At my favorite place during my favorite time of year ~Dec. 2013 TR~ Updated 3/29

[mommytocalliesue]

Here we go again! I debated doing a TR this time because I didn't take notes like I did our last trip. However, as the holidays are coming to a close, and the "Disney depression" is setting in...I feel like a TR is needed to get me out of the funk I am in! So here we go.....

Introductions:

The handsome prince would be Carson. He is 4 years old and this is his second trip to the World. The poor boy was sick for over half of the trip...so he wasn't his normal, happy self.

I am next...the Disney lover...and planner of the trip! I love everything about Disney...and know most of the secrets to make the most out of our time at Disney. All my friends say I should plan trips for a living...I only wish!

The beautiful princess in the picture is Callie. She is 7 and this was her fourth trip to the World. Like mother like daughter...she loves Disney as much as I do! Thank goodness!

And then there is Grumpy...I mean DH Marty! If you read my last TR, he is not a fan of Disney. He goes when I make him. He was not looking forward to this trip...but can I just tell you...he was PERFECT on this trip! He did everything he was told to do...and he never complained once!

If you want to learn more about us...there is a better introduction on our last TR. Now onto to the show...

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Table of Contents

The Facts

Day before departure

Go to BED

Day 1 - November 29th

Guess it's my turn to be puked on!

Let's go to Disney

What to do...Animal Kingdom it is

I LOVE this boat Mom!

I paid how much for you to eat a rice krispie square and 5 M & M's!

Finally...the Magic Kingdom!

That hurt my tummy!

Day 2 - November 30th

The longest bus ride EVER!

Let's get our ride on!

Crabby time!

Pool time...kind of!

Look at all the lights!

Where are all the Photopass Photographers?

Day 3 - December 1st

Yes...you will ride Space Mountain!

Finally...Rapunzel!

Is it a big hill or a little hill?

Girl's Day!

Did we seriously wait that long?

Downtown...everyone (and I mean everyone) wants to go Downtown!

Day 4 - December 2nd

Good tip...make a reservation before the parks open!

Let's dance...or not!

Does it go upside down?

Getting a lot accomplished! <Part 1>

Getting a lot accomplished <Part 2>

We took the long way home!

Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest, put our service to the test!

Let's get our ride on!

Always do night EMH!

Always do night EMH! (cont.)

Day 5 - December 5th

 

[mommytocalliesue]

The Facts

Who: The four of us!

What: A Magical Christmas trip to the World. Why not join together my favorite place, during my favorite time of year....with my favorite people! I have been to Disney World before during Christmas...but my children have not. I wanted them to experience all the beauty that Disney brings to the most Wonderful time of the year!

When: Because I'm a teacher...I'm limited to when I can go. So after looking at Touring Plans...I thought leaving right after Thanksgiving into the the first week of December would be perfect. So we flew out November 29 and came back later December 4th. Not as long as a trip as I would like...but we made it work.

Where:After going back and forth, we settled on The Wilderness Lodge. We stayed in a bunk bed room with a woods view. We had the perfect placement! It was quiet, on the same floor as the lobby, and very close to the bus stop! And the hotel was Breathtaking....just gorgeous! It really puts you in the Christmas mood the minute you walk in the lobby.

Why: Why not...it's Disney!!

 

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The day before departure

The day before departure was Thanksgiving. The main reason we didn't fly on Thanksgiving was because my brother was coming with their newborn daughter and my 3 year old niece...and I was excited to get some snuggle time in! Plus, we wanted to see all of our other relatives.

Here is the kid's Christmas picture we took on Wednesday night!

However, on Wednesday night, DS was up off and on all night. One time he said his throat hurt, another time his ear hurt, another time his head hurt. All I could think was, "Not now!!" So at 3 am, I'm in bed searching for some Urgent Care Clinic that was open on Thanksgiving.

We live in a really, really, really small town. We do not even have a stoplight in our town! So I searched in a 45 mile radius all around us. Luckily, I found one!!! A nearby Walmart had a clinic that was open every day of the year except Christmas. Their hours were 10 am to 2 pm. I told DH I am taking him as soon as it opens!

When DS got up, he said he felt better, but I said "No way!" We are going just in case. We got ready...but before we left...DD had to finish the countdown calendar!

