60 Candles, 30 Million Lights, Best Friends&Family at Disney--Priceless (New 5/18&19) - The DIS Discussion Forums

KatMark · 12-14-2012, 03:46 PM

I know I still have lots of responses to do on my last TR and my PTR, and I will get to them. But I wanted to at least get this TR started.

For those who might be new to a KatMark trip report, here is how this trip came about.

I was supposed to do a girls' trip with MaryAZ and her daughters in January. Mary informed me that they were going on a cruise and we wouldn't be able to do the girls' trip. Seeing that our oldest son, Andy, was buying us Annual Passes for our September trip, I really wanted to get more use out of them. So a plan was born in my head: why not take my wonderful husband to Disney for his 60th birthday to see the Osborne Lights and Christmas decorations...something we've talked about for years doing, but never could with the kids sports schedule when they were younger.

I then called Nicki, my best friend who I met here on the DIS (MickeyNicki) and asked her what her dates were and whether or not we could coordinate. Then I ran it by Andy and said, "what if I take your dad to Disney as a surprise for his 60th birthday?" Andy replied, "what about me?" I said "we won't actually be gone on Christmas, but early in December before the crowds." Again he said, "what about me?" I told him he was welcome to join us if he didn't have a full-time teaching job by then and he should invite his girlfriend, Des, to join us too. A trip was born and the planning and secrecy began.

Let me introduce you to the cast of characters:

First, there is my wonderful husband, Mark, and me (Kathy). Mark and I have been married for 29-1/2 years and have two wonderful sons, Andy (age 26) and Mark (age 24). Andy has been dating Des for 1-1/2 years and Mark proposed to Alisha in March of this year and will be married in June of next year

Then we have Andy and Des. Andy is an English teacher without a job. He does substitute quite frequently until that full-time job comes around. He also is the varsity baseball assistant coach at one of the schools in our conference and also coaches a summer and fall ball baseball team. His other job is working at a baseball academy and he gives private hitting and catching lessons. Des is currently working as a bartender at a restaurant about 30 minutes from her house

Last, but certainly not least, are Nicki and Todd. As I mentioned above, I met Nicki here on the DIS. I think it was 2008 when we first started talking regularly. We then met her in 2009 for a quick cup of coffee on Marco Island. Mark then saw her and Todd for dinner in the spring of 2010 and we have spent a week on Marco Island every year since then and spend our time with them (we've also gone the last two Aprils on Mark's business trips). Nicki is truly my long lost sister since I never had one. And I could not ask for a better little sister. She is my best friend and sister rolled into one and I love her. We talk my text, email, Facebook or on the phone every single day. Todd is a doll, although a little quiet. He is getting better at talking...well at least when Nicki and I let him get in a word. Mark and Todd get along great and often just ignore us and talk amongst themselves.

And all six of us:

(Nicki, I borrowed yours because for some reason, mine is NOT on my pictures)

Our youngest son, Mark, and his fiance, Alisha, could not join us. Mark coaches wrestling in high school and wrestling season started a month ago and he just couldn't take the time off (he also runs the youth wrestling club).

So, there you have it...6 great friends/family going to Disney World.

Up next, the BIG reveal.

Night of Reveal and Beginning of First Day
First Day, Part 2
First Day, Part 3
First Day, Part 4
First Day, Part 4 (Cont)
First Day, Part 4 (Cont)
Christmas pictures
Day 2, Part 1
Day 2, Part 1 (Continued)
Day 2, Part 2
Day 2, Part 2 (Continued)
Day 2, Part 3
Day 2, Part 3 (Continued)
Day 2, Part 4
Day 2, Part 4 (Continued)
Day 3, Part 1
Day 3, Part 1 (Continued)
Day 3, Part 2
Day 3, Part 2 (Continued)
Day 3, Part 3
Day 3, Part 3 (Continued)
Day 3, Part 4
Day 3, Part 4 (Continued)
Day 3, Part 5
Day 3, Part 5 (Continued)
Day 3, Part 6
Day 3, Part 6 (Continued))

Day 3, Part 6 (Continued)
Day 3, Part 6 (Continued)

Day 4, Part 1
Day 4, Part 1 (Continued)
Day 4, Part 2
Day 4, Part 2 (Continued)
Day 4, Part 3
Day 4, Part 3 (Continued)
Day 4, Part 4

Day 4, Part 5

Day 4, Part 6
Day 4, Part 6 (Continued)

Day 4, Part 7

Day 4, Part 8
Day 4, Part 8 (Continued)
Day 4, Part 8 (Continued)

Day 5, Part 1
Day 5, Part 2

Update on April trip (bottom of post)

Day 5, Part 3
Day 5, Part 3 (Continued)

Day 5, Part 4
Day 5, Part 4 (Continued)

Day 5, Part 5
Day 5, Part 5 (Continued)

Day 5, Part 6

Weekend

All Good Things Must Come to an End
All Good Things Must Come to an End (Continued)

Change in April Plans

Wrap Up

Business Trip to Florida with Disney thrown in

Arrival Day

Take me to the Zoo

Take Me to the Zoo, Part 2

Can we please keep business short?

