Ho! Ho! Ho! Away we go - A Disney Christmas - 2/15 Dec TR final thoughts and FEB TR!

[dddisrunner]

I am LOVING this report!!! I was going to read the whole thing and then comment BUT when I read about your Park Fair breakfast I just had to comment! Your boys are so stiming cute! That snow was CRAZY! We actually had 3 snow days off of school due to the 22 inches we received! Your 1st post about leaving had me gasping for breath! So happy you made it without incident! Thanks for posting all the beautiful Christmas decoration pictures! The Osborne lights look FABULOUS!! OK, going back to read more.......

 

[dddisrunner]

LOVE the Beach Club pictures and the Jingle Jungle Parade...AWESOME!!! How great for your adulys cruise getaway! FUN! Looking at your tickers, it looks like we will be on the same Dream cruise as you in June of 2011!!!

 

[eandesmom]

I love that both boys were crashed out in laps at dinner, so cute! They never seem to melt down, just crash when they are done. Love it.

What a fun fun day, it sounds absolutely perfect!

Well except for the 7am on Christmas day part!

 

[raider97]

Great updates! We did the same thing you do at DHS both days we went - getting fast passes and then getting in line. It worked great! We love that ride!

The pool area looks AWESOME! We tried to go swimming on the 23rd too, but someone had turned the POR pool heater off and it was freezing! We promised the kids we would go back sometime when it was warmer. Granted we aren't going back until DH gets the camper he has been eyeing, but at least we are going back sometime right?

Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas Eve! We spent ours in Magic Kingdom. I may get around to that day by the end of this year! I really need to get going on our trip report. Can't wait to hear about Christmas day.

Stephanie

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Lovely update of Christmas Eve at Epcot...

It sounds like you did just the right amount & how nice to have the holiday stories to get into the mood...

Le Cellier seems like a perfect place for a Christmas Eve meal...

(It seems to me that either the crowds weren't crazy or else you were very adept at handling them...the things you hear about the crowds at DWD is the one thing that makes me hesitant but it doesn't seem like you had any problems...)

 

[dddisrunner]

All caught up! SAB looked GREAT,how nice to sit and relax and watch the kids without getting in the pool! LOVED the scandalous flask pictures! How nice to have family down there! We encountered those eager ducks at Hurricane Hannah's too! Your dinner at the Cali Grill sounds GREAT, we loved the relaxed pace and atmosphere too! The MK looks so beautiful decorated for Christmas! Your Xmas Eve day looks GREAT too. Again, your boys are ADORABLE! Looking forward to your Christmas morning post!

 

[Happydog]

Great update! Le Cellier--we are eating there for the first time in May and I cannot WAIT!!! So booking it for 2 meals must mean you REALLY like it!! Can't wait to read about Christmas morning!!

Oh it is YOU will totally enjoy it! Really worth it! I think it is one of the best meals for 1 credit to be had on property. My DH REALLY likes it. Hence, we try to make him happy Christmas Morning will start tomorrow...

Great photos!
SAB must have made afternoon breaks a not-to-be-missed part of the day.

You know, it really did!!! I am sure if we were anywhere else, we would have stayed longer at Epcot that day, but frankly it is too easy to slip back over the Gateway entrance and hang out! Can't wait to do that next trip!

Well, I will keep trying if we don't get it the first time. My family loves their steaks. Have you tried the mousse? Are the smores dessert better than that?

I am sure you will get it for one night no problem. The steaks are very good, and the kid's portion is perfect. BUT yours are both adults now, right?

Oh, the dessert. Yes. My DH got the Mousse our first time at Le Cellier. It was good, no question. But I guess I crave icecream, so the thick cookies with the icecream and chocolate is very good. The "marshmallows" are two toasted marshmallows rolled in sprinkles... then on the plate they swirl a sweet syrup all around... it is like an icecream syrup or something... anyhow
It is very tasty in my opinion... We had the maple creme brulee, too.. it was okay. They also have some sort of caramel cake... can't remember... and THAT was really good! I love dark chocolate mousse, but I liked their other desserts too... BUT that is why getting a few desserts is part of the fun!!! Just have extra spoons!!!

