Because I am Your Mom and I Say So! (October TR) 3/15 Food and Wine and More

[onescgirl]

Congratulations on the new trip! That's two things I would love to do - go at Christmas to see the decorations & take my mom to WDW!

 

[skier_pete]

Good for you! The Christmas stuff is worth seeing. Don't miss Candlelight Processional and the Osborne Lights, as well as the Castle Lighting - our 3 favorites from last year. The crowds get pretty crazy though - so keep your expectations reasonable.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Okay, so this time of year life gets busy and I haven't been doing so well keeping up here on the boards. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Now to the other reason I have been away. Well, it all starts with me and dh getting AP's and it ends with a new trip in the works. I have dreamed of being able to see the Christmas decorations, but Chris isn't able to get off during the Christmas season. I decided to check what the room only discount would be for 4 nights and at a value it was just a little over $400. So, what did I do? I called my mom and asked her if she would want to take a trip to Disney! She said yes and now my mom and I, along with the kids, are going to WDW December 18-22! I really didn't think getting to go this time of year would be a possibility, but it all fell into place. So that is what I have been busy doing, planning! Now I need to go find me a ticker! Oh, and this time I really won't tell the kids until my mom shows up. I am so excited to not only see Disney at Christmastime, but also to share it with my mom!!!!

Oh you are one lucky girl! I sooooo wish we could go to Disney and see the Christmas decorations again.

 

[laashley]

How exciting! My dream DW vacation would be at Christmas time. Shannon would never let me take a trip to DW without him, he would be to jealous.

Chris is definitely a bit jealous, I am trying not to be too excited, but it is sooo hard!

How exciting! Ashley,
I have been wanting to see Disney for Christmas...but, looks like we are going to try for Halloween next year. I bet my mom would love if I called her and asked her if she wanted to do a trip with just Ashton and I. You are going to have so much fun....can't wait to hear what you have planned...

It really is a dream come true! I was over-the-moon when my mom said yes! I can't wait to see it all with her. This will only be her 2nd time in disney and she had such a blast the last time.

Can't think of much that would be more exciting - time with your mom and kids and being in Disney World at Christmas! I'd say that ranks as awesome!

You would know best about these trips! I know you, Jill, and the girls have such a wonderful time- I guess you could say you have inspired the trip.

Congratulations on the new trip! That's two things I would love to do - go at Christmas to see the decorations & take my mom to WDW!

Thanks. I can't believe it all worked out. I don't know how, but it all fell into place. I am so stoked!

Good for you! The Christmas stuff is worth seeing. Don't miss Candlelight Processional and the Osborne Lights, as well as the Castle Lighting - our 3 favorites from last year. The crowds get pretty crazy though - so keep your expectations reasonable.

It will be a fairly short trip, but I was able to book a CP package at Coral Reef. Trace Adkins is the narrator that night and it is a surprise for my mom. That is the thing I am looking most forward to.

As far as the Osborne lights, we will definitely stay to see them. Fantasmic is showing every night the week of christmas, so hopefully we will be able to see both while at DHS. I am thinking the early (6:30) Fantasmic show and then see the lights. The park doesn't close until 10, so I am hoping the crowds will thin out a bit after Fantasmic and we can see the lights without it being too chaotic.

I am not too good with crowds, but I am preparing myself. I keep telling myself over and over, "this trip is to see disney at christmas, just to see the decorations." Then I find myself writing out a touring plan to try get the most out of the trip.

Oh you are one lucky girl! I sooooo wish we could go to Disney and see the Christmas decorations again.

I can't wait. We leave 2 weeks from tomorrow. I promise to take lots of pictures to show everyone!

