All I Want For Christmas Is an Okapi, a Dinosaur, a Herd of Elephants and ...

[DisneyJoo2008]

So sad your report has come to an end - but as with all your reports I am happy as I LOVE that it's not long until you go again and will start a new one!

I will be looking out for masses of shopping pictures for this trip. My Mum and Dad have booked themselves a 10-night Orlando trip! They depart England on 23 August and will stay somewhere for 8-nights before moving to Universal for 2-nights. They missed Universal last year as they were babysitting pregnant me!!! lol. Anyway, they have promised to bring me home a few treats for late birthday presents and I am after a new Disney tote bag and a Disney cup with a straw - you know, those hard plastic ones! They will also be buying Toby the monorail in your very last picture which I think I told you I managed to break on Christmas Day, 10-mins after Toby had opened it!!!!!!! hopefully Poppy may get herself her first soft toy from Disney too!

I SO wish we were going with them! But it's 2015 for us. Money dictates that sadly! X

 

[disneyfan61]

Another wonderful TR coming to an end. As usual I enjoyed following along & cannot wait to read about the Oct. trip.

 

[MeMom]

I think Disney does that stark contrast on the other side of the gate on purpose, so we cry a little harder when we leave. After all, it makes us want to hurry back that much faster...

It's a bit of a slap in the face, isn't it?

We either have another trip on the books before we leave, or we make one within a month or two after we get back home. We like it best when we at least have one or more trips on our calendars, even if they are not officially booked.

I completely agree!

I really don't see this happening! And we are thankful for the friends we have "met" too!

And one of these days, we are going to get around to meeting all of these friends, I hope! I can so easily see all of our kids playing together while we sit around talking and eating.

Jackie, I 100% agree!!

You'd think they could wean us off of the Disney magic a little more slowly, but nooooo....it's just harsh reality - BOOOOM!

Aww, the end of the trip is always so bittersweet. You love the time you had and you're sad to see it end, but it's always amazing knowing you are coming back!

I truthfully miss the anticipation of a trip (haha, as sad as that sounds coming from a family that is at Disney about every week). We will never get to plan a "surprise" trip, my kids will never truthfully understand how lucky they were that Mickey was in their back yard.

But that is why I follow TRs from various Dis-ers...I can live vicariously through your trips! Hopefully we run into you when you get here! Thanks for letting us take part in your fabulous trip and memories!

Are you in for coming to see Yehaa Bob on the 27th? Also, there will be a group of us on the Poly beach on the 3rd. Come on over!

Some pictures of the Art of Animation Hotel.


Sorry the pictures are so big and one is turned sideways. I tried fixing it in photobucket but once again, photobucket is giving me fits. And to clarify, we were not pool hopping. We were on our way to the Hippy Dippy Pool when we realized that the bridge was opened. We went over to look. It does require a room key to get into the pool. I did hear on the news that the pool has music playing underwater. Very cool.

Thanks for the pictures! We are looking forward to seeing all of this 'in person' very soon! I do think it confirms what I have felt all along about this resort - I think I am going to like visiting it more than I will care to stay there. I really like a door that opens to the outside or at least to a balcony, so I am not so crazy about the suites. Our first AoA stay will be in Little Mermaid. I do love the outside of AoA, and I will be taking many, mnay pictures!

Aww... goodbye Pop.

Everything you said in that last paragraph is just so true! I love it, and I loved following along! I look forward to hearing about some of the October trip stuff too!

It's good to have people who understand the Disney love. Trent's friend went to dinner with us last night, and she was interested in how we actually met people just through going to Disney World. We were telling her about our wonderful Disney community, and she thought it was really neat. She has never been to Disney World, however.

I didn't get to comment much, but I did read along. I expect some text message pictures when you guys go back

I especially love the picture of Bella hugging Tigger!! So sweet!!!!!! Hollie loved the picture of Brooklynn holding up her jewelry! lol

I will send text messages and occasional pictures, but Jill does the better job now that she can put things straight to Facebook. I love seeing pictures as others are on the their travels, and we enjoy sharing the same with people who are at home.

I am excited to har the details of a certain surprise trip that is coming up for you!

