Oh it's a Jolly Holiday with Masseys, a Pre Trip Report

[luvpoohandcompany]

Wow your trip is getting really close! So exciting!
Love the ears especially the Snow White ones

 

[vamassey1]

Congrats... but I have no idea what you're talking about!

College football. https://www.espn.com/college-footba...s-ed-orgeron-joe-burrow-clyde-edwards-helaire

Getting close!

Ohhh sooo close!

ooooohhh….

awwwwwww....

That's pretty standard, actually.

In the past we didn't need the full 2 hours. Still try to work out what time we want to leave.

Me too. I'm the exact same.

#firstworldproblems

Very much so!

I just went to guest services (happened to be at DHS at the time). It was fairly quick. Maybe... 5-10 minutes? Painless (except to the bank account.)

I'm planning on doing this in DHS too.

Hmm... This I'm wondering about. Photopass is free with an AP. Hopefully they'll credit you for yours, but... I think if it was me, I'd see if I could get it refunded, or call and ask if it will be credited to the AP before I go. You don't want to get there and "I'm sorry, but since you've technically started using it, we can't give you a credit."

I think I read that I can use it towards the cost of the upgrade. I'm going to have to spend some time on that thread to make sure.

 

[vamassey1]

So good to hear an update on your plans. It reminded me I need to email our TA and make sure she has our flight info for Magical Express. I also want to confirm that she requested connecting rooms for us - I'm really hoping we get them, as it would make it so much more fun to be able to wander between the rooms.

I hope you get your connecting rooms.

I had a weird thing with our Magic Bands. I ordered a special one for me (the white one with Cinderella castle on it ), and that order is saying "pick up at resort". The other order for the boys' room is being mailed. Not sure why the difference?? I'm guessing it's because of my special order, but I haven't heard anyone else talk about that.

That is weird. We got our bands on Friday. Everyone has colored bands except for DH. He wanted the Darth Vadar one.

I'm really getting desperate about them extending the park hours - I mean, they can't really open DHS at 9am every day when it's right after the opening of RotR AND the week before Christmas, right?!?!

They extended out first MK day to 11. I'm really glad and hope it gives us time to take a break after our last FP and before our dinner.

I've also been reading reports that the Skyliner doesn't start operating until 8am, and that has me concerned as well. I really thought we'd jump on there early in the morning, and be at DHS well before rope drop. Our whole group is so excited for RotR and two of my sons and my son's girlfriend haven't seen Galaxy's Edge at all yet. We really want to be in the first group of people entering the land. I'm now tossing around renting a car for the week? Not having much luck finding a good rate though.

I don't think we'll use the Skyliner to get to a park for opening. I'm too worried it will have us cutting it too close. It will be the buses for us. Good luck finding a good rate on a rental car.

I've always thought the ears were so cute too - and your Christmas ones are adorable! I love that you have special ones for your different outfits too. I haven't even started to think about outfits yet. Honestly, I'm not even sure what to expect with the weather. I should start thinking about that, especially if I decide I want to order something. I wonder if the Disney store will have Christmas merch out on Black Friday - I guess they probably will - have to add that to my list.

Thank you! I'm excited about wearing my Ears. It really helps control the hair. I'm still working on outfits. It really is hard to pack when it could be hot or cool. The Disney Store usually has Black Friday sales. I got an email that they are some early Black Friday deals.

I'm so excited for Danielle. My niece is still planning to apply for next fall, and my sister and I are praying every day that she gets in. She's wanted this for so many years.

Tell you niece not to give up. It takes lots of kids several tries. It took Danielle 2.

Good luck with Thanksgiving! I'm so happy that all my kids will be home for the holiday

Thanks again. I'm glad you'll be celebrating with all your kids. This will be the first Thanksgiving in a while that I'll have all 3 kids.

 

[vamassey1]

30 days! It's getting close!

Yes it is!

Ouch, with a 6 o'clock flight, that really does mean an early morning for you guys! But if there's ever anything that'll keep you trekking it's the excitement you get going to WDW.

I'm hoping it does keep us going. DHS doesn't really have a place to rest your eyes. I would like to Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM but if we're too tired we'll just head to the room after dinner.