We've Arrived

Will we love Yachtsman again?

Boardwalk stroll

A favorite breakfast

Flower & Garden here we come

Flower & Garden here we come (continued)

Look at the Topiaries

Let's go...there's so much more to see

I'm hungry...let's go to Norway

The Lady is a Tramp?

While in France...

Hey, it's Mike Wazowski

Hey, its' Mike Wazowski (Continued)

On to Daytona

Daytona is a Bust

MickeyNicki · 12-14-2012, 03:47 PM

I'm first!!

PhoenixStrength · 12-14-2012, 03:53 PM

I'm here!!!

So excited to read all about this trip, since your posts on FB certainly made it sound magical

afwdwfan · 12-14-2012, 04:03 PM

Starting something new on a Friday afternoon??? That's ambitious.

I'm in!

EstherS · 12-14-2012, 04:03 PM

Checking in.

FreezinRafiki · 12-14-2012, 04:05 PM

Sounds like fun!

Nermel9 · 12-14-2012, 04:09 PM

I'm here, can't wait to hear about your trip!

jecskc · 12-14-2012, 04:13 PM

I'm here. Looking forward to reading !!!

dizneeat · 12-14-2012, 04:20 PM

Thanks for starting this at a time when I am still up!

It looks like I even made page 1! Now going back to read.

Millie12591 · 12-14-2012, 04:21 PM

I'm here Ms. Kat.

And on the first page no less!!

Thank you for starting this today, Ms. Kat. I think a lot of people could use something magical to think about, something to bring a little joy into our day today.

Pluto0809 · 12-14-2012, 04:28 PM

I'm here!

Now to go back and read the intro!

Captain_Oblivious · 12-14-2012, 04:30 PM

Hi Kathy!

I'm in! Thanks for the heads-up. Someday I want to surprise my wife and get down to see Disney at Christmas-time too.

eandesmom · 12-14-2012, 04:36 PM

I'm here! And oh, I had to laugh at the reveal video. A few of Mark's words really reminding of my Chi-town days.

LuvvsMickey · 12-14-2012, 04:39 PM

First page?

FauntleroyFAN07 · 12-14-2012, 04:50 PM

woohoo first page last one.

