We're back!!
Just to recap the trip:
Cast:
Me: Chico - 35 Head trip-planner and keeper of "command central" - the essential planning, organizing and capturing system that practically requires its own plane ticket...
DW: Loving wife and certified Disney-Lover too! The glue that keeps this outfit together and running smoothly; also keeper, supplier and dispenser of the meds; non-coffee drinker.
DS: 6 yr old; lover of all things Stitch; Assumes Disney World is a birthright; is packing his own moolah this trip; got shopping genes from DW
Why we're here:
Why Not??
Life is too short; This year's been stressful and we're fortunate to be able to disappear down here for awhile and leave it all behind...
Back to the story...
Tuesday Dec 14- MVMCP tonight.
We get to sleep in!!!
Yeah right!...
Up at 7:12 that alarm hadnt been fixed yesterday, and it was going off, well, like clockwork
DW called the desk to complain and report it again,
She's a little more forceful with the front desk this morning...maybe has something to do with being wokenup on a sleep-in day?
and shortly we heard someone enter the room and disable the clock. We let DS sleep until 7:30 or so, as he was beginning to stir, and had slept fairly well tonight is planned to be late with MVMCP, so were keeping a light schedule today. But we did decide to have breakfast at the Polynesian Resort at Kona Café (Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!!!) PS for 9:00.
Showered, dressed and out to the car by 8:20 or so. DS had a chance to wake up with cartoons and was in quite good spirits. Helps too, that Stitch is coming with us, to the Poly, of course
Drove to the gates of MK, and missed the right hand merge for the resorts and bus traffic.
Someone's not paying attention here folks...
So we turned around and tried again. Parked and walked into the lobby Aloha!
Found our way to the second floor, and were struck by the beauty and lushness of the atrium. The gingerbread resort display was very well done, complete with Lilo and Stitch by the front doors, and 5 or 6 santas throughout the display as well! I love the Christmas decorations all over WDW!! We could spend the whole week just wandering around and exploring...
Checked in and were seated promptly, and ordered tonga toast and kona coffee for me (and Stitch, of course) the calabash breakfast for mom, and Minnies French toast for DS. Mmmmmm, Yummy!! It's making me hungry just thinking about Tonga toast!!
After breaky, we hopped on the monorail and checked out GF. Awed by the grandeur and immense volume of the lobby!. The birdcage and gingerbread house are enormous!! The latter houses a sweets shop. Too full from breaky, so we didn't buy anything - but it looked delicious! Walked around, then took the elevator back up to the second floor and waited for the monorail to visit the Contemporary.
It was a treat to finally enter the fourth floor via the monorail - we've never stayed here, and haven't taken the time to do this kind of lazy, check-out the sights morning, and we spent a half hour or so perusing the shops here.
Is it just me or does the main building of the Contemporary really show its age? My first impression of the interior was that of a sterile institution! I know I need to stay there before judging - just sharing my thoughts...
DS found a Castle play set that hed really like but it's $50 and way too enormous to take back home. - That and he doesnt have enough of his money left for a purchase of that size. Hes also eyeing anything Stitch related much like the pins yesterday at Epcot.
As we took the escalators back to the fourth floor, DW checked with the CM (Carl) at the podium if we could ride up front this time. He said hed see if it was available.
The next one was just pulling in, and the CM disappeared, and a small rush of people quickly descended around the doors. Another family of 5 walked quickly to the front car and entered, so we beagn to walk towards the rear, as the train was rather full.
The CM saw us as he was returning to the podium. We said "Thanks anyway..." wed just sit wherever as there were already people seated up front. He looked at us sternly and said No, you asked, and youll get.
He motioned for us to follow him, so we proceeded to the front, where he spoke with the pilot who looked a little confused, and then he (Carl) poked his head into the front car and asked the other family (of 5) to please leave as there were already people waiting to sit up front.
A woman and her daughter were already in the far side, and with only room for 4 passengers in the front car, DS and I climbed in, and mom took a seat in the car behind.
The other family looked POd to be asked to move
Im sure they complained about it to themselves later in the day but I was impressed with Carls integrity and dedication. We had asked, and he was going to see to it that our request was honored. Disney Magic at its finest. 
DS and I both got our Monorail Co-Pilot licences and I took a couple of unique pictures from our vantage point. (See the trip photos - link below) A special start to our day!
Back at the Poly we stopped at the shops and I bought a Mickey mug and a Mickey shaped cookie cutter. Drove home shortly after 11:00.
Lounged for a bit, then hit the pillows alarm set for 2:45 with a 3:15ish departure time for MVMCP.
Gotta have that nappy before MVMCP - we don't want any tired campers tonight!!
