In the Spirit of the Season

Delurking .....

I am loving your TR. I need to talk DH into splitting up sometimes, unfortunately for me our boys are all early risers.:sad2:

I have also tried staying late....they love that too!!!

We have been during the holidays a couple of times and honestly I think those are my favorite trips!

Thanks for sharing!

I am so glad you "delurked"!!!

That is so sweet of you to say that you are enjoying my TR. :goodvibes

As for the holidays, it definitely brings a different sort of magic doesn't it. Course, it also brings the crowds :rolleyes: It is a special time of year for sure!!!

I don't even know where I left off anymore. I'll have to go back and figure it out. But I'm here!

I am glad you are back! I popped in to your TR. I didn't even know you started one! How bad am I????:confused3

Officially caught up.

Yay!!!

I can tell you guys were getting tired by the end. Out of three of us that I've talked to, we've all lost something on this trip. 2/3 of us got our stuff back.

:scratchin hmmmm does that mean you lost something? I am reading your TR... now I can't wait to read more. I hope you didn't lose something and then not get it back. That would NOT be good. I am actually surprised more people don't lose things forever. I also am very surprised that I got mine back.... glad... but surprised.
 
Thanks! :thumbsup2 haha you're not bad. I didn't really advertise it before and then I abandoned it for a little while.
 
F is for Fantasyland and Fun!

After we were done with our breakfast it was early enough to hit Fantasyland. We were not able to go up through the castle though and so came up around the side. It was a good thing because who was waiting there? The Fairy Godmother!

So we stopped to get an autograph and picture.
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I think Zoe was having a hard time knowing who to look at. The pp photographer must have been snapping shots too.

Next we rode Snow White's Scary Adventure. I am so sad this was the last time we will ride this. :sad2:
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Then to Dumbo (also the last time at this location) The new one will be more like at DL, right? Water under the elephants? Anyway, we made sure to get a particular color. Pink for Zoe? Nope, lime green for me. :rotfl:
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Now, I have to mention that I was sitting next to Zoe when I took that picture. A cm was very quick to tell me it was not allowed. :confused: They had been announcing prior to loading that they were requesting the people not take pictures since there is a photo op outside the ride and to please wait for that. I assumed they just meant not to stand outside your elephant and take pictures because it slows loading. So imagine how surprised and embarrassed I was when I got scolded for taking that picture of Zoe. I wonder if it had to do with not wanting pictures taken of the expansion? :confused3 In any case we were over it pretty quickly and having fun on the ride.

Next we went to Pooh. This was the first time we were able to enjoy the new interactive queue and it did not disappoint.

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It was towards the end though that I realized that Zoe was out of sorts about something. I noticed it had to do with a little boy that was near us. Zoe was watching him funny...so I knew something was up. She didn't want to talk about it though so I watched closely. Then I saw what was happening that had her out of sorts. Remember, Zoe has medical tubing taped to her under her shirt. At the end of the tube was a cap that ended up poking out a bit at times. At some point, this little boy had become aware of this and was curious, so he would make it a point to "bump" into her and then rub her tummy. :scared1: I know he meant no harm... he obviously just couldn't figure out what was going on under her shirt. I just gathered Zoe close to me and made sure to come between them from there on out. Quickly forgotten, we were able to enjoy the ride.
Not the best pics, but...
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Next we rode the Tea Cups. Now, this isn't my favorite ride and I had already had Betsy ride with Zoe 3 times but I needed to ride with Zoe too. She promised to go easy on me. :rolleyes:
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Then we got to see Phillharmagic. I so very very much love that show!!!
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By about this time, the guys were finally up. We decided we would meet for lunch at the Contemporary. I figured the guys would not be too quick though so Zoe and I leisurely strolled through the shops on the way out of the park.

Next Chapter: Time to Recharge
 

I really should start a PTR... but since I have yet to do so I had to share... I had my first official trip nightmare last night. I dreamed that Kira and I were trilled to get to MCO and I wanted to get a picture and realized I forgot my camera. I was panicked, but thought...well, I guess she will have to get pictures and then there will be the photo pass. Well, she also realized she forgot her camera!!! I woke up in a panic. I am gonna make double sure bout the camera now!!!
 
Time to Recharge

Zoe and I took the monorail over to the Contemporary Resort to meet the guys for lunch. We waited a bit and were able to look around. We ended up settling near the window so that we could see the boats arriving and soon enough, we saw Steve and Alex walking toward the building. We began waving like fools. I even called Steve to tell him to look up. Course, what I didn't realize is that while we could see out, they could not see in. :rolleyes:

Soon enough they caught up to us and we went to the Contempo Cafe. I have to say, I kinda like the "order by screen" deal. Was kinda fun.

