For the Love of Disney - Dec 5-13

[beyondblessed]

Friday, December 11th ~ MAGIC KINGDOM ~ PART 2
Weather: Chilly, Sprinkles late in the evening

*Train to Toontown

*Play Area (not sure what it’s really called)





*Mickey's house



.....and Grumpy came by for a visit!!! lol



Oh wait, maybe it's Happy!?!?



*Minnie’s house





Trav went to get the stroller (from Mickey’s Philharmagic) while we were there.

We went shopping at the Judge’s tent. Caya got a Minnie Polly to add to her growing collection ($13).



Trav decided to take a break and go back to the hotel to work out. (Poly guests can use the Grand Floridian exercise facilities and the front desk gave him a jogging trail).

Us girls walked through Fantasyland to Frontierland. We took a minute to sit in the fake Dumbo! haha





Hayley rode Splash Mountain by herself (poor thing, I just couldn’t bring myself to ride it again). She got really wet and then got stuck on it for over 20 minutes. Caya and I got some ice-cream and then went into the gift shop below Splash where she charmed the cast members. They GAVE her a Tinkerbell pressed penny book. It was so very sweet and you all know about the dear spot I hold in my heart for Splash Mountain.







We walked through Adventureland to Tomorrowland stopped for a photo shoot.





















We stopped in front of the castle to catch the show one last time. This is one tired girl sitting on the trash can!



This isn't the best picture but I just love all the red in the background. Christmas is truly beautiful at Disney. All you girls planning trips are in for some extra magic!!!




UP NEXT: DEC 11 - MAGIC KINGDOM - PART 4

 

[BippityBoo]

I must have been posting my last response when you were posting these last two updates!! You are the updating queen

I love all of the pictures with the girls. They are both so adorable!! I am happy that you got to spend some mommy/daughter time with them. So wonderful

 

[beyondblessed]

Friday, December 11th ~ MAGIC KINGDOM ~ AFTERNOON
Weather: Chilly, Sprinkles late in the evening

We got fastpasses for Buzz and then went to Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. This was a new one for us and we LOVED it. Caya made a little friend while waiting in line and they just thought they should be able to spend the rest of the day together. You’ve got to love how easily kids make friends. They just say, “hey you’re about my size…we should be best buds” and that’s that. Adults could really learn something!



We stopped at the Launch Pad (I think that's what it's called) for a Pretzel filled with cream cheese & a water to split. We were hungry but had dinner reservations so we didn't want to eat much. It was perfect and sooo good if anyone is looking for good snack ideas.

We then rode Buzz. My score was 633,500…I’m not sure what I hit but it was at the beginning. I tried to take a picture for Trav because I knew he wouldn’t believe me. It didn’t turn out though…Hayley is my witness!







I know this pic isn't good but I think you can at least tell that the 6 is lit up on the left...I need to show my hubby this pic RIGHT NOW! hahaha



It was time to head out of the park. It was now time for the part of the trip I had been looking forward to all week....




UP NEXT: DEC 11 - EPCOT & WHAT I'D BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL WEEK

 

[beyondblessed]

Friday, December 11th ~ EPCOT EVENING
Weather: Chilly, Sprinkles late in the evening

We left Magic Kingdom and took the monorail to the TTC. We met Travis there and got on the monorail for Epcot. I was having a bad day…I lost Caya’s ticket (that makes it hard to get in) and somehow got the bag tangled in the Christmas lights (that makes it hard for security to check it). My dear husband managed to stay calm as I had a minor tantrum!!! Found the ticket in my wallet…right where I put it (after getting a snack) and unstrangled the bag from the lights. It’s going to be ok, we’re at Disney!



We hadn’t gotten a chance to ride Soarin’ yet, really wanted to and knew this was our last chance so we did something stupid…we waiting for about an hour in line. It is an awesome ride but as I’ve said before, I don’t think anything is worth waiting an hour for. I guess I should say at least we got to do it once.

We had to make our own entertainment in line! We spent most of the time looking through the camera at all the pictures we had taken all week...and that took awhile! haha





And finally it was time for the moment I had been looking forward to and drooling over........