I love that both boys were crashed out in laps at dinner, so cute! They never seem to melt down, just crash when they are done. Love it.

What a fun fun day, it sounds absolutely perfect!

Well except for the 7am on Christmas day part!

They had run and swam and run and played and after a steak and mashed potatoes, believe me they crashed!!! Yes. That is their MO... but next summer, no stroller... am a LITTLE worried about that. Will bring a single, not the double.

It was a great Xmas eve... And Christmas AM was really fun too! Coming up tomorrow!!!

 

[Happydog]

I am LOVING this report!!! I was going to read the whole thing and then comment BUT when I read about your Park Fair breakfast I just had to comment! Your boys are so stiming cute! That snow was CRAZY! We actually had 3 snow days off of school due to the 22 inches we received! Your 1st post about leaving had me gasping for breath! So happy you made it without incident! Thanks for posting all the beautiful Christmas decoration pictures! The Osborne lights look FABULOUS!! OK, going back to read more.......

HEY DIANE!!!! SO happy you came over!!! Glad to catch up on your PTR too!!! Oh yes, that snow WAS crazy!!!! We got as many inches as you did! But we were not there to enjoy it... driving through it, ANOTHER matter! There are so many great things to see at Christmas!!! You will enjoy it if you go one year, and I am sure you will!

LOVE the Beach Club pictures and the Jingle Jungle Parade...AWESOME!!! How great for your adults cruise getaway! FUN! Looking at your tickers, it looks like we will be on the same Dream cruise as you in June of 2011!!!

The Parade was so festive! The Christmas Parade at MK was too! We see it Christmas day, so you'll see my post... The February cruise is only possible because my DH got his personal days back. That was due to the snow -- same three days off school too!

Hey! REALLY??!! Are you going on the Dream too? HOW cool is that!! We selected a room on Deck 9 -- but now we are rethinking our decisions to ask for a specific room...

Well I noticed your PTR and hopped right over -- I think we have some days that overlap this summer too!

All caught up! SAB looked GREAT,how nice to sit and relax and watch the kids without getting in the pool! LOVED the scandalous flask pictures! How nice to have family down there! We encountered those eager ducks at Hurricane Hannah's too! Your dinner at the Cali Grill sounds GREAT, we loved the relaxed pace and atmosphere too! The MK looks so beautiful decorated for Christmas! Your Xmas Eve day looks GREAT too. Again, your boys are ADORABLE! Looking forward to your Christmas morning post!

Yes that flask is pretty silly! Only by BIL, that is all I can say!!! Cali Grill is a great place to eat, and I remember your TR about your dinner there too, so I think we definitely had a similar experience! EVERYTHING was beautiful. I am hooked on those decorations! SAB really was an enjoyable place to while away the time...

 

[Happydog]

Great updates! We did the same thing you do at DHS both days we went - getting fast passes and then getting in line. It worked great! We love that ride!

The pool area looks AWESOME! We tried to go swimming on the 23rd too, but someone had turned the POR pool heater off and it was freezing! We promised the kids we would go back sometime when it was warmer. Granted we aren't going back until DH gets the camper he has been eyeing, but at least we are going back sometime right?

Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas Eve! We spent ours in Magic Kingdom. I may get around to that day by the end of this year! I really need to get going on our trip report. Can't wait to hear about Christmas day.

Stephanie

To me that is the best system! Ugh, no swimming for me unless the temps were higher! The Jacuzzi was great, though! Oh sure, you'll be back!! Christmas at Disney comes with its own set of amazing memories.... Swimming is nice, but certainly there were many wonderful experiences to replace that one!

YES!!!! You need to get going on your TR...
I am going to start Christmas Day tomorrow!

Lovely update of Christmas Eve at Epcot...

It sounds like you did just the right amount & how nice to have the holiday stories to get into the mood...

Le Cellier seems like a perfect place for a Christmas Eve meal...

(It seems to me that either the crowds weren't crazy or else you were very adept at handling them...the things you hear about the crowds at DWD is the one thing that makes me hesitant but it doesn't seem like you had any problems...)