I ordered a burger (which wasn't too good)that came with house made chips (that were good..but a little on the heavy/greasy side) and a peppermint chocolate cupcake (which was amazing!)
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Steve has the turkey sandwich (he liked) with a sesame bean (he couldn't finish cause there was so much of it) and a chocolate croissant (which he liked well enough)
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Alex and Zoe had flat breads (neither of them were terribly in love with)
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Zoe had the "dirt" cupcake (which was way too big for her, but she liked)
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Alex had a blueberry muffin (no complaints)
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After lunch we explored the resort a bit to try and see the holiday decorations. As much as people love the CR, honestly it is not one of my favorites (other than proximity to MK) Even the holiday decorations didn't thrill me as much as even POFQ did.
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We all took the boat from CR to WL. It was a nice day for it. I did have to wonder though, I saw some people out on the lake who had rented one of the boats. They were in swimming suits and were wet. :scratchin didn't think Bay Lake was a good swimming lake. Brain eating amebas?

Speaking of water activities and Bay Lake and WL... have any of you every heard of this? Now abandoned, it sits not too far from WL and FW. It used water from Bay Lake and was shut down. After we got home from our trip, we watched all sorts of youtube videos on it. Kinda fascinating but also pretty creepy I wouldn't go and investigate myself and am not encouraging or condoning what others have done... but still... I find it interesting. There is also the old animal park on the island in the middle of the lake with similar videos showing abandoned items... weird stuff. You would think Disney would have removed.:confused:

But, I digress... back to my TR.

Once back to the room, I quickly knew I was in need of a nap. Napping is not something I normally do while on vacation, but this day... I needed one. Steve however did not, so he volunteered to take the kids on a hike/walk (no not to the above noted locations). They apparently came very close to a deer on their walk (like within 8 feet). I only napped for a short time and then got caught up on my journalling (how else would I remember everything to write this report?) Before long they got back to the room and we got ready for our evening.

Next Chapter: Dismeet, Dinner and a 3am EMH
 
And another great update!
I would have fallen for the window issue too! :lmao: If I can see out they can see in - you would think, at least I would! :rotfl2:

Sorry you weren't too keen on the Contempo Cafe. Guess we like the flatbreads as they are more similar to the pizzas around here. We are not keen on the deep pan US pizzas. But the cupcakes are amazing - I had the Dulche de leche. Yum, yum! ;)

I think the little island in the middle of the lake is called Discovery Island. I had to read up on it too some time ago. :thumbsup2

So, you are not a fan of the Contemporay ..... means, I don't have to compete with you for a room. :rotfl2: We love it, and I cannot wait to stay there in the summer.

Thanks for updating ....... I loved it! :hug:
 
I'm glad you and Zoe had a nice morning at the MK! Strange about that boy bumping into Zoe on purpose...I guess he was just curious, but still, not a great idea! :sad2:

The idea of the old abandoned River Country creeps me out a bit too! Like, you just don't think of stuff at Disney as completely abandoned! But, I guess Horizons and the Wonders of Life pavilion sort of are "abandoned" as well!
 
And another great update!
I would have fallen for the window issue too! :lmao: If I can see out they can see in - you would think, at least I would! :rotfl2:

glad I am not the only one. :rotfl:

Sorry you weren't too keen on the Contempo Cafe. Guess we like the flatbreads as they are more similar to the pizzas around here. We are not keen on the deep pan US pizzas. But the cupcakes are amazing - I had the Dulche de leche. Yum, yum! ;)

I think the kids liked the flat breads well enough. We tend not to eat too much pizza on vacation. I think because we eat so much of it at home that it just isn't exciting. And for me... cupcakes are almost always exciting. :rotfl:

think the little island in the middle of the lake is called Discovery Island. I had to read up on it too some time ago. :thumbsup2

I think you are right. I imagine it was interesting to take the boat over to it. Must have helped with the illusion that you were going on some sort of animal adventure.
So, you are not a fan of the Contemporay ..... means, I don't have to compete with you for a room. :rotfl2: We love it, and I cannot wait to stay there in the summer.
:rotfl2: I am glad I can step aside for you. ;) Just one less person to compete for a room with is good.

for updating ....... I loved it! :hug:

I am glad you liked it. :goodvibes

I'm glad you and Zoe had a nice morning at the MK! Strange about that boy bumping into Zoe on purpose...I guess he was just curious, but still, not a great idea! :sad2:

He was trying to be discreet, but you could tell by the look on his face that he really just NEEDED to know what she had going on under her shirt.:confused::confused: Once I saw him rub her belly frantically, I knew to keep distance between the two of them. I don't think he meant harm... he was just curious.

