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

[praisehisname]

What a great picture!

But it still is fun to see the amazing set ups that we saw out there! The Fort was a great event on our last night in Disney.

I've seen bits of it featured on the Travel Channel, but I would love to see it in person!

Denise

 

[praisehisname]

What a wonderful way to end the day! Magic Kingdom at night...alone!

Denise

 

[praisehisname]

I got my last yogurt parfait

Mmmm! I love the yogurt parfaits at Beach Club!

SO, I will come back for a final post of details and summaries... I will go ahead and post my final comments and souvenirs in my last update

Can't wait to see them!

Denise

 

[wigdoutdismom]

That last yogurt parfait is sad.....

 

[Happydog]

SO I figured I had to show you the souvenirs that we got while we were in Disney...

First, the arsenal of Disney Weapons... I do have two boys, enough said.

Next a simple magnet that I just thought was cute.

Imagine these sticks with marshmallows dipped in chocolate and sprinkles....

In this photo you can see the mouse pads I ordered as valentine's gifts for my inlaws and my parents... as well as a sample of the photo and the print that they give you at the Pirate's League... I accidently forgot to load the photo I took of the mouse pads but you can see them here...

Something silly, I think I will use it this summer before we go -- it better be good for $5.00 a box

Two gifts I bought for DS4 -- the iguana you have already been introduced to... the book is amazing, so I thought I would share a few photos... I found it at the Toy store in "England"... The illustrations are really neat!

We also bought several gingerbread shingles from the Beach Club and a few gingerbread cookies from the Contemporary (these were shaped like figures, and had a piece of parchement on top with an "Its a Small World" characters on them... I mailed them to my grandmothers before I took a photo, I am sorry to say, but they were very cute. I also got some pieces of English Toffee from Goofy's before we left.

ANd this was basically it! I was very tempted several times to pick up a new shirt... but I had just bought two new shirts on my October trip, and I knew I would get more wear out of shortsleeved tops, so I refrained from buying the waffle weave hoodie that was TOOO cute. So I will be shopping this summer! Of course after all that I didn't get my act together enough to get my Christmas ornament -- even though I had multiple opportunities to snap it up! BUT there will be the next trip, and if we can possibly make it to DTD on our way home from the cruise, I will. Otherwise, you know I will be shopping heavily this summer! And I am excited to check out the shops and stuff on the cruise, lots of new shopping there...

Okay, gotta go to take the boys to bed, big day of skiiing tomorrow!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

That is quite an arsenal! You are definitely surrounded by boys!

Enjoy skiing tomorrow!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Disney weapons.......

I hope you get the chance to pick up that ornament! If not I happen to know someone that could pick it up for you next month.....

The skiing sounds like so much fun, you know we will want a full report!

 

[Charleston Princess]

The pile of Disney weapons rivals Connor's!

Liking the magnet! That may need to come home with me this summer!

I have that Alice in Wonderland book -- ordered it from Amazon a while back. There is also a Peter Pan one and a Cinderella one with Mary Blair's illustrations. I have those, too.

I do love souvenir posts!

 

[manntra]

What a wonderful last day and so sad it is over but now it's on to the next adventure!!
Such a cute picture of all the boys on their KP mission! So intense!!
Holy cow did you get a lot of snow!!! You are going to have a great day of skiing!

Tracy

 

[jenseib]

I found and read your TR today. Very fun!
I hope you will post yout Photopass pictures too!
I am hoping to go in Early Dec some year (hopefully this year). So I am trying to see things people like to do and you showed me some fun stuff.
Did you have to book the sleigh ahead of time? and how much was it?
What were the temps? Could you wear shorts? How cold did it get in the evening?
Looks like you had just a wonderful time. And I am very hugnry after hearing all the wonder places you ate at!

 

[ladybugmom]

YAY for souvenirs!!! The Alice in Wonderland book is adorable and the Mickey mac & cheese--awesome!!

 

[praisehisname]

That Alice in Wonderland book looks really cool!

