A Jolly Holiday with Masseys: THE TRIP REPORT - WDW Dec2019

[luvpoohandcompany]

Wow you and Danielle really did pack a lot into your day! Love all the rides -I even go on SM -but WTP has to be my favourite! It always makes me laugh out loud and I look forward to taking my grandson on it some day. We always nip into COP to escape the Florida heat and enjoy it every trip. An oldie but a goodie!

Your photos of HEA look amazing. Glad the people beside Danielle were nice and helpful. I've often thought about doing a dessert party as I am small also. I take it you would recommend them?
I'm 5ft3" and my daughter is tinier still at 5ft so yeah we often get our view blocked.
Your PP float looked yummy. Confession time -I have never eaten a corn dog in any form . Between that and crawfish my palate is definitely uneducated

 

[vamassey1]

Fingers crossed

Sending good vibes your way!

So much better when you have a wing-man

Yes it is!

My eldest son is exactly the same! God forbid you ask him to do anything else when he's studying for a test. I can just about get him to take food breaks

They do sound very alike.

I think our families are kinda cloned I get this all the time on our trips from my husband. Sometimes (not often) it makes me cross even though I should be used to it

Yes they do sound alike! I keep telling Dennis he better not give us a hard time on this trip. He's not named Grumpy for no reason./

Michelle really is an amazing mom. The love she and Gia share shines through in the photos of them together. It's just lovely

She is the best MOM!

Really hoping for 2022 but not booking just yet. I want things to be more normal than they are now both at home and at WDW. Plus the idea of a 9 hour flight with a mask on isn't appealing just now lol

It looks like 2022 will be our next trip unless Danielle gets back into the DCP before that, but even the DCP is looking like 2022 too.

I wouldn't miss it for the world! I'm loving your updates. They really do provide some much needed escapism from covid-19 so thank you for keeping me entertained

Escapism is a must right now!

Wow you and Danielle really did pack a lot into your day!

We sure did. Of course touring with just 2 people does help make it easier to get around.

but WTP has to be my favourite! It always makes me laugh out loud and I look forward to taking my grandson on it some day

WTP is the perfect ride for sharing with a grandchild.

We always nip into COP to escape the Florida heat and enjoy it every trip. An oldie but a goodie!

We've been know to nip in there to cool off and nap.

Your photos of HEA look amazing.

Thank you!

I take it you would recommend them?

Yes I would. We did one in 2018 when I went with Michelle, Jimmy and the kids. It was worth it for stress free viewing.

Your PP float looked yummy. Confession time -I have never eaten a corn dog in any form . Between that and crawfish my palate is definitely uneducated

I'm sure there are lots of foods from your side of the pond we need to try.

 

[mFont23]

MORE DHS!
I’m trying to get at least one update in before (the traitors) my parents/Danielle go on their trip. I’m kidding! They gave me ample opportunity to join. Just not the time for me!

So we left off in Toy Story Land, all together.

After that, we walked together to the Tower of Terror. Now, this is Mom’s favorite, and Dad won’t go near it. So he stayed with John Paul, who I’m pretty sure just napped or they shopped. Who knows. But we did a girls ride for ToT.
Some of the cuteness we saw on our way…

(only cute because we already had a pass)

Since it was morning, the light was shining into the lobby SO GORGEOUS.

I do love the thrill of the drop and what not, but since being an adult, ToT gives me SO MUCH ANXIETY. Proof…

After this, we split again. Dad had an appointment with some scrap metal, and brought his one compadre, Danielle. Mom and I had a fastpass for Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Little Mermaid is still one of JPs favorite movies. I’m not sure why. It might be because one time, Jimmy told him I used to be a mermaid… he still brings that up… often.

Off topic, but we also showed him a picture of the first ultrasound when I was pregnant with him because he still had a “tail” and now he thinks he’s the only dinosaur alive on earth, but that his dinosaur skin went to heaven and now he looks like a human. WOW that imagination.

Back on topic.. Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Yeah, he was still asleep. And stayed asleep through the entire show.

Oh, well, we enjoyed it! Just love that show!!! We had some time to kill after that, so we stayed in the area. It looked like characters were about to come out! He was still kinda half-asleep, but he wanted to meet Vampirina.

It was spooktacular.
We had time for onnnnnnnne more thing before meeting up with Dad and Danielle. They were taking their time playing with Dad’s new toy on the other side of the park. SO WE WENT TO MEET CHEWY!!!

I sat in the Chewy line, while the toddler ran around, and mom chased him, unamused. He needed to stretch his legs, I’ll admit. When it was our turn to meet Chewy, there was this like camera on the wall instead of a photopass person. So that was different, but the experience was great. JP had a Buzz Lightyear car he let Chewy play with and it was just really cute.

