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

[disneydreamingdebby]

I was so anxious to update; I failed to respond.

Great idea planning that out with the lady at the next table Great pics once again and I don't think there is anything better than that gorgeous blue Florida sky!

That is one great sky! It really just worked out. I try to offer to take family shots for people. It stinks to only be in two family pictures and hate both...

What a great idea to trade off taking pictures with the neighboring table. I have never been to Chef Mickey's. How was the food?

Great pictures of the parade.

Thank you! We thought Mickeys food was good. Last time we ate there was in 2008 on our first trip and we weren't impressed enough to go back.

I booked it this time as a last hurray for the dining plan. I tried to chose the buffets we hadn't eaten at in a while. Since without the dining plan, we likely won't go to buffets.

I love the idea of trading out to take pictures with your neighbor! I'm going to have to do that in June!

It benefits both families! June- I hope it arrives quickly! (For you and me...it will mean summer break and July will be right around the corner--that's when I think our next trip will be.)

Cute pics! I'm wondering about Chef Mickey's too - how do you rate it on the character-meal-ometer? If DH's family is not in town when we are there this summer, I was thinking about doing a late breakfast there on our second day.

Thanks for the advice on MK - I told DH about it and we are changing our reservations today so we will be there the day AFTER the late MK EMH.

What Christmas Carols were the barbershop quartet singing on Main St? That is one thing that I would love to see.

The food was pretty good. Dh enjoyed it and he is more of a foodie than me. I think it will be worth it for your darling little one. She will enjoy the characters! I might suggest 1900 Park Fare instead though. We weren't there this trip, but we really enjoy it. OR, if you have a car, maybe Cape May Buffet for breakfast. (Okay, I think I have a breakfast problem...I can't decide!) I guess it depends on character preference.

Mmm Mickey Waffles....I loved having those in the mornings!

Great pics with the characters - how did you find Chef Mickeys? I've read disappointing reviews on the food boards.

Wow love the FPs - if only I could ride Splash/Space Mountain soon!

Great pics of the parade! Another one I still have to see...

I'm so sorry to hear that you had to deal with that nasty email - although most parents are supportive there are still some that believe teachers are in the wrong even when they are not

We enjoyed the food and if the cost wasn't so high, we would eat there again. I put a cherry/ strawberry sauce under the waffle. It was heavenly! Maybe I'll make some waffles tomorrow!

Just subscribed and read my way through your trip report. LOve it. Planning on taking a December 2012 trip this year so I am scoping out the crowds in the photos and checking out what everyone is wearing too, LOL!

Love all the happy photos in your report. Your girls are adorable!

Glad you joined us! We found the crowds were great the first couple of days...then, it was crowded! I was relieved to be going home. I tend to avoid crowd shots...I will try to be sure to post any I have. My goal when taking pictures is to make sure that if I include people, they are people I know.

Love the idea of trading off for pics at Chef Mickey's! I really wish I had one of those Mickey waffles this morning.

I adore the picture of the girls on the monorail! It really captures the fun of being at Disney!

The exchange just happened...it is a good trip for others. Especially when there aren't any CMs around to take pictures.

My girls can't sit still on Disney transportation. It is another attraction to them.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

What a treat to catch up here this morning!
We love Chef Mickey's for the food and the fun!
Christmas time in Epcot - yay! I have only seen women storytellers in Japan.
Bella loves to sing, 'Hey, get loud! We're pumpin' up the pahty now!' The castle lighting always brings oohs and aahs and smiles.
I loved all the pictures and stories.
I wish our commute could be a two hour drive instead of a two hour flight so we could make some day/weekend trips more often.
Just when I think I can make it the long time until the next trip (21 weeks from today), I see so many great pictures and it makes me want to jump on a plane and go now!

I wonder if the story was altered? He was a salesman (obviously wrong word..)

So, are you feeling better, I hope?

Wouldn't it be fantastic to hop in the car and be there? We'd be able to do that because we wouldn't have to pay for air or room...Then, we'd miss out of the local zoo trips, etc...

A Disney commercial just came on - It's the music video on the Disney channel with the characters playing instruments with One Republic in the park...We have Disney channel on a lot around here. Great tween shows.

