Christmas Scenery and Fort Finery, 12/3/11-12/14/11 *Update* 12/19

[NeverlandClub23]

I'm really enjoying your trip report. I feel as if I am there with you!

Thank you for the compliment and for reading along!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

If there's a reason to have a spreadsheet for anything, I'm on it. I love spreadsheets! So I'm doing a spreadsheet on cost analysis of this trip because I'm a dork, but I also find this information useful on future trips so you can say things like "Remember when we only used to spend $300 for a 7 day pass? Those were the days!".

I'll update this post when we get back, as well, with actual costs of meals and everything else my grubby little hands can get on to buy.

Trip costs so far are:

• $2,519.34~Package for 11 nights camping in a preferred site, 7 day hopper pass, and 22 TS credits, 22 snack credits, and 22 CS credits
• $278~Two 3 Day hopper passes to Universal and IoA
• $242.64~Four tickets to two different MVMCP
• $300~Two admissions to Discovery Cove
• $55~$5 per night for 11 nights to have the dog camping with us
• $99~Pre-order Photopass
• $168.70~ Two participants for the Around the World Segway Tour with 20% Disney Visa discount

TOTAL= $3,662.68

Whew. I'm off to find a few more jobs!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

After my glorious afternoon nap, I headed to MGM for EMH. I drove to the park and got a decent parking space a few rows from the front. One cool thing I never knew, there’s a lone security guard WAY to the left of the entrance that can check bags. He quickly went through my bag and I was on my way. I noticed a fairly large line at the regular entrance to check bags.


Picture taken later in the night once the first Fantasmic started.



Anyways, I entered MGM and thought Now what? I had no idea what I was doing here. I just love strolling through the park at night, but I didn’t really have a plan. This is the one night I wish I had thought through a little more. I had no idea what or where I was going to eat and I had little to no desire to even ride anything at MGM. I was saving Toy Story Mania as I had never ridden it (in the 2 trips since it has been opened…) and I’m not really into Rock ‘N Roller Coaster (just reminds me of Flight of Fear at King’s Dominion with music). I headed towards Tower of Terror, but Sunset Blvd. was jammed with people waiting for Fantasmic. I decided to go look for something to eat as it was about 7:30 at this point.


A little blurry...



Starring Rolls was obviously closed and nothing else was striking my fancy (I almost wish I had gone to a resort for a CS meal or DTD before coming to MGM). I decided on a Chicken Caesar wrap at the Studio Catering Co. after staring at their menu for 10 minutes, but when I went to order the lady said they had just closed. Argh!



I walked around, deciding to watch the Muppet 3-D show, but it had just started. I considered stopping at Pizza Planet, but it was either packed or closed (can't remember!). Looking back I wish I had tried then to go to Sci-Fi and see if I could get in, but, alas, I wandered around looking lost and hungry.



I stopped at Backlot Express as I was starting to get concerned that EMH were starting and places would be closing soon. I had never been in this CS location before and I liked the garage feel to it (which sounds like an odd thing to like). I decided on the Grilled Turkey and Cheese which was…interesting. I didn’t take any pictures as I was sitting outside and it was pretty dark by this point. There was almost a romantic feel in the air with the low lighting, soft music playing in the background and hardly anyone around. I think all the parks have a romantic feel at night, but especially MGM (sorry, I keep calling it that. Nonconformity and all…).

The sandwich was nothing to write home about, but I remember the mound of French fries they gave me. I could barely even finish half of them! One thing I love about this place is that you get refills on your drink. Always a plus in my book!

After eating I walked slowly back around to the front of MGM (ok, ok, DHS, happy?), just enjoying the beautiful night and park atmosphere. I walked over to the Great Movie Ride (because I’m actually one of the few that enjoy it), but it was closed. I’m not sure if it was because it doesn’t operate during EMH or because some patron couldn’t take the lameness of the ride anymore and laid across the tracks to end it all.