I love the animal print! Just hold on to them tight on KS.

Thank you! I'm not going to lose them if I can help it.

These are really cute, as well. They'll look great at the meal.

Thank you! I'm looking forward to showing the Evil Queen.

I recently watched a vlog covering some of the party snacks, and you're right...there are a lot! I'm sure whatever you decide on will be delicious.

So much good food!

 

[vamassey1]

Wow your trip is getting really close! So exciting!
Love the ears especially the Snow White ones

Yes it is very exciting!

I'm hoping the Evil Queen likes my Ears too.

 

[pkondz]

College football. https://www.espn.com/college-footba...s-ed-orgeron-joe-burrow-clyde-edwards-helaire

Thanks for that.

I think I read that I can use it towards the cost of the upgrade. I'm going to have to spend some time on that thread to make sure.

Yeah, something you’d want to find out ahead of time.

 

[afwdwfan]

Can I just say we're walking on air and I feel Christmas came early this year because LSU defeated Alabama!

Congratulations!

I almost forgot to include this little fun. I found this at the Dollar Tree. I picked up a few for the girls to wear at the party. The lights blink, flash and just light up. Not bad for $1.

They look just like the ones they sell at Disney World and cost probably about 24 dollars less. Good find!

I'm hoping its gets to see another Championship celebration, if not it's not the end of the world, at least we beat Alabama.

Yes, we get it. You beat Bama!

I'm planning on converting my 7 day hopper to an annual pass. I want to do it on our first day to take advantage of some discounts

Good idea!

 

[mFont23]

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S GETTING SO CLOSE.


At this point, we’re packing things. With Thanksgiving being such a big ordeal for us this year, it helps break up this last month of waiting. We’re in Thanksgiving mode right now, then as soon as it ends, we basically need to start making sure all the clothes are clean and ready to pack.


I’ve had a lot of guilt about going and not having my husband or Gia with us. I know it’s technically Mom’s trip, and I’m tagging along, but the guilt is still there. With Disney+ coming out, Jimmy is even MORE Disney Drunk lately, and it’s getting to him that we’ll be there without him in a few weeks. With so many things going on and up in the air, we decided to cancel our February trip in hopes of being able to book a trip for my 30th birthday in June while Danielle is working (and she also turns 21 two days after my birthday). We’re just in this limbo of job land where he’s working 1,200 miles away and do we move? Do we keep doing what we’re doing? Is this permanent? Should he keep an eye open to something down home? It’s complicated. But I figured at some point that Gia would need to know, and hear it from me, that I’d be in Disney in December without her. So I asked her Mom if Gia knew that she was going in February with them. She said yes but that she also let it slip about my trip.


Jaw dropped. Oh, crap. I’m like… how did that go?!


She said she explained that I was going on Minnie and Grumpy’s trip, but only for a few days. Gia’s like, “ONLY A FEW DAYS?! I’m not jealous of that!” But Gia did ask if I could just go in February and we just have a girls trip. Me, Gia, and her Mom. I mean, if I’m spending that kind of money it’s unlikely I’d do it on a trip withOUT my son and husband, and WITH her mother. BUTTTTTT knowing that’s how she felt just absolutely warmed my heart to no end. Our situation is a new and different thing every day to me. I never grew up like this and didn’t have any friends in these situations, either. Not really. So navigating it is always hard, but apparently we’re doing something right!


So now that the cat’s out the bag, it’s been easier for me to pack, buy things, etc. I try not to rub anything in her face, of course. But my suitcase it in my room and filling up with things like Christmas lights and airplane entertainment, and it’s not a big deal!


That being said… WE GOT OUR MAGIC BANDS IN!!!!


Gia went back to her Mom on Sunday night, so Monday night I went to Moms. I’m so glad this is Mom’s trip. She’s been handling all the business in the front, and I just get to bring the party in the back. We’re like a Disney Mullet.


