How much Christmas can we squeeze into 3 days? Nov/Dec 2015 TR *NEW TR Link 5/18!*

[hokieinpa]

Until I read this, I honestly had not thought about how you have to do multiple plates with multiple children - I find it hard enough to make a plate for Izzy and me and try not to miss the characters.

It's really not that bad since they eat pretty much the same things. Carrying 3 plates at time can be interesting!

Aw, you've taught him well.

Yes, I'll choose to remember this moment and not this morning when he thew a Duplo at Jake and scratched his glasses.

That's hilarious! And, also, they should share a plate with Izzy, as she's been known to just eat the breading off and leave the hot dog.

I have no idea why they don't like the breading! They like cornbread so I'm not sure what the deal is.

For a second, I was like, "What is that strange green hat Donald is wearing?" Then I realized it's a guy's shirt in the background.

I didn't notice that until I looked back at it! Too funny!!

Aw, so sweet. I love when you have a character that really takes the time to bond like that.

Daisy was really great and Jake still talks about her!

Wow, those are pretty!

They were amazing to look at but display only! The dessert bar was still good!

What a great Daisy! So fun!

She was too cute and the star of the show!

Aww, a good start - and everyone is looking at the camera in this one!

It was a miracle! And I loved meeting him as soon as we walked in. It really set the tone for the meal!

Glad you enjoyed the food and the characters - and what a good mom, sharing the clothing off your back, as usual, I'm sure!

The meal was really fun! And I'm surprised he agreed to wear the shirt - flowers and Minnie are pretty girly and they tend to run at anything like that!

Probably a good call - it's good to have plans, but really good to deviate from them if you need to!

We needed the break! It had been a long day in the parks. I found out we are all in need of a midday break!

Lucky - I don't remember getting one of those on my birthday! Then again, maybe I did, and was just too tired to notice it!

It was a fun keepsake from the trip!

Sounds like you had fun at the dinner, especially with Daisy! I love when the characters really get into the act and don't just do the pose and move on routine.

We really enjoyed the dinner since it fit in with the whole Christmas theme of the trip. And Daisy was great! She spent so much time playing with the boys.

I think me and you could do a trip just nicely together

A trip twin who loves plans and order would be pretty nice!

And Jim and Dan could do a trip together!

They can bring their PS4's in their downtime!

I love that DS is a morning person too! Makes it that much smoother, especially when one of the adults is acting like a child

It's nice to not have 4 grumpy kids to deal with...just 1 big one!

Is it sad that I do this too??

Maybe if I stretched out my shooting muscles my score would be better. Something to think about for next time?

Wow that was close!

I was really impressed with his score!

Very interesting. So bus drivers and the Times Guide are both unreliable.

Apparently! When in doubt, double check and ask I guess?

Good family pic!

It was a fun photo op!!

So SO JEALOUS! But it gives me hope that if you can do it and you're leaving behind three kids, I can do it and leave behind two.

I can't believe it's actually going to happen. I haven't been away from the boys for more than an hour or two while I went to the store or out to dinner since Nate was born. So this will be my first time away in over 6 years. My mom is coming to watch the boys and help Jim. There is no way Jim could handle it for a week on his own. But I am so, so excited!!

Not gonna lie, this was us in 2008. It was our first trip and we both thought, meh, it can't be that different from Disneyland (which we're pros at) but OMGOSH how wrong we were.

I think the scope of WDW is overwhelming and lots of people have no idea what they are in for!

Aw how sweet of him

Right? I'm so lucky they agreed to see one Princess show. Meanwhile I'm over here playing Star Wars and Avengers everyday!

OH geez! We've only been in there once with Calvin and it was just crazy, you can lose a child in there so easily. Thank goodness he was safe!

One of the scariest moments of my life! I'm so happy we don't have to visit that place again!

He isn't, and it cracks me up and it makes me feel so bad for the CM in there!

Poor Mike! He just has to stand off to the side and wave while Sulley gets all the love!

Good idea for the wall!

