Celebrating Christmas with the Urchins -- UPDATE -- SURPRISE

[KatMark]

Okay, as of 10:00 p.m., I am caught up on ALL of my subscribed threads.

I will get to replies and an update on this PTR tomorrow...I promise (and I'll do replies on my finished TR as well).

I didn't realize taking a weekend away to see the kids would put me so far behind everywhere and then came back to one crisis after another at the office.

Thanks for sticking with me.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Okay, as of 10:00 p.m., I am caught up on ALL of my subscribed threads.

I will get to replies and an update on this PTR tomorrow...I promise (and I'll do replies on my finished TR as well).

I didn't realize taking a weekend away to see the kids would put me so far behind everywhere and then came back to one crisis after another at the office.

Thanks for sticking with me.

hope you got things at work settled!


do you have plans yet in place for the big DISmeet at MVMCP? want to make sure we don't miss out on it

 

[Chicago Mo]

I was going to check in on you today too! Make sure you OK...

Still around can't get rid of me that easily...

 

[KatMark]

I did notice that regular FP were out early in the day !!So I am assuming FP+ is using up the slots !! I liked that you could get into the Character spots with FP+ but I found that the time choices were not to good !!

I'm just not sold on this at all.

I have my FP+ picked out for Epcot and they are Soarin, TT and SE!! I also want to see the Santas around the World !! That and Osborne lights and the Christmas Party are my Highlights

I see they've now added the "limited" selection for the Studios to go with the limited selection at Epcot. UGH!

Yay for Magic Bands! I cannot wait until we get ours - but that won't happen for quite some time yet.

I'm not sold on them yet and not sure I will be. I guess the bands aren't so bad (although Mark is not happy about having to wear the darn thing all day long); but this new FP+ thing stinks as far as I'm concerned.

I hope to try WCC for breakfast some day - however that probably won't happen until I get a holiday trip. We'll see though.

I'm actually looking forward to it which is surprising since we hated dinner there.

Did Garden Grill start taking lunch reservations? Granted it's been a little over a year since we've eaten there - but I thought they only started serving at 4pm??? I sure hope they did, because we love eating there!

D~

I think it's only because of the holiday season that we got Garden Grill at 3 in the afternoon, D. It's been a long time since Mark and I ate there.

You know you never have to apologize for being behind to me Kathy!

Thanks, Judy.

Finished your TR and half way through your PTR! I can't keep up! You wil be in one of my FAVORITE parks for Christmas...how exciting!

We love Christmas at Disney...so much fun. And Andy will be there right after Christmas through the New Year.

ohhh. the plans look DELIGHTFUL!!!!
still have NOT done garden grill... May this time around.. there is going to be a lot of firsts this trip!

It's been a good 12-15 years since we ate there; I'll be sure to let you know what we think.

yay for getting your MB's! don't stress about the FP+ Kathy, it will be good! we can't wait to experience Epcot and see all the Storytellers, Candlelight Processional and the holiday Illuminations! Epcot is our 2nd favorite park and have 3 full days planned for it!

I am stressing...I think it is going to be all screwed up. And trust me they will hear it if it is. We have the CP as well, but we may skip Illuminations...we just aren't fans.

Magic Bands!!! I will wear one someday! I do hope it is not an aggravation for you to get everything from your AP's put onto the magic bands.

I can deal with the MB's, but just hope my FP's transfer over.


You get to go on Figment!!! WE didn't get to go on it this last time. I am hearing from multiple sources that the ride if going away for good in the near future. Figment is a part of my childhood...I don't want him to go away!!!

Do not fret. According to Robert Iger at a conference in LA, Figment is going NOWHERE! I think they are still refurbing it, but Figment will not be leaving (so he says).

This whole FP+ thing seems like it is best described by a 2 word phrase that starts with cluster. I just don't have much faith in Disney technology having dealt with ADR's on their website in the past. I'm sure this is no better or more user friendly... and that's before it even comes down to the nuts and bolts of whether everything will even work once you get there.

I am expecting total disaster when we get there. And they will have two very irate customers if it is a disaster.

You had to have been there on the worst night ever. I mean there is absolutely no comparison to H&V. That is just wrong and disturbing.

Nope, it was that bad; and the service even worse!