I went to the Villain store because I remembered getting a cookie there the previous year that I thought was pretty good. Once there, I eyed the deceitfully yummy looking cupcakes and asked the kind CM if they had any way of giving it to me to-go (instead of on a plate). They put the cupcake on a plastic cup lid and slid the body of the cup over it, genius! I walked around to an area beside the big ‘ol hat and found a bench. I ate about two bites of the cupcake before tossing it (the cupcake, not my cookies). What a weird feeling not to like a cupcake! The cake part was dry and flavorless and the icing didn’t taste like anything. I wish I had something to compare it to, but it was just thick frosting that tasted like…nothing.


Disappointing, but ingeniously packed cupcake

At this point it was about 9:50 and I was tired. I headed back towards the entrance and it occurred to me that I hadn’t ridden anything or seen any shows. I would reason to bet no 28 year old able bodied person had ever not ridden anything due to their own choosing (I know, double negatives, but please forgive me grammar police). I felt like I had accomplished a record or something.


Yep, still busy at 9:50 p.m.


Any excuse for a Christmas picture

I exited the park, floored it in my sweet Focus (which is the same as flooring it in a golf cart), and hightailed it back to Kidani. I walked out to my balcony to see if I can see any animals. Lots of Ankole cattle sleeping. I took a non-flash picture as to not disturb the animals.


See all the animals???

I noticed they (Disney) either a) play a sound over the speakers to comfort the animals like the “natural” sounds they would hear on the Savannah b) play a sound to add to the “atmosphere” of the resort or c) those are really animals making that sound. It’s almost like a soft, but distinct, mooing sound. I would hear it just about every 5-10 minutes and it sounded exactly the same (which led me to believe it was recorded).

I got into bed for a good night’s sleep. I had a FULL day tomorrow and wanted to be fully rested for it.

Up next, my last full day at WDW: a fun relaxing morning at Epcot and Magic Kingdom until 1 a.m.!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I've been thinking about whether or not to get refillable mugs on this trip. I've purchased them on just about every trip, but I don't know if it would be "worth" it since we're camping. I think I've decided to just go ahead and get them. It will be nice on the days we head out to Sea World and Universal just to stop and get a refill or on the days we visit the resorts to see Christmas decorations.

However, the mugs will not fit in my Kermit bag and I know the only reason we'll really use them on a daily basis is if we stop by a refill station before getting on a boat, bus, or in the car. I think it will also come in handy around the park when we just want to dump the rest of a drink or something into our mug. I do not want to carry the mugs around the park, though (I hate having to hold things; I'm a big supporter of the "park to resort" shipping option when buying stuff around the park!).

So.....I purchased two of these cute heart shaped carabiners from ebay (for a total of $3 ) to attach to Kermit's "legs" so the mugs can hang from them when not in use.

On a more expensive note, I reserved our Segway tour today! I originally wanted 8:30 a.m. on 12/9, but it was booked so I went with the 9 a.m. one. Matt will be so excited (it's a surprise until that morning). The 20% discount for having a Disney Visa was nice too!

I STILL haven't booked our overnight hotel on the way down. The hotel I want to stay at is $120 with taxes/fees, but I only want to spend at the most $80. I'll probably just have to suck it up. The main reason I want this hotel is that they have a free hot breakfast .

I should have a new update on my last day at WDW in 2010 soon. I can't believe it's only been a year since I've been! It feels like forever.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I woke up this morning around 8:30 a.m. a little sad that it was my last full day. It seems like you anticipate these trips for so long and before you know it, it’s over. I showered and got ready, thoroughly enjoying the fact that, on a solo trip, I could take as long as I wanted to get ready.

I took the elevator down to the parking garage to my car. I know some people complain about this with Kidani, but I love it. I think some of the resorts have some ruined views/atmosphere because of the big spans of parking lots. I got over to Epcot and got a decent parking space. It already felt much less crowded than it had during the weekend. I’m thinking a lot of the free dining crowd had thinned out (since it was now officially over unless you had checked in before it ended) and a lot of the people running the half had just come for the weekend.

I had decided to check out the counter service at China because I knew it would be the least likely to be picked on future trips with anyone else. I love all Chinese food (authentic and mall food court-esque). It was mostly Chinese female CM’s manning (or is it womanning?) the registers and they were just STARING at my hair. Three of them told me they loved my hair and I think one was really fighting the urge to touch it. I had curled it and was actually having a pretty good hair day, but I was really flattered at their love for my hair. But, alas, it warranted me no discounts . I ordered the shrimp fried rice plate and went about my way finding a table.

