Christmas Magic: DH Finally Gets It!! Update: pg9 Last Day, Wrap up!

[Disneychix]

CUTE!! You got to meet several characters this day!! How fun!! Brady looks like he is in heaven!!

We get to meet more in the next update! He does like the characters but he's still very shy about touching them. He's incredibly shy even around humans ( ) so I think he did very well with the characters. The only total disaster was meeting Buzz and Woody at DHS. We got in line before we had breakfast and DH ended up taking him in himself. Brady just wasn't ready for larger than life Buzz and Woody at that moment!

Awww, those character pictures are adorable!

Great pictures from the Poly too.

Thanks! Can't wait to get my PP cd. Should be coming soon with the even better pics!

Wow. Those Poly. Photoshoot photos' are absolutely beautiful. They turned out great.

I love seeing the photos of the lil one interacting with Daisy. she's my fav.

I can't wait to read more, especially if it involves FOOD!

I didn't know Daisy was your fav! We actually have one book with Daisy in it so he did actually know who she was! We were lucky there wasn't hardly anyone around! Stitch was kinda just standing there till we walked over!

HI! Becky (ladybugmom) told me about your TR! I am all caught up. We are planning a Christmas trip in 2010, so I look forward to seeing how it was for you. LOVE the Poly pics. Your shirt is super cute. We just got back from a trip to the WL!!! It was sooo amazing. I love the resort. Looking forward to more

Thanks for joining me! I (and DH!) loved the WL. I'm so happy we were able to go at Christmastime. It was beautiful!

You're date night with DH sounds wonderful! It's amazing what that alone time can do for you. I am a SAHM, and as much as I love that job, it certainly makes me appreciate "grown-up" time!

How cool that you got to meet Daisy! I've heard that she's very rarely seen, and that's one of the reasons why I like the Tusker House b'fast: guaranteed Daisy time!

That video game sounds cool! Is is free? And you get to take it home and play it?

Hi! The video game is free to make and play. You send it 'home' with you by email. It's just a silly little thing but it's cool to do if you have a few free moments!
I work PT and on my days home I can't wait till DH comes home! I really do appreciate adult time when I can get it!

 

[Disneychix]

Hello again! When I last left you we were heading for an early dinner at the Garden Grill. I went back and forth in my decision to choose this place. I know that it's a terrible waste of the 2 dining credits we were using for the CP package but at the time I thought we might be paying OOP for this and with Brady we really like character dining. Plus, I've never been and always wondered about the 'spinning' restaurant!

On the walk over we stopped outside Canada to hear one of the holiday 'storytellers'. It was interesting but I wasn't overly entertained or blown away by the 'acting' if you KWIM.

When we got to the Land pavillion it was crowded! I think our ADR was 4:45 and we were there probably right on time. (oops, we tried to be early!) They gave us a pager and we waited maybe 5-10 mins tops. We were seated in a facing outside booth. I think that was one of the reasons I didn't enjoy this as much as I should have. It was hard to get up and see the characters when they came around. We had to leave Brady near the end of the booth (it was a half-circle shape facing out if you've never seen the place) but we couldn't put him at the end cause he'd escape so that meant when a character came around he had to leap over DH. It wasn't horrible and we did get a good view of the Land boat ride!
The food was actually pretty good! It is served family style and you can get more of the foods you want. This is the menu from the DIS but we actually had a different fish, it was tilapia. The dessert seemed different also, it was more of a cobbler than a puff pastry.
Chip & Dale Harvest Feast featuring Buttermilk biscuits and yeast rolls with Honey-Orange Blossom Butter, Flank Steak with Mushroom Cabernet au Jus, Rotisserie Turkey with Cranberry Relish, Fried Catfish, Home-style Potato casserole, Selection of Fresh Vegetables, and Very Berry Puff Pastry. Non-alcoholic beverage included.
We got seconds of the veggies (they were good!) and the fish and potatoes too. I feel that everything was a bit dry, maybe overcooked, but still edible and the sauces were very tastey. I forgot to add they did give Brady the mac and cheese for 'free' meaning it's not part of the adult menu and we didn't pay for a kids meal for him.
Here are the characters we saw. They actually came around 2 times! That was cool cause by the 2nd time around Brady liked them better!

Unfortunatly this is my only pic of mickey. My camera got put on a funny setting and it was kinda dark in there so my pics are a mess!

At this point Brady got down from the table and was in the little walkway around the restuarant. This is what I mean about having an outside table.

We scooted out of dinner and it was time for our FP for Soarin'. My mom took Brady on Living with the Land while DH and I went on Soarin. We ended up wating for awhile, not sure why, but it meant there was not enough time for my mom to get a ride after we went on (sorry momma!).
We all met back up and started our walk to the American Pavillion. We got in the line for people with the CP package, it wasn't too long and found some good seats in our section. It was filled up in there! Our 'celebrity' was John O'hurley. I just love him and he did a very good job. I was blown away by this show. It was spectactular! I like how Disney still allows the true story of Christmas to be told and that so many people show up to see it!
I don't have any pictures of CP cause DH video'd some of it but check it out on YouTube to see it for yourself. Watching the CP just added to the magic of WDW at the holidays! I'm so happy we were able to go at this time!

 

[aharbin88]

You know, I don't think I ever realized that Garden Grill was a Character Meal! That's good to know, since I'm always looking for ways to avoid standing in line to meet the characters. IMO, that's the biggest benefit to character meals: your park time can be devoted to rides and shows!

I can't wait to hear how you liked the CP, and how Brady did through it. I thought about going during our December trip this year, but I'm not sure I trust a 3 yo and a 16 mo during the show. They might cause me to lose my Christmas spirit!

 

[ladybugmom]

The Garden Grill looks like it was a lot of fun!! But sorry the booth was awkward for Brady--especially when the characters came around! The CP sounds incredible!! I cannot WAIT to see this in Dec.!!

 

[Disneychix]

You know, I don't think I ever realized that Garden Grill was a Character Meal! That's good to know, since I'm always looking for ways to avoid standing in line to meet the characters. IMO, that's the biggest benefit to character meals: your park time can be devoted to rides and shows!

I never really thought about GG before either. It turned out pretty well though! My mom loves turkey so she was very happy and Dh got his beef and we all loved the fish. The character interaction was good even with the akward seating.

The Garden Grill looks like it was a lot of fun!! But sorry the booth was awkward for Brady--especially when the characters came around! The CP sounds incredible!! I cannot WAIT to see this in Dec.!!

I wanna go again so badly in December. We haven't decided on a vacation yet this year but I do have an offer to join some friends in early Dec again. I sooo want to. It's sooo beautiful!

 

[Disneychix]

I wanted to take this opportunity to explain my TR title. Dh and I have been going to WDW yearly since we first started dating almost 10 years ago. Sometimes it's just for the day while we're vacationing in a different part of Fl. Sometimes it's more than 1x per year. One time it was Disneyland! But every trip DH just doesn't let on that he's excited. I plan and plan and I ask about where he wants to eat and what things he wants to do. He'll give answers and I laugh when he mixes up rides at Universal Studios with rides at DHS (horror!) or make arrangements for breakfast at FW cause he likes it even though it's so hard to get there! All these years though he's never let on that he GETS Disney. He just goes cause I book the vacations .

This trip I could tell he was different. Maybe it was the magic of the holidays? Maybe it was the fact that we finally got to stay at the WL and it was all decorated and pretty for Christmas? Maybe it was the extra long vacation he had due to having off for Thanksgiving and now the week after? Maybe it was the fact that the weather was perfect and not humid? I'm not sure what prompted this but DH had a sparkle about him! He seemed to be really appreciating all the work I put into planning the vacation and he was enjoying being with the family! He loved our room at the WL and now claims he'll never stay in a Value again (what have I created?). He never complained about the character meals and kiddie rides. He just really had a good time
After we got home DH even told me about a co-worker who was going to WDW and how this co-worker didn't get as good of a deal as we did and DH offered my services to help him plan his next vacation! WHAT?? DH is talking to co-workers about Disney?? I love it!

A very blurry picture of DH "Getting It"

 

[aharbin88]

Yay for DH "getting it!" That's so awesome, and also incredibly sweet.

That CM on the left looks like he "gets it," too.

 

[ladybugmom]

YAY!! That's awesome that you got a pic to remember that moment!!!

 

[Disneychix]

Yay for DH "getting it!" That's so awesome, and also incredibly sweet.

That CM on the left looks like he "gets it," too.

That CM is too funny!

YAY!! That's awesome that you got a pic to remember that moment!!!

Dh would probably be embarrassed that I posted that! I love that you can see the 'snow'! I wish snow was always made from bubbles!

 

[nantrev]

Love the resort pictures and your family pictures. We found that Christmas time at Disney World made it extra special also. Can't wait to read more

 

[Disneychix]

Love the resort pictures and your family pictures. We found that Christmas time at Disney World made it extra special also. Can't wait to read more

Hi! Thanks for joining in! I'm enjoying your TR also! I just LOVED all the decorations and the general atmoshphere at this time of the year The weather was great except for a few days of cooler temps and rain but even that was bearable! I'd rather put on a sweatshirt or coat than overheat in the HOT and Humid summer!

 

[Disneychix]

After our day at EPCOT we got back to the WL and made our way back to the rooms. It was still a bit early, maybe 8:30 or so. My mom decided she was staying in and watching tv so we got Brady ready for bed and decided we would go down to the hot-tub.
Again, we were the only ones in the hot-tub, a couple joined us soon after we got there and then we heard a couple LOUD rumbles of thunder and decided it was quitting time!
We had an early start at DHS in the morning so we all went to bed by 10:30 probably! DH might've stayed up watching tv but I was in dreamland!

The alarm woke us up to start our day at DHS. We were going to MVMCP that evening as well!
We didn't get out the door quite as early as I'd hoped but we wouldn't be too late after opening. We probably got there at 9:25ish. We headed straight for Toy Story Mania and got FP. I think they were for 12-1pm. We then split up and DH took DS to get in line to meet Woody and Buzz while Grammy and I went and got breakfast. We ended up at Starring Rolls, which was packed BTW, and grabbed coffees, juice, 2 bagels and a cinnamon roll. Everything was good but the roll would have been better heated up!
When Grammy and I got back we discovered DH and DS were next in line for Buzz and Woody. DH was managing the video camera and the Photogs while DS was being sooo shy! I told the CM at the exit door that they were my family and she did let me in to try and help with the situation. DS was just so afraid of Buzz and Woody! I don't think we got any good pics on the photopass and the video was about 2 seconds before DH turned it off. Oh well! There's always next year
We then decided it was time to let DS run free. He loves loves the Honey I shrunk the Kids area so we headed there.

Look mama, I'm up here!!

Big slide! Should I go down?

I guess he really didn't want to go down!

Big Ant!

Some love for the big Ant!

Brady better never bring a BIG Ant like this home!!!!

From there we made our way to PlayHouse Disney Live. We've never done this before, we've never had a reason too! We got decent seats off to the right. DS loves Pooh and Mickey and was just getting into Manny at this point. I thought he would like this show. Well, He didn't! He stood there like a zoombie and wouldn't dance or clap or anything. We tried to get him into it but he was NOT in the mood. Man, that was a painful 20 mins on the floor! We'll try again with this another trip. I think he was just in a mood!

We weren't sure what to do next so we wandered over to the Great Movie Ride. I haven't been on this since 2005. There was no line so we went for it. Nothing special to note. We had a girl gangster, I wan't too impressed. DS did ok on this. He wasn't scared too much by the alien or the gangster. He enjoyed the munchkins!

After the GMR DH wanted to ride the Big Boy rides! We stopped for a snack first and got Mickey Ice Cream, a chocolate banana and a beer for DH. DH took about 5 steps and dropped his beer! The CM would not replace it because she didn't actually see it spill (I get it that's the rule, we could've just poured it out or drank it really fast, but there was a GIANT puddle on the ground!) but she did give us anything else on the cart for free. That was nice! We choose the nuts which DS enjoyed greatly!

