**Official December 2010 Thread!!** - PART 2!

[stephielela]

i want to thank you all for your kind thoughts and words of encouragement.

however, my mother and I will not be celebrating any of our personal triumphs next week at disney

they took ultrasounds of her abdomen and found that her gallbladder was twice the size. because she has CHF, she is not a candidate to have it removed. they were able to stick a tube down her throat yesterday and drain the bile. we don't know if they were able to remove any of the stones. this is all upsetting.
i want my mom to be happy and strong again. both of us have overcame some of the worst tragedies life faces this past year and we really needed this trip. i am just frustrated with this situation. believe me, i am through the roof happy that my mom isn't in as much pain anymore--but i know she wanted this as much as i did.

i hope you all have a wonderful time in disney! you all deserve it and have been such fun with your planning. i wish you all nothing but pixie dust and magic

I'm so sorry you have to postpone! I know that nothing is really going to take the sting out of that, but at least your mom is feeling better. Maybe you can channel the frustration into planning an even better trip for later? I'm sad for you!

 

[MTMom]

Dear December 2010 posters, I attempted to read the entire thread in order to get to know the regular posters, but it's waaaaaaay too long. I have exciting news to share, along with some questions to ask. I am sorry to StuffedwithFluff about not being able to take your trip, and I hope that your Mom feels and gets better very soon.

We are Disney addicts, and I am surprising my 16 yr old DD (soon to be 17) for a 4 night trip to Orlando. This trip will be just us girls, DH and DS are too busy deer hunting. What isn't fun is that since I am surprising her, I can't share the good news with her and all the fun planning So, I came to the best place I knew where I would receive fun feedback and conversation with other Disney-lovers.

Her birthday is Dec 22nd and we fly out of Memphis for Orlando on Dec 26-Dec 30. We are staying at the Hilton at Downtown Disney. So far, I have not decided on a park itinerary. We will have 4 days and nights, and one half day (arrival day). Our flight home leaves MCO at 7pm. One of the full days will be spent at IOA, since we are both huge Harry Potter fans. We visited the WWOHP this summer and cannot wait to go back. Our main reason for visiting WDW will be to enjoy the Christmas decorations and ride a few of our favorite rides and attractions. She and I both love the "insider" info we find in books and online, and looking for hidden mickeys.

I usually plan a trip 6+ months in advance, I've never booked and taken a trip to WDW with such short notice before. I would love to get itinerary and event suggestions from everyone. We'd like to tour all 4 parks, but need to fit it all into 3 days. We might omit AK if it will save a significant amount of money and stress.

Sorry for being so long winded. Hope to hear back from lots of you guys!!!!

MTMom from Arkansas

 

[exwdwcm]

I am so bad at judging what clothes we will need. Ugh!!! If it is 43 at night does that mean we need a coat, or will a jacket be good enough? We are not really coat people unless it is really cold.

well we are from TX and so it is really cold to us. It's been in the 30s today and yesterday, so we had on our winter coats. I am glad i brought them, i almost didn't. Today, i wore a tank top, 3/4 sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt/hoodie thing and then a fleece vest over there, plus gloves, heavy scarf. wore it all day long, that cold all day long. We've seen people in shorts and flips flops that are freezing......i am guessing they didn't pack anything else or check the weather- either that or they are from antartica! the 40s are probably more doable in a fleece with layers.

Hi all!

So...vacation eve has finally arrived!! Almost done packing.. DF & I had fish and chips for dinner (very British lol!) - getting up tomorrow at 4am... New York New York here we come.. and Saturday we'll be flying down to Orlando!


Really loved being a part of these December threads and hope to read all about everyone's trips when we all get home!


Happy Holidays!


Emma x

have a great trip Emma!!!!! happy vacation eve!

True to form, when I have a vacation scheduled, some thing always come up.

I got a call today for a second interview for a job I am interested in. They wanted to do it the first day of vacation. I offered to do it the day before. They wanted a web interview the day I leave, but I will be traveling, so we settled on a web interview 1/2 through the trip. No ideal, but oh well.

good luck on the job interview

exwdwcm~ Thanks for the live updates!!! I am especially excited to hear about Soarin... Jack measured at 37 inches at his 2 year old appt which was 8 months ago, and he had no problem getting on Barnstormer where they did actually measure him. I just think he would love Soarin! We'll see I guess!