 

[laashley]

Let me take you back to Friday October 15th... I was in a panic. The day before Noah had gotten his 4 year old shots, and I had been doing my best to get his legs feeling not so sore and stiff (those shots are the worst!). Chloe was home for the day because of parent-teacher conference and me being her parent I had a conference scheduled. That day was nuts with all that I had going on, and add to it having to pack up the car all by myself. Somehow I managed to get most of the car packed by the time Chris came home. We were hoping to leave at 6:30, but it ended up being 7:30. We had booked a room at Jameson Inn in Crestview, Florida (mickeystoontown recommended it to us) so I knew it would only be a 4 hour drive. We put on a movie for the kids and off we went. Sometime after the movie was over the kids fell asleep, so there was no way we were going to stop and risk waking them up. We ended up driving straight to Crestview with no stops, so we made it to Jameson Inn right at 11:30.

We grabbed our overnight bags and rushed into the Inn, it was quite chilly that night. The lady at the counter informed us as soon as we walked in that they didn't have any rooms available. I told her we had a reservation and she mumbled oh, alright. What a charmer she was. She reluctantly checked us in and gave us our key, which didn't work. Chris went to get a new key and I just was praying that we would be in the room soon. Thankfully, there was another lady at the desk that was able to get him a key that worked. Chris said that Ms. Cranky was talking about how they had so many problems with the doors in the rooms. I was thinking maybe Ms. Cranky was the problem. Anyway, finally we were in the room. We opened the door and was greeted with cold air! The room was freezing, would have been great if it were hot out, but it wasn't hot out. We kicked on the heat and got the kids ready for a bath. The bathroom was so very tiny that the only place you had to sit while bathing kids was on the toilet (thankfully it had a lid). The sink was across from the bathroom, which was only a problem when the kids wanted to go to sleep and Chris and I were still trying to get ready for bed. I didn't take any pictures of the room, it was nice enough, but between the rude lady and the bathroom and sink location it was not a favorite of mine. For anyone that stops in Crestview, we have stayed at the Country Inn and Suites, which was a better fit with young kids. It is a little more expensive ($10), but has bigger beds, a refrigerator in the room, was less booked, the sink was in the bathroom, and had more to offer at the breakfast buffet.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Oh man, I hate that you had problems with the Jameson Inn in Crestview. We have never had any issues with them but I probably wouldn't have noticed anyway since we usually get there about 1:00 a.m.!

 

[MeMom]

Sometime after the movie was over the kids fell asleep, so there was no way we were going to stop and risk waking them up. We ended up driving straight to Crestview with no stops, so we made it to Jameson Inn right at 11:30.

We know the feeling. While the kids are sleeping, no one else in the car better dare need to go to the bathroom or need a stretch break.

Looks like we're back to driving this summer. Jill checked flight prices for our week, and she said they're way too much, especially with having to pay for Bella by that time. So, driving it is. For us, Perry, Georgia is the halfway point. We leave after work and get there around 11. We take off early the next morning, make a quick stop at the Ocala Walmart for diapers, fruit, etc., and are at our resort by lunch time. Works very well for us.

 

[laashley]

Oh man, I hate that you had problems with the Jameson Inn in Crestview. We have never had any issues with them but I probably wouldn't have noticed anyway since we usually get there about 1:00 a.m.!

I think it was just a bad night for them, but that one lady at the check-in was a real pill.

We know the feeling. While the kids are sleeping, no one else in the car better dare need to go to the bathroom or need a stretch break.

Looks like we're back to driving this summer. Jill checked flight prices for our week, and she said they're way too much, especially with having to pay for Bella by that time. So, driving it is. For us, Perry, Georgia is the halfway point. We leave after work and get there around 11. We take off early the next morning, make a quick stop at the Ocala Walmart for diapers, fruit, etc., and are at our resort by lunch time. Works very well for us.

Can't fathom the repercussions of stopping at night when the kids are sleeping!

I hear you, flying is so expensive from here! I even like the drive. It is fun to stop off on the way.

 

[laashley]

Sorry I haven't been on the boards that often lately. Somebody should have told me getting ready for Christmas and planning a trip to Disney would be a daunting task! I am pretty happy with the plans. We will be at WDW exactly a week from now!!!! Here are the plans:

Dec. 17- drive day. Hoping that we will be checking in at All-Star Sports around 5 pm. I have requested the Homerun Hotel(baseball area) on the ground floor. Once we get there and unpacked we will either hang around the resort, go to FT. Wilderness to see the campers decorations and see the campfire with Chip and Dale or go to DTD. Really depends on the time and how tired we are.

Dec. 18- Animal Kingdom. Tusker House adr @ 8:20am. Must do's are KS, Pangani Forest Exploration, the Boneyard, FotLK, Jingle Jungle Parade, and KRR if we remember to bring the ponchos. I have a Whispering Canyon ADR for 7:30pm, but am debating on going to Ft. Wilderness instead if we don't make it the night before. Unfortunately, there is a 60% chance of rain that day, so I am praying the rain doesn't mess up the day.

Dec. 19- Epcot. I was able to get a Candlelight Processional package for 1:50pm at Coral Reef. I am reaaalllllyyy excited to eat there and to take my mom to the CP at 5pm. Musts of the day are Soarin', Nemo, Test Track, Kim Possible mission, Club Cool, and seeing more of Germany and France.

Dec. 20- Magic Kingdom (finally). We are waiting til this day because they will now be showing the Christmas parade at 3pm and Holiday Wishes that night. We have 1900 Park Fare breakfast at 10:25am, and also a Chef Mickey's that morning. I am leaning towards the PF because of Chloe. Musts of the day are the christmas parade, holiday wishes, castle lighting, main street electric parade, and riding everything we can!

Dec. 21- DHS. I have a couple of adr's scheduled, but I think I will cancel them and just eat CS's for the day. Musts are TSM, GMR, LM, Fantasmic, American Idol, ToT, and seeing the Osbourne lights.

Dec. 22- we must pack up and go home, but first there is breakfast at 'Ohana.

So what do you think? Is there anything you think I am missing. I am wondering about the sleigh ride at Ft. Wilderness, but not sure whether or not to book it (if it is even available) for the 17th or the 18th. Then there is the question of 1900 PF or Chef Mickeys. I am leaning towards 1900 PF because I think Chloe would like it more. Noah's favorite is 'Ohana so I have him covered. I really would like a Akershus, but all I can do is keep trying, that might not happen (have to do it on the 19th because we are not getting park hoppers). Somehow I have to make it to DTD for a little shopping and to get a sandwich from EoS.

That is it for now. If I get a chance before we leave I will try to get up October 16, the pictures are all on photobucket, so it should be fairly easy. Hope everyone is still hanging around!

 

[Nermel9]

Your plans for your trip sound great! Can't believe there are still CP packages available!

Have you seen Holiday Wishes ever? It's SO fantastic...I love the regular Wishes more than anything, but Holiday Wishes is a little more special because of...well, the holidays and the music and all the little extra things they add in!

 

[laashley]

Your plans for your trip sound great! Can't believe there are still CP packages available!

Have you seen Holiday Wishes ever? It's SO fantastic...I love the regular Wishes more than anything, but Holiday Wishes is a little more special because of...well, the holidays and the music and all the little extra things they add in!

I think I got it about 2 weeks ago. The cm on the phone was astonished that Coral Reef was still available, of course Le Cellier wasn't though.

I haven't yet. I can't wait. Hallowishes were so good. I am very much looking forward to the Christmas spin on it!

I have looked up some of the Christmas videos from Disneyworld on youtube, but others am I waiting to see in person for the first time. I am thinking it is even more magical when you don't know what is coming.

 

[Nermel9]

I think I got it about 2 weeks ago. The cm on the phone was astonished that Coral Reef was still available, of course Le Cellier wasn't though.

I haven't yet. I can't wait. Hallowishes were so good. I am very much looking forward to the Christmas spin on it!

I have looked up some of the Christmas videos from Disneyworld on youtube, but others am I waiting to see in person for the first time. I am thinking it is even more magical when you don't know what is coming.

Haha, I'm not surprised Le Cellier wasn't available!

You are going to LOVE Holiday Wishes! I keep reading how Hallowishes are the best fireworks at Disney, and no, I haven't seen them, but I don't get how anything could be better than Holiday Wishes!

Noooo, don't look at youtube Christmas Disney videos, wait to be there in person!!! It really is so much better seeing it all for the first time in person! Especially the castle and the Osborne lights!

 

[MaryAz]

Here I am, how fun to go with your Mom!!! The girls and i will be there by ourselves the 16-22nd. We have different plans for most of the days but overlap on DHS on the 21st. Hope we run into you!!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

That is awesome that you were able to get a CP package!

 

[laashley]

Haha, I'm not surprised Le Cellier wasn't available!

You are going to LOVE Holiday Wishes! I keep reading how Hallowishes are the best fireworks at Disney, and no, I haven't seen them, but I don't get how anything could be better than Holiday Wishes!

Noooo, don't look at youtube Christmas Disney videos, wait to be there in person!!! It really is so much better seeing it all for the first time in person! Especially the castle and the Osborne lights!

I will try not to youtube them, it is just so darn hard!

I love Halloween, but Christmas is my favorite holiday, so I am especially looking forward to Holiday Wishes. I'll have to let you know how they compared.

Here I am, how fun to go with your Mom!!! The girls and i will be there by ourselves the 16-22nd. We have different plans for most of the days but overlap on DHS on the 21st. Hope we run into you!!

Thanks for joining in Mary! Hope we run into you as well!

I can't wait to share this with my mom. She has no clue all I have in store for us.

That is awesome that you were able to get a CP package!

I was so stoked. I really didn't think anything would be available and then to get Coral Reef. I just know that getting the package will be so worth it.

 

[MeMom]

Thanks for joining in Mary! Hope we run into you as well!

I hope you guys work it out to meet. DIS meets are fun, and it is cute to see how the kids just make friends so quickly. Maybe you could see a show together or something.

 

[skier_pete]

Hey there - just caught your PTR for December. Looks like good plans to me. Just remember to keep your plan realistic. The crowds will start to get insane. We went to MK for the Christmas parade on 12/19 (Saturday) last year, and the # of people streaming into the park all day was crazy. For someone used to going at off-peak, it was a lot to deal with.

And I do agree with your comment about how crazy it is to deal with Christmas plans at the same time you are leaving for a vacation. We did it last year, and while the trip was great, it was so disrupted and made Christmas even more stressful than it normally is, it really turned us off to the idea of going back for the holidays anytime soon.

Personally, I don't think you're missing much with the "Sleigh ride" because, I'm sorry - it's not a sleigh ride if there isn't actually...you know...SNOW. To me it's just a Christmas themed carriage ride. A sleigh would throw an awful lot of sparks off the pavement! That combined with how inconvenient it is to get in and out of Fort Wilderness, I would skip it, there will be plenty of Christmas stuff to see.

 

[laashley]

I hope you guys work it out to meet. DIS meets are fun, and it is cute to see how the kids just make friends so quickly. Maybe you could see a show together or something.

Unfortunately we did not meet. I wish we would have made a plan for a quick meet.

Hey there - just caught your PTR for December. Looks like good plans to me. Just remember to keep your plan realistic. The crowds will start to get insane. We went to MK for the Christmas parade on 12/19 (Saturday) last year, and the # of people streaming into the park all day was crazy. For someone used to going at off-peak, it was a lot to deal with.

And I do agree with your comment about how crazy it is to deal with Christmas plans at the same time you are leaving for a vacation. We did it last year, and while the trip was great, it was so disrupted and made Christmas even more stressful than it normally is, it really turned us off to the idea of going back for the holidays anytime soon.

Personally, I don't think you're missing much with the "Sleigh ride" because, I'm sorry - it's not a sleigh ride if there isn't actually...you know...SNOW. To me it's just a Christmas themed carriage ride. A sleigh would throw an awful lot of sparks off the pavement! That combined with how inconvenient it is to get in and out of Fort Wilderness, I would skip it, there will be plenty of Christmas stuff to see.

Thanks Pete. I took some of your advice and didn't do the sleigh ride. My thinking the entire trip was to enjoy what we were able to do. Of course, still came home with a few regrets, but nothing too big. I will say that on our MK day leaving to go to breakfast I felt like a fish swimming upstream. I knew when we made it back to MK I was in for some lines, but I was armed with fastpasses!

 

[laashley]

I really can’t believe how long it has taken me to return to my own tr. I have been a bit better at keeping up with others, but mine has been severely neglected. I am going to try my best to finish this report and then go straight to the December trip. So, please come back and join me as I get back to our arrival day in October. So far we have only made it to Crestview, Florida which is only 4 hours from the house. To sum it up, the drive was good , but the Jameson Inn wasn’t the most pleasurable experience.

October 16- Part One

I set the alarm for 7am, so that we could be on the road early. I was hoping for us to be driving through the Disney sign at 4pm. We were ready pretty quickly and went downstairs for the continental breakfast, which was included with the room. There wasn’t many tables and all were taken. Thankfully, by the time we had picked out our food a little table was available. We enjoyed our breakfast of biscuits, muffins, cereal, and juice. By 8:15 we were on the road headed for WDW!

I snapped a couple of pictures of the kids all ready for the drive. The headphones were on, snack in hand, and dvd player on!

First stop was just an hour after we left, kids needed a potty break. We stopped at a rest area and took a few pictures.

Wasn’t long and we were back on the road.

The drive was going by pretty quickly and before I knew it we were in Lake City and pulling into a McDonalds to eat. After eating the kids were asking for a milkshake, so I told them we would get one to share. Chris went out to get something from the car while I ordered the shake. Chris came back in and we were still waiting for that shake. Finally, we got it and out the door we went. As soon as I walk out the door I notice a car honking. What are they honking at? Well, a car with the door wide open and guess what that is our car!! I run to the car to the close the door to let the man pull into the spot. Then all I can think is what if someone stole something, like my brand new camera or the gps or cash that was in the console. Of course, I am also glaring at Chris with the biggest what the h e double hockey sticks is wrong with you. He then asked if I left the door open. Um, no! You did when we you went to the car a few minutes ago. He then apologized, and somehow we were already getting a dose of some pixie dust as nothing was stolen. I got over the mistake quickly, but wow did we get lucky.

It was 1:30 and we were making good time, but then Chris realized that I had forgotten the ice chest. Now we had to add a quick stop at Target on the way in to our itinerary! At 3:45 we pulled into the Target and ran in to get the ice chest. The kids had to do a little souvenier shopping. I had held on to their allowance for the past couple of months and they had $30 each, plus Noah had some birthday money leftover. Chloe spent 2/3 of her money on a Minnie stuffed animal and Belle figurine. Noah chose a big-head Mickey plush and a Mickey figurine.

A few minutes after our Target trip we saw.

And then.

Woohoo!

4:30 we pulled into Port Orleans Riverside.

Yay, finally, we’re here!!! (and not too bad on time) Oh, I did count the times the kids asked “Are we there yet?” 13 total, which I thought wasn’t too terribly awful for a 10.5 hour drive over 2 days.

Check-in was a breeze, I had done on-line check-in and there was barely anyone in there.

So glad they have cartoons for the kids. I am certain that when it is busy it is a lifesaver!

We were giving room 9067 in Oak Manor. My requests were granted- ground floor in Oak Manor. Yay! I walked with the kids over to our room, while Chris pulled the car around to the room.

Chris and I had stayed at POR in 2000, but I really didn’t remember much about it (well, except they were doing major renovating and how loud that was!). The resort is absolutely beautiful, peaceful!



Continued here...

 

[laashley]

Oak Manor

The room

First towel creation.

The view out our window.

While Chris was unpacking the car the kids and I decorated the window.

Unfortunately, when I went to pull the blinds up the cord broke. Thankfully, the cord could still be used, but it was just really short when you let the blind all the way down. Ten years took it’s toll on those blinds, that cord was brittle. Finally, the car was all unpacked and we could rest. Right? Nope, we had a reservation for dinner soon!

Up next- A yummy meal and some entertainment!