Ho! Ho! Ho! Away we go - A Disney Christmas - 2/15 Dec TR final thoughts and FEB TR!

[Happydog]

Oh my goodness! What a journey!!! Did you ever consider stopping/turning around? Is that a crazy question for a DISer?

NO!!!! NO WAY!!! But it would have been a totally different story if we had waited to follow our original plan.. I am sure we would have found a way there -- but that is a story I wouldn't want to tell!!!!

DH was a little worried that we would be stuck on 95 with so many exits blocked. THANKFULLY we were able to get off... the parallel local highway was clear, which was very surprising, we should have stayed on it the whole way vs. getting back on 95. Think we would have made up a few hours had we done that. BUT turn around??!! NEVER!

It was a new car you were "testing," right? Sounds like it passed with flying colors.

Your DH is so sweet to tell you to relax and go to sleep. I don't think I could have done it.

How did the boys do? Were they getting antsy?

YES, it was. And DH was very pleased with the performance. It has a V8 engine and the "sports" package with beefy tires (more so than the standard model) so it did handle very well... He was really thinking of his own survival, I think, making this request... I was stressing him out!!! As I stared out the window giving him a play by play of what I was seeing -- which was NOT pretty!!! Though the snow was!! I wish I had taken photos.. I am sure everyone saw what 95 looked like watching the news... we watched from the Dolphin! It was all over the TV that morning!

Oh, and Boys were fine. They slept, then after breakfast, watched a few videos... so the DVD players were a huge plus...

Thank goodness you arrived- sounds like a great room with a view of Illuminations even!! Know you only spent one night there but would you recommend the hotel or is it just "not quite Disney?"

OK. Enough questions (for now). Keep those updates coming.

YOu know I am going to comment on this when I post today, but it is a great business/conference hotel. It was very festive, I know you didn't like the tree, I thought it was very cool -- different -- lit up that evening I thought it was really neat. It definitely doesn't feel Disney-ish in my mind. It feels like a nice hotel -- it isn't a resort. I will say for the price, which is darn close to a moderate and maybe even better price wise sometimes, it is a good location and deal for the $... I don't think they build packages around these two hotels though... Locationwise it is hard to beat if you can't afford the BW or BC... So maybe you sacrifice a little in terms of Disney, but you get access... which at least in October, for the F & W would make sense to me...(if it were an adult stay, you know?) But I don't think you can take advantage of ME or things like that, so it isn't an option for some as a result of that... Even my DH said he wouldn't want to stay there longer than a day or so... Though they did have Starbucks in the room! [/quote]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! What fun plans do you guys have for tonight? I know there is always a celebration in the Happydog household!

I think I answered this earlier (like last night!! HA! Champagne flowing!) OH, and that was ANOTHER question...

 

[Happydog]

Even without pictures your trip report is off to a great start. I am glad you were in Disney and not here having to shovel all that snow.

Hi! Welcome! Thanks! I got the photos coming today!!! Yeah, we didn't shovel, that is for sure, but we heard all about it! 3 days off school... etc!

You really made that drive sound quite painless.........
Now tell truth, how was it really?

Well, I guess from my perspective it was stressful, but again I had my eyes closed for most of it!!! And DH reminded me that I only drove 4 of those hours BUT what was a drag was the extra time it took... I hated that we lost that much time, and that the boys were stuck awake in the car then as a result... BUT I think I was too appreciative that we made it to FL to complain about the kink in my neck, etc... you know? Crashing that night and being at the Boardwalk for a few hours made it go away

So it wasn't pretty, but it wasn't ugly, either!

Merry New Year to the Happydog clan! Tell the guys hello from their Kansas friends!

Happy New Year's to you too! I sent a shout out to you last night! Don't know if you saw it -- I saw your green light on!

My goodness! That update didn't need any pictures..... it was riveting enough on its own. That being said, I can't wait to see pictures!

Thankfully you made it there without incident and I too am curious what you thought about the Dolphin.

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you too!!!!
Yes we made it, and the drive while memorable, thankfully didn't negatively impact our trip in anyway after that. More on the Dolphin coming up!

Hi!! I just found your TR and can't wait to read about your Christmas at WDW!! We are planning a Dec. trip next year so I'm looking forward to hearing all about your trip!! Glad you made it to Orlando safely--can't wait to read more!!

Hey!!!! Welcome!!!! So glad you are here to share in the fun! December is a great time to go... Christmas in Disney was wonderful.