The music and the pictures make me ache for the parks too. I am so blessed to go as often as I do, so no complaints (just a little whining.)

I am so glad that the parent thing got worked out. I have a friend who works for the school district here and I know that things like that wear heavily on all of you who work so hard with our kids.

I love your pictures...and am so jealous of all the things you got to see. I do notice some of the times you were by yourself. maybe that would have been the key to my own success ... if I went off on my own.

Thank you It usually works out. I highly recommend branching out alone. I don't know if dh enjoyed the trip as much with me branching off -that sounds like I am rather full of myself, but we typically do things together. (Honey, how did you feel about my touring alone to check off my Christmas list?) He reads my trip reports... He expressed that we didn't have enough downtime on the last trip. He likes to go back to the room for a bit, or swim and work out. I tried to ensure that I carved in that time too.

We did the family stuff and then said, okay, I am doing this ___. Anyone interested?

Oh... your castle lighting ceremony pics are amazing!!! I wanted to see it so bad... and begged my family to get there to go... the best we got was seeing it from way back down main street...so the pictures just are not there.

Thank you so much for sharing!!!

I am glad I could share them. It was wonderful. It was critical for me to see that and I thought the whole family would enjoy it too.

 

[DMGeurts]

What a wonderful update... I just love seeing your pictures - they make me feel like I am right there. I think I say that every single time I reply to your thread.

The castle lighting ceremony looks amazing, I hope that someday I am able to see for myself.

D~

 

[Charleston Princess]

Love the pic of your family in front of the castle in the twilight, and I absolutely adore the castle lighting pics! Just gorgeous!

 

[poisonapple_PRINCESS]

those photo's of the castle lighting are fantastic! I watched that every time I got the chance, it was so beautiful! I video taped it once...awful quality.

I'm going to admit something....I was so excited to hear the storytellers in Epcot, but we never stopped and waited for any. I guess we just werent feeling it that day. Kind of upsetting now that I look at your storyteller photo's and wish I had some too!

Next time we go I think I want to eat at Chef Mickey's. We didnt this past trip...so next time I think we HAVE to. Is it good?

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I'd love to get to EPCOT by myself just once. Tour at my own pace, take pictures of everything and just explore. You definitely planned that one right.

I can't get enough of the castle at Christmas. I mean the castle is always beautiful but when it's all lit up at Christmas it's just extra special.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Wow....wowwww....and double wow....those pictures are beyond amazing! We haven't been to the World at Christmas time since they put the lights on the castle and I can only imagine how truly beautiful it is in real life! Great shots my friend!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

I am really enjoying your report! The pictures of the castle lighting really make me long to go during the Christmas season. I just showed my DH your latest pictures and told him that I want to see the castle like that. He didn't say no and now my wheels are spinning!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Yay updates!!! Happy Sunday to you too.

Lol at the behaviour of the girls changing in a couple of mins - the same happens between my brothers. They play and fight together!

Glad you enjoyed the storytellers and yay on the bus driver for stopping for you!

I love the family shot in front of the castle

Aaw the characters looks so cute in their Christmas outfits (esp Mickey and Minnie ) and wow I was amazed by the pics of the lit castle - incredible!!

 

[mgsmom]

Great updates! Wow... so much to cover!

First of all, I'm so glad the mom apologized for overreacting. I think that does make things so much better, and I'm pretty sure I've been a mama bear a few times before I've really thought it through.

I have seen all those different breakfasts - but I think DD really wants to see the big ones - and she keeps mentioning Pluto, Goofy, and Daisy. Is that Chef Mickey? We will have a car so we can go wherever.

Thumbs up to going off on your own! Especially considering that you guys get to go pretty often. It's not like you are there for a once-in-a-lifetime trip and drifting off. You should totally do that kind of stuff when you are there! It's probably good for everyone, too. I know what you mean about not dragging everyone around for something only you want to do.

And last, those pictures of the castle are just beautiful! It just looks so very magical! I would have cried too.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

What a wonderful update... I just love seeing your pictures - they make me feel like I am right there. I think I say that every single time I reply to your thread.

The castle lighting ceremony looks amazing, I hope that someday I am able to see for myself.

