2 Castles, 2 Send out 2011 & Ring in 2012...12 Days of Christmas

[momabaarjo]

Ohhhh puzzle night! Fun!

Have any of them picked up on the clues to the BIG gift yet?

Nope...we are doing a good job of steering them towards skiing and continuing to talk like the WDW will be for Goo's birthday in July/August! I sure hope the 2 oldest are not disappointed when they find out we are not staying in Denver...they so have their hopes on learning to snow board this year!

 

[momabaarjo]

I am not big on Johnny Depp either, but like you do love this character! My son likes the movies and I am sure that this is going to be a neat experience for all of the boys!
I love the crocs shoes! I have to get new shoes and may copy what you have bought! I am planning on picking the up sometime between everything! And $5.... who can complain?

I just got really lucky with Big Lots...and I hardly ever go in that store...
@Amy- I love that... "mom he's always looking at me!" And I want Damien to believe for as long as I can! It's so sad when you have kids though already in 1st grade trying to tell him otherwise!

Boo was telling me that Kirby was creepy too, today...
Oh my I do the same thing for Damien with the ornaments every year! This year has been a big year for us though so we are going to get him a few! I love it! That is what the Christmas store in DTD is for...
We too are a boring family! I am making this over the top because we don't really go anywhere, but upstate all of the time and his friends have been to so many different places that I feel bad! i want him to really remember this trip because it's going to hopefully let us have that family time that we need!

We are boring too...and I am beginning to think that my family likes it that way because lately I feel like it is forced family fun that I am imposing!

@Ann- I too have been on and off the weather websites and I can't believe the changes from day to day for the same day! I guess that by thursday they will hopefully have a better idea?
I love how the advent tasks are things that are bringing the family together weather it be forced or not!
Okay all caught up again! I was very busy this weekend and just couldn't get on here!

Hey how was the parade?

 

[Monknmom]

Hey how was the parade?

Yeah it's hard to find things that all of us will enjoy together and have time for! The parade was great! Thank you! I am going to post pictures! My batteries drained though so there are not that many... I am hoping that my friend emails me better ones!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Just as a head's up...

Touring Plans chat has been ablaze all weekend with monorail issues. Some said the ferries were causing waits of an hour or more. I'll keep a close eye out as your trip gets closer.

OH! And Pocohontas, Lilo, and Jiminy Cricket have been pulled from AK but they're adding Carl and Russell from UP!

 

[momabaarjo]

100 Things I am Looking Forward to...​

100. Checking into the Royal Pacific Resort
99. Italian Margarita and a Cheeseburger in Paradise at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
98. Breakfast at Chef Mickey's
97. Experiencing the Osborne Lights
96. Seeing Lightning McQueen and Mater
95. Grinch and Friends Breakfast
94. Tree of Life
93. Mickey's Philharmonic
92. Christmas Trees
91. Tower of Terror
90. Dinner at T-Rex
89. Pressed Penny hunting for the boys
88. Seeing Tink Fly
87. Breakfast at the Crystal Palace
86. Toy Story Mania and its Line/Queue
85. Innoventions
84. Main Street Stroll
83. Dole Whip
82. Pirates of the Caribbean Ride
81. Jedi Training
80. Mickey Bar
79. Miyuki in Japan
78. Tom Sawyer's Island
77. Riding the Monorail
76. Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe
75. Mission Space: Orange Side
74. Strawberry Soup
73. Kidcot Stations in Epcot
72. Shopping for Mickey Ears
71. Dinner at Ohanas
70. Living with the Land
69. A Mug of Butter Beer
68. Animation Studios Drawing Class
67. Karamelle-Kuche
66. Christmas Store Ornament Shopping
65. F!
64. Honeydukes
63. Tough Being a Bug
62. Swiss Family Treehouse
61. Biergarten
60. Soarin
59. Lego Store in DTD
58. Starring Rolls Cupcakes
57. Haunted Mansion
56. Via Napoli
55. Goofy's Candy Co. in DTD
54. Gingerbread House at GF (& other resort Christmas Displays)
53. Kim Possible Missions in Epcot
52. Macy's Holiday Parade at USO
51. Boulangerie Patisserie in France
50. 50's Primetime Cafe
49. POP Century Resort
48. Exploring the Windows in Hogsmeade
47. Ridemakerz
46. Date with dh at Yachtsman
45. Illuminations
44. Dinner at 1900 Park Fare with the Step Sisters
43. Grinchmas at IOA
42. Snorkeling at Discovery Cove
41. Breadpudding
40. Expedition Everest
39. Parades
38. Ghirardelli sundae
37. Night time in the parks
36. Test Track
35. Mickey Pretzels
34. The Sword in the Stone
33. Fish & Chips
32. Feeding the Larakeets
31. Yak & Yeti
30. Discovery Island Trails
29. Sci Fi Diner
28. Spiderman
27. Rice Krispe Treat
26. Walt & Mickey Statue…Roy & Minnie Statue
25. Festival of the Lion King
24. Main Street Bakery Treats
23. Pirate Tutorial
22. Discovery Club Stops in AK
21. The Simpsons Ride
20. Breakfast at Boma