12-14-2012, 03:46 PM	#1
KatMark DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 35,084	60 Candles, 30 Million Lights, Best Friends&Family at Disney--Priceless (New 5/18&19) I know I still have lots of responses to do on my last TR and my PTR, and I will get to them. But I wanted to at least get this TR started. For those who might be new to a KatMark trip report, here is how this trip came about. I was supposed to do a girls' trip with MaryAZ and her daughters in January. Mary informed me that they were going on a cruise and we wouldn't be able to do the girls' trip. Seeing that our oldest son, Andy, was buying us Annual Passes for our September trip, I really wanted to get more use out of them. So a plan was born in my head: why not take my wonderful husband to Disney for his 60th birthday to see the Osborne Lights and Christmas decorations...something we've talked about for years doing, but never could with the kids sports schedule when they were younger. I then called Nicki, my best friend who I met here on the DIS (MickeyNicki) and asked her what her dates were and whether or not we could coordinate. Then I ran it by Andy and said, "what if I take your dad to Disney as a surprise for his 60th birthday?" Andy replied, "what about me?" I said "we won't actually be gone on Christmas, but early in December before the crowds." Again he said, "what about me?" I told him he was welcome to join us if he didn't have a full-time teaching job by then and he should invite his girlfriend, Des, to join us too. A trip was born and the planning and secrecy began. Let me introduce you to the cast of characters: First, there is my wonderful husband, Mark, and me (Kathy). Mark and I have been married for 29-1/2 years and have two wonderful sons, Andy (age 26) and Mark (age 24). Andy has been dating Des for 1-1/2 years and Mark proposed to Alisha in March of this year and will be married in June of next year Then we have Andy and Des. Andy is an English teacher without a job. He does substitute quite frequently until that full-time job comes around. He also is the varsity baseball assistant coach at one of the schools in our conference and also coaches a summer and fall ball baseball team. His other job is working at a baseball academy and he gives private hitting and catching lessons. Des is currently working as a bartender at a restaurant about 30 minutes from her house Last, but certainly not least, are Nicki and Todd. As I mentioned above, I met Nicki here on the DIS. I think it was 2008 when we first started talking regularly. We then met her in 2009 for a quick cup of coffee on Marco Island. Mark then saw her and Todd for dinner in the spring of 2010 and we have spent a week on Marco Island every year since then and spend our time with them (we've also gone the last two Aprils on Mark's business trips). Nicki is truly my long lost sister since I never had one. And I could not ask for a better little sister. She is my best friend and sister rolled into one and I love her. We talk my text, email, Facebook or on the phone every single day. Todd is a doll, although a little quiet. He is getting better at talking...well at least when Nicki and I let him get in a word. Mark and Todd get along great and often just ignore us and talk amongst themselves. And all six of us: (Nicki, I borrowed yours because for some reason, mine is NOT on my pictures) Our youngest son, Mark, and his fiance, Alisha, could not join us. Mark coaches wrestling in high school and wrestling season started a month ago and he just couldn't take the time off (he also runs the youth wrestling club). So, there you have it...6 great friends/family going to Disney World. Up next, the BIG reveal. Night of Reveal and Beginning of First Day First Day, Part 2 First Day, Part 3 First Day, Part 4 First Day, Part 4 (Cont) First Day, Part 4 (Cont) Christmas pictures Day 2, Part 1 Day 2, Part 1 (Continued) Day 2, Part 2 Day 2, Part 2 (Continued) Day 2, Part 3 Day 2, Part 3 (Continued) Day 2, Part 4 Day 2, Part 4 (Continued) Day 3, Part 1 Day 3, Part 1 (Continued) Day 3, Part 2 Day 3, Part 2 (Continued) Day 3, Part 3 Day 3, Part 3 (Continued) Day 3, Part 4 Day 3, Part 4 (Continued) Day 3, Part 5 Day 3, Part 5 (Continued) Day 3, Part 6 Day 3, Part 6 (Continued)) Day 3, Part 6 (Continued) Day 3, Part 6 (Continued) Day 4, Part 1 Day 4, Part 1 (Continued) Day 4, Part 2 Day 4, Part 2 (Continued) Day 4, Part 3 Day 4, Part 3 (Continued) Day 4, Part 4 Day 4, Part 5 Day 4, Part 6 Day 4, Part 6 (Continued) Day 4, Part 7 Day 4, Part 8 Day 4, Part 8 (Continued) Day 4, Part 8 (Continued) Day 5, Part 1 Day 5, Part 2 Update on April trip (bottom of post) Day 5, Part 3 Day 5, Part 3 (Continued) Day 5, Part 4 Day 5, Part 4 (Continued) Day 5, Part 5 Day 5, Part 5 (Continued) Day 5, Part 6 Weekend All Good Things Must Come to an End All Good Things Must Come to an End (Continued) Change in April Plans Wrap Up Business Trip to Florida with Disney thrown in Arrival Day Take me to the Zoo Take Me to the Zoo, Part 2 Can we please keep business short? We've Arrived Will we love Yachtsman again? Boardwalk stroll A favorite breakfast Flower & Garden here we come Flower & Garden here we come (continued) Look at the Topiaries Let's go...there's so much more to see I'm hungry...let's go to Norway The Lady is a Tramp? While in France... Hey, it's Mike Wazowski Hey, its' Mike Wazowski (Continued) On to Daytona Daytona is a Bust __________________ December trip report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3033112 Last edited by KatMark; 05-19-2013 at 09:16 PM.

12-14-2012, 03:47 PM	#2
MickeyNicki It is pretty darn sad when a valet picks you out as a big Boma eater Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Naples Florida Posts: 21,449	I'm first!! __________________ December 2012 trip with KatMark and Family! October 2012 The big 40th Birthday Trip! October 2011 Live Dining Reviews, F&W, Birthday, Early Anniversary & Halloween! May 2011 Todd's Birthday Trip February 2011 A Valentine's Gift Weekend! November 2010 Live Dining Reviews, F&W, Anniversary and Xmas all rolled into one! November 2009 Dining Reviews October 2009 Live Dining Reviews F&W time! August 2009 Live Dining Reviews June 2009 Live Dining Reviews March 2009 Live Dining Reviews January 2009 Live Dining Reviews..with KIDS! October 2008 Live Dining Reviews August 2008 Live Dining Reviews June 2008 Dining Reviews! March/April 2008 Live Reviews