Emma~ Have a great time! Thanks for all the time and effort you have put in!

To everyone else leaving in the next couple days, have a MAGICAL time!

my DH just held our son as we walked up. WE had FPs, so we just walked up, me first, then my MIL and niece, followed by DH carrying him. The guy didn't even look. maybe he was busy checking FPs or whatever and it was pretty busy over there as always. Then at the next stop, the girl sort of looked at us for a minute, but never asked.

i want to thank you all for your kind thoughts and words of encouragement.

however, my mother and I will not be celebrating any of our personal triumphs next week at disney

they took ultrasounds of her abdomen and found that her gallbladder was twice the size. because she has CHF, she is not a candidate to have it removed. they were able to stick a tube down her throat yesterday and drain the bile. we don't know if they were able to remove any of the stones. this is all upsetting.
i want my mom to be happy and strong again. both of us have overcame some of the worst tragedies life faces this past year and we really needed this trip. i am just frustrated with this situation. believe me, i am through the roof happy that my mom isn't in as much pain anymore--but i know she wanted this as much as i did.

i hope you all have a wonderful time in disney! you all deserve it and have been such fun with your planning. i wish you all nothing but pixie dust and magic

Oh no- huge HUGS and prayers for you and your mom- i hope she continues to feel better and that you are able to reschedule your trip for a time when you the two of you can truly enjoy and celebrate together with her in better health.

 

[exwdwcm]

another great day- started off at AK- it was freezing this am- literally in the low/mid 30s.

We arrived about 9:15, immediately headed to EE, there were zero lines for FP and only 10 minute standby for the ride. so we got FPs and rode standby too. then headed to safari for a 20 minute wait posted, but we walked right on. More animals were out than i thought considering the temps. Saw more cheerleaders today too- they were all over the place, but no loud cheering! we went to the planet watch at the end of the day and saw Pochohantas, Rafiki and Jiminy Cricket with zero line.

crowds seemed heavy in the walkways etc. but the lines for the rides were minimal. 20 minutes for primeval whirl, 10 minutes for dinosaur (and these were probably at like 11am or so). no line for ITTBAB. We had a great day but are pooped! back at BLT now enjoying our only dinner in this week- frozen lasagna -thanks Stouffers.

i saw the snowman popcorn buckets- super cute!!! i think like $8-$9.

they are doing the 20% coupons on the fast food dining receipts too!!! you have to use it before noon at world of disney, emporium, island mercantiles, mickey's of hollywood or mousegears.

they also have the fleece blankets for $16.95 with $40 purchase. an adorable bag- it looks like fake leather and i've seen different colors- i got a green bag with a bow and cute silver mickey keychain on it- $11.95 with $25 purchase. I'll try and post a pic of it. i saw blue and red at other locations too. seems each location has only one color.

The fleece blanket is the same one they had last year of hte castle in blues/purples. there is also a 'throw', but i haven't gotten a good look at it.

i also saw a watch for $9.99, but not sure how much you had to purchase for it.

hope that helps for anyone planning! off to put up my feet and prepare for hte mad dash to TSM in the morning!!!!

 

[weber1188]

stuffed withfluff- I'm sorry you and your mother won't be able to go on your much deserved vacation. You and I are about the same age and I can only imagine what a strong young woman you are for taking such wonderful care of your mother. I hope you both still have a very merry Christmas!

I was wondering if anyone on the thread has been to WWOHP at IOA while staying at a Disney resort? My mom and I are planning on going our first full day there (the 23rd) while my dad and brother golf and I am thinking that we will use Mears transportation, has anyone else used Mears?

 

[lmbcdb]

Just curious....how long does it take for you to drive there?? Do you drive straight through?

I have NO idea. Our first trip was off season, so we flew pretty cheap. I can't find airfare for the 4 of us for less than $1200, and I have estimated driving to be $500.

Google says 17 hours, other sites say 18-19. No telling. Especially with small children. It may be Valentine's Day before we get there!

We are not driving straight through - I think it's too dangerous with the possibility of falling asleep at the wheel.

We are going to drive as far as we can, and when we feel we need to sleep or the kids are going nuts, I'm going to go online to Priceline and find a motel.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

I have NO idea. Our first trip was off season, so we flew pretty cheap. I can't find airfare for the 4 of us for less than $1200, and I have estimated driving to be $500.

Google says 17 hours, other sites say 18-19. No telling. Especially with small children. It may be Valentine's Day before we get there!