We had 8:20pm dinner reservations at LeCellier. I had been looking forward to this dinner our entire trip (actually for the entire 90 days since booking it). It is everything I heard it was and more. We waited for about 20 minutes while the hostess quizzed our Canadian knowledge. Our waiter was fabulous and very accommodating. He seemed to enjoy kids too which is a huge bonus in a restaurant like that.











Just a little more proof that my husband is a big kid. That is the bread holder on his head!



And of course, Caya has to try everythind Daddy does!



And Hayley was completely embarrassed!!!



We split a bowl of the Cheddar Cheese Soup (yum) and enjoyed it with the pretzel bread everyone raves about ($8)

Travis: NY Strip, Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Choc Moose, Coke





Nikky: Filet, Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Smores, Coke



(The soup is in the background.)



Hayley: Prime Rib, Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Make Your Own Sundae, Chocolate Milk





Caya: Hot Dog, Fries, Make Your Own Sundae, Chocolate Milk



*** 4 Table Service (Total Used=28)

This was the BEST meal we had. It’s right up there with the best meal we’ve had EVER. Great ambience, great food, great location!!!

We walked the long way around World Showcase and shopped a bit on the way. I don’t think we bought anything. We missed Illuminations while at dinner. Darn, I have still NEVER seen this (I don’t think anyway).





We took the monorail back to the TTC and walked back to Poly.

This is the castle view from TTC.



It was a late night tonight….midnight before our heads hit the pillows.

Favorite Rides of the Day
Travis: Haunted Mansion
Nikky: Haunted Mansion
Hayley: Buzz
Caya: Buzz

UP NEXT: BREAKFAST AT 1900 PARK FARE

 

[AGPrincess]

Hello! I was subbed to your PTR but somehow I only just discovered your TR today! Read through the whole thing and love it - great photos! Loved the pics of the castle lights and the Polynesian (I loooved the Poly too!) Your DD's sound so sweet and it seems like you had an amazing trip! Congrats on the new baby and hope you're doing well!

 

[taymacsmom]

Wow! Where have I been? You are the updating queen! You must try to see Illuminations some day. It is just wonderful. We were unable to book LeCellier in 2009 but it is definitely on the top of my list for 2011! I don't care what I have to do! Looks like a great day and I am looking forward to more.

Kelly

 

[ladybugmom]

Hi Nikky!! So glad to see you posting again!! YAY for all of the updates!!! How did you get that pic of the ghost sitting with you at HM?! I tried and tried to get one on our trip and it just didn't turn out!! Yours is awesome! Sooo glad you liked Le Cellier! We LOVED eating there!!

 

[jordanyosh]

What a great day you had!!!!! That food looks great.

 

[Charlefours]

your TSM pictures are adorable! I'm looking forward to trying it as well and hope to be surprised by how much we like the ride too.

What a great girl time in DTD. My DD is getting into the princess polly pockets. My MIL got one awhile back but the newer ones are much different thankfully. We have picked up a few of the single dolls here and there as treats. She wants some of the sets like Caya got but we are making her wait. Hayley's purse is cute.

I want to try one of those pretzel filled cream cheese. Yummy! I like the pretzels in the mall dipped in cream cheese but that is a rare treat. I will have to save up for Disney!

So glad you enjoyed your meal at Le Cellier--we did on our first trip too. I hope to go back when there is a smaller group of us!

Your girls are just adorable. Caya just seems like such a ball of energy and Hayley seems like a wonderful big sister!!

How are you feeling?

 

[praisehisname]

So glad you're back...even though I'm late catching up! How are you feeling? Is the pregnancy going well?

 

[Charlefours]

I hope you are doing well!

 

[taymacsmom]

I hope you are doing well!

Me tooo!!!!

 

[beyondblessed]

Hello! I was subbed to your PTR but somehow I only just discovered your TR today! Read through the whole thing and love it - great photos! Loved the pics of the castle lights and the Polynesian (I loooved the Poly too!) Your DD's sound so sweet and it seems like you had an amazing trip! Congrats on the new baby and hope you're doing well!

Thank you very much! Such sweet comments!