We ordered things for our magic bands MONTHS ago. I brought it all over. Danielle was a sourpuss and didn’t want anything. Dad ended up ordering a Darth Vadar band and didn’t want to add anything, but we had already gotten him a small mickey rudolph head for the puck center. Mom plans to use all her different old bands for outfit coordinating. Dad doesn’t care. I don’t really care this trip, and Danielle is kinda clocked out since she’ll be there for 6 months anyway.

ISN’T IT BEAUTIFUL?!


Left to right:

• Mom’s very merry Christmas band cover and separate mickey santa puck with monogram
• Danielle’s plain blue band and the Rudoplh mickey puck detail Dad refused. Which she also threw a fit about. It’s a sticker… if you’re going to be a funsucker, just take it off.
• JP’s puck was put into a “magic band buddy” I ordered off of Etsy. I let him choose between several designs. He chose Beast! I love it. Last trip, I did a Mike Wasowski and the puck had a white sticker to be the one eye.
• MINE! Covered in a Christmas GLOW IN THE DARK band cover with a separate peppermint swirl monogram mickey puck detail. I’m in love with it, duh.
• Then Dad’s Vadar band. He hasn’t seen it since I put the mickey puck detail from my band on it. SUCKER!

At mom’s last night, we also went over outfit choices. Danielle decided to finally think about it. She has finals that week and will be so awful and stressed, so I’m glad she’s FINALLY thinking about it. It’s just as important to our own well being that Danielle be prepared as it is for her own well being. We don’t refer to her as Tinkerbell for nothing!


I also made JP a sweatshirt that Jimmy had requested I make for him. He’s wearing it today. Mom’s the one with the cutter and press. So I use her stuff all the time.

He’s a big momma’s boy!


But I still have three more shirts to make for him for Disney. I was able to make one last night. Can you guess who he is?

Hint: he’s saying “ROARRRRRR” here.


I made this shirt with just the heat transfer vinyls we had at mom’s house. AND IT WORKED OUT GREAT! All on a $4 shirt from Target!


So that’s about where we are right now? HOW IS EVERYONE ELSE?!


...also, yes, I’ve already decorated for Christmas. My husband requested it be a winter wonderland before he comes home for Thanksgiving so we can enjoy the holiday season together, longer. And bah-humbug to anyone that doesn’t love spreading Christmas cheer as much and as long as possible!

Lastly...
We have opening night tickets to Frozen 2 on Thursday. BECAUSE MOM'S BIRTHDAY IS FRIDAY! I thought about making her a shirt that says FROZEN at 29. HAHAHAH. But we're going to dinner and then all going to see Frozen 2 at a local theater. Got the tickets last week or so. Gia's at her mom's, but her and her mom's family are coming too. And my in laws. What better way to celebrate my angel of a mother than going to see the newest Disney movie with a smorgasbord of people. Because my mom has always operated under the notion that everyone that walks through the door is family.

So, happy early birthday, Mom. Thank you for being an inspiration, a great support, and the best friend. I know we'll be celebrating with people that were brought into our life by me- and not by you, but we're able to do this because of how accepting and loving you are! Your character and heart are immeasurable. You embody all that is the Disney and Christmas spirit, everyday. I love you!

 

[pkondz]

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S GETTING SO CLOSE.

Woot!

I’ve had a lot of guilt about going and not having my husband or Gia with us.

it’s getting to him that we’ll be there without him in a few weeks.

Awww... poor little guy.

We’re just in this limbo of job land where he’s working 1,200 miles away and do we move? Do we keep doing what we’re doing? Is this permanent? Should he keep an eye open to something down home? It’s complicated.

Wow. Yeah, that's complicated... and big questions.

“ONLY A FEW DAYS?! I’m not jealous of that!”

Well... okay, then!

if I’m spending that kind of money it’s unlikely I’d do it on a trip withOUT my son and husband, and WITH her mother. BUTTTTTT knowing that’s how she felt just absolutely warmed my heart to no end.

WE GOT OUR MAGIC BANDS IN!!!!

Yay!!!

HOW IS EVERYONE ELSE?!

Doing okay. Working too much, but that's normal. Looking forward to having a few days off around Christmas.

I’ve already decorated for Christmas. My husband requested it be a winter wonderland before he comes home for Thanksgiving so we can enjoy the holiday season together, longer.

