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

[eandesmom]

I agree with you, Thanksgiving is a good time I think, and right after (when we went) worked well.. the week OF Thanksgiving would be best for us work wise, b/c we have time off, so no leave required, but the price is up b/c it is holiday.

We are in the same boat and a week would be hard with the kids ages now so it will probably never happen but it's fun to dream about!

I was thrilled, needless to say! Can't wait to hang out in the Top of the World lounge for the afternoon.

Oh I hope someday to get up there, how lovely! I take it you are renting points for that night then? You have to be DVC to get up there right? I didn't know if you could do that on a rental or not, seems to be a little confusion on it.

Well I remember seeing a "tween" club, it was up in the roost, I believe they called it... ? Maybe that is actually for teens, though, and your guys are too young... I am sure that is what it was called... I am almost positive there was something... I have a Passporter's cruise book the past two editions, I can check to see if they say anything, but I would think Disney can confirm?

The club line ups have changed a little as I understand it. Sounds like all for them have a preschool, school aged and then teen option (14+ on the teen club) and some have the new "tween" option (11-13). In our planning center it just shows the boys as qualifying for Oceaneers Lab which is 5-13 I think? Maybe 6? Not sure. But then if you look at activities for the Wonder it shows Edge (the tween option) as being on it so it seems a little contradictory. Given that the AK cruise is new, excursions still going up, it may just not all up be there and fully fleshed. We will see.

Well your cruise is a week, right? So basically pick the night you DON'T have Pirate night, and NOT the same restaurant as Pirate Night, b/c I think what would be the case for you is that you have all restaurants twice... If it were me, I'd tell you to skip Parrot Cay, make that your Palo's night, and make your reservation LATE, so your kids can have dinner there, with you, then go hang out while you guys have dinner...

Do you find out your rotation before your booking date? That will work out and that sounds like a perfect idea. We have second seating anyways but a super late ressie is probably easier to get at Palo's anyway, maybe? I have to decide if we want Palo's once, or maybe even twice

Oh yes, I have been trolling for some cheap summer stuff, too! Lucy has nice stuff! Just about ready to get some new yellow box flip flops on line, to go with my new swim coverup!

I need a new swim coverup. Set on the suits but need a coverup for the May trip. that might be all I need for May though. I Lucy, got some trail pants, a vest and a hoodie for under $100! Hoping the athleta stuff gets a bit more marked down before I bite.

Yes, my DH rode his motorcycle to Fairbanks. He was twenty something!!! Makes me laugh!!! He sold that bike a while ago, but he has a new one now. NOT taking that trip anytime soon!!! Wow! I love that story -- I have only seen the version of The Christmas Story!

Well it was pretty awful as I understand it, her tounge was messed up for a really long time. It was a little karma like, she was the MOST obnoxious child, very cute in an "Annie" kind of way and boy did she know it. We always thought it was an urban Alaska myth but apparently not, kids really do it! It wasn't too long after they moved up there and I can see the fascination with the crystals. Heck, I could see Eric doing it!

Too funny about your repeat performance at Blue Zoo!!! I am excited to eat there in May and I am soooo getting that Bazooka Joe cocktail!! We have looked over the drink selections already I remember seeing a drink flavored with bacon

I was devastated they took the mussels off the menu at Jiko I ended up canceling that reservation last October and changing to Shula's which was a very good choice

Tracy

I think we each need to get a different one! I'm down for the blood orange....

I'm sad about the mussels at Jiko but since I've never eaten there, still excited for it in May!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Hey there! Just discovered your TR. I was in the mood to read about something Christmasy so I've read the whole thing! What a fun trip! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Happydog]

So I was really looking forward to seeing the Castle show because last year we kept missing it. I saw the Tomorrowland show with Santa and Stitch, and Buzz, etc., but I hadn't seen the main Castle show. It was really special and festive. Again, as it was something I hadn’t seen last year, so that made it really fun!

We ended up selecting a spot right in the center hub, leaning on a rail to watch… Here are my photos…

I must have taken this one while I was waiting for the show to start!

I must confess I don't know that I really knew what the story line was

This one is my favorite! I wish it were a little brighter, but Mickey and the soldiers are too cute!

Mickey and Minnie are so adorable and all the characters are, really, in their holiday get up!

MORE in the next POST!!!!!!

 

[Happydog]

Midway through the show (as I said, I couldn’t really follow the story line ) it turns into the Nutcracker... Or rather the Nutcracker characters end up dancing with the Disney CMs and the fabulous five!! A few blurry photos, sorry -- they move so fast!!!!

