It’s Not Christmas Till We Visit The Mouse! Dec. 2006

[KangaFan]

Is this a TR? I thought it was a social thread!

It's not??? Where do I unsubscibe?

 

[huggiebear23]

Princess- I have read everything now and I am up to date and I it. You have such a great writing style. My hubby think I am crazy that I am always on these boards. Your son is a doll. Too cute. I am jealous that you go to Disney all the time. We will be there in May. Can't wait.

 

[Lauralee131]

I went on one of those back in the 80's....heavy stuff, man...




I'm heading out gang...have a great weekend!!!!

Looking forward to an August Focker meet...D-Mama....where are you????

 

[PrincessV]

Is this a TR? I thought it was a social thread!

It's not??? Where do I unsubscibe?

You guys are killing me!

Princess- I have read everything now and I am up to date and I it. You have such a great writing style. My hubby think I am crazy that I am always on these boards. Your son is a doll. Too cute. I am jealous that you go to Disney all the time. We will be there in May. Can't wait.

Thank you so much! Looks like you'll be there about a week after I will - I'll be sure to spread soem pixie dust for you!

I went on one of those back in the 80's....heavy stuff, man...

Wait, are you Cheech or Chong????

Looking forward to an August Focker meet...D-Mama....where are you????

HEY DMama, this sounds all official-like and finalized to me! I vote we hold her to it!

Okay, I'm off to wrap up the next installment....

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Looking forward to an August Focker meet...D-Mama....where are you????

Saaaawwwweeeeet!! Wait, wait, wait.... shhhhh.... do you hear that? Do ya? Do ya? Do ya? I think it's a Lapu Lapu calling!

You guys are killing me!

Thank you so much! Looks like you'll be there about a week after I will - I'll be sure to spread soem pixie dust for you!

Wait, are you Cheech or Chong????

HEY DMama, this sounds all official-like and finalized to me! I vote we hold her to it!

Okay, I'm off to wrap up the next installment....

Yup... sounds official to me, too. Mai Tai suggest we make her focking pinkie promise.

 

[PrincessV]

Okay, it hadn’t been the best day in The World, but nothing was getting me down because that night, I had a very important date. For which I did not wish to be late. “And if you go chasing rabbits…”

Ahem, we apologize for that unforeseen interruption. Jefferson Airplane has been escorted out of the TR and you may continue reading without further peril.

Yes, big things were afoot later that evening, but first, we needed to head to Epcot. Because that’s what the spread sheet said to do.

And look who joined us…

I couldn’t bear to leave our Pal locked in a suitcase again. And, I was hoping he’d lead us to some special holiday happenings in World Showcase. Believe it or not, in the 10 years I’ve been making this annual holiday pilgrimage, I’ve seen exactly ONE holiday storyteller. I don’t know what our problem is, but we just never come across them at the right times. You’d think I could get a schedule and plan this out, but I somehow lose all OCDness when I enter Epcot. It never fails.

So I was counting on Pal to lead the way, and I took responsibility for transporting the little guy.

Our first stop was the tree lighting show, which I always find fun.

In past years, Leo wasn’t all that impressed. Might have had something to do with his only seeing the backs of people’s heads. He was probably like “WHAT is the big deal here??” But this year, he could see plenty from atop Gramma’s shoulders and he sang along with some of the carols. Very cool! And I just love the Lights of Winter.

By now, Leo had spotted the “Big Ball” and very much wanted to go inside. Yes, we are a certified (or are we certifiable??) Spaceship Earth-Loving Family. The scenes don’t do a lot for me, but I find the clickety-clacking of the cars so soothing. I know it’s weird. But Leo can’t get enough of the scenes. He likes to point out the woolly mammoth and the llama.

Did you know there’s a llama in there? Me neither. But Leo says it’s there, so I guess it is. Remember, the 4 year old is almost always right.

That was it for Future World that night. Our focus was the WS and getting into the holiday spirit. Only, it wasn’t so easy. Something just wasn’t right. Might it have been the 70+ degree temperature? I’ve seen many reports that there weren’t as many decorations up this year compared to last – could that have been it? Or maybe we’ve just done this jaunt too many times and we’d become jaded. Whatever the reason, the holiday-vibe just wasn’t cooking.

