*4/10*GF Cafe & final thoughts* Dead Lizards & Deluxe Dining: A December Trip Report

[praisehisname]

I love Morgan's face! Congratulations to him!

I really love the looks of Old Key West. Maybe someday...

Great picture!

Can you refresh my memory and tell what the date was this day?

 

[Happydog]

Great update! It is so cool to actually have the time to meander and shop hassle free! Very fun! Cute photos of your two!!!

 

[ladybugmom]

YAY for the MK! You got some great pictures!! I especially like the ones of the two of you!!

 

[shannn]

We made the 8 hour drive back in June with Collin (5 and half months old at the time). At that age, he slept most of the way, and the times he woke up or needed to stop were the times we needed to stop for gas or food anyway. We were expecting a lot worse, but it worked out perfectly!

I wouldn't want to even consider an 8 hour drive now with a 1 year old who isn't lulled to sleep by the engine or road noise anymore. He is a pill when driving around town or the hour or two driving to Grandparents. We are at least a year, probably more like 3 or 4 years away from our next Disney trip anyway.

My kids were great travelers at that age, but I know a lot of kids aren't. We've drunk the Disney KoolAid now. I doubt we'll go too many years without going. Are y'all renting your DVC points out or trading them in on something else?

LOVE your t shirt Shann!! I can't remember...did you make this one or was it one that you got online? So cute!!
I am just sitting here at work with my mouth open looking at that blue sky. I swear that color only exists in Florida and only on Disney property. In October I took several pictures of the sky because it was so blue! Did you take your husband's camera? They are awesome pics!! The train station...garlands on Main Street... so pretty!
Great smile of the two of you by HM!
Did you get to go on SM that day before you left? I really missed it in October.

Tracy

Thanks Tracy! That shirt was actually made by a DISer. If you'd like to know her name, just shoot me a PM. I love it!! Courtney has one too; but we didn't go the matching route.

Yes, I took Sam's camera and drove Courtney crazy with my clicking all the time, I'm afraid! I love that HM picture too. It was the first one we got of the two of us, and I can just feel the excitement pouring out of it. I think it might bring back the feeling better than any other picture.

Oh, and we were too chicken for SM that day!!

I love Morgan's face! Congratulations to him!

Thanks!


I really love the looks of Old Key West. Maybe someday...

It was very nice and totally relaxing.


Great picture!

Can you refresh my memory and tell what the date was this day?

This was Saturday, December 19.

Great update! It is so cool to actually have the time to meander and shop hassle free! Very fun! Cute photos of your two!!!

Thanks. It was such a different trip with just us to wander around than it is with my kids keeping to a strict schedule.

YAY for the MK! You got some great pictures!! I especially like the ones of the two of you!!

Thanks. It was great to start off our trip with the MK!

 

[shannn]

Of course, as soon as I posted that, the Photopass came today, so here are the PP pictures from that day:

 

[moburg]

My kids were great travelers at that age, but I know a lot of kids aren't. We've drunk the Disney KoolAid now. I doubt we'll go too many years without going. Are y'all renting your DVC points out or trading them in on something else?

Well, we used 2+ years worth of points for our AKV res back in June. So I think we'll save up and use them again in 2011, if we can. If we realize that we cannot use them, we'll ask around to family and friends. I'm sure we'll be able to find a taker.

 

[moburg]

Well, we used 2+ years worth of points for our AKV res back in June. So I think we'll save up and use them again in 2011, if we can. If we realize that we cannot use them, we'll ask around to family and friends. I'm sure we'll be able to find a taker.

Ok, now I'm really thinking about a Thanksgiving trip this year. And we should be able to work around DW's schedule. Don't mention it to her Shann. If I can swing it, I want it to be a surprise!

And with the remaining points I have this year, we could get a Bay Lake Tower (BLT?) MK view studio with 8 points to spare!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Hey there! Just jumping in! I'm working my way through your other TRs also. (Loving the one with the grams...). In the close up smiley shot you guys totally look like sisters! I love the Haunted Mansion shot too. It's totally different than I imagined, having only been to D-land. (We're going to WDW in April!!!)

 

[jennJK]

Yep, that's my cutie, and I have the Gymboree Visa and the Gymboree Rewards membership to prove it! I'm definitely a Gymbo nut and I don't know what I'll do when she outgrows it!!

I'm guessing you redeemed your GBs already then? I told one of my friends on a chat board (kid's clothing/mom's stuff) that I joined a Disney chat board and she was shocked that they existed. Like chatting about kids' clothing is more sane?

Great update so far! I hope you didn't encounter any more dead lizards- ugh!

