We returned from WDW on NYE night. We arrived at WDW on 12-19 (my birthday); DH, and our DGS (almost 2 years) was greatful for the warmer weather (it was 6 degrees when we left Michigan). My DH and I marveled at the CMs bundled in wool caps and heavy coats; we knew that they were Floridians not use to any really cold weather.
We stayed at SSR in a 1-bedroom from 12-19 until 12-23. SSR is our 'home' resort; I loved the decor, however, I find that the living room area is too small if you are in a 2-bedroom (8 people would be a little too crowded for me).
Anyhow, the highlights for GS was: the monorail, the Disney buses and all of the Xmas decor, and the interaction with the characters (wasn't afraid of them).
We moved to a 2 br at OKW on Xmas eve to take advantage of the larger accommodations; grandson parents joined us, as well as our other adult DD and her boyfriend. I prepared dinner on Xmas eve (thanks to Publix cooking the turkey and a Honey Baked Ham), actually the side dishes.
The parks weren't as crowded our first week with the GS, but become progressively crowded when the rest of our family joined us the second week. However, with a good plan and using fastpass, we really didn't wait in too many lines.
DH enjoyed golfing most of the trip; he basically went into the parks for any PS,taking pictures and video of GS in Mickey's Town, and CP in EPCOT, and Fantasmic at MGM.
Our PSs included: twice at CP for breakfast (once before DDs joined us); Chef De France for dinner (DH,myself and GS); Boma's for dinner on our arrival day; Hollywood and Vine Fastasmic package; Chef Mickey's for breakfast; Whispering Canyon on Xmas day; Garden Grill for the CP package; Ohana's for dinner on the last night and couple of times to Earl of Sandwich in DD. Needless to say, we will be back on the diets. Didn't really care for the Garden Grill, the best was Ohana. By the end of the trip DH and I were tired of buffets though.
My youngest DD and I had massages at SSR Spa on Xmas day; there was an error on the part of the receptionist. When we got to the spa, they didn't have us confirmed for service; they found the error, the reservation was made in error on Xmas eve (the service was charged to my credit card). They were very apologetic and really worked hard to get us accommodated; they even gave us complimentary manicures and very nice gift packages....got to love that Disney guest service.
DH and I went on the sleigh ride at Wilderness Lodge and found that to be very relaxing.
All in all, this vacation topped past vacations to WDW; my DH is even talking point additions so we can make this a Xmas tradition
I thank all of your tips and strategies that made this vacation the magic and success it was for all of us
We stayed at SSR in a 1-bedroom from 12-19 until 12-23. SSR is our 'home' resort; I loved the decor, however, I find that the living room area is too small if you are in a 2-bedroom (8 people would be a little too crowded for me).
Anyhow, the highlights for GS was: the monorail, the Disney buses and all of the Xmas decor, and the interaction with the characters (wasn't afraid of them).
We moved to a 2 br at OKW on Xmas eve to take advantage of the larger accommodations; grandson parents joined us, as well as our other adult DD and her boyfriend. I prepared dinner on Xmas eve (thanks to Publix cooking the turkey and a Honey Baked Ham), actually the side dishes.
The parks weren't as crowded our first week with the GS, but become progressively crowded when the rest of our family joined us the second week. However, with a good plan and using fastpass, we really didn't wait in too many lines.
DH enjoyed golfing most of the trip; he basically went into the parks for any PS,taking pictures and video of GS in Mickey's Town, and CP in EPCOT, and Fantasmic at MGM.
Our PSs included: twice at CP for breakfast (once before DDs joined us); Chef De France for dinner (DH,myself and GS); Boma's for dinner on our arrival day; Hollywood and Vine Fastasmic package; Chef Mickey's for breakfast; Whispering Canyon on Xmas day; Garden Grill for the CP package; Ohana's for dinner on the last night and couple of times to Earl of Sandwich in DD. Needless to say, we will be back on the diets. Didn't really care for the Garden Grill, the best was Ohana. By the end of the trip DH and I were tired of buffets though.
My youngest DD and I had massages at SSR Spa on Xmas day; there was an error on the part of the receptionist. When we got to the spa, they didn't have us confirmed for service; they found the error, the reservation was made in error on Xmas eve (the service was charged to my credit card). They were very apologetic and really worked hard to get us accommodated; they even gave us complimentary manicures and very nice gift packages....got to love that Disney guest service.
DH and I went on the sleigh ride at Wilderness Lodge and found that to be very relaxing.
All in all, this vacation topped past vacations to WDW; my DH is even talking point additions so we can make this a Xmas tradition
I thank all of your tips and strategies that made this vacation the magic and success it was for all of us