The idea of the old abandoned River Country creeps me out a bit too! Like, you just don't think of stuff at Disney as completely abandoned! But, I guess Horizons and the Wonders of Life pavilion sort of are "abandoned" as well!

It is creepy. I guess all the lights are still on and music can be heard playing. (due to being on the same grid as FW and the music from HDR being so loud) Still... just a bit creepy.
 
I'm super late to the party and I'm still reading through it, but just wanted to chime in and say that I'm really enjoying your TR! :santa:

We checked out of WL (moved to BWV) on the day you checked in! Too funny! We were also at MVMCP the same night as you - the weather definitely made for an interesting night! :upsidedow

OK, back to reading....
 
I'm super late to the party and I'm still reading through it, but just wanted to chime in and say that I'm really enjoying your TR! :santa:

We checked out of WL (moved to BWV) on the day you checked in! Too funny! We were also at MVMCP the same night as you - the weather definitely made for an interesting night! :upsidedow

OK, back to reading....

:welcome: It is always fun to have new people join along. Also fun is when you share a report with someone who was there at the same time!

That night at MVMCP was the WILDEST weather!!!
 
I loved the video's of the old river country and what is now. Soooo amazing how different it is now. Got wrapped up in all the "past" Disney attactions.

Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
 
Love Zoe's hat!

I really enjoyed Contempo cafe in the past. We stayed at BLT for a couple of nights which changed helped me like the Contemporary more. I still don't love the decor for a Disney vacation (but would love it at the beach...). The room was clean and bright with great storage though!

It's funny; I rode Dumbo alone with my camera out. In the queue, I was probably fiddling with an extra lense out. (It is a large DSLR.) No one said anything about pictures...it was the same week, but maybe a different cast member was more protective for your "flight."
 
I love the morning at MK with Zoe...and I too need some of that stuffed french toast...guess I need to pull out the recipe and make some. I loved the interactive Pooh line...and jealous that we used the past pass line...sorry that Zoe felt uncomfortable with the little boy...I can only imagine how she feels.

Lovin the peppermint cupcake...it makes my mouth water right now...I got one at the BW Bakery and it was to die for!

Brain eating what? Yikes staying totally way from there! I too have read about what once was a zoo on the island. I forgot to look for it when we went between Cont and WP!
 
I loved the video's of the old river country and what is now. Soooo amazing how different it is now. Got wrapped up in all the "past" Disney attactions.

Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

Glad you enjoyed it. I find it interesting... I guess things are always changing. I just would have thought that Disney would have taken things down though..:rolleyes:


Love Zoe's hat!

I really enjoyed Contempo cafe in the past. We stayed at BLT for a couple of nights which changed helped me like the Contemporary more. I still don't love the decor for a Disney vacation (but would love it at the beach...). The room was clean and bright with great storage though!

It's funny; I rode Dumbo alone with my camera out. In the queue, I was probably fiddling with an extra lense out. (It is a large DSLR.) No one said anything about pictures...it was the same week, but maybe a different cast member was more protective for your "flight."

The hat and shirt came as a set. It was almost too warm for both...but since we were running out of warm weather clothing she was a trooper and agreed to "bundle up".

I am not sure why that cm was so against photos... but seems like no one else there at the same time was told that...so maybe it was just ours. :rolleyes:

I love the morning at MK with Zoe...and I too need some of that stuffed french toast...guess I need to pull out the recipe and make some. I loved the interactive Pooh line...and jealous that we used the past pass line...sorry that Zoe felt uncomfortable with the little boy...I can only imagine how she feels.

Lovin the peppermint cupcake...it makes my mouth water right now...I got one at the BW Bakery and it was to die for!

Brain eating what? Yikes staying totally way from there! I too have read about what once was a zoo on the island. I forgot to look for it when we went between Cont and WP!

You have a recipe for the toast? YUM!

And, yes... the cupcake was totally mouth watering. I love chocolate and peppermint. Those two together say holiday to me.

Yup, brain eating ameba. I guess it really isn't a problem unless you get water up your nose. Hence why recently there was a problem when people down south somewhere were using tap water in their netty pots.
 