I have really loved this report Memom. Seeing all the wonderful Disney Christmas and NYE stuff has been great! I loved the pictures of the girls with the characters in your last couple of posts. Bella is really warming up to them, isn't she. I have to say though, that the last morning really made me sad. I hate the last morning sooooo bad. But it's only 2 weeks for you guys and less than 11 weeks for us until we get to see all the Magic and Pixie Dust again. I'm looking forward to seeing your October trip stuff.

Have a great Monday!

Glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully, we can keep you supplied with plenty of pictures for 11 weeks. I will be back in school when you go, and I'll be dreaming of our October trip. Of course, the anticipation of Sophie's arrival will definitely give us something very happy to focus on during this wait!

Aww, i'm so sad that your report has ended. What a wonderful time you all had. We came back yesterday from 2 weeks at French Quarter. I am already "making plans" to return in 2014. I just wish it wasn't such a big gap between going, but it needs saving up for. Frazer cried himself to sleep last night(tiredness as well after the flight). He was so sad that it was all over.Looking forward to your little trip report from October.

We want to hear all about it! It will take you a few days to recuperate, I bet.

I plan to start on some of that October trip today.

 

[MeMom]

Congratulations Anita & Marc, Baby Jace was born on my birthday

MeMom, I have returned from my cousin's wedding in Scotland. There were bagpipes and kilts like your friends wedding. We ate Haggis with Neeps & Tatties for starters, Aberdeen Angus Beef with Yorkshire Pudding for main course, followed by Cranachan with Shortbread. It was all
It was the first time I had ever had Haggis, I have never been interested in trying it, but it was lovely. My DH and DDs loved it too. We were blessed with typical Scottish/British weather too - non stop rain!!!

First day back at work/school today wasn't too bad. We had a sponsored Zumba-thon this afternoon, to raise money for school equipment. The kids really enjoyed it.
Only a 6 week term this time, then 6 weeks of summer holiday

Happy Birthday to you and Jace!

I am not very adventurous in my eating habits, but the older I get, the more willing I am to try at least a bite of some new things. I will have to go look up Neeps & Tatties!

Six weeks - you can do it!

Thank you! It was hard to leave that sweet baby behind as we began our Month of Disney. Jace will change so much in the weeks that we are gone...

You know he will sleep through most of this month anyway, so he will hardly even know you are gone! And I bet he will forgive you, anyway, when he sees the bounty of Disney gifts you bring home to him. By the time you get back, he will be more alert and aware and ready to have fun and get in trouble with his Uncle Baylor.

What a crisp blue sky on the day of departure. I think we left on the same day. The big difference was I didn't have a cute little face peeking out at me from between two seats.

Yep, we left that day and went back to work the next. I was lucky and had only an in-service. I think you had kids on day one, didn't you?

I love the pictures of the girls with Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet!! Those are absolutely precious! Bella's face is just filled with pure joy! All of the pictures of the girls with the characters are so cute! You'll have lots of framing to do!

I hate the UnMagical Express ride. I always have to remind myself that it's back to work so I can start the countdown until the next trip! I bet time is gonna fly until you're right back there!

Anita and Marc- Congratulations and best wishes for baby Jace! Hope you have an amazing and safe trip!

I want to make a collage picture frame of the girls. I also intend to make the Disney fountains one one of these years! My problem in the age of digital cameras, Photobucket, and Facebook is that I don't get pictures developed any more!

Starting the countdown to the next trip does make it easier to leave. Just knowing you will be back makes re-entry a little less painful.

Driving back through the gates into the "real world" really is a sad moment, isn't it? I hate that part of vacation!

I totally agree with the "we go to Disney now because we love it" mentality. Although, I really can't foresee you guys not being Disney fans at any point!

Fabulous TR, can't wait to hear about your next adventures!!

I don't foresee us not liking Disney, either, but if he cost gets too high or atmosphere deteriorates or whatever gets too whatever, we will then explore the other options we talk about, such as going out west or up north. Right now, it's south every time.

Oh, the Hippy Dippy pool! Our building was right there! Wow I miss it there so much. And that Christmas tree definitely wasn't up when we were there just a couple days later. They work fast!

