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

[Happy Elf]

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...

I completely agree!

We may decide never to go again. But for now, we go because we love it.

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

 

[DWGal210]

Jackie, I 100% agree!!

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...

 

[thedonduck]

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!

 

[reelmom]

Some pictures of the Art of Animation Hotel.

The check in desk


The lobby

 

[reelmom]

The pool area






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.

 

[marDgreen88]

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!

 

[hlrababy]

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

 

[TCKK]

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!

 

[frazers mum]

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.

 

[Marl]

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

 

[wigdoutdismom]

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

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...

 

[wigdoutdismom]

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.

 

[sunny_stace]

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!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

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!!

 

[Megablocks]

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!

 

[MHTeacher]

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

 

[Stasieki]

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

 

[Poolrat]

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.

 

[jillyb]

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

 

[Mndisneygirl]

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!!!