He was pretty happy with his food and place mat if he didn't have to see those movies!

Oh my gosh, is he tall for his age? When is his birthday? Cause we went to Disneyland for one day a few days ago and he STILL isn't tall enough for the 40 inch rides! Even one of the kiddie rides they have at California Adventure he wasn't able to go on.

Yes, very tall! Like 98th percentile for height! He could ride the Mine Train at 2.5 and was just shy of all of the 40" rides! But poor Jake will still be a couple of years away from the big rides.

Ick that makes anxious. So many people! But that's how it looked when we saw the lights too and it was just pure craziness!

It was crazy busy! Just so many people pushed into a fairly small area!

Yep, I imagine we'll be sending back plates like this too. DS still shares off our plates because DM and I usually never finish our plates.

I feel like the waste a good bit of food. And after this May trip we'll be paying for all 3 of them at buffets.

So sweet!

The whole meal was great and Daisy just made it so much more special!

SANTA GOOFY!!!!!!!!!!!! How perfect is he.

I loved him! The perfect way to start out the meal!

Looking at the camera of not, this is great. Love Mickey's outfit.

All of their outfits were too cute - very festive! And I'll take what pictures I can get at this point.

This is way too funny as my daughter has been known to just eat the breading off a corn dog ; )

Well they could pair up quite nicely!!

These are amazing!!!! Could you actually eat anything off of it?

They were beautiful. But sadly, display only.

Minnie's Holiday Dine looks so fun!! I love all their cute costumes and the food sounds yummy. I mean cranberry butter? My tummy actually rumbled!

It was a great dinner for our Christmas trip! The characters were so festive and the food was good. That butter was amazing!

Your photos of your boys and the characters are all so cute. And little Jake's corn dog plate is just too much.

Thanks! And they are a little weird with the corndogs minus the bread!

I'm so glad Daisy spent so much time with you guys! Those meets are the ones I hope DD has when we finally take her.

Daisy was really great and the made the whole dinner even more special.

Yummy dessert! And those cakes look amazing.

I loved the desserts - yummy and cute!

I don't blame you for not staying for EMH you guys had quite a day.

We found on this trip that we need a good midday break to make it to the nighttime entertainment.

Yay a birthday note from Mickey!! I love those special Disney touches.

It was a great keepsake from the trip and such a nice surprise!

Bed by 9 sounds like an amazing way to end an eventful day.

We got to bed pretty early during this trip. Full park days don't seem to be our thing. Breaks are nice so we can last later into the night!

Excited for Epcot!!

It was another full day of fun!

Loving your TR!! The boys are so cute...I love seeing people Disney happy!!!
We are there in May as well - so off to read your PTR.

Thank you! Disney happy is one of my favorite ways to be!

And my May PTR is pretty sad and slow - need to get on top of that!

 

[missangelalexis]

Love the family photo with Goofy! Nice that you can meet him at the meal instead of waiting in line by the lights!

The characters look adorable in their Christmas outfits! So many cute pics, but the highlight was Jake kissing Daisy!!!

What a great day at HS! Nice that you were all in bed at a reasonable hour too!

 

[missjackiemcg]

The pictures look great!! I think I read they're doing character dining their year-round now, right? I mean not just the Disney, Jr. breakfast. I certainly hope so because we love eating at Hollywood & Vine and I'd be even happier if there were characters too

 

[disneyguy4life]

What great pics. I have really enjoyed reading about your trip. I can't wait to read more about it.

 

[BlvInMagic]

What an adorable character dinner! I just love their holiday attire -- very dapper and darling

 

[hokieinpa]

Love the family photo with Goofy! Nice that you can meet him at the meal instead of waiting in line by the lights!

It was a priority to meet him so I was really happy when this meal popped up!

The characters look adorable in their Christmas outfits! So many cute pics, but the highlight was Jake kissing Daisy!!!

I loved their outfits! Minnie's dress was just too cute! And Jake still blushes a little when we talk about Daisy!

