A Disney Christmas Fix - four days of fun! 1/28 Summer/Cruising PTR started!!

[Happydog]

I really enjoyed your Christmas party pics. I'm glad I'm not the only one who can't figure out exactly what each show is about. I need a lot of subtitles or something!

Happy DISmeet. How funny that the two of you were standing by each other all along! Go figure!

Yes it was a neat surprise, b/c we actually thought we would try to meet up! The Christmas party was just one new experience, and I am glad I was able to see what it was all about!

We took them out for a couple of days in 08, same thing, around a holiday weekend. And for the little ones it was fine. For the big ones...a disaster. So we've learned that once we are out of elementary, it's a non starter. In elementary though, while you still have half days for conferences and such, those weeks are easy to miss a few days. No half days in jr high or high school though.

We are fortunate that the schedule for our school system usually permits for that sort of thing, but I agree, it gets harder the older they get!

so are the tea and brunch scheduled? Not sure how that works....I guess if I just try to do palo's on the 4th night or later, I'll be safe. I need to look at it compared to the itinerary though I think.

Yep, same way as all the other advanced booking items... But they say you can get some ressies on board, especially with a longer cruise. That will make it easier for you I bet!

Great update! I can't WAIT to go to MVMCCP. Its weird to think that it was a HOT evening, but you're there for a Christmas party. I guess the Disney snow didn't cool ya down? And don't worry, you girls didn't look shiny- you just have a happy glow!

It is weird! It is Christmas after all!!!! BUT Can't complain!!!! I would do it again! And NO the snow "bubbles" didn't cool us off!

 

[Happydog]

Well, the next morning, it was time to pack up and leave Disney.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.



Of course I knew I couldn’t complain because I had managed to get a small getaway trip during the year my Husband had declared would NOT include trips to Disney… And while it was just resort side, I felt it was perfect with the MVMCP thrown in. And frankly, resort side at Disney is VERY Disney-ish. And the 80 degree pool weather was a big bonus!

My opinion is that without the parks, a few days at Disney is really quite fun. It makes you appreciate how much they invest into your total experience there, not just inside the gates of the parks themselves... It makes me think about the summer of 2012, when we go back as a family, to sample Universal, Disney, and other fun. I think we have decided to make Disney our home base, and get an AP for Universal, b/c that gives you the advanced access to the fun, vs. staying in their resorts... stay tuned about those plans, b/c that will evolve I am sure!


So on our final morning the temperature took a big dip. I walked outside and it was clear the temps were going to require a jacket! I was able to get all those pool photos from earlier b/c NO one was going to be in the pool!!! LOL! So knowing we were not leaving amazing weather behind made it a little easier to go! I walked over to Jambo house one more time, did a last shopping trip at the gift store, and took a few more lodge lobby photos… and then back to Kidani, to pack up and head up the coast to St. Pete’s… ONE last look at the AK Lodge tree...

So, for the rest of the week, we went to a training conference, and then returned home. Since I had already shown you my DISNEY Christmas tree, I didn’t take separate pictures of the new ornaments I purchased. But I bought a set of the mini Mickey heads (the red set), the Pixar lamp Christmas ornament (it is really cute!), Stitch, and the starfish from Nemo. I had been buying them all along the year during our trips so it was really nice to get them all out and on a tree this year!!!

I also bought the following fun…

This pin is for my Mickey camera strap!!

AND then the following hodge podge...

Disney goodies for the Boys and their Cruise ship bags… I will use the big Mickey Mouse post cards for a gift tag, I think....

I went back and forth about getting them the Mickey pirate ears…. Have you all seen those??? TOOOOO cute!!!! I would have bought them for DS5, but I didn't think DS8 would want to wear them... and so if I bought DS8 a Jack Sparrow hat, I know the little one would have been disappointed with the ears!! So I think in the end they will both get a Jack Sparrow hat and I will fill the hats with these things and some other goodies.

