A 2009 Magical Christmas Trip Report - Big Announcement!

[raider97]

What park did we end up going to on our first full day at Disney?

Epcot

Did we make the trek to the South Depot every day or did we find the closest bus stop?

Nope, we didn't make the trek to the South Depot once this trip. All the advice I had read said to go there if you were going in the morning, but we found out that most of the time the drivers were skipping the South Depot and going straight to the West Depot and ending with the South. This worked out well for us since we were closest to the North depot. We rarely had full buses pass our stop and didn't have to stand on the way to the parks once during our trip! Now on the way home was a different matter, but even then most nights they skipped the South and started with the West depot.

Did we get rained on today?

Yes! It sprinkled on and off all day today. But it wasn't very heavily most of the time, so we got to tour as we wanted.

I promise to be back soon with our Day 1 update.

 

[raider97]

Hey!!!! I just wanted to say I made it over here! I will catch up soon and I can't wait to hear all about your trip. Tomorrow is DS's bday and party and because of his peanut allergy, I'm making the cake. I still haven't ironed out the design details so I gotta' get crackin'. Be back soon!

I have been reading your report... I just haven't found any time to post. Your son's Jedi training party sounds like fun. Can't wait to see a picture of his cake.

Hi Stephanie!! I just found your TR and I'm excited to read it as we're planning a December trip to WDW this year!! I think is sooo neat that you surprised your kiddos with the trip!! I can't WAIT to read more!!

Hi! Thanks for stopping by! Love the picture strip in your signature block - so cute! December is by far my favorite time to visit Disney World. When are you guys planing to go?

Now, you really had a long trek from there!

POR tries really hard to get us our requests, too. I want building 15 in June. Perhaps we need to go ahead and call. . .

Yes, it was! Remind me to tell you about the night I got lost by myself. It was not fun!

I was so happy they met my requests, just kinda bummed my mom got the corner room since she didn't care about it at all. Know what I mean? Oh well, next time!

Yay!!!! Ooooh I need to hurry up with mine as well!

I pre-bought mine, did you? I knew I still had to pay shipping, but under special offers there was a code for 15 dollars off the CD so I figured I would try to apply it, and it worked. Took off my $2 shipping at least. You might try it, I think the code expires mid-month though.

I promise to be back soon with a full update. Hopefully, tomorrow! Hope everyone has a wonderful hump day!

Stephanie

 

[Sweet Pea UK]

Subscribing - can't wait to read all about your trip x

 

[creativeamanda]

Those corner rooms are awesome, they really are!

 

[raider97]

Day 1- December 17th, 2009

Well, when I left off we had just gone to bed, late, very late. Originally I had planned to sleep in today, but since we got in even later than I had anticipated it was even more important to try and get some sleep so we wouldn’t be tired for our entire trip.

So sleep in we did! I don’t think one of us stirred until around 10 a.m. So when we finally got up and dressed we starting unpacking our clothes. I also called guest services and asked them to bring up our garden grocer delivery. We finally got all our clothes unpacked and turned to the box I had mailed down to the resort prior to our arrival. It had lots of fun stuff in it. I had made some window clings for our window.

I had also found some Disney magnets in the Target bins over the last year so I had mailed them as well. The kids really enjoyed arranging them on our doors. And the last thing we dug out this morning was a little table top Christmas tree for our room. I got it out and let the kids decorate it, while I hung their stockings up. As we were doing this, the kids happily realized that Timmy, our elf on the shelf, had decided to make the trip with us and was watching the activities happily from the top of the armoire.

By the time we were finished decorating the room and getting our groceries it was almost 12:30 p.m. We had to get ready to head out since we had lunch reservations at Teppan Edo today at 2:00 p.m. So we got dressed, grabbed the umbrellas, in case it rained as predicted, and headed out for the nearest bus stop. We found out that the North Depot was the closest bus stop to our hotel room and headed that way. We didn’t have to wait long and were getting off the bus at Epcot before we knew it. We always take pictures of the kids on the buses. Here are the ones from this first bus trip. We were the only ones on the bus for the trip to Epcot.