I love what you said about Disney being more of an experience, rather than an event. I could not agree more!

I am sorry you didn't get to see the tree.

The first time I set eyes on the Hippy Dippy Pool area and see the colors and hear the sounds of kids splashing around, I know we have officially arrived.

Oh, wow, I found myself a little sad as I read your good-bye!

I was a little sad, but I was a big girl and kept it inside.

That was such a great TR. I just love how brave Bella was with the characters. Ellie is still terrified. I'm starting our trip plans now. Looks like we are going 3/1-3/7. I hope Ellie warms up to characters before them, but if not, she will enjoy from a safe distance

Bella did things on her own terms. She held back and observed Brooklynn, and then she went closer when she decided to.

OOH it was chilly on the way out wasn't it???

Now I need to get a move on my report so it too can be" in the can" so to speak before I take off.

This one is in the can, and now I want to put some highlights from the October trip up as we wait out these last few days.

Boo for the last day I enjoyed following along on your trip and look forward to the upcoming trip!

Always glad to have you, JillyB!

I will agree with everyone on the last comments.
Disney is so much more than a trip, an amusement park or vacation. It's an experience. I heard on the DIS unplugged and read somewhere else about that being the Disney theory - that they want people to make memories, not just come to a hotel, a restaurant or ride a ride.
We here all "get" it, and I'm sure we have all had to answer those inevitable questions about why we keep returning to WDW. We know why.

I wanted to also comment on what you said about feeling somewhat responsible that our friends have a good time when they go to WDW and stay upon our recommendations. I have a friend that I helped to prepare for a trip the week before Easter. She stayed at Pop with her 6 yr old daughter and her brother. She couldn't take the crowds (but she was prepared for that by me!) but her daughter was hooked. I told her to go in January or February instead next time.

So while I am sad to see this TR ending, I'm glad to know your next trip is on the horizon!! I'm sure it will be a memorable experience!!!

And so many people do think Disney World is just an amusement park. I guess we should be glad they feel that way. Makes for shorter lines for us.

With Jill being 29 weeks pregnant and ravenous, this will most likely be a memorable trip for her!

So sad your report has come to an end - but as with all your reports I am happy as I LOVE that it's not long until you go again and will start a new one!

I will be looking out for masses of shopping pictures for this trip. My Mum and Dad have booked themselves a 10-night Orlando trip! They depart England on 23 August and will stay somewhere for 8-nights before moving to Universal for 2-nights. They missed Universal last year as they were babysitting pregnant me!!! lol. Anyway, they have promised to bring me home a few treats for late birthday presents and I am after a new Disney tote bag and a Disney cup with a straw - you know, those hard plastic ones! They will also be buying Toby the monorail in your very last picture which I think I told you I managed to break on Christmas Day, 10-mins after Toby had opened it!!!!!!! hopefully Poppy may get herself her first soft toy from Disney too!

I SO wish we were going with them! But it's 2015 for us. Money dictates that sadly! X

I hope you get your special Disney gifts, and I am guessing you might get even more. Looking forward to 2015!

Another wonderful TR coming to an end. As usual I enjoyed following along & cannot wait to read about the Oct. trip.

We couldn't have a trip party without you!

I think I am going to go to SAM's on just a little while, and then later today I will start on October pictures.

 

[Charleston Princess]

You did have a great Christmas trip!!! I, for one, hope you have many more trips ahead of you! I always get such a kick out of reading about your experiences and adventures!

Looking forward to highlights from the October trip!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Oh yes, it was back to school with the kids anxious to share all of their stories of their break! We never get a day to ease back in....
My class from this past year was a very good group so I was happy see each and everyone of them!

 

[Kgroo]

Departure day is always so sad - we usually just do a character breakfast early and then get on the road. Last year, I procrastinated and we didn't leave DTD until 2:00. Still had a 9 hour drive and had to work the next day. DH was not happy

So glad that we have October pics and a new report to look forward to

Bella's pic with Tigger is about the cutest thing EVER!!!!