Probably a couple of times after missing it in August.

3 excellent choices. I hope everything works out...

Yeah, that trust thing with Disney again.

Good choice. I want to eat here next year, but at the same time, there are so many other places we want to eat in EPCOT that it will be a hard decision.

It's so hard to choose at Epcot because there are so many good choices.

Absolutely! With all the storytellers in each of the country, she should have plenty of good material to use!

I agree; and then you have the films in the countries, the Kidcot stations...lots to do and learn for school.

 

[KatMark]

Yay for the magic bands arriving! I hope that things go more smoothly than you are expecting.

You and me both, Lisa. But I don't have high hopes with everything I've been reading.

We have had breakfast at Whispering Canyon and it was delicious! I wouldn't hesitate to go back again.

That is good to hear...always like to hear good reviews about a place I'm trying for the first time.

Jim and I found the MBs very easy to use and really liked them. The only hard part is remembering your times so I put each day on a small card and laminated them. I didn't want to rely on the MDE App in case it didn't work. I was glad I did that too because MDE was very spotty.

I always carry an itinerary with me that has everything on it so we should be good that way. I found MDE to be spotty in August as well.

Good luck with WCC. Hopefully it was just a off night when you were there. Mom and I loved it when we went last November.

Oh, we aren't doing dinner (I'll never eat dinner there again); we are doing breakfast and I think we will be fine.

I love your plans for Epcot. You probably saw this already but make sure you don't change any of your FP+ selections now because they are starting to limit people to 1 headliner a day at Epcot. If you try to change them now you may lose one.

Not touching those FP+ at any of the parks; I am hoping we even have them when we get there.

Garden Grill is now open for lunch?!?! That's good to know. I haven't eaten there in years because I'm ususally somewhere in World Showcase at dinner time and don't want to trek all the way back to the front of the park.

I think it is only because of the time of year; normally they don't open until 4 or 4:30.

Looks like a great day!!! We do have some of the same FP+ for this day... wondering if they are at the same time???

Which day are we talking about, Tammy? I am so confused. If we are talking about December 5, our FP+ times are: 10:10 - 11:10 for Soarin, 11:40 - 12:40 for Mission (which I won't be doing) and 12:50 - 1:50 for Test Track.

I totally agree with that. I loved having them and with Food and Wine is was really easy ( almost too easy ) to tap and go to pay for food. I found myself just putting everything to the room because it was so easy.

See this is part of it that bothers me...I don't like the idea of my credit card info being out there for EVERYONE!

I need to see if I can email the FP+ to myself somehow from the MDE. I did check out the kiosk in EPCOT once ( and it was faster) and I thought I had the option there. I ended up writing them down too since I could not pull up MDE fast enough.

The internet can be very slow at the parks.

Yup you can only pick either Soarin or test track not both now. Or at least for New years time frame.

I think this is going to be a permanent thing; but I understand since we already chose ours that we are grandfathered in. Thank God we did it early (and hopefully Mark's and mine work).

i heard there was a PTR going on here... so what have I missed?

You are late, you are late for a very important date. Hi, Tim...glad to have you here.

MaryAZ

Kathy Our AK and Epcot days are flip-flopped We are Dec.4th at Epcot and the 5th at AK (MVMCP that night) The 6th is our last day, and we are just going to resort hop I think I am sorry I am so late for your PTR Our MB came in today !!!!!

Love the color selections you made for your MB's. Darn our days are backwards. I'm hoping we still run into each other somewhere.

Hi Kathy (and Mary) subbing in - better late than never. Now to go back and catch up on everything!

Terry, we are delighted to have you join us. And you aren't too late...this has been slow moving so I could get my TR done for our August trip.

 

[KatMark]

Your Epcot photos are making me so so so excited about our trip Thanks for sharing those

Sorry about the loss for you.

Welcome, and thank you. When are you there? If you see us, please say hello.

Just keepin' up!!!

Nothing to keep up on, I'm afraid. I'm getting there though.

Love the MB for Fuzz! Better than 'Trouble' I suppose (that's what Michael wanted on my MB) I'm still awaiting my MB to show up on my doorstep.