12-14-2012, 03:53 PM	#3
PhoenixStrength Waiting for my fairytale! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,183	I'm here!!! So excited to read all about this trip, since your posts on FB certainly made it sound magical __________________ Aug 97 Off Site Aug 01 Off Site Sept 08 POP Nov 10 Off Site Feb 12 POP Dec 12 POP He was Bitten, Bitten by the Bug, a Nov-Dec '12 TR November-December 2012 PTR

12-14-2012, 04:03 PM	#4
afwdwfan DIS Dad #460 You should always make room for a loophole when you need it Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,098	Starting something new on a Friday afternoon??? That's ambitious. I'm in! __________________ Andy DW DS(3) DD DIS Dad's Club Member #460 Test Track Dummies - 2012 Disdads Fantasy Football Dole Whip Cup Champion They Should Really Put a Bar in Here - Dec 2012 TR That was fun! Let's do it again! - Update 11/15 Let's turn around. Magic Kingdom is open till 1AM! - My first ever trip report - Complete I will never go to Disney World pushing a stroller! - My effort at a first time PTR.Complete

12-14-2012, 04:03 PM	#5
EstherS Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 161	Checking in. __________________ 1993 off site with Aunt and Friend 1997 ASMu Honeymoon Sept 2002 ASMu 5th Annver. April 2009 CSR took Daughter on her first trip to Disney! Oct 24th - 30th 2010. TRIP CANCELED for medical reason's. 2012 trip postponed laid off of my job. So now Secretly planning a trip for 2013.

Sponsored Links
The DIS Register to remove Join Date: 1997 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,000,000

12-14-2012, 04:05 PM	#6
FreezinRafiki DDC 322 Cold enough for ya? Shocking, isn't it. Oh, wait, thats a taser Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 5,446	Sounds like fun! __________________ Me - Barry \| DW - Bambi [E3yore]\| DD(8) - Madison \| DS(6) - Evan \| DS(1) - Ryder Current Trip Report: You Seem Taller In Your Trip Reports. An Aug '12 TR About a Baby at WDW Current Half Marathon Trip Report: Nemesis Challenge: MY Side of the Epic Half Marathon Showdown (PTR) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~°o°~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DIS Dad's Club Member #322 § "He Who Provides Dole Whips For Tim" § "the almighty Rafiki" - theduck619 You Best Start Believing in Ghost Stories... Halloween on the Dream and WDW 2 Kids, 2 Dogs, 1200 Miles: 2 More Weeks in FL: Patriotic Edition Houston, We Have A Secret: A Texas Vacation With A WDW Surprise Everything Old is New Again! A December 2010 Trip Report Cheese Ball Yak Attack: 2 kids, 2 dogs, 1200 miles - The Sequel. Mar '10 TR 2 Kids, 2 Dogs, 1200 Miles: 2 Weeks and 2 Birthdays in FL Trip Report - Oct '09

12-14-2012, 04:09 PM	#7
Nermel9 DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,209	I'm here, can't wait to hear about your trip! __________________ Current TR's: 3 Princesses Hit the Parks-Feb. 2013! AND "No One's Gloomy or Complaining"-in DISNEY WORLD!-November 2012! My TR's/PTR's~11/12 PTR!~5/12 TR!~5/12 PTR!~12/11 TR!~10/11 TR!~10/11 PTR!~11/10 TR!~11/10 PTR!~Disneymoon TR 5/10! Many family trips offsite~9/08 ASMu~11/09 WL~Disneymoon 5/10 BC~11/10 POR~10/11 WL~12/11 Pop~5/12 BC~11/12 AoA/POR~2/13 AKL/BLT

12-14-2012, 04:13 PM	#8
jecskc DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,750	I'm here. Looking forward to reading !!! __________________ ME DH DS13 DD10 WDW Commando #156 Our Disney Trip to Sara-topia-Dining Review There's a Chipmunk Eating Your Head !! There's a Chipmunk Eating Your Head !! - Dining Review Kidani Dreams-April 2012 PTR Pudge Controls the Weather April 6-15 TRThe Whimsical Spirit of the Conch Republic-June 2012 Pudge Controls the Weather - Dining Report The Disney Adventures of Scooter Mom Sept 2012 The Disney Adventures of Scooter Mom-Dining Review-Sep 2012 Scooter Mom Rides Again!! Nov. 2012 Scooter Mom Rides Again !!-Dining Review Scooter Mom-The Final Chapter TR Just Keep Swimming-3/31-4/7 Just Keep Swimming-Dining Review