Dismeet, Dinner and a 3am EMH

Once everyone was back to the room, we went to MK. Finally, on day 11 of our adventure I was going to see the castle lighting ceremony. I was super excited. Course, with everything on this trip... I was a bit more excited than anyone else so getting to MK took longer than it should and by the time we arrived, we did not have good spots for the ceremony. And because of that I really do not have any pictures of it. What I do have are very blurry shots held up over my head. Surprisingly, I didn't let it get to me though. It was high up on my list of things to see, but I had thrown so many things out or changed my plans so many times this was just another thing. Trip was nearing the end, and I wasn't going to be bummed out by it. Now, I am a bit bummed. But at the time it wasnt the end of the world.

Once the ceremony was over, we had to leave to go to have dinner at Kona. I knew that a dismember was in the park though and we were going to try and meet. I also knew that she and her family were not far from where we were. So as we walked toward the park entrance/exit I watched for her. It was not long before we were face to face. It is so funny how you can meet people face to face for the first time and feel as though you have known them IRL forever! Ashley was traveling with her mom, db and her daughter Alexa. Alexa was so darn cute and gave Zoe some glow sticks.

Our dismeet was cut short since we had our reservation to keep, but we promised to meet back up later that night.

We took the monorail to the Poly and found that like many restaurants during this week, Kona was running behind.
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So we waited. There was some benefit though. Another dismember was staying at the Poly and thought she would be returning soon with her family. So I was happy to be running late. Sadly though, the meet didn't end up happening since her kids were not feeling well. There was still another benefit though. All the extra wait time for Kona made it so we could meet a couple of characters who were down in the lobby.
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Stitch was seriously interested in Zoe's headband that had been made from the glow sticks that Alexa had given her. It was probably some of the best interaction with characters we had on the entire trip.

When it was finally time for dinner, we were pretty hungry. I warn you my pictures are horrid. I wonder if I was just super shaky since I needed to eat. Steve loved what he got. (the Tuna Oscar).
Alex ordered outside the menu and got volcano rolls (which were so spicy he drank all the waters on the table. :rotfl:

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Zoe had the pork chop with was amazingly tender and juicy (which is not how I prefer pork, but she gobbled it up)

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I had the noodles which I really didn't like since they were made with far too much ginger

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For dessert, I had the apple stack.

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Zoe had the banana and chocolate creme brule.

Alex had the white chocolate cheesecake

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Steve had the chocolate fondue

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Once dinner was over we went back to MK. We were planning to see the Memories Show with her and then Wishes, but we got held up by the crowds as we tried to find her. Since the Memories show started and we had not found her yet, we stopped to watch it. Once it was over we did find Ashely. We lost Alex along the way though. :rolleyes: Once together, we planted ourselves in a spot for Wishes. Sadly at that point, my camera battery died. I got one last picture. (I have yet to ask permission to post it, so Ashely if you don't like it, I will take it down)
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I know that there was a picture taken of all of us, but I don't have it on my computer. (Ashley if you want to post it, feel free)

When Wishes was over we parted ways since they were headed to the Princesses and we were headed to do some rides since the boys had yet to really do anything in the park that day.

Steve now was with us and he had a camera so these are some of the pictures he took.

First Zoe and I went on Aladdin's Magic Carpet.
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Next we went on POTC.
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Not sure what is up with her pose, but she had some energy while in line waiting for the ride.
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On our way to our next ride, we caught the Electric Light Parade. (some one correct me if this is not the right name) Remember, I am normally the one begging to watch the parades. This time, Steve was in awe as though I had never tried to tell him how magical this parade was. :rolleyes:
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Next we rode HM again. I am so happy we did since I did not realize the end had new stuff. (our first ride malfunctioned at the end)

From there we went to the Tea Cups. (only for Alex and Zoe the two like to go fast)
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As we were making our way around the park, the next stop was Stiches Great Escape. I don't mind this ride. It is rather silly. The girls that sat next to us were completely unaware of what the ride involves. I am sure that they though the harnesses that come down over your shoulders are there to hold you in as though it is some extreme ride. They held on tightly to them as the "ride" started.

It was getting rather late at this point and even though I had taken a slight nap, I was tired. I wanted to go back to the resort. Steve and Alex wanted to cram as much into their EMH as possible. EMH ran until 3am and they were sure they would get to ride a ton of rides. :sad2: After Zoe and I left I believe they got to ride only Space Mountain and BTMRR.

Luck was on my side though when traveling by bus back to WL. THANK GOD!!! I was so tired. I looked at my phone to see what time it was when we got on the bus. I wrote all of this down since it was so amazing. 1:14am. I then also looked at my phone right as I got into bed. 1:31am. That is 15 minutes to travel back to the resort, get up to the room, throw on pjs and get into bed.