D~

I am so glad to share the pictures! I didn't include many in my ptr because I wanted to see everything as new for Christmas.

The lighting was wonderful. I really thought we wouldn't make it in Dec until possibly retirement. I was so excited!

Love the pic of your family in front of the castle in the twilight, and I absolutely adore the castle lighting pics! Just gorgeous!

Thanks! I like that pic too. The castle lighting can't be captured; the feelings with it and the music...ahhh

those photo's of the castle lighting are fantastic! I watched that every time I got the chance, it was so beautiful! I video taped it once...awful quality.

I'm going to admit something....I was so excited to hear the storytellers in Epcot, but we never stopped and waited for any. I guess we just werent feeling it that day. Kind of upsetting now that I look at your storyteller photo's and wish I had some too!

Next time we go I think I want to eat at Chef Mickey's. We didnt this past trip...so next time I think we HAVE to. Is it good?

Thank you! I love my camera; it takes such great photos!

I didn't see as many storytellers as I had planned, but I made sure to make a schedule to stick to in order to be sure I didn't miss the must do's!

We thought the food was good, but I wouldn't rush back for the food. I think I'd select Kona for breakfast if characters weren't important.

I'd love to get to EPCOT by myself just once. Tour at my own pace, take pictures of everything and just explore. You definitely planned that one right.

I can't get enough of the castle at Christmas. I mean the castle is always beautiful but when it's all lit up at Christmas it's just extra special.

I think that it's so hard to tour Epcot with kids. You just can't see the same details. At the same time, I think they allow you to see other details. My family is patient about me taking pictures, but I try to send them to a ride when I want to really take pictures. I hate to make them stand still when there is so much for them to do!

Wow....wowwww....and double wow....those pictures are beyond amazing! We haven't been to the World at Christmas time since they put the lights on the castle and I can only imagine how truly beautiful it is in real life! Great shots my friend!

Thanks! The pictures don't do it justice...

I am really enjoying your report! The pictures of the castle lighting really make me long to go during the Christmas season. I just showed my DH your latest pictures and told him that I want to see the castle like that. He didn't say no and now my wheels are spinning!

I know I have a shot when my dh doesn't say no either! I am glad you are here! My suggestion about going then is to get in and out before Christmas week. I bet the beginning of December is awesome. Our dates were good at the start, but the closer to Christmas, the busier it was.

Yay updates!!! Happy Sunday to you too.

Lol at the behaviour of the girls changing in a couple of mins - the same happens between my brothers. They play and fight together!

Glad you enjoyed the storytellers and yay on the bus driver for stopping for you!

I love the family shot in front of the castle

Aaw the characters looks so cute in their Christmas outfits (esp Mickey and Minnie ) and wow I was amazed by the pics of the lit castle - incredible!!

How old are your brothers? My brother and I are ten years apart and we acted badly (Okay, I acted badly. I knew better according to my mom.)

Glad you enjoyed the pictures. The Christmas decorations and events are fabulous.

Great updates! Wow... so much to cover!

First of all, I'm so glad the mom apologized for overreacting. I think that does make things so much better, and I'm pretty sure I've been a mama bear a few times before I've really thought it through.

I have seen all those different breakfasts - but I think DD really wants to see the big ones - and she keeps mentioning Pluto, Goofy, and Daisy. Is that Chef Mickey? We will have a car so we can go wherever.

Thumbs up to going off on your own! Especially considering that you guys get to go pretty often. It's not like you are there for a once-in-a-lifetime trip and drifting off. You should totally do that kind of stuff when you are there! It's probably good for everyone, too. I know what you mean about not dragging everyone around for something only you want to do.

And last, those pictures of the castle are just beautiful! It just looks so very magical! I would have cried too.

Daisy isn't at Chef Mickey. I think she is only at Tusker in AK. You may want to look into Cape May Cafe at Beach Club. It might be cheaper, and I thought the food was better. I think the seating is better there too. I have to look back to see who is there though.

We stuck together like glue on the "once in a lifetime trip" haha. Now, because the girls are a bit older, it just works out well. Gregg enjoys Space Mountain with them and I get to avoid it.

