It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!!

[Mndisneygirl]

Sorcerer Mickey is my FAVE!!!! We have seen him in Animation a couple or three times now. On our first trip just Dave and me, (in 2000) I wanted a plush one of him. But I made the usual mistake and didn't buy it right away. After searching MK, Epcot and probably AK, I found out that I could only get him at MGM! So we had to make a special trip back there.
Fast forward to 2008 or 2009. My kids had a fair at school and there was a room you could "adopt a pet" (all stuffed animals). What did I see there for $2.00???? You got it - Sorcerer Mickey.




I now own two of them!



Kim NDG - I hope you get my card too. I specifically mailed it at the PO window so I know that the postage was right for Canada!! It was just last Thursday I think.


I used to love to get my nails done. It is just so frustrating when they chip and wear off so fast. I hate to spend the money then. I use my hands as tools too much I guess. I should just sit around and have people wait on me, don't you think? Pedis last longer for me. But this time of year, no one sees my toes!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Hope you can come back and tell us more about your trip soon Shawna!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I was just thinking today about my poor, neglected trip report!! LOL....the holidays didn't give me any time to work on it!! The only free time I did have,we were resting or I was reading to the kids!! So...if I get time this weekend i will try to wrap it up for ya'll!! I did try to work on it the week after my last post, but my Photobucket didn't cooperate and I didn't have time after that!! so...if I am not on here before:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I hope 2011 is spectacular for all of you!!!

 

[jenjolt]

I'm all caught up!! What a great trip so far!!!

I too love me some Steetmophere people!! They are so into character and are so much fun!!!!!

Can't wait for more!!

Happy New Year to You Too!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Okay gang!! My patiently waiting readers..... Ok... Let's see if I can remember where we left off...ok, we have been to MK, Epcot 2 days at DHS, and the Main Street Elec. Parade and Wishes. Okay, so we are now on THURSDAY...NOVEMBER 18TH....
So...this morning is slow day!! The last few years it has wound up with Thursday being our slow, pool, laundry,nap,whatever day! It works great!! By this point of our trip we have done the Must-Dos, and the rest is relax and enjoy, do re-rides, or whatever! So...we drag around, I start gathering and sorting laundry, and Mike and the kids head to Storm Along Bay. Wow that's a great place!!! So...I get on a bathing suit and cover up and a book, along with quarters and detergent!! I have to be a bit observant here and throw out a good plug for the Beach Club--they have the BEST area!!!! I never have to wait for machines and the dryers are awesome!So..I get almost all of the laundry done and Mike and the kids come over to the quiet pool next to where I am. We hang around here for awhile, then go get ready for lunch. We decided that today's lunch would be at Beaches & Cream. WOW!! We have never gotten bad food or service here--I was starving and forgot my camera back at the room so no food pictures AGAIN!! Sorry...but I know that we got burgers, and I got the Chicken sandwich(burger buns) and it was fantastic!! All the ice cream was wonderful as usual!! So..we are so full by the time we leave here we feel sick!! They have large portions for everything, so don't ever try to eat it all.
Next, I took Kipper and Gracie with me down to the hair salon at BC to see about getting his haircut. Now...we had gotten them haircuts before vacation, but he told her not to take much off. Well...his hair grows like crazy and it was starting to bug him-he keeps it short and it makes his head sweat if it's long due to the thickness..so anyway,we got a haircut. It was a bit pricey, but we are at Disney! So, it's ok. We head back to the room to lay down just for a bit and change clothes.
Tonight's the BIG night!!! MVMCP!!!!
We got to the MK earlier than the party time and got our wristbands.We decided to ride the train and figure out where we wanted to go from there. We got the park map for the party-which shows you all the nights activities..we were pretty hyped!

