I keep forgeting that it's Christmas time! Dec 2011 TR (*2/20*)

[disneydreamingdebby]

Your BC room walk reminds me of the one we did at AKL (at the same time of course lol) We were down the Zebra trail I think and we were in the very last hallway just like we were 3 years ago! We had views of 2 different savannas and paid for a standard room so the walk didn't bother us one bit. We were glad it was on the same side as the pool because the walk was cut in half when you went down to the pool/food!

I'm glad you liked CLP!! If you would have gone the next day at 6:45, you could have sat with us! My brother has eaten in Germany alone before and I doubt it phased him one bit. He didn't take pics of the food either lol. He was actually going to book it for Christmas Eve since he was off work but decided to stay home and cook for his roommates who had to work!

One of these years, I am doing a solo trip and meeting up with my Dis friends! It is hard to schedule when I am trying to be wife and mommy too.

I know exactly what you mean about cutting across the pool area! That is how we travelled when we were on the Zebra trail.

You got some WONDERFUL pictures! Wow, very impressive! I would have felt weird eating alone too, but I guess it wasn't as obvious since you weren't just sitting at a table by yourself. Worth it to get to see the beautiful CP.

Thank you for the compliments (I take tons and figure something has to turn out...)

I wouldn't have minded sitting at a table by myself, oddly enough. haha. I had a bite to eat at Panera the other night and was very happy by the fireplace having a minute to myself.

We are thinking about MVVCP but I have heard mixed reviews so trying to figure out if it will be worth the money? It would definately be better to go this year with DD only be 2 1/2 at the time of the trip.
We have stayed at SSR, we LOVE it there! We also stay at OKW, didnt care for it and it felt further away.
Did you try the Bavarian Dessert at Biergarten??? mmmm so yummy!

I tried almost everything at Biergarten...the desserts were yummy, but I tried to just have a little. That dining plan overloads you with dessert options!

It's good to know that you liked SSR. We don't care where we stay overall. We have preferences, but it's Disney! Each has some positives and negatives. OKW had larger rooms with two beds. My daughters were thrilled.

I didn't do the party because all of the special events from the party were going to happen in the parks while we were there. The 3:00 parade was replaced by the Christmas parade and Wishes was replaced with Holiday Wishes. My vote would be to go to the party since you won't be able to see those without the party. Megan (TinkerbellLuvr7- posted above) went to the party three times this year (is that right Megan, or was it two?) Bonus that your daughter would be free!

 

[creativeamanda]

I can't believe that when I was there in 2009 by myself I never did the Candlelight processional. Try being on the Deluxe dining plan by yourself. Everyone looked at me like I had three heads all week!

I love the pictures of the CP and I hope to be back at DIsney with the entire family for Christmas someday. It is an awesome experience!

 

[annmarieda]

I love the CP pictures. We also saw Chita Rivera... and did not get nearly as good of shots.

 

[__disneygirl]

Great updates! Your Beach Club pictures are bringing the smell of the gingerbread back to me! It was so wonderful to walk into that lobby and be hit with that smell. Yum!

Love your CP pics. We saw Isabella Rosellini, Neil Patrick Harris, and Lorraine Bracco and they were all great but I think I liked Lorraine best. Didn't get anywhere near as good pics as you though! I do think it was smart of you to go alone, I hate when I see parents who are clearly forcing their kids to do something... everyone ends up getting upset and it's never fun! In a few years they'll appreciate the CP I bet.

 

[Charleston Princess]

That was an interesting lunch. The Christmas decorations in Bier Garten are very pretty -- of course, I don't know as if there is such a thing as an ugly Christmas decoration around Disney. LOL!

The CP looks lovely -- how nice you were able to enjoy it without worrying about whether your family was enjoying it as much.

 

[DMGeurts]

PHew... All caught up!

I missed your posting of your villa... Gorgeous - I don't normally see a lot of BCV/BW, becuse I just know I'll probably never stay there. The closest I will get is an ADR at Cape May... LOL Gorgeous pictures though.

I loved seeing your photos of the CP though - gorgeous. I really hope to go to Disney at Christmas time someday.

D~

 

[mgsmom]

Good for you! What a fun time! I'm like you, it never bothers me to go eat or do things by myself. It's a real treat sometimes to not have to worry about anyone else just for a little while... And you got to fully enjoy CP without feeling like you had to 'drag' anyone.

Sounds like you had some interesting company at the table.

Let me know if you ever do plan a girls trip to WDW...

Can't wait for the next update!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Hi Debby! I finally made my way back onto the boards and am catching up with your TR!

Love the pics of Pop! Makes me wish I was back there right now I have to ask did you see the gingerbread houses in the lobby of Pop? I've seen them on other TRs and they look pretty.

