60 Candles, 30 Million Lights, Best Friends&Family at Disney--Priceless (New 5/23)

[MAGICFOR2]

Kathy! I'm worried about you - hope you are getting better? All caught up again - so many fun hat pics!

Thanks for sharing the new FL pics- can't wait to see it! Funny how your kids took so long to get there, and yet it seems like they found their own magic - that's what it's about!

Love how the 4 of you can just "be" and have such a great time together!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I hear Dole Whips cure anything. We need to get you one, quick!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Looks like she was posting on Facebook last night, so that's a good sign. Yes! Somebody fly in a dole whip quick! At our house, otterpops make a good substitution too!

 

[KatMark]

My DIS friends are the best!!!!

I am doing well. I was home sick for three days (well, Monday was a holiday and there was no work). It certainly zapped my strength...that's for sure. I'm at about 90% now. I went back to work yesterday and it has been crazy busy. I am hoping to finish up a few more things today and then I hope to do responses and possibly an update.

Love you all.

 

[LaniesMom]

I hope you are feeling better. Finally all caught up!
Agree with you about the GF. When mom, Lanie & I were there in 2010, we walked in and saw those decorations and smelled the gingerbread house, my mom actually said, "oh, Christmas time could change my mind about this resort" and I agree. We had lunch at GF Cafe before going back to the Poly and it was fantastic.
But with the way the deluxes are priced these days, I'd have to win the lottery before I could ever afford it. Even with the 40% pin I used on the Poly, it's just not in the budget even in low season and I'd rather go to the World than not go at all to be able to stay in a deluxe.

I'm going to go PM you on FB now because we are trying to sell our place and would love to know where your F-I-L's place is.....

 

[dizneeat]

My DIS friends are the best!!!!

I am doing well. I was home sick for three days (well, Monday was a holiday and there was no work). It certainly zapped my strength...that's for sure. I'm at about 90% now. I went back to work yesterday and it has been crazy busy. I am hoping to finish up a few more things today and then I hope to do responses and possibly an update.

Love you all.

Kathy, I am soooooooo happy to hear that you are doing better!
Take it slow - we will be here when you are ready!

 

[afwdwfan]

My DIS friends are the best!!!!

I am doing well. I was home sick for three days (well, Monday was a holiday and there was no work). It certainly zapped my strength...that's for sure. I'm at about 90% now. I went back to work yesterday and it has been crazy busy. I am hoping to finish up a few more things today and then I hope to do responses and possibly an update.

Love you all.

It sounds like you need more Starbucks...

I'm glad you're feeling better now!

 

[mommy2mrb]

happy to hear you are feeling better....get some extra rest this weekend!

 

[ronnmel]

I'm glad to read you are feeling better. It seems everyone is getting sick this year, and being hit hard!

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

My DIS friends are the best!!!!

I am doing well. I was home sick for three days (well, Monday was a holiday and there was no work). It certainly zapped my strength...that's for sure. I'm at about 90% now. I went back to work yesterday and it has been crazy busy. I am hoping to finish up a few more things today and then I hope to do responses and possibly an update.

Love you all.

It’s not like we’re all going to stop reading the DIS or something silly like that,
Good to hear that you’re getting better.
Take your time and heal up proper.

We’ll be right here when you get back.

 

[KatMark]

luvin the update. I need one of those Dumbo cupcakes

I hope they are there when we go back in August.

I really love how many pictures you guys take in the shops! I've never had a burger at Pecos Bills, but I really love their Taco Salad, mostly because of the toppings bar!

I remember seeing you post the pics of the boys sleeping on Nicki's TR!

I'm not a taco person, but the burger is just "eh".

Those boys and their naps.

love all the window decorations!

wow those boys can sleep anywhere looks like they needed a time out after "playing" in the store

Yes, I told Mark he would not be able to play with a sword later in the trip if he did not behave.

Best feeling ever!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, I love having my resort booked (and I also have the resort booked and paid for in full for the December trip).

Love the photos of the Christmas decorations

Can't wait to see them in person in December !

Yay for getting your OKW reservation

You are so going to love those decorations. I can't wait to be back "home" at OKW...we really love it there.

I've seen that look many times before over the past 26 years from my DW. The only difference is there is usually something in her right hand ready to knock some sense into me.