Denise

 

[aprilisis]

I really enjoyed your TR. Your photos were awesome!

 

[eandesmom]

What fun stuff! As fabulous as some of your pictures were this trip (pirates league, carriage) I'd have gone crazy on photo type items. Mouse pads are so cute darn laptops mean we don't use them anymore.


Love all the weapons. I'll be curious to hear how the mac and cheese tastes!

Besides...you might NEED to get yourself a shirt on your cruise!

 

[Happydog]

Such concentration! These pictures do a teacher's heart good. They are so involved. I really love that Epcot came up with this activity.

So glad you got to meet Wigd's family.

New video games for the boys so that you can get some sleep = wisdom.

Enjoy your fun in the snow and new trip planning!

Oh yes, Toy Story Mania gave us a good 2 hour nap!!!! I know they really were into it, I fear my 2nd grader monopolized the KP Phone, but Baylor took it in stride! Such a nice boy! they were so fun to hang out with for certain. WigD has the "art of gab" and so do I, so no wonder!!!!

Snow I am still enjoying... but we are due for another 10 inches if you can believe it...

Aww, I'm sad it's over, I've really enjoyed reading along! The KP missions look so cute! My boys want to try them so badly

Hope you dig out soon! In Iowa we have had a RIDICULOUS amount of snow this winter too. The ground hasn't been seen since early December and the storms just keep coming

Gee Thanks!!!! YES! RIDICULOUS I am starting to feel the RIDICULOUS when they tell us another 10 inches tomorrow and Wednesday!!!! They closed Admin offices AGAIN tomorrow, so you know they are behind with the lot clearing.... Kids won't be back to school before Thursday at BEST I am guessing.

The KP missions are great fun. Just get yourself a good beverage and walk around with them!!!! I recommend the slushies in France... BUT that is just me!!!

Wow! on all the snow! I can't even imagine!!!! I really enjoyed your pics and your whole trip report. I'll try to hang around to hear about your cruise as well. One day we want to take one of those!

Yes, it is quite a pile up here!!!! Thanks for reading along, I have enjoyed yours too!!!!

i loved your whole TR

Awwww well THANK YOU! Come join us for the next one!

I just had a question about Christmas week: How were the extra magic hours? Usually when we go we take advantage of it alot, but I wasn't sure if it would make a huge difference since it was christmas week?

Well if you go for the early am hours, which we are early birds so we tend to, the EMH were an hour early ontop of the 8am openings.... so MK was open to the public at 8am, and there were EMH every morning at 7am... so that helped... And as far as the evening hours, it is hard to say, I think more people probably took advantage of these... But that night at the MK, AFTER the Fworks the park wasn't crazy busy, in my mind, but I wasn't trying to ride rides.... I say AM is your best bet after they start those early hours...

Did you like Earl of sandwich?

Hope you're digging yourself out of the snow alright and have fun skiing.

Looking forward to hearing all about the cruise.

You know it was pretty good -- the sandwiches we got were tasty. I liked their dessert options too.... the boys would not have found the menu friendly enough for them... sandwiches have to be "just so" -- thus we used their CS meal the day before, and just hit McDonalds about an hour out of Orlando...

Yes! The snow and skiing were GREAT! Might try later this week! Hope to get that PTR started!!!

 

[Happydog]

Holy cow!! I cannot believe all that snow and I live "up north!!" And already no school tomorrow and Tuesday. Glad you're making the best of it. Enjoy!!

Well what is the saying, when life gives you lemons? Except here it is when life gives you snow...

Yup. No school tomorrow, as well, and they are saying even more snow tomorrow night soooo......

Thanks for the snow scenes! So much fun and really pretty too. The boys look like they are having a blast shoveling that white stuff....
The snow fort is A+! Great job guys!
Have fun on your walk.......

Oh we had great fun! Just rolling around in it! Well, THEY were! DH and I just shook our heads and kept going. I think I even "accidently" pushed them down into the snow once or twice..