Leo was getting irritable, as he’s wont to in Epcot, and had no interest in dinner. Fine. Gramma and I wanted something light and settled for some Chinese take-out from the Lotus Blossom Café. Authentic it ain’t, but I just love their veggie lo-mein and iced green tea! And the Chinese acrobats were just getting started, so Gramma and I took turns eating and hanging out with Leo to see the show. He decided that if he couldn’t be an acrobatic monkey (a la Festival of the Lion King, remember?), he’d like to be a Chinese acrobat. Think I need to enroll him in a tumbling class?!

As we continued our way around the WS, I listened diligently to Pal, waiting to hear what exciting holiday festivity might be awaiting us in the next country.

Pal’s timing stinks. He alerted us to a rousing Norwegian folk song and dance…. when we were in China. He piped up to let us know a German folk-teller would be discussing traditional German Christmas festivities…. when we were in France. What the heck? Is he only programmed for counter-clockwise rotation round the WS???

By that time, Leo was asking to go home to the “otel” and Gramma had the same idea. Sounded good to me – I’d have time to freshen up for my big night!

See, in case you haven’t heard, there’s this hysterical little DIS group who call themselves Fockers, of which I’m a proud member. It all started with a simple request that we find a way to identify and acknowledge DISers across a crowded park and the “I’m watching you Focker” sign from Meet the Parents was born. We have a list to keep track of Fellow Fockers in The World at the same time and I wanted to be sure I’d meet some of them on this trip. So, a week or two ahead, I contacted Lauralee131 and then the other Fockers who would be there the same time as I, and suggested we meet up for drinks one evening. And so a mini-DIS-Focker meet was born!

And where do you think we met? After reading the antics of the Maelstomers, there was no question: our DIS meet was a Quest for Pineapple Drinks! Tambu Bar at the Poly or bust, baby

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous going in to this adventure. I wasn’t worried about anyone being an ax murderer – it was a public place and I’m pretty sure The Mouse’s reaction to a bludgeoning would be swift and mighty. I was more worried about social stuff. Would we have anything to talk about? Would any of us have anything in common? What if everyone was so weird I couldn’t stop giggling? I needn’t have worried at all.

I walked up to Tambu and looked around…… didn’t see anyone who looked like they might be looking for me. Hmmm. I stepped back to the lobby, then took another pass – and I saw her: a Lime Green shirt, blond hair, pineapple with a straw and umbrella in front of her. LAURALEE!! It sounds crazy, I know, but there was no awkwardness at all – conversation came right away and before I knew it, I also had a pineapple of joy in front of me.

Wait just a fruity second – you must be thinking “Didn’t she just tell us she’s allergic to pineapple?!” Well, yes, technically I am. But not severely and gosh-darn-it I wanted that pineapple drink, so I loaded up on my allergy meds, puffed on my inhaler and took a chance! For the record, all was fine, though my tummy was a tad upset the next morning.

Lauralee told me I’d just missed pbnjrockette – she left to spend some time with her DH, but might be back. So we chatted and got to know each other better and pbnj did come back a little later. We all had so much fun! We talked about our families, and past WDW trips, and other vacations, and the DIS, of course. And so much more that I can’t even remember now. And we took pictures, of course:

Lauralee, pbnj, V

Pbnj left us and Lauralee and I wound up closing the bar. Of course, they closed at like 10:30, so we weren’t that bad! But we weren’t ready to call it a night, either, and she gave me a tour of the Poly pool and beach – so, so pretty at night! – and we talked some more until we admitted that we really had to get some sleep.

I made my way back to the BWI and found Gramma and Leo sleeping peacefully. Leo had chosen the day bed for his slumber and I went over to give him a little kiss. He opened his eyes and said “Mommy? You came back!” He smiled, closed his eyes and fell back to sleep. I sure do love my boy!

As I got ready for bed, I thought about our little DIS meet and how incredibly glad I was that we pulled it together. Folks, I can’t say enough about these two ladies. They’re smart, funny, sweet and I’m honored to now call them my friends. Getting to know them, I was reminded of how small the world really is; no matter how different we may seem to be, if we make the effort to get to know others, we’ll find we share so very much in common. Thank you ladies for brightening that day and my life!