Next Chapter: Our Last Day in AK
 
And, with day 11 done... here is the tally


Rides
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (3)
Haunted mansion (2)
Cinderella's Carrousel
Pirates of the Caribbean (2)
Finding Nemo
Journey Into Imagination
Living with the Land Boat ride
Sum of All Thrills
Toy Story Mania
Kilimanjaro Safari
Expedition Everest
Universe of Energy
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
Tomorrowland Speedway
Astro Orbiter (2)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Splash Mountain
The Great Movie Ride
Backlot Tour
Star Tours (2)
Snow White’s Scary Adventure
Dumbo’s Flying Elephants
Tea Cups
Aladdin’s Magic Carpet
Stitch’s Great Escape


Shows/Attractions

Enchanted Tikki Room
Living Seas Aquarium
One Man’s Dream (2)
Beauty and the Beast Musical
Osbourne Family Lights
Flights of Wonder
Pangani Trail
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Candle Light Processional
Country Bear jamboree
Honey I Shrunk the Kids Play Area
Indiana Jones Stunt Show
Fantasmic
Phillharmagic

Parades/Firework Displays

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade(2)
Holiday Wishes (2)
Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party (2)
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade
Memories and You Castle Show
Electric Light Parade

Characters Met

Seven Dwarfs
Terrance
Tinker Bell
Lady Trumaine
Cinderella (2)
Prince Charming
Druzella
Anastasia
Mickey (3)
Minnie (3)
Belle
Aurora
Ariel
Snow White
Marie
Duffy
Pluto
Goofy(2)
Donald
Daisy
Stitch (2)
Green Army Man
Fairy Godmother
Lilo

Dinned At

Garden View Tea Room
Earl of Sandwich
Everything Pop (3)
Casey's Corner
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Columbia Harbor House
Aloha Isle
Ohana
Sunshine Seasons
Coral Reef
Karamell-Kuche
Kringla Bakeri og Cafe
Roaring Fork (3)
Starring Rolls
Wolfgang Puck Express
Tusker House
Yak and Yeti Quality Beverage Window
Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
Safari Pretzel Kiosk
Safari Egg Rolls Kiosk
Sanaa
Le Cellier
Main Street Bakery
Pecos Bills
Writers Stop
Backlot Express
Mama Melrose
Sci Fi Dinning
Crystal Palace
Contempo Cafe
Kona
 
:woohoo: Another update! :woohoo:

Aren't DISmeets just so much fun? And I could not agree with you more, but meeting another DISser feels like meeting some old friend. :thumbsup2

You got a lot done that day, sorry about your noodles, but the rest of your food looked pretty good.
And you managed to get quite a few rides done during EMHs. :goodvibes

Good to know that you are going back soon ..... more trip reports to read for me! :laughing:
 
:woohoo: Another update! :woohoo:

Aren't DISmeets just so much fun? And I could not agree with you more, but meeting another DISser feels like meeting some old friend. :thumbsup2

You got a lot done that day, sorry about your noodles, but the rest of your food looked pretty good.
And you managed to get quite a few rides done during EMHs. :goodvibes

Good to know that you are going back soon ..... more trip reports to read for me! :laughing:

Thanks for reading. I think I may have lost quite a few readers a long the way so it is nice to still have you reading along. I do hope to get this done soon though. Just a few more days to report... and they should be quick ones to do so my goal is to have this wrapped up in the next couple weeks. THEN I will start a PTR. I hope you join along once I do.

I thought of you today when I was watching a special webcast. I got a "special" invite to watch a Samantha Brown webcast today.(promoting the Fantasy and DVC) For doing so I got a couple "special" things. A lithograph and an offer for a free cruise(the free cruise is for buying into DVC) I swear... we visit the idea of buying into dvc a couple times a year. Steve even saw part of the webcast and it got him talking to me about it. It always has me run the math and always I am struck with "but I get some sort of discount and using DVC I would still have to pay for food and park tickets" Only the thought we had this time... a. you can use points for cruises? :confused::confused: and b. you can use points to stay at places like Aulani and Vero beach and not need park tickets. and last, but not least.... c. while room discounts are appealing now, 10 years from now rack rate will be higher and so even with a discount... the cost will be more. Buying in... well, it secures the rate so to speak. Course, will the number of points needed go up? Like... (and I am just using a nice round number) but say you have 200 points/year and that gives you 2 weeks at 100 each... will someday those same stays cost more... like instead of 2 weeks at 100 each you then only get one week because the points it now takes is 200?

Anyway... between the cruise and the DVC... it made me think of you. :goodvibes
 
Love the update! Glad the end of the day went well!

Lilo and Stitch look adorable in their Christmas gear.

And the parade is the Main Street Electrical Parade. :goodvibes:
 












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