It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – an offsite, non-Disney, Christmas TR

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina, you really ought to be careful with your redirects... This is how it looked in my safari browser with the line break....





In all seriousness, already enjoying the report! That seems like a great deal for all 3 I-drive 360 attractions. Did you guys experience any of the restaurants or shops there? I'm thinking we may need to check it out next week.

The aquarium reminds me of a teeny tiny version of our Atlanta aquarium - which is quite impressive for a first visit but lacks repeatability. That's what amazes me about the Orlando theme parks - so much to see and do you can do them 4 times a year and still not see it all.

You scoundrels are just naughty, naughty .... but you are certainly giving me my giggles . I assure you....nothing inapprorpriate was meant by my choice of words......and the page break I had absolutely nothing to do with . But it did seem oddly appropriate under the circumstances .

We had some snacks at one of the shops at iDrive360 (that's coming up next in my report, actually) and we have eated twice at Red Robin (which is newly built, and just adjacent to that complex). I am considering giving Cowgirls Rock Bar a try in April, as there's a good Groupon for that right now (lunch for 4, with drinks, for $35). The Shake Shack looks not too bad (though it got mixed reviews from The Trip podcast crew) so we might give it a whirl at some point, too.

Did you know that Prince Philip had an uncle Dickie?

Where is a face palm imogi when you need it?

Aww man...what I wouldn't do for one of those Steak n Shake milkshakes right now. I think of them often!! We weren't super impressed with the food the time we were there. Maybe it was because we were so full from the shake we weren't too interested in our meal!

Wax museum looks like something we would enjoy! Will have to keep that on the possibility list for our next Orlando trip. Which I'd really love to do next Christmas break. Will see where the school schedule lands.

For some reason, it took a lot longer to get our shakes on this visit than it usually does....they weren't brought out until right before our burgers. Strangely enough, I actually liked the fact that we didn't have so long to slurp up the heavy shakes, because it made it MUCH easier to eat our meals .

So I've discovered something. Your trip report is going to prove to be very expensive for me. Every single time I read a new update that "Hey..how about a Christmas trip?!?!" voice gets just a little bit louder in my head. I'm in the middle of planning a May trip!
I even started laying the December groundwork last night Gina. Very casually bringing up annual passes and started glancing at offsite rentals in December.
I blame you. That's blame shifting and refusing to take ownership of my vacation addictions, but I blame you just the same.
You watch.. by the end of your trip report I'll be booking December. Carry on, there's no stopping it now.

I've got broad shoulders....I will gladly take the blame!!

You know, I absolutely LOVED taking a Christmas trip. I loved it for so many reasons......

-- We loved the time spent together (because that's what the holidays are supposed to be about, anyway)
-- We loved escaping the cold north for a last blast of summer before winter really hits
-- We loved all the Christmas decor down south....it actually feels MORE Christmassy there than it does at home, because without the cold weather to help with the overall atmosphere, they have to work a little harder to make their own festive ambiance
-- We loved not having to partake in the craziness of shopping for gifts for each other. The trip was our gift, so it just made the whole season so "easy"
-- We loved how every single attraction (major theme park or smaller independent) did something special for the holidays. And all of them were unique!
-- We loved escaping the family drama back home. I hope that doesn't make me sound bad....but its true. Being away, just the three of us, was peaceful.

Christmas trips are definitely different than any other time of year, though. Travelling to and from Orlando is more challenging (weather, crowds). Flights and car rentals are more expensive. Temperatures in Orlando are more variable (because you can potentially get anything from hot to warm to cool to quite chilly) so planning, especially for water based activities, is a tougher to do. And then there's the crowds.....you need to pack your patience and leave a lot more time when travelling from point A to point B.

All that said, though, I'd do it again in a heart beat. Heck, I'd do it again NEXT Christmas....but with our dollar this low, and two trips already booked for 2016, I know a three-peat for this year is a definite no-go. But if you're tossing it around in your mind, I would wholeheartedly say GO FOR IT GIRL!! Because its sooo much fun . You haven't even begun to see the best of this trip yet. All of our favourite moments are still yet to come!