We are not driving straight through - I think it's too dangerous with the possibility of falling asleep at the wheel.

We are going to drive as far as we can, and when we feel we need to sleep or the kids are going nuts, I'm going to go online to Priceline and find a motel.

We drive everywhere because I don't like flying. It's just interesting to see how far away people will drive from!

Stopping overnight is a good idea! Safe travels!!

 

[lmbcdb]

exwdwcm~ Thanks for the live updates!!! I am especially excited to hear about Soarin... Jack measured at 37 inches at his 2 year old appt which was 8 months ago, and he had no problem getting on Barnstormer where they did actually measure him.

Is Soarin' 38 or 40"?

 

[Vickis3js]

another great day- started off at AK- it was freezing this am- literally in the low/mid 30s.

We arrived about 9:15, immediately headed to EE, there were zero lines for FP and only 10 minute standby for the ride. so we got FPs and rode standby too. then headed to safari for a 20 minute wait posted, but we walked right on. More animals were out than i thought considering the temps. Saw more cheerleaders today too- they were all over the place, but no loud cheering! we went to the planet watch at the end of the day and saw Pochohantas, Rafiki and Jiminy Cricket with zero line.

crowds seemed heavy in the walkways etc. but the lines for the rides were minimal. 20 minutes for primeval whirl, 10 minutes for dinosaur (and these were probably at like 11am or so). no line for ITTBAB. We had a great day but are pooped! back at BLT now enjoying our only dinner in this week- frozen lasagna -thanks Stouffers.

i saw the snowman popcorn buckets- super cute!!! i think like $8-$9.

they are doing the 20% coupons on the fast food dining receipts too!!! you have to use it before noon at world of disney, emporium, island mercantiles, mickey's of hollywood or mousegears.

they also have the fleece blankets for $16.95 with $40 purchase. an adorable bag- it looks like fake leather and i've seen different colors- i got a green bag with a bow and cute silver mickey keychain on it- $11.95 with $25 purchase. I'll try and post a pic of it. i saw blue and red at other locations too. seems each location has only one color.

The fleece blanket is the same one they had last year of hte castle in blues/purples. there is also a 'throw', but i haven't gotten a good look at it.

i also saw a watch for $9.99, but not sure how much you had to purchase for it.

hope that helps for anyone planning! off to put up my feet and prepare for hte mad dash to TSM in the morning!!!!

Sounds like you are having a great time despite the cold. When DH and I went in March they had a major cheer competition. Talk about ANNOYING!! My DD is a cheerleader so I have nothing against them. We actually got stuck on the airplane home with a TON of them. I was ready to walk home!

Thanks so much for the with purchase info. I've been dying to know what I have the luxury to buy in 2 weeks!!

 

[Vickis3js]

We drive everywhere because I don't like flying. It's just interesting to see how far away people will drive from!

Stopping overnight is a good idea! Safe travels!!

We are driving too. I hate flying. I will do it but not wihtout anxiety attacks and a lot of tears. With the price of 5 its much cheaper to drive. Its about a 17hour drive from where we live. Well actually less since DH drives LOL. W#e stop overnight in GA. I earned $300 in gas cards from shopping sites and CC rewards so almost all of gas is paid for. Plus I got cracker barrel GCs from shopping sites too. We actually like the drive.

 

[Vickis3js]

i want to thank you all for your kind thoughts and words of encouragement.

however, my mother and I will not be celebrating any of our personal triumphs next week at disney

they took ultrasounds of her abdomen and found that her gallbladder was twice the size. because she has CHF, she is not a candidate to have it removed. they were able to stick a tube down her throat yesterday and drain the bile. we don't know if they were able to remove any of the stones. this is all upsetting.
i want my mom to be happy and strong again. both of us have overcame some of the worst tragedies life faces this past year and we really needed this trip. i am just frustrated with this situation. believe me, i am through the roof happy that my mom isn't in as much pain anymore--but i know she wanted this as much as i did.

i hope you all have a wonderful time in disney! you all deserve it and have been such fun with your planning. i wish you all nothing but pixie dust and magic

SOOOOO sorry to hear that. I am happy to hear your mom is feeling a bit better though. Will you guys be able to reschedule. (((HUGS))) to you and your mom!

 

[stephielela]

Is Soarin' 38 or 40"?

I believe Soarin is 40'', which is my concern, since I am pretty sure DS is 39''...

 

[stuffed withfluff]

SOOOOO sorry to hear that. I am happy to hear your mom is feeling a bit better though. Will you guys be able to reschedule. (((HUGS))) to you and your mom!

stuffed withfluff- I'm sorry you and your mother won't be able to go on your much deserved vacation. You and I are about the same age and I can only imagine what a strong young woman you are for taking such wonderful care of your mother. I hope you both still have a very merry Christmas!

I was wondering if anyone on the thread has been to WWOHP at IOA while staying at a Disney resort? My mom and I are planning on going our first full day there (the 23rd) while my dad and brother golf and I am thinking that we will use Mears transportation, has anyone else used Mears?

well we are from TX and so it is really cold to us. It's been in the 30s today and yesterday, so we had on our winter coats. I am glad i brought them, i almost didn't. Today, i wore a tank top, 3/4 sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt/hoodie thing and then a fleece vest over there, plus gloves, heavy scarf. wore it all day long, that cold all day long. We've seen people in shorts and flips flops that are freezing......i am guessing they didn't pack anything else or check the weather- either that or they are from antartica! the 40s are probably more doable in a fleece with layers.

have a great trip Emma!!!!! happy vacation eve!

good luck on the job interview

my DH just held our son as we walked up. WE had FPs, so we just walked up, me first, then my MIL and niece, followed by DH carrying him. The guy didn't even look. maybe he was busy checking FPs or whatever and it was pretty busy over there as always. Then at the next stop, the girl sort of looked at us for a minute, but never asked.

Oh no- huge HUGS and prayers for you and your mom- i hope she continues to feel better and that you are able to reschedule your trip for a time when you the two of you can truly enjoy and celebrate together with her in better health.

Dear December 2010 posters, I attempted to read the entire thread in order to get to know the regular posters, but it's waaaaaaay too long. I have exciting news to share, along with some questions to ask. I am sorry to StuffedwithFluff about not being able to take your trip, and I hope that your Mom feels and gets better very soon.

We are Disney addicts, and I am surprising my 16 yr old DD (soon to be 17) for a 4 night trip to Orlando. This trip will be just us girls, DH and DS are too busy deer hunting. What isn't fun is that since I am surprising her, I can't share the good news with her and all the fun planning So, I came to the best place I knew where I would receive fun feedback and conversation with other Disney-lovers.

Her birthday is Dec 22nd and we fly out of Memphis for Orlando on Dec 26-Dec 30. We are staying at the Hilton at Downtown Disney. So far, I have not decided on a park itinerary. We will have 4 days and nights, and one half day (arrival day). Our flight home leaves MCO at 7pm. One of the full days will be spent at IOA, since we are both huge Harry Potter fans. We visited the WWOHP this summer and cannot wait to go back. Our main reason for visiting WDW will be to enjoy the Christmas decorations and ride a few of our favorite rides and attractions. She and I both love the "insider" info we find in books and online, and looking for hidden mickeys.

I usually plan a trip 6+ months in advance, I've never booked and taken a trip to WDW with such short notice before. I would love to get itinerary and event suggestions from everyone. We'd like to tour all 4 parks, but need to fit it all into 3 days. We might omit AK if it will save a significant amount of money and stress.

Sorry for being so long winded. Hope to hear back from lots of you guys!!!!

MTMom from Arkansas

I'm so sorry you have to postpone! I know that nothing is really going to take the sting out of that, but at least your mom is feeling better. Maybe you can channel the frustration into planning an even better trip for later? I'm sad for you!

Oh no! I am so, so sorry. I'm sure your poor mom feels terrible about it for you. I know I did when we had to cancel because I was sick. Just give her lots of hugs, love, and support. Any time together, anywhere is precious.

I'm so sorry. Cherish the time you have together, and know that no matter what happens, you will always strengthen each other. I hope that you get to take your postponed (not cancelled) trip soon.

