December 2009 - A Celebration of many things

[MadilynnsMomma]

It will be there soon. Probably next week, I promise!!

Holding you to it!

 

[nic100308]

Hello friends!!

I don’t have much Disney news to report. We’ve gotten our DME paperwork and everything looks good. We’re currently waiting for our Disney package, which should be coming any day now. I’m also waiting on our Holiday Specs and Fast Pass holders. So we’re expecting some good mail days soon. LOL I hate it when we just get junk mail or bills!!

So we’ve taken off of work tomorrow to go to the Christmas Carol Train Tour at Grand Central and hit up the NYC World of Disney. I am super excited and I’ll take tons of pictures so I can update you guys. So because I don’t really have much news, and the exciting stuff will be coming tomorrow, I thought I would take some time to talk to you guys about a little non-Disney stuff.

Every year Greg and I participate in this charity called Operation Christmas Child. Essentially the charity asks you to make a shoebox full of toys and goodies for children. They ask you to choose either a boy or a girl and then give you 3 different age ranges to pick from. This is a Christian charity, but Greg and I aren’t really overly religious and we like it because it isn’t so much about religion and what you believe but giving to those who don’t have as much. When we drop off our boxes they have video of the children receiving these gifts and the looks on their faces just bring tears to my eyes. It’s just so sweet to see how happy they are.

Now I know that money is tight for everyone, and that we’re all planning our Disney vacations, however if it is possible I would really appreciate anyone who would like to participate in this. I totally understand if you can’t do it, I don’t want this to be a pressure type situation. But it is a wonderful charity and it always makes me and Greg feel really good, more so because this charity is all about children. We don’t spent a lot, we mainly look for inexpensive thing at Target, Walmart, Dollar Tree and places like that. For $10 you can put together a really nice box. There are drop off location all over the place, so I am sure if you would like to do it you can find a location close to your home. I have attached the PDF and website that gives you some more information about it. Again, please don’t feel pressured, I just thought I would throw it out there for anyone interested.
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/pdf/PackABoxwithLabels.pdf

Okay, some Disney trivia:
Day 40 – How many times larger, approximately, is Epcot than the Magic Kingdom?
Day 39 – Who provided the voice for Lighting McQueen in Cars?
Day 38 – What is the objective in the Buzz Lightyear attraction? How do you gain points?
Day 37 – Pinto Colvig, who voiced Sleepy & Grumpy, was the voice of what other fab 5 Disney character?
Day 36 – According to CM, why should you ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad around noon?
Day 35 – What is the name of Maleficent’s pet crow?
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answers below
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Day 40 – 3 times
Day 39 – Owen Wilson
Day 38 – To save the planet from the Emperor Zurg. Shooting Z’s
Day 37 – Goofy
Day 36 – The grease on the tracks is thinner and you go faster
Day 35 – Diablo

Cheap Chic tip: For anyone renting a car - Believe it or not, the Hess gas stations on Disney property have cheap gas prices. The Chervon Station on SR 535 was 3.29 a gallon, while the Hess station was only 2.89 a gallon! Mousesavers.com will have rental car discount codes, or search the net. (courtesy of allears.net)

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Count me in on OCC - I am going to go spread the word on my facebook!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

We have done those Christmas Child boxes several years in the past. I had lost my contact for it a couple of years ago. Thanks for posting that so I can do it again!! Have fun tomorrow!!!

 

[nic100308]

Awww...thanks so much Erin!! I really appreciate it. I like said, Greg and I love this charity because it's for the kids!!

Anyway, random question for anyone who might know. I know that the parade taping has been extended. I am trying to find out if anyone knows if the will have the REGULAR 3 PM parade on 12/3. I had planned to watch this parade, not a big deal if they don't have it. Just wondering, plus I think we're going to scope things out and if they're bad then we'll just go to another park.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I called and asked about the whole deal with the taping. The CM's I spoke with (because I called a couple of times) said that the regular activities would be going on and that no free entry tickets were being given out?? So, that does not mesh with what the word is on the boards. So, take it as you want...I don't really think anyone knows for sure! I also saw that the taping on the 3rd would be stage shows?? So, yet another option!! Sorry couldn't be more help!