Coming next: “Parade” is another word for bear attack.

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

By now, Leo had spotted the “Big Ball” and very much wanted to go inside. Yes, we are a certified (or are we certifiable??) Spaceship Earth-Loving Family. The scenes don’t do a lot for me, but I find the clickety-clacking of the cars so soothing. I know it’s weird. But Leo can’t get enough of the scenes. He likes to point out the woolly mammoth and the llama.

Did you know there’s a llama in there? Me neither. But Leo says it’s there, so I guess it is. Remember, the 4 year old is almost always right.

Think I need to enroll him in a tumbling class?!

See, in case you haven’t heard, there’s this hysterical little DIS group who call themselves Fockers, of which I’m a proud member. It all started with a simple request that we find a way to identify and acknowledge DISers across a crowded park and the “I’m watching you Focker” sign from Meet the Parents was born. We have a list to keep track of Fellow Fockers in The World at the same time and I wanted to be sure I’d meet some of them on this trip. So, a week or two ahead, I contacted Lauralee131 and then the other Fockers who would be there the same time as I, and suggested we meet up for drinks one evening. And so a mini-DIS-Focker meet was born!

And where do you think we met? After reading the antics of the Maelstomers, there was no question: our DIS meet was a Quest for Pineapple Drinks! Tambu Bar at the Poly or bust, baby

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous going in to this adventure. I wasn’t worried about anyone being an ax murderer – it was a public place and I’m pretty sure The Mouse’s reaction to a bludgeoning would be swift and mighty. I was more worried about social stuff. Would we have anything to talk about? Would any of us have anything in common? What if everyone was so weird I couldn’t stop giggling? I needn’t have worried at all.

I walked up to Tambu and looked around…… didn’t see anyone who looked like they might be looking for me. Hmmm. I stepped back to the lobby, then took another pass – and I saw her: a Lime Green shirt, blond hair, pineapple with a straw and umbrella in front of her. LAURALEE!! It sounds crazy, I know, but there was no awkwardness at all – conversation came right away and before I knew it, I also had a pineapple of joy in front of me.

Lauralee, pbnj, V

I sure do love my boy!

Pretty pictures... I love it!

Ok, I have to admit, I love "the big ball", too. Cheesy, yes... but oh so relaxing.

Enrolled DD in "nastics". She loves it. Of course, for some reason she forgets the Gym part of the word.

Yah!!! Go Fockers!! I'm soooo jealous of that mini-meet! I would have LOVED to have been there! I'm hoping for a reunion tour in August!

Awwww... I just love that you love Leo. I totally understand that kind of love. You're his first true love, the sun rises and sets on your face. Shucks, I'm getting sappy!

 

[daisy_77]

PrincessV! I just discovered your TR! I love it! Oh and, GREAT PICS, too!

Your little guy is just too cute!!

I look forward to reading more!

 

[aldisneygrl]

Yay! Pal got to come out of the suitcase! Maybe he should have gone back in since he was not "up" on his info.

I'm so jealous of the "Focker Meet". Little Leo brought a tear to my eye with his "Mommy, you came back" comment. (this isn't meant to be sad, that is just me with the tear in my eye.)

I would love to do a DIS Meet, but I don't know when I will get down there again.

I LOVE a Parade! Can't wait!

 

[PrincessV]

Yah!!! Go Fockers!! I'm soooo jealous of that mini-meet! I would have LOVED to have been there! I'm hoping for a reunion tour in August!

For the record, you were there in spirit - several times we thought out loud how much we wished you could have been there with us! August is SO on!

PrincessV! I just discovered your TR! I love it! Oh and, GREAT PICS, too!

Your little guy is just too cute!!

I look forward to reading more!

Thank you so much! Glad to have you with us

Yay! Pal got to come out of the suitcase! Maybe he should have gone back in since he was not "up" on his info.

Yeah, I didn't mention in that installment a few of the choice words Gramma had for Pal. She may have been the least impressed of the lot of us!