20. Breakfast at Boma

I really wanted to eat at Boma for dinner, but the only request that I have gotten out of Jeff about our trip is not to eat at that “African” place. Apparently, his cousin and his family ate their and hated it. So I thought I better not push a dinner here, on top of the food…dh hate buffets (but he is getting a few on our trip, regardless). I was going over menus the other day to figure out tips in order to make my envelopes and found that the menu had changed at Kouzzina’s and what I wanted to eat was no longer on the menu…open time for breakfast and insert Boma in its place. So I will get to eat at Boma and try some different foods without freaking Jeff out, plus I get to see the Animal Kingdom lodge!

 

[Monknmom]

I really wanted to eat at Boma for dinner, but the only request that I have gotten out of Jeff about our trip is not to eat at that “African” place. Apparently, his cousin and his family ate their and hated it. So I thought I better not push a dinner here, on top of the food…dh hate buffets (but he is getting a few on our trip, regardless). I was going over menus the other day to figure out tips in order to make my envelopes and found that the menu had changed at Kouzzina’s and what I wanted to eat was no longer on the menu…open time for breakfast and insert Boma in its place. So I will get to eat at Boma and try some different foods without freaking Jeff out, plus I get to see the Animal Kingdom lodge!

It sounds yummy! I am with Jeff-- I am not a buffet person, especially Chuck E Cheese!!! I was okay to take those off the trip! But I hope that you like it and hear good things from Jeff (tell him not to be grumpy!)!

 

[annmarieda]

What is it with some guys not liking buffets? You would think they would be all for it... but my guy... he too isn't into them..and really tries to avoid them.

 

[momabaarjo]

Yeah it's hard to find things that all of us will enjoy together and have time for! The parade was great! Thank you! I am going to post pictures! My batteries drained though so there are not that many... I am hoping that my friend emails me better ones!

I loved seeing the pictures of the parade. Looks like a great time!

Just as a head's up...

Touring Plans chat has been ablaze all weekend with monorail issues. Some said the ferries were causing waits of an hour or more. I'll keep a close eye out as your trip gets closer.

OH! And Pocohontas, Lilo, and Jiminy Cricket have been pulled from AK but they're adding Carl and Russell from UP!

That monorail better get fixed! thanks for the information

It sounds yummy! I am with Jeff-- I am not a buffet person, especially Chuck E Cheese!!! I was okay to take those off the trip! But I hope that you like it and hear good things from Jeff (tell him not to be grumpy!)!

Funny I do not consider C. E. Cheese a buffet, but a NIGHTMARE I try to avoid at all costs!

What is it with some guys not liking buffets? You would think they would be all for it... but my guy... he too isn't into them..and really tries to avoid them.

I know...no waiting to get your dinner or waiters annoying you or messing up your orders...and plenty to eat. Jeff is just going to have to get over it...we are eating at buffets!

 

[swwake]

We love Boma, both for breakfast and dinner.

We did it for dinner on our 2008 trip, then for dinner again in 2010. Then we did it for breakfast after surfing Typhoon Lagoon early morning in 2010 and loved it so much we went back for breakfast on our last day (we were staying at AKL). They have some "jungle juice" or something that is deeeeelicious!

 

[Monknmom]

I loved seeing the pictures of the parade. Looks like a great time!
Funny I do not consider C. E. Cheese a buffet, but a NIGHTMARE I try to avoid at all costs!

Yeah I don't really get to go there because Damien and I aren't too thrilled with it- he doesn't like the crowds and pushy people (GREAT can't wait to hear his opinion at Disney) and I don't like that yes they have that security stamp thing, but because of that people just let the kids go! So we were there for a birthday party and it was nice of the mom to buy each parent an unlimited buffet plate, but it was gross and I couldn't eat! But there are REAL buffets here and again some people just let the kids go and that's what they do- they touch the food, they sneeze or cough, and OH MY the WORST we were at this Chinese buffet and some kid took a finger and stuck it in a food, licked the finger and did it AGAIN before putting any of it on the plate- where was the mom you ask? WELL I asked that too and watched the child (maybe 7) going back to the table and she was there sitting and eating! I am turned off of buffets for ever! So I understand you Jeff and Steve!

 

[momabaarjo]

Happy St. Nikolas Day

 

[momabaarjo]

20 Days til Christmas​

Advent Calendar Symbol: Boughs of Holly

Clue: I am red and shiny, delicious to eat but if you are not careful I might put you fast asleep.