Why is it I am currently picturing a frying pan?

 

[KatMark]

Beautiful pictures! I just love WDW during the holidays!!

Yay for August!!

Me too...and probably why we've booked to go back in December.

I am so happy we were able to get our OKW for August.

love the photos of the resorts...and the gingerbread house at GF is beautiful!

oh how sweet is the photo of you and Mark on bended knee

The GF really does the decorations beautifully.


I couldn't believe when the PP photographer told me to do that pose. I told him he better help the old lady get up when she was done.

I agree completely with you about GF. Gorgeous resort, they had the best decorations hands down (though WL was very nice too!), but I would never stay there. Way too stuffy and snotty. But great pics of the decorations!

I want to go see the WL decorations this year. I'm not a fan of the resort itself, but I hear the decorations are very nice.

Thanks to your chapter links, I'm caught up! I'm loving your report and seeing all your beautiful pictures!

Thanks, Michelle. It's good to see you around here...we've missed you.

that's nice!!!!!

I'm glad you liked OKW.

Love the pics of the resorts. What happened to the Poly?

We had been there in the morning for breakfast and their decorations were even less impressive than the Contemporary's.

The GF does have the best decorations... That gingerbread house is awesome!

Yes, yes it is.

OH BY THE WAY.. once I posted earlier I knew to come back. I just knew you were gonna post an update.

I do it just to aggravate you (but I can promise it won't happen today, I think. )

Great updates Kathy !! When Judy and the kids were with me we went to GF for 1900 dinner 1She took one look and said this ain't for us , and was petrified Kyle would break something the whole time we were waiting . But the decorations are sooo gorgeous I am sure she take a look > I love those old cars out front . That was what "Roy" posed in front of !!!

I was afraid our youngest would break something as he had a little wild streak at that age. They are gorgeous decorations. And I remember Roy posed in front of the cars.

You are an updating machine! Finally got caught up. Looks like you guys had a great time. Des is such a beautiful lady. Even in her scared picture at ToT she managed to look so pretty.

Thanks...we did have a great time. Des is very beautiful and tends to pose (it's the dancer in her, I've decided).

What a fun day in MK!

Although, I do think I would have lost what little patience I have while waiting on the kids to get to Dumbo.

Love all of the pictures...especially the group hat picture in Storybook Circus.

So fun that y'all did a monorail tour. I hope we have some time to do that this December.

Had the kids not shown up when they did, I was going to text them one more time and said "we'll see you at dinner." Considering they left us right away, I probably should have.

That CM at Storybook Circus was very good with us.

You must make the time to do a monorail tour...it's a must!

 

[KatMark]

I'll be back to comment in the update but YAY for OKW! Mary Ellen and I plan to stay there for Flower and Garden in May 2014. Yeah we are planning that far out lol!

I don't think you ever came back to comment.

I would really love to gone year for F&G...and for OKW!

What awesome photos!!! You guys are a riot!

Loved all the resort photos with the Christmas decorations... Disney does such a great job. So funny seeing shorts and Tshirts in the middle of winter - looks like it was great weather.

Thanks, Brenda. We like to have fun at Disney and we just act natural (hope that doesn't scare anyone off )

It was absolutely great wearing shorts and tshirts and flip flops in December.

I loved all the pictures!!

The one of you proposing to Mark is fantastic!!! It's by far my favorite and I think you should frame it and hang it somewhere!

D~

Mark said the same thing about the picture that I should blow it up and frame it. I think I will not...it might go to his head or something.

Great update! I love all the decorations at the GF. From everything I've seen the CR decorations do seem to be pretty underwhelming. I'd be disappointed if I was staying there.

Love all the shopping pics!

Congrats on the August plans! So exciting!

Yep, the Contemporary was very underwhelming and just lacking. We've stayed there and I think even with more decorations it would still seem a "cold resort" to me.

Thanks...can't wait until August (well, June first and then August).

I'm so excited to be going back to OKW.

Luckily DH will be there and the boys WANT to go .....the girls will most likely follow...

Good...you really shouldn't miss it and there was never a line when we were there.

Those MK pics were great!!! You guys were having a blast I bet

Yep, we were having a good time.

