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

[mgsmom]

Wow - loads of great character pics!!! I bet your Christmas card turned out really cute! I had forgotten about the character trails - they are awesome. Catch them - like you did - when everyone else is going into the Lion King show and there are virtually no lines! We saw probably 6 characters in 30 minutes!

Thanks for the food pics at Tusker house - makes me hungry!

I'm with you on the run. I don't love running. But I eat, therefore, I run.

 

[RooRach0906]

All caught up, I love all your pictures but my favorites are the castle all lit up. I am really looking forward to seeing that and I will cry. Your family character pictures are awesome. We want to do the same thing for our card and now that I know about Mickey and Minnie and GF I think I might see if we can get that one.
Did you only see those two storytellers? I was really hoping to catch some of those when we are there. Hope things are well and I can't wait to read more.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

What kind of camera do you have? It takes awesome pictures

Thanks. It's a Canon Xsi. I love it!

Wow - loads of great character pics!!! I bet your Christmas card turned out really cute! I had forgotten about the character trails - they are awesome. Catch them - like you did - when everyone else is going into the Lion King show and there are virtually no lines! We saw probably 6 characters in 30 minutes!

Thanks for the food pics at Tusker house - makes me hungry!

I'm with you on the run. I don't love running. But I eat, therefore, I run.

I think that with good planning you can avoid a line everywhere except Toy Story.

The food was good there, but those pictures are quite boring. I think I ate a million chocolate chip mini-muffins (but I didn't get a pic of them.)

I am amazed at how hard it is to run still! As I am running, I have to tell myself, "You can do this; you've done this." My girlfriend is much faster and stays with me. She will run like what she has termed a cartoon character...knees high, arms exaggerated to keep her heart rate up. When I feel I am really slowing down (especially up this ridiculous hill in our neighborhood), I tell her to become the cartoon character.

Our longest run to date is 8 miles...it was tough and sloooooowwww. I promised my cousin I would do the Broad Street Run (Philly); it's a 10 miler, so I have to start training. Right now, my friend and I run 5 or 6 every Sunday, and 3 or 4 two three days a week.

BTW- I ran one 5K in my life. It was after a night of being double fisted with friends in a local bar...I was 21 and a gym rat (even worked as a pt), but I hated cardio. My FIL (just boyfriend's dad at the time) finished the race and came back to coach me to the finish line. UGH sad, sad day. I will have to ask FIL what he remembers? The sad part is that I think that time would be faster than my current 5K. haha

All caught up, I love all your pictures but my favorites are the castle all lit up. I am really looking forward to seeing that and I will cry. Your family character pictures are awesome. We want to do the same thing for our card and now that I know about Mickey and Minnie and GF I think I might see if we can get that one.
Did you only see those two storytellers? I was really hoping to catch some of those when we are there. Hope things are well and I can't wait to read more.

Thanks for catching up! I've been busy updating because I feel like Christmas was so long ago and people might lose interest!

I am glad to help with the card planning. Thrilled that you can know about Mickey and Minnie. You can also catch a Christmas Tigger-- maybe on a different AK meet and greet--I saw a picture on someone else's report or FB! I had the photopass card and handed my camera with the auto settings to the character handlers. Camp Minnie Mickey is probably the best spot for this! Other great options would be at MVMCP if you are headed there!

We did see a couple more storytellers; they will be featured soon! It is so hard to fit in all of the amazing Christmas events. I was lucky that we stayed at Beach Club for the convenience to EPCOT!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

We soon parted ways again, and I headed to MK for the Christmas Parade.

I hopped on a bus. I thought I got on the AKL bus, but didn't. I gave two girls incorrect info, thinking they needed to get off at AKL to transfer to get back to the Poly or the Cont. They might have thought I was crazy.

Then I said wait, "What bus am I on?" to a man sitting across from me. (He really thought I was crazy.) When he told me MK resorts, I said, "oh, okay." I decided to get off at the Contemporary and walk when I realized what bus I was on. haha

As we pulled up to the Contemporary, a nice lady told me I could just walk to MK. I briefly tried to explain that it was only temporary confusion, and that was my plan. hehe

Mind you, I think there were less than ten people on the bus.

So, we pulled up, I got off, and headed right to MK! I was so excited!!!

I decided that I needed a snack for the parade

Decisions, decisions....

I decided on this...I wasn't hungry, but wanted something.

Then, I parked it on the curb next to some folks from a state in the midwest...They travel to Disney every four or five years. Their kids are now grown.

Pre-parade entertainment

and then....

 

[annmarieda]

Again, your pictures make me smile. You really captured some great holiday moments!!

Also again I am in awe You going off by yourself!! Why on earth have I never thought to do this while on a trip with my family? I can only imagine that it give me a chance to "reset" my own attitude since I could break from the sluggish "are we really going to the parks now" attitudes and get some serious things done.

Love TH for breakfast...

I envy you for doing the character trails...

and the candy shop YUM!