So the two of us piled into the car while DD and DH got ready for Thanksgiving. It was a good 45 minute drive...and surprisingly when we got there, there were only 2 people ahead of us.

The Dr. checked ears first - yup! Ear infection in both ears. She said she didn't want to check for Strep because she would treat it the same way...but I told her we were suppose to go to Thanksgiving where other kids would be...so we ran the test. And what do you know...positive.

I was so bummed...and was worried about how this would affect him for the plane ride and the trip.

She gave him a strong antibiotic that she said would start treating the strep right away...and then she gave him some ear drops that would help if he had pain on the plane.

Here he is waiting for his prescriptions! He really wasn't acting sick!

We finally were on our way home. DH had already ate at my parents...so we switched places. He stayed home with DS so I could eat and see my family.

Then we switched again...he and DD went to his parents while Carson and I stayed home. We were all packed and just waiting to drive to Chicago!

 

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Go to BED

DH and DD arrived home around 4:40 pm. My goal was to be on the road by 5...and by golly...we did it!!

I wasn't sure how much traffic we would run into beings it was Thanksgiving night...so I made DH drive! It's usually over a 2 hour drive to Midway Airport...but we made it a little under 2 hours! The kids were in good spirits!

We checked into our hotel, took our bags to the room, and then decided to find the vending machine. None of us had eaten since lunch...so after having to exchange all of our dollars for coins (machine didn't like our money!!) We ended up with some pop and chips (healthy right?!?)

I made sure DS ate because he needed his medicine, DH took Night Quill because he had a horrible cough, and DD was getting a cough so she took cough medicine. Yup, that's right...everyone was getting sick.

About 8:30, we all got into bed. We had to be up by 4:30 am...our flight was at 6:50 am...and from past experiences, it takes DS a LONG time to settle down.

I got stuck sleeping with DS...which means I didn't sleep a wink. First, it took him 2 hours to quit talking! He kept talking and talking and talking. Then, when he did fall asleep, he rolls and has to be right by my side. And he snores!! I was glad when that alarm went off at 4:30...wait...I was up before the alarm went off...but I was glad to be out of bed!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Guess it's my turn to be puked on!

I was up before my alarm, so I laid in bed until about 4:30 am. After my wonderful night's sleep, I figured I should just stay up until it was time to go!

I woke everyone else up...gave everyone their appropriate medicine...and we were on our way to the airport.

It was too early for the hotel to serve breakfast, but they did have some yogurt which DD took advantage of! And I was feeling optimistic because even DS was in a good mood! I figured the medicine kicked in!

Waiting for the shuttle

We only had to wait about 10 minutes for the shuttle, and we were on our way to the airport.

We got to the airport and checked in. I decided to check the stroller at the gate so we didn't have to deal with it at security. Luckily for us, when we got to security, they let us go through a separate line where all we did was have to walk through. No removing liquids, belts, shoes...Nothing!! It was awesome! DH did get pulled for a quick wipe of the hands check, which had DD crying! She thought he did something wrong. But in a matter of a minute, we were on our way.

We made it to our gate, and I went and got everyone breakfast at McD's. Everyone but DS ate.

We flew Southwest, and I did earlybird check-in, but we were still in the mid B's So we made our way closer to the entrance to make sure we got on before others.

I forgot that they called families with children under the age of 4 first...so instead of waiting for the B's to be called, we went on then.

We sat down and I could tell DS wasn't feeling really well. He was pale, wouldn't eat, and was really quiet. I did get some smiles out of him!

And one of DH and DD!

We were sitting waiting to take off...when all of a sudden I could tell something wasn't right with DS. I asked him, "Are you going to puke?" He just kind of looked at me. Luckily, I have fast reaction skills, hurriedly grabbed a barf bag, and caught the majority of it. EWWW....he was trying to knock the bag away, but I kept it right in front of him.

Now, the reason for the title of this thread is because on our last trip, DD threw up on the plane ride home, several times, but DH got to handle that. Guess it was my payback!

The stewardess was really nice, brought extra bags, wet wipes, etc...and we had him picked up in no time...and no one around us even knew he did it!

However, as we took off and got in the air, he started screaming because of his ears. Poor kid I got the ear drops out. He didn't want me to use them, but eventually let me. Let's just say the ear drops consistency was that of jelly...so it was gross. But it must have worked because he laid his head down.

He did nothing the entire trip....just either sat or laid down. I think he did sleep for a bit. I felt helpless and kept thinking he was going to throw up...but he never did.

We landed a bit early...thank goodness!!!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Let's go to Disney!

We got off the plane headed straight to Magical Express.

As we were walking, I noticed my roommate from college was on the same plane! She was there with like 30 family members. We exchanged numbers, but never did get a chance to meet up.

Pictures along the way...

My friend is walking in front of DD!

Feeling better!

Almost there!

Finally made it to check-in. First trial with our Magic Bands...success!! However, they did not have my return flight info. I know I had given it to them, and didn't have it on me, but they said no big deal, to just give in sometime at the hotel.

We did have to wait about 20 minutes for a bus But finally loaded to head to The Wilderness Lodge!!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I'm joining! We live about 1.5 hours north of Midway on the border of Wisconsin.

 

[tinawv]

Ah, what a way to start off a trip with a sick little one. Hope it wasn't long before he started feeling better. You have a beautiful family and looking forward to reading more about your trip. We are planning a trip this December.

 

[mommytocalliesue]

I'm joining! We live about 1.5 hours north of Midway on the border of Wisconsin.

Welcome! We are in Central Illinois...but my brother and a lot of my college roommates live your way!!

Ah, what a way to start off a trip with a sick little one. Hope it wasn't long before he started feeling better. You have a beautiful family and looking forward to reading more about your trip. We are planning a trip this December.

HI! It wasn't any fun...he didn't feel well for most of the trip but was a trooper! Thank you...and overall we had a very Magical trip!! Enjoy planning!!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

What to do...Animal Kingdom it is!

After stopping at two hotels, I know Fort Wilderness but I can't remember the other, we made it to the Wilderness Hotel! I had been waiting and dreaming of walking into the lobby and seeing the grand Christmas tree and all the decorations...and let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed! It is beautiful! Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures at this time, because a CM had grabbed us outdoors to check in!

She had her trusty Ipad, and since we had done online check-in, we were headed to our room in no time! I was SO glad it was ready even though it was only noon!

I had a couple plans of what we were going to do when we got there...

1) Stay at the hotel, swim, and then nap.

2) Head to Animal Kingdom, and then come back and nap.

We opted for number 2! We checked out our room. We were in room that had bunk beds. We were just off the lobby and close to the bus stop! It was the perfect location for us. The room was a bit small, but I was prepared for that. Our patio faced the woods, but we could see the path to the bus stop as well. It was quiet and beautiful! Sorry...no pics...I was too excited!

Everyone seemed in good spirits, so off we went to Animal Kingdom!

First trial with Magic Bands at a park, and with a little direction, we all got it and were in ready to go!

I knew it would be busy, so the first thing we did when we got there, was head to Kilimanjaro Safari. Since we had FP+ to use at Magic Kingdom that night, I decided to try our KTTW card to pull a regular fast pass. It worked!! It was for between 1:30-2:30...so we had time to kill.

It was like 12:45, the Festival of the Lion King show was starting at 1:30...but we were hungry...so we first stopped at Pizzafari. It was PACKED!! Bad choice on my part. I told them I'd get the food and sent them to save a table. I had to wait 20 minutes but finally had our food.

We ate fast (well, all of us but DS)....and then booked it over to Camp Minnie and Mickey to see the show. We had to wait in line like 10 minutes, and I had doubts of whether we were going to get in, but we did!

We were in the Giraffe section...and thoroughly enjoyed the show. It is one of my favorites. DS was not acting himself, and I kept having this fear he was going to get sick, but he never did! Paranoid Mommy!

After the show we went back to use our Fast Pass. I do not have many pictures, because I did not bring my camera...only my phone! Here are a few!

I will just say, this was the BEST safari we have ever been on! I think we saw almost all the animals! Really does make a difference when it's not so hot and humid!

After this, it was close to 3, so we decided to head back to the hotel. We had dinner reservations at Chef Mickey's at 6:45...and we all needed a shower and a nap!

Leaving the Animal Kingdom

 

[Bayoumama]

Hey there...joining in So sorry your DS trip started off that way. I know that feeling of not being able to help our little ones when they are sick is so upsetting. Glad it passed though.
Just my husband and I are going this year the week after Thanksgiving. I'm anxious to see how the crowds were for you. Looks good so far. Can't wait to see more.
You have a gorgeous family !!!