I'm glad you took the time to go around the resorts and see the Christmas decorations. One of these days we'll get down there to see all of them. Julie and I are talking about trying to go in 2014 for a 40th birthday celebration...maybe.

Once again, wonderful photopass pictures!

That would be great if you went in 2014 for a 40th...I wonder if it is yours?

Thanks...glad you enjoyed the photopass pics!

I love those Mickey and Minnie aprons! If I cooked at all I would probably get one.

I thought of getting the one for Mark, but he is such a slob when he cooks and eats.

I've never eaten at Peco Bills. I just like Columbia Harbor House and Casey's too much.

I prefer CHH and Cosmic Rays (Caseys made me sick the one time I ate there), but Peco Bills worked because it was right there; it's just not as good as the others in my personal opinion.

I agree that the decorations at the Contemporary weren't that good. Well, other than the huge Mickey wreath, I really liked that!

I liked that Mickey wreath too...that thing was HUGE!

The Grand Floridian was decorated so beautifully. There was a photo pass photographer by the tree when we were they so we got some pictures. I do feel like you though, too stuffy! It's one of the resorts I really have no desire to stay at.

Yes, we were there too early for the PP photographer...I would have liked to have had them take a picture. GF and WL are the two resorts I will probably never stay in.

Yay for being booked for August! Mom and I passed t
hrough Old Key West on our way to DTD and thought it was beautiful.

It is a very pretty resort...it's like a little community. We are very comfortable there.

 

[KatMark]

Ok, gotta know... What did he do???

I believe he was poking Nicki with a sword.

Maybe if you'd cut back on texting you wouldn't have to stop at a resort in middle of the day to charge them.

Funny man, aren't you? Well, if certain children would show up on time, I wouldn't have to text.

Yeah, that sounds about right...

I really thought it was sad the lack of decorations there.



I know some people love it...but I just can't get into that resort at all.



Great pictures of the GF. The decorations there really are pretty spectacular. But I always want to do or say something really redneck everytime I'm in that lobby just to make everybody else as uncomfortable as I feel there.

Maybe I'll suggest to Mark he say something redneck in December and see what happens.

I love all the pictures you got, both of the decorations and of the four of you!

I agree with you on the CR holiday decorations! Seems like they would do just a tad more. But yes... GF goes WAY above!!

yay for getting your august trip squared away with points!! The group I am going with in September/October is considering options still...stay on property or not... use a discount or rent points... the options go on and on....

Thanks, Ann. Yes, GF was the tops in our books.

I love renting points...we save enough money for a few sit down meals that way.

I love the smilies you come up with. Where do you find them?

Yes you did.
I expect this of Disney, but y’all got showers of pixy dust.

We really did get some pixie dust this trip.

So, did they stay in the case…
Or did y’all take a couple out for a spin?

Nope, we skipped them this trip. But I will be sure to have some AFTER the wedding...so that would be August's trip...when I don't have to worry about getting into my dress.

Sounds blackmail worthy.

Yes, yes it does, but I would never blackmail my little sis.

Really?

Obviously they spend no time on the DIS!

Seriously?


Pups!

Amateurs for sure!

I do believe they actually commenced that policy back around breakfast time


I believe you are right.

We love the Peoplemover.
It’s a great place to rest the weary dogs after a whole lot of trudging.

Yes, it is. It's one of my favorites to rest my weary old bones for a bit.

He seems to have been just a might tuckered throughout this particular day of the trip.

He was...it had been a late night and then we made him get up so early.

What about the other one…
Oh wait, was I not supposed to mention that one?

Stop letting out my secrets.

Great ride… classic.

So are there still 999 happy haunts, or did someone in your party make arrangements after the tour.

Yes, and a long time favorite. Nope...still 999. But if the kids had been with us I would have arranged for one of them to stay.

Or just make stuff up

Now there's a splendid idea.

A holiday must!

I'm so glad we did it.

No, no…
You can’t let that just sit there.
What’s the story?

He was letting Mark lead him astray with the swords.

Always impressive, but I’ve noticed that it’s also always the same.
It might be about time to come up with a new design.

I've heard that before. But since it was our first time seeing it, I was duly impressed.

Nothing like live music.
Nothing at all.

Very nice music too (not that crap they play on the radio these days).