We decided to do BTMMR again... we got some cute pics of the front of the engines

This is from the first row

take my advice..never sit here. It is soooo rough...I could hardly stay in the seat-Mike even said he hated it! I have always enjoyed the ride, but this was pretty crummy.
so...after all that, the kids were wanting dinner,so we split up and some went this way and some went that way!! Me and the little 2 went to Casey's Corner, and Mike and Saylor went to Columbia Harbor House. After we finished,we headed over to meet them. We happened see the line for the 7 Dwarfs!!!! I have never seen them all together for photos.It was a really long line, but it was sooooo cute!! They had them over at the area that's Stroller Parking by IASM,across from Peter Pan. They had Christmas trees, buckets with the jewels they had mined all day and their Christmas clothes.G and I stood in line FOREVER....then just before it was our turn, mike and the boys came over. I talked them into pics thinking this would work for our Christmas cards!! Turns out it was really too large, but the pics are still precious!
Waiting Patiently:

We did tons of rides, and then we decided on Characters and cocoa...in no particular order!!
Gracie and I found Rapunzel and Flynn-he reaaaally looked like the guy!

And guess how this worked out.....it was the 18th...Mickey's Creation/Birthday date!! I totally didn't think of that when I was booking/planning,so we got pics in the tent with Mickey and Minnie on their Bday and in christmas clothes!!!! It was cool!!!

cont in next post

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

WOW!! It's sooo pretty at night!!! And let me say..the cocoa is fabulous!! It was a little wee bit chilly--not super cold or anything,but when the wind would start blowing, you felt a lot cooler....I loved it!!! At this point, we staked out a spot for the parade...Mike & Saylor really didn't want to stay for it, so we took pics with them and talked then they left. At this point, poor Kipp was exhausted!! I think he was having a bit of sugar and excitement overload. He kept breaking down..he would cry, compose himself, and just lose it again. I tried to send him back with the other 2 before they left, but he didn't want to do that either. Also,...his allergies were flared up. He kept rubbing his eyes all day and I had given him Claritin or something...non-drowsy, but it still makes him feel weird. He has those crying spells almost every time. He says he doesn't know why he crys, but he just can't quit. I hate it for him! I know that feeling that I get like that when I had surgeries-the pain meds do me that way. But, the alternative is he's sick from the allergies!!! But anyway...heres a pic of him waiting for the parade to start and trying to get a grip:

Can anybody say...YODA?!!

Here she had been going in the shop behind us getting him napkins to blow his nose and trying to cheer him up. It wasn't working.

I did get a few pics with Saylor: the I-am-taking-no-pics-this-trip-kid. One was good but he stuck his tongue out!! I threatened him for the next one and then it ended up blurry!!! Dang teenagers!!! LOL

After this pic, they left and I am stuck with this guy:

So...we are enjoying the bubbles/snow on MS and the great music!!! Watching the lights on the buildings and now it's parade time!!!! I have tons of pics,but I will just try to do the best ones...it's really kinda hard timing these pics when you are behind people!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

After the parade, we dug around in some shops. Then we saw a few places that were set up for pictures:

If there were ever a set of twins born 4 years apart...it's these two! They pretty much do everything together. Can't you tell!!? And they love each other,watch out for each other, and argue when they are tired!! LOL...
So, this was the end of the night by now....we had waited long enough to be in the herd leaving immediately after the festivities..It was definitely getting colder now,and we were worn out!!!! So...we went to the bus and got in line. We didn't have to wait too terribly long..but even then we were fried by the time we got to the room!! We put on pjs, brushed our teeth and crashed!!!!! If you have never seen MVMCP, I would urge you to if you get the opportunity.It's a totally diff experience...very, very, magical. I always look back on this as some of our greatest family moments!! ya'll know I am a SAHM...and homeschooler at that..but I still feel like the time goes by too fast. These are times I just soak up and absorb watching my family!!!! I am so very, very blessed!! I thank the Lord for times I can have like these with my kids!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Well...we slept a bit late today too!!! LOL...after all the excitement and emotion of the night before! We decided that today would be another Epcot day.

Kipper lovers Bolt,so he was sooo excited to find him.I had gotten him the movie for Christmas, so I had to make sure he didn't try to buy it for a souvie!