Truthfully, they had cute Pirate sets from Pirates of the Caribbean at WOD, but when our boys did the Pirate's League at the MK last year, they got all these same accessories, so I am going to confirm we have everything and then maybe pick up the items that are missing in February before the cruise. They also got these really neat revolvers that we bought at the MK that same trip, so I may bring them for the cruise, but they are really heavy... so I may just get new swords… sadly those cutlass swords that they got as part of the Pirate's League have bit the dust!! To be expected in our house with the dueling that goes on downstairs!!!

Here again is my new watch and keychain -- both still functioning, and I really like the watch! It is my weekend watch! And sometimes I wear it to work on Friday!!!

And that is it!


So our next adventures of Disney include Cruising and Vero Beach!!! I am really excited for both. We leave, DH and I, for our short Disney cruise in LESS than a MONTH! FOUR weeks from today, actually!!! And then the big summer adventure with the family is in June, right after school gets out. I already know of two DISers going on the same cruise with their families, so that should be fun!
So I guess there is lots to "YAY!" about!!!!


I will start that PTR this weekend, and it will include my TR for the cruise as well as our trip to Italy and Greece this spring break! I also promised some photos of Lego Land, so I will put those in there too! I have some great ones! And it will get many of us excited for the 2012 opening of Legoland in Orlando, I am sure!

Cant wait to follow along with everyone else as they come and go from the world in the next few months... Thanks for coming to share my fun with me!!!


I will post my new link soon!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I've had a blast following along with you HD! One month til the cruise... woo hoo!! And your plans for the boys sound great too. You are so creative!

I can't wait to hear all about the cruise. All these stories and pictures about the Dream have me seriously thinking about a cruise!!

 

[MeMom]

My opinion is that without the parks, a few days at Disney is really quite fun. It makes you appreciate how much they invest into your total experience there, not just inside the gates of the parks themselves...

So very true. I went on a trip with a friend once where we did only one park for one day, because Jill couldn't be with me, and I didn't want to have too much fun without her. My friend and I very much enjoyed resort-hopping, going to DTD, using all the forms of Disney transportation, and eating at lots of different places for the rest of the time. I didn't feel one bit deprived.

Great shot!

So our next adventures of Disney include Cruising and Vero Beach!!! I am really excited for both. We leave, DH and I, for our short Disney cruise in LESS than a MONTH! FOUR weeks from today, actually!!! And then the big summer adventure with the family is in June, right after school gets out. I already know of two DISers going on the same cruise with their families, so that should be fun!
So I guess there is lots to "YAY!" about!!!!

So much fun.
And Italy and Greece, too.
Oh, my!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Ooooo, I didn't know you were going to Italy and Greece, how awesome! Looking forward to hearing about that and all of your other plans/trips

It's nice to hear how much you enjoyed just hanging at the resort. I'm really looking forward to doing the same before the cruise, even if it is just for short time.

 

[MEK]

Enjoyed your TR, evening though I got in at the last minute!

You have some seriously nice trip plans coming up. I will be on the look out for your PTR and I can't wait to read about the cruise because I would really like to take one.

Oh - and I had NO idea that an AP at Universal allowed you better access. I assume this means you get the same access as resort guests? That is seriously an excellent idea. I always have an AP at Disney, but maybe I should switch it up and try an AP at Universal and just stay at Disney and do all the non park things. That would be pretty fun actually and something I should think about. DH and I are planning a trip next fall/early winter. Hmmmmmm......gives me something to think about for sure!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

You are such a busy, busy!!!
Will be looking for/forward to your pretrippie!

 

[Happydog]

I've had a blast following along with you HD! One month til the cruise... woo hoo!! And your plans for the boys sound great too. You are so creative!

I can't wait to hear all about the cruise. All these stories and pictures about the Dream have me seriously thinking about a cruise!!

