Mickey's Very Merry Vacationers Land/Sea! We Are Home (TR LINK)

[pmama]

YAY!!! How exciting!! I would probably splurge for the ticket delivery, too!! Mickey mail is always fun!!

We love Mickey mail!

Wow, everything is really coming along isn't it? We are under 50 days now, I can't believe it! Now I'm just praying that everyone stays healthy so the kids don't have to miss any more school than they already will with the trip, and definitely hope no sickness comes in December that would mess up the trip! I'm so glad you are able to do AK now, for the characters in the Christmas attire. I think Camp Minnie Mickey opens at 10:00, so an hour later, so you could do the Safari first and then head over. That's what we did when we were there last September, worked perfectly. There was no one at Camp Minnie Mickey, although I'm sure during the holidays that will be different!

We never have taken the time to go to CMM so Christmas should be a good first time to visit! We won't get there until 12-1 but don't have a lot we need to get done so should be okay.

 

[pmama]

Well Hope is now DD9. She chose to have her party at the ice skating rink this year. I think they all had fun.

Faith skated around with a cone and loved it!

She of course had to have it themed High School Musical.

One very simple thing she had wanted was a Princess Tiana (The Princess and the Frog) barbie. Every time we had checked they were sold out. Well DD5 and I ended up getting there at the right time and were able to snatch one up for Hope's birthday. She was so excited.

We are very excited for this movie to come out. It comes out on the same day we leave for our trip. We know the Disney Cruise lines show new releases in their theatre so we are planning to watch it aboard the Disney Wonder. Hopefully that works out. What a great memory for us all if we get to watch it for the first time on a Disney Cruise!


EXCITING UPGRADE

Well, speaking of Disney Cruise Line I got some exciting news today! When I got home from work there was a message from DCL. They were offering an upgrade from Category 12 GTY (inside staterooms) to Category 9 (deluxe oceanview stateroom) for only $99. I called DH and he replied, "Well, what are you waiting for?" I'd been following threads on the DCL forum about how sometimes people are pixie dusted to better categories and how sometimes DCL will call. From looking at our cruise bookings it looks like this cruise is pretty full. So, we didn't expect much chance for a free upgrade to oceanview. I of course called and we now can look forward to a beautiful porthole. Can't wait to peak out in the mornings instead having to leave our stateroom to get any view at all. The difference if we had booked a category 9 originally would have been about $300-$400 more. We also scored a little more square footage as well as now a split bath and two sinks!!
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/s...ooms/magic-wonder/deluxe-oceanview-stateroom/

 

[pmama]

50 Days today.

Wow, it does not seem that long ago when I posted 100 days.

Saw this about princess Tiana in WDW. Looks like something neat and unique.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/entertainment/tianas-showboat-jubilee/

‘Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!’ Gives Selected Guests Taste of Showbiz as Disney Parks Debuts Disney Princess with Musical Spectacular

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – For more than 6,000 Walt Disney World guests, a 10-week limited engagement of the entertainment spectacular “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!” in Magic Kingdom will be an opportunity to get a taste of showbiz – or in Disney parlance, “be part of the magic.”

The swinging musical show being presented in conjunction with the upcoming Disney animated feature, “The Princess and The Frog,” will treat theme park guests to a rousing revue of song and dance from aboard the Liberty Belle riverboat. Three times daily, Oct. 26 through Jan. 3, 2010, the riverboat will pull away from the dock in Liberty Square with a live six-piece jazz band, 22 dancers and 30 theme park guests who have been randomly preselected earlier in the day by Magic Kingdom cast members.

But the park guests will not be “just along for the ride.” As the Liberty Belle glides along and the band plays “Down in New Orleans,” the guests and dancers will be waving hankies along to the music. And when the riverboat, festooned with green, purple and yellow bunting and sparkling beads, stops in Frontierland, the guests continue their role: Dressed in choir robes, they move large musical notes in time with the music, and then shake and rattle tambourines.

When the show concludes and the Liberty Belle resumes its travels on the Rivers of America, the theme park guests are treated to a meet-and-greet with the newest Disney royalty, Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen – the stars of “The Princess and The Frog,” which premieres in late November.

Three performances of “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!” are planned daily. Viewing locations are in Liberty Square and Frontierland.