We went to FW, rode rides, and went to WS--of course!!

Mary Poppins!!!

How I adore her clothes.Umbrella.Carpetbag.AND BOOTS!!!

Some of my party can be seen here...resting,as it were. From what, I don't know...we hadn't really done anything strenuous!!! but, its a good spot behind the eateries at the UK to just sit and do NOTHING!!! That's always hard for me to do at Disney...but I always try to find a few minutes here and there to just relax. Really, I am walking in the shops while they just sit there,,,but whatever!!!

Near France...

America!!!!

I love the tin lanterns on our tree!!

At America, we bought some souvies!! I finally found something I have been hunting forever.....and Who'lda thought I would find it here!! ? Of all places!!!!
pick-up-sticks!!!! Gracie bought a Duffy bear & Sailor outfit, and the cutest little ragdoll!!!!! I will have to take pics of her and add it later! I wanted her to get something different this time--not just a Disney/Barbie...she doesn't really like that stuff and so we were happy to find something different and unusual;a girly doll that is a throw back to our early History was exciting for me!! Also, we ate lunch at the little counter service place there at the American Pavilion. It was very good!

So...we wandered around a bit more, then I ran back to the room to get everyone that wanted it a jacket for this evening...it was almost time for dinner and I didn't want anyone saying that the rest. was so cold that they couldn't eat!! LOL....And for some reason I was starting to get a headache and was feeling weird. Not a full blown migraine at this point, but a headache for sure. I think I hadn't eaten enough..so I took some Excedrine when I went back.

tonights dinner is in Canada!!!

I have seen these little flowers/plant somewhere else and can't remember where. I need to look them up on the net and see what they are--& if they'll grow here..they are sooo pretty!!!

We got to Le Cellier a bit before time, so Mike went to the circle vision show--I couldn't do it with my headache...I was afraid I would get sick. We waited at least 30 min for our table.The hostess said they had several large parties ahead of us ,and for some reason they all ended up there at once. Whatever. At this point I was laying on the concrete with my backpack under my head. A guy that worked there came out and asked me twice if I was ok and to tell me how long it would be. I think I must have appeared really awful. Mike and Saylor were still in the circle vision. So me and K &G were just there. they were sitting by me and I was on the ground. I just thought if I didn't get some bread or something soon my head would bust, or I would throw up. We finally got seated and got drinks and bread....I got the same thing I get everytime:Victoria Filet. Holy Smokes!!! That is the most awesome thing they have...in my opinion!!! LOL
this is the moose dessert~~

chocolate cake (with a fancy name)

All the desserts were great...as was the whole meal. I just wish I would have felt better the whole time.I did eat my steak tho!!! sick or not....that's just too good to waste!!!!

By this time, I was toast..so we went back to the room and crashed. I know you get mixed reviews of rest.'s at disney, but thank goodness we have never had a bad meal at Le Cellier!! It is consistently awesome!! I know Shelly had a yucky experience last year, so I was concerned this go round...but I was not disapointed. And I got to think about my friend Kim and her family while we were there!!! (Northern Disney Girl)

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

We took the kids for a treat this morning...we did Cape May Cafe for breakfast!! They have the best breakfast and it's not as crazy as Chef Mickey's. I love their clothes and the characters take a little more time with the children.
This is a painting in the restaurant that I just fell in love with!

Remember that teen boy I have who hates pics? Guess who spotted his reluctance and has a teeny crush?

She even recognized Duffy down in the bag and had to give him some attention~

So..after breakfast we headed back to DTD to finish souvie shopping. Kipp was dying to hit that Lego store...and G had pretty much gotten all she was getting.Saylor had not decided what he wanted...probably a hat or something...so we are bout to leave, and Mike decides he reaaaaally would rather hang out over at the Wilderness Lodge. Remember last year he fell in love with it? We had moved our last night over there and he loooooved it!! so, he wanted to hang out over there and check it out again before we left. So, now was a good time!

