Commencing Operation Christmas Miracle Trip 2010: PTR

[PoppyGirl]

Your PTR is great!! I am planning a suprise trip for my two youngest with my parents in December. We are staying at POR and got a PIN for free dining since our dates were blacked out during the general public code. All the fun details are in my PTR.

I can't wait to read more updates...and congrats on your great airfare!! I think that it makes the trip seem so much more real once the airfare is purchased.

Trish

Trish--thank you! And I started reading your trip report...excellent! I LOVE all your surprises! I'm going to have to come up with a plan to tell my kids. I did order personalized gift cards for them from the disneystore website. You got great airfare too! Thanks so much for reading and posting!

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Oh, you'll absolutely fall in love with going in December. It's hard to believe, but it makes Disney that much better.

I'm glad your DH is okay. I have to admit, I was cracking up when I read what happen. That's hilarious! I love that you asked him about buying the tickets while you were helping him. That's totally something I would do, too.

I don't know how you can keep it a secret. I would definitely explode w/ excitement.

 

[PoppyGirl]

We are on vacation in CA. Going to DLR Sunday and Monday. My stepson who is in AL called, and he is flying out and will join us along with my other stepson who is in LA for the summer aT DLR for 2 days. DS will be soooooo happy. He loves his big brothers. I love surprises!!!

 

[PoppyGirl]

Our Disney surprise visit from both step-sons was a HUGE success!!! The kids had no idea. DS was a bit mopey the few days before Disney because he really wanted to see his big brother (DSS2) while we were in CA, but we just kept telling him we didn't think it would work out. (sneaky, right?) (evil laughter.... He had absolutely NO idea about DSS1 flying in from AL to join us!)

I checked us in at the DLH while DH and the kids waited on a couch in the lounge. After we were checked in, I told them we just needed to wait a few minutes while our room was being cleaned and then we could go up. (dramatic music) Meanwhile, DSS2 had called and told me they were in the parking lot. DH casually hands me the video camera which I just as casually turn on and start recording as DSS2 walks up and stands next to us. It took DS a minute to realize there was anyone there (he was looking out the window) and then the look on his face was priceless! He hugged his big brother and they chatted for a minute. Hmmm.... what else could possibley happen at Disney? DS starts looking around and finally notices DSS1 in line to check in! The look on his face then was even more priceless! He is SO happy to be with both of his big brothers. DD wasn't feeling well, so she wasn't very enthusiastic at that moment but she was happy to see them too.

This was the first time in 13 years of marriage that our whole family has been on vacation together. It was a really special few days.

DS said his favorite part of our trip was staying out til midnight riding rides with his big brothers. What a magical memory for him!


So now I'm on to plotting how to tell them about our December trip. I'm thinking of sending them obscure clues in the mail....more on that later!

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Welcome back. I'm glad you had a good trip. Guess you need to write a Trip Report while still updating your pre-trip report.

 

[PoppyGirl]

Welcome back. I'm glad you had a good trip. Guess you need to write a Trip Report while still updating your pre-trip report.

Thanks! Hmmm...I'll have to consider a trip report too!

Meanwhile, I'm off to milk the cows with DH tonight. Keeping him happy. Keeping the magic going!

 

[PoppyGirl]

Part 7 Now for the Fun Part....DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS!

I do love planning the details!

So, here we go!

Day 1 (December 8):
Up at o'dark-thirty to arrive for our 7:00am flight to Orlando, arriving at MCO at 9:13am. We'll take ME to AKL where we will check in Club Level (surprising the kiddos who won't know where we are staying! and completely delighting DD who loves animals. )

Then it's off to MK for lunch at Cosmic Rays, as many rides as we can squeeze in, Spectro Magic (or the Electrical parade...whichever it is! I don't really care...it's lights, it's music, it's Disney) and Wishes. (I usually cry at Wishes. I have the CD at home and sometimes even listening to the music at home brings a few tears. ) Dinner is at Tony's Town Square at 5:00pm. That's a new one for us...I hope it's good!

Then back to our hotel to get some sleep because Day 2 includes a very early Sunrise Safari! Woot!

Day 2 (December 9):
Sunrise Safari and buffet breakfast at AK. I am SO excited about this. I'm always frustrated on the Safari ride because I want to get good photos of the animals, so I'm really excited to be able to stop the vehicle and actually take good photos! And maybe even get to see the animals for more than a few seconds. DD and I will just revel in this whole experience!

After the Sunrise Safari we'll spend the day at AK, taking in the Lion King show, Expedition Everest and maybe even try out the Dinosaur ride (one we've never done yet!). DH will want to see Finding Nemo (he loves the shows!) and DD will want to see the tigers (me too!) Lunch will be at Flame Tree BBQ.

We'll watch the Jammin' Jungle parade and catch a few more rides after lunch.

And then back to AKL for dinner at 6:20pm at BOMA. I cannot wait for that! My mouth waters just thinking about the food there! I especially love the soups.

Can you tell that I somehow manage to plan the vacation around where I want to eat? I'm not sure what that says about me....but there ya go.

AK is the only park that we plan to visit only once during our trip. This is the first trip we've taken where we've been able to have multiple days at the parks and I'm really looking forward to being able to relax and enjoy the details a bit more.

I made my kids a personalized autograph book with pictures of the characters, so hopefully we'll also be meeting lots of characters each day! :

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Part 7 Now for the Fun Part....DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS!

I do love planning the details!

So, here we go!

Day 1 (December 8):
Up at o'dark-thirty to arrive for our 7:00am flight to Orlando, arriving at MCO at 9:13am. We'll take ME to AKL where we will check in Club Level (surprising the kiddos who won't know where we are staying! and completely delighting DD who loves animals. )

Then it's off to MK for lunch at Cosmic Rays, as many rides as we can squeeze in, Spectro Magic (or the Electrical parade...whichever it is! I don't really care...it's lights, it's music, it's Disney) and Wishes. (I usually cry at Wishes. I have the CD at home and sometimes even listening to the music at home brings a few tears. ) Dinner is at Tony's Town Square at 5:00pm. That's a new one for us...I hope it's good!

Then back to our hotel to get some sleep because Day 2 includes a very early Sunrise Safari! Woot!

Day 2 (December 9):
Sunrise Safari and buffet breakfast at AK. I am SO excited about this. I'm always frustrated on the Safari ride because I want to get good photos of the animals, so I'm really excited to be able to stop the vehicle and actually take good photos! And maybe even get to see the animals for more than a few seconds. DD and I will just revel in this whole experience!

After the Sunrise Safari we'll spend the day at AK, taking in the Lion King show, Expedition Everest and maybe even try out the Dinosaur ride (one we've never done yet!). DH will want to see Finding Nemo (he loves the shows!) and DD will want to see the tigers (me too!) Lunch will be at Flame Tree BBQ.

We'll watch the Jammin' Jungle parade and catch a few more rides after lunch.

And then back to AKL for dinner at 6:20pm at BOMA. I cannot wait for that! My mouth waters just thinking about the food there! I especially love the soups.

Can you tell that I somehow manage to plan the vacation around where I want to eat? I'm not sure what that says about me....but there ya go.

AK is the only park that we plan to visit only once during our trip. This is the first trip we've taken where we've been able to have multiple days at the parks and I'm really looking forward to being able to relax and enjoy the details a bit more.

I made my kids a personalized autograph book with pictures of the characters, so hopefully we'll also be meeting lots of characters each day! :

Is o'dark thirty before the butt crack of dawn or after?

I thought about the sunrise safari, but went with Tusker House for breakfast before the park opens. The kids love the characters, and Donald is my wife's favorite.

Planning your vacation around your food schedule is nothing short of genius.

I saw the links on the first post, glad you could add them. They can come in handy I think.

 

[skater]

You're eating at Boma (my favorite ) and you won't have to take a bus and another bus back to your resort!! You'll be there. Let me know how that feels . I think it will feel great .

 

[PoppyGirl]

Oh, you'll absolutely fall in love with going in December. It's hard to believe, but it makes Disney that much better.

I'm glad your DH is okay. I have to admit, I was cracking up when I read what happen. That's hilarious! I love that you asked him about buying the tickets while you were helping him. That's totally something I would do, too.

I don't know how you can keep it a secret. I would definitely explode w/ excitement.

It could be so dangerous if I fall in love with going at Christmas time......

Is o'dark thirty before the butt crack of dawn or after?

I thought about the sunrise safari, but went with Tusker House for breakfast before the park opens. The kids love the characters, and Donald is my wife's favorite.

Planning your vacation around your food schedule is nothing short of genius.

I saw the links on the first post, glad you could add them. They can come in handy I think.

Thanks for the help! I told my DH what you said about planning vacation around food....he just rolled his eyes.

I have wanted to do the safari for so long...and to stay at AKL. I'm so excited about that part of the trip! DD will be thrilled!!!

You're eating at Boma (my favorite ) and you won't have to take a bus and another bus back to your resort!! You'll be there. Let me know how that feels . I think it will feel great .

I am so tempted to schedule Boma for dinner twice.....DH prefers not eating at buffets because he always feels like he has to get his money's worth and then he eats too much. *sigh* We'll see how it goes. And YES....we'll be able to stay and relax and maybe even "dress for dinner" since we are staying at AKL! Feels like a luxury!

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Thanks for the help! I told my DH what you said about planning vacation around food....he just rolled his eyes.

I have wanted to do the safari for so long...and to stay at AKL. I'm so excited about that part of the trip! DD will be thrilled!!!

I'm used to people rolling their eyes at me. My wife does it, even my kids are starting to do it. Sometimes they don't appreciate my sense of humor.

I want to do the safari, but I'm not sure how my kids will react to it, so I figured I would play it safe and just do the safari in the park.

 

[Tinkermom76]

Hey I followed you over from the dec thread. I love your plans so far.. and awesome job convincing your DH to take the trip... although I think you basically just did it and he went along with you... I won't tell

 

[PoppyGirl]

Hey I followed you over from the dec thread. I love your plans so far.. and awesome job convincing your DH to take the trip... although I think you basically just did it and he went along with you... I won't tell

I feel as if I'm being followed.... Thanks for reading!

Yes, as I said, DH lives by the philosophy "Happy wife....happy life." But there have been times in the past when I scheduled things without consulting him so he at least FEELS like he's involved in the decision and that, well, that didn't go so well. So with this being such a big trip, I knew I had to make sure he was on board be fore anything was actually paid for!

 

[PoppyGirl]

I'll Tell You What I Want....What I Really Really Want.....

Yep. So yesterday I was reading the disboards at work and don't you know it...everyone and their dog is changing plans and ADRs....and it was driving me nuts! I needed to be at home with my trusty ginormous Disney planning notebook. (Obsessive-compulsive you say....noooooo. Why would you think that?) I needed to see if there was anything I needed to change.

Once I finally got home (had to stay late....long story....we were out late the night before taking our babysitter of the last 4 years out for dinner. She is leaving for college in the land of far far away. DD had a total meltdown and the whole family was up late consoling her. Which ended up making us all get up late...thus the lateness to work and subsequent staying late to make up for it) I fired up the laptop and started checking to see if I could still get my ADRs (mine mine mine) if I changed days around.

Which brings me to my real point of this post: I'll tell you what I want....what I really really want.... Going back to the beginning of planning this trip, I had an internal list of things that were really important (i.e. "Deal Breakers")....I think I ought to list them for you here:

1. Sunrise Safari
2. Stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge
3. Eat at Boma (woot!)
4. See Fantasmic!
5. See Wishes
6. MVMCP
7. Have a day to spend at the resort
8. Eat at Chef Mickey's
9. Eat at Crystal Palace
10. See the Osborne lights
11. See the Gingerbread Houses at GF
12. Eat at 50's Prime Time (missed that one last time--couldn't get an ADR! Arrgh!
13. See Candlelight Processional with lunch package at LeCellier (still waiting on that one!)
14. Eat at Sanaa
15. Have more than one day at each park (we managed to do that with every park but AK for this trip! So exciting!)

Then I had an internal list of things that I thought we'd LIKE to do:

1. Tea with DD at the GF
2. See Illuminations (kids and DH have never seen it)
3. Take DH to Marrakesh to see the belly dancers
4. Sleigh ride at WL


So....after a couple of hours of rearranging and checking and making new ADRs and cancelling old ADRs....WOOT! I was able to get everything we wanted, on the new days we wanted.....

I'm really happy that we changed our day for CP so we'll have Steven Curtis Chapman. I was not thrilled at all about having Whoopi.

So...next post will be updating the changes to our plans! Stay tuned!

 

[PoppyGirl]

These are a few of my favorite things....

I've gotten inspired by all the creativity of others on the disboards with the suprises and different little gifts people give that are connected with Disney. So this morning I was online buying my DD new bedding for her upcoming room renovation (THAT'S a whole other story! Just to get you started....she wants EACH wall to be a different color.....yeah. I would never be able to sleep in there! ) Anyway, I can't STAND to pay for shipping so I was adding a couple of items to my order to make it total $100...and I found this awesome Lego Darth Maul Star Wars Watch! And it comes with a little Lego Darth Maul. PERFECT for DS!

And THEN I found a Hannah Montana watch for DD....both on sale and both with extra 20% off coupon! WOOT! So much fun!

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

Each wall a different color isn't bad. I painted my daughters room with a sky blue ceiling (I intended on adding clouds, but never got to that). The walls are pink and purple. 2 foot stripes. Don't ever paint stripes. It takes forever. Looks nice, but I will never do that again.

 

[PoppyGirl]

Each wall a different color isn't bad. I painted my daughters room with a sky blue ceiling (I intended on adding clouds, but never got to that). The walls are pink and purple. 2 foot stripes. Don't ever paint stripes. It takes forever. Looks nice, but I will never do that again.

She wants orange, blue, purple and yellow. All VERY vibrant, bright colors. I just don't want to do it and then have her hate it in 2 years when she gets a little older.

Last year I re-did DS's room--it's a beautiful blue with all white trim and white and red accents. I think he will like that for a long time.

 

[Daddy_of_Princesses]

She wants orange, blue, purple and yellow. All VERY vibrant, bright colors. I just don't want to do it and then have her hate it in 2 years when she gets a little older.

Last year I re-did DS's room--it's a beautiful blue with all white trim and white and red accents. I think he will like that for a long time.

OK, I could deal with that color palette except maybe the orange. The blue and purple could be on opposite walls, and the yellow would go well with each, but the orange would clash I think.

 

[francis6306]

Is o'dark thirty before the butt crack of dawn or after?
QUOTE]

Um, I'm pretty sure that o'dark Thirty is before the buttcrack of dawn. But just a few minutes anyway....

I'm on board! We're heading to Pop the 10-15 of Dec. I'm jealous of you people and your delux AKL stays!!! One day... my husband will have a good job and I'll search for the best deals and be able to book a wonderful stay at the AKL and do the safari. I looked into adding it on this trip, but it wasn't worth it. One day though... one day!

 

[jenseib]

I'm here and all caught up. Things sound very similar here too. LOL! My DH and his brother are partners, but his brother would be happy if no one ever left and all stayed working 24 hours around the clock. They usually tell each other last minute when they are going somewhere.
I know what you mean about 2009 being a not so good year. That is one of the reasons we did not go in March this year. The year before was a good one though.
I about feel off my chair when I read your check in date is Dec 8th. That is my planned check in date as wel...at AKL. But we will only stay there 2 nights and then off to Pop for free dining. Or at least thats my plan....
We will have to try and meet up. Our DH's can talk dairy! My plan is to basically stay at the resort those 2 days. I have an ADR for 1900 PF dor the 9th for breakfast and considering making a resort photoshoot at GF after that, but then it's back to AKL. It sounds like there are alot of activites going on there, so I thin kwe might not have enough time to even take it all in.

I know the panic feeling you are talking about. That is how I get too, but if I tell Skip, he gets mad. He's got all the time in the world to plan these things...well he does NO planning...and can't be bothered by a deadline. If things are reversed it's a whole nother story though.

How much is the Safari? I think it looks neat, but probably out of the price range for us for now....well we could if we went CL, but then I would feel guilty and cut out other wants.
I would love to see pictures from your DL trip too. Thats another want of mine...someday.