Same!!! And I keep thinking... well if we were lucky enough to get bogo SeaWorld and Aquatica annual passes next Black Friday, we would have to plan another trip for sure!
(Then I look at the exchange rate and bounce back to reality! lol)

Those BOGO SeaWorld AP's are such an awesome deal.....and are exactly what us Canadians needed to make our trips affordable. I am pretty sure that we'll continue to buy them as long as SeaWorld offers them -- and its been such a successful promotion the last two years, I'm hoping its become their "thing" (like Disney's free dining).

Love the rest of your wax museum and aquarium photos! Were you able to get some discounts for those attractions?

We sure did . Single attraction admission is $25 per person. Online advance pricing is $20 per attraction. We got all three admission (Orlando Eye, Sea Life and Madame Tussauds) for $35 per person by buying when they first opened last May (though you can still pick up the three-attraction package for $39 pp by purchasing online).

FINALLY had time to catch up (and finish reading the Halloween TR-wow! that looked like soooo much fun!) Great reading as always. If your home resort gets into II then we may have to try it next time we visit (probably not before late 2017)-we love love the Marriott resorts in Orlando-Sabal Palms with the proximity to World Center (and their pools) is one of our favorites.
The Eye in London is on our bucket list-actually had this convo with hubs last night-but with planned Washington DC trip (taking my oldest daughter for her senior trip) over spring break and wanting to extend time after our companies annual Sales meeting in July (it's at Skamania Lodge near Portland Oregon this year and we have never been to that area of country) the vacation budget for this year is drained...even the Eye in Orlando is out for now lol. Looking forward to seeing more of your pictures on it!

I am pretty sure the Vistana trades with Interval International, unless things have changed in the past couple of years. Hopefully you will get a chance to give SVR a try on on a future visit . I have heard great things about the Marriott resorts, and wouldn't hesitate to give one of them a try if we needed an extra week somewhere along the way . I love that they seem to offer a similar experience (great pools and recreational amenities, large modern villas, lots of onsite scheduled activities) ... so much more than what you get at a standard hotel.

Sounds like you have a busy travel year ahead, even though it doesn't include Orlando. Your spring break adventures, in particular, won't be long sneaking up on you!!

 

[chiamarie]

Well, I've FINALLY found this report! (life has been busy as of late)

And I do have some input when it comes to boxing day. I know that it's the day after Christmas. And that it's an "English" thing. As far as the "boxing christmas back up" that's just depressing. I hate doing it before January 30th. That being said, I did it last sunday, which is a record for me, for sure. (but alas, I knew I was going to be having a couple of busy weeks, and if I didn't do it then, who knows when it'd get done. and it was depressing!)

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Well, I've FINALLY found this report! (life has been busy as of late)

And I do have some input when it comes to boxing day. I know that it's the day after Christmas. And that it's an "English" thing. As far as the "boxing christmas back up" that's just depressing. I hate doing it before January 30th. That being said, I did it last sunday, which is a record for me, for sure. (but alas, I knew I was going to be having a couple of busy weeks, and if I didn't do it then, who knows when it'd get done. and it was depressing!)

Woohoo!! You're here! I have been hoping you'd join in when you got a chance .

I happen to agree with you completely about Boxing Day....its definitely not my favourite day. Traditionally we do utilize that day to take down the tree and all of our holiday decor. Once the actual holiday is over, Christmas decorations kind of lose their magic for us....so away they go. It always makes me sad to do so, knowing its another 11 months before the excitement and anticipation rolls around again, but my Type A personality needs that return to normalcy. I know, I'm weird....in that way, and so many others .