Remember....this kid is Lego King:

so he's in Hog Heaven!

We were in there waaaaaay too long!! It 's just too small for all the kids and merchandise...and HOT!! MAn alive!! I thought I would faint!!!!! I sent Say and Gracie out to sit on a bench and wait because it was so crowded. We stayed in there entirely toooooo long. Close to an hour if I remember correctly....he fiiiiinnnaaaaalllllyyy picked a LEGO. I was about to crash by then....we had lunch again at Earl of Sandwich....the line was the longest and slowest ever. You could def see the pick up in the crowd as this is the weekend before Thanksgiving week. After we ate, we roamed all the stores...got souvies for those near and dear to us!!! Saylor ended up with a jacket that's black, with red and white. It has Grumpy all over it and his quotes here and there....we love it!!!!!
We go to the busstop to wait for our bus and by now we are all totally exhausted. We waited forEEEEEVER. Do you hear me? an eternity. I know we all exaggerate things when we are tired,but this was absurd. THEN..20 min later, we finally get on and we start moving....when I assume we are surely way on down the road...we stop. I look and we have only went around to Pleasure Island or whatever the next place is...Well... again they switch drivers (this happened last time)...this new driver has a checklist and is slooooowly going over every detail. We sat there 15 minutes!! I know because kipp is timing it and relaying every minute that is dragging by. So...we get the last two row of seats....I take my backpack and bags and make a pillow...lay across the middle seat and put my legs over Gracie in the aisle seat. I put the boys in front of me and when we start moving I passed out!! I think they napped a bit too!!! I was over an hour from the time we got to the bus stop until we got back!!!!! That was the worst of the transportation the whole trip. And remarkably the last trip was the same way...all good except for the DTD bus back to the resorts. That needs some attention!!!!!
cont in next post

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Sat evening:
We had dinner ressies at the Garden Grill. We have been here several times,but it's a fave of the kids, so I booked her again!!! It was about the same as every other time! Same food,same characters. It is good...but I think we will skip it next year. For the $$$ it's just gotten a little boring...if you have never been...you gotta go!! But, we are just tired of it!!! The kids liked it,but me and Mike were kinda like..blah.

