"One More Waffle!" An October 2011 TR! *Update 4/24, pg 70-The End!*

[ditsypixie]

So excited (and jealous! ) you are going back so soon! We went last year right after Thanksgiving and got to experience it during the holidays. It was magical! Have a fantastic trip!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Woohoo that is great news!!! I look forward to hearing all about the ADRs (and changes ) as well as seeing photos of the christmas decorations

 

[Nermel9]

CONGRATS ON THE DEC TRIP!!!!!!!!!! Of course you have to put those APs to good use Can't wait for the details!!

Thanks! This trip would definitely NOT be happening without the AP's!

I was wondering if you had another trip in the works since I saw your picture on facebook (I think?) of your AP. haha SO jealous you get to see the Christmas stuff.

LOL, well, I bought the AP's to have for our May trip, but I figured I should at least get one more tiny trip out of them, right?

I think that's three of the best reasons. Enjoy your trip.

Thank you, I think so too!

Yahoo!!!! That is awesome news!

Thanks! I can't wait!

That's exciting news! Christmas time in Disney is one of the most magical times to be in the World, I think.

The candlelight processional was nice, however, we had Abigail Breslin as our narrator and she didn't do the best job of really making the story as grand as it should be. If I did it again, I'd want to book a package as well.

One of the things I dislike most about going from mid-September to mid-November is that they have all the lights set-up (or are setting them up) for the holidays and it takes away from the SoA specifically.

I refuse to let myself make a final decision on our next vacation until after the holidays are over. Greg's already asked me when we're going back to Disney. (Which he then hid behind his menu immediately after asking.) He asked BEFORE me this time! Uh oh, what have I created?!

I LOVE Christmas at Disney! I'm so happy we're finally going in December, I've wanted to for years, but we've always opted for November because of the low crowds. Since this is such a short trip, I don't really care so much about crowds!

I can't WAIT to see the CP! I did book a package, there's no way I'm going to wait all day to get a seat! I think our narrator is Neil Patrick Harris...that's just weird to me!

I was SO depressed seeing the Osborne Lights not lit up...it's just not right! As soon as I saw that, I started thinking "I gotta get back here for Christmas this year!"

You're lucky your DH wants to go back to Disney so badly, I pretty much have to drag Brandon there. I'm already slightly freaking out at the thought of no Disney after May next year! What am I going to do with myself?

That's so awesome, you're going to have a great time checking out all the holiday decor! I love the Osborne Lights, they're truly magical and gorgeous.

Thanks! I can't wait to see the holiday decorations! I love the Osborne Lights, I plan on watching them for at least 2 hours! I just want to immerse myself in Disney Christmas magic!

Yay! December is the best time to go, in my opinion. The Osbourne Lights are a must-do and the CP is really special.

I can't wait to FINALLY see the CP! We've gone the week before Thanksgiving 2 years in a row, and it's too early for the CP, so now I finally get to see it! I'm totally expecting to cry the whole time!

That's super exciting news.

You know, my mom and I took our first short trip over Thanksgiving last year, and I've really come to like the. It was a lot of fun and I would definitely do it again. Plus, gotta make good use out of those AP's!

Thanks! I think a short trip will be a lot of fun, just a quick weekend escape to Disney World! I just hope it doesn't make me think we can do it all the time now!

That is SO awesome!!! I hope you guys have a great time and also take me along pleaseeeee

Thanks! You can definitely come with us, hop in my suitcase!

 

[Nermel9]

OMG yay for another trip! That's awesome!

Thanks, I'm so excited!

Wohoo another trip! How is it possible I am jealous for your December trip when I leave soon?!

Can't wait to hear about it.

LOL, I'm much more jealous of your trip, you're going my favorite week, before Thanksgiving! And you're going for longer than 3 days!

Enjoyed seeing the pics of WL. We are thinking about a trip in May and we are trying to decide between WL and POR. I love POR but would like to try something different. Are the rooms at WL refrubished? Are the rooms nice? Hope to see some pics!

Thanks! The rooms at WL are not yet refurbished, I've heard that they are going to be soon, but I'm not sure when they are going to start! I didn't take pictures of the room this time, but if you go to the resorts boards, they have a whole section over there, just for pictures of resorts, and there are tons of room pics! I personally love the rooms, I love everything about WL, I would definitely go there instead of POR! POR is lovely, but WL is amazing! It's in such a great location, I love taking the boat to MK!

Very exciting! I'm sure it's going to be a great trip!

Thanks, I think it's going to be a lot of fun!

Yay on the December trip! I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Thanks, I'm sure we will have a great time too, there is nothing better than Disney during the holidays!

Congrats on your trip, Disney at Christmastime is so beautiful Which resort are you staying at?

Thanks, I love Disney at Christmas! I'll tell you guys all the details about where we're staying and everything in a future post, I'll do a mini PTR here, because I actually need some input about this trip! And we've already talked about switching resorts, of course! Wouldn't be a Jen and Brandon Disney trip if we didn't consider changing things around!