Mom slept, I dozed and DS tried his best to sleep in the middle of the day. He was still for about an hour, then itchy and restless thanks to his rash and illness. We were all up by 2:00.
Oh well, better than nothing...
Dressed ready for an arctic chill in the MK, mom had 4 layers on,
I know we're from Winnipeg - or Winterpeg as many call it, but we don't do cold very well - especially not on a Florida vacation!! You'll note, though, that we came prepared for it... and no, this is not like summer back home!
I had my pullover and jacket and DS had his new fleece and jacket too. Gloves are a must tonight as the temp is supposed to hit low 30s risk of frost and a windchill warning in effect!!.
The weather channel is really playing up the snow in NY (24 in places) and how COLD it is in the South - recommending people "cover their shrubs". Geez, grow up people!!
Sorry! - but I know its a slow news day and all, but covering your shrubs? Really! You're only creating fear and panic...
We donned our Christmas hats and headed for the bus extra batteries, tapes, and itinerary at hand. We've got a PS for Crystal Palace but not sure if DS is up to eating much. Bus ride over is easy, but DS is losing steam quickly. He's lethargic, and quiet, with no pep or zing tohim at all!!
Hopefully supper picks him up.
We decide to try Tonys Town Square Restaurant. Get to the gate at 3:50 CM's are not letting us in til 4:00.
Get in, but there's no wristbands yet. Stations are set up at the catsle hub.
Get our free stroller (a double) (That's right - Strollers are FREE on nights like this!!) and I check in at Tonys and have no trouble making a PS for 4:30 when they will open for supper.
Off to the hub we go to get our wristbands, take some pictures at the hub (offer to a take a picture of an older couple for them if theyll take ours they seem genuinely happy to have the offer) then back down Main Street to wait for our supper.
Inside the lobby we are met by the Dapper Dans saw them Sunday just before the parade- and they sing a few Christmas carrols. Wow! what Magic!
They introduce themselves to the seated guests waiting, and lead into the theme song from Lady and the Tramp; Bella Notte!... Four part harmony never sounded so good, or set the mood for a dinner before! Auntie K would have been in heaven!
This opens the restaurant, and quickly the servers come out to claim their guests for the meal. Ed is our server and he seats us in the main room close to the statues of Lady and Tramp (wearing holiday scarves of course!) We both order spaghetti how could you not for your first visit to Tonys? and split a Caesar salad to start. DS has a pepperoni pizza, and lemonade.
Ed brings out some bread and a sun-dried tomato pesto for dipping. Outta this world! We could have just had bread and pesto and been content!
DS tells me he has to go to the bathroom and his urgency is strange he usually doesnt sound this way. Luckily we arent far away, so we get into the stall and he sits but hes sad to discover hes gone a bit in his underwear.
Poor kid!! His system isnt running 100%.
I flip the undies inside out and tell him well get him new ones after supper. Hes fine with all this- didnt even get upset about the mess in his shorts you know hes not feeling well
Sorry to mix supper and bodily functions, but that was our trip!!...
Back to the meal...
The meatballs on the spaghetti are HUGE!! Mom cant eat all hers, and DS turns down any food hes pale and just cuddles with mom. We may have an early night. I ask Ed for the recipe for the pesto and hes happy to oblige!! He was a great server!
We finish up and make our way up Main Street. Stop in the Emporium for some new undies for DS. We also pick up a fleece blanket. Smart thinking that mom
Washrooms behind Caseys serve as a changeroom, and were good to go. This seems to perk DS up, so its into Tommorwland and get seats for Mickeys 6:15 show. Sit on the aisle so DS can see. Theatre is SRO by show time. The orchestra is not out this year - IT'S TOO COLD!!
We love this show, same cast as last year. DS is really into this story this year and had a blast once he realized the storyline!! (He chose the Night Before Christmas as a book to read to his first grade class - so he's as proud as a peacock watching the actors...)
Off to Tea cups afterwards. Not crowded at all. No heavy spinning allowed tonight, but DS is his old self again!!
We want to visit Fantasyland first before the crowds get here, so we park the stroller by Pooh, and check Dumbos line up. Theres no one in line!! No one anywhere in this area yet!!
The place is like a ghost town!!
Its like having the park to ourselves.. We ride Dumbo, then Snow White, back to Pooh, then over to Peter Pan. No lines anywhere! Mickeys Philharmagic too, and its only 7:20!!
Stop and get a picture taken with Donald at his tree lot, then ride Haunted Mansion.
Get cocoa and cookies and since there is a marching band parading on the main street of Frontierland, we make our way to catch Belles Enchanted Christmas. What a cute show!! Belle is amazing with the kids!!
