Daughter's Surprise 1st Visit; Best Christmas Present Ever TR!! Update: 8-21-12; P 10

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Sunday, O'Hana

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Sunday, Magic Kingdom

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Monday, Disney Hollywood Studios

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love the pics! the autograph book looks great - do you have it saved somewhere? I'd love to see it up close!
 
Awesome photo pass pictures ! I especially love the family pic at the Grand Floridian and the ones of your daughter and the princesses. :love:
 

Hello everyone!!! I have some exciting news. Did you happen to take a look at my ticker :banana: Yep, we are going back to Disney World in 4 1/2 months. I still can not believe it.

As you may remember, I was feeling depressed because I wanted to go back sooner than Dec. 2013. Well, I started bringing it up to Grumpy and of course, he was not for it. He said we needed furniture and other things for the house. Especially, we both wanted to pay down our debt in credit cards we have. Which of course is the responsible, adult thing to do. I, on the other hand, was having my immature moment. :rolleyes1

So anyway, I started pricing out packages, you know, just for kicks. I decided to look up Princess' school schedule for the 12-13 year and I was shocked with what I saw. Her school would be getting out for Christmas vacation later this year. In order for us to go back in December, she would have to miss 3 days of school or we would have to be there during Christmas and New Years. Neither one was ideal. I started thinking about Thanksgiving break, but she would also be missing 3 days of school and it came out more expensive. So I thought maybe it just wasn't in the cards for us this year. Before I accepted my defeat, I looked at the school calendar again and noticed she does not start school until the very last week of August. Every year, she would return to school in the middle of the month. You all know what this means, right? We can go to Disney in August.... um, August. August is totally different than going in December. Hot and humid!! But hey, I'm a Texan. We're used to that kind of weather, I mean really, how different can it be.

Yeah, I know.. I can hear you all giggling. It will be a total heat inferno from what I have read. But what is my alternative. Sweat in Texas or sweat in Florida, in Disney, with the Mouse!!

So I came home and casually started talking to Grumpy about going in August. Of course, he did not think we would be able to pull it off in such a short period of time. And of course, he brought up about the finances again. It is not like we are destitute, but he is really conservative. And most of the time, I can appreciate that. But I was being a baby and I knew it but I just could not help it. I know it was not my proudest moment. Especially, when I said we are going to be going back every year. Let's just say, the conversation did not end well. I bowed my head, waved the white flag and surrendered.

Before he left to work, I apologized and figured I should just let it rest. I still had my videos and the Dis. I would survive.

A couple of days later, Grumpy asked me if we would stay at POFQ again if we were to go back in August. Hmmm, ok, a little curiousity. I decided to run with it and bring out the big guns.

I told Grumpy since we would be going in August, we would actually be able to go to the resort he first wanted to go to but I turned down because I thought it would be a waste to go there in December... The Carribean Beach Resort. I quickly explained since it would be hot, we can tour in the morning, go back for swimming and resting in the afternoon, leave for dinner and tour at night. I saw a little sparkle in his eyes. I did not push it.

A couple of days later, he asked me how much was the package. I told him I had found out on the Dis about the YES program. I explained he and Princess could go to a class and then we can buy our tickets that way and it would be cheaper. I also said, if we did that, we would pay for our food OOP since we would be unable to do the dining plan. We had done Deluxe last time and thought it was way too much food, so I knew he would appreciate this little tidbit.

A few days later he asked me what were the days I was thinking of going again. I told him August 10-18. A few days after that, he told me he had worked it out with work and he was free those days :scared1: Umm, does this mean, we are going?

Apparently, we went through our savings and he saw we had enough to pay our credit cards and go to Disney. So that is what we are doing :dance3:

Yeah, I know... I said CBR but my ticker has POR. Well, I chickened out on CBR. Yes, I was afraid of the size of the resort. I looked in the Resort thread and asked questions. I figured we would just go back to POFQ but someone said I should give POR a try. I looked at it and I thought it was really pretty. Grumpy and I looked it over and we decided we would give them a try. I showed him the new Royal Guest rooms. I told him they would be perfect for Princess however, they were 200 more than the standard rooms. He said since Princess did not know we were even going nor does she even know about the rooms, that we should book standard. Shucks! Yes, I wanted to stay in the Royal Guests Rooms but since he was agreeing to go back I was not going to rock the boat. So standard it is!!

So I bought our YES tickets and was about to book our room online last night, when all of a sudden I decided to call instead. While I was on the phone.. I heard to most sweetest words.... "You have a pin attached to your name." A 30% pin.... I almost dropped the phone. I could not believe it. I was calling constantly before I mentioned going back to Grumpy and was always told no. Before I could even ask the question, this sweet CM was telling me what I wanted to hear. So now we are booked in a Garden View at POR for less than a standard view.

What started as pricing a package of MYW tickets, room and Disney Dining, I was looking at a $3509.00 price tag. With 8 day hopper through the Yes program and 30% pin for a garden view at POR, we are paying a total of $1741.00 plus our spending money for dining and suvourniers. I am ecstatic. I told Grumpy last night about the pin, and he was extremely happy. So long story, short.. WE ARE GOING BACK, BABY!!!!!
 
YAYY!!! SO happy you're going back!!!:cheer2: That is sooo exciting! I'm even happier that it worked out so well for you with the pin and the YES situation! I don't blame you, I probably could not hold out until December 2013 to go back. That itch is too strong for me to ignore!

Congratulations!!!!:goodvibes
 
that is such exciting news!! Anitcipating a trip to disney is half the fun!! Love porf Have been to disney many times in aug, yes it is very hot but crowds are down due to kids returning to school. The only possible downside is hurricane season. I thought free dinning is offered during your time frame??? no? please keep updating as you plan!! when are you telling your dd??
 
Hello everyone! I am still here. Still coming down from my high about our trip in August. We bought our airline tickets this week so everything is set. Can not wait.

So now, we left off on Sunday night coming back from Fantasmic. On Monday morning, we did our routine and woke up Princess. She read the letters from Mickey giving her the details of the day. Today we would be having breakfast at Cape May Cafe, then head off to DHS for most of the day. We would have lunch at 50's PT then end with dinner at Garden Grill in Epcot. She was real excited!!

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She also found our daily shirts.

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Yep, three shirts. Daddy and I only had two. Soon we were ready to go

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We took a taxi to the Beach Club since our ADR was for 7:30. The Beach Club is beautiful. If we could ever pull it off, I would love to stay there.

We got our buzzer and looked around the lobby while we waited. Here are some pics

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Soon we were called to eat. This buffet was really good. I wish we could have enjoyed it more but I was paranoid about making RD at DHS this morning. This would have been perfect if it was more of a leisure day.

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Soon we were on our way to the dock so we can take the boat to DHS. Of course I had to stop for some pictures.

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We did not have to wait long for a boat. We boarded and sat inside. Took some more photos since we had a few stops to make before getting to DHS.

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Soon we were at DHS. Forgive me but I can't recall after all this time exactly what we did on this day. I think this is the day we did characters meet and greets and rode ST, TOT and RRC. So I will just let the pictures speak for themselves.

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We did see LCA before heading off to our lunch ADR at 50's PT. OMG!!! Love the theme and the food. This is actually on our list to go back to in August. After lunch, we toured a little more and then it was time for the parade. We found a spot across from Indiana Jones in the shade and it was the perfect place.

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After the parade, we had just enough time to look for some more characters before we left to Epcot.

While waiting for Mike and Sully, a little girl sat next to Princess to look at her book.

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We left DHS and headed for Epcot where we had dinner ADRs at Garden Grill. Now, I don't know if it was the time or if I was just exhausted but I did not enjoy this dinner. I can't say it was the food, because I hardly ate anything. I think it took us almost 45 minutes past our reservation to be seated and the place where we were waiting for our names to be called was so crowded and hot. By the time, we sat at the table, I was now feeling well. And the rotation of the restaurant certainly did not help any. We will be giving it another try in August and will be going a lot earlier so I hope this helps. GG has Chip and Dale, my favorites so I am willing to give it another shot.

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Yep, I totally messed up Chip's name. Oops :eek:

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Since I was not feeling well, we did not even have desert. We settled the bill and left. Illuminations was getting ready to start. However, we made a left at headed for the exit. Hopefully a good night sleep will make me feel better.

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Congrats on deciding to go back :thumbsup2
POR looks really nice- I think you will like it (and how could you not when you are at Disney??). I have done the World in summer months many times- including once when I was pregnant. It is do-able, don't let any negative comments make you second guess your decision. You have a great idea to go back and swim mid-day to keep cool. Spray misters work great too.

Love seeing your pics :goodvibes
 
Hello everyone!! For our August trip news, I made our ADRs and was able to get everyone we wanted. The only one I am waiting to book is the Dessert Party.

Now we continue with our December TR:

Tuesday morning was out Animal Kingdom day. It was so funny, because every time we would watch Stacy, she would mention AK and Princess kept asking when we would be able to go. Told her it was up to Mickey since he leaves us notes everyday telling us where we were going. So every night before going to bed, she would wish out loud to Mickey to send her to AK.

Same routine as the days before. Grumpy would get up first with grunting as usual, while I slept a little longer. Then it was my turn to get ready. When we were almost done, we would wake up Princess. She no longer would jump out of bed but would ask us to give her the letters to read. I guess the week was finally getting her a little tired.

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Mickey was letting her know we would be going to AK today where we would be having breakfast with his friends at Tusker House. For lunch he reserved a spot for us at Yak and Yeti and dinner at O'Hana. Oh, and not to forget the shirts he made for us!!

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So we put on our shirts and got everything we needed for the day and soon we were off to the bus stop.

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We did not have to wait long at all for a bus before one came and we took off to AK. We showed up and there were already a mob of people waiting for RD. See when I booked the ADR for 8:00, AK was supposed to open at 9 am. Well a week before we left, the hours changed and AK was opening up at 8 :headache:

Oh, well. What can you do? We got in line for the early entry breakfast and was able to walk in. I tried to get pictures with the empty park but Grumpy wanted to make sure we checked in on time. So we headed to Tusker House and I was happy to see we were right next to KS, which we would be doing after breakfast.

We were the first one to take our picture with Donald.

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Afterwards we were shown to our table and went to the buffet. This buffet was really good. We loved everything and especially the juice.

Soon Mickey and friends began making their rounds

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Daisy got miffed with Princess because she thought Minnie would be there instead. Daisy shook her head and she took Princess' autograph book and put it over her head so Princess could not get it. It was cute.

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After we saw Goofy, we finished up our breakfast and left. I was planning on sending Grumpy to get FPs for EE but I decided we would just hop on KS first and then get FPs. So that is what we did. There was no wait and we got right on. I loved KS but I am not going to post any pics. They did not come out at all :guilty:

So after KS we looked at our handy dandy map and decided to send Grumpy to get FPs for EE and Princess and I would look for characters on the way. Our plan was to meet up at Dinoland to see the Finding Nemo show. This was around 9 am.

Princess and I decided to stop for a little photo shoot.

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We then saw King Louie come out and we went and got in line.

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After we said good bye to King Louie, I told Princess we would walk back around to Camp Minnie Mickey just to see how long the lines were on our way to meet up with Grumpy.

We had the best character interaction here. Especially with Chip and Dale.

First up we saw Thumper with no line

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Then we got in line with Chip and Dale. Chip and Dale spent a lot of time with Princess and they loved her autograph book. They even called over the handler and the PP photographer to come see it. I wish I knew how to put video on here because one of the chipmunks was bragging his signing box was bigger than the other and was rubbing it in his face. It was hilarious!!

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Next we saw Donald Duck!

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Next up was Goofy:

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Then of course the big cheese himself, Mickey

While Mickey was signing the book, the little boy behind us was apparently anxious or something and the mother said "You do not even like Mickey". Mickey stopped signing and looked up. He pointed to his ear and then pointed to the boy as to say "I heard you." When the boy went up to him, Mickey turned his back. But then immediately turned around and gave the boy a hug. It was cute. Which I also have on video.

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Minnie's line was too long so we decided we would just get her later in the day. Princess saw that Miss Bunny came out with Thumper so we got back in line so she can meet her.

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After Meeko, I looked at the time and saw that is was after 10:00. Remember I had sent Grumpy on ahead to get FPs and meet us at Finding Nemo. He did not bring his phone on the trip so there was no way for him to call me. So we hauled butt toward Dinoland. Finally we were reunited with Grumpy and got in line for the show. It was so good. I was really impressed with it. After the show let out, we decided to head to EE to see what the wait time was so we could use our FPs before lunch. Yes, lunch.... We had just finished breakfast not too long ago. This was the curse of the Deluxe plan.

EE FP line was short so we hopped on. Princess and Grumpy loved this ride and I screamed my head off as usual.

Next up.. lunch
 
Loving your trip report. We stay in Dallas and went to WDW for the first time as a family in June 2009.7 nights at AKL. It was an escape from real life we all needed.

Our first true family vacation was such a wonderful experience that we returned again in September of that year. We have since gone to Disneyland in March 2011. I have wanted to go back but we also want to visit other places. If we don't make it there this year (no plans set but that could change at any time), we will definitely go back in 2013. Unless we take a Disney Cruise.
 
Loving your TR! The shirts are SO adorable! Princess is just gorgeous!!! I know that she had a great time there. You can tell by the smile she has on her face in all of the pictures. Can't wait to read more! :thumbsup2
 
Just found your TR and am loving seeing everything through the eyes of first time visitors! All of the shirts are amazing... where did you make the designs for them?
 
Loving your TR! The shirts are SO adorable! Princess is just gorgeous!!! I know that she had a great time there. You can tell by the smile she has on her face in all of the pictures. Can't wait to read more! :thumbsup2

Thank you so much for the compliments. I had a good time making the shirts even thought I started them at the last minute. I love looking at the pictures where she is smiling. thanks again!!

Just found your TR and am loving seeing everything through the eyes of first time visitors! All of the shirts are amazing... where did you make the designs for them?

I got the designs from the Creative board. After saving them to my PC, I printed them on iron on transfer paper and ironed them to the t-shirts. To this day, Princess still believes Mickey delivered them to us each evening while we slept. Which kind of works out now since I will not be making shirts for our trip in a few months, she would still think we were specially picked in December to receive them and now it is someone else's turn :-)
 















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