Did I explain what that was for? Mark always called Cookie "Fuzz" because after a bath she was fuzzy. He won't come right out and say it very often, but he really misses her. Michael should talk about TROUBLE...that should definitely be his for his next trip. Did yours arrive yet?

The pressure is on... I truly hope you enjoy your WCC breakfast. Ask for Jeffro (Jeff) if you want to guarantee a great experience.

Well, I got a second endorsement, so I think you will be safe. I will be sure to ask for Jeffro if he is there.

I'm going to be asking you about your Garden Grill lunch. I really want to try that but Em not so much. Are there characters at lunch?

I'm assuming we are getting the characters since they are only opening an hour earlier due to the busy time of year.

I'm looking forward to all the special holiday touches at Epcot. We'll just be arriving that day.

Let us know if you pop into Epcot; oh wait, nevermind. If you do, we will find you.

Okay, caught up here, too!

Hi, Toni-Marie; I'm glad you are here.

Jeepers, I missed a lot!

Oh...not too much, really.

Kathy, your plans all sound great so far!! Seeing your past pictures of Disney at Christmas, just makes me want to go even more during the Holidays! Though I've never been, I'm sure you'll have a blast at the Christmas party!!!

We loved the Christmas Party last year and it was the one thing I truly insisted on doing again this year.

Hooray for getting your Magic Bands!!! I was not all that optimistic about them before going either, and since I'm not even close to where I'll detail our full experiences with them in my TR, I will tell you, in short, that we loved using them in September! They were SO convenient and while I do think Disney may have some things to iron out overall and with the FP+ system, from hearing other's reports, we had very few problems using them during the trip! We never had any issues with using or changing FP+ times on the fly, and actually didn't need to pick up a single paper FP the whole trip! They were fantastic! I hope you have a positive experience with them, as well!!

This is good to hear. I'm mostly concerned that my FP+ selections get easily transfered when we pick up our AP's on our arrival day.

Also, I want to say "hi" to Mary! I haven't "met" you here on the DIS yet, I don't think, but wanted to say I loved your intros and your girls are just beautiful! I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your Lab, Faith! It really is one of the most difficult things to have to experience. I am glad you all got to say good bye and I hope things are getting a little easier for you all!

They are beautiful girls, and very good girls too.

Looking forward to reading even more about this trip!!

Thanks.

I got a new computer after the great crash last week and have fallen behind again. So far our plans overlap a bit. We are doing MK and MVMCP the same day as you are and that Thursday is also an EPCOT day for us. We will have to try and run into each other. I will be very easy to spot. I need an ECV and it will be decorated for the holidays with Mickey lights and garland.

Oh, I'm so glad our plans overlap a bit. We are going to do a BIG DIS meet on the party night. I havent' gotten that far, but I figure we'd select a time and spot so at least every one can say hello.

I'm sorry to hear about your computer...I hate when that happens.

Your ECV will look great!

 

[KatMark]

The plans sound wonderful! We thought WCC was great for lunch. Never did breakfast or dinner there, though.

We could have had an off night for our dinner, but it was sooooo bad that we have no desire to go back; but I'm looking forward to breakfast.

The Storytellers are great! Even loved to just read the stories behind each country's Christmas traditions. But I will say, having done both MNSSHP and MVMCP, I prefer Halloween.

We were only able to catch one or two last December, and I'm looking forward to doing more this trip with the girls. We've done both too...and I prefer Christmas (but then I'm not a big Halloween fan although I love the colors and decorations).

Can't wait to hear more.

Hoping to get an update up today/tonight.

How exciting that your bands arrived!!! I am with you in just not being a total fan yet. However, I did use my band last month and it wasn't horrible.... but it was only for part of the trip.

I'm sure we will all know whether I am a fan or not at the end of this trip.

Still attempting to get caught up on your TR... It is a battle you are an updating machine!!!... but if you are nearing being done, maybe I can finally accomplish the task!!

Ann, please do not fret over that at all. If you just want to go and read all the links and make a few comments, I will totally understand.

Oh... forgot to say. I LOVE the christmas decorations. It is making me want to return for the holidays. Maybe in a few more years... maybe. Until then I will just have to ooh and ahh over your pictures

It truly has become my favorite time of year to go there.

That is why I am sooo excited about my trip next month!!I too have ooohed and ahhhed for way to long !!!