 

[Queenofallthings]

I love that choosing what to have at The Confectionary is the hardest decision we have to make at WDW I always think "if it was only like this everyday"

Great pictures! Made me want one of everything and it's only 929am

 

[mgsmom]

Yay for snacks!!! Yummy!!!
That is too funny about getting bus-confusion! I'm sure with all the moving around you had done so far, it would be easy to think "Now, where was I going..." ha ha ha That would definitely be me.

As far as the running, have you ever tried using a watch? I use a cheap digital watch that I can time myself on. When I map my run, I write on my arm where each mile marker is. Then, as I'm running, I can see how my pace is. I started out running a 12-13 min mile (just run naturally the first time so you get a realistic starting time), and now I consistently run a 10 minute mile! Not hyperspeed, but definitely an improvement. I never strive to be a speed demon, though, I just don't want anyone walking to pass me...

Can't wait to see parade pics!!!

 

[mgsmom]

Oh, I totally forgot to tell you! Instead of Chef Mickey's - I think we are going to do our late Sunday morning breakfast at Boma! It was between Boma and Kona and I think I will go with Boma because DH likes a buffet.

Plus - neither of us have every stepped foot in AKL. What do you think?

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Christmas Parade!!! I have to tell you I was so excited. I thought I might cry, and honestly, I probably did during the parade.

Miss Anita--this is for you...

next post...

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I am posting every fourth or fifth picture that I took.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Again, your pictures make me smile. You really captured some great holiday moments!!

Also again I am in awe You going off by yourself!! Why on earth have I never thought to do this while on a trip with my family? I can only imagine that it give me a chance to "reset" my own attitude since I could break from the sluggish "are we really going to the parks now" attitudes and get some serious things done.

Love TH for breakfast...

I envy you for doing the character trails...

and the candy shop YUM!

I am glad I can help you plan for next time! On our normal trips my family stays together most of the time. We only normally split is when they ride EE or TT or Space M. over and over or for the fireworks show at MK. I use this time to take pictures. Dh enjoys shopping, so we do this together usually.

The trails were new for us. We went to the Lion King when the girls were 6, so we had been down there but not for characters.

I love that choosing what to have at The Confectionary is the hardest decision we have to make at WDW I always think "if it was only like this everyday"

Great pictures! Made me want one of everything and it's only 929am

I agree. Today was a tough day at school. It certainly makes the trips so great to relive!

Yay for snacks!!! Yummy!!!
That is too funny about getting bus-confusion! I'm sure with all the moving around you had done so far, it would be easy to think "Now, where was I going..." ha ha ha That would definitely be me.

As far as the running, have you ever tried using a watch? I use a cheap digital watch that I can time myself on. When I map my run, I write on my arm where each mile marker is. Then, as I'm running, I can see how my pace is. I started out running a 12-13 min mile (just run naturally the first time so you get a realistic starting time), and now I consistently run a 10 minute mile! Not hyperspeed, but definitely an improvement. I never strive to be a speed demon, though, I just don't want anyone walking to pass me...

Can't wait to see parade pics!!!

I use my iphone (I am a complete tech geek.) I used Nike+ and switched to iMapmyrun. It gives me the average and distance. It is a great app, but I need to find one that gives me the average per each mile. I think I am running around a 9:30 for the 1st and around 10 for the 2nd and 3rd, but I must slip to 11, and get sloooowwwer and slooowwwer. It doesn't help speed that my friend and I are talking. (and sometimes it's about major life issues...) I wouldn't trade that time with her for speed though... I just need when I am running alone to do fartleks to get faster...

Oh, I totally forgot to tell you! Instead of Chef Mickey's - I think we are going to do our late Sunday morning breakfast at Boma! It was between Boma and Kona and I think I will go with Boma because DH likes a buffet.

Plus - neither of us have every stepped foot in AKL. What do you think?

I think that Boma is a good option for food (we've only eaten dinner there), and AKL is a lovely resort. You'll be able to see the animals. I like the atmosphere better than Kona.

How about 1900 Park Fare? It's a buffet and dd will be able to see characters. (It's dh's favorite breakfast location.)

I don't think you can go wrong with Boma though.

 

[MeMom]

So fun to look at - so hard to choose one thing!
My choice will most likely be something that has nuts in it.

Could there be a better way to celebrate the Christmas season???

 

[DMGeurts]

I love all the pictures! What a great idea to go off on your own, I wish I could do that this trip, I am sure my girls will drive me crazy! LOL

D~

 

[Queenofallthings]

I LOVED this update!! I felt like I was right there and I haven't seen the Christmas parade since 2005...far too long ago

I can't pick a favorite picture.....I think I looked at them 10 times before I decided to post a reply....I do love the one of Mary Poppins and who doesn't love the Toy Soldiers

Great great update my friend....your camera takes amazing pictures!

 

[marDgreen88]

Beautiful pictures! There's a lot of stuff you don't notice when you're seeing the parade when it's dark out. Example: the gingerbread men have different colored icing! So cute! I feel like this parade was meant for the daylight!