Sounds like a good plan.
Lots of really good pictures in this chapter.

Y’all do a good job of playing along with the PhotoPass folks.
…makes for some very nice images.

I was afraid if we sat much longer, we'd all be sleeping.

We had so much fun with the PhotoPass folks this trip.

I am catching up again and was scrolling down. looking at the funny hat pictures in the dumbo area. And then saw that picture of Mark with a dumbo hat and dumbo under his arms and kept scrolling and just burst out laughing when I saw the dumbo between his legs. That is just so hilarious! Thanks for making my morning!

My husband will do anything to get a laugh. I'm glad I could make your morning.

Reading from my phone cause I can't DIS this weekend. Too much to do. Adorable pics. Love the aprons. Too funny. And those PP pics are priceless. Fun afternoon for sure!

Thanks, MEK. It was a fun afternoon and we had a lot of fun doing those PP pics.

Hi Kathy. Well I just read all 49 pages. Loving it! I have been away from the Dis for a few months so now I am trying to get caught up on the TR's. Also need to update my own!!!

Welcome back...we've missed you.

I saw the surprise video on FB. I was wondering how long it would be before he walked into that bedroom!!!

Yes...I should have warned everyone to scroll to the 2minute mark.

Sorry to hear about your tummy troubles. Glad they went away after a few days.

Thanks...the pain was annoying but nothing was stopping me from having fun.

Sorry you had to deal with the PW kiddo's & parents.

NEVER AGAIN...they were awful.

LOVE the 7 dwarfs gift for Christmas. As you know my DH is a grumpy (and dwarfs fan).

Hubby did good with his gift to me.

I love the pics of Des dancing with Mark in Epcot. How great was that??

It was a very sweet moment.

Oh my when I was reading the drink list at DHS I was like "Oh I would choose the Snowball" then I read that you picked that also. It sounds so wonderful!!

It was wonderful and could go for one now...even if it is cold and snowing here.

Sad to hear about TT. When we were there last April it was down so we will try it in Oct. but I figured they really could not change it too much.

Yep...was not impressed at all.

LOVE the dress you got for the wedding. I bet you will be stylin that day!!

Thank you; I picked up my "flat shoes" for the reception dancing; now I just need the heels for the church and the beginning of the reception.

Wow the CM's sounded like they went above & beyond. That was great at Starring Rolls. First they reopened for you then went out back to get the cupcake. That is so nice to hear.

We had THE best CM's this trip...they were all great and some stupendous.

Your tattoo is cute!! I need to get one one of these trips.

I loved my tattoo and want to get another in June on the girls trip but probably won't because of the wedding.

I have enjoyed reading & looking forward to more.

Thanks....glad you are enjoying.

So glad to hear Dominic is doing better!! That is amazing that the doctors have not seen this type of regeneration.

Dom is doing even better. They hope to release him in a couple of weeks. He has a blood clot they still have to get rid of and get his numbers a little better; but he's in therapy now and doing well.

Now I need to get to Nicki's dining report. (After I eat as my stomach is talking to me)!!

You will be very hungry when you read her report.

 

[KatMark]

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED all the pics for your latest updates. I am looking forward to doing the Little Mermaid someday and we loved Dumbo. Nicki, you are simply ADORABLE and it doesn't matter what kind of face you make or picture you let Kathy post! Loved how you all dressed up/mugged for the camera waiting on the lovebirds....remember when we walked around dazed and in love....oh that is right, you and Mark still do!

Praying your weekend is gong well!

Thank you, Judy. She is adorable, isn't my sis? She might act mad, but she has a heart of gold.

I'm not sure of the "walking around dazed and in love." Maybe dazed.

It was a good weekend...well at least until Monday when I got sick.

Hi Kathy,
Just finished reading your trip report. Love all the pics!! Thanks for taking your time to do this. I really enjoyed reading it!! It looks like you had so much fun!!

thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed. There is sitll a few more days to come if you want to stick around.

Hi Kathy, just keeping up

Hi, Rosie...I wish I could keep up.

Look at me catching up as usual fb has ruined me and I spend most of my time on there and not so much time on here!

Hi, Shannon. It's good to see you back.