Very good reason to decorate.

And bah-humbug to anyone that doesn’t love spreading Christmas cheer as much and as long as possible!

I try to hold off until December 1st.... Then it's game on, baby!

BECAUSE MOM'S BIRTHDAY IS FRIDAY!

Oh! Happy (early) Birthday, Vanessa!

I thought about making her a shirt that says FROZEN at 29. HAHAHAH.

 

[KSL]

I don't know how you guys do the thing where you have pieces of quotes with your replies underneath, so I'm just gonna go with this....

Your trip IS getting so close! Mine too -- one month from today (so, on Dec. 19), I will arrive at WDW with my mom and eldest daughter. So excited! DH and DDs #2 & #3 arrive two days later. WooHoo!

Wow it sounds like your relationship with Gia is so special, and kudos to all of the adults in her world for fostering that -- you are lucky and blessed! I love my stepmom dearly but would never (at any age, and she's been in my life since I was 4) suggest she come on vacation with my mom and I. It is two separate worlds entirely, and that does make things tricky even now that I'm grown and have my own children. So all of you coordinating for her benefit is really a wonderful gift, which I know she will appreciate more and more.

LOVE YOUR MAGIC BAND STICKERS!!! Can you share where you got them? I wonder if there's time for me to order something. Selfish whine alert: DH and I decided to splurge (I mean, why stop now? This whole trip is a splurge!) and get upgraded Magic Bands for this trip. I'm sure you all know the difficulty of getting these, which is exacerbated by having so many in our group (six). So when it came time to order, everyone got a fun, upgraded MB except me, but I was like, "we need to get what we can NOW because next time we look they might not be there!" I liked the ones my DD's got but didn't want to duplicate. So whaaaaa poor me, I've got plain red band (it's Christmasy, at least). But if I could get a festive sticker, that would be so fun!! Ok, whine over.

JP is unquestionably the cutest Beast in the realm!

We just took our Christmas stuff down from storage today. (We have a SNOW DAY so DDs and DH are home from school, can you believe it? Ugh, I am already sick of Winter. I really need to move South!). I don't think we'll put it up until after Thanksgiving, but I went through the bins to see what to keep out for decorating and what to put back. We're doing "Christmas-lite" with decorations this year since we'll be gone from the 19th to the 28th.

Happy Early Birthday to Vanessa!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I'm just happy to get her in a shirt that covers her bum. Every year we have the "leggings are not pants" fight. But she picked this shirt out! And i love it!

EVERY DAY!!! EVERY DAY I have that fight. This year, I went out and purchased a bunch of shirts long enough for leggings.

Down to 36 sleeps! How many for you?

Woo Hoo!! As of today 10 days!!!!

I purchased 2 pairs of Christmas Ears right after Christmas 2018 when they were marked down. I can't wait to wear these.

Cute! I refrained from ears, they give me a head ache and I just end up carrying them instead.

I almost forgot to include this little fun. I found this at the Dollar Tree. I picked up a few for the girls to wear at the party. The lights blink, flash and just light up. Not bad for $1.

I got some of these as well!

She said she explained that I was going on Minnie and Grumpy’s trip, but only for a few days. Gia’s like, “ONLY A FEW DAYS?! I’m not jealous of that!”

Ha! I love it! My girls took the fact that we went with out them pretty well. We said we were doing all the things they didn't want to do. But I dont' think you can do that when you have your little one with you.

But Gia did ask if I could just go in February and we just have a girls trip. Me, Gia, and her Mom. I mean, if I’m spending that kind of money it’s unlikely I’d do it on a trip withOUT my son and husband, and WITH her mother.

Bless her Heart!!!! It does really mean you guys are doing something right, that she thinks that would be an option.

We’re like a Disney Mullet.

Ha!

 

[smilie]

...also, yes, I’ve already decorated for Christmas. My husband requested it be a winter wonderland before he comes home for Thanksgiving so we can enjoy the holiday season together, longer. And bah-humbug to anyone that doesn’t love spreading Christmas cheer as much and as long as possible!