What a great day at HS! Nice that you were all in bed at a reasonable hour too!

It was a nice but full day! I really thought I would be all ready for EMH but was just way too tired. Getting plenty of rest made the next day much easier!

The pictures look great!! I think I read they're doing character dining their year-round now, right? I mean not just the Disney, Jr. breakfast. I certainly hope so because we love eating at Hollywood & Vine and I'd be even happier if there were characters too

Yes! Breakfast and lunch are still Disney Junior characters and dinner is going to be a meal with the Fab 5. I think they did a movie type theme this winter and now it will be spring theme! I like that they are changing it up!

What great pics. I have really enjoyed reading about your trip. I can't wait to read more about it.

Thanks for following along! We had a really great and really busy trip!!

What an adorable character dinner! I just love their holiday attire -- very dapper and darling

Thanks! I really enjoyed the dinner. It was so festive and the characters (especially Daisy!) were fun! And the food was good too!

 

[hokieinpa]

Let's ride it AGAIN!

After our early-ish night, we were up and ready to hit Epcot! We were there for rope drop and got right in. I loved the Mickey and Minnie Christmas display right as we walked in!



And Spaceship Earth was looking perfect as usual.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/Dd862d]

Sigh.

And the monorail came by then and I'm in love with this picture.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/CfL9Zr]

I found more fun topiaries!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/Cqb4LQ]

Silly Stitch!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/DePR4z]

Our mission at this point was to head straight to Test Track to ride it standby. We missed this in October so it was a must for us this trip. I explained the attraction to Nate and Colin and they were pumped!

So we made a beeline for Test Track and came up on this.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/DkoKes]



But I knew the wait would still be minimal compared to later so we stuck it out.

Luckily, a CM came by and made some sidewalk art for us to enjoy! I loved watching him work and we all gave him a big round of applause when he was done!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/DeQYhF]

Soon, the CMs let us back to Test Track and we dropped of the double stroller and headed into line. We made it to the front and I asked for a Rider Swap pass so I could wait with Jake. The CM gave Jim a lanyard and told him the CM further down the queue would give him the actual pass. I guess this prevents people from getting rider swap passes and then not actually waiting in line?

I sent everyone to ride and Jake and I headed over to play in the Mission Space area!

He had a blast exploring all of the computer stations, mostly just pushing buttons. And of course, he spent quite a while climbing through the tunnels in the play area!


And it was totally empty! We were the only ones in there for at least 15 minutes! CMs would walk by occasionally but Jake and I had the place to ourselves.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/Cq34Az]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/CpBgQf]

Meanwhile, everyone was having a blast on Test Track!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/FkHzD1]

Jake and I walked over and met them at the exit. Then I took Nate and Colin back through to ride again. I'm not sure what the others did at this point. I pointed them in the directions of the Mission Space area and MouseGear so who knows where they ended up?

What I do know is I was ready for my first ride on Test Track!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/DeR9J2]

Waiting to be let into the design room.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/DaQhnE]

I let the boys be in charge of our car. Of course, there was some arguing about who would get to push the buttons but we took turns and it worked out in the end.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/DcRLCu]

And the final product.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/Cq1Qqi]

The boys had a blast riding! I enjoyed it as well but probably more so because they had so much fun designing the car and then riding.

See, we loved it!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/Fckezw]

Oh, wait. Wrong picture. That's not us! Let's give it another shot.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/Eqiua9]

And fail.

I'm not sure what the deal was but this is what I ended up with on my PhotoPass account. I always wonder, do these people eventually get their picture? Does someone else have mine? I never did call and check since the boys were in the ride picture with the rest of the family.

After our spin around the track, we took a few minutes to explore the showroom before heading back over to let Nate and Colin check out the Mission Space play area. They enjoyed the climbing spot but really liked the computer games.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/CPcoeX]

We let them play for about 15 minutes and then it was time to head out for our next FP+ at Spaceship Earth. But first, we found a little musical entertainment on our way!