Lol I would love to be somewhere warm in December but you are right in that it wouldn't feel like it's Christmas!

Wow the crowds at DHS never fail to amaze me I love the pic on ToT even though one of your daughters faces is blocked by a hand of the person in front.

I'm glad you enjoyed the Jedi training...I'll have to stop and watch it on a future trip.

Great pics of BC - I loved the resort when I payed it a visit and would love to stay here one day.

Wow you really had great weather on your solo trip to Epcot - love the shot of Beauty and the Beast

Think I'm all caught up and will hopefully comment as you go along from here on out!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I can't believe that when I was there in 2009 by myself I never did the Candlelight processional. Try being on the Deluxe dining plan by yourself. Everyone looked at me like I had three heads all week!

I love the pictures of the CP and I hope to be back at DIsney with the entire family for Christmas someday. It is an awesome experience!

I was really glad to be able to be there at Christmas. There were times that it was like I was alone, because I had a checklist. It was the best of both worlds, really.

It would be odd to eat alone all the time, but peaceful as well! You probably got to absorb a lot of great details!

I love the CP pictures. We also saw Chita Rivera... and did not get nearly as good of shots.

Wasn't she great? I loved her excitement!! Thanks; I really lucked out on my seat (esp since I ran to make it on time!)

Great updates! Your Beach Club pictures are bringing the smell of the gingerbread back to me! It was so wonderful to walk into that lobby and be hit with that smell. Yum!

Love your CP pics. We saw Isabella Rosellini, Neil Patrick Harris, and Lorraine Bracco and they were all great but I think I liked Lorraine best. Didn't get anywhere near as good pics as you though! I do think it was smart of you to go alone, I hate when I see parents who are clearly forcing their kids to do something... everyone ends up getting upset and it's never fun! In a few years they'll appreciate the CP I bet.

It's so funny. I don't remember the smell of Gingerbread at all..

Wow! You saw fantastic narrators! (Sometimes I am that parent, but I try now only to force them to places that it is an obligation/ life experience that is necessary...)

That was an interesting lunch. The Christmas decorations in Bier Garten are very pretty -- of course, I don't know as if there is such a thing as an ugly Christmas decoration around Disney. LOL!

The CP looks lovely -- how nice you were able to enjoy it without worrying about whether your family was enjoying it as much.

Jackie - really, the conversation and antics could have been on a sitcom!

I didn't see any ugly decorations...

It was nice to enjoy it without having to stare down the kids or saw shush a million and one times... I know you completely understand!

PHew... All caught up!

I missed your posting of your villa... Gorgeous - I don't normally see a lot of BCV/BW, becuse I just know I'll probably never stay there. The closest I will get is an ADR at Cape May... LOL Gorgeous pictures though.

I loved seeing your photos of the CP though - gorgeous. I really hope to go to Disney at Christmas time someday.

D~

Disney is great because there are so many places to stay. I consider myself very blessed to be able to own DVC, and to have a dh who loves Disney as much as I do.

Good for you! What a fun time! I'm like you, it never bothers me to go eat or do things by myself. It's a real treat sometimes to not have to worry about anyone else just for a little while... And you got to fully enjoy CP without feeling like you had to 'drag' anyone.

Sounds like you had some interesting company at the table.

Let me know if you ever do plan a girls trip to WDW...

Can't wait for the next update!

You will be one of the first people I tell about a girls' trip!

When is your summer trip? Maybe we will be there at the same time.

Hi Debby! I finally made my way back onto the boards and am catching up with your TR!

Welcome Back!!

Love the pics of Pop! Makes me wish I was back there right now I have to ask did you see the gingerbread houses in the lobby of Pop? I've seen them on other TRs and they look pretty.

I didn't see one... I could have walked by it though when we ran in to check in the first night.

Lol I would love to be somewhere warm in December but you are right in that it wouldn't feel like it's Christmas!

It sure feels like Christmas now... it's 20 Degrees outside right now!

Wow the crowds at DHS never fail to amaze me I love the pic on ToT even though one of your daughters faces is blocked by a hand of the person in front.

Never fails to happen! The crowds are usually only bad around Toy Story. I like to sit on a bench by Min and Bill's (on the lake). It's very quiet there.

I'm glad you enjoyed the Jedi training...I'll have to stop and watch it on a future trip.
I recommend it!

Great pics of BC - I loved the resort when I payed it a visit and would love to stay here one day.

It is a great resort. It is wonderful to be able to stroll to EPCOT!

Wow you really had great weather on your solo trip to Epcot - love the shot of Beauty and the Beast

We had fantastic weather the whole time!!!

Think I'm all caught up and will hopefully comment as you go along from here on out!