Oh I am so excited, can I tell you??!! I loved the cruise with DH last time, this will be great fun, too.

You should try it!!! I bet you would have a great time... Fall and Jan/Feb are great $ times, really reasonable!!! Summer and holidays not so much, but the farther out you book the better $$ you get!

So very true. I went on a trip with a friend once where we did only one park for one day, because Jill couldn't be with me, and I didn't want to have too much fun without her. My friend and I very much enjoyed resort-hopping, going to DTD, using all the forms of Disney transportation, and eating at lots of different places for the rest of the time. I didn't feel one bit deprived.

I agree! DH feels "guilty" too -- with out the kids, but I didn't mind skipping the parks, we had a nice time!!!!

Ooooo, I didn't know you were going to Italy and Greece, how awesome! Looking forward to hearing about that and all of your other plans/trips

It's nice to hear how much you enjoyed just hanging at the resort. I'm really looking forward to doing the same before the cruise, even if it is just for short time.

Hey! Yep, we are. Same as two years ago, it is with students, but ironically this tour is more adults than kids! But it should be amazing. Some areas I have not seen before. We are taking a cruise, actually! between Italy, Croatia, and Greece... The kids are coming, it will be their first experience on a cruise boat.... this ship is NOT a Disney ship!!! It is a European Cruise line. But they get very good reviews, apparently, so I am hoping it all works out. This is all through a travel company, but it is upgraded, so the quality is very nice. The Disney cruise will be much more child-centric... It will be a good test to see how they manage.

Even ONE night will be nice! That is what we are doing next month. One night before the cruise, I will be happy to feel a bit more Disney-ish before we get on the Dream!

 

[Happydog]

Enjoyed your TR, evening though I got in at the last minute!

You have some seriously nice trip plans coming up. I will be on the look out for your PTR and I can't wait to read about the cruise because I would really like to take one.

Oh - and I had NO idea that an AP at Universal allowed you better access. I assume this means you get the same access as resort guests? That is seriously an excellent idea. I always have an AP at Disney, but maybe I should switch it up and try an AP at Universal and just stay at Disney and do all the non park things. That would be pretty fun actually and something I should think about. DH and I are planning a trip next fall/early winter. Hmmmmmm......gives me something to think about for sure!

Hi! Yes, the AP at Universal gives you the same "front of the line" status -- I can't recall what they call that -- as staying on property. And their AP is a lot less then Disney's... We want to do that this coming summer 2012 b/c we feel at that point our younger DS will be tall enough to get on more rides... We also plan to go to the Disney Water parks, b/c we have never done that. So it will be a little of everything! Should be great fun... But yes, we do have a fun filled vacation planned this year, too! I have not looked into the whole Universal situation much yet, but I bet it will be a new adventure for sure!

You are such a busy, busy!!!
Will be looking for/forward to your pretrippie!

Well, it isn't intentional....

It will be coming this week!!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Great wrap up, HD!

This may be blasphemy but I think I am more excited about your trip to Italy and Greece than your trip on the Disney Dream! Greece is one of the TOP places I have wanted to visit, so you must promise to take lots and lots of pics! Since you are chaperoning, are you allowed to drink at all? Probably not, but if you are try ouzo because I have always wanted to know what it tastes like. LOL!

Beautiful pic of the AKL tree!

Both of mine have the pirate Mickey ears -- they bought them in '07. Very cute in pictures.

 

[Happydog]

Great wrap up, HD!

This may be blasphemy but I think I am more excited about your trip to Italy and Greece than your trip on the Disney Dream! Greece is one of the TOP places I have wanted to visit, so you must promise to take lots and lots of pics! Since you are chaperoning, are you allowed to drink at all? Probably not, but if you are try ouzo because I have always wanted to know what it tastes like. LOL!

Beautiful pic of the AKL tree!

Both of mine have the pirate Mickey ears -- they bought them in '07. Very cute in pictures.

