For the Love of Disney - Dec 5-13

[SRUAlmn]

Great update!! Can't wait to read more, and I LOOOOOOOVE Caya's outfit!!! Did you make that? So adorable!!!! Hayley's hair looks cute with that sequin headband too (Being the big sister I sometimes got annoyed when everyone goo gooed over just the little ones, so I wanted to be sure I gave Hayley some props too! She is a beautiful girl!!!)

 

[disneybarbie]

amazing updates! i love the 'move it, shake it , celebrate it' parade... so much fun & energy!

Emma xx

 

[beyondblessed]

Tuesday, December 8th ~ Magic Kingdom Evening

We decided since we were there anyway, we’d head over to Tom Sawyer’s Island. I had never really given this much of a chance, usually sticking to the thrill rides. And I just have to say WOW, we had the best time here. We did all the bridges and caves and then found Fort area. The girls ran and ran and had such a good time here. It’s really, really neat. Another thing I wish I would have tried a long time ago! We stayed here until the sun started to set.







Always the goofball...


Embarrassed by the family shananigans!


The Fort:











We got to see Tiana's Showboat Jubilee from the dock. It was cute and Princess Tiana was beautiful!



When we got back to the Main land we stopped in the Briar Patch shop. I love this little store, although it used to have unique merchandise that wasn’t Disney. We started talking to a few cast members from Brazil and learned how their study program worked for them. It was very interesting and they were so nice to us.

Next up is Adventureland. We went into a couple more shops and then found a shady spot to rest. We all used the restroom, got a few drinks and felt completely refreshed. Did I mention we all worked up quite a sweat on Tom Sawyer’s Island and were probably all in need of showers! lol We rode

*Jungle Cruise







My favorite part of this ride is the "back side of a waterfall"! hee hee

*Pirates of the Caribbean

And just to make sure we didn’t miss anything, as it got dark we headed back to Tomorrowland and snapped a couple pictures of the castle on the way.





We rode:

*Tomorrowland Speedway (Hayley was finally big enough to drive her own car-yeah Hayley)



We had dinner reservations at Liberty Tree Tavern at 6:30 so we rushed that way after we were done driving. Dinner was really good, Caya was NOT. She had had enough by this point and was ready for some rest. Our server was fantastic and we sat near a huge family that was having the best time. There were nice enough to include us in their fun. Thank you. And unfortunately, I did not take any pictures of this dinner! Boo!!!

*** 4 Table Service (Total Used=16)

We snapped a few more castle pictures and hurried out of the park. It was a MVMCP night and we were not on the guest list!



Sorry about the big head...walking and clicking at the same time! ha








Ran into these dancing snowflakes & Mickeys just in front of the train station. Pretty neat!


We got the Pink monorail back to Poly – Caya was thrilled. We finished up our postcards and I (alone) went to the Great Ceremonial House to mail them and refill our mugs while Trav gave Caya a bath. I took my time browsing the shops for a bit and grabbed a couple snacks.

Travis: Gummy Mickey’s
Nikky: Mickey Pretzels
Hayley: Gummy Mickey’s

*** (about $12)

Got back to the room, enjoyed my coke while I caught up on my trip notes and we were all fast asleep by 10:30.

Favorite Rides of the Day
Travis: Space Mountain
Nikky: Dumbo
Hayley: Space Mountain & Big Thunder Mountain
Caya: Dumbo & Buzz Lightyear

Favorite Character of the Day
Hayley: Peter Pan
Caya: Cinderella & Rose (aka Aurora, aka Sleeping Beauty)

Favorite Part of the Day
Hayley: Breakfast at Cindy’s
Caya: Move it Shake it Parade, Dream Along with Mickey

UP NEXT: DEC 9th - REST DAY - BREAKFAST @ OHANA

 

[disney<333]

Hey Nikky, how are you feeling?
Great updates! Sounds like a fantastic day! Breakfast sounds great! Great pics with the characters.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Wow, what an amazing update. I love all the Christmas pictures and I can almost hear the MK welcome song with those pictures. Sounds like a great day!

 

[praisehisname]

Fantastic updates! You got so much done! I really want to explore Tom Sawyer Island but usually skip it for the same reason as you. Next time!

 

[cdotla]

Great updates! Loved your Magic Kingdom review! Sounds like you guys had a perfect day!