Christopher 2009 – Almost 4 years old
The last time we were here Chris was only 16 months old

Haley (left) 2009 – 5 ½ years old
Ashley (right) 2009 – 7 ½ years old
The last time we were here Haley was almost 3 years old and Ashley was a couple months shy of 5 years old.

How quickly time passes!

We got through the gates and we stopped for some photo pass pictures. I had pre-purchased the CD and wanted to get as many pictures as possible. After a few pictures, I grabbed a map. I wanted James to take the kids and my mom and to start heading towards the Japanese Pavilion while I went to get Soarin’ fast passes for everyone. I got them on their way and headed off for the fast passes. I was happy to see that the fast pass machines we still on and the fast pass return time was 5:00 p.m. After grabbing these, I quickly made my way to Teppan Edo. I met up with my family just as they arrived in Japan.

We were still a little early for our ADR and I saw Miyuki, the candy artist, was in the middle of her show. So we stopped to watch for a little bit. We got to see her make a cute green frog and a blue monkey, before we have to leave so we can check in for our ADR.

We check in a couple of minutes before our 2:05 p.m. ADR. The nice lady who checks me in confirms that we are celebrating our anniversary and a birthday. I put our anniversary on today’s dinner reservation at Teppan Edo and tomorrow’s dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table. And since Christopher is turning 4 on our trip I added his birthday to all our reservations. We were given a pager and had to wait about 20 minutes before we were finally seated with a nice couple and their daughter who were visiting from Indiana.

We have a wonderful lunch here. The food was good and we enjoyed talking with the other family that was seated with us. I’m not sure if I have mentioned yet that we are on the basic dining plan. I ordered the steak and shrimp combination, which was very good. DH ordered the chicken and steak combination, which he said was good. Ashley and Christopher both ordered the children's shrimp, which must have been good because there was not a single shrimp left on either plate, and Haley ordered the children’s chicken, which she ends up eating two bites of. Haley is our food allergy baby, and she is very picky about her food. Hence the reason my 5 1/2 year old just passed the 30 lb mark this year. So the fact that she didn't eat here, or most places during our trip, doesn't have anything to do with the actual quality of the food.

After we finish our entrees, our wonderful waitress brings out a chef’s hat for Christopher and some ice cream with a candle in it. He absolutely loves his hat and ice cream. We also get ice cream for our anniversary celebration which the girls quickly confiscate from us, which is fine since we are absolutely stuffed from dinner. We will eat here the next time we come. I highly recommend it. We had a great time here! I can’t believe it is already almost 4 p.m. when we finally leave Teppan Edo.

Up next our evening plans…….

What special activity do we do tonight? Do we stay for Illuminations? And is Christopher tall enough to ride Soarin’? His first 40 inch test!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Hi! Thanks for stopping by! Love the picture strip in your signature block - so cute! December is by far my favorite time to visit Disney World. When are you guys planing to go?

Awww! Thanks!! We are looking at going right after Thanksgiving and into the 1st week of December!

Loved the update!! I have that same Tinkerbell shirt that you have on in the pic!!

 

[disneylovin24]

I love your trip report so far!!! Can't wait to read more

 

[Disney owl]

brill start

 

[Nancy for Disney]

Enjoyed reading. Teppan Edo was one of my kids favorites too. Can't wait to read more.

 

[happenin2you]

I've been trying to post on here since yesterday and the system was being crazy and not letting me. At any rate, I'm here.

You're off to a great start and I'm glad to see you had a great time and more importantly, you got home safely.

I look forward to hearing more!

 

[raider97]

Subscribing - can't wait to read all about your trip x

Hi! Thanks for stopping by! I hope to get another update up tomorrow.

Those corner rooms are awesome, they really are!