Next up

"Mom, what's that smell?"[/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/Dd862d][url=https://flic.kr/p/CfL9Zr][url=https://flic.kr/p/Cqb4LQ][url=https://flic.kr/p/DePR4z][url=https://flic.kr/p/DkoKes][url=https://flic.kr/p/DeQYhF][url=https://flic.kr/p/Cq34Az][url=https://flic.kr/p/CpBgQf][url=https://flic.kr/p/FkHzD1][url=https://flic.kr/p/DeR9J2][url=https://flic.kr/p/DaQhnE][url=https://flic.kr/p/DcRLCu][url=https://flic.kr/p/Cq1Qqi][url=https://flic.kr/p/Fckezw][url=https://flic.kr/p/Eqiua9][url=https://flic.kr/p/CPcoeX][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/Dd862d][url=https://flic.kr/p/CfL9Zr][url=https://flic.kr/p/Cqb4LQ][url=https://flic.kr/p/DePR4z][url=https://flic.kr/p/DkoKes][url=https://flic.kr/p/DeQYhF][url=https://flic.kr/p/Cq34Az][url=https://flic.kr/p/CpBgQf][url=https://flic.kr/p/FkHzD1][url=https://flic.kr/p/DeR9J2][url=https://flic.kr/p/DaQhnE][url=https://flic.kr/p/DcRLCu][url=https://flic.kr/p/Cq1Qqi][url=https://flic.kr/p/Fckezw][url=https://flic.kr/p/Eqiua9][url=https://flic.kr/p/CPcoeX][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url]

 

[Dugette]

Beautiful morning at Epcot! Wow, that is quite the wall of people on your way to Test Track. Glad you got in fairly quickly. We've never used the Mission Space play area, but sounds like fun!

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[hokieinpa]

Beautiful morning at Epcot! Wow, that is quite the wall of people on your way to Test Track. Glad you got in fairly quickly. We've never used the Mission Space play area, but sounds like fun!

The weather was really great that morning - sunny and warm. The crowd looked big in front of us but I think the wait for Test Track was still only about 10 minutes. And the Mission Space play area was the perfect place to play! It was a nice quick walk away from TT and the gift shop was fun too!

You got me - I was really looking hard at those pictures of you - not! I'm here procrastinating doing taxes, and my slow computer program seems to be on my side, since it won't load the program!

I was so confused looking over our PhotoPass pictures! And I'm with you on the taxes. Mine are almost done but I so dread doing it!

 

[missangelalexis]

Love all the Christmas topiaries- so pretty!

Glad you and Jake had fun while the others went on TT! Sounds like everyone enjoyed their rides on TT! I'm sorry your ride photo went missing though

 

[BlvInMagic]

Awe, the Bambi topiary is so adorable!!!!! I would love that for my front yard garden ....hee!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Looks like a fun time at Minnie's Holiday party and glad you found some food you likes!

Daisy did seem very fun and sweet - that is great she sat down with that guy who was along!

It is amazing how well Spaceship Earth stands up as a structure all these years later ... goes to show that when you do something right - it lasts!

Glad you got on TT and had fun.

I must say, before I read about the play area by Mission Space in a few trip reports I didn't know it existed so not surprised is empty quite often

 

[missjackiemcg]

What a fun way to start the day I love that Ride swap option!! We used it on our last trip but my son, Jimmy (6) should be tall enough this year to ride anything...if he gets a little braver by December!

What a bummer that your Test Track pic didn't turn out. We have gotten lots of other people's pics on our PhotoPass account in the past, but luckily never seemed to lose any of our own in the process. Glad you got so many other great shots so far!

 

[hokieinpa]

Love all the Christmas topiaries- so pretty!

Glad you and Jake had fun while the others went on TT! Sounds like everyone enjoyed their rides on TT! I'm sorry your ride photo went missing though

I think the topiaries added a nice touch to Future World. I can imagine it would be hard to do serious Christmas decorating there but they did a really nice job!