 

[Valgoof]

I love that you always have a new trip planned before the current one ends. My husband keeps saying we are taking a break from Disney after this trip and going somewhere different next year. He wants to go somewhere in March so I said that was fine and then we can go back to Disney in December.

 

[CreightonsMomma]

I am never sad when your trip reports end because I know there is always another one very soon to follow.

This was a great trip for you all. Lot's of new things happening!

Can't wait to read about your next trip.

 

[tinkgurl]

I hate goodbyes. And I hate leaving WDW.

Thanks for another great TR. Cannot wait for the next one!!

 

[MeMom]

You did have a great Christmas trip!!! I, for one, hope you have many more trips ahead of you! I always get such a kick out of reading about your experiences and adventures!

Looking forward to highlights from the October trip!

Departure day is always so sad - we usually just do a character breakfast early and then get on the road. Last year, I procrastinated and we didn't leave DTD until 2:00. Still had a 9 hour drive and had to work the next day. DH was not happy

So glad that we have October pics and a new report to look forward to

Bella's pic with Tigger is about the cutest thing EVER!!!!

I love that you always have a new trip planned before the current one ends. My husband keeps saying we are taking a break from Disney after this trip and going somewhere different next year. He wants to go somewhere in March so I said that was fine and then we can go back to Disney in December.

I am never sad when your trip reports end because I know there is always another one very soon to follow.

This was a great trip for you all. Lot's of new things happening!

Can't wait to read about your next trip.

I hate goodbyes. And I hate leaving WDW.

Thanks for another great TR. Cannot wait for the next one!!

I guess we just keep writing, and whoever is interested can read. I don't ever want people to come to the trip reports board, see yet another of our reports, and say, "My gosh, when will they ever stop?!?!?" Or I don't want anyone to think we're 'promoting' our kids or ourselves and not Disney World. After a discussion at dinner last night, in which some things Jill, Trent, and I had been thinking were affirmed by our dinner companions, it made me start thinking and hoping that no one ever thought that about us. We write the reports to enjoy reliving them ourselves and to bring Disney fun to those who are between trips. And in the process, we have made some wonderful friends along the way.

Oh yes, it was back to school with the kids anxious to share all of their stories of their break! We never get a day to ease back in....
My class from this past year was a very good group so I was happy see each and everyone of them!

I was glad we had a transition day. I don't remember it, though. I was probably a sleep-deprived zombie on that day!


I do have one favor to ask for those of you on FB. I shared a new picture of Ty, our cousin Michelle's new baby boy, on my wall. It would sure bring lots of smiles to her if some of you would go and mention something about him or just 'like' the picture. We are all so extremely happy for her after her long wait to be a Mommy, and I thought this would be a small way to bring an extra dose of magic to her day.

It's a secret that I asked you to do it, though, okay?

 

[MeMom]

Now on with a mini report about our October trip.

The travelers were MeMom and oldest granddaughter, Brooklynn, and Kay, a long time family friend, and Brianna, the only grandchild that lives in TN and that she gets to see on a regular basis. Kay has gone to WDW with us I think about 4 times now. She very much enjoys it, and she was excited to be taking Brianna. Brianna is a very smart and verbal little girl. Like her Nana, she doesn't know the word 'stranger'. She is perfectly comfortable striking up conversation with anyone any time.

Here are the sassy girls after landing at MCO.

The Magical Express movie had us pumped up and ready to go!

We get checked in at Pop Century, and Brooklynn showed Brianna the joys of enjoying colorful Disney food.

The view from our ground floor Roger Rabbit room.

We quickly got ready and headed out to meet two special guys.

#1 special guy was....

and #2 special guys was Mr. Ed.

After proper introductions, Ed escorted us onto Toy Story Midway Mania.

You know I couldn't care less about competing on this game, and I am usually taking pictures, but when I do stop to pull the trigger, this is probably my favorite section.

Maybe there is something slightly exciting about breaking dishes and not having any mess to pick up afterward.

Ring the alien.

Our scores.

Like I said, I mostly take pictures.

A couple of movie advertisements.

We did see Muppets, but we have not gone to the 3D rerun movies.



Do you know what line we are waiting in here?