These last two give you the scale of it all...

The end of the show was really impressive, all the characters, reindeers, soldiers, the snowflake dancers and all the dancers and CMs from the parade were all there, and Goofy was Santa. And Frosty! The real Santa was taking photos on a bench in the hub on mainstreet, right below the train station (where they usually have Character meets..)

It was lively, and so festive and fun, that it made a great ending to our night. Looking at the last photos gives me goosebumps again, because it really was amazing and how can photos really capture the moment entirely, you know? The costumes were amazing, every detail. so neat. I just loved seeing it.

STAY tuned... one more MVMCP post and a SURPRISE MIDNIGHT DIS MEET!!!!! NO kiddin'...

 

[Happydog]

Alas, it was late. Really late!!! Like Midnight, late! So with the show over, we meandered back through Main street, and I took a few more photos, including my photos of Santa’s little corner over by town hall... the fact that there were 25 days until Christmas (at the time) was really neat! Looking back of course that makes me laugh because now it is after Christmas, but I was so excited and full of anticipation for the holidays!!

I tell you, I can't get enough of these soldiers! I wish Disney would make these... I'd buy a bunch!!

NOW, as I was getting my final photos, I happened to look over to my left and you will never ever guess who I saw...

LAST year, fall of 2009, I had another DIS celebrity sighting!!! After seeing Jen (aka JenJolt) in line for TSM at DHS, wearing her special DIS shirt, I would never have thought this would happen again, BUT it so happens this evening, again as late as it was, I happened to see out of the corner of my eye two adorable little girls wearing matching, really cute minnie outfits!!!

I looked over and saw without question that the mom with them was Ladybug Mom, here on the DIS, and her two little girls!!! And sure enough, there was Becky as exhausted as I after a fun filled and very full day and evening enjoying MK and the party. We had texted a couple times, but I didn’t think we’d be able to find each other for a meet during the party – and then low and behold, we ended up standing right next to each other totally unaware!!! I laughed. I mean had I not seen those little outfits she bought for the girls, I wouldn't have even notices... that is what pics and PTR posts are for, I guess!!! We chatted for a few minutes, her DH took a photo of us (She posted it on facebook – I copied it so I could post it here! (SIDE NOTE: Both of us were complaining about our “shiny” faces – it was so hot and such that evening, even still!!!! so Becky, I powdered our noses before I posted it LOL!!!!!! )

Her husband took a lot of photos, and clearly has a much nicer camera than I, AND knows how to use it!!! So here is one he took while we chatted, you can see us in the corner!!

Is’t that a great shot!!!!! So pretty…. Santa is down in the center there, taking photos… I am sure when she starts her TR you will enjoy all of his photos, I know I will!!!! It was tremendous fun just running into her like that, a perfect ending to a wonderfully magical evening

Outside the entrance... a bad shot of the MK sign!!

And THAT...

MY Friends, was our evening at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

Pssst. ONE last post coming soon, with a few souvies and a NEW PTR link!!! Stay Tuned!!!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I love your pics of the show! I have to say I can't shed any light on the story line either. That's all I'm going to say about that. I have a report to get started on. LOL!!!
So awesome that you ran into Ladybugmom! I always love a DIS meet! You girls look marvelous!

 

[Native NYer]

Beautiful photos!
The show looks like lots of fun.
How funny you two were able to run into each other even though there were so many other people in the MK!

 

[Happydog]

Just found your TR and I must say that this is the perfect kidless get-a-way. Really enjoyed reading about your relaxing days and evenings. I think I would have a great time just visiting all the resorts, relaxing by the pool, drinking and eating. Throw MVMCP in there and you have a total winner.

BTW - your boys are really cute!

Hey! Hi there! So glad that you came on over!! It was, nice. No parks, no kids, just enough Disney to get me by, basically! LOL! Though I was really pushing for going to MVMCP, so I am glad DH agreed!!! He feels guilty going to the parks without our kids! But he was glad we went in the end... There is plenty to enjoy about Disney without the parks, I have come to realize, especially for R & R time!!

Thanks! They are good guys.

Yeay for more Christmas pictures!!! You know I have to say I love those Christmas balloons on Main Street! Yet another reason to during the holidays.

Love all the parade pictures! I think it is just so cute that all the characters wear scarfs and look all Christmas-y for the parade.

Of course you loved those balloons, but really, how could you not!! They are so happy in big bunches like that... they just scream "take me home, take me home!!!!" LOL! I agree, the characters all look sooo adorable!!! I want one of those scarfs!!!! TOO cute!

