Doin' Disney in December w/pics

[kathymc]

Pre trip –
We own DVC and had some “extra” points left over so we originally invited SIL and her son to come – they ended up deciding not to come so we ended up getting a 2 BR for DH, me and my mom and dad from Sun-Sat and a studio for FIL from Sat-Sat – and we would spend the first night at Caribbean Beach. Once SW ding rates came out - it was cheaper for us to fly out on Friday night AND stay Friday night at CB. So that’s what we did and added the night for all of us on Friday night (who wouldn’t?)

When they announced the discount on annual passes for DVC members and then the DDE discount card we jumped on both of those. So I got the AP, ended up getting AP discount on room rates and then bought the DDE which more than paid for itself.

On to the trip

Friday December 2, 2005
Cast of Characters
Me – Ariel
Danny – DH - Mushu
Mom - Cinderella
Dad - Tarzan
Pop – FIL - Gaston

I worked until 4:20 – boy that was tough – think I got any work done? Came home and finished packing and left the house at around 6:15. We met mom and dad at the Manchester airport. Flight left right on time at 8:00. Steve and Beth our neighbors were on the same plane as us. Flight had no problems and we landed around 11:00.

Got our rental van at Thrifty and then off to the Caribbean Beach without getting lost (it had kind of been tradition to get lost!) It was about 1:00 am by the time we finally found our room. It was pretty tricky trying to find out where the rooms were and we were in the farthest building Trinidad South 3962 and there are no elevators – so lugging all the luggage stunk. We were getting a little tired and frustrated and there was nowhere open for food – we couldn’t even find a working coke machine! Even tried calling for pizza delivery but it would have taken over an hour.

So we just eat our snacks from the plane and try to chill as after all - we are in Disney. We did have a towel animal that was left for us!

Went to bed around 2:15 – quite chilly out tonight.

 

[kathymc]

Saturday December 3, 2005

Didn’t sleep that well – I got up around 8:00 and took a walk around and let Danny sleep a little longer. Walked all the way to Port Royal and got some coffee- about a 10 minute walk. Took some pictures and saw the pool – looks like fun!

I saw some guy who looked like a professional waterskiing and someone was taking his picture. Lots of hibiscus and a gorgeous hibiscus tree near our room – I never knew they could be so big.

Browsed the gift shop – uh oh – they’ve got some nice new stuff! Back to wake up Danny and we met up with pop for breakfast and browsing in the store. I asked the woman at the register if they took the dining card but they didn’t but instead the woman gave us our coffee for free!

Brought pop over to check him into the Beach Club (we don’t check in till tomorrow.) Back to the hotel to hook up with mom and dad and then on a bus to MGM by 12:30. First we went to the stunt show. We all really liked it, I hadn’t heard great reviews so wasn’t expecting much but we all enjoyed. Off to lunch at Brown Derby for the first time. It was really good – one of the best meals of the week. None of us thought we were really hungry for lunch but we are all so glad we still decided to go.

Mom and I started with the caramel appletini – this was sooooo yummy – my favorite martini ever! My mom was basically licking the glass when she was done! All the guys got a drink or a beer. FIL and I got the cobb salad, really good. Mom and DH got the New York Strip Steak, DH’s was a little tough but both said it was good. Dad got the salmon that was great. We were full but not stuffed but everyone said no to dessert. Everyone enjoyed their meal and we will definitely be back. Total saved with DDE = $23.62.

As soon as we left the parade started. Met up with Steve and Beth and watched the parade then over to the Animation studio. We had a blast here! Painting, singing and acting and the character game was cute. Danny was Mushu (he wouldn’t have know who he was if it wasn’t for the preshow), I was Ariel, Dad was Tarzan, Pop was Gaston and Mom – well she was Cinderella – and then never let us forget that she was a princess! Bummed that I missed out on the drawing class but hopefully we will make it back here. (never did)

A little bit more digested so we are off to get a FP for RNR then to TOT with a 10 minutes (if that) wait. Had a ball as always. Walked around the stores a little then time for our FP for RNR. Gotta love that ride – mom said she never has to do that again! 6:15 and time to head to Fantasmic. Got a few beers and a pretzel (its tradition). Show was great as always – I could watch this show every night.