We also shopped here. Keep in mind the Buzz car is a toy he got at another park. Then at this park, he got this like $20 tiny set of droids. BUT, BOY DID HE PLAY WITH THEM!!!


Now, while we were meeting Chewy, Dad and Danielle had a first class ticket…

(and a reservation to make a lightsaber)

I don’t know if I’ve told this story or not, but my brother (now 35) told his friends growing up that our Dad was actually Luke Skywalker but that he didn’t want anyone to know.
I need to find an old pic of my Dad, but it’s not a far-off thought. But Brent was like CONVINCED. However, he didn’t tell us this until a few years ago. So it’s been this running joke with us. Thus, the Skywalker cups in AK, and the Skywalker Jersey on this day, and ultimately the Skywalker lightsaber.

Spoiler alert… here’s ceremony footage…

Then they decided on a photoshoot, and apparently those cool cokes I wanted while on the way. Don’t worry, the bitter party of 1 over here got my coke shortly after this.

YALLLLLLL we had (AND STILL HAVE) SOOOO MUCH FUN with this lightsaber. HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you love Star Wars.

 

[pkondz]

I’m trying to get at least one update in before (the traitors) my parents/Danielle go on their trip.

Sorry!!

They gave me ample opportunity to join. Just not the time for me!

You fool!

(kidding!)

Now, this is Mom’s favorite, and Dad won’t go near it.

Then if we're ever there, I'll go with her. (Or all of you!)

(only cute because we already had a pass)

Ah.

Since it was morning, the light was shining into the lobby SO GORGEOUS.

So bright in there!

Love this photo of you guys.

ToT gives me SO MUCH ANXIETY. Proof…

It might be because one time, Jimmy told him I used to be a mermaid… he still brings that up… often.

Awwww..

Off topic, but we also showed him a picture of the first ultrasound when I was pregnant with him because he still had a “tail” and now he thinks he’s the only dinosaur alive on earth, but that his dinosaur skin went to heaven and now he looks like a human. WOW that imagination.

He's totally the last living dinosaur. For sure.

Yeah, he was still asleep. And stayed asleep through the entire show.

SO WE WENT TO MEET CHEWY!!!

Cool! Never met him.

I sat in the Chewy line, while the toddler ran around, and mom chased him, unamused.

JP had a Buzz Lightyear car he let Chewy play with and it was just really cute.

Aww.

I don’t know if I’ve told this story or not, but my brother (now 35) told his friends growing up that our Dad was actually Luke Skywalker but that he didn’t want anyone to know.

Did not know that. Fun story!

I got one of those (the red one) and it's on display at home.

Don’t worry, the bitter party of 1 over here got my coke shortly after this.

Love this shot. Very much playing the Jedi role.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I'm sure there are lots of foods from your side of the pond we need to try.

Lots of breads and potato recipes-we even have potato bread so you don't have to choose What can I say-we are a carb loving nation!

Yes I would. We did one in 2018 when I went with Michelle, Jimmy and the kids. It was worth it for stress free viewing.

Good to know.

It looks like 2022 will be our next trip unless Danielle gets back into the DCP before that, but even the DCP is looking like 2022 too.

Hoping we both get back then

She is the best MOM!

I've no doubt she learnt a lot from you!

Yes they do sound alike! I keep telling Dennis he better not give us a hard time on this trip. He's not named Grumpy for no reason./

They do sound very alike.

They really do. I will say though that this son of mine has brought me a cup of tea in bed every work day since he moved back home and it does my heart good

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I’m trying to get at least one update in before (the traitors) my parents/Danielle go on their trip.

we did a girls ride for ToT.

Brave ladies all 3 of ya! I've done it a few times but oh dear God the photos aren't pretty
I do however love your photos from this day especially the one of you 3 together

Little Mermaid is still one of JPs favorite movies. I’m not sure why. It might be because one time, Jimmy told him I used to be a mermaid… he still brings that up… often.

Awww! Wee dote

Off topic, but we also showed him a picture of the first ultrasound when I was pregnant with him because he still had a “tail” and now he thinks he’s the only dinosaur alive on earth, but that his dinosaur skin went to heaven and now he looks like a human. WOW that imagination.

This is priceless! Love it!

while we were meeting Chewy, Dad and Danielle had a first class ticket…

(and a reservation to make a lightsaber)

Looks like everyone had a lot of fun, except perhaps mum, who got a lot of exercise by the sounds of it

my brother (now 35) told his friends growing up that our Dad was actually Luke Skywalker but that he didn’t want anyone to know.