The castle lights are definitely a reason to go! As is the hot cocoa float! Which they didn't have yet!!! BOO! But next time!!!

Love the parade photos. It really is a magical time of year to be there and the decorations make it all so festive!

Good job, everyone, peer pressuring Wigd into a highlights TR!

I have to go look for the cruise TR you mentioned with the pictures of the Dream... I have been feeling the cruise bug biting lately!

I agree, it really is quite pretty and makes it all the more fun to be in the Christmas spirit...

I hope she does it!!! Now we have to go over to her thread and keep "suggesting" it... LOL!!!!

The TRs on The Dream are AMAZING. I am so, so, so very excited to go!!!

What a nice relaxing time you both had So happy that you loved Kidani....I really love that resort....the location, animals, smells, decor

YES, we really did have an awesome time, and yes, Kidani is great!

Too funny about your repeat performance at Blue Zoo!!! I am excited to eat there in May and I am soooo getting that Bazooka Joe cocktail!! We have looked over the drink selections already I remember seeing a drink flavored with bacon

I was devastated they took the mussels off the menu at Jiko I ended up canceling that reservation last October and changing to Shula's which was a very good choice

Hmmm.... I recall that too... not sure which one it was though!!! They had some maple waffle thing.. DH tried it, try dessert in a cup. It was CRAZY. He liked it, but it wasn't a drink by any stretch of the imagination!!! But the others are top notch!

YOU were devestated? TRY DH and I as well!!! I made that ressie for those mussels!!!! But we did manage to find something else....

Shula's I have not thought to try, but I have heard great things!

MVCCP pictures were beautiful...I will get there during the holidays at some point Just love that castle Glad you enjoyed your hot chocolate

So excited for your cruise...is this on the Dream or the Wonder? I really, really want to hop on another ship....

Tracy

Oh thanks! It was so much fun, I should have taken more photos, but I don't want DH to get bored with me always with my face in the camera, we paid to actually go and do something after all!!! So I didn't take as many as I could... it was just a feast for the eyes and senses for sure!!! FUN!

The Cruise is coming, yes! Just a month now... On the Dream. It is sold out... Worried a little from the reports about the boat, but none of those have been full cap. So I will be anxious to hear what the "inaugural cruise" crowd says..... We have been on the Wonder. We will be on the Dream in Feb and June...

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Does it make me a bad Dis'er if I have never actually sat or stood to watch an entire castle show? Ouch. I know, I know. The photos make it look really great though! Hopefully next time. I love those last photos too!!

How fun to unexpectedly meet up when you didn't think it would happen. That's pretty neat!

 

[DisMomAmy]

I love your pictures - it's so fun to see all of the decorations... I know, I know... I keep saying that!

What a fun night & a great surprise to top it off!

 

[Happydog]

We are in the same boat and a week would be hard with the kids ages now so it will probably never happen but it's fun to dream about!

We have taken them out of school for a two days, and the two days before a holiday are usually not the most profound, and so I think we are contemplating a Thanksgiving vacation next year! This year we went over Halloween, b.c that week following we have two days off. Max out of school for us is three days. SO it will work for us this year!

ANd never say never, right?! I bet you didn't think you'd be going solo in a few months!!!

Oh I hope someday to get up there, how lovely! I take it you are renting points for that night then? You have to be DVC to get up there right? I didn't know if you could do that on a rental or not, seems to be a little confusion on it.

Yes, we rented points. When we stayed there before we were allowed access, but that was because our key card said DVC, so since it was the owner, and we were guests of that person, it was okay... at least that is what I assumed. It was really quiet when we were there in June, so I suspect it will be as such next month. It is just a great place to while away the afternoon, since we are not going to be going to any parks... I may hit DTD... Or the outlets...

The club line ups have changed a little as I understand it. Sounds like all for them have a preschool, school aged and then teen option (14+ on the teen club) and some have the new "tween" option (11-13). In our planning center it just shows the boys as qualifying for Oceaneers Lab which is 5-13 I think? Maybe 6? Not sure. But then if you look at activities for the Wonder it shows Edge (the tween option) as being on it so it seems a little contradictory. Given that the AK cruise is new, excursions still going up, it may just not all up be there and fully fleshed. We will see.

You know I realize that now, as you mentioned it, that yes, they created a space for those not quite old enough for Teens, and possibly too old for the "traditional" kids club... The spaces are all established on the ship, they are designated, so I suspect that the Disney site about each boat is the most accurate info, or call!