All you patient folks who live in Orlando must be enjoying a slow return to normal now that the HUGE influx of holiday travellers have returned home. I hope the spectacular weather you were enjoying is still continuing well into January!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Wrapping things up at Sea Life, we ventured back out into the courtyard and the hot and humid late afternoon. We were all quite thirsty, so we decided to look for somewhere to grab a beverage to share. Just adjacent to the ice rink area, we spotted this:





Certain that they would offer a nice selection of cold drinks, we went inside.


Bad, bad idea .


It was the smell that got us as we entered......oh soooo good . Large glass display counters showcased a variety of cookies, pretzels, brownies and other specialty items as the scent of cinnamon and chocolate and fresh cookies coming out of the oven assaulted our senses.


What did we come in here for again? Oh right, a drink! Yeah, well, I think our order might be a little bigger than that before we’re done .


The very friendly woman behind the counter cheerily informs us that the cookies are all buy three, get one free today....like we needed any convincing . After drooling for a little while and agonizing over which treats to choose (every single one of them looked divine....there were no icky flavours like oatmeal raisin!) we eventually decided on the cookie sandwiches, which they called "Doozies": two soft baked cookies with a layer of fluffy vanilla icing in between. Three chocolate chip (one for each of us) and one M&M for our freebie.



(in the pictures, you can't see the icing between the cookies, so you'll just have to trust me that it was there....in all its creamy, sweet, yummy goodness.....and it still remains squarely on my hips, I'm sure)

We also ordered a large drink to share. Jake loves the Coke Freestyle machines, so we let him select our beverage. For the record, with cookies that soft and rich, we all should have had a large glass of white milk to wash ‘em down versus a carbonated beverage....but we ended up with some sort of funky lemonade concoction instead (that’s what happens when the kids.....even the big ones....are allowed to choose!!). The mystery lemonade was good (and refreshing....perfect for a hot Florida day), but those cookies were so delish they just really should have tangoed with milk instead .




The total cost of the 4 Doozies (of which one was free) and drink, with tax, was $14.92.

Following our snack break, we had no other concrete plans for the remainder of the day but we were also nowhere near ready for any kind of dinner (not after our indulgences at the Great American Cookie shop). I knew one thing that Jake was continuing to look forward to on this trip was more shopping (he had been saving his money for that purpose for months), and heading back from International Drive to Lake Buena Vista we’d be driving literally right past the Premium Outlets on Vineland. As we headed back to the parking garage, I asked if anyone wanted to walk around the outlet malls for a bit before returning to the resort....and my question was met with a resounding YES! from the boy. At that moment, I became Mother of the Year .


Pulling into the outlet mall parking lot, we wondered if we’d even be able to get out of the car....the lot was packed from top to bottom. Resigning ourselves to the fact that we may end up utilizing the valet services, we decided to try the parking garage first to see if maybe we’d find something available there. Just as we were slowly approaching the farthest reaches of the completely full main level, we saw the beautiful glow of back-up lights as another shopper put their vehicle in reverse in preparation to leave . We happily pulled into the spot as they departed, and headed off to see what bargains awaited us.


It was a gorgeous late afternoon and early evening....albeit a little on the hot side and humid side (and my hair was definitely showing the effects of that ! )....so we enjoyed the stroll in the summer-like air. We hit up all of our favourite stores.....Under Armour, Nike, Adidas and Reebok for the boys, and a few random girlie stores for yours truly. At the end of our couple of hours of retail therapy, we didn’t find huge amounts of great deals (not as good as those at the Lake Buena Vista Factory stores, and nothing close to the prices at the Nike Clearance Store) but we didn’t leave empty handed, either. Jake was happy, so we were happy .





Once back at the parking garage, we loaded our purchases into the trunk and wound our way through the mall traffic and back out to the road. As we made our way back to the 535, we discussed how we wanted to spend the balance of our evening, and unanimously decided to grab some dinner before heading back to the resort to enjoy the pool and hot tubs for the rest of the night. Mother Nature had given us summer-like weather so it would be a shame to waste it!