Location: Fruit Bin

Gift: Safari Hats, Animal Crackers, and Animal Puzzles

The kids had a great time building the animals…

And Goo had an even better time playing with them!

Gift Connection: Animal Kingdom

Task: Each of you must name 5 Disney Animal Characters

 

[momabaarjo]

100 Things I am Looking Forward to...​

100. Checking into the Royal Pacific Resort
99. Italian Margarita and a Cheeseburger in Paradise at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
98. Breakfast at Chef Mickey's
97. Experiencing the Osborne Lights
96. Seeing Lightning McQueen and Mater
95. Grinch and Friends Breakfast
94. Tree of Life
93. Mickey's Philharmonic
92. Christmas Trees
91. Tower of Terror
90. Dinner at T-Rex
89. Pressed Penny hunting for the boys
88. Seeing Tink Fly
87. Breakfast at the Crystal Palace
86. Toy Story Mania and its Line/Queue
85. Innoventions
84. Main Street Stroll
83. Dole Whip
82. Pirates of the Caribbean Ride
81. Jedi Training
80. Mickey Bar
79. Miyuki in Japan
78. Tom Sawyer's Island
77. Riding the Monorail
76. Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe
75. Mission Space: Orange Side
74. Strawberry Soup
73. Kidcot Stations in Epcot
72. Shopping for Mickey Ears
71. Dinner at Ohanas
70. Living with the Land
69. A Mug of Butter Beer
68. Animation Studios Drawing Class
67. Karamelle-Kuche
66. Christmas Store Ornament Shopping
65. F!
64. Honeydukes
63. Tough Being a Bug
62. Swiss Family Treehouse
61. Biergarten
60. Soarin
59. Lego Store in DTD
58. Starring Rolls Cupcakes
57. Haunted Mansion
56. Via Napoli
55. Goofy's Candy Co. in DTD
54. Gingerbread House at GF (& other resort Christmas Displays)
53. Kim Possible Missions in Epcot
52. Macy's Holiday Parade at USO
51. Boulangerie Patisserie in France
50. 50's Primetime Cafe
49. POP Century Resort
48. Exploring the Windows in Hogsmeade
47. Ridemakerz
46. Date with dh at Yachtsman
45. Illuminations
44. Dinner at 1900 Park Fare with the Step Sisters
43. Grinchmas at IOA
42. Snorkeling at Discovery Cove
41. Breadpudding
40. Expedition Everest
39. Parades
38. Ghirardelli sundae
37. Night time in the parks
36. Test Track
35. Mickey Pretzels
34. The Sword in the Stone
33. Fish & Chips
32. Feeding the Larakeets
31. Yak & Yeti
30. Discovery Island Trails
29. Sci Fi Diner
28. Spiderman
27. Rice Krispe Treat
26. Walt & Mickey Statue…Roy & Minnie Statue
25. Festival of the Lion King
24. Main Street Bakery Treats
23. Pirate Tutorial
22. Discovery Club Stops in AK
21. The Simpsons Ride
20. Breakfast at Boma
19. Boardwalk Villas

19. Boardwalk Villas

On my first trip to WDW I kind of stumbled on the Boardwalk by accident. We were looking for something to do during our conference one night, and we had already been to DTD 2 nights in a row when someone suggested checking out the Boardwalk area. I instantly fell in love with the area when I drove up to the entrance of the BWV. I think in a former life I must have lived on the East Coast during the 20s. When I initially began planning this trip the BW was totally out of my price range, but I knew I wanted to stay there to be in the center of Epcot and DHS for New Year’s Eve so I began researching how to rent DVC points. In February, at the 10 month mark I found someone wanting to rent their points at a reasonable price. I was able to secure a 1 room villa (it says only 4 allowed on the website, but when you go through DVC they allow 5 in a 1 room) for less than it would have cost me for 2 rooms at POP which was my 2nd choice and only about $500 more than staying at POR-R which I had stayed at before and really was not wanting to stay at again. I hope the kids like the Boardwalk as much as I do! I am really looking forward to seeing their gingerbread house when we get there!

 

[Monknmom]

Happy late St. Nikolas Day! I like the advent stuff! Very nice to put the animals together! Your hints are so different that I don't think that they will put them together! The other day you went from Marvel Heroes(most people don't know that Disney owns them) to making animals and I can't wait to see what's in store next time!

 

[FosterA]

Love seeing those Boardwalk photos! I sooooo wish we had made it over there to look around on our trip.

I just can't wait for your trip and then I really can't wait to hear all about it when you get back! Take lots of notes!

 

[momabaarjo]

Happy late St. Nikolas Day! I like the advent stuff! Very nice to put the animals together! Your hints are so different that I don't think that they will put them together! The other day you went from Marvel Heroes(most people don't know that Disney owns them) to making animals and I can't wait to see what's in store next time!