I thought it would be a perfect Xmas eve dinner too! You know, it was busy. but some days we didn't do much... but that is because we didn't feel like we had to spend all day in the park, less we not get something in... I am very grateful for having the chance to visit several times in a row, so we didn't feel compelled to only ride rides... The crowds were there, but I think we stayed clear more or less, because we were not going to every ride line in the park. Now in a few instances we felt the crush, believe me. However overall we did fine with the people...
I read on the DIS at one point that going the week before Christmas was a little better than the week between Christmas and New Years and that either week, you had to have a positive "go with it" attitude ... I think it was crowded, but only a few days reminded me of the large crowds we faced on the 3rd and the 4th of July this past summer... We certainly didn't ride as much... but I felt we were there for other things too...

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am sure you will get it for one night no problem. The steaks are very good, and the kid's portion is perfect. BUT yours are both adults now, right?

Oh, the dessert. Yes. My DH got the Mousse our first time at Le Cellier. It was good, no question. But I guess I crave icecream, so the thick cookies with the icecream and chocolate is very good. The "marshmallows" are two toasted marshmallows rolled in sprinkles... then on the plate they swirl a sweet syrup all around... it is like an icecream syrup or something... anyhow
It is very tasty in my opinion... We had the maple creme brulee, too.. it was okay. They also have some sort of caramel cake... can't remember... and THAT was really good! I love dark chocolate mousse, but I liked their other desserts too... BUT that is why getting a few desserts is part of the fun!!! Just have extra spoons!!!

Yes, this is the first trip where both kids are considered adults. Connor is pleased, but I am not loving paying adult prices on tickets or meals. However, I do think it will come in handy when I insist that everyone has to order a different dessert at Le Cellier so we can try them all.

 

[Happydog]

Well... actually he was. That little Door Mouse


IT was Dark. But, I guess that is what you should expect when you are waking up at 6am!! And that is where we were on Christmas Morning….

It's funny, because of course I bounded out of bed, and snuck out to the main room in the villa, to spy on my little lads, and there was DS4, already up gazing at the presents under the tree. When he saw me he sat up and pointed and said Look!! He then rolled over to his older brother and practically jumped on his head, "Santa came Griff, Santa Came!"

That was basically the "Calm Before the Storm…" then of course when they were both up they started jumping all over (the poor neighbor below us ) and I told them to go wake up “Daddy” who – gotta love him – was already awake and coming into the room… So he sat there and they started grabbing what was under the tree… I told them that Santa had “coded” the bow colors, Blue and Orange for one and Green and Red for the other, so they sorted the gifts out. I hadn’t brought many. Just the idea of lugging a full sized Star Wars “AT-TE” (or whatever it is called) to Disney, to just turn around and lug it back didn’t make much sense. SO, we selected four gifts for each… Actually I think three, and then when I made the stop at the Target in Orlando, I grabbed a few Star Wars Action figures… It was small stuff – a lego set, some movie Cars cars, SW action figures, a “Woody” action figure to go with Buzz, a board game, a small set of Super Structs, and an Alice in Wonderland book I bought in “England” the day before… I also stuffed stockings with an Iguana (from the AK) and more cars and lego men... and of course some chocolate!

So here are the photos from that morning….

Fortunately the boys had had a bath the morning before, and I scrubbed every inch of them knowing a bath that night or this morning wasn’t happening. So after a quick face and hand wash and teeth brushing, I gave them their clothes and said come on guys! Lets get to the MK! Everyone busied themselves getting dressed, I made some coffee and Hot Chocolate, the boys ate some dry cereal (the way they like it!) And then I looked out the window… closely.

Well, it was doing what the weather report said it was going to do…. RAIN.