 

[beyondblessed]

Wednesday, December 9th ~ Rest Day - Ohana Breakfast
Weather: 85 high HOT!!!!, Sunny

Today is our rest day! We slept in until about 9. Man those curtains can darken a room! I got up and got ready and then took 2 loads of laundry to the little laundry center. Another plus to our building, we were one bldg away. I threw 2 loads in and headed back to the room. I brought the Purex All In One laundry sheets. They worked perfectly if anyone was wondering about them.

We had a breakfast reservation at O’Hana at 10:10 so we headed up to the Great Ceremonial House at about 10. We had a bit of a wait but I think I could hang out inside the GCH all day long so I really didn’t mind.





They take your picture before you are seated. Ours was horrible as I was the only one who had showered at that point. The girls threw on clothes quickly but might as well just have worn their jammies. I really like this breakfast and it’s very interactive for the kids. The food was yummy and plentiful...they bring it to your table family style but it's all you can eat. We also really enjoyed the juice (Passion-Orange-Gauva).





Caya had a blast shaking her maracas and her tushie while in the conga line. Hayley is a little too cool for that right now! We saw

*Mickey
*Pluto
*Lilo
*Stitch



























The characters made another trip around...







And just to humiliate my adorable husband (love you honey), here he is wearing Caya's Hannah Montana shades. Wish I could find the pic of him wearing her wig to post along with this one!!!



*** 4 Table Service (Total Used=20)


UP NEXT: DEC 9 - REST DAY - SWIMMING & MAGIC KINGDOM

 

[beyondblessed]

Wednesday, December 9th ~ Rest Day - Swimming & MAGIC KINGDOM

We were done by about 11:30 and I went to put the clothes in the dryer while everyone else got ready and went to the pool. I straightened up the room a bit and then went to get the clothes. The laundry facility was actually pretty nice. There is a sitting area with a flat screen and a vending machine…it’s just in front of the laundry room. The laundry room has several washers and dryers, a nice island counter top for folding and even a hanging rod. I admit I haven’t spent much time in laundry facilities but I was impressed.

When I was done, I met the rest of the bunch by the pool. It was nice having a lazy kind of day. There were a couple other families at the pool but not many. I met a really nice older couple who were winter Floridians and had just come by to take a tour of Poly. They thought they may like to vacation there at some point but wanted to check it out first. It was love at first sight for them.

















We went back to the room at about 2 and we all took a nap until 4. Four showers and an hour and half later we were on our way to the Magic Kingdom to Spectro and Wishes. We went to the monorail station at Poly and learned it was completely shut down because one of the monorails had broken down on the tracks. Most people rushed to the TTC (Ticket & Transportation Center) so we went to Poly’s private boat dock. We caught the little ferry over…it was a nice ride and I’m glad we took the time to go that route. Our driver was from IL so we chatted with him (about weather mostly) on the way over. He stopped the boat sideways in front of the Magic Kingdom so us pictures nuts could snap some pictures of the beautiful castle as it was being lit for the night. Then he switched to the other side so they could take some pictures too.

We entered the park and headed straight to Frontierland. We got seats in front of Liberty Tree Tavern and then Trav went and got Caya some dinner at Columbia Harbor House. Nothing looked good to the rest of us so we just waited.

*** 1 Counter Service (Total Used=13)

We all really liked Spectro. It seems that all the characters were drawn to Caya…it’s all so real to her so she’s smiling and waving the entire time. Probably annoys the heck out of them so they give in and wave to her so she’ll quit! lol





















We went over to Fantasyland to get seats for Wishes. At this point I don’t think there was any chance of us getting in front of the castle even if we wanted to. We got a nice seat on the stone bench right next to Dumbo. Trav and the girls rode Dumbo and I snapped some pictures.



Travis making his Dumbo ears


I tried to take a picture of the stroller with the Christmas lights but they don't show up very well.



Wishes actually started while they were still on the ride. What an amazing show. All the right songs to make every hair on your body stand up on end. I don’t recommend this spot…we had ashes on our behinds as we were leaving!!! Lol

We saw this amazing artist, painting with water on the ground. It was so incredible.







We took our time leaving the park. Mass chaos! It was nice to sit back and soak in some of that magic after a beautiful day at Disney. We decided to take the boat back again and were tucked into bed by 10:30.

Favorite Rides of the Day
Travis: Dumbo
Nikky: Dumbo
Hayley: Dumbo
Caya: Dumbo

Favorite Character of the Day
Hayley: Stitch
Caya: Lilo

Favorite Part of the Day
Hayley: Spectro / Wishes
Caya: Spectro / Wishes


UP NEXT: DEC 10 - DISNEY STUDIOS - PART 1

 

[cdotla]

Wow - another great day!

We will be at O'Hana's for our first breakfast there next week! Can't wait!

The Poly pool slide looks great! You DDs look like they are having such fun! DD and I were there last year but didn't do the slide (she wasn't brave enough). Now she is swimming like crazy and can't wait to try it!

I love Spectro too! I am actually glad we are missing the Main Street electrical light parade change for the summer...I would be disappointed to miss Spectro!

 

[klacey1]

Your camera takes AMAZING spectro pictures!! Mine never come out that beautiful! Excellent job!!

 

[BippityBoo]

WOOHOO!! The update queen

I love hearing about your wonderful trip!!! I showed my DH the breakfast from Ohana and he was super jealous! ha. We love Ohana.

What a nice swim day! Heaven

I am SO happy that you sat in front of LTT. How did you like it? We decided to try to sit in front of Pecos Bills last time. I kind of felt that it was missing the magic of Main Street. I thought LTT would be a good compromise.

 

[praisehisname]

Woo baby, you're on an updating roll! Your rest day sounds like it was so nice, and then ending with Spectro/Wishes...just perfect!

 

[kcandbella]

Loving all the updates! The trip looks like it just kept getting better and better!!!

 

[micandminforever]

Wonderful pictures of Spectro.

 

[Charlefours]

I would love to see the MK opening show. I think the only day it would be possible would be the day we are leaving, if we pop back for a few favorites. There is a chance I may take DD that last morning for a few last rides/memories. : What great memories from CRT! I think our next trip we will go there as it seems to be much better than the last time we went. (granted that was almost five years ago ) Caya's outfit for MK day is just adorable!! Hmm...maybe I should re-think Tom Sawyer's Island. Seems like it would be a great thing to keep in mind if there is time with the older kids are on rides DD cannot ride (Splash and Space mountains).

Awe, Spectro! I sure hope it is running in September and the rumors are not true about it discontinuing.

Nikky--your photos are just gorgeous! Do you mind telling me which camera you use?

 

[beyondblessed]

Congratulations!! That is just wonderful, wonderful news! I hope you are blessed with a happy, healthy baby! Have you thrown around names at all yet?

Thank you so much. No, we haven't really gotten to talk about names too much. We're trying not to in front of the girls because they are so unbelievabley opinionated!

Congratulations Nikky!! I'm so happy for you guys. That's so exciting! Do the girls know? I bet they will be super excited. Caya and Hayley are going to make great big sisters! Emily was supposed to be born on 11-29 but was born two weeks earlier. I'd take a baby over Disney any day. You need a baby ticker. Are you guys hopping for a boy or a girl?
Can't wait for your next TR update.

Thank you, thank you! The girls know and are very excited. They keep changing their mind on what they would prefer. 11/29 must be a good day. Hopefully, I'll follow in your footsteps and go a little early. I'd just like to go on or before Thanksgiving because that gives Travis and the girls a couple more days off of school. I hadn't thought of a baby ticker...think I'll try to work on that tonight. I don't think either of us have a preference...everyone thinks we were trying for a boy but I think Travis is perfectly happy breeding softball players! haha

Wow!!! Congrats! That is certainly good reason to cancel a trip!

All the best to you and your family!

Aww, thank you so much. I can't think of a better reason to cancel!

Congratulation on your wonderful news.

My DH was a High School Chemistry teacher and coached Football and Basketball, so I know how it is to plan life around sports and school. In fact at the time we got married I was teaching middle school math and coaching cheerleaders. We set our wedding date the week between cheerleading camp and basketball camp. Now we are both retired from teaching and get to plan life a different way.

Thank you! It's so nice to hear from someone else who has been through the planning obstacles we have. I love our crazy beautiful life but I do look forward to a time when planning isn't so difficult!

WOOOHOO!!! What AMAZING news Are you going to find out what the baby is? I am sure the girls are beyond excited! Congrats to you and your beautiful family---I can not wait to follow along with your progress

First of all, thank you so much for the TR compliments! I am trying REALLY hard to get mine finished so that I can start my PTR for December. I am really hoping to be able to do that on May 17th (right before we make our ADRs). Even though I am way more excited for your little bundle of joy, I would have loved to meet you guys in WDW. We are probably going to be there around the same time you went last year.

Keep us updated and again...CONGRATS!

Hi Katie!!! Thank you. Yes, we are definitely going to try to find out. I'm too much of a planner not to! I just saw your exciting weekend on facebook...I'm going to head to your TR soon to read about it!

Congratulations! Soooo happy for your family! That is such exciting news!