 

[PrincessV]

Day 5, Monday Dec. 4
Sorry, I lied. There will be no parade in this installment. But it’s coming, I promise!

The plan for Day 5 was to sleep in and generally be restful most of the day because we had another exciting night ahead: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – our first time!

I’m always leery of planning a “sleep in day” because 9 times out of 10 it backfires and Leo wakes up at 6am. Not this time. Apparently, several busy days without naps took their toll and we all slept until 8:30am!!!

And when we awoke, it was to an, um… interesting smell. Not flowery, just kind of musty. And humid. And mildewy. A HA! That’s why they have air fresheners in the rooms. We’d turned the AC off the night before in anticipation of the cold front (yay!) scheduled to move in overnight. (No, it was not on my spread sheet, but it was welcome nonetheless.) With no air moving, it was just a little funky in there and Leo and I were stuffed up the rest of the trip. I’ll let this be my final complaint about the BWI, but I’ll clearly not be returning any time soon.

Anyway, we got up and had some in-room breakfast. It was indeed cool and dry out and we could finally enjoy sweaters and jeans.

ASIDE: Listen, this is a big deal for us Floridians. You should have seen my office last week. We had a cold snap and it was likely to be one of the last of the winter. Every day, we were all wearing every piece of knit or woolly clothing we owned, along with our knee-high boots. Yes, we really buy this stuff. Who wants to be left out of the season’s best fashion just because they live in a semi-tropical climate?!)

Fresh and happy, we headed out for a little exploration around the Epcot resort loop.

This may be my favorite part of any WDW trip – I just love spending time walking around, looking at the different resorts, particularly the architecture, interior design and landscaping. Can you tell I’m an Art History major?!

Our first stopping point was the BWI lawn, where Leo asked if he could “run.” Well, sure, go right ahead! He really, really needed to be let loose and just burn off some energy. He took turns chasing Gramma and me, then spent some time perfecting his Jedi skills:

When he’d settled down a little, he was actually in the mood to pose for the camera. I never, ever get pics of me with my boy, so I took full advantage of that situation:

When we’d had enough gallivanting around, we strolled over to the Beach & Yacht Clubs, checking out the holiday decorations in the lobbies. Leo’s a huge train buff and no holiday WDW trip is complete without some time spent examining the Christmas village and train display at the Yacht Club. Did I take any pictures? No. Once again, I wasn’t feeling so perky and missed a lot of photo ops. ((sigh))

It was nearing lunch time and we decided to give the Yacht Club Galley a try.
WOW, what a little gem of a restaurant! I don’t know about dinner, but lunch was terrific. I can’t remember what my sandwich was, and nothing on the allearsnet menu sounds right, but it was gooo-oood. As was Gramma’s tuna salad croissant and bowl of soup. Leo couldn’t’ decide between mac&cheese or a hot dog, so our server was happy to order both on their own, instead of the usual kids’ meal combo. Thank you, Have a Magical Day! Service was very good, there were only a few diners in the place and it has a nice ambience. I highly recommend it!

It’s funny, but I don’t really remember what we did after lunch. At some point, we headed back to our room, though, to bundle up and get ready for the big party and we found this:

True, our room was inducing allergic reactions, but at least it came with towel animals!

Up next: We really do get to the Bear Buffet, also known as the Parade

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

OMG, V! That is the cutest photo of you and Leo! You have GOT to make that your siggie pic!
You look sooooo pretty and Leo looks so handsome!!

 

[PrincessAlways]

I agree!! What a beautiful picture of the two of you! Very sweet.

 

[huggiebear23]

Great pics. I agree with the group. I love that pic of you too. So adorable.

 

[mlill]

Wow! Beautiful pictures! I love those sleep in days at WDW! Glad it worked out for you this time! I can't wait to hear about your MVMCP adventure.

I know I shouldn't... because I don't know the whole story... but I've got to say something... I really don't want to bring up any bad feelings or anything... but your NSDexH is a complete moron for giving you and Leo up. I mean just look at you! YOU'RE GORGEOUS! Leo is about the most adorable kid I've ever seen! I just don't understand men sometimes...