 

[princess&her4princes]

Thanks for sharing Hope's birthday pics, they were great. WOW 9!!! Time flies,doesn't it? She looks so grown up and looks like has had a great party at the ice rink! How fun!!

50 days?!! It doesn't seem that long ago that you posted 100 days....WOW! and YAY!!!!!!!! It will be here in no time now!!!!

 

[morgtroy]

Hooray!!! for the the upgrade on the cabin. Super news!
Thanks also for the info on the riverboat show. Gotta love Disney, all the little new exciting things they add. The kids are going to love that.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

congrats on the upgrade!!! I'll continue to live through your cruise trip until I get to go on one someday!!!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

We changed our dates. We arrive on the 1st and stay for 11 nights. I will prob leave early on the morning of the 12th. If you're not too worn out from the trip I'll definitely meet up w/ ya at Pop that night. It wont be for long but we could work something in for a little bit. I'll PM you my phone # and we'll see what happens. Not long now...and CONGRATS on the upgrade! That's wonderful news!

 

[ladybugmom]

WOW!! Lots of great news!! Happy 9th Birthday, Hope!! (BTW--I love that your girls names are Hope & Faith) And YAY for the upgrade!! How exciting!! We cannot wait to see The Princess and the Frog either!! I read about that Tiana Showboat Jubilee--I wish they'd keep it around a bit longer--I know my girls would LOVE to meet Tiana!!

 

[BippityBoo]

Yay for the upgrade

That is GREAT news!! I told my DH that if we went on a cruise I would DEF. need a port hole to look out of. They are just so much more expensive! So happy you got yours for a great price!!

Can't wait to see how you enjoy your trip. It will be awesome!

 

[tmkinney]

Great party pics! And for getting the DCL upgrade!!! That's great news!!

 

[pmama]

Thanks for sharing Hope's birthday pics, they were great. WOW 9!!! Time flies,doesn't it? She looks so grown up and looks like has had a great party at the ice rink! How fun!!

50 days?!! It doesn't seem that long ago that you posted 100 days....WOW! and YAY!!!!!!!! It will be here in no time now!!!!

It really is hard to believe. We decided on this December vacation on the Magic Express bus ride to the airport in September of last year. The vacation has evolved but I can not believe it is almost here. DD9 is a little upset because we found out she will miss both her Christmas piano recital and her Christmas ballet recital while we are gone. I feel bad. But we all know in the end she will definitely think the trip was worth it.

Hooray!!! for the the upgrade on the cabin. Super news!
Thanks also for the info on the riverboat show. Gotta love Disney, all the little new exciting things they add. The kids are going to love that.

I'm so stoked we'll be there for this. That's the thing about Disney, it doesn't matter how many times you go, there is always something new to experience.

congrats on the upgrade!!! I'll continue to live through your cruise trip until I get to go on one someday!!!

We changed our dates. We arrive on the 1st and stay for 11 nights. I will prob leave early on the morning of the 12th. If you're not too worn out from the trip I'll definitely meet up w/ ya at Pop that night. It wont be for long but we could work something in for a little bit. I'll PM you my phone # and we'll see what happens. Not long now...and CONGRATS on the upgrade! That's wonderful news!

Sounds good although we probably won't get to Pop until 10:30 p.m. or so.

WOW!! Lots of great news!! Happy 9th Birthday, Hope!! (BTW--I love that your girls names are Hope & Faith) And YAY for the upgrade!! How exciting!! We cannot wait to see The Princess and the Frog either!! I read about that Tiana Showboat Jubilee--I wish they'd keep it around a bit longer--I know my girls would LOVE to meet Tiana!!

Thanks, I can not believe I have a 9 year old. Unbelievable really.

Yay for the upgrade

That is GREAT news!! I told my DH that if we went on a cruise I would DEF. need a port hole to look out of. They are just so much more expensive! So happy you got yours for a great price!!

Can't wait to see how you enjoy your trip. It will be awesome!

I was completely surprised to be offered an upgrade already. I would have been completely content with our inside room as this is our first cruise but now I am that much more excited.

Great party pics! And for getting the DCL upgrade!!! That's great news!!

Thanks a bunch, loved the photos of your shirts. Too cute!