Wow! Where have I been? You are the updating queen! You must try to see Illuminations some day. It is just wonderful. We were unable to book LeCellier in 2009 but it is definitely on the top of my list for 2011! I don't care what I have to do! Looks like a great day and I am looking forward to more.

Kelly

I must get to Illuminations and you must get to LeCellier! Maybe you could just show up and say "Smith-Party of ___"!

Hi Nikky!! So glad to see you posting again!! YAY for all of the updates!!! How did you get that pic of the ghost sitting with you at HM?! I tried and tried to get one on our trip and it just didn't turn out!! Yours is awesome! Sooo glad you liked Le Cellier! We LOVED eating there!!

Hi Becky!!! I think I took the picture without the flash?!?! Are you starting our TR soon? I'm really looking forward to it!

What a great day you had!!!!! That food looks great.

Hi Jordan!!! It was amazing...wishing I could go there for dinner tonight!

your TSM pictures are adorable! I'm looking forward to trying it as well and hope to be surprised by how much we like the ride too.

What a great girl time in DTD. My DD is getting into the princess polly pockets. My MIL got one awhile back but the newer ones are much different thankfully. We have picked up a few of the single dolls here and there as treats. She wants some of the sets like Caya got but we are making her wait. Hayley's purse is cute.

I want to try one of those pretzel filled cream cheese. Yummy! I like the pretzels in the mall dipped in cream cheese but that is a rare treat. I will have to save up for Disney!

So glad you enjoyed your meal at Le Cellier--we did on our first trip too. I hope to go back when there is a smaller group of us!

Your girls are just adorable. Caya just seems like such a ball of energy and Hayley seems like a wonderful big sister!!

How are you feeling?

I'm positive you will be pleasantly surprised by Toy Story. I wish we would have had a chance to do it again. The Disney Polly's are all a little different than the ones I've seen in stores...not better or worse, just different. Guess that's what makes them appealing. The pretzel was wonderful but totally big enough to share as a snack. That shouldn't be too bad for you! Thank you for the sweet comments about the girls - I just love them to peices!

So glad you're back...even though I'm late catching up! How are you feeling? Is the pregnancy going well?

Thank you! I'm feeling pretty good now...it was rough at first but I seem to be through the worst of it. And I know it's sooo worth it!

Wow girl!!! You are getting busy on those updates---I love it!! How are you feeling? When will you find out what the baby is??

The girls looked so adorable in their matching DHS shirts! Did you get those from Justice?? I really, really want to try Crystal Palace breakfast! I keep reading wonderful reviews.

Just wondering--the red and black stroller like yours--is it a rental from Orlando Strollers? I am renting from them in the Fall and I want to rent the red and black one. I see that it is 10 pounds heavier than the orange, so I wanted to talk to someone who has used it. If it is a rental, what do you think about it?? We would be getting a double.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your MK day

I must have been posting my last response when you were posting these last two updates!! You are the updating queen

I love all of the pictures with the girls. They are both so adorable!! I am happy that you got to spend some mommy/daughter time with them. So wonderful

Hi Katie! I'm feeling fabulous 95% of the time now...so much better than it was and I'm pretty sure the worst is behind me.

I LOVE Crystal Palace's breakfast...it's one of those things that is just "Disney". As much as I want to try new places, there are a few I have to keep returning to every trip and CP is definitely one of them.

The shirts are from Justice...Becky actually found them first and I had to steal her idea. Thanks Becky!

 

[beyondblessed]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12th ~ BREAKFAST AT 1900 PARK FARE
Weather: 75, Partly Cloudy

This was our last full day at Disney and we wanted to enjoy every moment. Instead of going 100 miles per hour, we decided to take it slow and savor every moment. We slept in a bit, got up around 8 and all got ready. We had a 10:00 am breakfast reservation at 1900 Park Fare. We decided to walk from Poly to Grand Floridian since it was such nice little walk.














We got there a little early and were seated right away. There was a lot of excitement in the air and the characters were extremely entertaining.





We saw:

*Alice in Wonderland





*Mad Hatter





*Mary Poppins





*Pooh





*Tigger







We got several good pictures and had a great breakfast. I have always loved this breakfast buffet.










