Joy in the World, A Christmastime TR of sorts. Lots of pics.

[morgtroy]

Hi I really had no intentions of doing a pretrip report, and still don't know that I have the time, but I've got a fast approaching trip that came together quickly through receiving a wonderful blessing. I just can't comprehend how great my God is. All good things come from Him

So I've been to disney twice, first time in 2005. I fell completely, utterly, (some may even say, obsessively) in love with all things Disney. We did do the dining plan, maybe they sprinkle all the food with pixie dust there to get you hooked?
I grew up in a family that was full of love, not full of money. Our vacations were typically a one day trip/picnic. They were great, but I always wanted to go on the beach trips my friends went on. So fast forward to my adult life with kids and know that my kids have been spoiled with yearly beach trips, and 2 disney trips. I've always tried to budget for vacations. My husband and I both have pretty stressful jobs and I sometimes act as if it's earned/deserved, but I know it is a luxury, and a great blessing from God.

My trips are usually months in the planning and every detail is in a spreadsheet. Ok, ok, I do have a spreadsheet. But I wanted to put this up to see what kind of tips all you Dis'ers could give me on things to do.
I've longed for the day I could go to the world during the holiday season. That's like triple the magic and pixie dust, right?

We will be there in Dec.
Thanks in advance, you guys always have the best advice.

Here's a pic of my family from Sept 07 trip.

 

[Roxychica7]

Hi! Congrats on the PTR! If you're not doing the dining plan (we did it last year, but not doing it this year), you absolutely HAVE to visit the Grand Floridian. Just take the Monorail over the day that you do Magic Kingdom, they'll let you in and go to the main lobby. They have the absolutely most gorgeous and HUGE tree and full size gingerbread house that they construct every year. If you want me to post pics of it, I certainly can, but I don't want to spoil anything, so it's totally your call.
I've never stayed at SS before, but I do know that at either the Yacht Club or Boardwalk resort, they have a carousel made completely out of chocolate, that's what we're excited to see this year. But aside from that, just walking through the parks alone will take your breath away. It is amazing how beautiful they get the parks, with the themes down to a t, especially the christmas trees. Let me know if you have any questions before you leave, I'm more than willing to help!

 

[bellasmommy0]

I followed you over from your visit to my PTR. I am excited to start hearing your plans!! I have also never been in Dec. I am like you that I didnt get vacations growing up, so I am making up for it now. We have been to WDW 2times in Sept in 2005 and 2007. I can't wait for 4 more weeks and 4 days to go by!! So I can go and visit Mickey again!! My 6 yr old DD tells me I love Mickey more than daddy. Not true, but it is close...

 

[morgtroy]

Hi! Congrats on the PTR! If you're not doing the dining plan (we did it last year, but not doing it this year), you absolutely HAVE to visit the Grand Floridian. Just take the Monorail over the day that you do Magic Kingdom, they'll let you in and go to the main lobby. They have the absolutely most gorgeous and HUGE tree and full size gingerbread house that they construct every year. If you want me to post pics of it, I certainly can, but I don't want to spoil anything, so it's totally your call.
I've never stayed at SS before, but I do know that at either the Yacht Club or Boardwalk resort, they have a carousel made completely out of chocolate, that's what we're excited to see this year. But aside from that, just walking through the parks alone will take your breath away. It is amazing how beautiful they get the parks, with the themes down to a t, especially the christmas trees. Let me know if you have any questions before you leave, I'm more than willing to help!

Thanks for posting. I can't wait to see the gingerbread house. We aren't doing the dining plan, but my DD's birthday is the next week so I told her to pick a restaurant she wanted to go to for her birthday and she picked 1900 park fare. So that and one other breakfast are the only TS meals we're doing. I want to order her a small birthday cake during our trip. So my plan is the night we have dinner there to allow time to take the monorail to Contempo, and Poly, then the GF to stop at each and take in the Christmas decorations at each. I can't wait.

I followed you over from your visit to my PTR. I am excited to start hearing your plans!! I have also never been in Dec. I am like you that I didnt get vacations growing up, so I am making up for it now. We have been to WDW 2times in Sept in 2005 and 2007. I can't wait for 4 more weeks and 4 days to go by!! So I can go and visit Mickey again!! My 6 yr old DD tells me I love Mickey more than daddy. Not true, but it is close...

Wow, we've gone to WDW 2 times, Sept 2005 and Sept 2007. That's great. So you are hooked too, huh?
I would not be going now if I hadn't won the prize. My hubby and budget usually allows for every other year. Plus we had taken advantage of the free dining in the past. This trip just happened really fast and I'm trying to keep expenses down. I know to get the ressies you want, you have to get on that phone really early, so no dining plan this time. I guess our kids are really benefitting from us missing out on vacations as children. Thanks for posting.