They really are! I think I saw them for the first time in your last trip report! The make the rooms look completely different and give them a much bigger feel. Next time for sure!

We are looking at going right after Thanksgiving and into the 1st week of December!

Loved the update!! I have that same Tinkerbell shirt that you have on in the pic!!

That would be a perfect time. Should be lower crowds and still decorated for the Christmas season! I wish we could go then. Texas public schools are crazy about taking the kids out during the school year. The girls missed two days this time. I really wish I could pull them out for a week, but we would be hearing from a truant officer.

I love that tinkerbell shirt! Great taste!!

I love your trip report so far!!! Can't wait to read more

Thanks! I really hope to have one up tomorrow! Just make sure you hold my feet to the fire!

Enjoyed reading. Teppan Edo was one of my kids favorites too. Can't wait to read more.

Thanks for stopping by! I'm glad you are enjoying it. I hope to get some updates done this week. We really liked Teppan Edo. It is just a lot of fun and the food is good too! Can't beat that!

I've been trying to post on here since yesterday and the system was being crazy and not letting me. At any rate, I'm here.

You're off to a great start and I'm glad to see you had a great time and more importantly, you got home safely.

I look forward to hearing more!

So glad to see ya! A cruise huh? Sounds like fun! You will have to give me all the details! Hope you and dh had a wonderful Christmas. Looking forward to catching up with you.

Well, I've got to run.... we have dinner plans with some friends we haven't seen in forever. Should be fun! Hope everyone has a great night!

Stephanie

 

[raider97]

brill start

Thanks! I am hoping to get quite a bit done this week. Hopefully! Thanks for stopping by!

 

[lovegrumpy]

Subbing. We have thought about doing a stint in CC TX but i've been told its really small. So I tell dh no way. My hubby is in the CG.

 

[praisehisname]

I just found your report and am loving it!

 

[raider97]

What special activity do we do tonight?

Pick a Pearl!

Do we stay for Illuminations?

Nope, not tonight.

And is Christopher tall enough to ride Soarin’? His first 40 inch test!!

No... and... Yes! You'll have to keep reading to find out more!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Hi!!! It is taking me forever to get caught up and get my own report going!!! But, I'm in now! I read through your whole report and am waiting for more! I am going to try to start mine tonight!

 

[raider97]

Day 1- Part 2 - December 17th, 2009

Well, when I left off we had just finished dinner at Teppan Edo. I had hoped to make Miyuki’s, the candy artist, next show, but it started at 3:30 p.m. and seriously we didn’t leave Teppan Edo to almost 4 p.m. We still wanted to see one of her shows so we decided now would be the perfect time to surprise the kids with picking pearls. We went into the Japanese Pavilion and made our way to the oyster tanks. There were lots of people standing around and I was worried there was a long line, but it turned out everyone was just hanging around watching. So after paying for four pick pearl opportunities we made our way to the front of the tank to get started.


Haley picked first. She got a pretty white pearl that has a touch of pink to it. It measured 7 mm. Ashley picked next. She ended up with a HUGE white pearl. It measured 8 1/2 mm. Christopher picked next for me. He picked a pretty white pearl that measured 7 1/4 mm. My mom was the last to pick. She picked a pearl that had an almost identical pearl to Haley’s. It was white with a touch of pink that measured right at 7 mm.


We asked Haley if she would like to combine my mom’s pearl with hers and get earrings. She loves earrings. She said yes and picked out a pretty pair of earrings to have made. Ashley picked out a pretty dolphin pendant to have made. And James picked out a pretty silver heart necklace to have my pearl made into. Once we picked out our pearls we had to wait 30 minutes for they settings to be finished. So we walked outside to see Miyuki’s show. She had just started and again we were amazed at her creations. When her show was over it was time to pick up our settings. They turned out beautifully! I took some pictures of them this morning, but my battery in my camera has died so I will try and get them posted this evening once I get it charged.