UP NEXT: EPCOT - FUTURE WORLD

 

[beyondblessed]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12th ~ EPCOT ~ FUTURE WORLD
Weather: 75, Partly Cloudy

After breakfast, we walked back to Poly so I could change the camera battery. This wasn’t the original plan but I was not going to spend my last full day in Disney with no camera!!! We then walked to the TTC and caught the monorail to Epcot.



A little hidden Mickey we found along the way!



We got fastpasses for Test Track.



Trav and Hayley rose Mission Space while Caya and I played under a shade tree outside. She made friends with a couple other kids nearby.











Once Hayley and Trav were back, we rode Ellen’s Universe of Energy and then Test Track. I don't remember Ellen's ride being soooooo loooooong!!!



Caya was not too sure about Test Track at first but decided afterwards that she loved it.





We then went to Spaceship Earth (first time since they changed it). It still has the nostalgia feeling but there are some fun updates. Caya charmed the pants off of a CM while we waited for Daddy to use the restroom.











Next was the Nemo ride followed by Turtle Talk with Crush. We wanted to make sure Hayley got to see this one too.







We stopped and got a couple pretzels and some lemonade and enjoyed it on a bench near Journey to Imagination.



When we were done, Honey I Shrunk the Audience was about to start so we went in and then we rode Journey to Imagination.





UP NEXT: EPCOT - WORLD SHOWCASE

 

[beyondblessed]

DECEMBER 12 ~ EPCOT ~ WORLD SHOWCASE
Weather: Perfect Evening

We walked around World Showcase…hoping to enjoy a nice relaxing stroll. It was a zoo! The Candle Light Processional was about to start and people were running all over.













Caya fell asleep in her stroller so we decided to grab a quick dinner at the Electric Umbrella. We just wheeled her right in and her and I went and found a table.





I had a turkey sandwich with fries, Trav & HB had double cheeseburgers w/fries. We got 2 cheesecakes and a cookie for dessert. We got Caya the chicken nuggets w/carrots, a cookie and chocolate milk.



We went to Mouse Gear to shop and Caya woke up while there and started munching on her carrots. I got my Mom a nightshirt and a tote bag, myself 2 CDs, Hayley a pair of pajama pants (for Christmas). We made our way out of the park and hopped the monorail back to the TTC. I went to the gift shop and picked up all the packages we had had delivered there throughout our stay and did a little shopping by myself. I bought a couple souvenirs for my god-children, I got Caya a baby Dumbo and I bought another $10 bag. It was almost 9 when I got back so we ran down to the beach to watch our last Electrical Water Pageant. It was such a gorgeous night on the beach, I could have stayed there forever!











We ran back to the gift shop and Hayley bought a hoodie (that happened to match the PJ pants I got her). We went back to the room and watched TV for a bit before calling it a night.





Looking back at my pictures (or lack of) it is clear that the depression was already setting in. I was sooo sad to be leaving the next day!!! boo hoo

Favorite Rides of the Day
Travis Test Track
Nikky Test Track
Hayley Test Track
Caya Test Track

Favorite Character of the Day
Hayley Mad Hatter (he was a GOOD one)
Caya Alice

Favorite Part of the Day
Hayley Shopping
Caya Honey I Shrunk the Audience


UP NEXT: GOING HOME

 

[beyondblessed]

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13th ~ GOING HOME
Weather: 80, Sunny