Happy 2010 Happydog!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you TOO CP!!!!!

 

[Happydog]

So when are you at the BC this summer.... We will be there June 18-22....that is a change right, you were not planning on staying there?

HEY!!!! Well we are at Bay Lake Towers for the first 5 days... so from the 20th - 25th, and then we are at BC from the 25th to the 29th. so five nights each place... BUT that is fine, it means we will be able to meet up at least before you leave! How fun! We'll make some plans to do that!

 

[manntra]

Happy 2010 !! That is the first time I typed that! It looks weird!!
Phew! What a drive down! Having the AWD definitely helped...that much snow makes it hard for anybody to drive...especially in places that aren't used to having that much. Even here where we get lots of snow every year..the first day of it on the roads I swear everyone forgot how to drive from the previous year
Looking forward to your first day in the parks!!

Tracy

 

[rgrutland]

Glad you made it safely!! You made the ride actually sound like such an adventure considering everything you encountered along the way! And finishing up at the Dolphin watching Illuminations from your hotel room sounds awesome!! Can't wait to see how the rest of the trip went!!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hmmm...you make me want to consider driving from Philadelphia (not for a shorter trip-but for a week +)...it would just be a couple of extra hours...and when you add in the time at the airport and the security checks...it might not be too bad...

Now you just happened to leave the night of one of the biggest Noreasters we've had in what the weathercaster said was the largest amount of snow pre Christmas in 100 years or so...we got about 18-20 inches from that storm and I know it was a big mess from down your way up through New York...

Would you ever consider a stop along the way...overnight I mean...or do you think it is easier to go straight through...?

I love that you had Indian food with champagne...I'll bet that was quite good...we've not done that combo but found out by accident that Champagne can be nice with Vietnamese or Thai...

 

[tookie]

I can totally relate. I never in a million years thought I would become the WDW fanatic that I am! I know that has to do with the kid in me! I can't wait to read your report!

 

[Happydog]

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!!

So we woke up with a sunny sky and a bunch of excitement!!! Sunday was a great morning. NO snow in sight, a great night’s sleep had, we all slowly started to wake up sometime after 8 am. There were no great plans this morning -- I was determined not to rush. My only goal was to get to DHS by around 11am, so we could hopefully still grab a set of FPs for Toy Story… Will we get them??!! You’ll soon see!

DH and I took turns with the shower, and meanwhile the boys munched cereal with milk boxes and watched Phineas and Ferb on the tv. Here are a few shots of the room and them... the final two show the view out the window. It is a little glare because of the morning sun, I think you can make out DHS and Epcot though. If I tried to take them at night the flash hit the glass and I couldn't get a shot of the fireworks...

I got the guys dressed, we packed up, and then we split up. DH and DS7 moved stuff to the car and brought the car around to the front of the BC, and DS4 and I walked from the Dolphin to the Beach Club so I could check us in and get our keys (we wanted to start using our room key for the DDP).

DS4 and I took our time, partially due to his little legs and interest in, oh, everything!! The Xmas tree was really unique in my opinion. IT was a white poinsettia tree with blue ornaments and décor and lights. It had a large train running around its base and it was really quite striking I thought, if only because it wasn’t a “Christmas tree” in the traditional sense…

REGARDING the HOTEL: I liked the Dolphin. I especially liked the beds… I have to say I think it was even a bit more comfortable than the bed at the Beach Club. The pillows were nicer IMO. And there were so many of them!!!! Now, I wouldn’t stay at the Dolphin or Swan for a whole trip. It would be hard for me to feel truly in the "Disney Magic," I think, but that is just me -- not trying to be a Disney snob. However, if I were single, and going for a F & W trip exclusively, I would totally do it. The other access resorts to Epcot are Deluxe, and the expensive ones at that. SO I think it could be a good compromise if I couldn’t stay at BW or BC… I wouldn’t jump tp stay there with kids, but for a quick stay, it is a nice hotel. It reminded me of the other nice business class hotels I have stayed at for conferences, etc. Starwood does have a good reputation, and that is reflected in the place. You can’t get all of the Disney Property perks at the Swan or Dolphin, so that is one thing to consider, but when we decided to come a day early, DH booked it first thing because of the location, primarily, and we knew we would get a good night’s sleep!!!