We left the Japanese Pavilion and asked the kids if they wanted to try one last time for a candy design from Miyuki. They did so we waited around for the next show, which should be starting in about 20 minutes or so. We take this time to add long sleeve shirts under the kids t-shirts since it is starting to get chilly. We spend some time watching the Koi in the pond. From here, I can hear the first Candlelight Processional. It sounds beautiful and I really wish we would have gone, but the kids are already getting tired so I am glad that we decided to not go to the 8:45 p.m. showing tonight.


It starts to get close to the time Miyuki’s show is about to start so we line up next to the rope, on the right side so the kids can see her working on the designs, we were the first ones there. Yippee! From the front, it is hard for the kids to see past her cart so we are a little off to the side against the rope. She starts the show, mentioning to everyone that there is only one animal per family. She picks the family to the left of us. They tell her there are two of them and since they are cousins she goes ahead and makes them two designs. My kids are patiently raising their hands hoping to be called on. She starts around and a lady stops her and says her family wants one. Miyuki corrects her and says she does the picking, but then she goes ahead and makes one for her. Meanwhile, a family has now pushed in between my family and the people who were next to us. She starts back toward us and stops at the family that is now next to us. She asks what they want and they tell her. She makes it and then she heads towards us!! We are so excited, but the family next to us stops her and tells her they need a second one. She says only one per family, but they start saying that one kid is with one of them and the other is with the other adult. So she makes them a second and the show is over. I am super disappointed for the kids, but they handle it well since they just loved watching her make her designs. We got to see her make a dragon, a dinosaur, a bald eagle, a dolphin, a turtle, a crocodile, and I can't remember the rest of them right now. But if you haven't seen her I highly recommend her show. She is truly talented!


My disappointment doesn’t last long though…. we are in Disney!! We decide to head back to Future World. We start towards the Friendship Dock and miss the boat leaving by a minute. It has started to drizzle again and I decide we should just wait for the next one rather than walk around the World Showcase. We spend the time listening to the Candlelight Processional music.

Here is a picture of the kids waiting for the boat. Notice I have their Life is Good Nemo shirts on! Also notice that Haley has some seriously crazy hair going on! She takes after me when ever there is humidity in the air our hair just goes wavy/curly crazy!


The boat arrives and we ride it across the lagoon. It was a nice ride. We exit and head for The Land pavilion to use our Soarin’ fast passes I had collected on our way into the park. If you remember from my pre-trip report I was nervous about Christopher making the 40 inch cut-off mark. I had him measured at the doctor’s office in his new light-up Spiderman shoes a couple of weeks before we left when he was getting his H1N1 shot and he had measured 40 ½ inches tall! WooHoo! But now as we approach the fast pass entrance I look down and notice that he has on the wrong shoes!! Remember when he had taken them off after school and before we left for the airport? Well, James had found his old tennis shoes and put them on him. They are almost a year old and are very, very worn. The soles are even worn thru in places. I was starting to freak out! So we get to the entrance and the cast member pulls Chris to the side to measure him and he hits the measuring stick. Score! But then the cast member pushes down his hair and Christopher is less than a cm short of 40 inches. I am disappointed that Christopher isn’t going to be able to ride.


We head over to the desk to get a rider switch pass and DH sits down with Christopher in the food court area. So my mom, me, and the girls head back to the fast pass line. We get in and walk straight on in to the loading areas. We enter and are on the first row! It is Haley’s first time riding Soarin’! She loves it. She was a little nervous at first, but she warms right up to it. When we get off she tells us it was “awesome” and that she wants to ride again. She is also dying laughing about how the golf ball almost hit her, but she ducked. I love these moments! We leave my mom with Christopher and James, myself, and the girls head back through the fast pass line (we had an extra fast pass since Christopher couldn’t ride). We walk right back on. This time we are in the 2nd row, but we enjoy it just the same. I really love this ride! And the kids do too!