They definitely were proud of their "base" HA! apparently it is a "base" not a "fort" -- or so I was informed by my cheeky 2nd grader... I stand corrected

Oh my goodness thats a lot of snow! It is really pretty though. And, it appears as though you guys have the clothing to be out in that kind of weather - we don't even have a decent pair of boots, all of mine have high heels on them let alone coats and gloves to be able to play in snow like that.

Looks like your boys were having a blast!

Yes, we have plenty of gear! It takes an hour to get it all on!!! By the time I finish getting them ready all I want is for them to go outside and give me some peace and quiet!!!! No just kidding, but seriously, putting on all that stuff takes FOREVER!! We ski, so they have to have all the bits that go with it... I have Uggs and Northface snow boots, but yes, we need them around here! But your guys looked like they managed okay! It is a familiar "serene" boy-smile that is universal!

Wow! That's a lot of snow! We haven't had a storm like that this year... we usually have at least one big one. Enjoy the snow days - sounds like you have some fun things planned to pass the time.

Snow storms are a lot of fun when you don't have to be anywhere.

Can't wait to see your souvenirs & hear your final thoughts.

Oh they are they are a lot of fun, and I am glad I could enjoy it rather than be driving to Disney in it!!! We have had a great deal of snow this year twice in December, three times now in Jan/Feb -- very crazy winter!

Wow! That is some serious snow!! Looks like the boys are having a blast. I know my kids enjoyed the 6" we got last week so they'd be overjoyed with that much. Ski camp sounds fun!

Oh it is! They love it. They go for 4 hours basically, and they ski for two hours, have snack and such, and while they are being attended to by the ski school instructors, we get to ski ourselves! So it is a great activity for everyone.

The snow play was also very fun for them!

Ski camp sounds like a great way to spend your Monday off!

I really can't even begin to fathom what to do with that much snow! It blows my mind!!! Must be nice though to have tired boys after all the playing in the snow!

Oh yes, tired boys are the best kind of boys (well sometimes... ) They have fun. We like skiing and this way they keep learning skills, we can enjoy skiing ourselves, and everyone has fun!

Cant fathom what to do with that much snow, eh? Well how bout add another 8 - 10 inches????? That is what our new Winter Storm Warning is predicting...

That last yogurt parfait is sad.....

OH I was totally conflicted!!!! It was terribly good.... How's that for an oxymoron!!! Will be looking forward to that this summer for SURE!!!!

 

[Happydog]

Great parade pics! We loved seeing the Christmas parade, and how perfect to actually see it ON Christmas day!

It was really special to see it that morning!

Sounds like a great Christmas afternoon!

Going back to do some more catching up!

Denise

Thanks for reading and catching all the story in this TR! We had a wonderful Christmas trip!

I can't believe how low the crowds were for Christmas night!

Denise

Oh it surprised us, too... but I think this is because most were at the MK...

I would have been worried about that with my kids, too! Flights of Wonder sounds like cool show; we'll have to check it out!

Denise

Oh it is a neat neat show!!! We really liked it! I am not a big bird person, but it was interesting!

What a great picture!
I've seen bits of it featured on the Travel Channel, but I would love to see it in person!

Denise

Oh, the Fort is a must at Christmas, talk about getting you in the mood for Christmas!!!

What a wonderful way to end the day! Magic Kingdom at night...alone!

Denise

It was very very fun! I loved having the time to just check stuff out.

Mmmm! I love the yogurt parfaits at Beach Club!

YES, very good, aren't they!!

 

[Happydog]

That is quite an arsenal! You are definitely surrounded by boys!

Enjoy skiing tomorrow!!

Yes, Yes I am BUT I love them to pieces!

We had a great day! MY legs feel like jelly, but we had a great time!

Disney weapons.......

I hope you get the chance to pick up that ornament! If not I happen to know someone that could pick it up for you next month.....

The skiing sounds like so much fun, you know we will want a full report!

Oh I know, sad, isn't it??!! That is all they wanted! I forgot to add the stinkin' plastic swords they got with the Pirate's League, but that would have been over the top...

Oh thanks, WigD -- I will take you up on that offer if I can't get there, I will I will!!!