 

[annmarieda]

You take the BEST pictures! I really am in awe of the parade photos!!! Those are not so easy to get. (at least not for me. ) I doubt I will go back at Christmas time again, so it is unlikely for me to see this parade again. I really appreciate seeing them from such a good perspective. Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

So fun to look at - so hard to choose one thing!
My choice will most likely be something that has nuts in it.
Could there be a better way to celebrate the Christmas season???

It is very magical, but it still didn't feel like Christmas.

I typically choose nuts, caramel (or peanut butter) and chocolate. I love chocolate covered marshmellows too. They were the "light" choice. haha

I love all the pictures! What a great idea to go off on your own, I wish I could do that this trip, I am sure my girls will drive me crazy! LOL
D~

You and your girls are going to have a great time! My tip is to put them on Big Thunder by themselves and have a minute at the lookout spot to wave as they come by. It will give you a couple of minutes and you won't be nervous about letting them be on their own.

Also, lounge at the pool while they are swimming...it will give you a little time.

I LOVED this update!! I felt like I was right there and I haven't seen the Christmas parade since 2005...far too long ago

I can't pick a favorite picture.....I think I looked at them 10 times before I decided to post a reply....I do love the one of Mary Poppins and who doesn't love the Toy Soldiers

Great great update my friend....your camera takes amazing pictures!

Thanks! I was excited to take the pictures! I used the manual setting and I finally get it! The toy soldiers and the reindeer were my favorite!

Beautiful pictures! There's a lot of stuff you don't notice when you're seeing the parade when it's dark out. Example: the gingerbread men have different colored icing! So cute! I feel like this parade was meant for the daylight!

Thank you! I am glad there was a perk to the day time viewing. I felt like I missed out by not seeing it at night.

You take the BEST pictures! I really am in awe of the parade photos!!! Those are not so easy to get. (at least not for me. ) I doubt I will go back at Christmas time again, so it is unlikely for me to see this parade again. I really appreciate seeing them from such a good perspective. Thanks for sharing!!!

Thank you for your gushing... you should check out the picture of the day thread...those folks take amazing pictures.

The same way that you had the great seats for shots at Beauty and the Beast, I was sitting right on the curb to be able to get these shots.

Our school is breaking early again next year for winter break, but I don't think we will do Christmas again soon either. It is about this time of year that my stress level increases at school and I need a long weekend at Disney to center myself. So, next winter we will go in late Jan/ early Feb. Maybe marathon weekend, and I will run a half. (Did I just type that?-- haha wait until dh reads this! )

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

After the amazing parade, I hopped on a bus to BC. I decided to get off at Yacht and cut through to go check in with my family at Stormalong Bay.

I took over childcare duties at SAB, and dh went to the gym. I picked up fries for the girls for a snack, and we headed to the beach.

There was a bride and groom--so cool! (The bride seemed less than enthused unfortunately, but let's pretend she was smiling and happy...)

The girls played in the sand...

then, we practiced Minnie's pose

So, the plan tonight was to take a nap and head to MK for a late night until 3AM. We've done this in the past.

Not sure what time we turned in, but we woke to Illuminations. The girls walked outside and then wanted to watch from their bed. We fell back asleep. I messed up the alarm. I woke at 2 in a panic! I woke dh. I felt terrible! Dh and I couldn't sleep, and the girls woke. So then three family members were now quite annoyed with me. UGH. I felt awful. So, dh took the girls to the pool to swim at 2:30 to make up for not making it to MK. They weren't gone too long. The girls decided it was too cold. After they came back we all found our way back to sleep.

There is a good ending to this! So don't feel bad for me. The next morning was our early hour at EPCOT. Because we were rested, we made it there early and we accomplished our goals. So, everyone agreed that it was good that we actually overslept.

WDW's crowd felt double what it had felt in previous days. By the afternoon, Soarin was a 240 minute wait!

When I return, I will post the EPCOT day, which began with a fun start!

 

[annmarieda]

Maybe marathon weekend, and I will run a half. (Did I just type that?-- haha wait until dh reads this! )

Ya know I am totally not a runner. I need to get in shape lose a few pounds.. but never did I think of considering running. (we live very near a mountain that is used to train to climb REAL mountains so that is usually my activity of choice) However, I have a delightful disfriend who has been clever enough to convince me that the TOT run might be a good thing to do...then if I am able to accomplish that.. her (evil) plan is to make me do the half marathon. So who knows... maybe I too am under my breath.. "did I just type that" saying maybe to it all.

As for your night you overslept and didn't make it to MK. Since your trip and mine were during the same period, I am fairly certain what night you are talking about. It was the only one where MK was open to 3am on our trip.... the guys in my family decided that they definitely wanted to do MK till 3am (rather than get up early) so that became the plan. It was so SO packed. After park closed, we rode 3 or 4 rides. Then it was about 1am and I decided I had to go back to the room and sleep. The guys stayed till 3am and rode I believe only two more rides. They said the lines had nearly hour wait times (yes at 2am!!!) So I think you sleeping turned out to be a great thing!!!!