DS wanted to ride Aladdin after the tea cups but we explain our theory tonight and so well wait until after the fireworks to do Adventurland.
Its first parade time so we ride Stitch then Buzz then make our way through the Plaza pavilion to the west side of Main Street, just where the path from Crystal Palace meets the Street. Great location for Wishes, and although the hub and all of Main Street are crowded, no one is around us!! Were in our own private island of space right on the street!!
People are leaving even once the fireworks start it's so cold- but we got excellent video and pictures to prove how well our vantage point worked out!! Never once felt crowded, and DS stayed bundled up in the stroller the entire time and could see everything thats how much room we had in front of us!!
Wishes was fantastic again!! WOW
Adventureland is fairly vacant as we enter, and we watch many people leaving. We ride Aladdin then decide to backtrack to get the family photos done its 9:50 by the time we finish. Thought we try Country Bears but DS just wants to rest, so we find a spot along the street in frontierland on the elevated sidewalk in front of the Mercantile store to park and sit and wait. Popcorn and hot chocolate help to keep us warm and were in awe of the half naked people walking around. Hello? Its almost 34 out here??
Must be from Canada...
DS sleeps, and we visit with a coulple from Chicago who thought they brought the weather down with them until I tell them were from Winnipeg (Kindred souls) The Aussies on the otherside of us are cold dads in shorts
We've got ourselves a windchill down here, Jim, You'd better be covering them shrubs tonight...
Parade starts on Main Street so our wait is longer than we thought, and our vantage point isnt that great either. Mental note, make sure the street is lit well, for videotaping and pictures. Also keep in mind LiMH batteries dont work very well in the cold DOH!!
We wake DS for the parade and bundle him between us. He really wants to see this one. The ending is worth the wait, as Stitch is riding on Santas float to wrap it all up!! Merry Christmas!! (and the camera batteries run out just after that last float more Magic? Or just plain lucky?)
We decide to skip the Castle show and head down Main Street and out of the Park. DS walks from the exit to the bus and seems okay- falls asleep during the ride home. Checked the clock on Main Street as we passed 11:30 home by 12:09. Not bad at all
And one heck of a lot better than last years puppy fiasco
Gnight Tomorrow is a real DAY OFF!!
Link to our trip Photo Album!!
Just to recap the trip:
Cast:
Me: Chico - 35 Head trip-planner and keeper of "command central" - the essential planning, organizing and capturing system that practically requires its own plane ticket...
DW: Loving wife and certified Disney-Lover too! The glue that keeps this outfit together and running smoothly; also keeper, supplier and dispenser of the meds; non-coffee drinker.
DS: 6 yr old; lover of all things Stitch; Assumes Disney World is a birthright; is packing his own moolah this trip; got shopping genes from DW
Why we're here:
Why Not??
Life is too short; This year's been stressful and we're fortunate to be able to disappear down here for awhile and leave it all behind...
Back to the story...
Tuesday Dec 14- MVMCP tonight.
We get to sleep in!!!
Yeah right!...
Up at 7:12 that alarm hadnt been fixed yesterday, and it was going off, well, like clockwork
DW called the desk to complain and report it again,
She's a little more forceful with the front desk this morning...maybe has something to do with being wokenup on a sleep-in day?
and shortly we heard someone enter the room and disable the clock. We let DS sleep until 7:30 or so, as he was beginning to stir, and had slept fairly well tonight is planned to be late with MVMCP, so were keeping a light schedule today. But we did decide to have breakfast at the Polynesian Resort at Kona Café (Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!!!) PS for 9:00.
Showered, dressed and out to the car by 8:20 or so. DS had a chance to wake up with cartoons and was in quite good spirits. Helps too, that Stitch is coming with us, to the Poly, of course
Drove to the gates of MK, and missed the right hand merge for the resorts and bus traffic.
Someone's not paying attention here folks...
So we turned around and tried again. Parked and walked into the lobby Aloha!
Found our way to the second floor, and were struck by the beauty and lushness of the atrium. The gingerbread resort display was very well done, complete with Lilo and Stitch by the front doors, and 5 or 6 santas throughout the display as well! I love the Christmas decorations all over WDW!! We could spend the whole week just wandering around and exploring...
Checked in and were seated promptly, and ordered tonga toast and kona coffee for me (and Stitch, of course) the calabash breakfast for mom, and Minnies French toast for DS. Mmmmmm, Yummy!! It's making me hungry just thinking about Tonga toast!!