We slept in until after 9 today. We weren’t visiting any parks so we were not in a huge hurry. Travis went for a jog and the girls and I headed to Captain Cook’s for breakfast in an attempt to use the remaining Counter Services we had. I got the Tonga Toast (YUMMO) and Hayley got an Egg & Sausage Platter. Caya got a muffin. We ate outside and enjoyed the ducks this time! Travis joined us and we waited for him to eat before heading back to the room. The plan was for him to take the girls swimming while I packed. Well, when we got back to the room, the little security latch at the top of the door was closed so we could only open our door about an inch. What the heck…how does that happen if everyone is outside. We quick ran around and checked the patio, knowing none of us left that way but hoping maybe mousekeeping had. Locked! We found the closest mousekeeper and she said it must now be our room! Funny, since our key worked! We convinced her to call a manager for us who had to come out and see for herself and then called Engineering. We waited about a half hour, all the while I’m freaking because I have a TON of packing to do by 11am. We finally got back into our room at about 10:15…the manager extended our check-out time for us so I calmed down a bit but was still kind of throwing things in bags like crazy. Trav went ahead and took the girls to the pool so I could pack quicker, that helped a ton. When I was done, I headed down to the pool and watched them for a few minutes and then we headed back to the room. They all changed quickly and I called to have the luggage picked up. Once the arrived and took our luggage, we made the sad, sad walk up to the Great Ceremonial House for lunch. We ate at Caption Cook’s and were able to use all of Counter Service and remaining Snack credits. We got several Mickey Rice Crispy Treats to take home. Travis and I both had BBQ Sandwiches with Hawaiian Chips, Bottled Water and Dole Whips (YUMMO). Hayley had a double cheeseburger with Chips and Apple Crisp and a FUSE. Caya had chicken nuggets, carrots, a cookie and chocolate milk. Surprised? Haha

We had to eat pretty quickly and head out to wait for the Magical Express. Our bus pick up time was 1:00 and it was there at 1:00! While we were waiting outside in the sun, we realized that we were wearing pants and short sleeved shirts and were miserably HOT and in just a few short hours we would be wearing pants and short sleeved shirts and would be miserably COLD!







We got to the airport plenty early and found a place to make camp.



The girls played a couple card games and we boarded the plan without issue (we had one extra bag and I was a bit worried). We were all set to take off and found out we’d be delayed about an hour while they fixed an electrical problem. I don’t like delays but figured it was better than the alternative! I finished up my trip notes while the rest of my family napped.



We made up a little time on the flight home and were in the car by 6pm Illinois time. We had to call the shuttle at the Hampton and waited about 10 minutes for him to pick us up. While were waiting there, we recognized a couple who was on our Magical Express bus. They said they were behind us on the other Magical Express bus when we arrived also and there live about 15 miles from us (in the same town I work in). Crazy small world. Our driver was great…he chatted with us the whole way back and even told us to go in, use the restroom and get a snack before we took off. We took him up on the bathroom offer…figured those were cleanest we’d encounter until we got home. We left there and stopped at the first McDonald’s once we hit the interstate. Grabbed a quick dinner and settled in for the 2 hour ride home. The girls were probably asleep before they finished eating.



We were home by 8, unloaded and unpacked by 9. Got the laundry going and clothes laid out for the next day since we’re all headed to school/work in the morning and went to bed.

The end of a vacation is always such a letdown! And the only way to get through the PDD (Post-Disney Depression) is to plan another trip. I grabbed the bounce back offer from the room and through it in a bag (a bag that ended up under the bus). As were pulling away and I was crying big crocodile tears (seriously) Travis finally said call and book the bounce-back offer. I think I was about to cry harder when I realized the brochure was under the bus…the lady behind me must have heard my sobbing and our conversation because she passed the bounce-back offer through the seats. What a magical moment! I called and booked the same trip, same week and everything and saved 40%. I was pretty excited about the prospect of another trip. Hopefully, you read in a previous post that we will not be going back. Our trip dates were 12/4 – 12/12 and we are expecting our third little miracle on 11/29. I can’t think of a better reason to postpone a trip!

Thanks for reading – I really enjoyed getting to relive our trip one more time!!!

 

[praisehisname]

I'm so sad that your trip is over... I hope you'll be able to book another trip as soon as you're ready to take the new little one! Let us know if you start a PTR.

 

[disney<333]

I'm thinking of doing 1900 PF in November for b-fast. How what the food was it better then 'Ohana b-fast? What a fun and productive day at Epcot! The last night is always so sad.
Do we get to see pics of your purchases?
Boo for leaving! That's strange that your room was locked! Good thing nothing was missing.
So.... do you know when you'll be taking the little one yet?

 

[taymacsmom]

What a fantastic trip you had! You are so right. No better reason to cancel a trip, a new baby!!! Good luck with the little one. Are you expecting a boy or another little girl this time? Thanks for writing. I truly enjoyed it.

Kelly