 

[pmama]

We got Mickey Mail! Our MVMCP tickets!

And here is our Day 3 itinerary:
As a review Day 0 - arrive late evening; Day 1 - Epcot, DAP @ HS; Day 2 - AK, MVMCP

Once again we will sleep in as we plan to close down the MK at MVMCP the night before. Sleeping in seems to be a theme for us this year but we were really good at being there for rope drops last year. We changed our Whispering Canyon reservation from Day2 dinner to Day 3 early lunch. After sleeping in we will make our way to the Wilderness Lodge. (SCRATCH THAT)

This is one reason I love typing out the itineraries. When I was typing out our plans and saw it in print I realized it did not seem to flow well. After breaking down time we would not make it to EP until 1:30-2. I really wanted to do Whispering Canyon and see Wilderness Lodge decorated but I can't seem to find the right time. I think now we will see if we can make it by WL to at least see the decorations on our last day. I still haven't canceled our original Whispering Canyon early dinner reservations that are booked for the same night as MVMCP, we could probably still do dinner at WC and make it in time for 7 pm, we'll see.

So, now I think we will sleep in and head straight to EP. I was able to schedule an early lunch at Coral Reef. We love this restaurant. Maybe with the early time we can get closer to the glass. This day at EPCOT we plan to hit a couple of our favorites in Future World once more then head to the World Showcase. We want to see some of the Santas around the world as well as some of the characters. Last year we concentrated on the passports around the world which was fun but this year we'll have a new focus. We'd also like to try a Kim Possible Mission.

We have a fairly early dinner scheduled at Akershus. The girls decided they could not do WDW without a dinner w/ all the princesses. After dinner we may see if we can get in the 2nd showing of the Candelight Processional. I've done a lot of reading about the CP. It looks wonderful although I often read reports of the kids and even some adults getting bored. I like the idea of seeing if we can get in without spending hours in line, then staying towards the back so we can catch a little and then move on (or stay if we like). I decided against attempting the CP our first day at EP because it will be a Sunday. Ooops I just checked and it is still Vanessa Williams narrating on this day. I had thought Abagail Breslin would be the narrator. I wonder if I may have more of an issue getting in as Vanessa Williams is more popular than Abagail Breslin. Oh well, we shall see. Our church does something very similar but I'm sure it's much more magical in Disney.

Finally we will end the evening by watching Illuminations. So far I am the only one to have seen Illuminations. Last September I went solo as everyone else was too tired. I really enjoyed it. It is supposed to have some sort of holiday theme mixed in a little too which should be great! We will then head back and get to sleep in preparation for our next day at HS.

 

[pmama]

My younger sister was just over. She noticed our countdown calendar hanging up and was completely dumbfounded (in a disgusted way) that we were going to Disneyworld again. I have no idea how she's missed this as we've had it booked since last January. She has showed disapproval before. Last year it was some snooty remark about how she wouldn't take her children to Disney so young "because they will not remember it". My response was, "does that mean I should not sing to them, play with them, or spend time with them because they will not remember it?" This year she made some remark about, "well if you can really afford it". I tried to explain to her that we got free dining and are traveling during school days as to save money but then decided I really didn't have to defend myself. Why can't she just be happy for us? She is 7 years younger and immature for her age at that. She also has no children. As children we vacationed in Mexico every year and she thought nothing strange in that. Why is it that people think you should not go to Disney every year? Whatever, she can stay in her Land of Scrooge and I'll be in my World of Disney.

 

[princess&her4princes]

My younger sister was just over. She noticed our countdown calendar hanging up and was completely dumbfounded (in a disgusted way) that we were going to Disneyworld again. I have no idea how she's missed this as we've had it booked since last January. She has showed disapproval before. Last year it was some snooty remark about how she wouldn't take her children to Disney so young "because they will not remember it". My response was, "does that mean I should not sing to them, play with them, or spend time with them because they will not remember it?" This year she made some remark about, "well if you can really afford it". I tried to explain to her that we got free dining and are traveling during school days as to save money but then decided I really didn't have to defend myself. Why can't she just be happy for us? She is 7 years younger and immature for her age at that. She also has no children. As children we vacationed in Mexico every year and she thought nothing strange in that. Why is it that people think you should not go to Disney every year? Whatever, she can stay in her Land of Scrooge and I'll be in my World of Disney.