After Fantasmic we went over to see the Osbourne lights. They look really cool in the new location and you just gotta love the snow. It was really crowded walking through them though. I had forgotten my camera today – thank God Danny had bought a new phone that had a camera so we got a few shots. Off to get in a huge line for the bus to MK. Waited at least 15 minutes and about 4 buses to get on. I should have trusted my instincts to go over to the Poly and take monorail from there.

The parade had just started so we stood on the stairs of town hall and watched from there. Bobbed and weaved through the stores and got hot dogs and french fries at Casey’s – I cant believe this was the first time there for us – it was good – really fresh French fries. Went to “our” spot on the bridge for Wishes, what a beautiful show – I could see this every night as well. We were going to do a couple of rides but Pop was getting tired and achy so we all left.

Got him on his bus to BCV and we get in line for CB. Finally found a coke machine that worked so we got some diet cokes and we had a couple of drinks and chilled. Had a nice, somewhat laid back and relaxing, pretty funny, good eating day. Weather was very nice today – a little cool in the am but probably mid 70s during the day. Wore T-shirts and shorts all day and didn’t put on a sweatshirt until Fantasmic.

 

[kathymc]

Sunday December 4, 2005

On the way out of the villa I had to take a picture of the DVC sign – I am Ariel ya know.

Animal Kingdom here we come! We pack up and off to the Beach Club Villas to check in. I forgot the video at the hotel so I had to go back and get it. Left our luggage there as our rooms were obviously not ready yet. Met up with Pop and then we are off to the parks.

We were hungry so we went to eat right away at Tusker House. Dad got a wrap and the rest of us got Roast Chicken (well except Pop as he had eaten breakfast without us) – YUM! This has got to be the best counter service restaurant around. Total saved with DDE = $7.13. Got to watch some acrobats while we were eating that were a lot of fun – and very limber!

Got a Fast Pass for safari and walked the Gorilla and Lion trails but kind of rushed through to get to the next Lion King Show.

Wonderful as always. We were finally lions and Danny was happy! Danny had a Mickey bar and I had a frozen banana.We got to the park pretty late today so we really didn’t get to do much but it was a nice day. We did Kali and guess what – Danny and I got soaked as usual.

Back home to clean up before heading off to dinner at the Poly. Got checked into our room – long walk as it is the very last one that looks straight onto Epcot. Not too keen on being right on the road but its OK. Took the bus to Magic Kingdom, then monorail to the Poly – worked great. Met up with Steve and Beth for dinner at ‘Ohana – another first for us. We all loved the shrimp and wings – kind of messy but no one seemed to mind. The steak was really good. Everything else was just ok.

Everyone liked the sausage but me (I just don’t like sausage.) Potatoes were really yummy and veggies were ok – but the way they bring everything out you are too full before you get to everything. The banana dessert was good but we were all pretty full. When the dessert got to my FIL the ice cream was basically gone so the server brought out a huge bowl just for him! We were seated away from all the action but it wasn’t a big deal.

Danny was acting goofy and put the umbrellas in his ears and a server brought him over a lei for making her smile.

Dad was also fascinated with the umbrellas for some reason – it was pretty funny. I was really weary about going here after recent reports, but I am glad we did. Wasn’t that great of a meal but good enough. We had a great server and the Ukulele guy sang Happy Birthday to me (it’s the 15th but everywhere we went we toasted my birthday). Probably wont be back but it was fun to try. I did enjoy my Lapu-Lapu! Total saved with DDE = $52.94.