At the intersection, we took a right turn and headed past the entrance to Disney Springs to another one of our American favourites: our evening meal would be at Chilis .

 

[ArwenMarie]

-- We loved escaping the family drama back home. I hope that doesn't make me sound bad....but its true. Being away, just the three of us, was peaceful.

/checking rates for next December

Seriously though, I would love to go away for Christmas, whether to Orlando or another warm locale. Just the four of us, no running around trying to see everyone (not that I don't love them haha)....sounds blissful for one year anyway. The holidays were very stressful this year, fun, but stressful.

 

[pigletto]

Those are all very solid reasons for a Christmas trip Gina! I appreciate your thoughts on the matter. I think the thing holding us back is that there is no family drama, and we would feel bad not seeing everyone for the holidays. I don't think you sound bad at all. We enjoy a pretty good relationship with our families but I know that isn't the case for everyone. If it wasn't the case for us, it would be an easy decision for sure!
This year though I was shopping, wrapping, cleaning cooking, planning, making lists, getting ready for weeks and at one point just thought "this is insane." There just seems to be more to do every year and a trip to just be together sounds awfully nice. Definitely something to think about.

Those cookies look delicious! And I can't believe what awesome weather you guys had in December!

 

[grantclaire]

Gina, we have done two Christmas away down south and have loved both of them. The DW's family at first were a little put off about us missing Christmas but have now they think its not such a bad idea! We hit the outlet mall as well, it was busy. My son got some good deals even with the low looney.

 

[Lynne G]

Nice update. I love warm chocolate cookies, and they looked mighty good that you had.

We bought Super Grover passes again this year. We will be Orlando bound this time, as a much shorter trip and no time change change, as well as slightly lower airfare.
I have my family used to us not being around fir Christmas, and we always get together for New Years, so, until the younger one is out of High School, it may be our choice of vacation time. That, and the thought of Dicovery Cove again , is a big draw.

 

[pepperandchips]

You scoundrels are just naughty, naughty


The Shake Shack looks not too bad (though it got mixed reviews from The Trip podcast crew) so we might give it a whirl at some point, too.

Naughty? Who? Me? neverrrr

We have a shake shack in Atlanta too - and while I was a little surprised by the somewhat negative review on the trip, I'm not all that surprised. I also think it's a bit pricey for what you get, but as was mentioned on the podcast, the quality is really high there. And in Atlanta, it's located in a "see and be seen" very posh shopping area, so that makes sense. But I also get great high quality burgers at my neighborhood pub-style bar, so I've only been to shake shack a few times. They do carry some great beer selections on draft if you're into that kinda thing.

Loving the report!!!

 

[pepperandchips]

we eventually decided on the cookie sandwiches, which they called "Doozies": two soft baked cookies with a layer of fluffy vanilla icing in between. Three chocolate chip (one for each of us) and one M&M for our freebie.

Ugh, they have these in all the indoor shopping malls in our area and they are so evil!!! Just their plain sugar cookie is amazing in and of itself, but those double doozies.... Pro tip: their cookie cakes are sinful. Maybe we won't need to check out the shops there after all...

 

[greenclan67]

Those are all very solid reasons for a Christmas trip Gina! I appreciate your thoughts on the matter. I think the thing holding us back is that there is no family drama, and we would feel bad not seeing everyone for the holidays. I don't think you sound bad at all. We enjoy a pretty good relationship with our families but I know that isn't the case for everyone. If it wasn't the case for us, it would be an easy decision for sure!
This year though I was shopping, wrapping, cleaning cooking, planning, making lists, getting ready for weeks and at one point just thought "this is insane." There just seems to be more to do every year and a trip to just be together sounds awfully nice. Definitely something to think about.

Those cookies look delicious! And I can't believe what awesome weather you guys had in December!

We have done xmad vacations the last 3 years!! It is blissful to say the least. My girls are 16 & 14. I ask them gifts or vacay? They have chosen vacay the last 3. But boy does it ever cut down the stress.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

The parking at the mall is always insane, we always seem to end up driving round and round........ In July we parked across the road and walked over.

