An elf, a suprise and a Christmas Do-over....Our Dec. 2010 PTR

[disneydreamer1970]

So after reading so many wonderful PTR's for December, 2010 I decided that it was time to start one of my own. This is my first one, so please bear with me.

First off....The Cast:

I am Trish, a very happy wife and mother of 3 beautiful children. Here I am with my youngest, Caleb.

Payton - we will also be celebrating her 10th birthday on this trip. She loves theater and is as much of a Disney lover as I am, however, she is a bit of a scardy cat on the rides and has promised me that she will ride Splash Mountain the next time we go.

Caleb - is my soon to be 4 year old fun loving sweet boy. He went to Disney for his first time last June and keeps telling me that he wants to go see Mickey.

My mom and Dad - they both really want to return to Disney and this is a do-over trip for them. In December 2005, Payton and I spent some time at Disney with them, however, my mom had broke her knee cap and had surgery three weeks before the trip. Much of her time was spent in a wheel chair. This is a picture of them and my oldest son, Tyler.

And finally....Patches the Elf. He is our visiting elf and will have a big part of the suprise (more on that to come later). He has his own Facebook page where he shares his antics and will be joining us at Disney as well. Here is a picture of him reading a book to some of his friends. (One of his very few good moments)

I want to give an honorable mention to the most wonderful man in the world, (even though he is a Yankees fan ) Ken, my husband. He has decided that he is "Disneyed out" what ever that means and will not be joining us for this trip.

Our oldest son, Tyler, seen with my parents above is a Soldier in the Army so he will not be joining us as he is leaving for his deployment later this year. Here is a picture of the two of us taken after Family Day this past April.

There you have it. More details on the trip and how it came to be a little bit later.

Thanks for joining me.

Trish

 

[disneydreamer1970]

We will be staying at POR from December 4th to the 13th. I know that it is during POP Warner and that alot of the families stay there but after much discussion with my mom, we decided to stay there. It is the best option for us since they can accommodate 5 guests in a room, and we really just need a place to sleep and shower. We usually stay at POP Century, althought AKL is my favorite. If they could have accommodated 5 of us at a reasonable price that is where we would be. I stayed at POR back when it was Dixie Landings with friends about 9 years ago and remember it to be a beautiful resort. We are excited for a more laid back feeling and hope that we do not regret the decision to stay there.

Now how this trip came to be.....

DH and I decided to take our 3 children to Disney last June to celebrate our oldest graduating from High School and our youngest turning 3. How is that for an age span? Our oldest son had decided to enlist in the Army and it was important for me that we take a vacation together one last time before he left for Basic Training and Disney seemed to work for everyone. We had a wonderful time! The heat index was 100 + degrees every day and we finally saw a sprinkle the last night that we were there.

After that trip a friend of mine decided to plan a trip for her family to go this coming November. She asked me if we would like to come along as a "tour guide" since she had not been for years. I jumped at the chance to go and when I talked about it with my husband he said that he did not want to go but to go ahead and take our two youngest. I quickly made reservations for POP Century and we got busy makeing plans.

Unfortunately, my friend due to unforeseen circumstances, my friend had to cancel. I had a feeling from the start that this might happend and decided not to tell my children but to suprise them on the day that we were to leave. It was not a happy day at all when she had to tell her daughter that they were not going to Disney.

While talking to my mom about what I should do, she mentioned that she and my dad really wanted to go back soon. I proposed that we all go together, and surprise my children with the trip for Christmas and she loved the idea. It was not to difficult to talk my dad into the trip as well. While deciding on dates, we decided on December 3rd to the 11th, the 3rd being their 42nd wedding anniversary. We chose to stay at POR which could accommodate the 5 of us instead of two rooms at POP.

I love vacationing with my parents and have in the past. We have been to Disney together 3 times and even had our dream vacation together in 2004 with a week at AKL and a week on the Disney Magic. The last time we were together at Disney was back in 2006 when they went down in December and I suprised my daughter and took her down for 5 days. Since my mom had a broken knee for that vacation it will be nice for them to have a "do-over". If anyone tells you that it is adventageous to have a wheel chair and that you get to go to the front of the line, I can tell you that it is not. You miss alot of the pre-show stuff and it really isn't fun.