 

[shannn]

Ok, now I'm really thinking about a Thanksgiving trip this year. And we should be able to work around DW's schedule. Don't mention it to her Shann. If I can swing it, I want it to be a surprise.

And with the remaining points I have this year, we could get a Bay Lake Tower (BLT?) MK view studio with 8 points to spare!

What a great idea! But don't you want to wait and go in March with us?

Hey there! Just jumping in! I'm working my way through your other TRs also. (Loving the one with the grams...). In the close up smiley shot you guys totally look like sisters! I love the Haunted Mansion shot too. It's totally different than I imagined, having only been to D-land. (We're going to WDW in April!!!)

I'm glad you're along for the ride. It was funny to go on 2 trips in less than 6 months, but they were totally different kinds of trips!

I've never been to Disneyland! I would love to go. My husband always tries to say he can't imagine why~ that it's basically the same. But I want to see for myself!

I'm guessing you redeemed your GBs already then? I told one of my friends on a chat board (kid's clothing/mom's stuff) that I joined a Disney chat board and she was shocked that they existed. Like chatting about kids' clothing is more sane?

Great update so far! I hope you didn't encounter any more dead lizards- ugh!

Yea, my playgroup friends were amazed that I'm on these boards too. It's not any crazier than talking to mamas of kids that were all born the same month 8 years ago!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Very nice update...

I love your pictures in front of the castle...so pretty...everything is so blue there...it's like Disney paints the sky to match the castle...

I'm a huge HM fan too and Philharmagic is pretty darn good too......

I've never had the food from the Tomorrowland Noodle Station...I have to say it looks pretty good...

 

[shannn]

We left MK to transfer to DHS in order to make it to our Dismeet at 6:30. There's just no easy way to go between these 2 parks. We ended up taking the monorail to the TTC and then a bus to DHS from there.

When we got to DHS, I was completely blown away by their tree. I don't know why DHS's tree made more of an impact than MK's, but I just loved it.

Something about DHS just sings to me. I love the styling, the architecture, the glamour, the feel of it so so much!

We first headed to the Muppets which was getting ready to start (or so the sign said.)

This was one of the things that Courtney had really wanted to ride so she was excited. Little did I know that the sign meant that the preshow was getting ready to start. I've never even seen the whole preshow!! As the time ticked away, I looked at my watch more and more often. Courtney noticed and said something about the time. She saw the look on my face and asked if I want to bail. I did, but I felt bad for taking her away from something she wanted to do. I especially still feel bad because we never got back there!

When we left the Muppets, it was a little past 6:30 and Dawn (DizneyDawn) had called to see where we were. We were supposed to meet in front of Starring Rolls and when we walked onto the Streets of America I immediately saw Dawn and her family. I had met almost all of them before we left on our trip so I introduced them to Courtney and we took a few pictures.

We were supposed to meet with wigdoutdismom too, but when I called her they had had a crazy day and weren't going to be able to make it. We promised to talk again since we had another meet planned.

We stood around for a while with our mouths wide open as we watched the gorgeous dancing lights and listened to the holiday music. Of course, the whole time it was snowing on us, and it truly was a magical sight. Here's some pictures (although it honestly can't be captured!)

Because of some medical issues, they had a GAC card for Baylor that was good for 6 people. They had ridden TSMM several times that afternoon, but we told them that was one of the rides Courtney really wanted to ride. So, they were nice enough to take us through the FP line to ride it. This is one of my favorite rides and it didn't disappoint. Of course, Courtney smoked me which was totally unfair since it was her first time!

When we left there, Courtney wanted to ride Tower of Terror. Now, I am a HUGE chicken, but this was her trip so I reluctantly agreed. With a little bit of "distraction" of the sweet CM, we all 8 got in on the GAC card and headed into the ride. I loved the theming of this ride!! I kind of wish we had been in a slower moving line so I could have checked it out more closely.

I was so freakin' scared when we strapped into that elevator, but as soon as the ride started I was completely mesmerized. I should have known Disney better than that~ this ride is has an amazing story and was so much fun!! I did the serious laugh-scream the whole time~~ I kept my eyes closed at first, but then I had to open them to see the incredible view of the whole park's lights laid out in front of me!!! It quickly shot to one of my top 5 rides in all of WDW. WOW!!

You can't see much here, but it's proof that we rode at least:

When we got down from the Tower, it was time for our ADR at The Brown Derby. I really wasn't ready to say goodbye to Dawn & her family, but we had to book it out of there, so we did, and ran down the street to make our reservation in time for our 7:45 ADR.

