 nights... We went to the Disney Family Museum in San Francisco and the Disney Concert Hall in LA before going to Disneyland so I think I will start to write that up while I am doing pre trip report stuff for November's trip...Nothing goes with writing about going to Disney than talking about having been to Disney...Don't you think...

[mnmrmustard]

Hello Patricia! I understand completely the situation you are in with 'Alice'. My older daughter is a junior this year and we originally had a WDW trip planned for December of 2013. But we realized it would be a disaster to try and take her out of school as a senior (plus little sis would be a freshman).

I can also sympathize about the mother/health situation. We are actually in the midst of the process of moving my mother-in-law into an assisted care facility. She has been living at home with us for years but her health and mobility has decreased to the point where we can’t give her the level of care she now needs. It is a very emotional struggle with no easy answers. I hope your mother continues to do well.

So we’re going to be down there around the same time you are and at least at this point our girls don’t have a clue!

I like your idea of 3’s and love the Schoolhouse Rock reference. We’ve never eaten at Via Napoli either have ADRs for it. Good luck with Gaston’s/Be Our Guest, we’re trying to make something work for that too.

You’ll like RnRC if you haven’t done it before – smoothest and most fun dark coaster ride I’ve ever been on. My daredevil DD and I rode it 7 times in one day. We’ll be seeing the Osbourne lights for the first time also. I like the idea of the 3 bars and have heard wonderful things about the Margaritas at Cava. Good bucket list!

Good luck with the flight and travel time, hope you are able to make those Via Napoli reservations. We’re also trying to make it to EPCOT after we arrive (your fam and ours both arrive on the 29th). We’re hoping to catch the Candlelight Processional and Neil Patrick Harris’s last telling of The Story of Christmas. It should be interesting to see how it goes.

We’re also doing DHS for the 30th with Sci-Fi for lunch. We’ve seen Fantasmic! a couple of times so we’re really focusing on seeing those Osbourne lights! I know your family will enjoy Fantasmic! I’ve heard a lot about different things being previewed in the new Fantasyland – I hope you are able to experience as much of it as possible.

Good luck figuring out your Monday and your ADRs in relation to it. Sometimes the ADR availability guides the park choice.

Quebec looked like a lot of fun; you guys really got around and experienced a lot of stuff! Beautiful place for sure.

I look forward to hearing how things shape up as the date draws nearer – can’t believe it is already down to 68 days!!!

[PracPerfPatricia]

Originally Posted by mnmrmustard

Hello Patricia! I understand completely the situation you are in with 'Alice'. My older daughter is a junior this year and we originally had a WDW trip planned for December of 2013. But we realized it would be a disaster to try and take her out of school as a senior (plus little sis would be a freshman).

It's definitely a challenge you don't face when their in elementary school...

I can also sympathize about the mother/health situation. We are actually in the midst of the process of moving my mother-in-law into an assisted care facility. She has been living at home with us for years but her health and mobility has decreased to the point where we can’t give her the level of care she now needs. It is a very emotional struggle with no easy answers. I hope your mother continues to do well.

Good luck with your mil... it's really difficult to have your parent's getting older and worrying that you're making the right choices... My mom is actually doing well right now...Thanks...

So we’re going to be down there around the same time you are and at least at this point our girls don’t have a clue!

I don't know if I could keep that secret...

I like your idea of 3’s and love the Schoolhouse Rock reference. We’ve never eaten at Via Napoli either have ADRs for it. Good luck with Gaston’s/Be Our Guest, we’re trying to make something work for that too.

I just can't wait to see it... & God bless School House Rock- I can still say the preamble to the Constitution and I'm sure it's because of that...

You’ll like RnRC if you haven’t done it before – smoothest and most fun dark coaster ride I’ve ever been on. My daredevil DD and I rode it 7 times in one day. We’ll be seeing the Osbourne lights for the first time also. I like the idea of the 3 bars and have heard wonderful things about the Margaritas at Cava. Good bucket list!

I will be on RnRc by hook or by crook...Yeah both the Osbourne Lights and those Margaritas have both been highly reviewed on these boards...

Good luck with the flight and travel time, hope you are able to make those Via Napoli reservations. We’re also trying to make it to EPCOT after we arrive (your fam and ours both arrive on the 29th). We’re hoping to catch the Candlelight Processional and Neil Patrick Harris’s last telling of The Story of Christmas. It should be interesting to see how it goes.

Hmmm... well I've already changed my Napoli ressies and we're going to Rose & Crown the first day and Napoli the last day...Hmmm.... the Candlelight Processional... we haven't done that before I wonder how Hatter would feel about that..."Honey..."