Thanks. I am happy with the castle shots. It was so lovely.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I have to share my new classroom decoration. I'll also post other shots, so you can see the whole room.

Here's the rest of it...

Before my new addition...

 

[annmarieda]

Love the quote on the wall .

 

[TanzUnited99]

Love the new classroom - it looks great!!

How old are your brothers? My brother and I are ten years apart and we acted badly (Okay, I acted badly. I knew better according to my mom.)

Haha they are (have to think a little...) 25 and 21 so pretty close in age. I am close to both of them now however at one point me and the 25 year old acted badly as well. Think it happens between all siblings and we were the only two for the first 8 years of my life so that probably has something to do with it!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

At 1900 Park Fare, I decided I would try to play along with the characters. I love people who are able to do this naturally. I mortified my kids, though!

I asked a couple different characters if they had ever been to Storybrooke. I knew that if any of them watched Once Upon a Time, they'd know the reference right away. Unfortunatley, no one did. Prince charming was a wet fish, but it was good for a laugh with Anastasia. She yelled for her mother and said that she's not allowed to travel without her, and had her mother come confirm.

Hannah loved the strawberry soup; I think she had three bowls. I thought the food was good, but nothing too exciting. Dh thought it was very good.

I didn't get too many good pics.

However, one of the girls spilled soda all over the other's sweatshirt (which was on the floor instead of a chair...) They began acting terribly. I interjected that they should be a little louder. Disney needed a new Anastasia and Drizella. They would totally get the parts! They both cracked up laughing and realized how they were acting. So, the rest of the night, I would call them by their new names.

After dinner, we headed out to check out the gingerbread house. I am luke warm about these pictures.

I thought the gingerbread house was cool, but I really thought the tree was awesome! On one side of the tree a professional photograph was set up taking shots, and on the other side, Mickey and Minnie were posing for the photopass photographer! While we were there, a young woman was posing with her dog. The dog appeared to be some type of helper dog for the young lady.

I thought this entrance would have made a lovely card (not for my family in non holiday street clothes though...)

Still need to figure out use of flash...

We headed to the GF bus stop, which cracks me up. There is a TV and ceiling fans there...it was quite chilly and another woman and I decided that there should be a space heater!

Soon the bus for DHS pulled up, and we were off to see the Osbourne Family lights!!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Love the quote on the wall .

Thanks! I love it!

Love the new classroom - it looks great!!

Thanks--one of my kids asked if Disney really said the quote...

Haha they are (have to think a little...) 25 and 21 so pretty close in age. I am close to both of them now however at one point me and the 25 year old acted badly as well. Think it happens between all siblings and we were the only two for the first 8 years of my life so that probably has something to do with it!

I think siblings will fight regardless of age...it is really hard with my twins bc they don't get much of a break from each other. They share friends and after school and weekend activities...

 

[TanzUnited99]

I'm glad you decided to interact with the characters and oh no on not one of them getting your reference Suppose their not fans of the show.

I thought the strawberry soup was meh - didn't enjoy it but am glad Hannah did.

Great shots of the girls with the characters, the Gingerbread house and the Christmas tree

 

[MeMom]

I thought this entrance would have made a lovely card (not for my family in non holiday street clothes though...)

We headed to the GF bus stop, which cracks me up. There is a TV and ceiling fans there...it was quite chilly and another woman and I decided that there should be a space heater!

We didn't get to see Mickey and Minnie in their cute clothes. They weren't around when we were there.

That entrance is so pretty with all of the background trees!

At GF, you wait for a bus in style.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Love the classroom....love that quote on the wall, it really says it all doesn't it! I love how organized everything is...I am a bit OCD so I love organization! I used to dread some parent/teacher conferences because let me tell you, not all of their rooms looked like yours....heart palpitations anyone?

You pictures from the GF are breathtaking....I love the ones of the girls with the characters! The entrance way is stunning and Mickey and Minnie in their finest clothes...doesn't get better than that!

 

[annmarieda]

Again, I am grateful for your TR. You seem to have taken pictures of little things I missed. I took pics of the gingerbread house, but totally missed Santa. I have never been to 1900 PF. I wonder if I should put it on my "bucket list" . DD loves strawberries and I am always reading about this soup...