You SO have the right attitude about this!!! People are funny about things like this for some reason, my Mom gave me attitude when we were taking our boys for the 2nd time last year at Christmas time but it's really none of their business and if they can't be happy for us, then they should really just keep their mouths closed. Afterall, didn't we all learn if we had nothing nice to say to just be quiet? LOL!! She's just jealous of all that you have...a beautiful family and special time with them......that's sisters for you!!

But YAY for Mickey Mail! It's here!! You are SO close...I remember when you booked it and it's right around the corner now!!

Too bad about DD's ballet and all...that kinda of stinks BUT i'm sure she'll get over it for Disney!!!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

OK. Your last post pulled me out of lurkdom! I read your last TR and really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to this one as well.

We have gotten the same reaction from friends and family that you got from your sister. My parents acted like we were nuts for going again this November since we went last Nov. My in-laws acted like we were trying to "live like rich people". My neighbor is isnanely jealous because she wants to go again but says she can't afford it. So we have gotten snubbed by everyone too. I don't understand that at all. I do not care what other people do with their money or where they go on vacation so I can't for the life of me understand why everyone has their panties in a wad!

We live on a fairly tight budget b/c I stay home with my DD5. So we don't spend a lot throughout the year. We are frugal about Christmas gifts and such (not cheap, just frugal). In other words, we spend about $50 each on our parents. My in-laws think that is VERY cheap b/c their daughter spends $500 or so on them. So I have already heard the whole line of bull from them about "You say you don't have much to spend at Christmas, but you've got money for Diney 2 years in a row!!!!!!" And yes, I think a nice family vacation is more important than buying expensive gifts for them when you can barely walk in their house for all the junk they have already!!

My parents are homebodies! They don't go anywhere, so they think we shouldn't either. And my neighbor is just very jealous over everything we do and have (not that we have anything spectacular, she is just that way), so I didn't expect anything different from her.

So you are not alone in your situation with your sister. It sounds like she is jealous also. I'd tell her to get a life of her own and keep her opinions to herself! BTW, as you can tell by my ticker, all the negativity hasn't bothered me too bad b/c we will be in Disney in 10 days!!!!!!!!!! I may think of them while I'm sipping on my pineapple............................then again...........maybe I won't!

 

[pmama]

You SO have the right attitude about this!!! People are funny about things like this for some reason, my Mom gave me attitude when we were taking our boys for the 2nd time last year at Christmas time but it's really none of their business and if they can't be happy for us, then they should really just keep their mouths closed. Afterall, didn't we all learn if we had nothing nice to say to just be quiet? LOL!! She's just jealous of all that you have...a beautiful family and special time with them......that's sisters for you!!

But YAY for Mickey Mail! It's here!! You are SO close...I remember when you booked it and it's right around the corner now!!

Too bad about DD's ballet and all...that kinda of stinks BUT i'm sure she'll get over it for Disney!!!

Thanks, you're sweet. I know one day when she has a family she will probably go to WDW, when she does she will realize why we do it and wish she had started sooner.

OK. Your last post pulled me out of lurkdom! I read your last TR and really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to this one as well.

We have gotten the same reaction from friends and family that you got from your sister. My parents acted like we were nuts for going again this November since we went last Nov. My in-laws acted like we were trying to "live like rich people". My neighbor is isnanely jealous because she wants to go again but says she can't afford it. So we have gotten snubbed by everyone too. I don't understand that at all. I do not care what other people do with their money or where they go on vacation so I can't for the life of me understand why everyone has their panties in a wad!

We live on a fairly tight budget b/c I stay home with my DD5. So we don't spend a lot throughout the year. We are frugal about Christmas gifts and such (not cheap, just frugal). In other words, we spend about $50 each on our parents. My in-laws think that is VERY cheap b/c their daughter spends $500 or so on them. So I have already heard the whole line of bull from them about "You say you don't have much to spend at Christmas, but you've got money for Diney 2 years in a row!!!!!!" And yes, I think a nice family vacation is more important than buying expensive gifts for them when you can barely walk in their house for all the junk they have already!!