Love the tree and shirt!! I put my tree up this week while I was home from work sick. Merry Christmas!!!! And Happy Birthday to an amazing Mom!!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

We’re like a Disney Mullet.

Thank you for being an inspiration, a great support, and the best friend. I know we'll be celebrating with people that were brought into our life by me- and not by you, but we're able to do this because of how accepting and loving you are! Your character and heart are immeasurable. You embody all that is the Disney and Christmas spirit, everyday. I love you!

This actually made me tear up a little! I can only hope that my children say such lovely things about me! A very happy birthday to an awesome mum!

JP is unquestionably the cutest Beast in the realm!

I totally agree!!

I love that Gia is so confident in all your love for her that she wants to do a girls trip with both her mums. What an amazing tribute to you all for making her so happy.
Sorry Jimmy is struggling with being away from you all. I hope you have a lovely time celebrating thanksgiving and that the answers to some of your questions becomes clear. Take care of yourselves

 

[vamassey1]

Congratulations!

Thank you!!

They look just like the ones they sell at Disney World and cost probably about 24 dollars less. Good find!

I thought so too.

Yes, we get it. You beat Bama!

I sure hope you're not a Bama fan.

Good idea!

Thank you!

 

[vamassey1]

She’s been handling all the business in the front, and I just get to bring the party in the back. We’re like a Disney Mullet.

You're such a great Party in the back!

Danielle’s plain blue band and the Rudoplh mickey puck detail Dad refused. Which she also threw a fit about. It’s a sticker… if you’re going to be a funsucker, just take it off.

Then Dad’s Vadar band. He hasn’t seen it since I put the mickey puck detail from my band on it. SUCKER!

And "2 glasses of wine Michelle" told them what we did last night.

Danielle decided to finally think about it. She has finals that week and will be so awful and stressed, so I’m glad she’s FINALLY thinking about it. It’s just as important to our own well being that Danielle be prepared as it is for her own well being. We don’t refer to her as Tinkerbell for nothing!

When Danielle is stressed everyone is stressed. I really hope exams go well.

What better way to celebrate my angel of a mother than going to see the newest Disney movie with a smorgasbord of people. Because my mom has always operated under the notion that everyone that walks through the door is family.

We did have a good time last night. Everyone enjoyed the movie. And you're way too kind to me.

So, happy early birthday, Mom. Thank you for being an inspiration, a great support, and the best friend. I know we'll be celebrating with people that were brought into our life by me- and not by you, but we're able to do this because of how accepting and loving you are! Your character and heart are immeasurable. You embody all that is the Disney and Christmas spirit, everyday. I love you!

Thank you! You make me feel very special.

 

[vamassey1]

Oh! Happy (early) Birthday, Vanessa!

Thank you!!

I don't know how you guys do the thing where you have pieces of quotes with your replies underneath, so I'm just gonna go with this....

It's really easy. Highlight what you want to quote. Once you do that it give you the choice +Quote, click that. Go through the post and repeat this. Once your done go to the replay space and add quotes. It ask you to confirm you want to add these quote, confirm and then put your replied under each quoted section. I hope it didn't make this sound too hard.

Can you share where you got them? I wonder if there's time for me to order something.

We got them on Etsy. Just do a search of Christmas Magic Band decals. If the shop isn't too far away you should have time to order.

Happy Early Birthday to Vanessa!

Thank you!!!

Woo Hoo!! As of today 10 days!!!!

How man now?

I got some of these as well!

Great minds think alike.

This actually made me tear up a little! I can only hope that my children say such lovely things about me! A very happy birthday to an awesome mum!

Michelle really does have a way with words. She make me tear up very often.

 

[mFont23]

Woot!

Wow. Yeah, that's complicated... and big questions.

Well... okay, then!

I try to hold off until December 1st.... Then it's game on, baby!

Jimmy would leave it up year round if I let him. I made a mickey wreath for him this week. He will love it!

Awww... poor little guy.

Wow. Yeah, that's complicated... and big questions.

Mine too -- one month from today (so, on Dec. 19), I will arrive at WDW with my mom and eldest daughter. So excited! DH and DDs #2 & #3 arrive two days later. WooHoo!