Your AK day and evening at the Poly look like so much fun. Your pics all turned out so good. It looks like you had some great family time on the beach!

Thank you so much! I know you are in Disney right not and I can NOT wait to read your TR and see your pictures. Hope you are enjoying every second!

I found your TR today and read it all in one sitting!

Your girls are beautiful and it looks like they had a wonderful time. I hope this trip was everything you needed it to be.

Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your stay.

Kristen

Hi Kristen - Thank you! I'm glad you found me!!!

 

[beyondblessed]

I did the same thing! I agree. Your girls are beautiful! They have such pretty eyes Can't wait for the next update

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Congratulations Nikky!!! I am so excited and happy for you.

Your photos are just amazing! The safari ones are just beautiful!

Looking forward to reading about your next day. :

Thanks so much. I'm hoping to get more up tonight!​

I just found your TR and read through the whole thing! You have such a beautiful family Congratulations on the new addition!!!

Thank you so much. I'm glad you found me and can't wait to read yours!

Hi!!! I was gone for so long...kinda glad you were too so I didn't miss your whole trip!!! So great...the pix, meals, rides!! Congrats on the little one!!! Maybe you'll get a boy this time! Either way, your daughters are beautiful and i'm sure this one will be too!

You always say the sweetest things! THANK YOU!!!

Congrats on the pregnancy.....

What a great day at AK... you got a ton done!

What great resort hoppin!!!!

Who's the photographer in the family? do both of you do the picture taking because the pix are fantastic.

Thanks Jordan! I am the photographer...there probably isn't one picture of me on our camera. You know how that is. Hopefully, one of my sisters has one to prove that I was there!

Congratulations! What awesome news!!! Have you found out what you're having, or do you like to be surprised?

Thank you! We are so excited! We don't know what we are having but plan to find out. It would drive me crazy not to know...it's driving me crazy now and I think we have to wait until sometime in July. ugh!

Hey Nikky, how are you feeling?
Great updates! Sounds like a fantastic day! Breakfast sounds great! Great pics with the characters.

Hello! I've felt better...trying not to be a big baby complainer but man I'm getting tired of the pukies!

 

[beyondblessed]

GREAT update I know what you mean about the Opening Show at MK! We just did our first one on this past trip and we were so goosebumped and teary eyed! Just wonderful!!

We had to skip out on our Cindy Breakfast last time. I really want to try again after seeing your pics. LOVED how Snow White colored with your DD. How special

The Belle storytime is another one we would like to try. So happy your DD got picked--and how special it was to be Poppa!

Can't wait to read about the rest of your day

I think next time we go I want to watch the opening show EVERY DAY and then go wherever else we are supposed to go that day! Cindy was much better this time than the last...sometimes the character interaction totally makes the meal. I think both of your kids would like Belle's storytime...I was pleasantly surprised at how great it was.

 

[beyondblessed]

WOOHOO!! The update queen

I love hearing about your wonderful trip!!! I showed my DH the breakfast from Ohana and he was super jealous! ha. We love Ohana.

What a nice swim day! Heaven

I am SO happy that you sat in front of LTT. How did you like it? We decided to try to sit in front of Pecos Bills last time. I kind of felt that it was missing the magic of Main Street. I thought LTT would be a good compromise.

LTT was a good location but get there early! I know what you mean about Main Street...it is more magical and if I knew we could sit down on Main St. and watch it, I'd be there in a heartbeat. I just hate the thought of standing and keeping track of Caya throughout the parade.

I would love to see the MK opening show. I think the only day it would be possible would be the day we are leaving, if we pop back for a few favorites. There is a chance I may take DD that last morning for a few last rides/memories. : What great memories from CRT! I think our next trip we will go there as it seems to be much better than the last time we went. (granted that was almost five years ago ) Caya's outfit for MK day is just adorable!! Hmm...maybe I should re-think Tom Sawyer's Island. Seems like it would be a great thing to keep in mind if there is time with the older kids are on rides DD cannot ride (Splash and Space mountains).

Awe, Spectro! I sure hope it is running in September and the rumors are not true about it discontinuing.

Nikky--your photos are just gorgeous! Do you mind telling me which camera you use?

If you can get to the opening show any time I would go...even if you watch and leave for another park. It's just so magical!!! I hadn't heard the Spectro rumors...oh my, I would be sooo sad!

Thank you - I really enjoy taking pictures and rarely give up the camera. It is a Nikon D90. Most of the pictures were taken with the 55-200 mm zoom. It was a fairly pricey investment but that's what it is, an investment and well worth it.