After Soarin’, we head for The Seas pavilion. We stop for a minute to enjoy the sea gulls in front of the pavilion and then head inside to the Finding Nemo ride. It is walk-on. Score!! The kids love it. They want to ride again, but I want to make sure we see Turtle Talk tonight since they are wearing their cool Nemo shirts. The next show is starting in about 5 minutes so we wait. Once we go in I am happy to see there are only about eight kids total in the show. I am sure my kids will get a chance to talk to Crush. The show starts and not one of my children raise their hands for the entire show. Ay y yi!! All the cast members in the pavilion appreciated their shirts though. I got a ton of compliments on them. A big thank-you again to Kari on the creative board for making the designs! We love them!


By this time, we are all hungry. We head out looking for some place nearby to eat. We settle on Electric Umbrella. The food was good, not great, but we were starving so it worked. The kids all ordered cheeseburgers, fries, grapes, and sodas. James and I each had the bacon double cheeseburger with fries, and sodas. And for dessert we get cheesecake with strawberry sauce.


Once we are done, we debate going back to the hotel and calling it a day and staying later and riding more rides. Future World was dead and it would have been nice to ride a few more rides on our first day, but we finally decide to go ahead and leave and beat the Illuminations crowd to the bus stop. We arrive at the bus stop and can see the fireworks from Magic Kingdom going off at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The kids really enjoyed it and as our bus pulls up the Illuminations fireworks begin behind us.


We have had a wonderful 1st full day at Disney. We arrive quickly at our resort and the North Depot is the 2nd stop dropped off. We make our way to the hotel room. Once inside we find picture cards from Mickey and Minnie congratulating us on our anniversary and one from Mickey wishing Christopher a Happy Birthday! What wonderful surprises!

We take baths/showers and head to bed. We have a full day ahead of us at Magic Kingdom to look forward to tomorrow.


I’m hoping to get another update up soon… Does it rain tomorrow on us as the weatherman is predicting? How late do we make it at MVMCP? What rookie mistake do I make tomorrow night?

 

[exwdwcm]

subbing and enjoying your report so far. We didn't get to see miyuki, she is on my list for next time though and I really want to try Teppan next time too.

your kids are so adorable!!

I am a fellow texan btw and have family in corpus- we got to check out the aquarium last summer when we visited during a beach trip to Port A.

Can't wait to hear the next adventure!

we were there around the time- dec 10th-20th!

 

[disneycruising]

 

[raider97]

Subbing. We have thought about doing a stint in CC TX but i've been told its really small. So I tell dh no way. My hubby is in the CG.

Hi! The base is pretty small and Corpus has about 400,000 residents. We moved here from Houston about 3 1/2 years ago. We love it here. You should come visit sometime so you can get an idea of the city/base for yourself. Thanks for stopping by!!

I just found your report and am loving it!

Thanks! I hope to get my photo pass cd this week which will help me with my updates!

Hi!!! It is taking me forever to get caught up and get my own report going!!! But, I'm in now! I read through your whole report and am waiting for more! I am going to try to start mine tonight!

Hi Erin!! So happy to see you. Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

subbing and enjoying your report so far. We didn't get to see miyuki, she is on my list for next time though and I really want to try Teppan next time too.

your kids are so adorable!!

I am a fellow texan btw and have family in corpus- we got to check out the aquarium last summer when we visited during a beach trip to Port A.

Can't wait to hear the next adventure!

we were there around the time- dec 10th-20th!

Fellow Texan! So neat that you have family down here. We really love Corpus. We have been here for about 4 years. Thanks for the compliment on my kiddos. I think they are cuties, but I'm also pretty biased! I had hoped to see Miyuki on our trip and was happy to see that she was there when we were at Epcot. Check the schedule though... I think she only has her shows Mon. - Thurs. She is really talented. I was amazed and I had read about her. And Teppan Edo was really good - we loved the atmosphere! We will be back here for sure!

Hi! Hope to get some more updates up this week. Thanks for stopping by!

Stephanie