We too love Christmas in Orlando and have been a few times, as you said the atmosphere and attractions are great. We have had the cooler weather on a couple of trips and it does make the water parks a challenge ( if they are not closed due to the inclement weather). It seems funny walking around Florida with coats, gloves and hats on!

 

[dancin Disney style]

I'm soooooo happy to hear that others wish to avoid the Xmas drama. It's my deepest desire to escape the whole thing but we just have not been able to make it a reality, to this point. My family is split in half because one person holds a grudge (at least 8 years now) for something that didn't actually happen. We no longer have Xmas/Thanks Giving/Easter or anything else as a result. My family is so small (me, my mom and my brother) it just makes me nuts because it's so petty.

Calgone take me away!

 

[nancipants]

Really enjoying your trip report, Gina! I never considered visiting the I-Drive attractions but Tussauds looks like it might be kind of fun!

All you patient folks who live in Orlando must be enjoying a slow return to normal now that the HUGE influx of holiday travellers have returned home. I hope the spectacular weather you were enjoying is still continuing well into January!!

HA! The cooler temperatures we've been clamoring for finally arrived. Unfortunately, so did rain and general gloominess. I miss the sun!

 

[Monykalyn]

@Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina --Have you tried the Chili's to Go? They do have a smart phone app-order while shopping-set your pick up time and they bring the order out to your car! Can take back to resort to eat on your lovely screened porch. We did that a couple times last Orlando vacay (the kids can relax and not have to sit still, and the adults can indulge in an adult beverage back at the condo without having to worry about driving). I even used it when I took my daughter and her friend to Silver Dollar City (Branson MO) this past fall. Was lovely to have dinner at our condo after all the walking and no waiting in lines LOL. Bargain hunter that you are you also can collect reward points that way and get free apps or drinks or deserts.

I love love love the idea of vacation for Christmas-I can't get every year off or extended periods off very often (work in hospital) but I am planning extended family cruise for 2017. It will be lovely to not have to drive all over the state every weekend trying to see all the family and try to not hurt each set of in laws feelings that we are not spending every available second with them (have 2 sets-one 2 hours from us and one 3 hours from us).

It's funny how much the boys enjoy the shopping-my son and older daughter are the same way; me and middle kid-meh-not so much.

As for those cookies...at least one birthday around here every year has the giant cookie "cake"( instead of actual cake) from that place...

 

[bankr63]

We have done xmad vacations the last 3 years!! It is blissful to say the least. My girls are 16 & 14. I ask them gifts or vacay? They have chosen vacay the last 3. But boy does it ever cut down the stress.

xmad

Now there's a typo (or was that on purpose?) that I can really get behind.

 

[dixonsontour]

I'm here, great start (well apart from the hotel and car!)

 

[greenclan67]

xmad

Now there's a typo (or was that on purpose?) that I can really get behind.

We always call xmas, xmad here!! It always ends with me being frustrated, angry, overworked and Mad!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

So I had the BEST intentions to do a whole lotta trip reporting over the course of the weekend, and well.....those great plans went right down the drain. I had a slew of unexpected things pop up between Friday night and now, topped off by Steve finding out late last night that he has to leave for Michigan tomorrow and won't be home until Friday. So my apologies to all! I am going to do my best to get caught back up and at least get one more small entry posted before bed.

/checking rates for next December

Seriously though, I would love to go away for Christmas, whether to Orlando or another warm locale. Just the four of us, no running around trying to see everyone (not that I don't love them haha)....sounds blissful for one year anyway. The holidays were very stressful this year, fun, but stressful.

Yup, that's one of the things we love about Christmas away......not feeling pulled in so many directions. Not having to decide if we spend the holidays with someone from my family or someone from Steve's. Not having to deal with the brothers-in-law (one on each side) that seems to make us miserable every single year. Not having to worry about baking and cooking and commuting in (often) crappy weather.

We just got up, showered and dressed, and went to SeaWorld . Reserved seating, Quick Queue, no lines, no stress, even prepaid meals. Christmas music, lights, decor, and more holiday cheer than you can imagine. It was perfect . If I had the income and the opportunity to do it every year, I would in a heartbeat!!

Those are all very solid reasons for a Christmas trip Gina! I appreciate your thoughts on the matter. I think the thing holding us back is that there is no family drama, and we would feel bad not seeing everyone for the holidays. I don't think you sound bad at all. We enjoy a pretty good relationship with our families but I know that isn't the case for everyone. If it wasn't the case for us, it would be an easy decision for sure!
This year though I was shopping, wrapping, cleaning cooking, planning, making lists, getting ready for weeks and at one point just thought "this is insane." There just seems to be more to do every year and a trip to just be together sounds awfully nice. Definitely something to think about.

Those cookies look delicious! And I can't believe what awesome weather you guys had in December!

The weather was incredible. The heat and humidity were such a surprise!! Especially at night......we were prepared for an evening chill at the very least, but didn't need so much as hoody even once.

You are so very fortunate to have no family drama during the holiday season. We've got a few...uh.....difficult folks that make every holiday (Christmas, Easter, Thankgiving ) a challenge.

Gina, we have done two Christmas away down south and have loved both of them. The DW's family at first were a little put off about us missing Christmas but have now they think its not such a bad idea! We hit the outlet mall as well, it was busy. My son got some good deals even with the low looney.

Yup, we thought there were some great sales to be had this year, and even with the exchange factored in, we still came out WAY ahead . The malls were busy but it was well worth the time to deal with the crowds.

Most of our family was pretty supportive of our decision to spend Christmas in the south. The few that weren't were the reason we decided to get away in the first place . We all had a big family get together with Steve's family two days after we got home, and we celebrated with my mom the day after that. So we did get to all the important people later in the week, after all the whoopla was over and the dust had settled.

Nice update. I love warm chocolate cookies, and they looked mighty good that you had.

We bought Super Grover passes again this year. We will be Orlando bound this time, as a much shorter trip and no time change change, as well as slightly lower airfare.
I have my family used to us not being around fir Christmas, and we always get together for New Years, so, until the younger one is out of High School, it may be our choice of vacation time. That, and the thought of Dicovery Cove again , is a big draw.

Ah, Discovery Cove for Christmas! I can't think of anything more perfect!

Naughty? Who? Me? neverrrr

We have a shake shack in Atlanta too - and while I was a little surprised by the somewhat negative review on the trip, I'm not all that surprised. I also think it's a bit pricey for what you get, but as was mentioned on the podcast, the quality is really high there. And in Atlanta, it's located in a "see and be seen" very posh shopping area, so that makes sense. But I also get great high quality burgers at my neighborhood pub-style bar, so I've only been to shake shack a few times. They do carry some great beer selections on draft if you're into that kinda thing.

Loving the report!!!

Ugh, they have these in all the indoor shopping malls in our area and they are so evil!!! Just their plain sugar cookie is amazing in and of itself, but those double doozies.... Pro tip: their cookie cakes are sinful. Maybe we won't need to check out the shops there after all...

So Great American Cookie is a chain? Oh dear, that's not going to be good for my waistline!!

I saw their cookie cakes, and was mighty impressed (they were decorated so adorably!). Jake's Sunshine is celebrating her birthday on our April trip.....maybe that would be a good idea for her in lieu of a traditional cake . Of course, I was also considering something cool from Carlos Bakery in the Florida Mall. Decisions, decisions .

We have done xmad vacations the last 3 years!! It is blissful to say the least. My girls are 16 & 14. I ask them gifts or vacay? They have chosen vacay the last 3. But boy does it ever cut down the stress.

I do think it makes it easier when you have older kids versus younger ones. One of the perks of having teens .