The play area was perfect for Jake while everyone else rode Test Track. I love all of the play areas for kids that Disney builds in!

Awe, the Bambi topiary is so adorable!!!!! I would love that for my front yard garden ....hee!

I loved the topiaries! They do such a great job using them to further the theme or season. And Bambi was very cute!!

Looks like a fun time at Minnie's Holiday party and glad you found some food you likes!

Daisy did seem very fun and sweet - that is great she sat down with that guy who was along!

It was quite the festive meal and a great addition to the whole Christmas mood of the trip! And Daisy was great with everyone - definitely the most interactive of all of the characters.

It is amazing how well Spaceship Earth stands up as a structure all these years later ... goes to show that when you do something right - it lasts!

I know the Cinderella Castle is beautiful and the true icon of WDW, but Spaceship Earth is my very favorite of all of the major structures. I'm always struggling with deciding on my favorite park - MK or Epcot? It's too hard for me to decide!

Glad you got on TT and had fun.

It was a fun ride. Not my favorite but still a good time. Nate has declared it his very favorite attraction in all of WDW so I'm sure it will be a must every trip now.

I must say, before I read about the play area by Mission Space in a few trip reports I didn't know it existed so not surprised is empty quite often

It's a nice little hidden spot. Unless you read about it or saw it after Mission Space (which most people with young kids don't ride) you would have no idea it was around. While I already knew about the climbing area, a really nice CM pointed me that way when she saw me leaving the Test Track queue with Jake!

What a fun way to start the day I love that Ride swap option!! We used it on our last trip but my son, Jimmy (6) should be tall enough this year to ride anything...if he gets a little braver by December!

Rider Swap is such a great system! Nate will be tall enough for Space Mountain and EE this time so I'm excited for that! But he refuses any "spooky" rides to TOT and HM are out for sure. I would never force him on a ride but it's hard to skip some of them!!

What a bummer that your Test Track pic didn't turn out. We have gotten lots of other people's pics on our PhotoPass account in the past, but luckily never seemed to lose any of our own in the process. Glad you got so many other great shots so far!

I was a little sad that our picture didn't show up. But I think it's pretty funny finding random pictures on the PhotoPass account. We got some really funny ones on Buzz!

 

[Leshaface]

This shot is amazing, it could seriously be entered in a Disney Photo contest

I sent everyone to ride and Jake and I headed over to play in the Mission Space area!

He had a blast exploring all of the computer stations, mostly just pushing buttons. And of course, he spent quite a while climbing through the tunnels in the play area!

What?! How did I not know about this area! I need to remember this for next time.

For the longest time, I was trying to figure out what I was looking at. I even scrolled back up to see what you were wearing in the selfie with the boys That's what I get for catching up at almost midnight

I'm not sure what the deal was but this is what I ended up with on my PhotoPass account. I always wonder, do these people eventually get their picture? Does someone else have mine?

I've always wondered this too. That's too bad that you don't have it though with yourself in it.

 

[kastoney]

Looks like a great start to the day at Epcot. Love all the topiaries. Had no idea they had them at Christmas time. It's like a mini flower and garden or something. So glad you got on test track. It's always one of our favorites. Though of course our car designer always gives us a pink or purple car ; )

 

[khertz]

Oh my gosh, the characters at dinner are so cute in their holiday outfits!! Looks like Daisy was a big hit! Glad the boys enjoyed their time with her. And that plate of desserts looks HEAVENLY!

I guess this prevents people from getting rider swap passes and then not actually waiting in line?

Over the past couple of trips, I have noticed several of the lines do this, but not all! Maybe it's just the more popular ones, as I noticed it at Test Track, Soarin, and Mine Train. I guess people try to find a way to work every system they can. So ridiculous!

 

[hokieinpa]

This shot is amazing, it could seriously be entered in a Disney Photo contest

Thanks! I love this picture! I'm not a photographer at all and this was only on my phone. So I was pretty happy with it!

What?! How did I not know about this area! I need to remember this for next time.