12-14-2012, 04:20 PM	#9
dizneeat DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Austria Posts: 11,290	Thanks for starting this at a time when I am still up! It looks like I even made page 1! Now going back to read. __________________ Players: Karin Tom Find our trips here: Magicaldisneytrips WDW, DCL: Aug 7 - Sept 08, 2013 WDW, back to back Eastern and Western Caribbean Cruises on the FANTASY, and a few more WDW days DLRP: Jan 4 - 6, 2014 to put our APs to good use WDW, DCL: Feb 15 - 22, 2014 another cruise on the Dream and a few WDW days DCL: July 26 - Aug 07, 2014 Cruising the Med on the Magic TR: If we can dream it, we can do it ...... another 30 day vacation Pre-TR: We invite you, if you dare ..... Feb TR:PLEASE, Whistle while you work ....... Visit my other TRs/dining reviews here:

12-14-2012, 04:21 PM	#10
Millie12591 DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Austin, Texas! Posts: 3,119	I'm here Ms. Kat. And on the first page no less!! Thank you for starting this today, Ms. Kat. I think a lot of people could use something magical to think about, something to bring a little joy into our day today. __________________ Camille~Mom of the greatest kiddos a mom could be blessed with~ Un-Tangled....How I Got My Life Back DisneyLand 1989-twice-Nov.1995, Nov.1998, Nov.2001 DisneyWorld-May'07-Stayed @ POP, July'08-Off Property, May'10-Stayed @ CSR, May '13-POP,AofA,CSR & POR Last edited by Millie12591; 12-14-2012 at 04:27 PM.

12-14-2012, 04:28 PM	#11
Pluto0809 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 799	I'm here! Now to go back and read the intro! __________________ Did I Hear That Right? A Solo Adventure at WDW I Can't See a Thing and Tiger Lady, Oh My! A Nov Mother & Daughter TR

12-14-2012, 04:30 PM	#12
Captain_Oblivious DIS Dad #257 Don't underestimate your audience. I'm sure there's a fart joke in here somewhere Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 6,113	Hi Kathy! I'm in! Thanks for the heads-up. Someday I want to surprise my wife and get down to see Disney at Christmas-time too. __________________ Me (Mark) DW (Mrs. Knowitall) DD11 DS9 DS7 DIS Dads Club Member #257 Operation Big Thunder: The Dole Whip Conspiracy Rust Belt Road Trip 2011 A Vacation From My Problems (A Sept. 2010 Trip Report) COMPLETED 12/14 Non-Disney Southern Road Trip Report COMPLETE at the DIS Dads webpage COMPLETED TRIP REPORT: Voyage of the Delawareans: November 8-12 4-Night Cruise

12-14-2012, 04:36 PM	#13
eandesmom I'm with Beast Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,265	I'm here! And oh, I had to laugh at the reveal video. A few of Mark's words really reminding of my Chi-town days. __________________ Cynthia, Jeff, DSS20, DSD16, DS13, DS12 Coffee on the Verandah - A Trip Report \| Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting Than You! - An MEK/eandesmom TR Book it. Buy it. BELIEVE it! - A PTR\|You'll never get me on a cruise. Unless it's to ALASKA!- A TR \| The Adventures of Dr. Jones and the Spitting Camel - A Trip Report How Do You Think We Stay So Happy? A TR \| Life is too short...to never sleep in a treehouse. A Grand Gathering PTR So many flowers, So little time - an east/west PTR \| How EMH Saved our Trip! A Trip Report

12-14-2012, 04:39 PM	#14
LuvvsMickey DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Far away Posts: 1,621	First page? Last edited by LuvvsMickey; 12-14-2012 at 04:40 PM. Reason: Edit: WOOOT. That never* happens. heh*

12-14-2012, 04:50 PM	#15
FauntleroyFAN07 Commander of Donalds Crew Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Indiana, but still Bears, Cubs, and Bulls Country...Go Bulls Posts: 8,245	woohoo first page last one. __________________ ME ~ DW ~DS ~ DD Brand Spanking NEW Art of Animation TR new 5-17 82-01 12 trips w/ parents FW~'06 Sept CBR 8 Nights(HoneyMoon)~'07 Sept AS Sports 9 Nights 1 Year Anv~~'08 6 night Christmas Trip to CSR~~'10 FW 12 nights~~'12 AoA 12 nights TR archives (completed)~~07 Will Chip and Dale Steal my Wife again? ~08 Flirting our way through Disney on a Christmas Trip ~10 Squirts, Shirts, & Flirts..The Legend Continues TR PreTR archives (completed)~~Squirts, Shirts, & Flirts...The Legend Continues 2010 PreTR Blessed by the Best

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread: