Nothing to See Here...

[tksbaskets]

I like 'Christmas in July' and that way we'd all be fired up for the upcoming holiday

 

[deejdigsdis]

Crickets. Crickets. Crickets. (We're starting to get into that territory in which I ask questions in my replies to people, and they never answer. It's happened a few times recently! Lol.)


Side note:


This is my second favorite holiday of the year, and I did nothing for Halloween the entire season. But I just renewed my AP. That was scary - so at least I got a good fright out of this holiday. (Even at the payment plan, it still hurt.)


So about this TR:

Well, here's the thing...right now, almost anyone that I might hope would be actively following me in this TR and commenting/responding is probably involved in writing their own or reading other TR's. Deej has a TR. PHX has a Pre-TR. Jenny has a TR. Bret is at WDW right now, but when he comes back he will once again be heading to DLR and will have a TR for that, as well as the WDW TR to complete. Laurie has a Pre-TR. Molly has a TR. Marie hasn't posted in this TR since the "Aunt Betty" tale was still in its early stages, but she has a Pre-TR (as well as a Webshots photo downloading nightmare on her hands).

And TK is pretty much stuck in the middle of it all! I would like to keep up with at least a couple of these other DIS-friends' TR's, but it's so hard to find the time and try to work on my own TR too, as well as do other non-DIS things.

So...what to do, what to do...

One of the reasons I did not start my TR very soon after the December 2011 trip was over (aside from being ill) is that a similar situation was occurring. There were a lot of TR's taking place at one time and I couldn't try to keep mine active and keep up with the other TR's too.

Let's face it - unless we all have endless time in the day to just stay online and do nothing else, it's very hard to put time into our own TR's and also actively follow several others. I can't do it. I'm not sure who can.

Plus, in my case, I have other threads I need to 'work' on here. I have been intending to start some other informational/photo threads in the SoCal forum for a long while. I have been meaning to do some rearranging/reorganizing of some of the info in my Halloween & Christmas Superthreads. Not to mention the fact that I am kicking my Theme Week Countdown in the Christmas Superthread into high gear when I switch to a full week of daily themes beginning in 5 days!

Hmmm...I'll have to think on this. I just don't have time for everything. I may post a highlight reel of Cars Land/Buena Vista Street holiday pictures in another 12 or 13 days (after I get back from the "business" day trip to DLR!). It will depend on what kinds of photos I get (and if they are any good!). Then I can do an actual TR for the December 2-5, 2012 trip next year (assuming the world has not ended), after some of my other friends' TR's are complete. I'm not sure. I don't know what I can manage. I feel overwhelmed. I'll have to ponder it all.

Yes, I totally get this. I can't keep up with it all either. In trying to avoid Cars Land pictures I got WAY behind with your TR and Bret's TR. Now I will go back and look at all of your pictures to see all the many things I missed. Just not sure when that will be, though. I have such good intentions with keeping up and commenting, but real life calls us all. I am trying to whip out my TR as quickly as possible while things are still fresh in my mind. I didn't jot down a single note during this trip. I always take notes to help me remember all those little details you think you will always remember, yet somehow forget. (Actually, maybe that's not an issue with you. You have an incredible memory! ) Anyway, I am so looking forward to your "business" trip. I will devour the pictures of things I've never seen before. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

Great news about renewing your AP! My husband and I received our renewal notice yesterday. $469. I paid $263 for my Deluxe AP in 2010. Sheesh. Anyway, no renewal action going on around here.

 

[Sherry E]

I like 'Christmas in July' and that way we'd all be fired up for the upcoming holiday

That's a little too long to wait to do it. There is something to be said for timeliness and relevance! I have no clue what my working situation will be at that point next year, and I'll be in a different mind frame. I have to stay in 'holiday mode' to get revved up to do a TR. I never intended to have so many setbacks and delays this year while trying to finish the "Aunt Betty" TR. I don't want that to be a common occurrence. This year was a fluke in that regard.

Basically, it's going to come down to...I either do the TR sometime in December or January or I don't do it, I think.

I'll figure it out, one way or the other!

 

[deejdigsdis]

Oh! I forgot to comment on your CP. Of the narrators for 2012, Kurt Russell would be my 2nd pick. Dick Van Dyke would be my #1 choice.

 

[Sherry E]

Yes, I totally get this. I can't keep up with it all either. In trying to avoid Cars Land pictures I got WAY behind with your TR and Bret's TR. Now I will go back and look at all of your pictures to see all the many things I missed. Just not sure when that will be, though. I have such good intentions with keeping up and commenting, but real life calls us all. I am trying to whip out my TR as quickly as possible while things are still fresh in my mind. I didn't jot down a single note during this trip. I always take notes to help me remember all those little details you think you will always remember, yet somehow forget. (Actually, maybe that's not an issue with you. You have an incredible memory! ) Anyway, I am so looking forward to your "business" trip. I will devour the pictures of things I've never seen before. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

Great news about renewing your AP! My husband and I received our renewal notice yesterday. $469. I paid $263 for my Deluxe AP in 2010. Sheesh. Anyway, no renewal action going on around here.

deej -

It's all a lot to keep up with, in this li'l ol' TR section! And here are the positions I think we all find ourselves in, no matter what our individual circumstances are at home:

As readers of TR's, we want to support our DIS-friends when they do TR's and we don't want to ignore large chunks of the reports as they progress, or seem like we're not really that engaged in what's being recapped/shared. And yet, there is just not enough time to be active in all the TR's we would like to stay active in. Sometimes there isn't even enough time to stay active in one TR, let alone several!

As writers of TR's, we don't want to feel like no one is interested or paying attention, or that we are wasting time carefully telling our stories or executing replies to each and every person! And yet, we know that real life beckons and people cannot sit online all day and read/reply to TR's!

So I guess we can only do what we can do, right?!

At least with my Cars Land/Buena Vista Street pictures from June, you can just kind of zoom through them without commentary, until you get to the point in the TR that you already saw - like the Ghirardelli & Pixie Hollow flower pictures - at which point you will know you're up to speed and can bow out. I only had 2 hours (and not even a full 2 hours, as I zoomed off to Buena Vista Street) to take Cars Land photos.

Bret's pictures, on the other hand, will take you a bit longer, as he has made 2 trips to DLR to visit Cars Land since June (with a third trip coming up in the next few weeks), and he has taken many, many, many, many photos on each of those trips, including lots of flower pictures for you. So that will be a more involved process, I think! But he will be very happy to have you following along again.

My memory has always been pretty good, since I was a young 'un - probably better than the average memory. But now that I am - cough- aging, I can detect little signs of weakness in it. Now I am at the point where I will have a thought about something and then forget it 5 minutes later. It doesn't happen all the time, but it happens more and more as I get older. My mind is not as sharp as it once was about exact dates and details and things like that. It's still pretty good, but not what it was.

The AP renewal is a painful thing - I wasn't really sure I was going to renew. Then the opportunity came up to stay at the PPH, and I had to nab the best rate I could find, which was an AP rate. Since Disney does not seem to be putting out any great discounts or PIN codes this year (so far), I had to go with the lesser of a few evils and that required having an AP.

Also, if I can get myself into the CP on either 12/3 or 12/4, I will be going the free AP route (instead of the dining package). I will need an AP to see the CP!

Oh! I forgot to comment on your CP. Of the narrators for 2012, Kurt Russell would be my 2nd pick. Dick Van Dyke would be my #1 choice.

I think Dick Van Dyke's nights will be massively popular. He will probably be staying at the Grand Californian, as will Kurt Russell, most likely.

Laurie/DizNee Luver will be at the CP on one of the Dick Van Dyke nights, so that will be fun to hear about!

I wonder who the TBA/TBD person will be. If it is someone I really like, I may have to ditch Kurt and switch dates!

I am envious of TK's Gary Sinise-narrated CP at WDW this year. He narrated the CP at DLR last year when it was invitation only, and I really would have liked to see it.

(Okay, I just heard a voice that sounded like it came from someone about 70-years old saying "Trick or treat" outside the building next door. We don't get trick-or-treaters in my building because it's a security building, but if I can sneak a peek at the costumes going up the walkways to the surrounding apartment buildings that the kids can easily access, it's fun to see! I need to check out who this candy collectin' senior citizen is!)

 

[tksbaskets]

Too funny about the geriatric TOTer! VERY SCARY!!!

We are super excited to have Lt. Dan do our narration for the CP. We've lurked from way behind the America Gardens Theatre and it was spectacular. It will be fun to compare our experiences.

 

[PHXscuba]

This is my second favorite holiday of the year, and I did nothing for Halloween the entire season. But I just renewed my AP. That was scary - so at least I got a good fright out of this holiday. (Even at the payment plan, it still hurt.)


So about this TR:

Well, here's the thing...right now, almost anyone that I might hope would be actively following me in this TR and commenting/responding is probably involved in writing their own or reading other TR's. Deej has a TR. PHX has a Pre-TR. Jenny has a TR. Bret is at WDW right now, but when he comes back he will once again be heading to DLR and will have a TR for that, as well as the WDW TR to complete. Laurie has a Pre-TR. Molly has a TR. Marie hasn't posted in this TR since the "Aunt Betty" tale was still in its early stages, but she has a Pre-TR (as well as a Webshots photo downloading nightmare on her hands).

And TK is pretty much stuck in the middle of it all! I would like to keep up with at least a couple of these other DIS-friends' TR's, but it's so hard to find the time and try to work on my own TR too, as well as do other non-DIS things.

So...what to do, what to do...

One of the reasons I did not start my TR very soon after the December 2011 trip was over (aside from being ill) is that a similar situation was occurring. There were a lot of TR's taking place at one time and I couldn't try to keep mine active and keep up with the other TR's too.

Let's face it - unless we all have endless time in the day to just stay online and do nothing else, it's very hard to put time into our own TR's and also actively follow several others. I can't do it. I'm not sure who can.

Hmmm...I'll have to think on this. I just don't have time for everything. I may post a highlight reel of Cars Land/Buena Vista Street holiday pictures in another 12 or 13 days (after I get back from the "business" day trip to DLR!). It will depend on what kinds of photos I get (and if they are any good!). Then I can do an actual TR for the December 2-5, 2012 trip next year (assuming the world has not ended), after some of my other friends' TR's are complete. I'm not sure. I don't know what I can manage. I feel overwhelmed. I'll have to ponder it all.

I'm sure the AP renewal felt frightful at the prices they are now charging!!

For me, I tend to hang around the TR area more when I have a trip planned. It seems like the best place to get detailed information from people who are about to go or just went.

I hope you do a "highlight reel" of the new decor in DCA. Maybe just do it in the Christmas thread and quote/link from from here? If you just do it in the Christmas Superthread I may have to break down and read it. I have been staying away because I can't/want to/shouldn't go this year and the excitement of the thread makes me a little sad I won't be there too!

I'm sure my PTR will go in bursts as I think up what to write or something piques my interest. I know people read without commenting too.

PHXscuba

 

[deejdigsdis]

deej -

It's all a lot to keep up with, in this li'l ol' TR section! And here are the positions I think we all find ourselves in, no matter what our individual circumstances are at home:

As readers of TR's, we want to support our DIS-friends when they do TR's and we don't want to ignore large chunks of the reports as they progress, or seem like we're not really that engaged in what's being recapped/shared. And yet, there is just not enough time to be active in all the TR's we would like to stay active in. Sometimes there isn't even enough time to stay active in one TR, let alone several!

As writers of TR's, we don't want to feel like no one is interested or paying attention, or that we are wasting time carefully telling our stories or executing replies to each and every person! And yet, we know that real life beckons and people cannot sit online all day and read/reply to TR's!

So I guess we can only do what we can do, right?!

At least with my Cars Land/Buena Vista Street pictures from June, you can just kind of zoom through them without commentary, until you get to the point in the TR that you already saw - like the Ghirardelli & Pixie Hollow flower pictures - at which point you will know you're up to speed and can bow out. I only had 2 hours (and not even a full 2 hours, as I zoomed off to Buena Vista Street) to take Cars Land photos.

Bret's pictures, on the other hand, will take you a bit longer, as he has made 2 trips to DLR to visit Cars Land since June (with a third trip coming up in the next few weeks), and he has taken many, many, many, many photos on each of those trips, including lots of flower pictures for you. So that will be a more involved process, I think! But he will be very happy to have you following along again.

My memory has always been pretty good, since I was a young 'un - probably better than the average memory. But now that I am - cough- aging, I can detect little signs of weakness in it. Now I am at the point where I will have a thought about something and then forget it 5 minutes later. It doesn't happen all the time, but it happens more and more as I get older. My mind is not as sharp as it once was about exact dates and details and things like that. It's still pretty good, but not what it was.

The AP renewal is a painful thing - I wasn't really sure I was going to renew. Then the opportunity came up to stay at the PPH, and I had to nab the best rate I could find, which was an AP rate. Since Disney does not seem to be putting out any great discounts or PIN codes this year (so far), I had to go with the lesser of a few evils and that required having an AP.

Also, if I can get myself into the CP on either 12/3 or 12/4, I will be going the free AP route (instead of the dining package). I will need an AP to see the CP!







I think Dick Van Dyke's nights will be massively popular. He will probably be staying at the Grand Californian, as will Kurt Russell, most likely.

Laurie/DizNee Luver will be at the CP on one of the Dick Van Dyke nights, so that will be fun to hear about!

I wonder who the TBA/TBD person will be. If it is someone I really like, I may have to ditch Kurt and switch dates!

I am envious of TK's Gary Sinise-narrated CP at WDW this year. He narrated the CP at DLR last year when it was invitation only, and I really would have liked to see it.

(Okay, I just heard a voice that sounded like it came from someone about 70-years old saying "Trick or treat" outside the building next door. We don't get trick-or-treaters in my building because it's a security building, but if I can sneak a peek at the costumes going up the walkways to the surrounding apartment buildings that the kids can easily access, it's fun to see! I need to check out who this candy collectin' senior citizen is!)

Yes, Gary Sinise would be great too. I always enjoy him narrating the Memorial Day concerts from D.C. on PBS.

Well I can tell you the geriatric trick-or-treater certainly wasn't the senior citizen we came across last night! Our guy wasn't into the spirit of things at all. He barked at my 12 year old saying, "You're too big to trick-or-treat!" Then he threw candy at his feet! I'm one that is totally OK with high school seniors coming to trick-or-treat. Good grief, there are a lot worse things they could be doing on Halloween night.

OK, I need to go make spider cookies for my 1st grader's "Harvest Party" at school. My son's teacher is going against the rules with allowing a sweet treat for the party. (I'm on board with that. Sometimes they take the "healthy treats only" a little too far, in my opinion.) My friend told me yesterday (she also has a 1st grader...different class in the same school) that their teacher said, "You are welcome to bring a grain to share for the party..." I can't even type that without laughing! I might pop my head into that room and see if the kids are all enjoying a bowl of oatmeal together or something similar.

 

[PlutoRocks]

Hey Sherry!

I will admit up front that I haven't read everything in detail - work has been crazy . I don't have a computer and no internet access at home so I have to catch up at work - the students are a bit chaotic at this point because they are all registering for Spring classes.

Anyway - as I said I haven't read everything but I did catch that you may not do a trip report for your trips this year. I fully understand how much time it takes to do them as well as you do - coordinating the pictures with the narrative and keeping everything flowing is great for us as readers but does take a lot of time on your end.

I do hope, though, that you will do a mini-report on the candlelight processional. I had never heard of that until I saw it in Laurie's WDW pre-trip report and I don't know much about it at all. I would love to hear/see what that is all about if you have time.

Students are calling so I apologize for cutting this short - I'll be back soon (if I make it through the day

 

[bumbershoot]

Thanks, Molly!

Out of curiosity, do you have any idea how the AP thing would work (which I explained on the previous page)?

If I sign up for the Candlelight Processional with my existing AP (which is already registered with Disney), but then have my new AP with me by the time the CP actually takes place, do you think it would cause a problem or confusion?

I don't want to wait to sign up/register for the CP until I get the new AP. I think a lot of people will register for my CP night (because the AP holders can see it for free without a dining package). I am renewing the AP tomorrow - it should be here within a week or so, but the CP registration info will probably come out between now and 11/3 (before I get the new AP) and I want to jump on it when it does.

Sorry about the delay!

You would still have the old card, right? So you could actually take them both to show them if there's a problem. I would probably do it and not worry about it. I had signed up for the Carsland thing this summer (though we ended up going just before and then after it, instead of being able to go FOR it) and it had our names on the confirmation, so that printout, your ID, your old AP, and the new AP would probably be more than enough to prove that you were eligible to get in.

 

[Sherry E]

I'm kind of feeling blah and mopey today.

I wanted to wait until some sort of actual Candlelight Processional information became available so that I could post an update here and let you know that I either did or did not register for the CP, but, alas, those pesky Disney folks are dragging their heels in giving the CP details. Today is 11/3 - and the first CP that will be available to view for the general public is on 12/3. Given their pattern of letting people book tours 30 days out, it seems like now would be a good time to release some dining package info for those who want the packages and some AP info for those of us AP peeps who want to get in on the free viewing action.

Anyway, I suppose I should be doing a happy dance that I'll be at DLR in 29 days (December 2) but, as I said above, I'm feeling blah and mopey today. I have to wait for the wave of excitement to wash over me again and carry me to 'Happy Dance Christmas-ville.'

Actually, I'll be at DLR sometime in the next 7-9 days too. I still can't figure out if I'm going to go on 11/12, or on one of the weekend days just before it. I keep trying to find out if there is any chance of the Jingle Jangle Jamboree (which was supposed to be called Holly Jolly Jamboree but mysteriously changed names before it debuted) being open before 11/12, and I can't get any info. All I know is, I cannot wait to see Buena Vista Street's decor and bell ringers, as well as the department store Santa!

I called John - the driver at Sav-on Shuttle who drove me to and from the Catalina Express boat landing in July - to verify what the price would be to tote me to and from DLR next weekend (or 11/12). It's still not cheap any way you slice it to do a 'point to point' pick up and drop off like this would be, but it's cheaper than Super Shuttle by about $30 each way, so I have to go with what is less expensive.

I see that the decorations are already rapidly going up in DCA - Paradise Pier's tree and Santa photo spot are already up (although Santa will not be there - he will be on Buena Vista Street). Duffy's photo spot is already there. The Little Mermaid facade has the same anti-climactic decorations again. It seems as though the Disney decorators are saving Buena Vista Street and Cars Land for last in the decorations department - which is good! If I am waiting until 11/10, 11/11 or 11/12 to go there for the season start date, I don't want the Cars Land and Buena Vista Street decorations to be up a full week in advance. Gotta have some mystery and suspense.

I'm not sure which decorations are up in Disneyland??

In non-Disney news, the Hallmark Christmas movie marathon has begun today! I've been waiting for this for months! Actually, it began last night. They're calling it something like "the countdown to the Christmas marathon," or some such thing, but in my opinion it's not a countdown - it's the marathon. They just happen to start their Christmas movies on the first weekend in November and then do the marathon every weekend (with different movie selections) until the New Year hits! Why does it have to be a countdown to anything? Just call it what it is - a Christmas movie marathon!

I woke up this morning to the last few minutes of "Love Actually" on HBO. Then, I switched over to Hallmark and watched 2 movies I had not yet seen - "Mrs. Miracle" and "Call Me Mrs. Miracle." They both aired on Hallmark during last year's marathon weekends, but I didn't pay attention to them at that point. What a fool I was! "Mrs. Miracle," especially, is another one of those wonderful little holiday gems that makes you smile, cry and want to run out and buy a really big Christmas tree to decorate all at the same time! By the end of it I was wiping tears from my eyes as Mrs. Miracle said goodbye. I never thought I would say that I loved any kind of movie with James Van Der Beek in it, but I loved this one!

Later today one of my favorites is on - "The Most Wonderful Time of Year." Henry Winkler is a funny ex-cop who sets his niece up with some strange nomadic guy he meets at the airport. The niece's son loves the strange guy. Henry Winkler loves the strange guy. The strange guy moves into her house and shows the cynical niece how to realllly decorate the right way for Christmas, as well as teaches her to love the holiday. They fall in love (of course). I love it!

And then there's a new movie airing right after it - "Christmas Song." I can't wait! I love me some feel-good, warm-hearted, light, frothy Christmas movies!!

I should point out that next weekend, not only will there be more Hallmark holiday movies to watch but Lifetime also begins its own Christmas marathon!! It will be dueling Christmas movie marathons on 2 different channels for me!

​

Too funny about the geriatric TOTer! VERY SCARY!!!

We are super excited to have Lt. Dan do our narration for the CP. We've lurked from way behind the America Gardens Theatre and it was spectacular. It will be fun to compare our experiences.

TK -

I never got a better look at the trick-or-treating senior citizen. He disappeared before I could get outside.

I have a feeling that, eventually, the CP at DLR will move into a theater-type of setting like the one you describe at WDW. I just can't see how holding it in Town Square, in the middle of the flow of people entering and exiting Disneyland, is going to be a good idea for 20 nights in a row...but we'll see!

I'm sure the AP renewal felt frightful at the prices they are now charging!!

For me, I tend to hang around the TR area more when I have a trip planned. It seems like the best place to get detailed information from people who are about to go or just went.

I hope you do a "highlight reel" of the new decor in DCA. Maybe just do it in the Christmas thread and quote/link from from here? If you just do it in the Christmas Superthread I may have to break down and read it. I have been staying away because I can't/want to/shouldn't go this year and the excitement of the thread makes me a little sad I won't be there too!

I'm sure my PTR will go in bursts as I think up what to write or something piques my interest. I know people read without commenting too.

PHXscuba

PHX -

Yep - lots and lots o' people read all of the TR's without commenting. More people lurk than actually comment.

I'll post something here - I already considered just copying and pasting whatever I post in the Christmas thread here. I'm not sure how I'll do it all yet. I have to see what my mood is and how much inspiration I have. Unless I have something relevant to share or replies to give, I don't like to post just for the sake of posting.

But there will definitely be some pictures coming - that's why I changed the title of this thread (to reflect that there would be pictures coming)! I just don't know if it will literally be a case of me popping in and saying, "Okay, here are the pictures from November; here are the pictures from December, and that's all, folks," or if I will just share the "best" of the photos and not all of them, or if anything will occur that will warrant a real TR. We'll see!

Yes, Gary Sinise would be great too. I always enjoy him narrating the Memorial Day concerts from D.C. on PBS.

Well I can tell you the geriatric trick-or-treater certainly wasn't the senior citizen we came across last night! Our guy wasn't into the spirit of things at all. He barked at my 12 year old saying, "You're too big to trick-or-treat!" Then he threw candy at his feet! I'm one that is totally OK with high school seniors coming to trick-or-treat. Good grief, there are a lot worse things they could be doing on Halloween night.

OK, I need to go make spider cookies for my 1st grader's "Harvest Party" at school. My son's teacher is going against the rules with allowing a sweet treat for the party. (I'm on board with that. Sometimes they take the "healthy treats only" a little too far, in my opinion.) My friend told me yesterday (she also has a 1st grader...different class in the same school) that their teacher said, "You are welcome to bring a grain to share for the party..." I can't even type that without laughing! I might pop my head into that room and see if the kids are all enjoying a bowl of oatmeal together or something similar.

deej -

Okay, now you have me laughing aloud at the notion of sharing grains! Woohoo! What a party! Oatmeal would probably be a bit too exciting - maybe the kids could all pass around a loaf of 7-grain bread or something. I'm so glad your son's teacher is bending the rule and allowing sweet treats, instead of sticking to the 'grain' thing like the other teacher. They're 1st graders. It was Halloween, for corn's sake. Those kids don't want grains. They should be able to have some fun cookies and treats once in a while.

Now, as for the grumpy senior who barked at your 12-year-old and threw candy at his feet...obviously, the man had other issues. I get annoyed at people who put their own age limits on things - like, for example, in that man's mind he probably thought it was okay to give candy to kids 10 and younger. Other people will decide that kids are allowed to trick or treat until they're teens. Some people (and I've seen their comments on the DIS) will scoff at the adults collecting candy at Mickey's Halloween Party, because it "should be for kids."

While I may giggle and think it's amusing if I see 15-year-olds trick or treating at neighbors' doors, I don't begrudge them the fun they have in doing it. The people have candy to give out anyway - it's probably not like the 'bigger kids' are taking candy away from the little ones. Who cares if they give some candy to older kids? And who cares if adults at the MHP are collecting candy too? If I'm buying an MHP ticket, I'm getting some candy! I don't trick or treat in any other location, so why can't I get candy if I am paying for a party ticket?

I don't know - I just get bugged when I see people say, "Halloween is for kids," "Christmas is for kids," "Easter is for kids," blah blah blah. Who decided that those holidays are kid-exclusive? Why can't kids and adults enjoy and participate in the same holidays? So what are the adults left with? New Year's Eve? July 4th? Well, there is no good candy for those holidays!

I'm shocked that people have not begun saying that Thanksgiving is for kids too!

Hey Sherry!

I will admit up front that I haven't read everything in detail - work has been crazy . I don't have a computer and no internet access at home so I have to catch up at work - the students are a bit chaotic at this point because they are all registering for Spring classes.

Anyway - as I said I haven't read everything but I did catch that you may not do a trip report for your trips this year. I fully understand how much time it takes to do them as well as you do - coordinating the pictures with the narrative and keeping everything flowing is great for us as readers but does take a lot of time on your end.

I do hope, though, that you will do a mini-report on the candlelight processional. I had never heard of that until I saw it in Laurie's WDW pre-trip report and I don't know much about it at all. I would love to hear/see what that is all about if you have time.

Students are calling so I apologize for cutting this short - I'll be back soon (if I make it through the day

Dawn -

I totally understand - I didn't have Internet access at home until 2007 (much, much, much later than everyone else I know). I know how that is, trying to get caught up and do things in the limited time on the computer at work! Prior to 2007 I was relying solely on work computers and whatever I could access on my cell phone. I needed one at home to try to start earning extra income. Now my computer at home is falling apart and barely running, so it presents a whole different array of issues!

Never fear - I'll definitely share my CP experience - good or bad (depending on crowds). That's IF I even get to see the CP. That will be a first for me, and it will be the first night of the CP that is available to the general public...so it should be interesting to see how it all pans out, crowd-wise!

We'll see if the December trip is worthy of a full-fledged TR. Some trips are not really narrative-worthy and are really just more photo reports (like my Catalina TR and my Halloween TR from 2011). Some of them don't really involve any particular anecdotes or stories to share. The December trip may end up just being a "here are the pictures" photo report sort of deal. And then, sometimes I don't take as many photos and there may be more 'story' to get into (like the TR from this past December). If there is a story to tell, then I have to really be in the mood and have the right set of circumstances in effect to tell it properly.

Anything I do - even just posting photos - is a big undertaking for me, simply because this horrible computer barely works. So I really have to be in the right frame of mind to kick off a TR and keep it going, but I will share something - whether it's a highlight reel, a full photo report, a full report with story and photos, or anything in between! You guys will get something from me - just not sure what it will be!

Sorry about the delay!

You would still have the old card, right? So you could actually take them both to show them if there's a problem. I would probably do it and not worry about it. I had signed up for the Carsland thing this summer (though we ended up going just before and then after it, instead of being able to go FOR it) and it had our names on the confirmation, so that printout, your ID, your old AP, and the new AP would probably be more than enough to prove that you were eligible to get in.

Molly -

Thank you for your insight! I was kind of thinking along those lines too. I needed someone else to essentially verify what I was already thinking! I'll just bring all necessary cards & identifying info - old AP, new AP, ID, print-out, Ralphs Club card, Vons Club card, CVS card, etc. (just kidding on those last 3!).

Although...at this rate...if Disney doesn't release the CP info (and how/where to sign up for it) in the next day or so, my new AP may end up arriving before it's time to register - in which case, I will just use the new AP for sign-up and that will be that. I thought at first that I would have to sign up for the CP with the old AP and then transition to the new CP before December 3rd, but that may not end up happening, timing-wise.

 

[kaoden39]

I am humming Christmas songs now. Sigh.

 

[rentayenta]

Jenny -

...Yes, my "friend," who ruined all of our plans and then marched past me as I sat on the DCA bench, pretending not to know me (or whatever the heck she was doing), leaving me in tears. You know what they say - with friends like that, who needs enemies?

I'm happy to have a do-over holiday trip too. This one will be much better, and I hope I can avoid getting sick mid-trip again.

Have you caught any of the "Love Actually" airings on HBO lately? I know that you love that movie too, just as I do (and I keep telling everyone in this thread to watch "Love Actually" - they will not be disappointed!). I recall that you and I were discussing in the Christmas Superthread last year how much fun it is to stumble upon a movie on TV, even if we already own it or have seen it 150 times! I've been doing that with "Love Actually." I have no clue how many times I've seen it, but I still watch it every time I catch it in the HBO line-up, which has been quite often lately.

Its my favorite, you're right. I was thinking about watching it tonight but got overruled. Christmas music started on the radio yesterday and while I know I could listen on Pandora anytime, theres some sweet satisfaction knowing its on for real.

 

[PHXscuba]

I'm not sure which decorations are up in Disneyland??

Now, as for the grumpy senior who barked at your 12-year-old and threw candy at his feet...obviously, the man had other issues. I get annoyed at people who put their own age limits on things - like, for example, in that man's mind he probably thought it was okay to give candy to kids 10 and younger. Other people will decide that kids are allowed to trick or treat until they're teens. Some people (and I've seen their comments on the DIS) will scoff at the adults collecting candy at Mickey's Halloween Party, because it "should be for kids."

While I may giggle and think it's amusing if I see 15-year-olds trick or treating at neighbors' doors, I don't begrudge them the fun they have in doing it. The people have candy to give out anyway - it's probably not like the 'bigger kids' are taking candy away from the little ones. Who cares if they give some candy to older kids? And who cares if adults at the MHP are collecting candy too? If I'm buying an MHP ticket, I'm getting some candy! I don't trick or treat in any other location, so why can't I get candy if I am paying for a party ticket?

I don't know - I just get bugged when I see people say, "Halloween is for kids," "Christmas is for kids," "Easter is for kids," blah blah blah. Who decided that those holidays are kid-exclusive? Why can't kids and adults enjoy and participate in the same holidays? So what are the adults left with? New Year's Eve? July 4th? Well, there is no good candy for those holidays!

I'm shocked that people have not begun saying that Thanksgiving is for kids too!

Sherry, I've seen on other Disney websites that the ugly plastic Toontown stuff is up, the castle has snow, and NOS is decorated. That's what I recall. I think they are taping the Christmas parade this weekend.

I don't have a problem with giving candy to older kids who come around. Our neighborhood doesn't have a ton of kids, so the only kids it would be taking it away from is my own teenagers! But I do require at least a minimum effort -- something resembling a costume. I gave candy to a teen boy who had a soccer jersey and his girlfriend who painted cat whiskers on her face.

The thing that I noticed this year was how many parents were carrying their kids' candy bags for them. Not just the overflow when their plastic pumpkin got full -- a kid walks up and says trick or treat, then the parent behind them holds out the bag. And we're not talking 2-year-olds -- like 9 and 10 year olds!!

I don't think any holiday (or Disney) is just for kids. I don't mind bending/stretching a little to see that a kid has a great or magical time because they see things from a different and more limited perspective. I think Halloween used to be seen as a kids' holiday, but now many adults get way more into it with costumes, parties, decorations, etc. But there's a whole generation still alive that didn't do that and doesn't get it.

PHXscuba

p.s. DD13 made pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting yesterday and they are sooo good! Wish I could ship you some!

 

[Carolwoodpr]

Well Sherry, I finally did it. Yes, I have read EVERY single page of this trip report. Took me several days. You took me through lots of highs and lows. I loved the Poison/Bret pictures you did. Your Catalina pictures. Your Disney pictures, the flowers especially. I read every page because it was engaging.

Now, seeing as how I feel like we are old friends, I would like to audition to be a new 'family' member for you. One who will treat you properly, one who will not go through stages of infantile actions.

I am so happy that you get to go to Disneyland in December. We saw the CP at Epcot a few years ago. It was simply beautiful. I think you will love it.

If you can make it to Disneyland on Christmas Day I would love to take you to dinner at CPR. It will be our first time eating there too. Since I am a family of 3, upgrading to a family of 4 is simple with Disney dining. We will be at Disneyland the 22nd-27th.

I am now off to the Christmas thread and the Candy Cane threads, but I will be back here often.

I love how you have had Dis friends stick with you throughout this whole thread.

You, Sherry, are an incredible writer, as others here have said. You kept me interested for 219 pages. I wanted to post so many times but knew I could not until I caught up. I am there now and the Christmas season is upon us.

 

[Carolwoodpr]

Forgot to ask you Sherry, since you love Peppermint Ice Cream so much, have you tried Ghiradellie (however you spell it) peppermint bark? I think if you try it you will find that you love it, and it may be another Christmas favorite for you.

 

[luvslikepi]

Holy moly....love the details and all the pics from your reports. Can't wait to see Carsland in a month!

 

[Sherry E]

It's time to multi-task and post a (sort of) update and also reply to the last few posts that have come in!

Here is the latest info on my upcoming DLR holiday trips:

November 12, 2012 trip - As you may recall, I was debating on which date I would head to DLR for the launch of the holiday season. Assuming that all of the actual decorations would be up in both parks before November 12th, I thought that maybe I could get away with going on 11/11 or 11/10 - any of these dates would give me extra hours in the parks whereas the schedule for 11/12 is something like 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. in both DL and DCA, if I remember correctly. I just was not certain if the Jingle Jangle Jamboree (which was supposed to be called the Holly Jolly Jamboree and then mysteriously changed names) would be open pre-11/12.

I polled the people in my Christmas Superthread and asked when they thought I should go, and the majority of them seemed to vote for 11/12. I am basically on an info-gathering/photo-taking mission for that thread, and I am keeping watch for certain things that people want to hear about, such as treats, merchandise, etc.

So it looks like Monday, 11/12 will be the day - which is 5 days from today! At least this way I know I won't miss out on the Jamboree.

The other 'major' thing that is supposed to open on 11/12 is the "Christmas village" next to the Downtown Disney ice rink. Of course, this "village" is comprised of 4 "chalets" which will sell holiday goodies. It sounds very, very, very much like what used to be on the Disneyland Hotel grounds back in the early 1990's. Part of the DLH's Candy Cane Lane set-up involved little tents (which could probably be called "chalets") selling seasonal treats (cocoa and cookies, mainly) and merchandise (pins and small stuff). It is also a bit reminiscent of the Christmas markets which are so popular in Europe - not that I've been to Europe but I've seen specials on PBS about the wonderful, charming Christmas markets in Germany, Switzerland and other countries.

I know that this "village" won't quite be at the level of a European Christmas market (Disney should really set up a Christmas market in Fantasyland!), but I'm glad to see that Downtown Disney is doing a little something extra. It always feels like it needs something more during the season, and this may be it!

Now...once I got to thinking about all that I have to do, see and scout for on 11/12 (it is a mission, after all - not a day for leisurely strolling around and taking my time), I realized I will have to really hit the ground running. I have to pound the pavement (with pen and paper in hand to take notes). I have a lot to do, based on my own interests and based on the requests I have received from others. I'm not even going to try to meet up with my Orange County friends that day - I won't have time! So I am trying to figure out how I am going to squeeze it all in. I am thinking that it will be something like this:

1. Arrive at DLR before the parks open. Take a quick peek in the hotels and see if any of them are decorated (probably not, but that's why I'm checking);

2. Make a beeline for DCA. Spend time on Buena Vista Street first, taking pictures of decorations and Santa at his Elias & Co. post; inspect the various treats and merchandise in all shops; admire the window displays; I will return here later for the tree lighting and nighttime lights;

3. Make another beeline for Cars Land and get pictures of all decorations; I will return here later after the sun goes down;

4. Stop in Ghirardelli and see if they are handing out holiday samples (they were supposedly giving out pumpkin chocolate samples during Halloween Time);

5. Take a quick peek in the Paradise Pier area and see if anything looks different, decorations-wise; I will return here later and see the holiday lights on Mickey's Fun Wheel after dark;

6. Head over to Disneyland and straight to the Jingle Jangle Jamboree.

7. Inspect New Orleans Square for any 'missing' decorations;

8. Inspect Toontown for missing decorations and gasp in horror at ugly plastic trees;

9. Peek in Pixie Hollow to see if there is a winter overlay (prior to the DTD ice rink, the rumor had been that Pixie Hollow would receive a light makeover for the holidays but I don't think it's happening or we would have heard about it by now);

10. Spend time on Main Street - possibly drop off camera battery to be charged at photo shop if necessary; check Gibson Girl for peppermint ice cream; say hello to sewing machine display; look in shops for merchandise; check Jolly Holiday Bakery & Candy Palace for any holiday goodies;

11. Head to DTD and check out the Christmas "village"; Peek in Marceline's Confectionery on the way;

12. Go back to DCA and re-visit Buena Vista Street & see tree lighting, see Cars Land and Paradise Pier for nighttime holiday lights;

13. Go home & pass out.

I don't think I can or want to fit anything else into that day, as there will be a lot of running around, picture-taking and note-jotting. All of these things will take a long time.

I am going to tell Sav-on Shuttle (John) to pick me up after 10 p.m. If I were going to be there with a friend, we'd probably be out of DLR way before the parks closed. However, because I have so much to do in that one day, if I arrange to be picked up after 10 p.m. then I am forced to stay until closing. I won't have a choice but to stay. This is also what I did when I went to Catalina on my day trip in July - I arranged to take the latest boat back at night so I was forced to stay as long as possible and really make use of my time (see my Catalina photo report - only about 4 pages - in the link in my signature below; it is a totally different thread in a different section of the board).

​

December 2 - 5, 2012 trip - I can't believe this trip is right around the corner. It will be here in no time and I basically just booked it!

There is still a chance that I may try to switch dates to the following week, arriving on 12/9 and staying until 12/12. If I arrive on Sunday, 12/9, that would be a better day for Shawn to come and meet me at DLR. She has an office Christmas party on the night of 12/1, so for her to come and meet me on 12/2 is possible and she will do it, but it won't be as easy for her because she will be tired.

As you all know, I wanted to see the Candlelight Processional, specifically with Kurt Russell as narrator, on either 12/3 or 12/4. Now I'm not sure what the fate of my CP viewing may be, so if I switch to the Lou Diamond Phillips-narrated nights it might not make a difference because I might not get a seat for the CP anyway!

I should clarify - it's not the 'standing to watch the CP' that bugs me. In fact, I assumed that Disney would make the AP holders stand.

Truthfully, what I thought Disney would do was save the actual seats for people who buy dining packages, and then put the AP holders in 'reserved standing' sections - better for viewing than the viewing for the general public, but not as good as the viewing from the seats, if that makes sense. I thought they would rope off a couple of areas for AP people to stand and watch the CP. It would be "organized standing," as I like to call it - not the typical free-for-all in which people have to line up or wait way in advance (like for Fantasmic, parades, fireworks, etc.).

But, alas, as we have now learned from the Parks Blog, the way the Candlelight Processional is being handled is that the actual seats are being allocated to Club 33 members and AP holders who essentially win a lottery. There are not many seats for this CP - I have seen the seats - and thus, not many people can be chosen for the CP seating.

What Disney will likely do is let us pick the date and time we want for the CP - we will probably be able to pick a few different times and dates that we prefer, so I could choose 12/3, 12/4 and 12/5 - and then we sit back and hope to be picked for one of those times/dates. The chances are very slim that I will be picked.

There are no dinner packages being sold for this event, contrary to info that was previously released. So basically, you either get lucky and win the AP/Club 33 lottery and nab free seats, or you stake out a standing spot with the non-AP people way in advance. It won't be organized standing like I thought it would be. It will be a free-for-all, as it is for any other events that require staking out spots. I don't want to do it that way. Disney says that this is a "thank you to the Annual Passholders," but it's only a thank you if we actually get picked for a seat. Otherwise, we're not getting anything different or better than the non-AP holders are getting.

So I will enter the CP contest/lottery (the details of which will come out on 11/12, while I am gallivanting around DLR), but I don't hold out much hope. I only need one measly seat, and I probably won't be picked. What I think will happen is that frantic AP holders will enter the contest, thinking that they'd better request 4 and 5 guests "just in case." If they are chosen, then 5 or 6 seats will instantly be blocked off, even if their entire groups don't show up. That will make it even harder for the rest of us to win.

I notice that the AP hotel calendar now has the Paradise Pier booked on 12/3 and 12/4. I am assuming this means that the CP on the nights of 12/3 and 12/4 will be packed. I might actually have a better chance to see the CP if I switched my PPH dates to 12/9-12/12 because not as many people want to see Lou Diamond Phillips narrate as they do Kurt Russell.

​

On to some replies!

I am humming Christmas songs now. Sigh.

I know you don't like the 'early holiday' and would prefer a post-Thanksgiving Christmas celebration, so if you are humming Christmas songs it is probably just because they are stuck in your head and you can't get rid of them!

Its my favorite, you're right. I was thinking about watching it tonight but got overruled. Christmas music started on the radio yesterday and while I know I could listen on Pandora anytime, theres some sweet satisfaction knowing its on for real.

And what was I watching again today? "Love Actually," of course! It was on HBO yet again. It's interesting the way that movie ends - it's not real 'in your face' about tying up the stories and letting us know how everything turns out. For example, does Liam Neeson's stepson get together with the little girl? Do Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman patch up their marriage, and did he actually have a real affair or did he just toy with the idea? Did the girl who was after him leave the office? How did Liam's and Emma's characters know each other? Why is the guy from "Walking Dead" (Andrew Lincoln) playing third wheel to Keira Knightley and his best friend? Is she involved with both of them at the end of the film? Did Hugh Grant's character marry the girl?

I know what you mean about Christmas songs - even if they can be accessed in other ways, any time of year, it's totally different when they start playing "for real," when it's actually the holiday season (or close to it)! I feel the same about peppermint ice cream - even if I can go to Baskin Robbins any time of year and get it, it's not the same as eating it in November or December...speaking of which, I must go to the store and get some!

Sherry, I've seen on other Disney websites that the ugly plastic Toontown stuff is up, the castle has snow, and NOS is decorated. That's what I recall. I think they are taping the Christmas parade this weekend.

I don't have a problem with giving candy to older kids who come around. Our neighborhood doesn't have a ton of kids, so the only kids it would be taking it away from is my own teenagers! But I do require at least a minimum effort -- something resembling a costume. I gave candy to a teen boy who had a soccer jersey and his girlfriend who painted cat whiskers on her face.

The thing that I noticed this year was how many parents were carrying their kids' candy bags for them. Not just the overflow when their plastic pumpkin got full -- a kid walks up and says trick or treat, then the parent behind them holds out the bag. And we're not talking 2-year-olds -- like 9 and 10 year olds!!

I don't think any holiday (or Disney) is just for kids. I don't mind bending/stretching a little to see that a kid has a great or magical time because they see things from a different and more limited perspective. I think Halloween used to be seen as a kids' holiday, but now many adults get way more into it with costumes, parties, decorations, etc. But there's a whole generation still alive that didn't do that and doesn't get it.

PHXscuba

p.s. DD13 made pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting yesterday and they are sooo good! Wish I could ship you some!

Oh, joy! The ugly Toontown trees! My favorites. I still think they took the old trees that were there, freshened them up and reused them for Cars Land or Buena Vista Street - so you know I will be keeping an eye peeled for trees on BVS/in CL that look to be a similar size!

I'm generally not a huge fan of the pumpkin flavor, but every once in a really great while I have a small craving for a piece of pumpkin pie. Not often, but every now and then. The pumpkin bars sound like they would be delicious!

You mentioned the parents carrying the candy bags for the kids. That is odd. Another thing that I heard about this year - a new 'trend,' if we could call it that - is that people are starting to leave the bowls of Halloween candy on their front porches or doorsteps and just letting the kids take what they want from the bowls so they don't have to knock or ring bells! I think that's a shame! I guess these people do not want to be bothered with trick-or-treaters, but they don't want to be "the house with no candy," so they just put it on the porch! The poor kids are probably excited about showing off their costumes and about the whole process of trick-or-treating and they are being deprived of that by these people who just leave candy in a bowl!

Oh, the people who say that Disney/Disneyland is just for kids reeeeeallllly drive me nuts. It bothers me when people tell me what I am allowed to think is fun and what I'm not. There are so many things to enjoy at Disney parks when you're an adult - you simply find a new way to enjoy the parks as an adult that you didn't have as a child!

Well Sherry, I finally did it. Yes, I have read EVERY single page of this trip report. Took me several days. You took me through lots of highs and lows. I loved the Poison/Bret pictures you did. Your Catalina pictures. Your Disney pictures, the flowers especially. I read every page because it was engaging.

Now, seeing as how I feel like we are old friends, I would like to audition to be a new 'family' member for you. One who will treat you properly, one who will not go through stages of infantile actions.

I am so happy that you get to go to Disneyland in December. We saw the CP at Epcot a few years ago. It was simply beautiful. I think you will love it.

If you can make it to Disneyland on Christmas Day I would love to take you to dinner at CPR. It will be our first time eating there too. Since I am a family of 3, upgrading to a family of 4 is simple with Disney dining. We will be at Disneyland the 22nd-27th.

I am now off to the Christmas thread and the Candy Cane threads, but I will be back here often.

I love how you have had Dis friends stick with you throughout this whole thread.

You, Sherry, are an incredible writer, as others here have said. You kept me interested for 219 pages. I wanted to post so many times but knew I could not until I caught up. I am there now and the Christmas season is upon us.

Carolwoodpr -

Welcome - and thank you so much for the kind, warm-hearted and complimentary words. You are so sweet, Further, thank you so, so, so much for taking the time to read this whole thread! If asked, I probably would have just suggested skipping anything from 2008 (and maybe even 2009) and starting with the 2010 reports. I really, really appreciate that you started from the beginning and made it to the end!

What a wonderful generous offer! I wish I could get to DLR on Christmas Day! Never say never, of course, but it would probably be tough to actually get there and back on the holiday, transportation-wise. I wish I could be there on Christmas, though. I have an AP - I just have to get down there.

Forgive me if it seems as though I am cutting my reply to you short. My PC starting freezing and locking up right as I typed the reply to PHXscuba above, so rather than risk losing everything I typed in this post, I am rushing to finish it. But I read every word of your reply - and again, thank you so much for the kindness!

Forgot to ask you Sherry, since you love Peppermint Ice Cream so much, have you tried Ghiradellie (however you spell it) peppermint bark? I think if you try it you will find that you love it, and it may be another Christmas favorite for you.

I haven't tried the Ghirardelli peppermint bark, but I've seen it at the grocery store and I am going to pop into Ghirardelli in DCA on Monday to see if they are giving out samples of it! I really like peppermint ice cream more than other peppermint stuff, though, so who knows? Now if Ghirardellis is selling any kind of peppermint ice cream, that may save me the time of waiting in line at Gibson Girl!

Holy moly....love the details and all the pics from your reports. Can't wait to see Carsland in a month!

Welcome, luvslikepi!

Thank you for joining in, and thank you for the compliment. I don't have too far to go in this thread - we generally stop the threads at 250 pages, so I will go the end and start again!

Cars Land is amazing - even without a holiday overlay, it is awesome. You'll love it. The level of detail that went into it is incredible. I cannot wait to see it with its themed holiday decorations on Monday.

 

[Carolwoodpr]

Sherry,

I would change my dates to the later dates if you can. I know you want to see Kurt Russel, but I agree that with the hotel rates being sold out your changes of getting a seat are even tougher. The CP is totally worth seeing, and I want you to have a chance for one of those AP seats.

How exciting that you get to go on Monday. It will be a horribly busy day for you, but think of the pictures you will get. And you get to see the Christmas Tree lighting and hear the bell ringers in DCA. I am jealous.

I am glad I didn't ask you where to start lol. I enjoyed those early years of your reports. That is where all the Bret Michaels stuff was and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I am stalking your Christmas thread so you won't get rid of me either.

If I had a car, I would come get you on Christmas Day, but since we spend all our time at the parks we never rent a car when there. But the offer stands if you can make it.

I can't wait to hear your report of Monday's events and see the pictures!

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Hi Sherry!! I love all the 70s, 80s and 90s pictures. I was born in '95 so the first pictures I was around for where the ones in 2001.