We’re also doing DHS for the 30th with Sci-Fi for lunch. We’ve seen Fantasmic! a couple of times so we’re really focusing on seeing those Osbourne lights! I know your family will enjoy Fantasmic! I’ve heard a lot about different things being previewed in the new Fantasyland – I hope you are able to experience as much of it as possible.

It's the one restaurant DS requests so we'll def do... Going to do the lights before Fantasmic...I think...... OH please, please, please let them be doing previews of Fantasyland... they usually have soft openings before the official

Good luck figuring out your Monday and your ADRs in relation to it. Sometimes the ADR availability guides the park choice.

Quebec looked like a lot of fun; you guys really got around and experienced a lot of stuff! Beautiful place for sure.

It was really lovely...we had a great time...

I look forward to hearing how things shape up as the date draws nearer – can’t believe it is already down to 68 days!!!

68 Days...Woot... ...

[PracPerfPatricia]

Well today is 68 Days till Go Time

And that means starting to firm up plans...

Thursday, November 29th - Travel Day/Epcot WorldShowcase

- 5 am wake-up for 7:30 am flight from Philadelphia to Orlando
- arrive at MCO at 9:30
- ME to Beach Club...

(Welcome Home-Hurray- First Time Staying as Beach Club DVC Members...

- Walk over to Epcot-World Showcase...

- Lunch at Rose and Crown Pub

- Explore UK Pavilion
- Explore Canada Pavilion
- Explore France Pavilion
- Explore Morocco Pavilion
- Explore Japan Pavilion
- The American Adventure-haven't done in a bit... want to do...
- Italy, Germany, Norway, Mexico...hmmm... thinking about doing reverse order so I can nurse my Cava Margarita... Since it's Christmas time...I'd like to maybe do a little holiday shopping...

- Back to Hotel...Freshen up

- bluezoo for dinner

-Play rest of evening by ear...depending on everyone's energy level...


Friday, November 30th - DHS Day!

- Breakfast at Kouzzina
- Boat to DHS
- Hit RnRC & ToT or have them hit us...
- TSM...prob fast pass and return...
- Lunch at Sci-Fi Dine-In
- Star Tours
- Lights, Motors, Action Stunt Show
- Great Movie Ride
- The Magic of Disney Animation
- Dinner tbd
- Osbourne Family Lights
- Fantasmic at 6:30pm

(hmmm... at some point work in adult libation from Tune-In Lounge...)

Saturday, December 1st – Animal Kingdom

- Breakfast at tbd
- DTS to Animal Kingdom
- Make a beeline for Asia and Expedition Everest – Get FPs & ride it
- Kali River Rapids
- Head to Africa -Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Lunch at Yak and Yeti
- Legend of the Lion King
- Trails...Maharajah and Pangani
- It’s Tough to be a Bug on Discovery Island

- Head back to BC

- Dinner at Yachtsman


Sun, December 2nd – Magic Kingdom Day (officially opens on the 6th... based on previews...please...)

- Early wake-up and DTS to MK
- Reservations turnstile at park entrance
- Head to Fantasyland
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Dumbo NextGen Queue Tent/Dual Dumbo Spinners
- if there are problems...Peter Pan, Pooh & Teacups...
- Fantasyland Station – ride train to Frontierland Station
- Splash Mountain
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Lunch...Head to Be our Guest CS/Gaston's
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Space Mountain
- Dinner at Raglan Road...
- Downtown Disney



Monday, December 3rd -Epcot Future World

- Breakfast at
- EPCOT
- Test Track
- Mission to Mars*
- Spaceship Earth
- Innoventions East & West

- May do Soarin*
- Lunch at Via Napoli

- have a little time till Magic Express leaves prob at 3 for 5:30 flight...
- 5:30 pm flight from Orlando to Philadelphia
- arrive at PHL at 7:30


I have some?s and unresolved issues...

Trying to talk my men into a Character Breakfast... Maybe Cape May Buffet...
Kouzinna a def breakfast...prob should make ADRs...

Def going to check out Holiday Decorations at The BC, YC, Boardwalk and the Swan and Dolphin (since going to bluezoo)... would like to do a monorail loop of the monorail resorts... and check out the ones there...prob one evening...

Should I try to do a Candlelight Processional and When...??? ... We've done the Christmas Party so if we're considering doing an evening add on... I think it should be the CP... hmmm.... what to do....




Anyhow...while I ponder that...




I thought I'd give a sneak peek at my newest TR within this PTR...