Do you find out your rotation before your booking date? That will work out and that sounds like a perfect idea. We have second seating anyways but a super late ressie is probably easier to get at Palo's anyway, maybe? I have to decide if we want Palo's once, or maybe even twice

Well I have not asked for that before, I just got it when we arrived for embarkation... however I remember reading on the boards about that... seems you can call and they can tell you over the phone... not sure how early, etc... WE have not received our cruise documents yet, but I don't recall that being on them... we got that when we received our KTW cards... Now, that being said you can request changes I believe... Oh, with second seating, then, you would want to get the latest ressie you can there. We ate at Palo's twice on our 3 night cruise... JUST sayin' But we knew about it. AND wanted to eat there. We had eaten at Animator's before, and while cute, we LOVED Palo's.... there is the surcharge for any meal there, so in a way you are paying that extra, plus the tip, b/c they don't get the tip $ you give your regular server, and we felt guilty about not leaving the other server a tip of some sort b/c we were not there... But it was worth it to us... With a 7 night cruise you have a Tea, a Brunch, and Dinner, so do those!!! Trust me -- Palo's WON'T disappoint.

I need a new swim coverup. Set on the suits but need a coverup for the May trip. that might be all I need for May though. I Lucy, got some trail pants, a vest and a hoodie for under $100! Hoping the athleta stuff gets a bit more marked down before I bite.

Funny shopping for this stuff when it is 30 outside!!!!

I think we each need to get a different one! I'm down for the blood orange....

I'm sad about the mussels at Jiko but since I've never eaten there, still excited for it in May!

YES you all will love the cocktails and the CRAB NACHOS!!!!!!!!!

Oh, there is plenty of great stuff at Jiko, even still.. sniff, sniff. Okay, okay, I am over that. Oh, the Tibbs Wats or something like that---- WAY good.

Hey there! Just discovered your TR. I was in the mood to read about something Christmasy so I've read the whole thing! What a fun trip! Can't wait to hear more!

Well, HELLO! Welcome! Just a fun little TR that I threw together b/c I LOVE Christmas!!! I hope to go back at this time again... So pretty. It is still winter here, so now that it is boring old bleak winter vs. Holiday festive winter, I need it too!!!

I love your pics of the show! I have to say I can't shed any light on the story line either. That's all I'm going to say about that. I have a report to get started on. LOL!!!
So awesome that you ran into Ladybugmom! I always love a DIS meet! You girls look marvelous!

I know!!! Who can, really?!!?? Just a lot of fun You better get that TR started!!!! Loved the pull along suitcase you got for Harper, TOOOO cute!!!!

It was REALLY fun that I saw her, I agree!! I love a good DIS Meet, too! Hmmm... sounds familiar!!! Hope WE get to repeat that some day!!!

Beautiful photos!

The show looks like lots of fun.
How funny you two were able to run into each other even though there were so many other people in the MK!

I know it was so funny, isn't it?!! That was like with Jen, I just recognized her b/c of her shirt!!!!! WHICH she had posted on the DIS!!!!

 

[Happydog]

Does it make me a bad Dis'er if I have never actually sat or stood to watch an entire castle show? Ouch. I know, I know. The photos make it look really great though! Hopefully next time. I love those last photos too!!

How fun to unexpectedly meet up when you didn't think it would happen. That's pretty neat!

Hi there!! NO NO NO, not bad, just a gal with a plan!!! I have not seen much there to be honest, always in the middle of the day, and always too hot! But at night, it was neat.

Thanks for reading along!!

I love your pictures - it's so fun to see all of the decorations... I know, I know... I keep saying that!

What a fun night & a great surprise to top it off!

Are you entirely too busy, Miss "leaving in a few days for an unforgettable trip" ??!! I hope the rain is out of your forecast...

I will pop over to check out what is happening in your neck of the woods as soon as I tackle this dang laundry!!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

By the way, the new TR has begun.
Check out the first link in my siggie.

 

[MeMom]

I think it was just more of a medley of holiday tunes than a specific storyline, as I remember from last year. You can youtube it and see if you can recall a story being woven through it.

I love all the bright costumes, and it makes me ever more excited for being back next Christmas.

The soldiers are so cool as they clip clop along in unison during the parade.

So neat that you saw Becky and her family. You both look just adorable. I look like a mess before I even leave the bus stop in the morning. As much as I try to fix my hair, it goes all real quickly.

Between your report, Anita's, and others, I will get a good fill of belated Disney Christmas cheer over the next few months.