It was time for TOT and RNRC. DH and I did TOT first. By the time we got off DS was sleeping! My mom and DH then went on RNRC. I declined as I just wasn't in the mood. This was the longest standby line of the day, 40 mins I think.
When they got out it was time for lunch. We stopped and DH and I split the BBQ chicken and also got a southwestern salad. It was WAY to much food. We should've just split one! Momma got a hamburger I think. At the end of the meal Brady woke up and was hungry so we ended up getting him applesauce and fries (great meal hun?!) and he also had some chicken from our meal. We finished everything off with chocolate cake that they put crushed candy canes on top! Maybe it was just for the holidays?? It was good!!

I'll finish up with the rest of our day at DHS and MVMCP in the next update!

 

[alliebelle3]

Great trip report! I love the pics from the photo shoot, they're so nice!

The WL looks beautiful. I've never stayed there but have always wanted to check it out. The weather seems great... how were the crowds at this time of year?

 

[Disneychix]

Great trip report! I love the pics from the photo shoot, they're so nice!

The WL looks beautiful. I've never stayed there but have always wanted to check it out. The weather seems great... how were the crowds at this time of year?

Thanks for reading! We didn't find the crowds to be too bad. Not as good as early March last year but certainly not as bad as early June or late September, the months we've also gone.

 

[ladybugmom]

What cute pics from the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground!!

 

[BippityBoo]

I love the pic of your DH getting it

Garden Grill looks fun! My kids would flip to know that the restaurant spins!

We missed the HISTK playground. Really want to try it during our Dec. trip! What a blessing to have your mother there and helping so much!

OH and she should have totally replaced the beer. The puddle is enough proof for me.

 

[Raecheal]

Let us know how the photo collage turns out, That's great that you and Dh got a night out. That's great of your DH and incredibly sweet!!

 

[Beana9802]

Let us know how the photo collage turns out, That's great that you and Dh got a night out. That's great of your DH and incredibly sweet!!

This is completely but Raecheal! My best friend spells her name similiar to you...Racheal. I've never met another EAL!

Sorry....I just got excited!

 

[KathyRN137]

Rosie,

I'm really enjoying your report and I'm so happy that Pat finally "gets it!"

The photo shoot pix are fabulous... so glad you felt they make up for your rainy wedding day!

Looking forward to more,


Kathy

 

[Disneychix]

What cute pics from the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground!!

DS really loves the WDW playgrounds! We spend quite a bit of time just letting him run around and explore. I like to get there right when they open. It's not so crowded and he can just run around without worrying about tons of people.

I love the pic of your DH getting it

Garden Grill looks fun! My kids would flip to know that the restaurant spins!

We missed the HISTK playground. Really want to try it during our Dec. trip! What a blessing to have your mother there and helping so much!

OH and she should have totally replaced the beer. The puddle is enough proof for me.

My mom is the best! Actually just yesterday she asked me when we were going again! She said she knows I have to book trips in advance!

Let us know how the photo collage turns out, That's great that you and Dh got a night out. That's great of your DH and incredibly sweet!!

I'll be getting my photopass pics soon and then I'll complete the collage!

This is completely but Raecheal! My best friend spells her name similiar to you...Racheal. I've never met another EAL!

Sorry....I just got excited!

Thanks for posting!

I'm really enjoying your report and I'm so happy that Pat finally "gets it!"

The photo shoot pix are fabulous... so glad you felt they make up for your rainy wedding day!

Kathy

I'm happy DH "got it" too!
I was sad about the rain on my wedding day. It was hot and terribly muggy all day. At 4:15 when we were walking over to the Swan to get changed we could see them setting the chairs up outside for the wedding. At 4:45 I could hear the rain come pouring down! My dad actually told me it wasn't raining cause he could see how upset I was getting! Poor dad, he didn't know what to say! I quickly got over it but we were just so close to having that outside wedding!