So as I said, DS4 and I made our way over to the Beach Club. I can’t describe how happy I was – Christmas at Disney! I still couldn’t believe it. Taking a toddler on a purposeful walk is rather comical. It suddenly becomes some thing else entirely!! But I realized that we were AT DISNEY, the SUN was out, though the air was brisk, it was lovely weather… and the stroll was inviting and enjoyable. I snapped a few shots along the way, but I just got caught up with the view and the stroll I forgot to keep my camera out! Here are a few of the beautiful morning.

DS4 ran ahead of me, basically touching everything and stopping at every bench along the way. Let me tell you, there are quite a few benches… We got to the lobby, checked in, I was SOOOOOOOO excited!!! And got our folder of materials and our room keys. Though the room wasn’t ready (which we expected) I just loved walking into the BC to “check in”. Our vacation was really starting!!!!! The Beach Club was so festive!!! ALL the resorts are. I really loved the decorations and I took photos at all the resorts we visited.

SO DH and DS7 met me at the BC with the car, and we drove over to DHS… We parked and entered the park, it was just about a quarter to 11… We had lunch reservations at 50s prime time for 12:30. SO we had about an hour and a half to play. Luck had it that we were able to get the FINAL FP time for Toy Story! The park closed at 8pm that night. I was very happy because that meant we would be able to ride it later that night when we returned. We puttered around I can’t remember everything we did (which wasn’t much given the time frame before lunch). We went to 50s Prime Time on our June trip and really enjoyed it, so we decided to go again. Since dinner was early, 5:00pm, DH and I split onion rings and a sandwich, and the boys had Mac and Cheese meals. After lunch, we played in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids set and we saw Indiana Jones (the guys love this show) and then we made our way back to the BC hoping our room would be ready. Thankfully it was! 13 pieces of luggage later the bellman brought our collection of stuff upstairs, and we unpacked and checked out our room. I put up our Christmas tree… we walked around the resort a little, filled our mugs, and shortly after we headed for the boat launch and our ride over to The Boardwalk and Kouzzina’s!

Stay TUNED! More in the next post...

 

[Happydog]

SO Kouzzina's was at the Boardwalk, and the access to the Boardwalk from the Beach Club is great! Over we went!

I am not a food porn picture taker, but I try to at least detail the restaurants we go to for those who might be interested. When Kouzzina’s opened and we checked out the menu we both decided this was a restaurant we wanted to try. We both like Greek inspired food, so it was worth a try to us. Because we were on the DP for some meals and using our TIW card for others, we decided that we would split up our DDP meals so we were not each eating dessert and could get apps as well. We ordered a greek salad and the braised cheese appetizer and split the whole fish entrée. WE ordered a dessert, I will check to see which it was and it was AMAZING!!!!!!!! and we had a cappucino on the DP and my DH had a chocolate martini. The boys each had chicken. The fish was very tasty, lots of veggies, very flavorful. There were some great items on the menu, but I don't know that we will go back again -- not because we didn't care for it, but It isn't on the top of our list for return choices. I AM very glad we did try it though, and I would encourage anyone going this summer to consider it -- I do think it would be a good summer restaurant! While I didn’t take pics of the food, but I did get this picture of my DS7 and the fish, and DS4 and his ice cream bowl!

Now it will be interesting to see how WigD tells it, but tonight was the night we were scheduled to have our DIS Meet. This meet was for 7pm at DHS. I was a little worried about making it – dessert had showed up about 6:15… so of course I was surprised when my phone buzzed… it was WigD telling me she was running late… their ADR which was earlier, was now at 7:00 … or something like that, and it sounded from the brief text msg that the afternoon/evening hadn’t gone exactly according to plan… SO I told her to enjoy her family and not to worry about the meet up and that we had all week…

After dinner we took the boat over to DHS. Here we are playing around on the boardwalk waiting for the boat!

We FIRST rode Toy Story and then went to see what I was very excited to set my own eyes on, the Osbourne Lights!!! Let me tell you whether they were dancing or twinkling they were AMAZING. Here are some of my takes!

Here is Frosty, making a long distance call to the North Pole!!

In this one, you can see a hidden Mickey that flashed in the revolving door of the "Plaza Hotel"!

Now it also SNOWED on the Streets of America. It was amazing sight to see. Of course it made me laugh because we had seen enough snow for a while, but at least this snow was friendly!! Here is DH and DS4 enjoying it. AND DS4 trying to catch the flakes on his tongue!!!!