DH and I knew this was a possibility. He opened the slider to say “Raining yes, but it is really warm outside – We’ll be fine”…

So armed with that philosophy and our rain coats, and dressed in our Peppermint Mickey Tee’s – off we went! We LEFT our villa a little after 7am…

NOW fortunately we had the rain shield for the Stroller, three ponchos and we had an umbrella, but the rain was persistent. We parked at the Contemporary. My DH said do you want to take the Monorail or walk? Here was the decisive moment…. I said "walk." So we walked. At one point I almost wished I had said otherwise, but I reminded myself, this was a "onnce in a lifetime moment" or something like that and just grinned -- thank goodness it wasn’t cold. It was a nuisance, the rain, but we just took it in stride. I had my Minnie Santa hat on and I didn’t notice getting wet THAT much!!! I sipped my coffee, and the boys their hot chocolate… We strolled up to the entrance, and there was hardly anyone there. The massive crowd I was expecting, the droves of people… NOT there. NOW. THAT was a CHRISTMAS GIFT.

I know, well we ALL know, the rain had everything to do with it. BUT may I simply say that I will take a rainy Christmas morning if that means I can have the three hours of completely enjoyable time at the MK that I had this morning…. NOW it was wet, I couldn’t take any photos because I wasn’t going to bring my camera out in it… but it was still great fun. I felt like I was sneaking around down stairs to the Christmas tree enjoying all the presents while my parents were still sleeping in bed… It was just like that. Only it was more than me, it was those of us “foolish” enough to brave before 8am and the rain!!! and we were all there together and in on the secret while the rest of the crowds, A la TGM's "THEM" were still sleeping...

Well we didn't look back. We made our way to Space Mountain. We rode it SIX times, and walked right onto the ride. DS7 and DH and then DS7 and me, Three times each. I kept asking my son, are you SURE you want to ride this again??? And his answer? HECK ya! So DS4 and DH and I swapped back and forth riding BUZZ…. And DS4 was delighted because he LOVES Buzz… We also rode the TLTransit to do something while the Space Mountain marathon ensued! We got FPs for SM as well (first thing) so when my DBIL and Christine showed up they could ride it. And then the rain stopped… so we all went on Astro Orbiter, NO line, three people waiting for the elevator, all of the ships were not even filled!, and decided to make it over across the park to Fantasy Land. I saw the photopass photographers out, so I had to take advantage of that. Which I did and was so happy to get a few shots, and then we meandered to the Castle, and for the first time, EVER, I walked through the Castle. I was able to see the mosaics that are there, and I was so happy. I was finally able to get my camera out, so here is what I got... I took these photos so you can see how empty it was…. It was pretty close to 9 at this point I think…

In this photo there is a princess... with my mosaic... she must have just been to the BBB -- they must have started EARLY!!!! But it was humming in there -- my DH put his nose in and said OMG it smells just like a Salon in there!!!! I said well DUH... my boys did the same. They ran out screaming.... (not really -- but sorta. )

MORE IN THE NEXT POST...

 

[Happydog]

So escaping the hair spray-scented air, we hightailed it away from the BBB, and walked over to try our hand at the sword in the stone, alas we had the same luck as last time, We’ll see this summer!

Even DH puts his back into it....

Well they got over their dismay, and we went to ride Pooh’s Hunny Pots and then over to Peter Pan… My kids know what they like! But I hate walking back and forth!!!! Ah well, Fantasy Land on Christmas morning. Dumbo sailing, Cindy’s Carousel twirling, it was a wonderfully warm morning, and the sun was sorta peeking out!

We then went to Adventure Land, we wanted to ride BTMRR, and see about Splash… Well I did finally manage to get a photo of ONE wait time, everywhere else it had been “5” minutes… here, my camera tells me I took this photo at 9:24 it was “10” minutes …

Here is a shot of Frontier Land so you get the sense of crowd... or lack of !!!

Guess who rode that twice?? And then got FPs… We then decided we were not going to get any wetter, and over to Splash we went. Somewhere around 9 I had received a text from my DBIL… they were finally on their way. He indicated that Christine was taking longer than he wanted, and was a little bothered by that, but at least they were on their way! So now they appeared to have gotten to the park, after 10am, and we met right on the bridge next to Splash, while DH took both boys on BTMRR again! We met up, and made our way over to POTC together with the rest of our party…

They should have left him behind bars...

Random Pirate….