After dinner we walked around the WS for a bit....this would be our last night. I was doing pretty good about not being tooo weepy so far...but then again I was working hard to keep it outta my mind altogether. So...we headed back to the room...I had to start trying to repack and organize. At least if I was busy I couldn't be sad, right? Um...kinda..but you know it does present itself as you drag those luggage pieces back out and start dismantling your little home away from home!!!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Well..this day didn't start off too well...Kipp woke me up several times in the night with his stomach. Not sure if it was a little bug,or all the rich food *my $$ is on the food*..by the last day he wasn't eating much at all...he went to the bathroom about 4 times...so I never got to sleep very good....then he had a bad spell with it early up in the morning. So..he and I were both tired before we even started the day....I sent Mike to the store/shop thing to get Immodium....it wasn't getting ANY better at this point...so we took some of those and hoped for the best...I packed him some extra clothes in his backpack in case of the worst and we headed down to the Bellboy area/luggage kiosk for the airline.
After that, we decided to hit MK one last time. We rode the monorail and when we got to the TTC...guess what? the line was allll the way down the ramps!!!! I told Mike, forget it!!! We only had a couple of hours and I was not fighting that crowd...Proof that we were leaving at a prime time!! We hadn't seen lines or crowds to really speak of all week...so this was shocking!
So...we get back on the mono and spend that last day at Epcot WS!!!! The M.E.. Picked us up around 3 and we got our backpacks and hopped aboard. Our flight home was a packed flight. I was sooooo tired!!! I sat with the boys and Gracie sat with Mike this time. I always fall asleep soon after we take off--I told them to NOT wake me up until the drink tray came around because I had been up most of the night with Kipp. And that if he got sleepy, take a nap!! We still had a long way to go after landing. So.....next thing I know, I hear the guy asking the people in front of us what did they want to drink. I looked at Kipp and said " Are they already taking Coke orders?" And he said..Mom you slept thru take-off and everything!!! We have been gone over an hour!!!! I couldn't believe I missed take off!! It's my fave!!!!!! Well, after we got cokes and peanuts, I went back and got Gracie and took her to the potty....we got settled back in and it wasn't too much longer they started talking about preparing for our descent.
So...the flight was good and after we got luggage off the carousel, we called the hotel where we had left the suburban and the shuttle guy came for us. It was about 10 or 15 min and we were loaded up in the car and ready to roll!!! We got home in about an hour and a half or a little more...I started unloading bthrm stuff and putting dirtly laundry away. The rest we left..for a day or two!!!
We went Mon and picked up our dog who was crazy glad we were home...and Tuesday we decorated the tree...Wed I crashed alllll day!!!! Thurs we had a quiet Tday with just us....my mom didn't come in and all our friends either went to their parents, or just stayed home with their kids too this year.
So...we are not sure about our next plans. We are def going this same week for our next trip. We just don't know if it'll be 2011 or 2012. We really want to consider a trip to Europe and a short trip skiing this year. Who knows...we may or may not....but the kids are old enough to start doing different things and enjoy it. I will give up Disney for a year or two if I can go to England and explore it,finally!!! I have wanted to go since as far back as I can remember...Disney inspired of course...Mary P, Peter, Alice,Pooh. Then my childhood addiction to Princess Di!!! I will keep you guys posted whatever we do...as they say"you'll be the first to know"!! LOL
Thanks for reading along!!! Sorry about the lull over the holidays!!! I hope you all had great Thanksgivings,Christmases, and New Years Weekends and are back in the groove of this new year!!!
Hope you enjoyed this small report!! I know it was short, but if you have any questions feel free to ask!! OH...and we are going back to the Contemporary next time!! Theme Park View.....I think we are just rotating from the CR to the BC and back again at this point!!
See you real soon!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Wow! Great updates Shawna!!! I adore Mickey & Minnie's Christmas outfits. Mickey looked so dapper. I definately have to go see the Christmas decorations sometime...I just don't know when that will be.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Hey Meg! Maybe for Christmas 2012!! He will be around 18 months old...that's a great time!! Kipper and Gracie were 17 and 18 mths for their first trips and we had a blast!!!!

 

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

YAY!! An update!!! Love, love, love it! SO glad you had a good experience at Le Cellier. We went once in May 07, and Keaton was only about 9.5 months old and was NOT cooperative, so Andy and I took shifts with him outside while the other one scarfed their food-it was not a good experience. So of course Andy says we're never eating there again. (Food was great as I recall-what little I tasted)!! I guess he just remembers the negativity associated with the meal. I would love to give it another shot-well, maybe not that its a 2TS meal after March.

And I am sure we'll have the same experience at the Lego store. Drew is SO indecisive-always afraid he'll miss something better. For their Christmas surprise, we gave them "coupons" for free $25 at the Lego store. I better plan on being there the whole night. PLUS, I'll have to make sure we schedule it early in the trip or we'll be constantly hearing about it!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Wow, that's a lot of updates!! So much to comment on. . .


It looks like you all had a great time at MVMCP. I'm so glad your night wasn't as cold as ours was!

LeCellier sounds great. We didn't do it this time because of the bad experience we had there last year. But I think I might be ready to go back next time!

I love all your character pics! You are so lucky to have Gracie who will still do that stuff. My boys don't care about it anymore. Did you get your photopass pics loaded yet? You should share them here, I know they are great!

You are right -- the Lego Store is HOT. What is it about that place? We spent a good 45 minutes in there and I thought I was going to expire. Too many lights I think.

Cape May for breakfast looks great. We haven't done that in awhile. I think I am going to have to go back to character meals if I want any pics of the kids with the characters!