I don't know how you guys do the thing where you have pieces of quotes with your replies underneath, so I'm just gonna go with this....

Mom said it.... LOL

Wow it sounds like your relationship with Gia is so special, and kudos to all of the adults in her world for fostering that -- you are lucky and blessed! I love my stepmom dearly but would never (at any age, and she's been in my life since I was 4) suggest she come on vacation with my mom and I. It is two separate worlds entirely, and that does make things tricky even now that I'm grown and have my own children. So all of you coordinating for her benefit is really a wonderful gift, which I know she will appreciate more and more.

Thank you. Means more than you know.

LOVE YOUR MAGIC BAND STICKERS!!! Can you share where you got them? I wonder if there's time for me to order something. Selfish whine alert: DH and I decided to splurge (I mean, why stop now? This whole trip is a splurge!) and get upgraded Magic Bands for this trip. I'm sure you all know the difficulty of getting these, which is exacerbated by having so many in our group (six). So when it came time to order, everyone got a fun, upgraded MB except me, but I was like, "we need to get what we can NOW because next time we look they might not be there!" I liked the ones my DD's got but didn't want to duplicate. So whaaaaa poor me, I've got plain red band (it's Christmasy, at least). But if I could get a festive sticker, that would be so fun!! Ok, whine over.

I haven't heard of issues getting the new ones, other than TRYING TO ORDER THEM. That was a huge pain. Which is why I just went the festive route. I'll post the links! But, yes, ETSY!

We just took our Christmas stuff down from storage today. (We have a SNOW DAY so DDs and DH are home from school, can you believe it? Ugh, I am already sick of Winter. I really need to move South!). I don't think we'll put it up until after Thanksgiving, but I went through the bins to see what to keep out for decorating and what to put back. We're doing "Christmas-lite" with decorations this year since we'll be gone from the 19th to the 28th.

SNOW DAY ALREADY?!? We've had several days in the 30s... BEFORE HALLOWEEN! It's crazy. But it's made for a beautiful Fall. The leaves this year with the early cold snap are just gorgeous.

EVERY DAY!!! EVERY DAY I have that fight. This year, I went out and purchased a bunch of shirts long enough for leggings.

I got some of these as well!

We went Saturday and got more LOL

My girls took the fact that we went with out them pretty well. We said we were doing all the things they didn't want to do

JP and Gia like different things, so this is something good to remind her.

Bless her Heart!!!! It does really mean you guys are doing something right, that she thinks that would be an option.

Love the tree and shirt!! I put my tree up this week while I was home from work sick. Merry Christmas!!!! And Happy Birthday to an amazing Mom!!

Thanks!! Nothing like enjoying the Christmas spirit!

I love that Gia is so confident in all your love for her that she wants to do a girls trip with both her mums. What an amazing tribute to you all for making her so happy.
Sorry Jimmy is struggling with being away from you all. I hope you have a lovely time celebrating thanksgiving and that the answers to some of your questions becomes clear. Take care of yourselves

You're such a great Party in the back!

Thanks, Ma!

And "2 glasses of wine Michelle" told them what we did last night.

Whatever. They'll both love it and you know it. They're just hard to get to the fun part.

When Danielle is stressed everyone is stressed. I really hope exams go well.

YUUUUUUUUUUP.

Thank you! You make me feel very special.

Well you are very special.

 

[mFont23]

Okay... Magic band Decorations...

Beast Magic Band Buddy
Gia's already asking for a Stitch one for her trip with her Mom. So I'm getting her that for Christmas. I just saw today that they're taking the slap bracelets off the shelves and I'm so sad.

Christmas MB decals Shop
This is where basically all of our other decals came from except my band cover.

My MB Decal
AND IT GLOWS IN THE DARK!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

So Cute!

I just saw today that they're taking the slap bracelets off the shelves and I'm so sad.

I mean didn't they learn this lesson back in the 90's? I literally laughed out loud when I saw that. Oye.

 

[pkondz]

Jimmy would leave it up year round if I let him. I made a mickey wreath for him this week. He will love it!