Great imaginations are a family trait! Great story

Then they decided on a photoshoot, and apparently those cool cokes I wanted while on the way. Don’t worry, the bitter party of 1 over here got my coke shortly after this.

I really enjoy your wit. You make me laugh every update

YALLLLLLL we had (AND STILL HAVE) SOOOO MUCH FUN with this lightsaber. HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you love Star Wars.

OK I have a confession to make- I haven't watched ANY of the movies
I keep meaning to and I've downloaded them but even with 2020's monumental lockdown I've still not done it I will have to rectify that before we travel again so I know what it's all about there at GE

 

[buzzrelly]

All caught up again!

Seems so funny to see the character meets, we just got back from a trip with my 5 year-old niece and I was really sad for her that she couldn't do that. Of course, this was her first trip so she didn't know the difference, but I can't wait until they start again

That build your own lightsaber looks like something my DS would love and I'll have to figure out how to reserve it for our August trip. He's a huge SW fan too!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

After that, we walked together to the Tower of Terror. Now, this is Mom’s favorite, and Dad won’t go near it. So he stayed with John Paul, who I’m pretty sure just napped or they shopped.

Well, that works out perfectly!

(only cute because we already had a pass)

That dreaded sandwich board!

Off topic, but we also showed him a picture of the first ultrasound when I was pregnant with him because he still had a “tail” and now he thinks he’s the only dinosaur alive on earth, but that his dinosaur skin went to heaven and now he looks like a human. WOW that imagination.

This is the cutest story! I love it!!!!

I sat in the Chewy line, while the toddler ran around, and mom chased him, unamused. He needed to stretch his legs, I’ll admit. When it was our turn to meet Chewy, there was this like camera on the wall instead of a photopass person.

Oh the camera boxes! I fogot all about them! Maybe they will be able to bring back character meets sooner with those terrible things... it's just not the same! But your picture looks good!

YALLLLLLL we had (AND STILL HAVE) SOOOO MUCH FUN with this lightsaber. HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you love Star Wars.

I think Andy would love it but doesn't want to pay the $$$. Mabye I will have to suprise him one day.

 

[mFont23]

Then if we're ever there, I'll go with her. (Or all of you!)

Now, don't get me wrong. I do love it! Just gotta really work myself up to it. Not something I could just do on a whim, with no line.

So bright in there!

Right?! You never get to see it like that! I loved it.

Love this photo of you guys.

Thank you! We love it, too. As we all get older, doing stuff as just us girls has really been a lot of fun.

He's totally the last living dinosaur. For sure.

He'll tell you ALL about it. He was a red t-rex back in the day.

I got one of those (the red one) and it's on display at home.

Me too!!! Mine sits on display at my coffee bar. The red goes with my decor.

Love this shot. Very much playing the Jedi role.

She was eating it up! Just wait... we had a LOT of photoshoots with this thing on this day. It's probably the reason we never left the park for a nap (spoiler alert).

I've no doubt she learnt a lot from you!

YESSSSSS!!!!! And thank you!

They really do. I will say though that this son of mine has brought me a cup of tea in bed every work day since he moved back home and it does my heart good

HAHAHHAHA too bad Danielle is just a free-loader.

I do however love your photos from this day especially the one of you 3 together

We love that one too! Thank you!

Looks like everyone had a lot of fun, except perhaps mum, who got a lot of exercise by the sounds of it

I couldn't get the video from this to upload, but you can hear her using her "mom voice" to fuss at him and he's just round and round and round the launch bay while i sat in line.

Great imaginations are a family trait! Great story

I hadn't thought of that. You're right. He and Brent are a lot alike. It's fun sharing stories with mom about her and Brent when he was little and comparing it to JP and I.

I really enjoy your wit. You make me laugh every update

Awww thank you!!! Really means a lot! One of those things I want in my eulogy someday lol

That build your own lightsaber looks like something my DS would love and I'll have to figure out how to reserve it for our August trip. He's a huge SW fan too!

My Dad was the kid that went to the movies to see Star Wars several times. We don't like have SW stuff all over the house or anything, but he's a big closet nerd! So it meant way more to him than he'll admit.

Well, that works out perfectly!

He got lucky this time. There were a few times, NOT SO LUCKY. But I gotta say, Dad was our hero this trip! We thought he would be the one fussing at us for being slow and everything. Nope. #1 Grandpa!!!

That dreaded sandwich board!

HAHAHHAHAHA

I think Andy would love it but doesn't want to pay the $$$. Mabye I will have to suprise him one day.