- I am sad to hear your report on Test Track, I was worried I wasn't going to like the refurb/retheme of it and it sounds like it really isn't something to look forward to

Definitely not impressed with Test Track.

- New Fantasyland looks amazing, I can't wait to check out the Little
Mermaid ride!!

You will love it...it's well done.

- I love all of the Christmas decor pictures, especially seeing the pictures of the lights at DHS, its been a while since I have seen those and it really makes me want to go back during the holiday time

I think you and Tim should take a holiday trip together.


- I love all of your photopass pictures, but the ones with Santa Goofy are some of my favorites!!

Thanks...lit was fun meeting Santa Goofy.

Good gosh! I was waaaay behind. First off, happy belated birthday to Mark!

The two pictures of you and Mark on Dumbo are so cute. You look like little kids...smiling and waving.

It doesn't look like the Contemporary had much in the way of Christmas decorations. Like you said, you'd think that it would have more since it was one of the first Disney World resorts.

Now, the decorations at the Grand Floridian are a different story. They look amazing! I don't know that I'd ever want to stay there but I do think that the overall theme of the resort is very well done. Throw in the Christmas decorations and it's stunning!

Thanks for the belated birthday wishes to Mark...he says thank you.

Mark always looks like a little kid on Dumbo...it is truly his favorite.

Nope, the Contemporary was rather boring.

GF a whole different ballgame...beautiful.


I will come back and respond to everyone else tonight. Righ tnow it is time for me to head to the train station to go home.

 

[marvali]

Yes, I told Mark he would not be able to play with his sword later in the trip if he did not behave.

So that's what YOU call it huh???

Just when I was getting used to "coffee on the verandah"..........

 

[blessedmom4]

Thank you, Judy. She is adorable, isn't my sis? She might act mad, but she has a heart of gold.
You have wonderful sister Kathy!! I owuld expect nothing less from someone you love os much.
I'm not sure of the "walking around dazed and in love." Maybe dazed.
You know your still in love with Mark...otherwise you wouldn't have worked so hard on his surprise! Or maybe it was love of Disney.....or were you referencing the LOST lovebirds....
It was a good weekend...well at least until Monday when I got sick.

I am so far behind on everything I had NO IDEA you were sick! POOR SWEETIE!!! Take it VERY easy this weekend!

So that's what YOU call it huh???

Just when I was getting used to "coffee on the verandah"..........

Marv you are SOOOOOOOOOOO Bad...

 

[KatMark]

Sorry I haven’t been around to comment as much as I would have liked, but at least I am finally all caught up again. As usual you have some really great updates and wonderful pictures that just draw you in. Makes it feel almost like being there with you!

Does it feel like you are standing right next to me?



Now if you can just remember to take the notes...........

Don't you start...at least I UPDATE MY TR!

Yeah, Todd is looking really playful in this pic………….

He was sad because Mark thought of it first.

Always easier (a little at least) to leave when you know you will be coming back………well, one day.

Actually, we were coming back this trip.

What a great picture! This is hilarious…….great job! Did the PPP suggest this pose, or did you guys come up with it yourselves?

Nope, it was all the PPP suggestion. I thought he was nuts at first, but we had fun with it.

Great ! Didn’t realize you were going down to celebrate my birthday!!!

Yep, main reason I'm going...I knew it was your birthday. Now whether we are actually there on your birthday, I do not know.

Well Kathy I see you brought Marv out of Dis retirement !!Who knows he may even show up on my thread to pick on me !!Just kiddin' Marv we've missed you!!

Disretirement! I love it. I was beginning to think he moved to another planet.

All caught up finally.


You really did hit the jackpot with PP this trip.

Yes, we did.

I have had a couple of PP go above and beyond and usually if they had time and I asked.... a mini photo session.

It amazes me how many people don't stop to use their services.

I guess I did call it when the kids were looking for the "lost" Dumbo. Too bad you waited and then they went off on their own again. KIDS.

Yep, you did call that one. I wanted to strangle them. No matter how old they get, they drive you crazy.

Totally missed the chestnuts at the GF. Hmmmm. I guess I need to put that one on the list.

They said they were good...I don't eat them.

"Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire ....."

Oh, Rosie, you kill me.

Catching up, Kathy! Absolutely LOVE the photo of you all in front of the MK entrance - fabulous!