After breaky, we hopped on the monorail and checked out GF. Awed by the grandeur and immense volume of the lobby!. The birdcage and gingerbread house are enormous!! The latter houses a sweets shop. Too full from breaky, so we didn't buy anything - but it looked delicious! Walked around, then took the elevator back up to the second floor and waited for the monorail to visit the Contemporary.
It was a treat to finally enter the fourth floor via the monorail - we've never stayed here, and haven't taken the time to do this kind of lazy, check-out the sights morning, and we spent a half hour or so perusing the shops here.
Is it just me or does the main building of the Contemporary really show its age? My first impression of the interior was that of a sterile institution! I know I need to stay there before judging - just sharing my thoughts...
DS found a Castle play set that hed really like but it's $50 and way too enormous to take back home. - That and he doesnt have enough of his money left for a purchase of that size. Hes also eyeing anything Stitch related much like the pins yesterday at Epcot.
As we took the escalators back to the fourth floor, DW checked with the CM (Carl) at the podium if we could ride up front this time. He said hed see if it was available.
The next one was just pulling in, and the CM disappeared, and a small rush of people quickly descended around the doors. Another family of 5 walked quickly to the front car and entered, so we beagn to walk towards the rear, as the train was rather full.
The CM saw us as he was returning to the podium. We said "Thanks anyway..." wed just sit wherever as there were already people seated up front. He looked at us sternly and said No, you asked, and youll get.
He motioned for us to follow him, so we proceeded to the front, where he spoke with the pilot who looked a little confused, and then he (Carl) poked his head into the front car and asked the other family (of 5) to please leave as there were already people waiting to sit up front.
A woman and her daughter were already in the far side, and with only room for 4 passengers in the front car, DS and I climbed in, and mom took a seat in the car behind.
The other family looked POd to be asked to move
Im sure they complained about it to themselves later in the day but I was impressed with Carls integrity and dedication. We had asked, and he was going to see to it that our request was honored. Disney Magic at its finest. DS and I both got our Monorail Co-Pilot licences and I took a couple of unique pictures from our vantage point. (See the trip photos - link below) A special start to our day!
Back at the Poly we stopped at the shops and I bought a Mickey mug and a Mickey shaped cookie cutter. Drove home shortly after 11:00.
Lounged for a bit, then hit the pillows alarm set for 2:45 with a 3:15ish departure time for MVMCP.
Gotta have that nappy before MVMCP - we don't want any tired campers tonight!!
Mom slept, I dozed and DS tried his best to sleep in the middle of the day. He was still for about an hour, then itchy and restless thanks to his rash and illness. We were all up by 2:00.
Oh well, better than nothing...
Dressed ready for an arctic chill in the MK, mom had 4 layers on,
I know we're from Winnipeg - or Winterpeg as many call it, but we don't do cold very well - especially not on a Florida vacation!! You'll note, though, that we came prepared for it... and no, this is not like summer back home!
I had my pullover and jacket and DS had his new fleece and jacket too. Gloves are a must tonight as the temp is supposed to hit low 30s risk of frost and a windchill warning in effect!!.
The weather channel is really playing up the snow in NY (24 in places) and how COLD it is in the South - recommending people "cover their shrubs". Geez, grow up people!!
Sorry! - but I know its a slow news day and all, but covering your shrubs? Really! You're only creating fear and panic...
We donned our Christmas hats and headed for the bus extra batteries, tapes, and itinerary at hand. We've got a PS for Crystal Palace but not sure if DS is up to eating much. Bus ride over is easy, but DS is losing steam quickly. He's lethargic, and quiet, with no pep or zing tohim at all!!
Hopefully supper picks him up. We decide to try Tonys Town Square Restaurant. Get to the gate at 3:50 CM's are not letting us in til 4:00.
Get in, but there's no wristbands yet. Stations are set up at the catsle hub.
Get our free stroller (a double) (That's right - Strollers are FREE on nights like this!!) and I check in at Tonys and have no trouble making a PS for 4:30 when they will open for supper.
Off to the hub we go to get our wristbands, take some pictures at the hub (offer to a take a picture of an older couple for them if theyll take ours they seem genuinely happy to have the offer) then back down Main Street to wait for our supper.
Inside the lobby we are met by the Dapper Dans saw them Sunday just before the parade- and they sing a few Christmas carrols. Wow! what Magic!
They introduce themselves to the seated guests waiting, and lead into the theme song from Lady and the Tramp; Bella Notte!... Four part harmony never sounded so good, or set the mood for a dinner before! Auntie K would have been in heaven!
This opens the restaurant, and quickly the servers come out to claim their guests for the meal. Ed is our server and he seats us in the main room close to the statues of Lady and Tramp (wearing holiday scarves of course!) We both order spaghetti how could you not for your first visit to Tonys? and split a Caesar salad to start. DS has a pepperoni pizza, and lemonade.