 

[disneyaddicted]

Kent the kids and I have always participated in some kind of Christmas program for less fortunate children, sometimes through the post office, sometimes through the headstart program. Even last year the kids had fun picking out things for other kids. Also everytime we go to Kmart or walmart we take an angel off the tree and shop for that person.

So today you are off at World of Disney. I hope you are having a great time and maybe you'll find some bargains that you just can't pass up?!
Can't wait to see pictures.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Did your other package arrive yet??!!!!

I totally agree about the gas on Disney property. I would often times get my gas on disney property after work because it was cheap. If you go to the Hess on the way to 417 it is usually the same or cheaper. It seems that because Chevron is the only close one off property they hike up the price. If you go down that road not even a mile you will run into a Walmart and they have gas and it is always super cheap!!

I'm going to check out those discount codes for rental cars since it's $300 for the 5 days we're there in Dec!!

 

[Elevationist]

I'm going to check out those discount codes for rental cars since it's $300 for the 5 days we're there in Dec!!

Whoa, that's pretty high. What size car are you getting? I got a Compact through Enterprise for 9 days the first week of December, for $272 without any sort of discounts!

 

[creativeamanda]

We love Samaritan's Purse! Our church does the shoeboxes every year.

 

[mandy2012]

Hocus Pocus is one of my fave disney movies I love it, love it, love it Love Bette Midler in it, she makes me laugh sooo much. I walk around the house for days after I've watched it saying random lines (should I have admitted that out loud? ) I love it when she walks out of the oven speaking french and says 'Hello, I want my book' cracks me up every time

DH and I have made a pact that its now a tradition that every halloween we must watch hocus pocus and haunted mansion - will be even more fun when we have little one's in the future

I looooove muppets xmas carol too

I too love Hocus Pocus!!! My fav movie. You know the little sister danni, well I look just like her.

 

[mandy2012]

US TOO!!!!! We'll be arriving on 12/3 LOL and now that you know my wardrobe you can be on the look out for me. No worries, I'm friendly, but at that point I think that DH will be convinced that I can make a friend ANYWHERE!!!

I will be on the lookout for you! I just read this whole thread right now, sorry im so far behind , anyhoo I am sorry to hear about being laid off. My boyfriend also got laid off last year, and we are still going to Disney! It will be a tight trip, but atleast we are going.
I also love all of your money-saving tips.
And your wedding pics were just beautiful! And your doggie is a cutie too lol.
I just love your countdown tree you made! What a cute idea to have mickey with a santa hat!
Also, congrats on your anniversary
I also love looking at the videos on youtube.
And don't worry, you will get your mickey mail any day now. I got mine yesterday

 

[nic100308]

Count me in on OCC - I am going to go spread the word on my facebook!

Thanks so much!!! It really makes us feel good to give back and plus I love that this is for kids. LOL I know I keep saying that, but I love seeing the kids faces when they open up gifts. They're just so happy, I can't wait to have my own kids so I know what the magic of the holiday is like for them!!

We have done those Christmas Child boxes several years in the past. I had lost my contact for it a couple of years ago. Thanks for posting that so I can do it again!! Have fun tomorrow!!!

Thanks again, Erin!

Kent the kids and I have always participated in some kind of Christmas program for less fortunate children, sometimes through the post office, sometimes through the headstart program. Even last year the kids had fun picking out things for other kids. Also everytime we go to Kmart or walmart we take an angel off the tree and shop for that person.

So today you are off at World of Disney. I hope you are having a great time and maybe you'll find some bargains that you just can't pass up?!
Can't wait to see pictures.

I just think that it's nice to get involved and help out during the holiday season. I mean, our family is so big and there is always tons of presents because there are so many of us, but I like to give back and think about those who don't have what I have. And your right, it is fun picking out little toys and things for the kids.

Yes, World of Disney was AMAZING!!!! I will update you on everything in my next post.

Did your other package arrive yet??!!!!

I totally agree about the gas on Disney property. I would often times get my gas on disney property after work because it was cheap. If you go to the Hess on the way to 417 it is usually the same or cheaper. It seems that because Chevron is the only close one off property they hike up the price. If you go down that road not even a mile you will run into a Walmart and they have gas and it is always super cheap!!

I'm going to check out those discount codes for rental cars since it's $300 for the 5 days we're there in Dec!!

No, no package yet!!! I suspect today, we received ME last week and we are almost at the 30 day mark.

I discovered that little tip on the gas the last time we were in Disney. We're not renting a car this time because there really is no need for one. Honestly, the cheapest we found a rental, when we were thinking about getting one, was $250 and I think that was only for 4 or 5 days. That was actually the good price, some we found were way more, like $400 plus.

We love Samaritan's Purse! Our church does the shoeboxes every year.

It's just such a novel idea, I mean it's not just donating money. I think it's so cute and I love the idea of the shoe boxes. One day when the finances are better we'll be able to do more than two boxes, but for now it makes me feel good to give a whole complete gift for at least two kids.

I will be on the lookout for you! I just read this whole thread right now, sorry im so far behind , anyhoo I am sorry to hear about being laid off. My boyfriend also got laid off last year, and we are still going to Disney! It will be a tight trip, but atleast we are going.
I also love all of your money-saving tips.
And your wedding pics were just beautiful! And your doggie is a cutie too lol.
I just love your countdown tree you made! What a cute idea to have mickey with a santa hat!
Also, congrats on your anniversary
I also love looking at the videos on youtube.
And don't worry, you will get your mickey mail any day now. I got mine yesterday

Thanks for joining the party, and no worries, just read at your leisure! Don't worry about the lay-off, it was just a blessing in disguise. And I really have a completely different and new perspective in life. And, after having this year with a low stress job that's not demanding on my personal life, I realized that it's just been so nice to spend time with my family and friends and most importantly DH. Sometimes things are the way they're meant to be. It was devastating at first, but I wouldn't change this past year for anything. Even the times that were hard and when we struggled, it was all worth it. And one day we'll look back and remember this as one of the best times in our life. In a way that being poor with my DH is fun, kind of hard to explain.

Thanks for stopping by and I'm glad you have enjoy my PTR!!

 

[nic100308]

Friday was our “A Christmas Carol” Train Tour and World of Disney day and oh what a day it was!!! Our day started pretty early, earlier than work, but it didn’t matter too much because this was a fun day. We were at my in-laws by 7:30 and off to catch the 8:07 into Penn Station. By that time the commuters were already in the city so we found a seat no problem. We got into the city by 8:45 and because it was such a beautiful day we decided to walk to Grand Central. Plus is was a pre-Disney work out.

Some pictures for Grand Central front the outside and inside:

I have never been to Grand Central before, it is the most beautiful train station I have ever seen in my life. And I have been to the Harry Potter station (Kings Cross) in England!! I have been told that it has recently been redone, but it is so nice, I couldn’t believe it. I mean nasty, ugly old Penn Station pails in comparison.

Anyway, we were told that we missed Jim Carrey by a few minutes!! I was a little bummed until we entered the platform where the train was docked? (does a train dock??) and there was barely anyone on line!! I took this as the foreshadowing of a crowd free Disney vacation!! As we were waiting on the platform they had some street performers, and it reminded me of being in Epcot. I so totally in my glory at this point!!

A picture of the outside of the train:

Some performer pics, this guys was really good at balancing things on his chin!!

We waited only about 15 minutes. I wasn’t sure what to expect, I know that Jen had gone with little Madi and I did remember her saying it was really a kid thing. So we walk in and the first car is filled with all costumes and period pieces. My uncle used to own a costume shop and my aunt made many of the costumes he used to rent, so I’m really into all that kind of stuff.

There was also a lot of original Dickens letters, short stories, magazines and writings that were on loan from the museum in London.

As the cars progressed they got into how the movie was made. This was really interesting, I hadn’t realized that it was pretty revolutionary and that they had really never made a movie this way before. Greg and DFIL were really into this as they are big techies.

This is a clay model that was used as a prototype of sorts for the digital faces that were made.

These are foam core models of the buildings used for the scenes

You can even see Scrooge in this one!!

This is a picture of the suit that the actors wore. This isn’t a normal animation movie. The actors wore this suit which has all these receptors in them. So they really acted out each scene, lines and movement. Then all the movement was loaded to a computer and they layered a skeleton and skin and clothing to create the people in the scene. They even wore helmets with tiny HD cameras on them so that the animators could create the expressions correctly. So Scrooge really looks like the old Jim Carrey and Nephew Fred really looks like Colin Firth! I hope I am explaining this correctly, it really is amazing and I have never seen anything like it.

Some carolers before we exited the train:

Off to the blow up theatre to see a preview:

So cool!! I can’t wait to see it.

And then we journeyed to The World of Disney!! Oh I was in Disney heaven. It has 3 floors!!! And everything Disney you could ever think of, except socks!! I was actually really good, I didn’t buy ANYTHING!! I debated buying a Jack sweat shirt, the same one DH has, but decided against it for two reasons: 1) I didn’t want to have to give up any Disney money and this purchase would require that (it was $60 a little pricey) and 2) I decided that I would look for it in Disney if I really wanted it. I’m still up in the air only because Greg has the same one. If I really want it I can get it there and it won’t be such an impulse. And if it isn’t there the World of Disney is just a short train ride away. LOL if my old self could see me now. Anyway, some World of Disney picture, enjoy:

Notice a trend here folks?!?! Yes that’s right, no pictures of Greg and me. AND my in laws were with us so there was even someone to take pictures. Anyway, now I definitely don’t feel guilty about getting the photo pass.

On the way back to Penn we stopped at the Yankee Club House and got ourselves a Yankee wall mounted bottle opener. That purchase was a no brainer as we’ve been looking for one that we liked for a long time.

We had a wonderful per-Disney, Disney filled day and the best part of the whole thing was that night I was sitting on the couch. All of a sudden my heart sank and I said to myself, “Oh man, tomorrow’s Sunday!!” And then I said, “Wait, tomorrow’s only Saturday!!!” Everyone should always have Friday off. I’m putting together a petition for a country-wide 4 day work week. Who’s with me!?!?!?!

Cheap Chic tip:
Inexpensive Souvenir idea - pressed pennies. I love pressed pennies, and the even more rare pressed quarters. I have been saving my pennies and quarter for awhile just for this purpose. And Disney also sells a display book for all your pressed pennies!! The best pressed penny is a nice clean shinny one, but those are sometimes hard to come by. A tip on how to get clean pennies, soak them in some white vinegar. This is a Girl Scout tip from my younger days but works like a charm.

Trivia:
Day 33: What are the names of the mice (the boys) in Cinderella?
Day 32: What company has a full page ad on the back of the park maps?
Day 31: In what Disney animated feature is Earth referred to as “Section 17, Area 51?”
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answers below
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woo hoo tomorrow is 30 DAY!!!
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Day 33: Jaq, Octavian, & Gus Gus
Day 32: Kodak
Day 31: Lilo & Stich

 

[exwdwcm]

wow, your day in the city looked like a blast- love all the pics. i can't believe you went in the WOD and did not buy one thing, not even a pen? come on now!!

so now i need to call mom and see if she has received our DME package yet- i have my cousin using them for the return trip home!

and lol at picking out your travel outfit, i am the same way. i wish i could pack like today!!!!

 

[creativeamanda]

Those pictures of Grand Central Station are beautiful! We are talking about going to NYC next Christmas.

 

[disneyaddicted]

Amazing, now I really can't wait to see the Christmas Carol. I never go to the movies opening weekend so I will wait a bit once it comes out but I am so excited now.

3 floors of Disney shopping and you didn't spend a dime? That is major self control there girl. But I'm guessing that if you didn't have a Disney trip coming up so soon it would have been easier to make a purchase, I agree with you though, why buy now when Disney is on it's way.

So so so so close. I am getting all twitterpated.

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I love Grand Central!!! It is one of the prettiest things in NYC!!

Your pix of the train are great! It looks like it was very interesting...wish I would've gone.

We are definitely going to see the movie...it looks so good!

Glad you enjoyed your weekend!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

I am so glad you were able to enjoy tour. Actually, I had pointed out that it was not very kid-oriented, and now seeing all that you took away from it, I see how much I miss. But my Madi walked away a happy camper!

Oh good God World of Disney! I see a weekend trek to NYC in my future! And KUDOS to you for not splurging!!!

 

[nic100308]

wow, your day in the city looked like a blast- love all the pics. i can't believe you went in the WOD and did not buy one thing, not even a pen? come on now!!

so now i need to call mom and see if she has received our DME package yet- i have my cousin using them for the return trip home!

and lol at picking out your travel outfit, i am the same way. i wish i could pack like today!!!!

I love the city. As we were walking I noticed so many things about the city that are so beautiful. I think one day in the future I may just venture in on my own during the week to just take some pictures. Greg would go with me, but I rather not have to worry about him just standing around being bored while I'm taking picture.

I have really been trying to be super good about the spending and saving for Disney. I told myself that if I saw something that I HAD to have then I would get it. I debated over the sweat shirt and then decided that if I really wanted it and they did not have it in Disney I would come back. I was really looking for a pair of socks, and I asked and was told they did not have adult socks. I was shocked!!

Those pictures of Grand Central Station are beautiful! We are talking about going to NYC next Christmas.

NYC at Christmas time is so wonderful. But as the holiday gets closer it is a mad house!! My Birthday is 12/22 and Greg treated my to a night in the city to celebrate a few years ago and it was just nuts!!! I mean it we 3 days before Christmas, LOL but we barely got close enough to the tree to get a picture. Anyway my suggestion would be earlier in December and during the week.

Amazing, now I really can't wait to see the Christmas Carol. I never go to the movies opening weekend so I will wait a bit once it comes out but I am so excited now.

3 floors of Disney shopping and you didn't spend a dime? That is major self control there girl. But I'm guessing that if you didn't have a Disney trip coming up so soon it would have been easier to make a purchase, I agree with you though, why buy now when Disney is on it's way.

So so so so close. I am getting all twitterpated.

I'm very excited to see it too!! I wanted to go opening weekend, but I'm not so big on crowds, so I think we're going to go during the week. Also We have an IMAX theater by us, so I thought about going to see it in 3D IMAX, but I think it might be a little too much. Like a little sickening.

I was very good. I didn't see anything that I had to have that second, plus like you said we will be going to Disney. It was nice to just be there and look and all the Disney stuff and get in the Disney mood. And it did get me some idea of the different things I want to look for while I'm in Disney.

I love Grand Central!!! It is one of the prettiest things in NYC!!

Your pix of the train are great! It looks like it was very interesting...wish I would've gone.

We are definitely going to see the movie...it looks so good!

Glad you enjoyed your weekend!

It really was beautiful. There were even a bunch of really nice restaurants and bars and an awesome food court. I really just couldn't believe it!! We had a really nice weekend, sometimes it just nice to not have to go to work on a work day.

I am so glad you were able to enjoy tour. Actually, I had pointed out that it was not very kid-oriented, and now seeing all that you took away from it, I see how much I miss. But my Madi walked away a happy camper!

Oh good God World of Disney! I see a weekend trek to NYC in my future! And KUDOS to you for not splurging!!!

I could see how it would be a little harder with a little one. I could see how it was more geared towards adults than kids, which was sort of a little strange considering it is Disney. But it was very visual, especially the picture morph, so I'm sure just the pure stimulation and the joy of being on a big trip made her happy! Is Madi old enough for movies? I don't know at what age kids can sit through a movie, but it does look like it's going to be a good one.

LOL I have so changed from my old self. I think that loosing my job and having to really budget has really taught me the value of a dollar. Plus we're now in the, "lets start a family soon and buy a house eventually" mode so that has really changed my perspective. Plus I kept thinking, oh I'll see this in Disney. And if not, I can always go back to the WOD, it's pretty close to us.