 

[bellasmommy0]

Wow, we've gone to WDW 2 times, Sept 2005 and Sept 2007. That's great. So you are hooked too, huh?
I would not be going now if I hadn't won the prize. My hubby and budget usually allows for every other year. Plus we had taken advantage of the free dining in the past. This trip just happened really fast and I'm trying to keep expenses down. I know to get the ressies you want, you have to get on that phone really early, so no dining plan this time. Hubby isn't getting to go with me this trip. It's harder for him to be gone from work several days. My MIL is going with me and the kids. I guess our kids are really benefitting from us missing out on vacations as children. Thanks for posting.[/QUOTE]

Yes I am HOOKED Actually I grew up absolutely LOVING disney. Always dreamed of WDW..so when we took DD when she was 3, I think I loved it as much if not more than she did. She and I are both HOOKED completely. DH likes it, but says our next vacation has to be somewhere else.... So I am making the most of this one.
What prize did you win?? I havent heard about this yet??

 

[morgtroy]

I grew up loving disney too, had the big album (boy I'm old) of the Mickey Mouse Club, got a Minnie Mouse watch for my first watch in first grade, with the white leather strap. I still have the watch and remarkably, it still works. I'll have to take a pic and post it here.
My DD is hooked too, maybe too hooked, she said the other day she wants to get married in DisneyWorld. As if college isn't going to break me up. I said I don't know if I could afford that, and she said well at least go on my honeymoon there. Poor guy, whoever he ends up being. Ok, erase those thoughts completely... she's 10 and mama is NOT ready for those thoughts.
The prize.... I entered a contest, and they called and said I won, me???, how crazy is that?? There was paperwork to fill out and it was emailed and ..... "What did I win??" the use of DVC points for 3 years. WOW!! I'm still pinching myself, in disbelief, but this trip is my first trip using some of those winning points. I kept saying I'm not letting myself get fully excited yet, you know, what's the catch? Can this be real? The sweet ladies that worked with me on it, said, "Honey, go ahead and get excited, you have a confirmation # now."
So I'm still in shock, it's just so unreal...but I'm passing any I can on to all you disers. I read someone's post yesterday that they got picked to stay in the castle suite, coming up in a few weeks. Isn't Disney amazing...

 

[bellasmommy0]

I grew up loving disney too, had the big album (boy I'm old) of the Mickey Mouse Club, got a Minnie Mouse watch for my first watch in first grade, with the white leather strap. I still have the watch and remarkably, it still works. I'll have to take a pic and post it here.
My DD is hooked too, maybe too hooked, she said the other day she wants to get married in DisneyWorld. As if college isn't going to break me up. I said I don't know if I could afford that, and she said well at least go on my honeymoon there. Poor guy, whoever he ends up being. Ok, erase those thoughts completely... she's 10 and mama is NOT ready for those thoughts.
The prize.... I entered a contest, and they called and said I won, me???, how crazy is that?? There was paperwork to fill out and it was emailed and ..... "What did I win??" the use of DVC points for 3 years. WOW!! I'm still pinching myself, in disbelief, but this trip is my first trip using some of those winning points. I kept saying I'm not letting myself get fully excited yet, you know, what's the catch? Can this be real? The sweet ladies that worked with me on it, said, "Honey, go ahead and get excited, you have a confirmation # now."
So I'm still in shock, it's just so unreal...but I'm passing any I can on to all you disers. I read someone's post yesterday that they got picked to stay in the castle suite, coming up in a few weeks. Isn't Disney amazing...

I also had the big album, so we both must be old... , and I still have my 1st Mickey watch, although it has a red band!! Mine also still works if you wind it up...
My DD (6) wants to marry her daddy at WDW...AWW!!
And that is so cool about winning the DVC points!! I hope to win something, I think I would have a heart attack if I won the castle suite!!

 

[morgtroy]

Our first trip, we had so, so much fun. Which is why I'm hooked...
Here's a pic of my sweeties as we drove thru the WDW arch for the first time.
Opened mouth with chewing gum and all.

I was excited as they were.
I'm going to post some of my favorite pics from our 2005 trip.

The castle was so gorgeous with all the gold trim for 2005.

 

[morgtroy]

We stayed at All Star Movies, loved the scenery.
The kids loved this car from Toy Story

While I'm on Toy Story, here's my DS with Woody.
Background...this boy got a Woody Hat at Disney on Ice when he was around 2, and that Woody hat was on his head every single day for at least a year. I've got some cute pics of him and that Woody hat.