I think it tasted better than it looks. I really like the pickled cabbagey stuff!

I did enjoy my lunch, but I think the seating area could have been themed better. It just seems, I don’t know, empty? After my lunch, I strolled around World Showcase. I may have ridden the Norway boat ride, but who knows? It wasn’t photographed so it may not actually have happened.

My view from lunch

Wandering around World Showcase...

I must've stumbled into the Germany caramel store...

I got a Kaki Gori and watched the Japanese drum show...

Still in Japan...

STILL in Japan...

Ok, someone call an intervention...

Alright, fine, I'm leaving

Either I had had some alcoholic refreshments, this thing was built crooked, or I turned my hand...

Ooo La La!

Bye World Showcase! I'll be back to obsess over Japan next year!

Around 2 p.m. I decided to take the monorail to Magic Kingdom. One of my (and my parents) favorite treat are the cinnamon rolls from Main St. Bakery. I wanted to get a few of them to take back on the flight the next day, but since I hate carrying things, I wanted to get them now instead of waiting until that night. I got to Magic Kingdom and one of those blasted parades was just beginning! I stood around and waited as the sidewalks were packed, making getting to the bakery difficult.

I was so amazed there wasn't anyone out front of MK that I took two pictures

I've never noticed this neat little courtyard area over to the far right when you first enter MK

Finally, it was over and I got so excited at the sight of the cinnamon rolls I got 6! I don’t know why I didn’t take any pictures. Maybe because they didn’t look as appealing once they were smashed in the to go containers? They were so delicious though! I couldn’t wait to tear into them the next night.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

After acquiring my cinnamon rolls, I made my way to the Animal Kingdom Lodge bus. It took forever (basically because Animal Kingdom Lodge is almost in Georgia), but there weren’t many people waiting. Once back in the room I dumped my cinnamon rolls and went out to the balcony. It was a giraffe fest! All throughout my trip I saw a lot of animals, but mostly giraffe. I took way too many pictures and then relaxed in the room for an hour or so (ok, and maybe there was a nap in there too).

Back at Kidani...

Masks in the lobby at Kidani

Overhead lighting in the hallway leading to my room

Giraffe Fest 2010

Around 6:30 I got my things together and made my way back down to the car. I had parked in an area closer to the pool so I decided to go check it out before heading out. I love the pool area at Kidani! I wished I had spent more time there as it felt so secluded and tropical. I loved it. The walkway to the pool had lanterns hanging from the tree branches that flickered like real lanterns and soft African music played from hidden speakers. It felt so romantic and peaceful. I didn’t take a picture of the pool as some kids were swimming and I didn’t know how their parents would feel about me taking pictures of them.

Pathway to the pool area

Lanterns in the trees

Pool restrooms and Health Club area

Kids water play area

One of the many chair areas

Road out of Kidani

Front of Kidani

Kidani's backside

Up next: Magic Kingdom until 1 a.m.!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I finally booked our overnight stay in Lumberton, NC on the trip down! I'd been waiting to find discounts on the hotel I wanted, but every time I got a good discount code or deal for a travel website it never applied to the hotel I wanted. I thought about doing the hotwire/priceline thing, but I noticed some of the most ramshackle hotels were the same star level as the hotel I wanted. I didn't want to chance it. Anyways, I'm glad I did more research as I remembered Matt has a AAA card and that saved us $10.

Also, my bank has started a cash back rewards program if you go through them to shop online (kind of like Sunshine Rewards), so I got 5% back there too! Total for the room is $95 with taxes and fees.

I'm glad that's done. I hate having things just looming and waiting to be done.

**Oh, and I realized what a needed thing this hotel was this past weekend. My parents went camping for the weekend and Matt and I joined them for one night to go to an apple festival. We slept on their jack-knife couch (RV's can either have a jack-knife or pull out couch) and it was so extremely uncomfortable. I think we both got 2-3 hours of sleep. My hips and legs were in so much pain from the stiffness of the couch and I spent the whole night trying to keep Meeko from crawling up Matt and trying to curl up on his neck and chest. As much as I love Matt, being squished up against him trying to sleep just doesn't work. This girl needs some room to spread out! This hotel will be worth every penny .

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I forgot to mention, I bought new shoes! I love my Merrells, so I wanted to find a brown pair of sandals. That's the one thing that aggravates me about going in December. I have to plan a wardrobe and shoes for hot weather, cold weather, and everything in between. I have enough sneaker type Merrells and one pair of black sandals, so I really wanted a brown pair. I purchased the Shoebuy Groupon awhile back for $40 for $20 as no discount codes ever apply to Merrells .

I purchased Matt a pair of shoes (he's not a Merrell fan) with a Groupon I bought for him, as well. He got the Brooks Beast and loves them:

He normally buys $30-$40 New Balances and has all sorts of hip and lower back problems. He loves these shoes! They're listed at $129.95, but with the $40 Groupon and 9% cash back with Sunshine Rewards (Hmmm...I should've checked to see what my bank offered first) they came out to be: $78.26 ($98.26 including the $20 I spent on the Groupon).

I ended up purchasing Merrell Dahlias. I LOVE them! They are so cute and comfortable. They're listed at $84.95, but I got 5% back for shopping on Shoebuy within 60 days. With that, the $40 Groupon, and the 9% cash back from Sunshine Rewards I got them for $33.45 (actually $53.45 including the $20 I spent for the Groupon).

I just remembered I also got cash back when I ordered the Groupon so now my figures are all screwed up .

I'm bidding on some scarves on ebay right now, but I don't know if I'm going to feel like wearing them once I'm there. I also ordered 5 Bella long sleeve T-shirts from Amazon that got great reviews so I think I'm all set in the clothing/shoe department!

Matt's been terribly sick for the past couple of weeks (different illnesses, first one was just like a cold and this one's like a stomach bug). I told him I'm glad he's getting them out of the way now before the trip .

That's all I have for now!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Hi, just joining in and I wanted to say I'm enjoying your trip report.

Congrats on the marathon. Running past the Osborne lights was stunning.

I've never done a solo trip before but must admit that doing what you want when you want to must have it's advantages. The Animal Kingdom lodge looks beautiful.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Hi, just joining in and I wanted to say I'm enjoying your trip report.

Congrats on the marathon. Running past the Osborne lights was stunning.

I've never done a solo trip before but must admit that doing what you want when you want to must have it's advantages. The Animal Kingdom lodge looks beautiful.

Thank you!!

It was pretty amazing running by the Osborne Lights! The whole race feels like a blur, though, when I look back at it.

Going solo is definitely interesting. I remember reading TR's before I went and thinking "Yes, but what do you do?" I had this fear that I was going to be lonely or come back a crazy person from talking to myself, but it's so relaxing and enjoyable. I have a tendency to get frustrated or cranky when the people I'm with are frustrated or cranky, so it's nice not to have anyone else's negative energy to feed off of. My biggest fear during my next trip is my brother tends to get frustrated/negative easily and I need to separate myself from him when that happens 'cause I don't want that ruining my trip.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I made these buttons for Matt and I through Zazzle. It was about $8 for two of them with shipping. We'll be in Sea World on our actual (dating) anniversary and I wanted something cute to wear in remembrance . I haven't shown them to Matt, but I know he'll love wearing them (he is definitely the type of guy who would wear matching windsuits when we're 80+ years old). Plus, I can recycle them if we're in Sea World for our 1 year wedding anniversary!



High-quality photo taken by my negative megapixel cell phone camera

 

[DisneyMomma81]

How fun! Great pre trip report and solo trip report - have fun this December, enjoy the motor home

 

[disney4metoo]

Hi Kimberly! I am jumping on board and tagging along for the ride. I am enjoying your solo TR and look forward to your December Anniversary TR.

I can't get over getting your parent's RV for your dog. However, I totally understand. If I could, I would do the same thing, but traveling from California makes it difficult. I have actually thought of this option for us too, but we are just too far to drive. He also has separation anxiety.

looking forward to more...

 

[NeverlandClub23]

One month from today and we’ll be headed back to WDW! I’ve really have nothing to report because I haven’t bought anything in awhile.

I’ve been putting off writing about the last night of my last trip, because, well, it’s not very exciting. Picture me riding the TTA. Now, picture that 100 more times.

But I guess I should fill in with the details I remember…

I drove back to MK, parked my ride, and rode the monorail over. It was packed! It seems like any time of year I go when there are special night events (like MNSSHP and MVMCP), the EMH nights are even busier (because they’re so far and few between). I got some soft serve ice cream from Auntie Gravity’s (which was just average; looking back I wish I had tried the sweet cream cheese pretzel from the Lunching Pad [probably the ONLY pretzel I didn’t eat during this trip) and sat on a bench in Tomorrowland. My plan had been to just sit and watch and enjoy the atmosphere of Tomorrowland, but it was so busy/noisy and people were everywhere that I didn’t enjoy it very much.

After my treat, I got IN LINE for the TTA. Yes, there was a line. For the TTA. A line. After a 5ish minute wait, I sat there and enjoyed my lovely ride around. As we got back to the entrance for the ride I noticed there wasn’t a line, I thought that was strange, but I asked to stay on and the CM’s said that was fine.

During my next time around Wishes started (which I assume is why there wasn't a line anymore...). I love being on an outdoor ride when the fireworks start. It just gives you such a different perspective.

I may have ridden Carousel of Progress next. I try to get on it as much as possible, because there were a few trips when it wasn’t open at all. I feel like my warm body sitting in a seat might prevent future closings.

I walked around the park, just enjoying myself. By this point it was about 10-10:30 and the park was starting to clear out. I rode Peter Pan’s flight and Haunted Mansion, wanting to get in as much as I could. I stood in front of the castle just thinking about how great this trip had been and life in general and thinking about all the people who had stood here before me and the people that will stand there long after I’m gone (I know, it’s all very syrupy-sweet thinking, even for me, but for some reason an empty MK on your last night of your trip brings out these emotions).

I made my way back to the front of the park. It was 12:55 and the park closed at 1 a.m. I really didn’t want to leave. As I was walking out of the turnstiles a female CM with a head full of gray hair and a huge smile on her face (with those big Mickey hands on) exclaimed “WHAT?!?! You’re leaving???? You still have 5 minutes!!! You can make it back to ride Big Thunder Mountain one more time!” I said “Yeah, but one more time just leaves me wanting one more time” and she said “That’s why I work here” and laughed. It put a smile on my face all the way back to the car.

Up next: My last day!! How does it always come so fast?! I pack up and head to DTD to drown my tears in a sundae at Ghiradelli…

 

[NeverlandClub23]

How fun! Great pre trip report and solo trip report - have fun this December, enjoy the motor home

Thank you! I know, right?! I think Matt's really looking forward to it. I'm warming up to the idea, but I figure even if I miss staying at a resort a lot, that just means another trip has to come faster. Plus, all the people over on the Camping Forum say that camping at Ft. Wilderness is amazing (even the ones that have previously stayed at resorts! ) Luckily, my parent's motorhome is very nice so it won't exactly feel like we're staying in Cousin Eddie's RV .

Hi Kimberly! I am jumping on board and tagging along for the ride. I am enjoying your solo TR and look forward to your December Anniversary TR.

I can't get over getting your parent's RV for your dog. However, I totally understand. If I could, I would do the same thing, but traveling from California makes it difficult. I have actually thought of this option for us too, but we are just too far to drive. He also has separation anxiety.

looking forward to more...

Hi! Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

I've made it clear to my parents that the next time we go to WDW, I AM staying at a resort. I would've tried putting her in the kennel at WDW if we were going for a week (like we usually do), but I think 12 days would be too much for her (not to mention how expensive!). My brother watched her last time we went to WDW and she lost 3 lbs. while we were gone (which is a lot when she's only 11 lbs.). I could never live with myself if something happened to her. I think my parents are fine with camping at WDW next time, actually. After my Mom retires, they'll be doing a lot of traveling so they'll get to enjoy going to WDW more often. I'm just glad someone else is setting up the camper and tearing it down .

Yeah, I couldn't imagine driving from California (especially with a dog!). Does your dog take anything for it? My Mom's going with me to Meeko's vet appt. next week (her annual exam) and she wants me to see if there's anything I can give her for at least the first few days to get her used to the camper/new routine that helps with her anxiety. Otherwise, I may have some cranky camping neighbors 'cause she's a barker .

 

[Dan Murphy]

Not sure where I got linked to here, Kimberly, but enjoying the report. The pictures are great!! What is your camera?? I like those in your last post here. Nice lighting.

And my best to you and Matt. Nice story.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Thank you so much Dan! I end up the same way on other people's TR's.

I use a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35. It's just a point and shoot, but it has so many different settings that I'm still learning. I purchased it a year and a half ago from Amazon for $300. It has been a great camera .

Thank you so much for the well wishes!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

My last day was pretty uneventful, like most last days, but also nice and relaxing! I went to WDW for a long weekend in the summer of 2008 and had a flight leaving at 8ish in the morning. That was awful. I don't know what I was thinking .

My flight on this day wasn't scheduled to leave until 2-3 p.m. so I had time to get ready and head over to DTD for a few hours. I didn't want to stay too long as I know MCO check-in lines can get long and I had to return the rental car. I considered doing the flight check-in at the resort, but the line was huge.

Goodbye room!

After saying goodbye to my room, I packed up the car and headed over to DTD. By the way, how does a rental car get filled with such junk with just one person?? I had stuff everywhere! I parked at the Marketplace area and made my way to Ghirardelli. I knew the perfect way to cure any leaving blues! I ordered a scoop (ok, ok, a double scoop) of chocolate ice cream, topped with marshmallow goodness and whipped cream heaven . I had a seat and a lady brought it out to me when it was ready. I thought it pretty comical when she brought out two spoons.

After devouring my sundae, I wandered around DTD. I stopped at the World of Disney store and purchased a few little souvenirs. I then headed over to Goofy's Candy Shop. I got in the bakery case line and eyed all the delicious cookies. I couldn't make a decision! I had PLENTY of time though as the lady in front of me was using 32 snack credits to get stuff from the case. Which is all fine and dandy, EXCEPT she wanted each one wrapped in a separate bag with [I'm assuming] whoever's name she was planning on giving it to written on it. This literally took 15 minutes. I was second in line and when I got there, there was no one behind me. By the time this lady finished I had over a dozen people behind me! Anyways, since I had all this free time, my cookie list grew and grew! I got 9 cookies (in one bag )! I paid over $30 for cookies . But I have to tell you, they were worth it. I didn't eat any until I got to the airport (and the rest when I got home), but they were amazing cookies. I plan on restocking during our trip in December (and taking a picture! ).

I worked my way over to a bench along the water around where the Bongos restaurant is. I sat there enjoying the beautiful weather and calling everyone I could think of to feel sorry for me (none of them did, can you believe it?! ). After I took the last picture, my memory card said it was full. I took that as a cue to call it a day and stick a fork in this vacation.

With that, I loaded up into the messy Focus one last time and hightailed it to the airport, missing WDW already, but knowing I would be back soon!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Tomorrow is two weeks until we leave! I'm packing this weekend so that we can just do fun stuff next weekend. I'm actually starting to wish the days would slow down as I love vacation anticipation and I know the trip will go by so fast. I remembered I recorded this video during my last trip of the Fountain of Nations at night, but can't figure out how to embed it on the DIS. It's a little shaky for the first 2-3 seconds. I figured I'd just post the link in case anyone is interested...(and I'm always accepting DIS friends as Facebook friends! [but you don't have to be my friend to watch the video ] )

http://www.facebook.com/v/451869624021


I'm calling next Tuesday to order a small cake for Matt and my anniversary, but other than that everything is pretty much done!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I ordered a cake this morning to be picked up at the Boardwalk Bakery for our Anniversary. The phone call was a little confusing so all I know is that I'm getting a Christmas-themed mini-wedding cake with chocolate cake and chocolate frosting. I'll add it to the "costs" list when I get back and know how much it actually is costing me.

I'm excited for our trip, but there's so much left to do (mainly work related). Also, my brother has been in a funk of a mood which I'm not looking forward to tolerating in WDW if he still has it (they can last for awhile). I told Matt we may be spending a lot of time by ourselves and just meeting up for meals with my family . Oh well, the trip's coming whether I'm ready or not!