I read about it on some article about secret play spots in the parks. It was perfect when everyone else was riding TT! Also lots of places to sit in the AC, which was nice since it was way hot this trip!

For the longest time, I was trying to figure out what I was looking at. I even scrolled back up to see what you were wearing in the selfie with the boys That's what I get for catching up at almost midnight

I've always wondered this too. That's too bad that you don't have it though with yourself in it.

Right. I'm not sure if the pictures are swapped on just loaded on their PhotoPass account and mine at the same time.

Looks like a great start to the day at Epcot. Love all the topiaries. Had no idea they had them at Christmas time. It's like a mini flower and garden or something. So glad you got on test track. It's always one of our favorites. Though of course our car designer always gives us a pink or purple car ; )

We had a great start to our day! And I was pleasantly surprised with the topiaries. They do such a wonderful job with the landscaping at Epcot!

Test Track was fun and the boys loved it! I think we're going to be in the huge monster truck with flames category most of the time!

Oh my gosh, the characters at dinner are so cute in their holiday outfits!! Looks like Daisy was a big hit! Glad the boys enjoyed their time with her. And that plate of desserts looks HEAVENLY!

The dinner was so festive and perfect for our Christmas trip! The food was really good and the characters were fun!

Over the past couple of trips, I have noticed several of the lines do this, but not all! Maybe it's just the more popular ones, as I noticed it at Test Track, Soarin, and Mine Train. I guess people try to find a way to work every system they can. So ridiculous!

Yes! They did it at most of the headliners but not necessarily all of the rides. Like Star Tours just gave me a paper pass at the front of the line.

 

[hokieinpa]

"Mom, what's that smell?"

After a ride on Test Track and a visit to the Mission Space play area, we were ready to use our first FP+ of the morning at Spaceship Earth. We made a restroom stop behind MouseGear and I thought I spotted something interesting in the distance...


it was the JAMMitors!

My dad and I quickly pushed the strollers around to get a view of the show and we stood back and enjoyed.







And it was amazing! The boys loved the show. I took this video and they still ask to watch it on my phone.

After they finished their set, the JAMMitors handed out stickers to all the kids before packing up and moving on.



It was time for us to move on too - to Spaceship Earth!



I rode with Nate this time and he enjoyed it...except for the smell of one particular portion of the attraction. Do you know what it was?



Yep. He was not a fan of the "Rome is burning" section and kept holding his nose and asking "Mom, what's that smell?" It doesn't bother me but he was not a fan!

But he was fine once we passed that area and really enjoyed me pointing out and explaining each scene.













And apparently, this was the trip of picture issues because our fun little "future" images popped up with these generic guys.



After the ride, the boys wanted to spend some time playing with the games. Their favorite (energy shuffleboard, I guess? ) was full but we saw these fun driving simulators so we hopped in line the boys each took a turn!







Once we were done playing in the dump area of Spaceship Earth, it was time to head over to The Land for our Soarin' FP+.



Now if you recall the planning on this trip, I had not planned an Epcot day originally. But then the lengthy refurb of Soarin' was announced. Since I knew it would be down during our May trip, I knew we just to squeeze in a ride before we missed it for a whole year! So this ride was very exciting - one more for the road and Colin's first ride on Soarin'!

We got a rider swap pass for Jim to use later and he took Jake for a diaper change. I believe they also got a snack of some kind at Sunshine Seasons but I have no idea what.

My parents and I took Nate and Colin through. We made the looooong walk through the queue, very excited of course.





Getting our boarding instructions.



And it was the perfect way to say goodbye to this version. I'm excited to see the new Soarin' in October!

Jim took Nate and Colin through one more time with the Rider Swap pass. We got a snack pack with cheese/grapes/crackers from Sunshine Seasons and had a snack. Then I took Jake over to the "play area", which is really just a huge space for little kids to run around in.

We had say goodbye to the current version of Soarin' but our time in The Land wasn't done quite yet.


Next up

Hidden Mickeys everywhere!