Another highlight of the trip the kids still talk about was our Donald's Dino Breakfast at AK. The Goofy here was hilarious, actually jumped on Donald and they were rolling on the floor. So later while we were eating, Goofy comes up behind my DH and actually put DH's head inside his mouth. My hubby was laughing, but me and the kids were rolling. Here's a shot seconds after that.

Kids loved the face painting in AK.

They also loved the rides and insisted me and DH ride behind them on Aladdin.

Ok, now for the magic you can feel in photos..We did CRT breakfast, got in the part before opening. My DD dressed as Cinderella. I love these pics..

Ok, makes me want to go

 

[bellasmommy0]

Great pics!! What dates of Sept were you there in in 2005. We were also at ASMo that trip. I think we were there Sept 6-12. DD turned 3 on the 13th, so we went before she turned 3 so we wouldnt have to pay for her

 

[morgtroy]

We were there Sept 21-25. That's funny. My kids loved that resort, all the movie stuff. We also liked Pop, stayed in the 50's building last trip. They loved the Hippy Dippy Pool there.

 

[bellasmommy0]

We were there Sept 21-25. That's funny. My kids loved that resort, all the movie stuff. We also liked Pop, stayed in the 50's building last trip. They loved the Hippy Dippy Pool there.

We stayed at Movies the first time and Music the 2nd time. We much preferred the Movies!

 

[morgtroy]

I was going to post my itinerary but some things are changing, maybe even resort and dates...

I said I didn't intend this to be a PTR or TR because I didn't have time to keep it up. Oh well, thanks to those of you who posted and PM'd me with great tips for the holidays. I'll still be there in Dec. and I'll try to update later.

Thanks

 

[deia]

Ask the cast members what sorts of Christmas events are going on while you're staying in Disney. One year we stumbled upon this gorgeous Christmas choir concert in the foyer of the Grand Floridian. Didn't even know it was going on until we got there - I think we were just there for the Christmas tree. There's usually all sorts of events like that - it can't hurt to ask around and see if you can attend some.

Also, various Santa types from around the world show up periodically at the World Showcase in Epcot. Also in Epcot, Mickey has a tree-lighting ceremony every night (complete with live music, I think)

All the topiaries are decorated for Christmas, usually, so it may be worth a drive around the park if you're into that sort of thing.

As I understand, the Wishes fireworks display is changed to a Holiday fireworks display in the Magic Kingdom.

I went one year (long time ago) and there was a Mickey Christmas dinner-theater type event. I don't remember what it was called, but I'm trying to find out if they still do it...I'm afraid it's been replaced by the Very Merry Christmas Party - which looks fun, too, but it's not the same.

I currently have a Holiday Fireworks specialty cruise lined up for Dec 4. If you'll be in Disney that night, I have a few spots left open on the boat if you're interested.

Hope this helps! Have a great Christmas in Disney!

Deia

 

[morgtroy]

Ask the cast members what sorts of Christmas events are going on while you're staying in Disney. One year we stumbled upon this gorgeous Christmas choir concert in the foyer of the Grand Floridian. Didn't even know it was going on until we got there - I think we were just there for the Christmas tree. There's usually all sorts of events like that - it can't hurt to ask around and see if you can attend some.

Also, various Santa types from around the world show up periodically at the World Showcase in Epcot. Also in Epcot, Mickey has a tree-lighting ceremony every night (complete with live music, I think)

All the topiaries are decorated for Christmas, usually, so it may be worth a drive around the park if you're into that sort of thing.

As I understand, the Wishes fireworks display is changed to a Holiday fireworks display in the Magic Kingdom.

I went one year (long time ago) and there was a Mickey Christmas dinner-theater type event. I don't remember what it was called, but I'm trying to find out if they still do it...I'm afraid it's been replaced by the Very Merry Christmas Party - which looks fun, too, but it's not the same.

I currently have a Holiday Fireworks specialty cruise lined up for Dec 4. If you'll be in Disney that night, I have a few spots left open on the boat if you're interested.

Hope this helps! Have a great Christmas in Disney!

Deia

Thanks so much for the ideas, I'll have to ask when we checkin about any special events.
It all sounds so great. I can't wait to go
We are going to GF, I can see them having carolers in victorian style clothes there.
I want to get my daughter the glass slipper dessert there for her birthday.

I've got the Mickey Christmas spirit. I found a Mickey's Christmas CD I got after Christmas last year, we'll be singing all the way to Disney World.