After Pirates, it started to sprinkle again, we went to get a snack at Sleepy Hallow, and I had a cappuccino float with pink vanilla ice cream…. mind you before lunch! But hey, it was CHRISTMAS day!!!! I can have what I want!!! Then we walked over to the HM, since Christine wanted to ride that… here we are with our morning snacks getting ready to go inside!

This was DS4’s reaction to the HM… but he had already ridden it so he was an old pro now!!!

Here is his “Green Grinning Ghost” smile after we came out…

The people were starting to show up, the crowds a little larger now.

After HM, we went to try out our Lunch ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern. However, I was not aware that they were serving a special “Christmas dinner” menu the whole day… That was a surprise to us, and DH really didn’t want that kind of meal at 11am, since we were scheduled to have a big dinner at The Flying Fish that night, so we explained we had hoped for the regular lunch menu, they completely understood, and so instead we decided that we would wait for lunch a little longer, and eat at the Contemporary. I did get a photo of the Christmas tree, though… And I would say it was a perfect place for a Christmas meal, very cozy and, well, colonial!!! Reminds me of Colonial Williamsburg, here at home…

We caught the end of the Tiana Jubilee parade…

It was very festive and fun!

Well, about this time we had 30 minutes before Mickey’s parade, and a performance at the Hall of Presidents was about to begin, so we went in for that, but DS4 and I decided to pass on the Presidents, because I really wanted to see the WHOLE parade, and it wasn’t clear if we would be out of the show in time… we parked the stroller, and caught this character trying to slip away…

I found a great spot for both of us right there next to the Hall of Presidents, and we waited for the parade to start… the sun was out, it was a lovely wait.

And that is what YOU are going to have, too. A LOVELY WAIT, because the Parade will be in my NEXT post, sometime this week…. HO HO HO!!!...

Okay, okay, here is a little hint…..

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[MeMom]

Great pictures! A lovely way to spend a Christmas Day.

Glad you got to see the mosaics. Aren't they something else?!?!?

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

WOW!!! I had to quickly read through 21 pages!!! LOL When we got back last month, Christmas kept me from reading anyone's reports and from starting my own. Then, I spilled wine on our laptop and had to wait to get a new one. Hence, I am sooo behind! All caught up now...looks like a great time so far! Can't wait for more! I will be starting my TR I think tonight!

 

[raider97]

I love the pictures of the kids opening their Christmas presents. Since we flew Santa filled their stockings, but left the rest of their presents at home. Wow!! Your pictures from MK this morning looks great! Thanks goodness for the rain. It really is a mixed blessing. at WDW We had dinner at LTT on Christmas Eve and it was great! But I can understand how you wouldn't want something that heavy for lunch when you had a great dinner planned. I want to try LTT for lunch sometime. It looks so yummy!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Ho Ho Ho Jennifer!
Great update!
You did very well in the rain on Christmas morning! I don't think we would have been brave enough to have tried that. Especially with Harper...
Maybe without such a little one though!
We were getting packed up that morning for our move and the big kids were going back to Kansas.
The boys looked like they had a fun Christmas morning at the villa and looked so cute in their peppermint mickey shirts and Santa Mickey hats! I love it that you got to ride Space Mountain and Buzz so many times what a treat!
Looking forward to more!

Oh yea!
Do you have Kroger?
Just found something that made me think of Matt. They have a pretzel nugget in the freezer section. It's filled with pepper-jack cheese.... now it's not quite the same as AK but not bad either.....

 

[shannn]

That sounds like a perfect MK morning!! I love that you got out there even though it was rainy. I bet it was great with the low clouds, and you got to do sooo much. If I have learned nothing else from Mike, it's how to stay away from THEM!

Love your peppermint shirts! Your boys are so stinkin' cute!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Great update! It sounds like you had a fabulous morning. The pictures of the boys opening their presents Christmas morning were so cute, I miss that age!

 

[stace208]

Yay! Santa came!! What sweet pictures of Christmas morning. Your little one hugging his iguana was too cute!

That is so awesome about all that you got to do at MK! Maybe I'll cross my fingers for a littlebit of rain next year!

Can't wait to see more!

 

[IluvXU]

What a great Christmas. Your boys are too darn cute! I am super impressed at your MK time too... you sure do good on crowded days.