Through the Looking Glass Flashback to California/Disneyland Road Trip


As much as I like going to Disney World (when possible) I have also become quite fond of California...

Not only does it have one of my favorite cities, San Francisco but it has the original Disney park... Disneyland... and you can drive through some of the most beautiful roads anywhere in the world along the Pacific Ocean (going) through Big Sur... oh and we can't forget Los Angeles...


We began in San Francisco where we stayed for 5 nights, drove down towards Monterey, through Big Sur, staying overnight before continuing to Los Angeles for three nights before finishing at Disneyland Resort for three nights...

It will be full of thrills and chills...(Actually that's true- San Francisco can get pretty brisk even in August...... Time to go through that looking glass...

[eandesmom]

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

Def going to check out Holiday Decorations at The BC, YC, Boardwalk and the Swan and Dolphin (since going to bluezoo)... would like to do a monorail loop of the monorail resorts... and check out the ones there...prob one evening...

Should I try to do a Candlelight Processional and When...??? ... We've done the Christmas Party so if we're considering doing an evening add on... I think it should be the CP... hmmm.... what to do....

Oh I'd do the CP if you can fit it in. Over the party and a character breakfast for sure. I am dying to do it if we really ever make it there for the holidays. Where to fit it in is a darn good question though, your plans are awfully lovely as they are!

Originally Posted by PracPerfPatricia

We began in San Francisco where we stayed for 5 nights, drove down towards Monterey, through Big Sur, staying overnight before continuing to Los Angeles for three nights before finishing at Disneyland Resort for three nights...

It will be full of thrills and chills...(Actually that's true- San Francisco can get pretty brisk even in August...... Time to go through that looking glass...

Ah, some of my mostest favoritest places in the world! I think Jeff and I are going to have to run away to San Fran for a weekend in Dec. We'd prefer somewhere a bit more exotic but it's affordable from here and we just love it there.

[MEK]

I love the Candlelight Processional. I actually have walked up to it once it was started and just stood and watched parts of it. But if you could get a CP package or get there early enough for a real seat, I recommend it. I love music and it is so professionally presented.

I also am a big fan of CMC breakfast. I love the beachy theme of the characters and the food is yummy.

I didn't realize you bought points at the BC. Woo hoo! That is awesome. Cynthia and I stayed there in May 2011 and I loved everything about it. Can't wait to stay there again.

Yeah for a bonus DL TR!

[wigdoutdismom]

Patricia, your family is so delightful in the pictures of Quebec. This report is really making me want to visit Canada. It appears that their is more to it than the WS pavilion.
I think your plans sound well thought out and quite organized!
So unlike our travels. Haha!
I can't wait to see what you do about that breakfast!

[PracPerfPatricia]

Ok this is my new & improved (won't change too much more) Official Itinerary

with the super special addition of

The Candle Light Processional (& Dinner Package)
(so we're sure to get seating...



Thursday, November 29th - Travel Day/Epcot WorldShowcase


- 5am wake-up for 7:30am flight from Philadelphia to Orlando
- arrive at MCO at 9:30
- ME to Beach Club...

(Welcome Home-Hurray- First Time Staying as Beach Club DVC Members...

- Walk over to Epcot-World Showcase...
(we can do that now...hehehe...) *

- Lunch at Rose and Crown Pub

(Agent P's World Showcase Adventure Pick -pick up time near the International Gateway...)

Hmmm think about the Wine Walk...France, Italy & Germany
I Think it sounds like a good idea...

- Explore Canada Pavilion
- Explore UK Pavilion
- Explore France Pavilion
- Explore Morocco Pavilion
- Explore Japan Pavilion

Since it's Christmas time...I'd like to maybe do a little holiday shopping...

- The American Adventure-haven't done in a bit... want to do...

-Explore Italy Pavilion
-Explore Germany Pavilion
-Explore Norway Pavilion
-Explore China Pavilion
-Explore Mexico Pavilion

(Can now check out La Cava del Tequila-and get Margarita right before dinner...)

I can nurse my Cava Margarita...while in Mexico

- Dinner at La Hacienda de San Angel (CLP Package)

Candle Light Processional 8:15pm show





Friday, November 30th - DHS Day!


- Breakfast at Kouzzina
- Boat to DHS
- Hit RnRC & ToT or have them hit us...
- TSM...prob fast pass and return...
- Lunch at Sci-Fi Dine-In
- Star Tours
- Lights, Motors, Action Stunt Show
- Great Movie Ride
- The Magic of Disney Animation
- Dinner tbd

- Osbourne Family Lights
- Fantasmic at 6:30pm


(hmmm... at some point work in adult libation from Tune-In Lounge...)-later afternoon

(if energy after Fantasmic-maybe head over to check out Holiday Decorations on Monorail Hotel Loop...Contemporary, Polynesian and the Grand Floridian

-if not later in trip...)