Thanks for the offer on the fireworks cruise, I would have been interested, but that's not in my dates. I hope you fill your slots and have a wonderful time. I've never done the fireworks cruise, sounds wonderful.

 

[morgtroy]

I woke up this morning, and had Disney on my mind. I'm smiling because in 3 weeks, I'll be in the happiest place on earth...

Then my mind went to the 1001 things I need to do before I go
Three weeks go by pretty fast at my house. My son has been on a fall baseball team, a travel baseball team and now he and my daughter have started basketball season. Needless to say 3 weeks will be a blink.

I normally put up Chirstmas decorations the Friday or Sat after Thanksgiving, but I'll be in the World, yippee. So I will HAVE to put it up before Thanksgiving. I love, love, love Christmas and also can't go to all that work for just few weeks of enjoyment.

Well, just wanted to :cheer2 with all you December people that our time is getting near.

 

[ToddyLu]

This will be our 4th trip during the Holidays. Of course you will want to do the usual stuff light Osborne Lights and listening to the Storytellers in Epcot. Will you be able to do MVMCP. I think it is terrific. Last year my MIL and I went on a "Yuletide Tour". The guides were good but the tour was just so-so. You will also have to buy a shingle at the Gingerbread House in the GF. Like you, my parents could not afford trips to WDW when I was younger so I never went to Disney World as a child. We did spend one day at Disneyland in CA in 1978 but I don't think that counts. They went several years back with my Brother and his wife and grandchildren. So in 2002 my DH had promised he would take me (he went in 1976). I went for the first time on our 8th anniversary. I was the 34 year old screaming when I saw the castle for the first time. We have been back every year since--He loves it as much as I do. I go for the Magic and he goes for the food and photography.

Usually my MIL and BIL go but this year my parents are going with us. I am sooo excited--their first trip without the distraction of grandchildren. A full week of big kids stuff. They have not been back in 10 years. They actually were there the day AK opened. So we are doing MVMCP, CA Grill and Fulton's--Brown Derby Fatasmic Dinner Package and the list goes on ( we have DP). Congratulations on your win. Have a terrific time.

 

[morgtroy]

This will be our 4th trip during the Holidays. Of course you will want to do the usual stuff light Osborne Lights and listening to the Storytellers in Epcot. Will you be able to do MVMCP. I think it is terrific. Last year my MIL and I went on a "Yuletide Tour". The guides were good but the tour was just so-so. You will also have to buy a shingle at the Gingerbread House in the GF. Like you, my parents could not afford trips to WDW when I was younger so I never went to Disney World as a child. We did spend one day at Disneyland in CA in 1978 but I don't think that counts. They went several years back with my Brother and his wife and grandchildren. So in 2002 my DH had promised he would take me (he went in 1976). I went for the first time on our 8th anniversary. I was the 34 year old screaming when I saw the castle for the first time. We have been back every year since--He loves it as much as I do. I go for the Magic and he goes for the food and photography.

Usually my MIL and BIL go but this year my parents are going with us. I am sooo excited--their first trip without the distraction of grandchildren. A full week of big kids stuff. They have not been back in 10 years. They actually were there the day AK opened. So we are doing MVMCP, CA Grill and Fulton's--Brown Derby Fatasmic Dinner Package and the list goes on ( we have DP). Congratulations on your win. Have a terrific time.

I haven't heard you can buy a shingle at the gingerbread house. We are going to GF for Park Fare and to check out the Christmas decorations.
We are also doing MVMCP, I'm so excited about it.
I am really just wanting to concentrate on the holiday stuff this trip. I mean I'm sure we'll catch our favorite rides and shops, but the must do's are the holiday things.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip, I'm glad your parents are getting to go with you.

 

[morgtroy]

So I recently saw a clip about the build your own ears shop in MK. Apparently this is somewhat new?? Have any of you disers been there?

I want to get some Mickey holiday ears and I'm hoping they have them there.

 

[morgtroy]

I forgot to mention I'm a scrapbooker. Yes addicted to it, although my busy life has put a big hold on my scrapbooking hobby. I'm super behind, but in the past, scrapbooking my disney trips has been my therapy to get over "post disney blues." Kind of like a vacation is great, but a disney vacation is super. Same thing with scrapbooking. Scrapbooking is great, but disney scrapbooking is SUPER. They have so many darn cute things for disney scrapping. I have to say of all my scrapbooks, the disney ones are the ones we look back at the most. The kids love looking at them .
Here's some pics of some of my disney scrapping.

I'll have to get my thoughts and some pics together of my packing and planning. Only 15 days left.