I'm glad that I've gotten to know you here on the DIS!

Keep the TR coming!

-Michelle

P.S. I hope you're feeling better!

 

[mindystar]

v---I'm always saying how I want to have girls when I have children--basically because I'm a girly girl and my siblings are both girls. I really don't have much experience with little boys. But you're Leo is just so adorable and when he said "Mommy you came back." Ah how sweet, and maybe a boy wouldn't be so bad after all
The pictures are so pretty of the lights! Thanks for the tip of the Yacht Club Galley too. Can't wait for the bear buffet--sounds like good fun

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

v---I'm always saying how I want to have girls when I have children--basically because I'm a girly girl and my siblings are both girls. I really don't have much experience with little boys. But you're Leo is just so adorable and when he said "Mommy you came back." Ah how sweet, and maybe a boy wouldn't be so bad after all

I was the same way. I was soooo happy when my first born was a girl, b/c I am such a girlie girl. When my ultasound was done on my 2nd pregnancy, I was SOOOO disappointed the baby was going to be a BOY! I actually cried and didn't tell anyone for a month. I've learned there's something about a son that you just cannot explain. The bond is crazy and so is the love. I mean it when I say, you are his first love. It's an unbelievable feeling. IMHO.

 

[Glendamax]

Hey! Love the pic with your hair out! I guess that's one of the advantages of going when it's not 99 degrees out: better hair!

 

[PrincessV]

OMG, V! That is the cutest photo of you and Leo! You have GOT to make that your siggie pic!
You look sooooo pretty and Leo looks so handsome!!

I agree!! What a beautiful picture of the two of you! Very sweet.

Great pics. I agree with the group. I love that pic of you too. So adorable.

Thanks guys! They don't happen often, so I'm always excited when we get a great shot together. Yes, it will definitely be going in my signature soon!

 

[PrincessV]

Wow! Beautiful pictures! I love those sleep in days at WDW! Glad it worked out for you this time! I can't wait to hear about your MVMCP adventure.

I know I shouldn't... because I don't know the whole story... but I've got to say something... I really don't want to bring up any bad feelings or anything... but your NSDexH is a complete moron for giving you and Leo up. I mean just look at you! YOU'RE GORGEOUS! Leo is about the most adorable kid I've ever seen! I just don't understand men sometimes...

I'm glad that I've gotten to know you here on the DIS!

Keep the TR coming!

-Michelle

P.S. I hope you're feeling better!

Awww, Michelle, you made me cry! no worries - happy tears only! Yes, he is a moron, for lots of reasons, but no kidding, my life is 1000% better without him in it, so it's all good. Thanks for the ego boost!

v---I'm always saying how I want to have girls when I have children--basically because I'm a girly girl and my siblings are both girls. I really don't have much experience with little boys. But you're Leo is just so adorable and when he said "Mommy you came back." Ah how sweet, and maybe a boy wouldn't be so bad after all
The pictures are so pretty of the lights! Thanks for the tip of the Yacht Club Galley too. Can't wait for the bear buffet--sounds like good fun

I was the same way. I was soooo happy when my first born was a girl, b/c I am such a girlie girl. When my ultasound was done on my 2nd pregnancy, I was SOOOO disappointed the baby was going to be a BOY! I actually cried and didn't tell anyone for a month. I've learned there's something about a son that you just cannot explain. The bond is crazy and so is the love. I mean it when I say, you are his first love. It's an unbelievable feeling. IMHO.

Know what? I was devastated when the ultrasound showed I was having a boy. Went home and cred my heart out. I'm an only child (well, a step-broher, but he's 16 years younger and lived 1500 miles away), raised by a single mom - what the heck business did I have raising boys?! But, I wouldn't trade my boy for anything! I don't have a basis for comparison, but I agree with you DMama, there really is something unique about that mother/son relationship.

Hey! Love the pic with your hair out! I guess that's one of the advantages of going when it's not 99 degrees out: better hair!

Thanks for noticing the blow-out! So true - I only bother with the effort if the temp and humidity are way low, which doesn't happen often around here. In fact, I've been thinking all week about chopping it back to chin length...