 

[wiigirl]

Following along!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Hey there...joining in So sorry your DS trip started off that way. I know that feeling of not being able to help our little ones when they are sick is so upsetting. Glad it passed though.
Just my husband and I are going this year the week after Thanksgiving. I'm anxious to see how the crowds were for you. Looks good so far. Can't wait to see more.
You have a gorgeous family !!!

Welcome!!! So glad you are here....you'll see we had low crowds...and some busy crowds!! Thank you!!

Following along!

Great!! Welcome!!

 

[DisneyLifer87]

Joining in! I'm also a teacher and debating this time of year to go, so I look forward to hearing your experiences with weather and crowds. I know how your DS must have felt! One trip to WDW I flew with swimmers ear and I'm shocked I didn't scream

 

[LisaKeys]

Jumping on board - so sorry your DS was feeling sick. I am glad the drops worked in his ears on the plane, I hear this condition is extremely painful, especially in children. My 34 yr. old had ear pain on the flight home last year.

Looking forward to reading more soon!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Joining in! I'm also a teacher and debating this time of year to go, so I look forward to hearing your experiences with weather and crowds. I know how your DS must have felt! One trip to WDW I flew with swimmers ear and I'm shocked I didn't scream

Stay tuned...there were good things about this year...and then their were bad things!! I think this year was busier because Thanksgiving was so late! Welcome!!

Jumping on board - so sorry your DS was feeling sick. I am glad the drops worked in his ears on the plane, I hear this condition is extremely painful, especially in children. My 34 yr. old had ear pain on the flight home last year.

Looking forward to reading more soon!

Yes...it was painful...and just wait...DD had it on the way home Welcome!!

Going to work on another update....you can tell I'm on break...I'm on a roll!!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

I LOVE this boat Mom!

We made it back to the hotel around 3:30 pm or so...and was relieved that our luggage had made it! I knew Carson was tired...he is still a really good napper...Thank goodness!

So everyone laid down to nap. DS and DH were snoring right away. I tried to nap, but it wasn't happening. So I grabbed my Kindle to read...when I heard, "Mom, can I have the other Kindle to watch a movie?" I guess DD wasn't tired either.

We laid around and at about 4:45 I decided to shower. So I showered, then DD. Both of the boys were still snoring away. I finally woke DH up to shower...and around 5:30 we had to wake DS who was GRUMPY!!! But we had reservations at Chef Mickeys!!!

We left our room at about 5:45 to take the boat over to the Contemporary. We all had sweatshirts on, but we took one step outside, and there was a breeze...and it was quite chilly! So DD and DH went back to the hotel to get their coats. Grumpy decided to take a couple pics!

I think he was still half asleep!

Sorry...very dark...but here they come!

We weren't really sure how to get to the boat dock...but we followed the signs and made it in no time. A boat was waiting so we hopped right on!

As soon as it got going, DS kept saying, "I love this boat Mom!" I think we heard him say that about 50 times this trip! Whatever makes him happy!

We made it over to the Contemporary in less than 10 minutes...so we were really early for our reservation. Oh well, better early than late!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

I paid how much for you to eat a rice krispie square and 5 M & M's!

We made it up to Chef Mickey's by 6:15...for a 6:45 reservation. Now, typically we do this as our last meal of our trip. But I knew that since today was the day after Thanksgiving, everything was going to be busy, so why not get it out of the way early! I think it was a good decision!

Anywhoo, we checked in, skipped the picture with "fake" Mickey, and went over to the lounge area to wait!

Relaxing!

Callie wanted to take a picture!

At about 6:35, our buzzer went off!

We got our table and were told the characters will be a bit, so we went up and got a plate right away.

DD LOVES their cornbread, so I know she got some of that and mashed potatoes. I got a nice, big salad and some bbq ribs, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. DH had a nice big plate of stuff, and DS wanted nothing. He seriously at this point had eaten 4 chips and 3 grapes all day. I know he wasn't feeling good...but he needed to eat. I didn't even give him his second dose of medicine yet because I was afraid he'd get sick again on an empty stomach.

Once we sat down, the characters started coming...seriously...one after another!! The kids were excited...so that didn't help trying to get DS to eat!