Steve and Beth left and the rest of us walked out back to the beach and the Electric Water Parade had started – what timing! Everyone thinks Ive got this all planned (I try – but this couldn’t have worked out better) We watched that and then pulled some lounges over and chilled and waited for the MVMCP fireworks to start. Wow – this was really cool but you could not hear any music (I thought the Poly piped it in?) It was cool but of course my camera battery died at the end. Took monorail to Magic Kingdom and catch a bus home at about 10:30. Had a couple of drinks on the balcony and Danny kept playing with his new phone – off to bed at around 12:30.

 

[kathymc]

Monday December 5, 2005.
Up at around 9:00 and had a lazy morning and did some laundry and ironing. Left the villa at about 11:30. I know, I know – blasphemy! But we were bound and determined to not go commando this trip and it really was much more relaxing and so much less tiring! Bus to MK and monorail to the Poly for lunch at Kona- another first. What a wonderful meal we had here! We had only been here for breakfast before. Mom and I had the chowder and crab cakes – both excellent. Dad had a burger, DH had pot stickers and island chicken sandwich and FIL had island chicken sandwich – I loved his sweet potato chips. We all had bloody mary’s (watch out - very spicy - it has wasabi in it) or mai tais and we all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Had a good waiter who was originally from Lowell – a town close to my hometown. Total saved with DDE = $21.05.

Off to rent the sea racers. What a blast - we all had so much fun! Everyone was just racing all over the place. When we got off (1/2 hour) Dad said – can we do this again tomorrow?

Back to the villas and off to the pool for a while. It was a pretty warm day but the pool was kind of cool but we all went in. Danny, me and Pop went down the slide and then we all went into the hot tub with a family that was having contests trying to hold their breath under water – pretty funny. Took showers then off to dinner and met up with our friends again for dinner at Yachtsman Steak House.

Danny has been wanting to go to this restaurant for a while so we picked this as one of our special meals. Started off with Martinis. DH and Dad got a bananas fosters martini – yummy. Me, mom and Beth got a raspberry one that was just ok. Most of us started with the lobster bisque. Best soup I have ever had! DH got the main diver scallop appetizer and it was also very good.

Got a bottle of one of our favorite wines - Le Crema, Pino Noir. FIL got the ravioli that came out cold but he never said anything and he ate them all. DH got the porterhouse which wasn’t a very good cut of meat so he was disappointed. The rest of us got the filet and everyone thought they were delicious. Mom and Beth got crème brule – (they liked Chef’s brule we got later in the week better) and the rest of us were too full for dessert. It was a good meal, but all of us agreed it was just too pricy for what you get. We did have an excellent server and a nice meal but probably won’t return. Total saved with DDE = $84.83.

Walked over to the bridge by the Swan to watch Illuminations – nice show but you couldn’t hear the music from there.

Back to the room for a nightcap and watched a little bit of a football game. Heard we are getting slammed with snow back home and it’s about 65* here and just started to rain a little bit – its supposed to rain on and off the next couple of day – but hey its better than snow. Another fun, relaxing and nice day.

 

[kathymc]

Tuesday December 6, 2005
Up around 8:00 – didn’t sleep well and I have a stomach ache. Off to Epcot at 9:15 and heard right to Soarin. Got a Fast Pass and got in the standby line that said 30 minutes but was only a 15 minute wait. Great ride! Met up with Steve and Beth and went to the Living Seas and did Crush – how cute! It was soo funny and we all loved it. Back for our Fast Pass for Soarin. Mom and Dad loved it! (I think they ended up doing it 5 times this week!) Everyone but Steve and I went on Mission Space. I still wasn’t feeling that well so I didn’t do it.

I ran into a couple of Dis-ers (is that a word?) – Town Crier and Pam NC? They were the same people I ran into last year – how odd was that? Got a Fast Pass for Test Track and went to Lunch at Electric Umbrella. I got chicken fingers and dad got roast beef sandwich – looked pretty yucky but he said it was actually pretty good. Danny and Pop got bacon cheese burgers which were just OK – good topping bar though. Mom just had a pretzel.
Over to Test Track and then to Imagination and then off into the worlds. Saw Off Kilter – I have to get one of their CDs. Then saw the Holy Grail – very funny! Over to see the voices of Liberty and the American show. Getting a little chilly so we walk back to the villas for warmer coats and a drink.

Back to Epcot for diner at Chefs de France.

A little mix up as they said they called us but we didn’t hear them – snotty host kinda ticked us off. Tight seating (that put 5 of us at a table for 4) but very pretty restaurant and we had a good meal and good services. Dad got the lobster bisque and the cod and said both were fantastic. Mom, Pop and I all got the French Menu – onion soup (good but not enough onions) roast chicken – pretty good, and crème brulle – yummy. I had escargot to start – didn’t particularly care for it and now I can cross that off my list! Danny got onion soup and the beef that was in a pastry – this was delicious and he got the puffs for dessert – very nice!

We shared a nice bottle of Beaujolais that was being featured in the wine shop. Our waiter Tristan brought me out a piece of birthday cake that had a chocolate mousse in it and that was also delicious! (he had seen the birthday badge that was on my coat) They sang Happy Birthday in French and kissed my cheek. I might come back again but I would definitely get the beef dish that Danny got. Total saved with DDE = $41.05.

Walk out of their totally stuffed. Watched Illuminations from the seating area on the water over by the bridge. Great show and a super holiday ending. I forgot to say that the other night at Fantasmic my DH bought my mom a princess crown that lights up because she was a princess you know - she wore it a lot!

Wobble back to the room and off to bed around 11:30.

 

[kathymc]

Wednesday December 7, 2005
Slept in and off to play mini golf at Fantasia Gardens around 11:00. Had a lot of fun and my Dad won. Pop was pretty funny – he had never played before. Please remember the gate (he hit the gate 5 or 6 times and then lost his ball in the water!)

Took a bus over to downtown and has lunch at Portabello Yacht Club. We started with a tomato, onion and mozzarella appetizer and some drinks. Pop got a calzone that was huge and he ate the whole thing. Danny, Mom and I got the Farfalle alla Primavera con Pollo – (us without pasta) Very good and Dad got the Rigatoni alla Calabrese. Mom and dad eat here all the time but this was a first for us. They don’t take DDE but got 10% discount with DVC.

Off to the World of Disney - $300 dollars later – we are out of there. We got a lot of stuff and I got these big stuffed Victorian Mickey and Minnie for under my tree (I got the tree skirt and smaller ones last trip.) Where will they fit for the flight home? - well they fit and here's what they looked like!

Back home to the villa to put on warmer clothes and over to the Poly to catch our Wishes cruise. It wasn’t that cool but we knew it would be colder on the water

Beth wasn’t feeling well so they didn’t come with us as planned. Met Captain Jeff on the dock and we were off. This was really cool – kind of expensive at $250 but after splitting it was worth it and we were all glad we did it.

Took lots of video and pictures – pictures didn’t come out that good but the video did. Up close and personal to the Electric Water Parade was cool –that’s not something you see everyday. He was afraid the boat would stall and the music wouldn’t play but everything was fine. We all enjoyed this.

Took the monorail over to the Grand Floridian to look around Pop bought Meagan (his granddaughter) a cute t-shirt. Something like I love my boyfriend but I like Mickey better! Then monorail to MK to catch a bus home. We weren’t really hungry for dinner, but once we got back to the Beach Club Villas at about 10:30 pm we were, so we ordered room service for Danny and I.

He got a bacon burger and I got a chicken quesadilla. Both were pretty good. Forgot to even ask if we got discount on this food – oops. I did remember to take a picture of the food for all you foodies though! I am not bold enough to take pictures of my meals - but in the privacy of my own "home" why not?

Had a couple of drinks and off to bed around 1:00 am.

 

[kathymc]

Thursday December 8, 2005
Up at 9:00 – slept crappy and didn’t want to get out of bed. Off to the Magic Kingdom at about 10:15. Went to the Main Street bakery and got an egg sandwich and french toast loaf which was good. It’s raining, but its still warm so ponchos all around. Mom and dad had come out earlier so we met up with them at Buzz. We went twice in a row. Saw Stich – it sucked – nuff said. Then just off to do whatever we felt like. Saw Space Mountain with the lights on – cool.

Cute rainy day parade – which we had never seen before. It pretty much rained ALL day. Went to Pecos Bills for supper. I don’t know what I was thinking and ordered chili cheese fries – can you say soggy? Danny and Pop got burgers – pretty good topping selection helped mask the blandness of the burgers. Mom and Dad just had popcorn. Split off from mom and dad to ride Space Mountain and do some shops and walked out at 6:00 pm.

Back to villa for a few and Steve and Beth dropped off an ornament they picked up for us at the DVC mixer that was sort of cancelled. Mom and Dad went off and we were off to drink around Epcot. Got some beers in England – Pop had Guiness, Danny had Harp and I had Stella – it was good and they made a shamrock on the top!

Hoofed it over to Mexico to see Illuminations from over there. Met a couple from NH and chatted while waiting – I love how conversations just start up in Disney – I couldn’t imagine doing that around home. Got margaritas and walked around some shops. Got shots of Jaeger in Germany and split a beer.

Pop took a fall but he was OK – guess the Jaeger got the best of him. Got a beer and a crepe in France – not the greatest combination. Got slightly buzzed and had a good time. It was EMH tonight so I think we were here until about 12ish - probably just alittle bit too long!

Laughing all the way home acting silly - we just laughed so hard all the way back to the villa. Me and Danny were acting like goofs in the hallway and we turn around and mom and dad were walking behind us! Too funny – off to bed.

 

[kathymc]

Friday December 9, 2005
Went to Spoodles for breakfast. FIL, Dad and DH got the All American – OK as far as breakfast. Mom and I got the poached eggs – not at all what we expected but it was delicious! Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s all around. This was a great breakfast and we will come back again. Total saved with DDE = $18.03. Off to Animal Kingdom. Did safari, Bugs Life and Dinosaur. Its warm out but its going to rain.

Head off to MGM, had a spicy cheese stuffed pretzel – so bummed they don’t have the cream cheese stuffed ones anymore. Now it’s really raining and we are getting aggravated with the rain and all the people. Couldn’t believe the lines (it was the Pop Warner party tonight at MGM.) 30 minute wait at Movie ride – got in line then got out. 60 minute wait at TOT. Got in line – then got out. Went over to Rocking Roller Coaster and got in about 15 minutes then to Millionare and that is about all we did today!

Met up with mom and dad for dinner at Prime Time. Started in the lounge with appletinis all around. Forget our server’s name but she was OK but nothing really fun or crazy like we saw some other tables. It was late and it was kind of emptying out so maybe that’s why she wasn’t as in to it. We still had fun and had a pretty good meal. We all had some drinks with the light up cubes.

Danny and I started with the awesome onion rings. Mom and dad got the fried herb cheese that they liked. Pop got meatloaf that he loved. Dad got pot roast which he said was very moist and good. Mom and I got fried chicken which wasn’t as good as the last time we were here but still pretty good. Danny got char grilled chicken sandwich which was pretty boring. Mom and dad split a sundae and we all shared the smores – YUM! So the meal was just ok but we had a good time. Total saved with DDE = $35.24.

Back to the villa and Danny and I went for a quick Jacuzzi and a swim – we cold hear fireworks but weren’t sure where they were coming from. Back to the room and we caught the MVMCP fireworks from our balcony. As soon as it was over Illuminations started! WOW! What a view. Videotaped as much as we could and off to bed around midnight.

 

[kathymc]

Saturday December 10, 2005
Up around 8:00 and off to do some final shopping. Nice day and its not raining. Got some stuff and some more souvies. Stopped at Basin for some soap and bombs and got my nieces their Xmas presents. Danny got a Mickey dress shirt and tie – so cute! Stopped for Lunch at Earl of Sandwich. Huge line but it moved pretty quickly. I got the Scuddeto – awesome sandwich. Pop and Danny got the Full Montagu and those were great as well. Danny and I split sandwiches. What a great place for lunch and what a bargain at only $4.95 a sandwich.

Stopped at Virgin to see if they had a CD that mom had been looking for and they did. Fly back to the room to change as we have a wedding to go to. Danny’s cousin Pat was getting re-married. Made it their just before the wedding (about 1 ½ hours away.) Outside wedding – very casual but nice. Made small talk with people I don’t know and had a few drinks and left around 7:00.

Back to the room and then over to the Boardwalk to watch Illuminations again. Not as good of a view as over on the bridge by the Swan.

Met up with Steve and Beth and we all went into Jellyrolls. This place is just so much fun. Lots of singing and Steve and Beth actually stayed out till 12:00! Back to the room for our last time.

 

[kathymc]

Sunday December 11, 2005
Woke up at 8:00 am – tired but know we have to pack. All packed up and out the door by 10:15. Mom and dad went off to Epcot and we went back to MGM. Cool out but its not raining. Did movie ride and came out and it started to rain. Finally saw sorcerer Mickey and got some pictures.

Went to Studio catering company and had a surprisingly good lunch. FIL got chicken stew which he said was really good. I got chicken caesar wrap and DH got steak gyro. Sandwiches were small but they were both very tasty. Mom and dad went to Italy for lunch and enjoyed their meals. Went to Muppets – always good for a laugh and then did Star Tours.

It was pretty chilly today but once the rain finally stopped it warmed up. Got a chocolate chip cookie ice cream that was delicious – I think I found my new favorite. Took the bus to the Contemporary and walked around those shops a little and then over to Magic Kingdom. Got their right at 3:00 so we just watched the parade and took pictures.

Not that crowded today. Did Jungle Cruise and Pirates with no wait at all. Got some Mickey D’s french fries – they hit the spot. Then to Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain and then its time to leave. Back to the villa to get the car and left at 6:00. Dinner was pizza at Sbarro’s in the airport. Flight home went smoothly and we couldnt wait to see our bailey girl and the cats.

All in all it was a good trip. Had some great times, some tense times, some good laughs and some great food. It was a fun trip and tried some new things which was great – we will be back again. DDE was a great deal for us. In total is saved us all a total of $283.79.

Thanks Mickey – see ya real soon!

 

[mmeb144]

Wow, I love your pictures! You have a couple of lovely pets!

Thanks for the great trip report!

Marie

 

[amburger]

Great trip report. I really enjoyed reading that and yay, you had pictures. Love looking at those. Sounds like you all had a great time.

 

[pamdaniels]

I wanna go....NOW! Your pics were great, so was the report. I really enjoyed both.

 

[kimwim8]

Thank you SO MUCH for writing this report. I hope I didn't pressure you too much!

I really enjoyed it and loved the pictures. I hope to be able to post some pics of myself from our next trip in August (after I lose a bunch of weight!!)!

Thanks again...and I loved that you were there at the same time, and I could totally relate, especially with the weather.

PS - my IL's went to the DVC mixer that never was that day too! They picked us up an ornament too! hahahaha

Thanks again! I loved it!

 

[Philadisney]

really enjoyed your report - love the pictures! so cute that your DH bought your mom a tiara thanks for sharing!

 

[sskem96]

Great report! Thanks for sharing!

By the way, I have 2 cats that look EXACTLY like yours. My black one is Eddie and my white one is Chloe.

 

[roberrl187]

Terrific report. I really enjoyed. Thanks for sharing.