Did you guess Voyage of the Little Mermaid?

Then we looked at some Princess stuff in the open air shop.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I don't see any similarities between you and the subject of our discussion last night. You are just way to worried...
However I knew exactly where you were going with this when you started that part of your post.
Scary huh?

 

[marDgreen88]

I think there's a big difference between promoting your kids and sharing your trips with those that are interested. The kids just happen to be in the pictures! The good news is, we're all interested!

Fun to see the beginning of the October pictures!

 

[sunny_stace]

MeMom, I certainly don't think you need to worry about any of us getting sick of your reports! I know that I love visiting WDW through your pictures and seeing your lovely family have a blast at the happiest place on Earth! Nice people, cute kids and awesome shopping and ride pictures? What else could your readers ask for?!

I bet the girls had a blast together! I am excited to hear more about your trip from October!

 

[MeMom]

I don't see any similarities between you and the subject of our discussion last night. You are just way to worried...
However I knew exactly where you were going with this when you started that part of your post.
Scary huh?

I hope there are no similarities - perceived or real.

I think there's a big difference between promoting your kids and sharing your trips with those that are interested. The kids just happen to be in the pictures! The good news is, we're all interested!

Fun to see the beginning of the October pictures!

I am glad to hear that. We were talking about someone who seems to be all caught up in and possibly overdoing it in sharing themselves more than sharing Disney things, and I don't want anyone to see us that way.

MeMom, I certainly don't think you need to worry about any of us getting sick of your reports! I know that I love visiting WDW through your pictures and seeing your lovely family have a blast at the happiest place on Earth! Nice people, cute kids and awesome shopping and ride pictures? What else could your readers ask for?!

I bet the girls had a blast together! I am excited to hear more about your trip from October!

Sounds like all is well, then. I think no one would read if we didn't have shopping pictures!



*******************************************


Photobucket is misbehaving again, but I will try to move on. Like I said before, this is a synopsis of the trip. Some things will be better left out, as Kay and Brianna had some head-butting sessions that we will not revisit. I will try to keep in a lot of shopping pictures, though, since we all seem to enjoy seeing the merchandise.

Character greetings.

Character sightings.

The sign reminded us that we needed to eat.

Not really.
We knew we wanted to/had to eat without the sign.

We're that good.

We went to kid-friendly Pizza Planet.

What will you have?

Don't you like getting fun holiday cups?

Arcade games do not have to have money involved when you are five.

Hooping fun outside 50's Primetime Cafe.

Time check.

Parade time!

 

[MeMom]

From bugs to rats -

to monsters -

and dogs.

The old guy's got a lotta guts riding up there.

Any way you slice 'im, Mr. Potato Head is a crowd favorite.

One of Bella's favorites, Jessie, which sounds more like Zhessie. The J is still kind of different.

A classic Hollywood Studios picture.

Next, we saw Playhouse Disney, which Brianna liked a lot.

From Hollywood Studios, we caught a bus - not to Pop, but to Wilderness Lodge.

A deer family was out.

The reason we have Sophie on the way.

A quick run through the Mercantile.

Me - every day.

That's it for now.

 

[micandminforever]

Please continue to write your reports I look forward to them. They are my Disney fix until I take a trip. Plus I enjoy disney looking at the shops. It is cheaper than visiting and buying. I have made many list of things to buy and try from your reports.

It has also been fun watching Brooklynn and Bella grow, and I look forward to the pictures of the next little princess.

It has also helped to have found a prayer partner when needed.

 

[Valgoof]

Good to know you don't need the signs to tell you to EAT. I'll have the #2 please. It's funny to see the Halloween cups after spending 6 months reading about the Christmas trip. I know I am a little late for this part, but please dont stop doing your trip reports. I read all of the older ones last August while recovering from surgery. They gave me some much needed smiles and helped me plan our trip last year. It has been fun to follow along with this one and be a part of the group.

 

[vamassey1]

I'm still reading along and really enjoying your reports. Please don't ever stop doing reports. I truly enjoy your reports. They're REAL!

I'm glad you're keeping us going with the October trip. I'm really looking forward to this trip. You have to do a report.