SO this photo is dark, remember I was still getting the hang of my new camera! But I have a better pics from our second trip over to DHS with good closeups of the decorations!

We left DHS about 8:30… here are my boys waiting for the boat back to the resort…

We got back to the Beach Club, and got the boys ready for bed – we put them to sleep in our bed and then we watched a movie and I finished decorating the tree… We then opened the pull out and made the transfer of children and hit the hay ourselves. I was very excited for our SECOND DAY because we were headed for the Magic Kingdom!

 

[gellybean]

Sounds heavenly!!


I think that's my new word for all things Happy Dog!





Really though, sounds like a great start to your trip. at walking with your little guy and seeing it through his eyes. Gotta love that.


Can't wait to read more!

 

[Native NYer]

Your boys look so cozy in bed.
I agree with you about the Swan and Dolphin. I'd feel like I was missing out on the magic.

The tree at the BC is very striking. There's something very beautiful about it.

Can't wait to read more!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Your family is just so darn cute!! Hurrah for a great first full day. Sounds like you packed quite a bit in there. Happy to hear a good review of Kouzzina... although that fish head would have done me in (my dinner can't arrive on the plate resembling its live form!). I take it your son liked the ice cream?

Looks like the crowds weren't too bad for you at Osborne Lights. I've seen it so packed with people it is scary so glad you were able to enjoy it!

Looking forward to more!

 

[Happydog]

Happy 2010 !! That is the first time I typed that! It looks weird!!
Phew! What a drive down! Having the AWD definitely helped...that much snow makes it hard for anybody to drive...especially in places that aren't used to having that much. Even here where we get lots of snow every year..the first day of it on the roads I swear everyone forgot how to drive from the previous year
Looking forward to your first day in the parks!!

Tracy

Oh the car made the trip no question!!! If we had airline tickets, we wouldn't have made it that is for sure, so I guess we ironically made a good choice. AND the Auto Train. It was delayed too. So one way or the other we would have had weather issues to deal with. I know, 2010 is odd! Takes a little time to get used to writing it!

Glad you made it safely!! You made the ride actually sound like such an adventure considering everything you encountered along the way! And finishing up at the Dolphin watching Illuminations from your hotel room sounds awesome!! Can't wait to see how the rest of the trip went!!

It was an adventure, to say the least, and it was somewhat fun -- I guess because we never knew we would be in such a situation! But yes, finishing up at the Dolphin that afternoon made us at least breath a sigh of relief! And it was nice to see the fireworks. Makes you truly feel like you are at Disney! We could even see bits of Osbourne lights, which was neat!

Hmmm...you make me want to consider driving from Philadelphia (not for a shorter trip-but for a week +)...it would just be a couple of extra hours...and when you add in the time at the airport and the security checks...it might not be too bad...

Now you just happened to leave the night of one of the biggest Noreasters we've had in what the weathercaster said was the largest amount of snow pre Christmas in 100 years or so...we got about 18-20 inches from that storm and I know it was a big mess from down your way up through New York...

Would you ever consider a stop along the way...overnight I mean...or do you think it is easier to go straight through...?

OH we heard all those same reports!!! Worst snow in December in recorded history, etc. etc! Yup it was crazy! We did think about the overnight 1/2 way down. We were still keeping it open as an option if we needed to, especially after those first hours, but we were both fine, and we were happier waiting til we got to Orlando. I think a leisurely trip down would be an enjoyable part of the trip, too. Maybe in the summer for us, vs. winter break though. I still say Auto Train. It is a little costly but it was really fun.

I love that you had Indian food with champagne...I'll bet that was quite good...we've not done that combo but found out by accident that Champagne can be nice with Vietnamese or Thai...

OH quite quite good! IT was indeed! Oh yes Champagne and Thai we have had that too! YUMMO!

I can totally relate. I never in a million years thought I would become the WDW fanatic that I am! I know that has to do with the kid in me! I can't wait to read your report!

Welcome! Glad to have you here reading along! Hope you enjoy the stories! There are lots!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Great update.
I can just feel the excitement to the magical start to your holiday trip! You both are so tuned into the boys and know just when to split up to make their experiences more memorable!
Or could this be a self preservation strategy?
Anyway, they seem to be very happy boys and you all are great parents!
I'm so anxious to see pictures of my Beach Club even though we did walk through one time. We didn't do more than go through the lobby and head to the IG.
Love the fish kissing picture!
I fear the other picture of the boys has big brother with little brother in a headlock.....
I'm sure that isn't the case.....