While looking into airfare, I stumbled across a non-stop flight from Portland to Orlando on December 4th for $84 each so we scooped those up and changed our dates to the 4th to the 13th. These dates will work out better with the big reveal....(more on that to come). We still don't have airfare coming home yet but plan on purchasing that soon.

Mom and I have decided on our itinerary and what ADR's we want.

Stay tuned.....there is lots more to come!!

Trish

 

[disneydreamer1970]

I really wanted to give this trip to my kids as a suprise and initally was going to give the trip to my daughter for her 10th birthday. After thinking about that I wanted to be really sensitive to my friends daughter that is now not going and decided against that so here is what we came up with.

Remember Patches the Elf from above...he is our visiting elf, (my mom made him) and he has been visiting for 3 years now. He is very mischevious and will fit nicely into our plan. He is going to arrive early this year, on November 1st. Each day he is going to give Payton and Caleb a "clue" although they are not going to know that they are clues. These are very random clues about Disney for example, a sombrero for Mexico, a bumble bee picture frame for Its Tough to Be a Bug, Zebra socks, a palm tree cup, you get the idea. Mom and I have had a blast coming up with clues and purchasing them. I am going to incorporate these clues into the trouble that Patches gets into. This will go on until the morning that we leave. Since that is the day after my parents anniversary I am going to invite them over for an Anniversary Breakfast...can you say Mickey Waffles.

When the kids wake up there will be gifts under the Christmas tree with a letter that says that once Dad gets home (he is a firefighter and works 24 hour shifts) that they should open them. Payton is smart and is going to know that something is going on so it won't take her long to figure it out at all. Payton and Caleb are each going to open a box with a balloon, (not Disney) with a scroll tied to the end that will say something like "Where can you find.....and list each clue.

After that they will open several other gifts which will be new carry-ons, clothes for the trip, etc. Payton will have it put together that we are going to Disney once they get to the Disney pj's and shirts that I have purchased, she just won't know that we are going that day.

The last box is going to contain some sort of letter that explains that this is a gift for us and for Grammy and Pa-Pa, and that Daddy has to stay behind with the dog, or to work, or something of that sort...I'm still working on that too. They will also find out at that point that we are leaving on a plane at 4:00 that afternoon!!!! I plan on making a huge deal out of needing to pack, even though I am so organized that I have already started a list and will only need to put the piles of stuff into our suitcases. Mom has also decided that she wants to get some movies and things to put under the tree for my husband to have while he is home. I even suggested we get him a giftcard to his favorite pizza place. She is so sweet and what a great idea.

My husband has been trying to put $1 a day into each of the kids banks, so that they will have their own spending money. There is a bank we have to pass to get to the airport that is open late on Saturdays and counts change for free so we have to build that into our plans as well. I hope to leave the house at about 12:30, pick up my parents, go to the bank, and then take the kids to get some lunch before being dropped off at the airport.

I love planning suprises and my mom is alot of fun to plan this one with.

Oh and did I mention that Patches the Elf is going to sneak into my suitcase and hitch a ride to Disney World. He will be posting pics of himself to his Facebook page during the trip and I hear he is pretty excited to go to Disney World for the first time.

This is enough for today. Up next our itinerary and ADR's.

Trish

 

[disneydreamer1970]

So last night I was looking around and stumbled across a post in the restaraunt section where people were able to make ADR's online up to December 5th. Woah....I'm not supposed to make any until June 7th...so I wondered over to the the reservations page and sure enough, I was able to make our ADR for breakfast as Akershus for the 5th for just the time we wanted!!