The parking at the mall is always insane, we always seem to end up driving round and round........ In July we parked across the road and walked over.

We too love Christmas in Orlando and have been a few times, as you said the atmosphere and attractions are great. We have had the cooler weather on a couple of trips and it does make the water parks a challenge ( if they are not closed due to the inclement weather). It seems funny walking around Florida with coats, gloves and hats on!

Yeah, we didn't even really plan on a waterpark day until we saw the forecast for our week there. I was so surprised there weren't more people at Aquatica when it was so HOT and humid . Winter or not, I thought the place would be packed!!

I'm soooooo happy to hear that others wish to avoid the Xmas drama. It's my deepest desire to escape the whole thing but we just have not been able to make it a reality, to this point. My family is split in half because one person holds a grudge (at least 8 years now) for something that didn't actually happen. We no longer have Xmas/Thanks Giving/Easter or anything else as a result. My family is so small (me, my mom and my brother) it just makes me nuts because it's so petty.

Calgone take me away!

Ah yes, I can empathize with you totally. On my side, its my sister and her husband who sour the holiday spirit. On Steve's, its a brother and a brother-in-law that routinely test everyone's good nature. Family holidays where we are forced to endure those difficult individuals are always the time where Jake takes a moment to thank us for making him an only child .

Really enjoying your trip report, Gina! I never considered visiting the I-Drive attractions but Tussauds looks like it might be kind of fun!

HA! The cooler temperatures we've been clamoring for finally arrived. Unfortunately, so did rain and general gloominess. I miss the sun!

Oh no! I hope your rain lets up and the sunshine returns. Dreariness is far worse than cooler temperatures!!

We've had drenching rain here for the past two days as well. The upside is that it has melted almost all of our snow. Cold weather is supposed to return for us this week as well, much more to the Canadian norm for January. Blech .

@Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina --Have you tried the Chili's to Go? They do have a smart phone app-order while shopping-set your pick up time and they bring the order out to your car! Can take back to resort to eat on your lovely screened porch. We did that a couple times last Orlando vacay (the kids can relax and not have to sit still, and the adults can indulge in an adult beverage back at the condo without having to worry about driving). I even used it when I took my daughter and her friend to Silver Dollar City (Branson MO) this past fall. Was lovely to have dinner at our condo after all the walking and no waiting in lines LOL. Bargain hunter that you are you also can collect reward points that way and get free apps or drinks or deserts.

I love love love the idea of vacation for Christmas-I can't get every year off or extended periods off very often (work in hospital) but I am planning extended family cruise for 2017. It will be lovely to not have to drive all over the state every weekend trying to see all the family and try to not hurt each set of in laws feelings that we are not spending every available second with them (have 2 sets-one 2 hours from us and one 3 hours from us).

It's funny how much the boys enjoy the shopping-my son and older daughter are the same way; me and middle kid-meh-not so much.

As for those cookies...at least one birthday around here every year has the giant cookie "cake"( instead of actual cake) from that place...

Chili's To Go has always been on our radar, but so far we've never taken the plunge and brought it back to the villa. You're making a good case for it for April, though......I just wish they'd deliver right to the resort! (how's that for a case of the vacation lazies )

xmad

Now there's a typo (or was that on purpose?) that I can really get behind.

A Freudian slip from my friend Carrie?

I'm here, great start (well apart from the hotel and car!)

Glad to have you reading along!!

My mom has a saying: "Poor start, good ending"....and that's pretty much how our vacation went . I am happy to report things did improve substantially from those first couple of days!!

We always call xmas, xmad here!! It always ends with me being frustrated, angry, overworked and Mad!!

And this one ended up with you stung by an ocean beast!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Sunday, December 20th....the conclusion:


Arriving at Chili’s, we were happy to find it busy but not packed. Seeing it busy generally means its a good place to be, and popular with tourists and locals (hopefully for all the right reasons). Packed, though, is not fun.....and available restaurant seating was an ongoing issue on our 2012 Christmas trip (so we were ready for that again this time around). Checking in with the greeter, we were happy to learn they had a booth available and we were escorted to our seats immediately.