Oh and I loved the way you tapped danced about our failed attempt at a DIS meet.

 

[shannn]

What a wonderful easy first day you had!! I love how casual you were able to be after that drive. I've never been to the Boardwalk and it is high on my list for next trip!

I hate that y'all were right there at DHS and we were too. We met up with Dawn (dizneydawn) and family, rode TSMM, rode TOT, and had dinner at the Brown Derby! I wish we had exchanged information, but oh well! next time for sure, right?

 

[Happydog]

Great update.
I can just feel the excitement to the magical start to your holiday trip! You both are so tuned into the boys and know just when to split up to make their experiences more memorable!
Or could this be a self preservation strategy?

Ha! Well you are right we do play tag team a bit with them, if only so they each get their time in the sun and also together. They are at the age where they do play as friendly as ever on minute then sit on eachother the next!
It was a wonderful morning, we were all smiles, and I was so giddy!

Anyway, they seem to be very happy boys and you all are great parents!
I'm so anxious to see pictures of my Beach Club even though we did walk through one time. We didn't do more than go through the lobby and head to the IG.
Love the fish kissing picture!
I fear the other picture of the boys has big brother with little brother in a headlock.....
I'm sure that isn't the case.....

Oh thank you WigD! It isn't easy, but you know that! I took some nice photos of Beach Club, I am trying to figure out how to share them, maybe do a "resort" entry and just show all the photos from each. We'll see. But I did get some nice ones of the decor at the BC and BCV too!
Regarding the headlock... cough... cough... no not at all.... why would you ever think that? Surely YOUR two girls never did that...

Oh and I loved the way you tapped danced about our failed attempt at a DIS meet.

WELL I am stil excited to hear how that all happened, so I will wait for your story!!! It is clearly more interesting than our slow waiter!!!! And we got it together a few days later, so better late than never and I am glad we had a chance to really visit!

 

[nettii]

Im so excited to hear about your MK day. Your family is beautiful, I cant wait to hear about the rest of your trip-I cant rember if you were staying for christmas or not.
Anxously waiting your next instalment!Nettii

 

[TxRabbit]

I was happy to find your TR today! Life has been crazy and I haven't been on the DIS at all, but I knew you were traveling at Christmas and I want to hear how it went! I read the posts about your white knuckle drive (my knuckles would've been white) and I thought about our drive from our Christmas travels! Not fun. But a happy thing to get through. Ready to read about all your adventures!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Sounds like a great start to your trip! I love the picture of your boys in bed watching tv - they are adorable

I was already iffy about trying Kouzzina, but your fish pic convinced me that I definitely don't want to eat there - I'd lose it if that came out on my plate

It looks like you had much lower crowds for your visit to see the Osborne Lights. It was packed the night we went!

 

[Happydog]

Im so excited to hear about your MK day. Your family is beautiful, I cant wait to hear about the rest of your trip-I cant rember if you were staying for christmas or not.
Anxously waiting your next instalment!Nettii

Thank you !!!!! Well I can't wait to hear about the rest of it too!!! It was a fun trip for sure, and I think this next day and Christmas day were two of my favorites!

I was happy to find your TR today! Life has been crazy and I haven't been on the DIS at all, but I knew you were traveling at Christmas and I want to hear how it went! I read the posts about your white knuckle drive (my knuckles would've been white) and I thought about our drive from our Christmas travels! Not fun. But a happy thing to get through. Ready to read about all your adventures!

Well howdy there!!! Happy holidays and such to you! I hope all is well! Thanks so much for stopping by I am glad you have the time to stop in and read along. I have lots to share!!!

Sounds like a great start to your trip! I love the picture of your boys in bed watching tv - they are adorable

I was already iffy about trying Kouzzina, but your fish pic convinced me that I definitely don't want to eat there - I'd lose it if that came out on my plate

It looks like you had much lower crowds for your visit to see the Osborne Lights. It was packed the night we went!

Thank you! It was! Even these two slept in which was a surprise to me (they are morning birds).

Well the food was good, many options, but it wasn't one we would jump to go back to. NOT because it was bad, just because we would rather try another new place. The fish was pretty funny! WE got to DHS at 7:30 I think... after TSM, we were walking around about 8pm, so that MIGHT have been why it wasn't so crowded....it was just as the park closed, and things were still going for a good 30 minutes I'd say.