This morning I hopped on and was able to make our ADR's for the 6th. Where you ask? This is going to be a MK day so we are starting off with breakfast at The Crystal Palace at 8:25, and then we are going to have dinner with those beautiful step sisters at 1900 Park Faire. Payton and I spent some time at The Grand Floridian when we went down in 2006 in December and my mom is anxious to see the gingerbread house for herself this year. Oh, I just remembered a really funny quote from taking Payton over there. As we were on the monorail riding by the Wedding Pavilion, Payton, who had just turned 6, said "Mom, I want to get married there!". I told her that we had better start saving our pennies!!!

So what is our plan for intinterary and ADR's? Well you have probably figured out the first two days, but here is the list:

December 4th - Arrive at POR and let the kids swim, then head to bed.
December 5th - Epcot - breakfast at Akershus
December 6th - MK - breakfast at Crystal Palace and dinner at 1900 Park Faire
December 7th - DHS - late lunch at 50's Prime Time
December 8th - Pa-Pa is going to need to rest, so we plan on hanging out at POR for morning and afternoon and then head to AK for evening EMH - no ADR's planned for this day...we are going to go with the flow.
December 9th - AK - breakfast at Tusker House (Payton's favorite!)
December 10th - Epcot - Dinner at Le Cellier love: my favorite!)
December 11th - DHS - Dinner at Ma-Ma Melrose (hoping for fantasmic package)
December 12th - MK - Lunch at CP and then dinner at Chef Mickey's (Caleb's favorite)
December 13th - get up, let the kids play in the pool and then get on the ME for that long quiet ride back to the airport for our flight home.

So there you have it folks....our plans....at this time. As you all know, these are subject to change.

We went to MVMCP back in 2006 and it was a rainy night. I love the MNSSHP and just didn't care for the MVMCP as much. I think that we are going to skip it this year, but you never know what might happen.

Here is a picture of Payton at MVMCP wearing her Christmas Belle gown riding the tea-cups. The look on her face is pure joy...me however.... I love rollercoasters, TOT, but spinny rides.....yuck.

Well, I've got to get running....We are going to go visit a high school friend of mine that I have not seen for about 14 years that are camping up here at Old Orchard Beach for the weekend. It will be so much fun to meet each other's children. Then we are off to my nephew's 2nd birthday party. Have a great day everyone!!!

Trish

 

[Tinkermom76]

I'm in!!!

Sounds like a great trip, I am also traveling with my mom this trip!!!
Can't wait to hear more

 

[disneydreamer1970]

Tinkermom! You are my first poster!! We are going to have so much fun planning our trips. Thanks for taking the time to read my PTR.

Making these ADR's each morning is so exciting. I woke up early this morning and jumped right on to make the ones I wanted for the 6th.

I love traveling with my mom. Dad lets us do all the planning and just comes along for the ride.

Have a great day!

Trish

 

[Tinkermom76]

I got all my ADR's for the 5 & 6.. Thanks for that information!!!

 

[disneydreamer1970]

Good morning!!

I got right up this morning and was able to make our ADR for 50's Prime Time for December 7th!!

This has been so fun being able to make my ADR's one day at a time and seems to be easier. Sor far it has been great.

Here is a picture of Tyler with his "ghetto graduation cake" (that's what our "cousin" called it when he brought it out to Ty). It was big enough for all of us to eat. This restaraunt is where Tyler wanted to celebrate his graduation. We have a great time here and can't wait to go back.

We need to go get ready to head out. Payton and Caleb are going to ride in a fire truck with their day for the Memorial Day Parade. I'll try to post a picture later.

Have a great day!

Trish

 

[Tinkermom76]

I like the ADR every day thing too but I think I might be very tired next week

I got Tusker House today for Dec 7!!!

 

[disneydreamer1970]

Ken was working today so he asked if the kids and I wanted to ride in the firetruck during the parade. Of course the kids were excited about that.

Here is a picture of the two of them waiting for the parade to start.

The parade was a great time and we went to the ceremony as well. My youngest son was looking at the veteran's and asked where his big brother was. We all miss Tyler, but are so very proud of him.

If you have read my ptr so far, please say Hi....there is no need to be shy.

Trish

 

[ladybugmom]

Hi Trish!! I just found your PTR and wanted to say hi! We're going to be in WDW Nov. 27/28-Dec. 4/5 (still working on dates) and we're staying at WL!! Can't wait to be there to see all of the Christmas decorations!!