Sorry to hear this, but glad that she's feeling a bit better. That means that you have more time to plan for your next celebration. Enjoy your time together.

thank you all. i will be releasing all of our ADR's ( i will post them on the forum for that topic but i wanted you all to know first)

12/12
Mama Melrose’s 3:15

Sci-Fi Dine-in Theatre 8:50

Monday 12/13

Chef Mickey’s 8:30

Tuesday 12/14

1900 Park Fare 8:15

50’s Prime Time Café 1:55

Brown Derby 7:25

Wednesday 12/15

Tutto Italia 11:30

Coral Reef 5:10
Candlelight Processional

Thursday 12/16

Liberty Tree Tavern 1:25

Citricos 8:05


Friday 12/17

Cape May Café 7:55

Via Napoli 11:30

La Hacienda 5:30

Departure Day Saturday 12/18

Tusker House 9:55

each were for two. i hope this makes someones day

 

[carrie6466]

So soory to hear this! I do hope you get a chance to reschedule and enjoy either when your mom is doing better.

i want to thank you all for your kind thoughts and words of encouragement.

however, my mother and I will not be celebrating any of our personal triumphs next week at disney

they took ultrasounds of her abdomen and found that her gallbladder was twice the size. because she has CHF, she is not a candidate to have it removed. they were able to stick a tube down her throat yesterday and drain the bile. we don't know if they were able to remove any of the stones. this is all upsetting.
i want my mom to be happy and strong again. both of us have overcame some of the worst tragedies life faces this past year and we really needed this trip. i am just frustrated with this situation. believe me, i am through the roof happy that my mom isn't in as much pain anymore--but i know she wanted this as much as i did.

i hope you all have a wonderful time in disney! you all deserve it and have been such fun with your planning. i wish you all nothing but pixie dust and magic

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

We are driving too. I hate flying. I will do it but not wihtout anxiety attacks and a lot of tears. With the price of 5 its much cheaper to drive. Its about a 17hour drive from where we live. Well actually less since DH drives LOL. W#e stop overnight in GA. I earned $300 in gas cards from shopping sites and CC rewards so almost all of gas is paid for. Plus I got cracker barrel GCs from shopping sites too. We actually like the drive.

Our trip is a 10-hour drive straight through, but it generally takes 12 hours with bathroom breaks and eating out. We sleep overnight in GA, too (Savannah). We like to stop halfway on the way down and then drive home in one stretch on the way back.

 

[TruBlu]

I'm so shocked. Just yesterday they were saying she had weeks to live. I wonder if they knew it would be that quick?

(I saw John Edwards in Target in Durham, NC once!)

He and Elizabeth visited our church once, and one of my friend's DD's used to spend the night at their house a lot. That was all before we knew what a snake John is... so very sad.

 

[Tink Mick Koda Miles]

Here Now!!! It is good but I'm not freezing by any means and I think it is supposed to go up now.. Plane was delayed for an hr because they couldnt get it balanced so we had to sit IN the plane for that time.. my 2yr old was done by the time we were ready to take off.. the flight was bumpy and take off was terrible.. I HATE FLYING!! Already feeling anxiety about coming home next week. Went to AK for alittle today.. got the popcorn bucket with regular popcorn in it by "its a bugs life" it came to $9 and change SUPER CUTE! Everyone was asking where I got it. Waits on rides weren't bad.. I think the longest I saw at AK was 25 mins for Everest but DH walked right on in the single rider line. It's not packed but it's not dead either. I've been seeing lots of cheerleaders everywhere but none annoying yet I have some pictures to post later but need to get to sleep!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Here Now!!! It is good but I'm not freezing by any means and I think it is supposed to go up now.. Plane was delayed for an hr because they couldnt get it balanced so we had to sit IN the plane for that time.. my 2yr old was done by the time we were ready to take off.. the flight was bumpy and take off was terrible.. I HATE FLYING!! Already feeling anxiety about coming home next week. Went to AK for alittle today.. got the popcorn bucket with regular popcorn in it by "its a bugs life" it came to $9 and change SUPER CUTE! Everyone was asking where I got it. Waits on rides weren't bad.. I think the longest I saw at AK was 25 mins for Everest but DH walked right on in the single rider line. It's not packed but it's not dead either. I've been seeing lots of cheerleaders everywhere but none annoying yet I have some pictures to post later but need to get to sleep!

Glad you made it there safely. You'll make it home just as safely, so try not to worry!!

I have family members who are in the cheerleading competitions down there!

 

[RachaelA]

Oh my did you see what Monday's temps changed too 49 high and 25 low. That's our MK day and we're seeing Wishes/MSEP at night. Now I might have to bring have to bring my light winter coat. Ahhhhh!

 

[happenin2you]

Just did online check in for my flight! I'll be flying out in less than 24 hours!