Coming up next: The Brown Derby & an empty park

 

[shannn]

Very nice update...

I love your pictures in front of the castle...so pretty...everything is so blue there...it's like Disney paints the sky to match the castle...

I'm a huge HM fan too and Philharmagic is pretty darn good too......

I've never had the food from the Tomorrowland Noodle Station...I have to say it looks pretty good...

I agree with the Disney sky. It's amazing!
I'd never eaten at TNS either, but it was pretty good.

Another update right above this post!

 

[manntra]

I am so glad you and triple P mentioned the sky.... I say that all the time and get looks like I have 2 heads! I even took pictures of the sky in October because it was so blue!
WOW! Amazing pictures of the Osborne lights! Sam better watch out! Looks like you will have to have another trip with Courtney so she can get on Muppets. I think it's a memory lane trip for us because we grew up watching them
for TOT! Isn't it the best!! And so much fun because it is different every time!

Tracy

 

[Dizneydawn]

I love these pics so much! I haven't even got to that night yet to remember how ours turned out! You looked so beautiful and happy and so did Courtney. Thanks for posting these!
Because of some medical issues, they had a GAC card for Baylor that was good for 6 people. They had ridden TSMM several times that afternoon, but we told them that was one of the rides Courtney really wanted to ride. So, they were nice enough to take us through the FP line to ride it. This is one of my favorite rides and it didn't disappoint. Of course, Courtney smoked me which was totally unfair since it was her first time!
I am glad you guys got to ride and I find it funny a Dis virgin smoked your butt! Maybe it is beginner's luck!
When we left there, Courtney wanted to ride Tower of Terror. Now, I am a HUGE chicken, but this was her trip so I reluctantly agreed. Ahemmm...Treyner forced her!With a little bit of "distraction"ahemmm...Dawn's schmoozed the cm's with her eyes and charm...cough...sputter...wheeze...okay, even I did not believe that! of the sweet CM, we all 8 got in on the GAC card and headed into the ride.
I was so freakin' scared I heard her ask for her mommy and her woobie...just sayin...when we strapped into that elevator, but as soon as the ride started I was completely mesmerized. as in her eyes were shut so tight she saw stars...I should have known Disney better than that~ this ride is has an amazing story and was so much fun!! I did the serious laugh-scream the whole time~~ I kept my eyes closed at first, but then I had to open them to see the incredible view of the whole park's lights laid out in front of me!!! It quickly shot to one of my top 5 rides in all of WDW. WOW!!
Just think of what we could do to her at Dollyworld!

We are back row...Shannon far left, Then Courtney, me, Dan, Baylor, Treyner & Carsyn.

I really wasn't ready to say goodbye to Dawn & her family, but we had to book it out of there, so we did, and ran down the street to make our reservation in time for our 7:45 ADR.
And Treyner stalked you and poked you! Remember!


[/COLOR]

I so thought you really did flip out about the dead lizzard in your hotel room then I realized it was a confrontation in your brain! You should kicked their hinnies! Bring me with as the bouncer next time!

 

[moburg]

I swear, on that table (I think its that table), behind the Concierge sign, is a Hidden Mickey formed by a pair of glasses an another larger piece of glass. I saw in June, but the line was moving too quickly to get a picture. Oh well, next trip!

 

[moburg]

Oh, and I loved it too. Dragged Calvin on it in Oct '07 and he loved it. DW Cherie went along too, and the picture of her is priceless. Full on scream. She doesn't love it.

In fact, I think I went on it alone because everyone else chickened out. Then later in the week, Cherie agreed, and because she did, Calvin went along too, and ended up liking it.

My favorites are still Expedition Everest, Rockin Roller Coaster, Test Track, Tower of Terror, and Soarin.

 

[Happydog]

I think your DHS photos are great! I got some on Christmas night but I agree it is hard to capture on film! I am glad you had a great day, it sure seems like it! And I bet dinner was fab! I can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[ladybugmom]

DHS looks AMAZING!! All of the lights are beautiful! I can't wait to see this in December!! how fun that you got to meetup with another DISer!! I can't believe you rode TOT!! I'm not sure if I will ever have the nerve to ride that ride!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi Shannon! I was a bit behind but am all caught up now! You have some awesome pictures of Osbourne lights! So very clear! I hate that our DIS meet for that night didn't happen, I guess that happens when you have sick travelers and you have to go to plan B. Glad we got to meet up the next day!
Love that T-shirt you had made! Very cool! Looks like you and Courtney were off to a great start!
Don't you think Old Key West studios are nice and roomy? Perfect for a girls get-a-way with the two queen beds! Although it could use a refurb...