Dad wanted to do it, but the price. YIKES! So Mom got him gift cards for Father's Day or birthday that year to do it. I really don't think he'd trade it for the world now.

 

[pkondz]

Now, don't get me wrong. I do love it! Just gotta really work myself up to it. Not something I could just do on a whim, with no line.

Vanessa and I will drag you on kicking and screaming... for medicinal purposes of course.

Thank you! We love it, too. As we all get older, doing stuff as just us girls has really been a lot of fun.

He'll tell you ALL about it. He was a red t-rex back in the day.

This does not surprise me.

 

[vamassey1]

After that, we walked together to the Tower of Terror. Now, this is Mom’s favorite, and Dad won’t go near it.

Yes this is my favorite ride. I love to lose my stomach.

I do love the thrill of the drop and what not, but since being an adult, ToT gives me SO MUCH ANXIETY. Proof…

Can you see the smiles on Danielle and my faces?

We also shopped here. Keep in mind the Buzz car is a toy he got at another park. Then at this park, he got this like $20 tiny set of droids. BUT, BOY DID HE PLAY WITH THEM!!!

The Buzz car was something we got him in Epcot right before Michelle joined us. John Paul really loved the Launch Bay area. We had trouble getting him to leave. Here he is with his Drioids.

So it’s been this running joke with us. Thus, the Skywalker cups in AK, and the Skywalker Jersey on this day, and ultimately the Skywalker lightsaber.

We were so proud of Dennis when he got the shirt he is wearing. He went to Box Lunch by himself and bought it. He doesn't usually play along with us with it comes to dressing for the parks. I have pictures of us on trips with matching shirts on all but him. Gotta share a picture of the back of the shirt.

 

[vamassey1]

What can I say-we are a carb loving nation!

I love carbs but they don't love me. I guess I should say I wish they didn't love my muffin top so much.

Hoping we both get back then

Me too!

I've no doubt she learnt a lot from you!

Thank you!

They really do. I will say though that this son of mine has brought me a cup of tea in bed every work day since he moved back home and it does my heart good

What a great son. I wish Danielle would do this.

 

[vamassey1]

Pre-trip life update

OMG we only have 3 more sleeps before we leave for Disney! I'm so excited!

I just wanted to do a brief update of what's going on before we leave. As of today we are all 3 fully vaccinated. Danielle's two weeks after is today. Last week she and Michelle took her "Senior Pictures" at LSU and the Old Governor's Mansion. Danielle just finished her internship there so they let her schedule the place for pictures for FREEEEEE. Best price ever. She is taking her final exams right now and won't let me post them on Facebook in fear it will jinx her but the pictures are soooooo good. Michelle out did herself. The Governor's Mansion even posted a picture of them taking pictures on their social media. I'm going to share a few pictures here.













Yes I am one proud Mama.

Yesterday 2 positive things happened. First Disney opened up some more park reservations so I was able to snag a
DHS reservation for all of us on Monday the 3rd. This means I don't have a park day for Epcot so we will be hoping there in the afternoons when we can. This also messed up my ADRs. I had just cancelled a Mama Melrosa ADR for that same day on Monday thinking I would never get to use it. I'm now desperately trying to get a lunch in the park and the only success I have had is a 2:30 ADR with Hollywood & Vine, but I haven't given up yet. Our Governor also lifted the mask mandate here for most locations and the CDC put out new recommendations for fully vaccinated people. These are all positive. Hopefully those going to Disney will benefit from all the new recommendations in the future.

I still have lots to do to get ready for our trip.

Hope everyone else had good news to share too. I know Michelle does but she will in her own good time.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Oh so excited for you all with the good news. Will reply more fully tomorrow as I’m about to dish out dinner but just wanted say I’m loving this last update

 

[vamassey1]

Oh so excited for you all with the good news. Will reply more fully tomorrow as I’m about to dish out dinner but just wanted say I’m loving this last update

Thank you!

 

[cajunfan]

Love the pictures....especially the one in front of the live Mike, the statue Mike and the stadium. Bit I really love the one in the Quad "hallway"...spent much time in that area of campus...even as a business major.

Congrats on all the good news and I hope you all have a magical trip!

 

[vamassey1]

Love the pictures....especially the one in front of the live Mike, the statue Mike and the stadium. Bit I really love the one in the Quad "hallway"...spent much time in that area of campus...even as a business major.

The girls had a lot of fun with these. They would just keep walking & then Michelle would say. "stop". They tried to cover the main areas. They also saw lots of other Seniors doing the same thing.

Congrats on all the good news and I hope you all have a magical trip!