Well it sounds like you had a fabulous trip and you found your favorite time of the year to go. I hear you about wanting to try other vacation destinations though. As the kids get older they will want to try new things. Europe would be awesome. I am hoping for the Disney European Cruise one day!

I'm glad your vacation was so great. And it was so nice to meet you guys!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Jenny~ I agree..we do tend to associate things with places..so I can see where he wouldn't want to go back! And I don't know if we will do it again with it being 2 TS credits. We are considering not doing the DDP next time. I never eat all my stuff (except that STEAK!!!), & Gracie doesnt eat a lot, so we could split quite a bit. And I would rather have soup than dessert!! And as far as the snack credits go, we don't eat a lot of snax,so we just spend it on Mickey rice krispies!!!!! Even my middle one doesnt eat enough to be on the adult plan!!!
Shelly~ I know it was a lot, but I figured while I was on a roll I better get finished!!! Probably not the best way for ya'll to read it!! I do need to load my cd onto here!!! I am not sure when we are gonna sit down and decide what we are going to do about future vaca's...but we need to do it soon. In fact, i got an email from Continental yesterday with European specials. If we book now, and go before the end of April, I can fly to England for $460 something RT!!!!! I am trying to get over the holidays, and back into our school routine this week!! But, we will finish school this semester at the end of April, so May would be a perfect time for us...just have to see what's available. G's bday is the first part of April, and K's usually falls on Mothers Day weekend, Mike's is the week before K's and our Anniversary is Mid April!!! So, the beginning of May would hit all of it, and we can miss Spring break, Easter and Graduation travelers! Once June is here forget it!! LOL!! Everyone is on a trip!!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

WOO HOO - you turned into the updating queen after your break!!

I can't believe it's over already.
You know, the one thing I want to do that I missed out on at MVMCP, I can't do again. See the Toontown houses all decorated. They won't be there anymore. Hopefully they will be somewhere!!

Your family is so darn cute! That Gracie is always smiling!!
I guess you found the perfect week to go - right BEFORE Thanksgiving week! I wish I could yank the kids out of school then!

Isn't the BC great? I am so excited at the possibility of using DVC points there in the future!! I really liked it there too.

I should not read TRs during lunch. My food doesn't compare to LeCellier, Cape May, even Caseys!!

Thank you for sharing your trip with us again!!! I felt like I was with you. Usually I am there at the same time!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

WOO HOO - you turned into the updating queen after your break!!

I can't believe it's over already.
You know, the one thing I want to do that I missed out on at MVMCP, I can't do again. See the Toontown houses all decorated. They won't be there anymore. Hopefully they will be somewhere!!

Your family is so darn cute! That Gracie is always smiling!!
I guess you found the perfect week to go - right BEFORE Thanksgiving week! I wish I could yank the kids out of school then!

Isn't the BC great? I am so excited at the possibility of using DVC points there in the future!! I really liked it there too.

I should not read TRs during lunch. My food doesn't compare to LeCellier, Cape May, even Caseys!!

Thank you for sharing your trip with us again!!! I felt like I was with you. Usually I am there at the same time!

Aww! Thanks!! We gotta plan a trip somewhere else!! I guess you are for sure not doing London this year? Dang...wouldn't that be hysterical if we all wound up together across the pond?!! The only thing is this...I am afraid once I go and see the real English countryside, I may never want to come back!!All my favorite books are themed there...or the authors are born over there! I might get sucked in to that pace of life and riding a bike to the market!!!! LOL I am gonna research the Adv by Disney for the London trip just to see what the prices are...might be crazy high, but I gotta at least see!! Have any of you priced these trips yet?

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Uh, yeah. London/Paris will hopefully be in March 2012.
I checked the ABD trips. Easily $5000 per person!!!! Not including airfare! Nope, not doing that!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

well dang!! I was hoping it would be cheaper..but to pay for a guide I am sure that's up the price quite a bit!! I would do it if I couldn't speak the language....but it's hard to justify for English. especially when we can research so much stuff now!!