Hey, good morning!!! Not at all!!!! I am looking forward to Spring Break, as well! Actually, these trips are not officially school sponsored, so we (an all the adults) do have wine with dinner, etc. and there is usually a cultural philosophy to alcohol on these trips, meaning we do not allow/condone under-aged drinking, but there is usually a meal or an event we attend where they MAY sample (with CLOSE scruitinty and with adults) wine, or limoncello for instance, and in this case, probably Ouzo. When we visited France we went to a true Champagne vinyard. Funny is that most often the kids don't care for the wine, etc.! BUT from our perspective wine with dinner is a must! Now I have had Ouzo before. BLECK! Not my cup of tea! But I am not big on Licorice, so that is probably why! Not Ouzo, obviously, but wine and such is a part of Italian culture, anyway. kids drink watered down wine from childhood. Ironically European countries do not have the kind of alcoholism that we do in the US or in Great Britian, I think because they don't build up the mystic about it. The clubs where kids are allowed to go to (sixteen is the age I think, often filled with tour group students and local kids) serve alcohol, but we don't allow them access when we take them dancing. B/C again, that is not "cultural" and these trips are not for "partying" -- so our kids don't get the "stamp" Instead, we keep them very busy doing and seeing, and our philosophy is "a tired kid is a good kid," and won't get into trouble!!! We have parents who sign off approval waivers for while they are away (meaning allowing them to have wine with dinner, for instance) and we have had maybe one or two parents ever who have said "no"... Which is okay with us, obviously, and never is a big deal. But unlike some school sponsored trips we don't lock the kids in their room at night, or tape their doors, we are all out, doing things until relatively late, then we are up early, so they get plenty of freedom, and experiences, where I don't sense they feel "deprived" -- I have heard PLENTY of horror stories about band trips, etc...

OOPS. Sorry for the drawn out explanation! But to go back to your comments, I will take photos, I have been before!, but not on this itinerary. We start in Venice, for a few days, then basically tour down between Italy and Greece, and end in another Italian port town (cant recall it's name) which is apparently amazing.... It will be fun.

I am looking forward to February b/c it is first! And I want to be on the Dream for four nights!!!! I have been pouring over the threads about the ship... I am nervous and excited!!! I love those ears! But I think I will be getting hats (found them online -- on sale, "official" Jack Sparrow, blah blah) I also just found these ADORABLE tee-shirts, that I will share when they arrive...

 

[gallmcduck]

Great wrap up to your TR and trip The show looked very christmassy and the lights just awesome.

Sounds like you have serious planning to do with your feb, spring and summer trips

What a great DISmeet, fab way to bump into a fellow DISer

Look forward to your cruise PTR

 

[Native NYer]

Great ending to a great TR

I had no idea that Universal APs give you front of the line access. We are thinking about visiting US this summer, but didn't want to stay onsite. I could not give up a spacious villa for a standard hotel room. I may have to invest in US APs

Oh, I'm happy you're going to post your Legoland photos! We CANNOT wait for Legoland to open in Orlando. Have you stopped by the Legoland Orlando website? You can purchase APs that cover this fall and all of 2012 for $99. Since one day tickets run about $65, it's quite a savings. We're planning on getting those as well

Your European vacation sounds fabulous! I hope you're going to do a mini tr for that.

Can't wait to read about all of your cruise and Vero fun

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hey, good morning!!! Not at all!!!! I am looking forward to Spring Break, as well! Actually, these trips are not officially school sponsored, so we (an all the adults) do have wine with dinner, etc. and there is usually a cultural philosophy to alcohol on these trips, meaning we do not allow/condone under-aged drinking, but there is usually a meal or an event we attend where they MAY sample (with CLOSE scruitinty and with adults) wine, or limoncello for instance, and in this case, probably Ouzo. When we visited France we went to a true Champagne vinyard. Funny is that most often the kids don't care for the wine, etc.! BUT from our perspective wine with dinner is a must! Now I have had Ouzo before. BLECK! Not my cup of tea! But I am not big on Licorice, so that is probably why! Not Ouzo, obviously, but wine and such is a part of Italian culture, anyway. kids drink watered down wine from childhood. Ironically European countries do not have the kind of alcoholism that we do in the US or in Great Britian, I think because they don't build up the mystic about it. The clubs where kids are allowed to go to (sixteen is the age I think, often filled with tour group students and local kids) serve alcohol, but we don't allow them access when we take them dancing. B/C again, that is not "cultural" and these trips are not for "partying" -- so our kids don't get the "stamp" Instead, we keep them very busy doing and seeing, and our philosophy is "a tired kid is a good kid," and won't get into trouble!!! We have parents who sign off approval waivers for while they are away (meaning allowing them to have wine with dinner, for instance) and we have had maybe one or two parents ever who have said "no"... Which is okay with us, obviously, and never is a big deal. But unlike some school sponsored trips we don't lock the kids in their room at night, or tape their doors, we are all out, doing things until relatively late, then we are up early, so they get plenty of freedom, and experiences, where I don't sense they feel "deprived" -- I have heard PLENTY of horror stories about band trips, etc...

Ouzo is licorice flavored? Is it the Greek equivalent of Jagermeister? Shudder, shudder. Bleck is right! Never mind! I will let you off the hook on that one. LOL!

Oh, I could tell you all about our freshman trip to DC in 1990. There was taping of the doors for what it was worth!

OOPS. Sorry for the drawn out explanation! But to go back to your comments, I will take photos, I have been before!, but not on this itinerary. We start in Venice, for a few days, then basically tour down between Italy and Greece, and end in another Italian port town (cant recall it's name) which is apparently amazing.... It will be fun.

I loved reading all about it -- no worries!

Can't wait to hear all about it. You probably mentioned it in a previous post, but are you taking the boys as well? Have they been to Greece before? Does your spring break fall in March or April this year? Ours is usually right around Easter, but this year it is the first full week of April.

I am looking forward to February b/c it is first! And I want to be on the Dream for four nights!!!! I have been pouring over the threads about the ship... I am nervous and excited!!! I love those ears! But I think I will be getting hats (found them online -- on sale, "official" Jack Sparrow, blah blah) I also just found these ADORABLE tee-shirts, that I will share when they arrive...

It will be really neat to hear all about the new ship -- don't get me wrong -- I love reading anything about Disney, so bring it on!

Oh, where did you find t-shirts? I feel a shopping fix coming on!

 

[Happydog]

Ouzo is licorice flavored? Is it the Greek equivalent of Jagermeister? Shudder, shudder. Bleck is right! Never mind! I will let you off the hook on that one. LOL!

Oh, I could tell you all about our freshman trip to DC in 1990. There was taping of the doors for what it was worth!

It was probably very much like my trip to NYC over New Years when I was a senior...

Ouzo is anise-flavored -- so I don't care for it. That said, it isn't like Jagermeister, it is lighter, clear, too, but still that is not my flavor preference... I would much rather enjoy Limoncello!!!! or Kirch...

Can't wait to hear all about it. You probably mentioned it in a previous post, but are you taking the boys as well? Have they been to Greece before? Does your spring break fall in March or April this year? Ours is usually right around Easter, but this year it is the first full week of April.

Yep! They are. They always go with us when we go to Europe. I don't have any qualms about taking them there. They have not been to Greece, Only Italy, but they know all about the Romans and the Greeks! Ours is in April, with Easter, which is REALLY late this year! So it sounds like you get a three day weekend for Easter, then? or four days? Good Friday? Easter Monday? Hopefully being late will make the weather superb in the Mediterranean..

It will be really neat to hear all about the new ship -- don't get me wrong -- I love reading anything about Disney, so bring it on!

Oh, where did you find t-shirts? I feel a shopping fix coming on!

Well, I bought them at Jcrew online. I DON'T make it a regular habit shopping there. TOOO expensive. However, sales they do VERY, very well. They are not my style over all, but I like their pants and a few "original" things... The Tshirt was $16.50 (it is a pirate face) and 40% off... I bought a few things for myself, so I took advantage of the free shipping... With shipping it isn't as much of a savings, but they still are less than original price. This is what I got...

They say "Life by Sea" on the back in a flocked white lettering apparently... I think these will be perfect for Pirate night, unless I decide to make more elaborate costumes... I am just thinking the heat, and I don't know they will want to wear fussy costumes... not sure yet, but the shirts seemed perfect for a cruise And a fun addition to their cruise surprise... I know they are not Disney, but I thought they would be fun... They will like these I know. I had already bought each of them a cruise tee from the cruise last winter... I know Nolyn can wear both of these, AND he wears that POC tee shirt STILL, Jackie, he LOVES it... So I will take those with us. Griffin may have outgrown the cruise tee I bought him, so I may get him one this time...

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hi! Yes, the AP at Universal gives you the same "front of the line" status -- I can't recall what they call that -- as staying on property.

I have a friend from another board who has been in Orlando this last week. They have Universal APs and when I was reading her live updates she said something about not buying the Express Pass this time because the crowds were low. Isn't that the front of the line pass? I assumed from what she wrote that you had to pay for that as an AP holder, it was not 'free' like it is when you stay at a Universal resort. Maybe she's talking about something else though?? Now I'm going to have to ask her about it, I'm curious!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I have been catching up on Disney Dream TRs and pictures this weekend. The cruise bug has definitely hit. Can't wait to hear about your trip!!

 

[manntra]

Great wrap up HD!!!
I am excited for all of your new adventures! Soooo excited to hear about the Dream......what a beautiful ship! I love the new theming of the restaurants too. Are you going to hit the Aqua Duck? Ahhhh sitting by the adult pool with the drink of the day....bliss

Blech on the ouzo is right I am not an anise fan. At all. My brother's friend makes limoncello.....very good (and strong ) They recently made some out of oranges....my brother said it tasted like Pinesol. I am not sure what kind of flavoring that has in common with oranges....

I will be waiting for the bat signal

Tracy

 

[dddisrunner]

Hi Jen!! Believe it or not, I just caught up on this whole report!! How fun!! I LOVED all of your pictures! We are planning a Christmas trip to WDW in 2011, so it was great to see all of your resort photos! MVMCP looked fantastic as well! We will arrive once the parties have stopped for the season so we will miss out on that...BOO! I am over the moon excited for the cruise in June! We are yaying right along with you! Your trips to Italy and Greece sound incredible! We are praying for no more snow this winter, so far so good with our snow days! I also read your Christmas TR from last year, it was very helpful! Thanks again for all the great photos and have fun on the cruise with your DH!

 

[Happydog]

I have a friend from another board who has been in Orlando this last week. They have Universal APs and when I was reading her live updates she said something about not buying the Express Pass this time because the crowds were low. Isn't that the front of the line pass? I assumed from what she wrote that you had to pay for that as an AP holder, it was not 'free' like it is when you stay at a Universal resort. Maybe she's talking about something else though?? Now I'm going to have to ask her about it, I'm curious!

Hi -- no it seems that there are different levels of APs... my DH told me if we were to get the "premier" passes we get the express upgrade after 4:30pm, well THAT doesn't seem like such a deal, then, in the end... so now I am not sure. They have three levels, I have to learn more b/c that would mean buying that upgrade I guess, for the middle pass (the less expensive one has blackout dates, apparently?) I don't know that we would stay on property there, so in our case it may be we get the mid $ passes and pay the extra in the end... This must be what your friend was talking about...

MEK!!! Not quite as good of a deal as I was hoping! See, so we spend more time at Disney, then...