You are right that Disney owns Marvel...but Universal for the time being still has the rights to them for their theme park...I know my boys are going to love Superhero Island at Universal! We watched Captain America and Thor over Thanksgiving...loved Captain America!

 

[momabaarjo]

Love seeing those Boardwalk photos! I sooooo wish we had made it over there to look around on our trip.

I just can't wait for your trip and then I really can't wait to hear all about it when you get back! Take lots of notes!

If I had not stumbled upon it during my conference trip, I would have never realized the charm of this area. Of all the trip, this part is for me...staying where I want to stay! Everything else is for everyone else!

 

[momabaarjo]

100 Things I am Looking Forward to...​

100. Checking into the Royal Pacific Resort
99. Italian Margarita and a Cheeseburger in Paradise at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
98. Breakfast at Chef Mickey's
97. Experiencing the Osborne Lights
96. Seeing Lightning McQueen and Mater
95. Grinch and Friends Breakfast
94. Tree of Life
93. Mickey's Philharmonic
92. Christmas Trees
91. Tower of Terror
90. Dinner at T-Rex
89. Pressed Penny hunting for the boys
88. Seeing Tink Fly
87. Breakfast at the Crystal Palace
86. Toy Story Mania and its Line/Queue
85. Innoventions
84. Main Street Stroll
83. Dole Whip
82. Pirates of the Caribbean Ride
81. Jedi Training
80. Mickey Bar
79. Miyuki in Japan
78. Tom Sawyer's Island
77. Riding the Monorail
76. Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe
75. Mission Space: Orange Side
74. Strawberry Soup
73. Kidcot Stations in Epcot
72. Shopping for Mickey Ears
71. Dinner at Ohanas
70. Living with the Land
69. A Mug of Butter Beer
68. Animation Studios Drawing Class
67. Karamelle-Kuche
66. Christmas Store Ornament Shopping
65. F!
64. Honeydukes
63. Tough Being a Bug
62. Swiss Family Treehouse
61. Biergarten
60. Soarin
59. Lego Store in DTD
58. Starring Rolls Cupcakes
57. Haunted Mansion
56. Via Napoli
55. Goofy's Candy Co. in DTD
54. Gingerbread House at GF (& other resort Christmas Displays)
53. Kim Possible Missions in Epcot
52. Macy's Holiday Parade at USO
51. Boulangerie Patisserie in France
50. 50's Primetime Cafe
49. POP Century Resort
48. Exploring the Windows in Hogsmeade
47. Ridemakerz
46. Date with dh at Yachtsman
45. Illuminations
44. Dinner at 1900 Park Fare with the Step Sisters
43. Grinchmas at IOA
42. Snorkeling at Discovery Cove
41. Breadpudding
40. Expedition Everest
39. Parades
38. Ghirardelli sundae
37. Night time in the parks
36. Test Track
35. Mickey Pretzels
34. The Sword in the Stone
33. Fish & Chips
32. Feeding the Larakeets
31. Yak & Yeti
30. Discovery Island Trails
29. Sci Fi Diner
28. Spiderman
27. Rice Krispe Treat
26. Walt & Mickey Statue…Roy & Minnie Statue
25. Festival of the Lion King
24. Main Street Bakery Treats
23. Pirate Tutorial
22. Discovery Club Stops in AK
21. The Simpsons Ride
20. Breakfast at Boma
19. Boardwalk Villas
18. Finding my Picture Frame

18. Finding My Picture Frame

As I grow older I find myself not needing souvenirs to remember the trip, to me the best souvenir I bring back is the pictures I take…and trust me I take A LOT of pictures. One thing I have started doing on all my trips is to buy a picture frame and put a treasured photo from the trip in it and put it on my shelf at work. I can’t wait to find the perfect frame for this trip!

 

[momabaarjo]

19 Days Til Christmas​

Advent Calendar Symbol: St. Nicholas

Clue: Life is A Highway, I wanna ride it all night long!

Location: Jo’s Lightning McQueen Collection Shelf

Gift: Sharpie Pens, Pez (Mater, Tinkerbell, & Perry), Tinkerbell Candy, and Spongebob Candy, Sunglasses

Task: Together sing “Life is a Highway” using the American Idol Wii game

Connection: Autograph Books, Characters, Hollywood Stars at USO, American Idol Attraction

 

[momabaarjo]

18 Days Til Christmas​

Advent Calendar Symbol: Christmas Story According to St. Mark

Clue: This box is mostly filled with things that rarely bring your parents glee like bills, junk and other stuff…filled and emptied once per day.

Location: Mailbox

Gift: Star Wars Lego Puzzles and Light Saber Candy

Task: Build Your Lego Puzzle

Connection: Lego Store in DTD, Jedi Training, and Star Tours