Thank you! We hope it's Magical too.

 

[pkondz]

OMG we only have 3 more sleeps before we leave for Disney! I'm so excited!

So close!!!

As of today we are all 3 fully vaccinated.

That's really great news! And I'm sure a huge relief as well!

the pictures are soooooo good. Michelle out did herself.

Yes and yes!
Beautiful photos of a pretty young lady.

I have to ask. Is this a tradition there? Or just an inspired idea?

First Disney opened up some more park reservations so I was able to snag a
DHS reservation for all of us on Monday the 3rd.

Good for you!

Our Governor also lifted the mask mandate here for most locations and the CDC put out new recommendations for fully vaccinated people.

<sigh>
I can't wait til mask mandates are able to be lifted everywhere.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

YESSSSSS!!!!! And thank you!

You're welcome

HAHAHHAHA too bad Danielle is just a free-loader.

To be fair Connor was a free-loader at Danielle's age too, well except for Mother's Day because I refuse to do much more than wake up on Mother's Day once they're toilet trainedI've earned my pampering on at least 1 day a year
Me thinks living with one's sister, brother-in-law and toddler nephew for 8 months may have harnessed a new appreciation of home. That and the fact that he's making himself tea anyway and knows that there's a fair chance I'll return the favour and bring him breakfast in bed on the weekend if he plays his cards right.

you can hear her using her "mom voice"

Funny how our "mom voices" arrive at roughly the same time as our kids hit the toddler stage! My mum had what we all called "The Look" She could take down an army with that look!!

My Dad was the kid that went to the movies to see Star Wars several times. We don't like have SW stuff all over the house or anything, but he's a big closet nerd! So it meant way more to him than he'll admit.

My dad was all about Star Trek and Doctor Who of a Saturday night which I loved watching with him. Gardener's World on a Thursday which just about KILLED me as Top of the Pops was on the other channel at the same time and everyone who was anyone would be watching it and talking about it and saying who was No1 the next day in school and 2 weeks out of 3 all I could tell you was which plants to prune or whatever! The humiliation! Thankfully on week 3 of 3 he was on the 3pm-11pm shift and I could be one of the cool kids again

Dad wanted to do it, but the price. YIKES! So Mom got him gift cards for Father's Day or birthday that year to do it. I really don't think he'd trade it for the world now.

Brilliant idea.

Yes this is my favorite ride. I love to lose my stomach.

Can you see the smiles on Danielle and my faces?

Yes I can! Love that photo of you all though I think my expression would be much more like Michelle's lol

John Paul really loved the Launch Bay area. We had trouble getting him to leave. Here he is with his Drioids.

He is such a handsome wee boy

We were so proud of Dennis when he got the shirt he is wearing.

That shirt is just perfect for Denis (and your HS day)

I wish they didn't love my muffin top so much.

I'm right there with you! Currently trying to lose my muffin top but it is not easy. I miss the days when I could eat whatever I wanted and still be a skinny mini. Unfortunately the investment I've made in the food industry this last 2 decades in visible in my muffin top. chubby cheeks and double chin!

Thank you!

You're welcome

What a great son. I wish Danielle would do this.

Do what I did and send to live in a house with a toddler for 8 months. She'll be so glad to have some calm and quiet on her return she'll do whatever it takes to be allowed to stay! Just kidding

Yes I am one proud Mama.

You have every right to be! You've raised some amazing kids!

First Disney opened up some more park reservations so I was able to snag a
DHS reservation for all of us

I still have lots to do to get ready for our trip.

Have a fabulous time.

I can't wait til mask mandates are able to be lifted everywhere.

Me too. Fingers crossed it won't be long.

 

[jdd]

Pre-trip life update

OMG we only have 3 more sleeps before we leave for Disney! I'm so excited!

That's great - so exciting!

As of today we are all 3 fully vaccinated.

Awesome! We are all fully vaccinated next Thursday, just two days before we leave for our trip! Will be much more comfortable boarding that plane now.

Last week she and Michelle took her "Senior Pictures" at LSU and the Old Governor's Mansion.

These pictures are gorgeous! She had a beautiful day to take them, and Michelle is really talented.

Yesterday 2 positive things happened. First Disney opened up some more park reservations so I was able to snag a DHS reservation for all of us on Monday the 3rd.

Yay for getting a DHS reservation! I finally got used to having to scramble to get dining reservations booked, never thought we'd have to play these games to get into a park Best of luck getting all of your other plans worked out - no matter what, you'll have a fabulous time!
Cannot wait until the masks are a thing of the past! Safe travels and have a magical vacation