Skiing was grand, I took some pics, and I will share!

The pile of Disney weapons rivals Connor's!

Liking the magnet! That may need to come home with me this summer!

I have that Alice in Wonderland book -- ordered it from Amazon a while back. There is also a Peter Pan one and a Cinderella one with Mary Blair's illustrations. I have those, too.

I do love souvenir posts!

Oh gee, I didn't know about the book, so I am all over that!!!! Definitely the Peter Pan book! Thanks for that!!!

The magnet is cute! I liked it for that reason. Yep, you can never get enough things at Disney which shoot, stab, slice or laser....

What a wonderful last day and so sad it is over but now it's on to the next adventure!!
Such a cute picture of all the boys on their KP mission! So intense!!
Holy cow did you get a lot of snow!!! You are going to have a great day of skiing!

Tracy

Thanks! It was wonderful and I am UBER sad I had to leave my Disney Christmas behind, but yes, I am super anxious for the cruise!!!!!

Yep, LOTS of SNOW.

 

[Happydog]

I found and read your TR today. Very fun!
I hope you will post yout Photopass pictures too!
I am hoping to go in Early Dec some year (hopefully this year). So I am trying to see things people like to do and you showed me some fun stuff.
Did you have to book the sleigh ahead of time? and how much was it?
What were the temps? Could you wear shorts? How cold did it get in the evening?
Looks like you had just a wonderful time. And I am very hugnry after hearing all the wonder places you ate at!

Hi! Welcome!!!! I will try to answer your questions here -- but I got great info searching the DIS threads too!

Oh yes, I am going to post the rest of my photopass pics, yes, that is next!

Yes, you have to book the sleigh, it was a little pricey, $60.00 for 30 minutes. but I thought it was a special treat and worth it for that reason. We only did that and the Pirate's League -- which was 50% off. You can do a carriage ride too, I THINK they may do something similar but I think it is only the sleigh that takes you through the camp ground. It was a special family treat.

The temps were okay overall, nice low 70s a few days, high 60s other days, and only colder in the evening... I wore pants the whole time, but my DH wore shorts a couple times with long sleeves... I was never really hot but on one day, but I was not uncomfortable in shortsleeves and cotton cargo pants. I wore sandals a lot. and the rain wasn't bad -- I had a down vest that I wore pretty much every day, at some point. It was a great layer for this time of year. A few nights were colder than others.... You will just have to bring a variety of layers -- it got colder when we left, so I think it just depends...

Hope that helps!

 

[Happydog]

YAY for souvenirs!!! The Alice in Wonderland book is adorable and the Mickey mac & cheese--awesome!!

Thanks! I really thought it was cute, too, and DS4 loves it. I will order Peter Pan now that CP gave me that TIP! Mac and cheese was a silly purchase, but looked cute!

That Alice in Wonderland book looks really cool!

Denise

Yes! It is! DS4 really likes it!

I really enjoyed your TR. Your photos were awesome!

Gee Thanks! It was great fun to write. What is not to like about Christmas. I want to go back next year! BUT that probaby wont happen... I will go back for Christmas again though, for sure.

What fun stuff! As fabulous as some of your pictures were this trip (pirates league, carriage) I'd have gone crazy on photo type items. Mouse pads are so cute darn laptops mean we don't use them anymore.

Love all the weapons. I'll be curious to hear how the mac and cheese tastes!

Besides...you might NEED to get yourself a shirt on your cruise!

Oh I know! Well, I got the mousepads because my parents and my inlaws have a regular computer!!! I have that at work of course, but I have enough photos around my office! We are a laptop household. We have one of those logitech wireless "mice" on the main laptop, but it doesn't need the mousepad. I really didn't get enough Photo pass pics... I thought about a calendar. Maybe this summer so I can give them as Bday presents to my mom and Mother in Law whose Bdays are in October!

Yes, I have no idea about the mac and cheese it was an impulse buy... at least it was only $5.00!!! BUT I like your logice about a shirt on the cruise...