Wonderful to have you along!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

So after riding Spaceship Earth with my friend and her family, we parted ways. They went to use their FP for Soarin. I told them they should hang on the FW side to see Illuminations. Our family headed to World Showcase.

Emma wanted to get a picture of the reflection, so I copied...

Meanwhile, dh and Hannah decided to call it a night, while Emma and I found a great trash can to prop my camera.

Boy, did we have to fight some crowds...

I played with a different spot before finding the right trash can...

Truth be told, I moved the trash can about three inches. A guy trying to be helpful (who didn't see me move it) suggested that I move it (he offered to help) in order to have an unobstructed view. I told him about moving it already...

Next post: Illuminations: Reflection of Earth.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

And Emma and I strolled back to BCV to crash!

 

[annmarieda]

How brilliant to use the garbage can! I drug along a small trippod for dh and he never was able to set it up. Never thought to use a garbage can. And.. the night of illuminations is the 17th? Wow...what a difference in crowd level from when we saw it just days later!!! Beautiful pics, BTW!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Love those Christmas topiaries, and great shots of Illuminations! Was it themed around the holidays?

 

[MeMom]

Since I was gone to WDW when you started this and I am having laptop troubles, this is the first chance I have had to be here. I will be back to catch up as soon as I can. I scrolled through some of the pictures and saw some very familiar sights!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Wow love your shots of Illuminations - using a trash can to prop your camera sure worked!

Lol that is funny about the guy suggesting to move the trash can just after you had moved it!

Thumbs up to Emma for wanting a shot of the reflection as this look so pretty.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

How brilliant to use the garbage can! I drug along a small trippod for dh and he never was able to set it up. Never thought to use a garbage can. And.. the night of illuminations is the 17th? Wow...what a difference in crowd level from when we saw it just days later!!! Beautiful pics, BTW!!!

I have two tripods: a gorilla pod, which is what I mounted the camera on and then propped it on the trash can (If only I'd remember my remote...) and an old vivitar (given to me by my parents) collapsable with wood around the extender poles. I actually had someone ask me about it in the parks, and he wanted to make me an offer on it. It is an amazing tripod that didn't cost me anything (but it was probably my grandfather's and he probably spent a mint on it...)

I stole the trash can idea from someone on the Dis.

Love those Christmas topiaries, and great shots of Illuminations! Was it themed around the holidays?

Thanks! It was Holiday themed. I think the beginning had a musical interlude that it doesn't normally... I don't know - it just seemed less dramatic to start after they hushed and blew out the candles...it also seemed longer to get to the story with the images on the globe...

It did have a holiday theme after the orginal finished.

I was all sappy when we watched it in the summer. (It was the first time we actually stopped and watched it...) This time wasn't as moving?!

Since I was gone to WDW when you started this and I am having laptop troubles, this is the first chance I have had to be here. I will be back to catch up as soon as I can. I scrolled through some of the pictures and saw some very familiar sights!

That is the only acceptable excuse that one could have for not being on the Dis....

I hope the laptop is okay! I loved Jill's updates. You all accomplished so much. I also enjoyed spending New Year's Eve with you - but for whatever reason, my ********** account just said user#######?? I did say hello to you. It sounded like you were having a blast!

Wow love your shots of Illuminations - using a trash can to prop your camera sure worked!

Lol that is funny about the guy suggesting to move the trash can just after you had moved it!

Thumbs up to Emma for wanting a shot of the reflection as this look so pretty.

The camera was on a gorilla pod and that was propped on the trash can. Disney made them flat for a reason... totally took the idea from the Dis...

I do have pretty smart kids...

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

A little teaser for this evening!

The next morning was our Magic Kingdom morning! Bag check was backed up because they only had two or three people working on one side! All four of us needed to get through and the morning show was starting!

I thrust my bag at dh and said meet you after bag check...

Grabbed my camera and stood on a wall thing...in reflecting on this, not sure if that was okay... but I don't think I was blocking anyone... Maybe I did this after the morning show...

Totally worth the rush and bag hand off!!!

Up next - we go into MK!!

 

[wishing4PA]

I thrust my bag at dh and said meet you after bag check...

Oh, oh, oh, you are brilliant!

Still loving the pictures! I have to admit I swore I saw a hidden Mickey sideways in the ball reflection.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Yeay for catching the morning show!!! It looks even more fun against the backdrop of the Christmas bedecked train station!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Oh, oh, oh, you are brilliant!

Still loving the pictures! I have to admit I swore I saw a hidden Mickey sideways in the ball reflection.

Thank you I looked for the hidden Mickey and didn't see it...

Yeay for catching the morning show!!! It looks even more fun against the backdrop of the Christmas bedecked train station!

I only caught the tail end... But it was the best part anyway...