My parents are homebodies! They don't go anywhere, so they think we shouldn't either. And my neighbor is just very jealous over everything we do and have (not that we have anything spectacular, she is just that way), so I didn't expect anything different from her.

So you are not alone in your situation with your sister. It sounds like she is jealous also. I'd tell her to get a life of her own and keep her opinions to herself! BTW, as you can tell by my ticker, all the negativity hasn't bothered me too bad b/c we will be in Disney in 10 days!!!!!!!!!! I may think of them while I'm sipping on my pineapple............................then again...........maybe I won't!

First of all, thanks for coming out of lurkdom! Hopefully now that you're out you're going to stay out right? You're so right and it's nice to know I'm not the only one who gets these type of reactions. 10 DAYS!!!!!!!! how exciting! Have a fabulous trip, while sipping on your pineapple.

 

[pmama]

So far Day 0 = Arrive late; Day 1 = EP, DAP dine CM, Teppan Edo; Day 2 = AK, MVMCP; Day 3 = EP w/ CP and Illum, dine at Coral Reef and Akershus

DAY 4 = HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

First up we have breakfast reservations at Ohana. We loved the atmosphere at Ohana dinner last year but none of us were too fond of the big chunks of meat that kept getting thrown on our plate. We're looking forward to the same fun atmosphere this year for breakfast with the bonus of characters and yummy breakfast food.

After breakfast we will bus to HS. This year is all about doing the few things we have not yet experienced. If all goes well we will already have rode TSM multiple times so will probably not even do that attraction this day. There's not a lot we haven't already done but a couple things would be the backlot tour, One Man's Dream, and the characters at the Magic of Disney Animation. We'd really like to get pics with The Incredibles. We are going on a non Fantasic night in hope's that it will be less crowded. The only absolute must this day is to view the Osbourne Lights! main reason we switched from a 4 day cruise to a 3 day cruise was so we could squeeze in HS and the Osbourne Lights!! Of course a must for DD9 is to watch the High School Musical show. It should be a pretty easy day as there is not a lot we absolutely HAVE to see. We love the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. Indiana Jones show was so-so last year so we will skip that. Playhouse Disney is so fun, I am the biggest kid of them all in those shows and really look forward to them. We did Beauty and the Beast two years ago on our first trip. I always read such good reviews of it but we did not have that great of experience. I just remember being sooo hot and tired and the show seemed to drag on. Maybe if we went when it wasn't so hot and got a little closer seats we might enjoy it more. I think we'll only go if we need to fill time.

We should be back to the resort at a reasonable hour as we will probably just wait for the Osbourne lights then leave as soon as we feel we've seen enough. It will be great for us to get back to the resort and get rested for our big day in MK the next day!


Boy are we getting close! My plan is to get everything packed the week of Thanksgiving. We have the whole week off at school. I just checked my calendar and Thanksgiving week is only 3 1/2 weeks away. By the end of that week it will be only two weeks until our trip. Both DH and I were discussing how we almost didn't want it to come because we have so much fun looking forward to it. All the planning, and money spent and it will be over before we know it.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Both DH and I were discussing how we almost didn't want it to come because we have so much fun looking forward to it. All the planning, and money spent and it will be over before we know it.

That is so weird! My DH and I just said these exact words to each other last night. When we marked off the countdown calendar, I commented on how I wished time would slow down a little b/c it will be here and over in a flash and the anticipation is half the fun! You still have time though. I think it seems to go by really fast when your trip is around the holidays. Everyone is so busy then that time flies!

 

[cinderella-princess]

I'm sorry about your sisters reaction but you seem to be handling it just fine. You know that it's your life, your family and ultimately your decision. My SIL can make little comments about the decisions Jason and I make and it used to be hurtful until we figured out that everything hurtful she says, she says out of jealousy. We are our own family, and what she says doesn't matter. Someday, hopefully, she'll understand.

I can't wait to hear all about your trip. My DH and I are thinking about doing a land/sea adventure in the next couple of years and have recently thought about doing it at Christmas time. Plus, your family is just so darn cute!

 

[ladybugmom]

Uggh! Sorry that your sister was so rude! No one understands why we want to go to Disney every year either! That's why all of us DISers get a long so well--we understand each other!!