Ed brings out some bread and a sun-dried tomato pesto for dipping. Outta this world! We could have just had bread and pesto and been content!
DS tells me he has to go to the bathroom and his urgency is strange he usually doesnt sound this way. Luckily we arent far away, so we get into the stall and he sits but hes sad to discover hes gone a bit in his underwear.
Poor kid!! His system isnt running 100%.
I flip the undies inside out and tell him well get him new ones after supper. Hes fine with all this- didnt even get upset about the mess in his shorts you know hes not feeling well
Sorry to mix supper and bodily functions, but that was our trip!!...
Back to the meal...
The meatballs on the spaghetti are HUGE!! Mom cant eat all hers, and DS turns down any food hes pale and just cuddles with mom. We may have an early night. I ask Ed for the recipe for the pesto and hes happy to oblige!! He was a great server!
We finish up and make our way up Main Street. Stop in the Emporium for some new undies for DS. We also pick up a fleece blanket. Smart thinking that mom
Washrooms behind Caseys serve as a changeroom, and were good to go. This seems to perk DS up, so its into Tommorwland and get seats for Mickeys 6:15 show. Sit on the aisle so DS can see. Theatre is SRO by show time. The orchestra is not out this year - IT'S TOO COLD!!
We love this show, same cast as last year. DS is really into this story this year and had a blast once he realized the storyline!! (He chose the Night Before Christmas as a book to read to his first grade class - so he's as proud as a peacock watching the actors...)
Off to Tea cups afterwards. Not crowded at all. No heavy spinning allowed tonight, but DS is his old self again!!
We want to visit Fantasyland first before the crowds get here, so we park the stroller by Pooh, and check Dumbos line up. Theres no one in line!! No one anywhere in this area yet!!
The place is like a ghost town!!
Its like having the park to ourselves.. We ride Dumbo, then Snow White, back to Pooh, then over to Peter Pan. No lines anywhere! Mickeys Philharmagic too, and its only 7:20!!
Stop and get a picture taken with Donald at his tree lot, then ride Haunted Mansion.
Get cocoa and cookies and since there is a marching band parading on the main street of Frontierland, we make our way to catch Belles Enchanted Christmas. What a cute show!! Belle is amazing with the kids!!
DS wanted to ride Aladdin after the tea cups but we explain our theory tonight and so well wait until after the fireworks to do Adventurland.
Its first parade time so we ride Stitch then Buzz then make our way through the Plaza pavilion to the west side of Main Street, just where the path from Crystal Palace meets the Street. Great location for Wishes, and although the hub and all of Main Street are crowded, no one is around us!! Were in our own private island of space right on the street!!
People are leaving even once the fireworks start it's so cold- but we got excellent video and pictures to prove how well our vantage point worked out!! Never once felt crowded, and DS stayed bundled up in the stroller the entire time and could see everything thats how much room we had in front of us!!
Wishes was fantastic again!! WOW
Adventureland is fairly vacant as we enter, and we watch many people leaving. We ride Aladdin then decide to backtrack to get the family photos done its 9:50 by the time we finish. Thought we try Country Bears but DS just wants to rest, so we find a spot along the street in frontierland on the elevated sidewalk in front of the Mercantile store to park and sit and wait. Popcorn and hot chocolate help to keep us warm and were in awe of the half naked people walking around. Hello? Its almost 34 out here??
Must be from Canada...
DS sleeps, and we visit with a coulple from Chicago who thought they brought the weather down with them until I tell them were from Winnipeg
(Kindred souls) The Aussies on the otherside of us are cold dads in shorts
We've got ourselves a windchill down here, Jim, You'd better be covering them shrubs tonight...
Parade starts on Main Street so our wait is longer than we thought, and our vantage point isnt that great either. Mental note, make sure the street is lit well, for videotaping and pictures. Also keep in mind LiMH batteries dont work very well in the cold DOH!!
We wake DS for the parade and bundle him between us. He really wants to see this one. The ending is worth the wait, as Stitch is riding on Santas float to wrap it all up!! Merry Christmas!! (and the camera batteries run out just after that last float more Magic? Or just plain lucky?)
We decide to skip the Castle show and head down Main Street and out of the Park. DS walks from the exit to the bus and seems okay- falls asleep during the ride home. Checked the clock on Main Street as we passed 11:30 home by 12:09. Not bad at all
And one heck of a lot better than last years puppy fiasco
Gnight Tomorrow is a real DAY OFF!!
Link to our trip Photo Album!!