After Minnie, the kids had like a 4 minute break before the next characters. So, I told DH, "We have to get DS to eat something...at least a cookie or something!!" So we got him some ice cream with M & M's and a rice krispie square. I think he ate the M & M's off the ice cream and ate half his square.

All of a sudden, Pluto snuck up behind DD!!

And finally, Donald!

After this, we all got some dessert. While I was eating, two workers came out. I believe they were cooks. But I could hear them complaining about how close the characters were to each other...and how the Character handlers weren't doing their job, etc. I understand it can cause some frustration...but right out where we were sitting was not the place to be complaining. And not even being quiet about it!

We paid our bill and our tip...and that is when I told DH I needed to start working there. Our waitress was not very good...she came by I think twice...once for refills and once to give us our bill...and got a huge tip! It's buffet so she should be able to give a little more of her time...IMO!

Overall, this was ok. The characters felt rushed and didn't spend a lot of time with us. Usually, we do this meal, but I'm not sure if we will the next trip!

As soon as we paid, we were out of there. We had more important better things to do....Magic Kingdom....here we come!!

 

[mommytocalliesue]

Finally...the Magic Kindgom!

We took the nice, short walk over to the Magic Kingdom...my favorite place on Earth!

We could tell right away that it was busy...I knew to expect it! I saw the look in DH eyes...he HATES crowds...but he didn't say anything.

I was the only one with a bag, so they went right on through while I got checked.

This seemed to be the trend...but we got in line behind someone whose Magic Band didn't work...but for the most part...the CM would take them right away to the side. We got in and walked to Main St. and I was in heaven! It was so beautiful...and crowded!! I just stopped to take it all in!

Then it was time to move...we had a FP for Buzz from 7:20-8:20 and it was now close to 8:00 pm. So we swerved in and out of the crowds of people. Now I know that people were getting ready for the parade...but I can't stand how people just stand in the walkway on the sidewalk so no one can get through. Makes me so mad!!

Finally, we found the pathway, and hurried over to Tomorrowland.

We went straight to Buzz! This is DS's favorite...so he was excited! None of us did well...but we still had fun!

Next on the list...the People Mover. But it was CLOSED!!! WHAT!! That is my favorite ride...and a must do on the first day...but sadly, we didn't get to do it.

So we headed over towards Fantasyland because we had a FP for Enchanted Tales for between 9-10. We saw the Tea Cups only had a 5 minute wait..so we jumped in line! We all love this...and is always a must do on the first day!

Ready!

Set!

Go!

I may be sick!

After this we walked towards Fantasyland to find the Journey of the Little Mermaid. Finally...we found it...so we thought!

We got in line...it said a 20 minute wait. I told DH, "It won't be that long...this is a fast moving line!" As soon as we got in line, DS had to go to the restroom. So, I noticed the line wasn't moving very fast (which was strange to me) and decided to take him to the restroom.

When we got back, they still had hardly moved. Well, as we got closer, like to the front of the line, I realized this wasn't the line...it was Ariel's Grotto!! Which was fine since she is DD's favorite princess, but I felt dumb thinking this was the ride!! Lesson learned...and no harm done!

Carson is never sure of the princesses...but he at least sat by her and got his picture taken. DD was in LOVE!

After this, we headed to the ride! We all thought it was cute!

Next up...our FP for Enchanted Tales with Belle. We really didn't need to use a FP as I believe the wait was like 10 minutes...but we did anyway.

As we were in line, she kept telling DH he was going to be picked...and he was like, "I'd better not be!!"

We waited about 5 minutes and were led in to the mirror. It was so neat! DD, DS, and of course, DH were all picked!!! He was furious...but a good sport!

They all had a great time playing their parts! It was cute...but I don't think it's a must for every trip! But glad we did it!

He was an adorable Chip!

Mrs. Potts!

And a guard! (He even marched!!)

After this we headed towards It's a Small World. I knew it was going to be closing for refurbishment soon, so knew we had to do it. There was no line so we jumped right on!

Then we had a FP at Big Thunder Mountain for between 10-11...so we made our way that way.

But on our way, we saw Haunted Mansion only had a 10 minute wait...so we jumped right on that. And we didn't have to wait at all...we walked right in!

Kid's are never sure about this one...but both did fine!

Next up...Big Thunder Mountain!!