It seems the Birthday Disney Surprise could not have been more perfect!

Thanks, Christine. The trip was near perfect.

Luvin the updates. Luv the Xmas decorations.

Thank you.

Kathy I started my 2013 Ptr !!!!

As you know, I'm there, but probably behind after being sick.

You guys are the cutest! I love the photopass pictures and the ones with the hats and stuffed animals. You really seem to be enjoying yourself.

You are very sweet; we do tend to act like kids and thoroughly enjoy ourselves. Where else can you be 60 and 55 years old and act as if you are still 10?

I agree with you about the decorations at the Contemporary. I think that the point is probably to be minimalist, but there wasn't much decoration there at all. The Grand Floridian on the other hand, takes my breath away every time!

I can certainly understand your love for the GF a little more after seeing those decorations.

 

[KatMark]

Feel better soon Kathy

Thank you.

So sorry to hear that Kathy. Get well!! I think I had a touch of it Sunday night & then the Patriots game made me feel even worse!!!

Thanks; I'm sorry you felt it too. I must be honest...I was rooting for the Ravens all the way.

Get well soon

Thanks, Linda.

Hey Kathy... hope you are feeling better. Although I don't see your light on. I hope that isn't a bad sign.

Thanks, Tim. I didn't DIS a whole lot while sick.

hope you are feeling better this morning


Kathy take care and rest!

Thank you; it took a couple of days but wen tback to work yesterday.

 

[KatMark]

GREAT GOOGLEY MOOGLEY!!!
WHAT A TRIP!!!

It was an epic trip.

I took notes while reading so i wouldn't clog up your report

You can clog it up anytime you want.

I LOVE LOVE the reveal!! it was the best ever. i cried... yeah i did. the clean cut video seeing Nikki and Todd ALSO brought tears to my eyes! so sweet!!!

I cried too when I rewatched it. He was so excited. He loves his Nicki and Todd.

i hope your Dominic is still doing well? Hate to hear kids sick.

I hate when kids are that sick too...it's just not right. But he is doing much better.

In H.S. no star tours?!?! WHAAAAAAA???

I don't know how we didn't do it (we missed it the second day too)

I keep hearing Test track isn't what is used to be.. That's sad.

It's the same ride as far as driving in the car, but all the cool stuff (heat, cold) is all gone.

the POLY!!!!!!!!!! gosh i miss it so much... PLEASE tell me you had tonga toast?!?!

Nope...no tonga toast. I don't eat bananas and it is way too sweet for me at breakfast.

Your MK shirts are AWESOME! Marks is great! of course so is yours...
all your pictures of Des she strikes a Pose. it cracks me up.. Meg does the same thing.

Thanks; Mark likes some of that "old Mickey stuff". I think it has to do with the fact that Des does dance.

FAIRY WINGS?!?!?! that's new!!! getting it blown up!!? if not i will do it FOR YOU!!

No, I didn't blow it up, but I did put it in our new "family" frame.

Christmas in Disney.. simply magical! there are no words to describe the Osbourn lights.. when i was a newbie i had to look up the story behind them because i didn't understand why Ozzy would be into lights...

When I first heard Osborne lights I immediately thought of Ozzy too...and I don't even like his music.

Captain Oblivious comments have me rolling...

The Captain is a hoot, isn't he?

your new frames are BEAUTIFUL!!! and i see you have Mark dancing with Eeyore!!! but no fairy wing pic!?!?!

The Mark/Eeyore picture had to be there. And, as mentioned in a psot above, I did put the fairy picture in the newest frame.

there is one pic with Nikki and Todd with the topiaries of mickey and Minnie Looks like Mickey is Kissing Todd...

I went back to look at that picture and you are right...it does look like Mickey is kissing Todd.

I agree with you totally on GF being too stuffy. I like being a knucklehead. when you walk into the GF the atmosphere changes and you have to be mature... I can't do that..

The last place I want to be mature is Disney.

I have the same Disney bag as Nikki!! I LOVE that bag it holds SO SO much crap! i even stuffed a puppy in there once...

Did you take the puppy to Disney?

Glad to be back on the Dis and reading these AWESOME reports!!!

We are thrilled to have you back on the DIS!