Jake was all smiles after a fun day (admitting both iDrive360 attractions exceeded his expectations), and he enjoyed a few moments of catching up with his Sunshine by text. She happens to LOVE Chili’s.....it’s her favourite American chain restaurant....so he was having a little fun bragging about where we were dining that evening (softening it, of course, by pledging that we would take her there on the first night of our vacation in April...which just happens to be her birthday).





After mogging around Tussauds, Sea Life and the outlet mall, I must admit it felt good to sit down!!





Our server was quick to first bring beverages (much appreciated, as we were super thirsty from the Florida heat) and then take our food order. Chili’s still had their “Dinner for Two” promotion on (2 full size entrees and an appetizer to share for $20), but of course in our threesome that always means that there is one odd man out. We decided, then, to go with two of the 2-for-$20 promos and take the fourth entree back to the villa later that night. It probably doesn’t surprise you that my guys are generally always up for a late night, after-swim snack .


For our two starters to share, we opted for the spiced panko onion rings and a half order of Texas cheese fries. Both arrived very quickly after our order was placed.





We’ve had the Texas cheese fries before, so we knew exactly what to expect with those. The spiced panko onion rings, though, were a new item for us .... and they were excellent. Spicy enough to satisfy Jake (for whom food can rarely get TOO spicy, or too hot) but not so much so that I (who is spice averse) couldn’t enjoy them. Between us, both appetizers received a full six thumbs up from our trio , and quantity wise there was PLENTY to go around.


We had just enough time to leisurely enjoy our starters before our entrees were brought to the table. Jake had the Crispy Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers:





These are a big favourite of his, and his go-to meal choice on every visit. As always, they didn’t disappoint again this day, either.....he devoured every bite .


Steve, as usual, went straight for the steak (with steamed broccoli and mashed potatoes), upgraded from the 6 oz to the 10 oz for a small charge. Not the best photo, but enough to get the idea:





Like my boy, I’m a huge fan of the Chili’s Chicken Crispers (what is it that they do differently with their chicken? Whatever it is, its sooo good! ) so that was my selection. I have to say, their corn on the cob was also delightfully tasty. Our Canadian corn season is basically just June to September, so enjoying corn on the cob at Christmas time really was quite a treat.





Our spare “take home” entree was chicken quesadillas. They initially brought them to the table, but were great to bring us a box in which to whisk them back to the villa fridge.





After the Great American Cookie indulgence of earlier in the day, we all had zero interest in dessert. With our leftovers secured in a take-out container (the quesadillas had some company...a chicken crisper or two from my plate joined them for the return to SVR), we covered our bill ($51.31 including tax....two dinners for 2, two soft drinks, and a strawberry lemonade...though I am just noticing on reviewing the bill for this trip report entry that they did not charge Steve for his steak upgrade ) and made the short drive back to the resort.



It was a gorgeous, warm night, so we wasted no time in changing into our swimwear, pouring some adult beverages, and heading straight for the Fountains pool. We met up with our new friends from Wisconsin in the upper hot tub, and spent over 2 hours shooting the breeze with them and the other guests. I believe this was the evening we also had a great chat with a pair of young travellers from South Africa....two very well spoken young gentleman who were enjoying a tour of several North American cities over a course of several weeks before returning to their homeland. Part of their pending travels were poised to take them to both New York City and Montreal, so they had lots of questions about winter in the north (they had never seen snow!!). It was a very cool opportunity to chat about the differences in our cultures!


It was after 11 pm before we returned to the villa, and near midnight before we finally called it a night. Tomorrow we’d have a bit of an opportunity to sleep in before we welcomed some special guests for breakfast: my brother and his fiancé would be joining us, along with Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch, for breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort .