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

[pkondz]

So that's a yes, then?

And that's why we Dis. So many others "get it".

Me too! It's me dream resort to stay at someday.

If I was ever to buy DVC... that's where I'd want it.

Way too much!

I don't know. She can be moody.

Ah. The angst rears its ugly head.

 

[jdd]

When are you heading back?

We'll be there in February - my youngest son is in the high school choir and it's their once-every-four-years trip. They haven't been able to do any travelling the past two years, so this is his first chance to travel with the group! They'll be performing in Disney Springs on 2/21/22 so we'll be there for the whole President's Day weekend, with hopefully not too many crowds.

You may recall (but if you don't, I'd understand!) my niece had been picked for the fall 2020 DCP, which of course was cancelled ,and she didn't want to reapply during her senior year (this year), but we're hoping she'll be there in fall 2022 and then maybe we'll be back to see Christmas 2022??

 

[buzzrelly]

Just interjecting with a small life update:

I'm currently 30 weeks pregnant with this baby boy. We've chosen a name... Dominic. So we'll have a Gianna, John Paul, and Dominic.

Congratulations!

Here's a few pics from our trip last month when I was 25 weeks...

Beautiful!

The baby's room is Jungle Cruise theme! I can't wait to show you guys pictures.

That sounds incredible! I can't wait to see pics!

Or maybe Dominic's Dock Dodger?

I like that one!

She continues to enjoy the parks with friends. It been very exciting with all the announcements leading up to the 50th.

So happy for her that she is down there living her best life!

She finally got her 50th name tag. They were printed with their home cities instead of colleges. I think they held out giving them out in hopes of getting the correct ones printed but it looks like that didn't happen.

Okay, those are cute but I do have one gripe about them that I noticed when we were there in October. I used to always look and see where they were from but now…I literally cannot read the location because they made it so small! My old eyes can't read tiny print from afar and it would be weird to get right up in their face to look at the name tag.

Danielle has officially applied and been accepted to extend.

Congratulations!

SHE IS COMING HOME! She is flying home late Thursday night and flying back on Mon

Awesome!

I know lots of people don't like Tony's but we have fond memories here.

I hate when people talk smack about Tony's! We've always enjoyed it!

I invite everyone to join into my Pity Party as a mourn the loss of my Birthday/Thanksgiving Week trip.

Yesterday I cancelled our trip. I cancelled all my great ADRs. I cancelled my Birthday Enchantment Dessert After-Party. I said goodbye to my first chance to go to a Dapper Day.

Why did I cancel everything? Well, the CM block out calendar came out this week and they are blocked out of all parks for the whole Thanksgiving Week.

Aw, BOO! I'm so sorry!

When I went in to look for resort resort reservations there was absolutely NOTHING for the dates November 27th to December 3rd! I panicked a little.

I also had Danielle checking the HUB for any CM discounted rooms. She actually found several choices. She's partial to our staying in the All Stars since they are VERY close to where she is living. She was able to book us a preferred room at Music that included her for a little over a $400 savings. Love that Friends and Family 40% off discount.

Excellent! What a nice discount!

Ask and ye shall receive.

Perfect!

One reason is I’m working straight through it.

Boo, that stinks…I'm so sorry! I had to work a 12 on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day a couple years ago and it was seriously depressing

 

[vamassey1]

So that's a yes, then?

Unequivocally!

If I was ever to buy DVC... that's where I'd want it.

So, that would be resale right?

Ah. The angst rears its ugly head

She's my moodiest child.

 

[vamassey1]

We'll be there in February - my youngest son is in the high school choir and it's their once-every-four-years trip. They haven't been able to do any travelling the past two years, so this is his first chance to travel with the group! They'll be performing in Disney Springs on 2/21/22 so we'll be there for the whole President's Day weekend, with hopefully not too many crowds.

Congrats! Watching your child or grandchild perform in Disney is the best! We traveled to see Gia dance in 2018. She's going it again at the end of February around Mardi Gras and I'm thinking real hard about going. I hope your crowds aren't too bad, at least President's Day weekend and Mardi Gras aren't at the same time this year. I've been there when it was.

You may recall (but if you don't, I'd understand!) my niece had been picked for the fall 2020 DCP, which of course was cancelled ,and she didn't want to reapply during her senior year (this year), but we're hoping she'll be there in fall 2022 and then maybe we'll be back to see Christmas 2022??

I do remember that. I hope she tries again for the fall. Christmas would be the perfect time to visit.

 

[vamassey1]

So happy for her that she is down there living her best life!

She really is but she's also working crazy hours and 6 days a week.

Okay, those are cute but I do have one gripe about them that I noticed when we were there in October. I used to always look and see where they were from but now…I literally cannot read the location because they made it so small! My old eyes can't read tiny print from afar and it would be weird to get right up in their face to look at the name tag.

I totally agree with you on this.

Congratulations!

Thank you!

Awesome!

We had a short but great visit.

I hate when people talk smack about Tony's! We've always enjoyed it!

I feel the same. We all love it. I'm so happy to have another person who likes it on my side.

Aw, BOO! I'm so sorry!

Thanks, it was a tough pill to swallow.

Excellent! What a nice discount!

I'm hoping for another one before she leaves.

 

[pkondz]

Perfect!

Thanks!

Boo, that stinks…I'm so sorry! I had to work a 12 on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day a couple years ago and it was seriously depressing

Yeah, I bet it was. And I'm sure it will be!

So, that would be resale right?

More like "unlikely".

 

[mFont23]

AFTER DINNER:

After dinner Danielle and I headed out to the Monorail Christmas tour. We wanted to see all the decoration. Michelle, Dennis and John Paul had other plans. I'm hoping she will do a post of what they did.

Going through these memories is so special, and hearing Mom's perspective on it. It's almost, like, when you're in it, you don't feel and experience everything because real life is still happening (especially with a tired toddler). But this is why we plan all this magic, right? To go back and re-experience it in stories and pictures. My point here is that this was one of the most exhausted points of our trip, but one of my favorite memories.

So, yes, we had to wait and there's only so much shopping to do in deluxe resorts. Not like the vast shopping at value resorts. And while there was a good amount of space for JP to run around and wear himself out (more), it was just a matter of keeping him in range. I'm not sure who was more tired, him or me. But I guess he won because holding him still long enough in the rocking chairs put him out. As a mother that enjoys a cocktail... I WAS NOT MAD HE WAS ASLEEP... until the characters came around. I had made this shirt for him. It was one of those things I had the idea of since we started planning the trip in the first place. I mean, I wasn't about to wake him up. Let's get that straight! But it was disappointing not to have a little one get all excited with the characters and get that 1 picture I'd been thinking of since the beginning.

Fast forward...

Once he did finally wake up, I think I remember the waitress bringing us a plate of buttered noodles for him (that he didnt eat). He went for the whip cream in Dopey's dessert, instead. Oh well. He was in decent spirits. But the way that character meals work, and the rotational basis of it, it's not like the characters were coming back and we were at the end of our meal. I went ahead and asked if we could get a chance to see Grumpy at all? They told me to talk to the seater, so of course I did. Mom and Danielle took off to do their thing and Dad hung around with me to help out. I think he really wanted to see Grumpy with JP, as well. The seater basically told us to sit off to the side somewhere while they prep the next round, so we did.



Not too long and Grumpy came to us. I'm not sure if there was even another round of people coming in or if they were just trying to get everyone else out so this wasn't like a big thing. I halfway expected them to ask us to leave or go somewhere more seculded. But I was happy how it all went.



Do you see those faces?! WORTH IT!!!

We took the boat back to MK to hop on a bus and head back to the room.



Dad really took the reins on this one. This was during a time where my husband had been working out of state for over 6 months. So having my Dad really step in and be my hero any chance he could, just makes my heart soar. And I know he really tries to be there, not just for me, but as a figure in JP's life too. I love that.

So we get back to MK, and we've got a tired toddler, all the stuff, the stroller, etc. Mind you, Dad did this on his OWN one night with JP before I joined them. He had said a nice stranger helped him on and off the bus with a sleeping toddler and all the stuff. So tonight, he was my nice stranger to help HAHA. We didn't wait long for a bus, but we were the only ones on it... and a bendy bus, at that!



We got back to the room and it was basically jammies and lights out. Big day the next day. We had TREX plans and we would be flying home, me meeting my husband at the airport for him to come home for Christmas!

 

[pkondz]

But this is why we plan all this magic, right? To go back and re-experience it in stories and pictures.

My point here is that this was one of the most exhausted points of our trip, but one of my favorite memories.

So, basically like this?

As a mother that enjoys a cocktail... I WAS NOT MAD HE WAS ASLEEP...

You don't say!

I think I remember the waitress bringing us a plate of buttered noodles for him (that he didnt eat).

Of course not. He would only want them and right now! if she didn't bring any.

He went for the whip cream in Dopey's dessert, instead.

Well... You can kinda see his point, right?

Not too long and Grumpy came to us.

No way! How great is that! Magical moment for sure!

Love this shot!

Do you see those faces?! WORTH IT!!!

This was during a time where my husband had been working out of state for over 6 months. So having my Dad really step in and be my hero any chance he could, just makes my heart soar.

That's so great of your dad.

And I know he really tries to be there, not just for me, but as a figure in JP's life too. I love that.

How could you not. You've got a good dad there.

me meeting my husband at the airport for him to come home for Christmas!

Awww.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

What a fabulously festive update. You've made me feel all Christmassy. Love JP's shirt and yes that photo with Grumpy x2 was so worth the wait!

 

[vamassey1]

Time is marching on too fast. We only have 6 more sleeps before we leave for Disney. I'm still way behind where I would like to be on getting ready for this trip. I feel like I'm living one of my reoccurring dreams. I guess because I spend so much time planning for Disney trips I have had a dream several times over the years that I'm at Disney but I haven't planned anything. I'm in the park, things look familiar but they're different and I don't know where to go next. The dream is never the same but about the same general theme. Hopefully I won't be living that dream.

I do have some good news. I was able to book the Enchantment Fireworks pre-party for next Sunday night. I'm really happy that came through. I have some meals books but not as many or as good as what I had for this week. We won't know what Danielle's schedule is until Wednesday. The current schedule she is working started today. She did end up staying with Festivals. This week she is training, cleaning and getting ready for the Holiday Kitchens. She said she won't be doing much stocking for this festival it will be more front of the house. She finally got 2 days off so she is off Thanksgiving and the day after. She won't be working the first day of the Holiday Festival. I'm a little sad I won't have a chance to see her in any blogger videos this time around. I don't think I would have time to look anyway. I'm working and it's the day before we leave so I'm sure I'll be really busy. She is working until 9:30 the day we come in, so we won't see her until she comes to the hotel after she gets off.

She got some good news this past week but I'm afraid if I share it I'll jinx it. Please keep your fingers crossed for her and say some prayers.

I'm hoping to get one more update in before we leave but if I don't make I do want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Your trip is getting so close! You’ll have a fantastic time regardless of plans. Just spending time with Danielle will make it fabulous! The great thing about WDW is it’s always there for a do-over so don’t fret too much about organisation this time and just enjoy. Thinking positive thoughts for Danielle’s news and wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving

 

[pkondz]

We only have 6 more sleeps before we leave for Disney.

Coming up soon!

I have had a dream several times over the years that I'm at Disney but I haven't planned anything.

Actually... I don't know if that would be altogether a bad thing!

"I'm in Disney... nothing planned... guess I'll just completely relax and just soak it all in. aaahhhhhh..."

I was able to book the Enchantment Fireworks pre-party for next Sunday night. I'm really happy that came through.

Nice score.

She finally got 2 days off so she is off Thanksgiving and the day after.

Nice. But... not home for the holiday, I take it.

She got some good news this past week but I'm afraid if I share it I'll jinx it. Please keep your fingers crossed for her and say some prayers.

Hmmm... usually you pray when it's bad news, but... Fingers crossed that whatever it is works out for her.

 

[jdd]

Sometimes it's nice not to have too many plans - gives you a chance to try some new things on the fly! Fingers crossed and prayers said for Danielle. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a fantastic trip! Look forward to hearing about it

 

[vamassey1]

Your trip is getting so close! You’ll have a fantastic time regardless of plans. Just spending time with Danielle will make it fabulous! The great thing about WDW is it’s always there for a do-over so don’t fret too much about organisation this time and just enjoy. Thinking positive thoughts for Danielle’s news and wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving

Spending time with Danielle is our top priority. I think it that darn Genie + that has given me axiety.

 

[vamassey1]

Actually... I don't know if that would be altogether a bad thing!

"I'm in Disney... nothing planned... guess I'll just completely relax and just soak it all in. aaahhhhhh..."

That does sound nice but Disney doesn't let you really do this. You have to have a reservation just to get in a park. I'm blaming my anxiety on Genie +.

Nice. But... not home for the holiday, I take it.

No sadly she won't be here. Dennis has a cousin in Tampa that has invited her but I don't know if she will go without us. I did tell her that AOA has a turkey dinner she can go get. She's also not completely alone. . . . she has a beau.

Hmmm... usually you pray when it's bad news, but... Fingers crossed that whatever it is works out for her.

Thank you!

 

[vamassey1]

Sometimes it's nice not to have too many plans - gives you a chance to try some new things on the fly! Fingers crossed and prayers said for Danielle. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a fantastic trip! Look forward to hearing about it

Thank you!

Most our plans are pretty loose so I'm hoping for a more relaxing trip.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Hope you’re having a lovely day Vanessa

 

[pkondz]

That does sound nice but Disney doesn't let you really do this. You have to have a reservation just to get in a park. I'm blaming my anxiety on Genie +.

And yet... with Genie+, you don't have to plan your FPs in advance as much since you can only book day of.

No sadly she won't be here. Dennis has a cousin in Tampa that has invited her but I don't know if she will go without us. I did tell her that AOA has a turkey dinner she can go get.

Hope she gets some sort of dinner.

She's also not completely alone. . . . she has a beau.

Does she! Good for her!


And... it's your birthday?!?!? Happy Birthday!!