Rosie, you are going to love them.

Kathy any chance of meeting us for Piano Bob's on Friday 12/6 !! I promise to behave

Rosie, I've not had a chance to talk to Mary about this. We were planning on going to Epcot that night after the Osborne Lights; I'll keep you posted.

Our 2nd set of Magic Bands came yesterday. Since we are doing a split stay I guess we need 2. Hope I don't mix them up LOL. Avery has a meet early tomorrow morning- and its an hour away!! Not sure why we always get the first session. Cayley's is Sun late aft. So my whole weekend is shot LOL .Not sure if I mentioned it before but we leave next Sun for a week in Cozumel Mexico. My Hubby turned the big 40 this year and this was his birthday gift. We are doing all sorts of fun stuff like visiting a pearl farm, cooking with a local woman and climbing some pyramids.We are very excited. Hope everyone has a fun weekend!!

I was so happy to hear that Cayley did well at her meet!

Don't feel bad, Kathy! Even my two week trip FLEW by. There's just never enough Disney time! Great plans for Epcot! We've never been to Garden Grill so I'm interested in your opinion of it! It always intrigues me but there are so many great places to eat at in Epcot (and again, not enough time!) that we've never tried it! I'm thinking about making every night a Dinner At Epcot night on our next trip.... Maybe then we can FINALLY get to everything!

I am looking forward to GG; I will definitely give you my honest thoughts. I'm not a big fan of "family style", but here I think it will be okay. A dinner every night at Epcot? That's an interesting concept!

do the magic bands come the same times as the rest of your mickey mail? or are they seperate.

I don't get Mickey mail most of the time unless we do Magical Express (we rent DVC points so no Mickey mail for that). But I know they overnight the MB's so I assume they come separate.

Kathy: Enjoy your time in Dubuque!

We had a great time with the kids; they are coming to us for three days the day after Thanksgiving and I can't wait.

 

[tazdev3225]

Oh, I'm so glad our plans overlap a bit. We are going to do a BIG DIS meet on the party night. I havent' gotten that far, but I figure we'd select a time and spot so at least every one can say hello.

I'm sorry to hear about your computer...I hate when that happens.

Your ECV will look great!

I am looking forward to meeting everyone that will be there so my DH and I are in.

I knew I was going to need new computer unfortunately I didn't have a chance to back up all my spring and summer pics to a disc. So far it looks like I lost my grandsons preschool graduation and granddaughters dance recital. I am hoping I still have the memory card and didn't reformat it.

I do like to decorate the scooter since I have to be in it. At least that part makes me happy. I now have extra lights for it s I am going all out.

 

[KatMark]

A Craft Fair sounds like FUN!!!!

It was small, but we enjoyed it. I bought Alisha part of her Christmas gift so she was happy.

Enjoy the weekend and have a great time. Before you know it, your December trip will be here.

You mean "our" December trip.

have a great weekend with the kids Kathy

We had a good time with the kids...I love seeing them. Although I did end up doing work...I cleaned the entire kitchen (they have the whole house torn apart for remodeling and I couldn't stand the dirt ).

Kathy--What a great picture of the kids!!

Thanks, Tammy. I love that picture of them.

Can't wait to hear what you think of the magic bands!

Sounds like another great plan for another great day!

I iwll be sure to give a full report on them, Queen, and I'm sure Mary will let you know what she thinks too. I really think our plans turned out good.

Your plans sound great. We are all getting so close now.

We are soooooooooo close.

Have to bump this up for Kathy , she has been so busy!!

Between going away for the weekend and the office, I've been nuts. And we are painting this weekend so that cuts into most of my DIS time this weekend.

Kathy, your plans are looking so cool! I haven't considered Jiko because Ryan and Dana gave it thumbs down on their honeymoon. We aren't into the African seasonings much, I guess. I see there are more "ordinary" choices, so maybe we'll have to give it a shot - I will look forward to your review. I'm surprised you didn't like WCC - we had one of our best meals there, but we didn't go for the skillet everyone talks about. I had the pot roast and Jim had the meat loaf. I guess we were craving comfort food that day. I hope you enjoy your breakfast!

I'd not read many reviews of Jiko, but Brenda has given glowing reports. I figured we have to try it at least once. I'm hoping for a good experience. We had that awful skillet and Mark got sick on the meat in it. And the staff was very, very rude. I think breakfast will be fine as long as I stick with simple stuff.

 

[englishrose47]

Kathy no matter what we have to meet at some point , we will keep in touch each day to see when it will work. This trip will be easier than with a group as we can do more spontaneous stuff with a group of adults , well they are adults but you know what I mean !!!

 

[KatMark]

Your plans look great!! I love all the pictures . I do hope we get to meet you.

Thank you, Tracy. I definitely believe we will meet since we plan on meeting the goofy Tammy and clan.

Just stopping by to say hello and good morning... Some how I managed to fall behind here. Sorry about that.

So far your plans sound great, and I am anxious to hear about your MB experience.

I hope you had a great weekend in Dubuque!

D~

Hi, D. I certainly understand falling behind.

We had a good time with the kids and the animals. Can't wait to see them in two weeks when they come here (minus the animals!).

Mary and Kathy!

Hope your weekends went well!
Kathy i LOVED your updates on facebook!!!

I am still around checking on all of you!!!

Hi, Mo; thanks for being here despite my lack of being here. We had so much fun with the kids. I wish we saw them more often, but it's wrestling season and poor Alisha hardly sees her husband.

I know you are busy, just wanted to say

Hi, Judy. Update coming soon...I promise.

hope you got things at work settled!

It always gets a little nuts at the end of the year trying to close everything.

do you have plans yet in place for the big DISmeet at MVMCP? want to make sure we don't miss out on it

Nope, I figured that will be after all our daily plans and then I'll get that up.

I was going to check in on you today too! Make sure you OK...

Still around can't get rid of me that easily...

Yep, just super, super busy. And I wouldn't want to get rid of you.

 

[KatMark]

I am looking forward to meeting everyone that will be there so my DH and I are in.

Awesome!

I knew I was going to need new computer unfortunately I didn't have a chance to back up all my spring and summer pics to a disc. So far it looks like I lost my grandsons preschool graduation and granddaughters dance recital. I am hoping I still have the memory card and didn't reformat it.

I hope you find the pictures.

I do like to decorate the scooter since I have to be in it. At least that part makes me happy. I now have extra lights for it s I am going all out.

Sounds like it will be great.

Kathy no matter what we have to meet at some point , we will keep in touch each day to see when it will work. This trip will be easier than with a group as we can do more spontaneous stuff with a group of adults , well they are adults but you know what I mean !!!

Rosie, I promise we will work something out.

 

[KatMark]

I again apologize for being so long in getting responses and an update done. We had a great visit with the kids and the animals. Although right now the big animal, Rolo the dog, is in BIG trouble with his mommy. He decided he needed to chew on 4 pairs of her shoes. Let's just say he is in the dog house right now.

So we are up to Friday and this is our Hollywood Studios Day.



Now those of you who have been reading my reports for awhile know, the Studios is our least favorite park of the four. But the Studios has something the other parks don't: THE OSBORNE LIGHTS! But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Going to miss having her there:



I'd like to make it by rope drop, if possible. I'm thinking we will grab something at Starring Rolls for breakfast (a cupcake to share?).



We have FP+ this day for the three big attractions: Rock & Roll Roller Coaster (Mary and I will sit this one out), Toy Story Mania (all of us will do this) and Tower of Terror (Mary and Mark will sit this one out).





I'm sure we will do this:



Mark and I will take Avery to do the Animation Class. Cayley will go and do something else with her mom at that time. Cayley is a perfectionist and would be very upset if she didn't draw perfectly so Mary feels it better she not do it until she is a little older.



I'm sure we will do Star Tours as well and maybe go see Beauty and the Beast.

We have lunch reservations here:


And I'm figuring with five of us we won't have any hitchhikers!

I would like to do some shopping at the Christmas store and look for my gift from my bosses wife while we are here too. I also want to be sure to get one or two of these as well:





Mary I think you will like these.


Up next, Osborne Lights

 

[annmarieda]

Our 2nd set of Magic Bands came yesterday. Since we are doing a split stay I guess we need 2. Hope I don't mix them up LOL. Avery has a meet early tomorrow morning- and its an hour away!! Not sure why we always get the first session. Cayley's is Sun late aft. So my whole weekend is shot LOL .Not sure if I mentioned it before but we leave next Sun for a week in Cozumel Mexico. My Hubby turned the big 40 this year and this was his birthday gift. We are doing all sorts of fun stuff like visiting a pearl farm, cooking with a local woman and climbing some pyramids.We are very excited. Hope everyone has a fun weekend!!

What fun! Enjoy your hubby's bday trip!!!

That is why I am sooo excited about my trip next month!!I too have ooohed and ahhhed for way to long !!!

I bet! I went a couple years ago and already I am feeling pulled back.

Okay, as of 10:00 p.m., I am caught up on ALL of my subscribed threads.

I will get to replies and an update on this PTR tomorrow...I promise (and I'll do replies on my finished TR as well).

I didn't realize taking a weekend away to see the kids would put me so far behind everywhere and then came back to one crisis after another at the office.

Thanks for sticking with me.

As bad as I have been keeping up with your TR, please know I am sticking with you!! I am amazed at how fast things can pile up, not just on dis, but everywhere.

Mark and I will take Avery to do the Animation Class. Cayley will go and do something else with her mom at that time. Cayley is a perfectionist and would be very upset if she didn't draw perfectly so Mary feels it better she not do it until she is a little older.

I don't think she is in the minority here. I think a lot of kids find it frustrating.

I also want to be sure to get one or two of these as well:

Is this the snowball? Looks VERY yummy!

All in all a great day planned!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Oooh Rolo better watch out! If he keeps that up, he'll never get out of the dog house.

It sounds like a fun day at Hollywood Studios even if it's not your favorite park. Osbourne Lights will be well worth sticking around for!

 

[englishrose47]

I like DHS because TSM is there and GMR !! Favs of mine !!I also love Beauty and the Beast !!!~ I really like Sci Fi too !!!Doing that on our trip too !!!Our Big Dog has been horrendous with the garbage can lately so we have started putting it up when we leave !!! Beats clearing up coffee grounds on a daily basis !!

 

[mommy2mrb]

I am stressing...I think it is going to be all screwed up. And trust me they will hear it if it is. We have the CP as well, but we may skip Illuminations...we just aren't fans.

Just keeping breathing, it will be fine! we don't always do Illuminations, but since its the holiday version going to watch it that night with our friends!

Nope, I figured that will be after all our daily plans and then I'll get that up.

bad puppy hope they can break him of that habit!

ok, just keep me in the loop if you post it after the 22nd since we are leaving that day, not sure how much I will be checking here, you can always text me


DHS day plans look's exactly like ours including lunch at Sci-Fi!

yum, need to get one of the cider drinks, love me some Capt Morgan

 

[MaryAz]

Ah DHS, I am with Kathy on this being my least favorite park. Avery does love R&R though. I am excited to see the lights and try a snowball!!! As Kathy mentioned Cayley had a fantastic meet on Sun. Scoring her first 9!! Got personal bests in all events in a tough group which included girls MUCH older. Avery had, well, it was not her best meet lets put it that way. It has been a hard season for her moving to a much more competitive group. She has also had some other issues going on. Both girls have their State Meet on Sat so any positive vibes you can send our way would be much appreciated. I will try and update on Sun before we leave on our trip.

 

[Chicago Mo]

Rolo needs a laser pointer...


The plans look WONDERFUL! i really hope you have a better time at Scifi this time around..

There is NOTHING like the site of the Osborn Lights!!! NOTHING!
The Disney Store is playing all the songs from the lights..

 

[mommy2mrb]

Ah DHS, I am with Kathy on this being my least favorite park. Avery does love R&R though. I am excited to see the lights and try a snowball!!! As Kathy mentioned Cayley had a fantastic meet on Sun. Scoring her first 9!! Got personal bests in all events in a tough group which included girls MUCH older. Avery had, well, it was not her best meet lets put it that way. It has been a hard season for her moving to a much more competitive group. She has also had some other issues going on. Both girls have their State Meet on Sat so any positive vibes you can send our way would be much appreciated. I will try and update on Sun before we leave on our trip.

great news about Cayley's meet! sure Avery will improve with time
have a great trip!