CHRISTMAS VACATION (The Trip, Not the Movie): 12/19 - We're back, TR link on p. 25

[annnewjerz]

Day 4: Epcot

*This may or may not be our only day in Epcot. It's going to be a long one, but if we can fit it all into one day rather than break up Epcot into two, I'm all for it.

Breakfast: Probably we'll just have breakfast in our room this day. With all of the extra desserts and snack credits we'll have on the Deluxe DDP, unless we have a sit-down breakfast planned we'll probably just grab a muffin, cinnamon roll, etc.

Lunch: San Angel Inn. DH and I have been here before, but DM hasn't. San Angel Inn seems to have a bad reputation, but we really like it. The food isn't anything extraordinary, but for us the atmosphere is the key. Mexico is probably our favorite vacation destination and eating at the SAI transports us back to our vacations spent drinking margaritas and listening to a mariachi band. We probably won't spend a meal credit here since there isn't too much on the menu that interests us---instead we'll pay out of pocket and get a few appetizers to split, munch on some chips and down a margarita or two before starting in on the World Showcase.

Dinner: Flying Fish Cafe. DH and I were here in 2007 and LOVED it. The plan is for us to have one alone dinner during our trip, to take a break from my DM and spend a few hours enjoying eachother's marital company. So, since Flying Fish is so close to both Epcot and BWV I think this will be our alone meal. I can't wait to have the snapper again---hopefully it's as good as it was last time. While we're eating here, DM will proably just hang around the World Showcase and grab a meal from a counter-service location, probably in Morrocco.

Snacks: Kringla og Cafe. DM loves coconut so I know she'll want to try the schoolbread. I'd like to try the lefse and DH will probably love the almond pretzel.

Next up Day 5 @ Animal Kingdom (hopefully).

 

[annnewjerz]

Day 5: Animal Kingdom

*Since we will be out sort of late the night before, we are planning on sleeping in a bit and heading out to Animal Kingdom around 11:00 or so and staying through evening Extra Magic Hours.

Breakfast: Probably we'll just have breakfast in our room this day. With all of the extra desserts and snack credits we'll have on the Deluxe DDP, unless we have a sit-down breakfast planned we'll probably just grab a muffin, cinnamon roll, etc.

Lunch: Yak & Yeti. I'm looking forward to lunch at Yak & Yeti. It seems to get mostly good reviews and from what I understand, the restaurant itself is a nice place to take a break and maybe watch the afternoon parade, which is something we wouldn't normally do. The fried green beans and pineapple wonton dessert both look great, but the portions look HUGE. I think DM and I might split a meal here.

Dinner: Jiko's - The Cooking Place. I've got to say, there aren't that many meals that I'm truly excited about, but this would be one of them. The reviews, visiting the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the pictures of the ostrich appetizer and filet with mac n' cheese---all of it really makes me look forward to our dinner there. This would be one of maybe only 3 meals that I'd be disappointed if we weren't able to get

Snacks: Dino Bites. Chocolate chip cookie icecream sandwiches. Mmmmmmmmm. Mara I'm not sure if we can get Zebra Domes on a snack credit, but if we can I think I may have to try some.

Next up Day 6 @ Magic Kingdom (hopefully).

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I was thinking about Jiko also, but chickened out!!! I hope you get it and it is wonderful!!!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

Dinner: Jiko's - The Cooking Place. I've got to say, there aren't that many meals that I'm truly excited about, but this would be one of them. The reviews, visiting the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the pictures of the ostrich appetizer and filet with mac n' cheese---all of it really makes me look forward to our dinner there. This would be one of maybe only 3 meals that I'd be disappointed if we weren't able to get

I feel the same way about Jiko! I'm planning on eating there in january and that's exactly what I'm getting...ostrich for an app and the filet with mac n cheese for entree. mmmmm!!!

 

[annnewjerz]

I was thinking about Jiko also, but chickened out!!! I hope you get it and it is wonderful!!!

I hope I get it too. It doesn't seem like it's one of the harder places to get and I'm planning a late dinner---so I don't think it'll be a problem. Keeping my fingers crossed!

I feel the same way about Jiko! I'm planning on eating there in january and that's exactly what I'm getting...ostrich for an app and the filet with mac n cheese for entree. mmmmm!!!

I'm not usually overly adverterous when it comes to food, but the ostrich looked great in pics, and it sounds like it doesn't taste "gamey" at all, so why not give it a try---right?

 

[annnewjerz]

Day 6: Magic Kingdom

*This night is a MVMCP night. Since we won't be attending, we plan on getting to the park for rope drop to make the most of our time.

Breakfast: The usual. Probably we'll just have breakfast in our room this day. With all of the extra desserts and snack credits we'll have on the Deluxe DDP, unless we have a sit-down breakfast planned we'll probably just grab a muffin, cinnamon roll, etc.

Lunch: The Plaza Restaurant. While we haven't been there yet, we will be going twice during our trip in October, so this won't be a new restaurant for us. It'll be tasty, cheap and convenient since it's inside the park. Can't wait for a burger and a signature "Lurkyloo" milkshake made with chocolate icecream and chocolate syrup. Mmmmm.

Dinner: California Grill. This is another meal that I am really looking forward to. It seems to get good reviews and a lot of people I know recommend it. The sushi looks really good---and huge---so I know that will be a plus for DH and I. The plan is to have dinner and then go out onto the observation deck to watch Holiday Wishes from the Christmas party. That doesn't start until 9:30pm so it'll be another late dinner to celebrate our last night in The World.

Snacks: I think I've about run out of designated snacks that I'd like to try in the MK. All I'm really looking forward to is a Dole Whip and a chocolate chip cookie icecream sandwich.......

.......................and maybe one of those huge cinnamon rolls

Next up Day 7 @ ??? Magic Kingdom or Epcot.

 

[Todd_H]

Day 6: Magic Kingdom


Dinner: California Grill. This is another meal that I am really looking forward to. It seems to get good reviews and a lot of people I know recommend it. The sushi looks really good---and huge---so I know that will be a plus for DH and I. The plan is to have dinner and then go out onto the observation deck to watch Holiday Wishes from the Christmas party. That doesn't start until 9:30pm so it'll be another late dinner to celebrate our last night in The World.

Awesome! Cali Grill and Jiko are our favorites on the property (but we haven't tried them all... yet). Be sure to take your tripod for Wishes from the observation deck (of course, I'm sure I don't have to remind you about that ).

 

[annnewjerz]

Awesome! Cali Grill and Jiko are our favorites on the property (but we haven't tried them all... yet). Be sure to take your tripod for Wishes from the observation deck (of course, I'm sure I don't have to remind you about that ).

I'll definitely be staying tuned to your PTR and impending TR to hear where you guys made ADRs for (if anywhere). I think earlier in this PTR you recommended CG and I think said they have great sushi, which is one reason I picked it. We live right outside of Philly and only an hour from NYC, so it's not like I have to go to WDW for sushi---but sushi with a view of the Magic Kingdom? Can't get that in New Jersey!

I'll definitely be bringing the tripod. I've never been on the observation deck before, hopefully it's not too crowded to set up the tripod.

 

[Todd_H]

I'll definitely be staying tuned to your PTR and impending TR to hear where you guys made ADRs for (if anywhere). I think earlier in this PTR you recommended CG and I think said they have great sushi, which is one reason I picked it. We live right outside of Philly and only an hour from NYC, so it's not like I have to go to WDW for sushi---but sushi with a view of the Magic Kingdom? Can't get that in New Jersey!

I'll definitely be bringing the tripod. I've never been on the observation deck before, hopefully it's not too crowded to set up the tripod.

Right, that was me. We love the sushi at CG. We always get the same thing, which I think is called the Rainbow Crunch roll?

You shouldn't have any problems out on the observation deck. It does get a little windy up there, but as far as crowds are concerned, there probably won't be many people out there. Then again, I've never gone out there for Wishes. We usually stay inside and watch it (CG dims the lights inside during Wishes so you can see it better).

 

[exwdwcm]

hi Ann- i've been so swamped at work, i haven't gotten to follow along lately. sorry to hear about your dogs, they sure look like sweethearts, i know ours are truly a part of the family!

and wow- those meals look awesome, i want to eat with you guys! i love CG!!! and i still want to try JIKO sometime- that filet with mac and cheese is calling my name, I can't wait to hear what you think of Jiko.

hopefully something will become available at WL, then we can truly be neighbors!!!!

 

[dlander]

Yay! I am finally caught up. Love all of your obsessing. We are also going in December (but at the dreaded week before Christmas the 20-25). We really wanted to do MVMCP, since we loved MNSSHP. However, the last night for that is the 18th. Bummer for us. Anyway, your plans souond great, I can't wait to read more.

 

[annnewjerz]

hi Ann- i've been so swamped at work, i haven't gotten to follow along lately. sorry to hear about your dogs, they sure look like sweethearts, i know ours are truly a part of the family!

and wow- those meals look awesome, i want to eat with you guys! i love CG!!! and i still want to try JIKO sometime- that filet with mac and cheese is calling my name, I can't wait to hear what you think of Jiko.

hopefully something will become available at WL, then we can truly be neighbors!!!!

Welcome back!! I totally understand being swamped at work recently, last week was absolutely CRAPtastic here at work. So busy

The meals do look good, I've got to say so myself. I waiver back and forth about whether two ADRs each day is too much to worry about (even though we will be spacing them out usually by like 7 hours at least. We are three adults, so we should be able to handle it and not feel totally rushed getting from one place to the other and at the very worst, I can just cancel if we're having too much fun in the parks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get all of the ADRs. At this point for planning, that and park hours are my biggest concern.

Yay! I am finally caught up. Love all of your obsessing. We are also going in December (but at the dreaded week before Christmas the 20-25). We really wanted to do MVMCP, since we loved MNSSHP. However, the last night for that is the 18th. Bummer for us. Anyway, your plans souond great, I can't wait to read more.

Geeeez when you call it obsessing, it sounds like a bad thing. So how about we call it something like---uber planning instead??

I'm sure you guys will have a great trip. One day, I'm going to brave the crowds and actually stay down there for Christmas Eve and Day, it seems like quite the experience and what would be better for me than combining two of my all-time favorite things in the world?

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

I found my way over here from your signature after you posted in my PTR! I'm all caught up now.

I can't believe your airfare! I thought the deals I found were good, but yours are amazing!

I also plan to check out the decorations at the deluxe resorts with my mom. I can't wait to go to WL but I don't think I'd ever stay there...the rooms look about the same as a value to me so I can't justify paying that much! We also want to do the CP and I am planning that for the 12th so we can see Vanessa Williams narrate. I love her on Ugly Betty!

I'm thinking about doing a tour but I don't know which one. And like you said, getting to all of our deluxe meals is going to be an event all by itself, so we'll see. I would also LOVE to see Cirque du Soleil again! It's SO GOOD! I've seen a few now and La Nouba is definitely my favorite so you guys will love it!

DOLE WHIP = AMAZING! It's like, the ONE thing my non-Disney obsessed friend remembered and wanted to do when we went back, lol! Also the strawberry shortcake in Sunshine Seasons = to die for!! Lapu lapu was fun too. Not very tasty but definitely cool b/c its in a pineapple! There are so many yummy drinks we tried last time!

Your ADR's (well, soon to be ADR's) look great!

I laughed for like 5 minutes when I read your post about Disney clothes. I TOTALLY AGREE WITH EVERY WORD! I bought a cute Mickey tank last year and a cool retro MK tshirt this year but those are only worn to bed LOL! I'm considering busting them out to wear in Disney, though. We'll see!

PS Your dogs are so cute! What kind of food do you feed them? My dog was very sick but his medications worked much better and he recovered a lot faster when we switched his food to all natural. Just something to try!

 

[dlander]

Hahaha! I really meant obsessing in a good way But you are right, uber planning is even better I feel like we have so long before we can make our ADR's. You must be so jazzed that your time is soon

I love your dogs! Sorry to hear of their difficulties with arthritis. I sure do miss my big fella. He was part Rottweiler/part Black Lab and 110 pounds of love!! Dogs are the greatest and I only wish we could take them to the World. Wouldn't they just love BTMRR

 

[annnewjerz]

I found my way over here from your signature after you posted in my PTR! I'm all caught up now.

Hello and welcome! Glad to have someone else on board

I can't believe your airfare! I thought the deals I found were good, but yours are amazing!

I'm not gonna lie, I was really excited. It is about the same price we paid when we went in 2007---which is incredible in itself considering the jacked up gas prices.

I've seen a few now and La Nouba is definitely my favorite so you guys will love it!

Glad to hear another positive review of La Nouba---I'm really looking forward to it and I know DM is also. I just hope DH doesn't fall asleep.

Lapu lapu was fun too. Not very tasty but definitely cool b/c its in a pineapple! There are so many yummy drinks we tried last time!

The drinks are kind of still up in the air. I stopped drinking about 6 months ago just because I don't really like it all that much, but said I'd make a special exception for Disney. I have a feeling that's a bad idea though. First drink in about a year + Ann = veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery sleepy.

PS Your dogs are so cute! What kind of food do you feed them? My dog was very sick but his medications worked much better and he recovered a lot faster when we switched his food to all natural. Just something to try!

Our dogs have been on an all-natural diet since we got them. Thank you for the suggestion though. Right now we spend around $120 per month on dog food, so if there is something better than the Merrick they are already on, they're not getting it unless it's cheaper!!

You must be so jazzed that your time is soon

I am, not too much longer now and I can't wait

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Where'd you go??!!

 

[dlander]

Did you make your ADR's? Inquiring minds are dying to know!

 

[annnewjerz]

Where'd you go??!!

Did you make your ADR's? Inquiring minds are dying to know!

I'm here, I'm here!!

Sorry about the disappearance. Forgive me? We have been doing lots of stuff around the house to prepare for our trip coming up in October (painting, putting in new light fixtures, the works). We have a house-sitter staying and since the paint and new fixtures have been sitting around since April, we finally decided to get off our butts and do something with them.

Plus, there really isn't much in the way of planning. Tomorrow or the day after, we should have the park hours for December---so I'll definitely be posting our itinerary for which days we would like to do what, and then in only TWO WEEKS I get to make my ADRs. I'm hoping when I sign-on on September 13th it will let me make ressies for our whole trip, even though we have a split stay situation. If not, I'll just have to sign-on on Monday and get everything.

I honestly can't believe how fast the time has passed. It seems like only yesterday we were jumping up and down with excitement that we'd be staying at the Boardwalk Villas and in actuality, it was within the first two weeks of January---8 months ago!

The trip will be here and gone before I know it. I've got a lot of work to do, a lot of plans to tweak and lots of stuff to wrap up, plus a weekend trip to Disney for MNSSHP in October, so the next few months are going to be nuts!!

Can't wait. I'll be updating more later this week!

 

[annnewjerz]

Well I guess my previous post was a little premature---because December hours are posted now.

http://www.disneytravelagents.com/S.../pdf/ParkHours/WDW_Operating_Calendar_Dec.pdf

I am honestly thrilled with the hours they released. I know things can be added/taken away and changed---but if they were to stay "as is" for the next three months I would be so happy.

I based my tentative plan on December hours from last year and they are pretty much identical. EMHs are on the same nights/mornings for the parks, the closing times, parade/fireworks times are pretty much identical. I couldn't have asked for more. Now, I don't really have to do any itinerary shifting at all. I'm going to have a "Plan A" and "Plan B" in case I can't get the ADRs I want on the days I want them---but I'm so on Cloud 9 right now that I don't even think ADRs will be a problem!!!

I'll update later with my park plans with the desired ADRs worked in.

 

[khertz]

I'm extremely pleased with the hours too!! I came home from work last night, made a diagram of the hours and EMH, and got ready to mutilate my itinerary...but didn't have to change a thing!! The itinerary I made just out of thin air already totally avoids EMH without even trying. I'm so very excited!! Glad it all worked out well for you too!!