 

[SoonerGirl]

We caught the very end of that show and thought it was really cute, the costumes are just amazing!

How fun that you ran into Becky like that! DIS meets are the best

By the way, the new TR has begun.
Check out the first link in my siggie.

Yippee! Headed over now!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Ah, I just adore all your pictures! I was very excited about the Nutcracker bits in the Christmas show -- I LOVE the Nutcracker -- if Disney made ornaments with all the characters in Nutcracker costumes from the ballet, I would be so over it.

How neat to run into Becky! What a cute picture of the two of you!

 

[Happydog]

By the way, the new TR has begun.
Check out the first link in my siggie.

Already been there!!!

I think it was just more of a medley of holiday tunes than a specific storyline, as I remember from last year. You can youtube it and see if you can recall a story being woven through it.

I love all the bright costumes, and it makes me ever more excited for being back next Christmas.

The soldiers are so cool as they clip clop along in unison during the parade.

So neat that you saw Becky and her family. You both look just adorable. I look like a mess before I even leave the bus stop in the morning. As much as I try to fix my hair, it goes all real quickly.

Between your report, Anita's, and others, I will get a good fill of belated Disney Christmas cheer over the next few months.

Oh I knew there would be someone who knew the story!! It is all so festive really, and I agree, it makes one excited to be there over the holidays!

It was neat to see her!!

I agree, I will be happy to see the christmas pics of other DISers, since my trip was so quick!

We caught the very end of that show and thought it was really cute, the costumes are just amazing!

How fun that you ran into Becky like that! DIS meets are the best

It was really fun to see, so festive! AND yes, wasn't that chance meet hilarious!!

Ah, I just adore all your pictures! I was very excited about the Nutcracker bits in the Christmas show -- I LOVE the Nutcracker -- if Disney made ornaments with all the characters in Nutcracker costumes from the ballet, I would be so over it.

How neat to run into Becky! What a cute picture of the two of you!

Thanks! It was really cute, Chip and Dale made fabulous "mushrooms" so adorable!!! I'd buy those ornaments too!!!
It was so funny that I just looked over and THERE she was!!!!

 

[MEK]

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!

 

[eandesmom]

We have taken them out of school for a two days, and the two days before a holiday are usually not the most profound, and so I think we are contemplating a Thanksgiving vacation next year! This year we went over Halloween, b.c that week following we have two days off. Max out of school for us is three days. SO it will work for us this year!

ANd never say never, right?! I bet you didn't think you'd be going solo in a few months!!!

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.

Nope, never say never, I didn't think we'd do Disney twice int he same year (more or less have it be Jeff's idea) nor that we'd do a cruise this summer (someday but not this soon). Out of all of that, solo was probably the most likely.

Yes, we rented points. When we stayed there before we were allowed access, but that was because our key card said DVC, so since it was the owner, and we were guests of that person, it was okay... at least that is what I assumed. It was really quiet when we were there in June, so I suspect it will be as such next month. It is just a great place to while away the afternoon, since we are not going to be going to any parks... I may hit DTD... Or the outlets...

You know I realize that now, as you mentioned it, that yes, they created a space for those not quite old enough for Teens, and possibly too old for the "traditional" kids club... The spaces are all established on the ship, they are designated, so I suspect that the Disney site about each boat is the most accurate info, or call!

well what's funny is the site doesn't match what it says when I pull up our ressie. I figure I'll wait until it's actually moved to the Alaska route to look into it, I mean it is what it is but would be nice to know.

Well I have not asked for that before, I just got it when we arrived for embarkation... however I remember reading on the boards about that... seems you can call and they can tell you over the phone... not sure how early, etc... WE have not received our cruise documents yet, but I don't recall that being on them... we got that when we received our KTW cards... Now, that being said you can request changes I believe... Oh, with second seating, then, you would want to get the latest ressie you can there. We ate at Palo's twice on our 3 night cruise... JUST sayin' But we knew about it. AND wanted to eat there. We had eaten at Animator's before, and while cute, we LOVED Palo's.... there is the surcharge for any meal there, so in a way you are paying that extra, plus the tip, b/c they don't get the tip $ you give your regular server, and we felt guilty about not leaving the other server a tip of some sort b/c we were not there... But it was worth it to us... With a 7 night cruise you have a Tea, a Brunch, and Dinner, so do those!!! Trust me -- Palo's WON'T disappoint.

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.

Funny shopping for this stuff when it is 30 outside!!!!

isn't that the truth! I did score in October on swimsuits though

 

[Sleepingbooty]

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!