Saturday, December 1st – Animal Kingdom


- Breakfast at tbd
- DTS to Animal Kingdom
- Make a beeline for Asia and Expedition Everest – Get FPs & ride it
- Kali River Rapids
- Head to Africa -Kilimanjaro Safaris

- Lunch at Yak and Yeti

- Legend of the Lion King
- Trails...Maharajah and Pangani
- It’s Tough to be a Bug on Discovery Island-

(hmmm... at some point work in adult libation from Dawa Lounge...)-before ITTBEB)

(purposefully lite day at AK-since we've stayed at AKL 2x out of last 3 trip including a December trip
-love it but want to mix it up this trip...)

- Head back to BC

-Official Designated Pool Time

- Dinner at bluezoo-at the Dolphin-

Check out Swan and Dolphin after Dinner





Sun, December 2nd – Magic Kingdom Day
(new Fantasy Land officially opens on the 6th... based on previews...please be open...)


-Breakfast at tbd
- Early wake-up and DTS to MK
- Be a rope drop to see "show"
- Head to Fantasyland
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Dumbo NextGen Queue Tent/Dual Dumbo Spinners
- if there are problems ...Peter Pan, Pooh, Teacups, IASW...)
- Fantasyland Station – ride train to Frontierland Station
- Splash Mountain
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
-Haunted Mansion
- Pirates of the Caribbean

- Lunch...Head to Be our Guest CS/Gaston's

- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Space Mountain

(if haven't done earlier... head over to check out Holiday Decorations on Monorail Hotel Loop...)


- Dinner at Raglan Road...

- Downtown Disney-Shopping...





Monday, December 3rd -Epcot Future World


- Breakfast at tbd
- EPCOT
- Test Track
- Mission to Mars*
- Spaceship Earth
- Innoventions East & West

- May do Soarin*-instead of Mission or both if time...

- Lunch at Via Napoli


- have a little time till Magic Express leaves prob at 2 for 5:30 flight...
- 5:30 pm flight from Orlando to Philadelphia
- arrive at PHL at 7:30

[PracPerfPatricia]

Originally Posted by eandesmom

Oh I'd do the CP if you can fit it in. Over the party and a character breakfast for sure. I am dying to do it if we really ever make it there for the holidays. Where to fit it in is a darn good question though, your plans are awfully lovely as they are!

Yep I agree with the CP-and so I've fit it in-got ressies for dinner pkg... Switched around bluezoo to where Yachtsmen was...can hit Yachtsman next time but can only do CP at Christmas time...

Ah, some of my mostest favoritest places in the world! I think Jeff and I are going to have to run away to San Fran for a weekend in Dec. We'd prefer somewhere a bit more exotic but it's affordable from here and we just love it there.

Yeah, that makes me a teeny bit jealous that what, is that a two hour flight for you?

Originally Posted by MEK

I love the Candlelight Processional. I actually have walked up to it once it was started and just stood and watched parts of it. But if you could get a CP package or get there early enough for a real seat, I recommend it. I love music and it is so professionally presented.

CP Package... I didn't want to take the chance with the seating...

I also am a big fan of CMC breakfast. I love the beachy theme of the characters and the food is yummy.

I know I am working on Eric with that one.. I'd like to see the characters in Beach Wear...

I didn't realize you bought points at the BC. Woo hoo! That is awesome. Cynthia and I stayed there in May 2011 and I loved everything about it. Can't wait to stay there again.

Yep... finally drank the Disney kool aid...just 80 for right now and hope to another 25 in next couple of months... but I'm sure we'll be adding more down the road...

Yeah for a bonus DL TR!

Hoping to start that in ernest tonight...

Originally Posted by wigdoutdismom

Patricia, your family is so delightful in the pictures of Quebec. This report is really making me want to visit Canada. It appears that their is more to it than the WS pavilion.
I think your plans sound well thought out and quite organized!
So unlike our travels. Haha!
I can't wait to see what you do about that breakfast!

Quebec was really fun... I'd love to visit other parts of Canada as well...and I'm sure no matter we went in Canada we'd still have a hard time finding a restaurant as hard to get ressies for as Le Cellier...

I'm working on the CM Character Breakfast with Eric... he's being slightly curmudgeonly about it...I didn't want to push yesterday right after I convinced him about the CP... I'll wait a day or two...