 

[disneydreamer1970]

Hi Trish!! I just found your PTR and wanted to say hi! We're going to be in WDW Nov. 27/28-Dec. 4/5 (still working on dates) and we're staying at WL!! Can't wait to be there to see all of the Christmas decorations!!

Welcome to my PTR!! I would love to stay at WL someday and am thinking about making an ADR at WCC this trip just so we can head over there to see the decorations. There is nothing like Disney at Christmas!

Have fun planning your trip and I'm heading over to your PTR to take a look.

Trish

 

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Hey Trish!!! I'm in!!! And I am absolutely loving the report and the way that you are surprising the kiddos is priceless they are going to be over the moon!!! Oh, and did I mention... Your kids names are great! Payton is one on my favorite names!!!

Well I can not wait to pass the time together till our trips!!! Looks like we will be at MK on the 6th together!!! We are eating at 'Ohana's at 915a that morning!!!

 

[disneydreamer1970]

Hey Trish!!! I'm in!!! And I am absolutely loving the report and the way that you are surprising the kiddos is priceless they are going to be over the moon!!! Oh, and did I mention... Your kids names are great! Payton is one on my favorite names!!!

Well I can not wait to pass the time together till our trips!!! Looks like we will be at MK on the 6th together!!! We are eating at 'Ohana's at 915a that morning!!!

:welcome!!! Yeah! another reader!! Reading each others trip reports will certainly make the time go faster! I can't wait to start the fun we are going to have with the elf.

I have a change to report today. It looks like we are going to go to MVMCP on the 9th so I needed to tweak my days a bit, but we are still planning on MK on the 6th!!

Trish

 

[disneydreamer1970]

I work in Human Resources for a non-profit company and we have not been able to give out raises for almost 5 years, and each of those years the health insurance premiums have increased....except for this year. This year we were able to switch to another health insurance company and it is going to cost our employees less. This morning we found out that we are all going to receive a one time stipend of varying percentages based on how long you have worked for the company!!

I will be receiving enough to buy the plane tickets home for the kids and I and have decided to splurge and get MVMCP tickets as well for December 9th!! WOO-HOO!! There will still be money left over. I am so excited!!!

Here is what I have changed.....

Instead of having a rest day on the 8th, we are going to head to AK this day. I was able to get an ADR for Tusker House for breakfast.

The 9th is going to be our down day...we will rest by the pool until it is time for dinner and I think that I am going to try and get a reservation for Chef Mickey's that night.

So there you have it! I love good news!!

Oh, I wanted to add, that Caleb discovered Lilo and Stitch this weekend and watched the movie 6 times!! He never cared for the movie before and this morning told me that he wants to go to Disney to see Lilo and Stitch!! Let me tell you, he wanted no part of Lilo and Stitch when we were there last June. I can't wait to take him to see them!!

Have a great night and thanks for reading!

Trish

 

[disneydreamer1970]

Since we decided to go to MVMCP, I got up this morning and made and ADR for Chef Mickey's for dinner before the party!

I though that it would be a great way to start the festivities, and my parents have never been.

Here is a picture of Caleb and Donald taken last year. It was Caleb's birthday. Did you know that he and Donald share the same birthday? Yup, they do...check out Donald's Birthday button.

Have a great night!

Trish

 

[ladybugmom]

YAY for Chef Mickey's!! Such a fun place to eat!!

 

[disneydreamer1970]

I got up and made our ADR for Le Cellier this morning!! This is my favorite restaraunt, and we missed it last June.

My mom loves the chocolate moose!!

Trish

 

[disneydreamer1970]

YAY for Chef Mickey's!! Such a fun place to eat!!

Thank you....I can't wait to introduce my parents to Chef Mickey's!!

Trish

 

[ladybugmom]

And YAY for Le Cellier!! We ate there last Friday night in celebration of my parent's 39th wedding anniversary!! It was our first time eating there and we LOVED it!! Eating there again in Dec!!