We're going to be in Disney at the same time in December! I'm going with a friend 12/9 - 12/12. Maybe we can meet up one day! Our plans are all the same except we don't have time for the candlelight processional.

I'm so excited!

Yay, you're going at the same time! I would love to try to meet up, but I have a feeling we're going to be running around like crazy since we only have 3 days to do everything, but once I get everything finalized, maybe we can figure something out! I wish we could leave on the 9th, that would make things so much easier!

 

[Nermel9]

Wooooo for another trip!!!

Disney at Christmas is absolutely amazing! I'm so jealous you'll get to see everything, especially those castle lights and the Osbourne lights!

Aren't APs the best? The rates you can get with them are unbelievable!! Excited to hear some plans!

Thanks! I can't wait to see all the Christmas stuff again! I love the castle lights, I could just stare at it for hours!

I love having an AP so far! I love the room discounts, that's a big reason I bought one! I'm wondering if I should get a TIW card too? Not sure if it's really worth it, I'll have to look into it! I'm going to to do a mini PTR in this TR, to talk about the plans for this trip!

for your December trip!

Don't forget the storytellers at Epcot. The Monkey King, Jules Niessen (sp.?), and La Befana are our favorites!!

Thanks!

I actually DO keep forgetting about the storytellers, thank you for reminding me! It looks like I will need a whole day for Epcot, then!

Jen, that is great news on your "surprise" trip to DW so you can see the Christmas lights. I'm so happy for you guys.

Thanks! I'm still kind of in shock that Brandon agreed, he is so Disney-ed out right now...I think he only went for it because we will only be there for 3 days!

Yayayaya!! That is so very exciting. I have to say I am SUPER jealous. I really want to go in December to see all the Christmas decorations.

Thanks! Going to see the Christmas decorations is so much fun, it's such a great time to go! I love going in the Fall, but I'm happiest in Disney during the Holiday season!

Wow, Jen! That's awesome! A short trip is better than NO trip, I always say! I can't believe poor Brandon has to go to work the night you come back! That really sucks but at least he will have spent the last 48 hours or so in Disney!

Thanks! It's going to be weird doing such a short trip, but I think we can get a lot accomplished! This trip is not going to be so much about attractions as it is Christmas decorations, and the CP!

I feel bad that Brandon has to work the same day, but we did the same thing when we went on our Disneymoon, we flew home that morning and he went to work. His job sucks, I wish I could just convince him to call out that day so we could come home at night, but I think if he calls out the day after taking a personal day, they won't pay him for the personal day or something stupid.

So excited (and jealous! ) you are going back so soon! We went last year right after Thanksgiving and got to experience it during the holidays. It was magical! Have a fantastic trip!

Thanks! I've always wanted to go right after Thanksgiving, it seems like a fun time to go! I'm going to love being there so close to Christmas, this is seriously the best Christmas present ever!

Woohoo that is great news!!! I look forward to hearing all about the ADRs (and changes ) as well as seeing photos of the christmas decorations

Thanks! LOL, there will definitely be changes, I'm already thinking about changing some things around! I don't know why I can't just leave things alone, it's just no fun that way!

 

[pinkxray]

John happened to be around yesterday when you posted about your upcoming trip and I told him where you are staying. He highly recommends that you switch to somewhere else. And this is John, who couldn't care less about anything Disney.

I say Boardwalk or AKL but those will probably bump the budget up too much. Oh well, you don't have to get me an xmas present either if that helps.

 

[Mrs T 2009]

What an awesome surprise!!!!

I've been begging my DH to go a weekend early in december, but nothing concrete yet! AAHH I am SO excited for you!!!!!

 

[tankgirl427]

My December trip is goign to be the same way of some crazy running around, we're flying in on the 9th after work, so 10 - 12th is packing as much Christmas stuff as we can in one weekend. I think I laid out those plans in my PTR. Or I can let you know after you discuss your plans if anything might match up.

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Simba22]

I feel bad that Brandon has to work the same day, but we did the same thing when we went on our Disneymoon, we flew home that morning and he went to work. His job sucks, I wish I could just convince him to call out that day so we could come home at night, but I think if he calls out the day after taking a personal day, they won't pay him for the personal day or something stupid.

My job does something like that too... we have to save up our Paid Time Off and we have to use that for EVERYTHING that is not a company observed closing. But, if we have a paid holiday on a Monday and then we call out on Tuesday, they won't pay us for the holiday.

BTW, have you said where you're going to stay yet? I don't remember if I saw that detail or not!

 

[kittylady1972]

Yippee for the upcoming trip! I just LOVE the parks decorated during the holidays and especially the Osborne Lights. It's one my FIL favorites as well. We planned two trips one year just so we could go back and see the holiday decorations with them!

A short trip is better than no trip at all and if you can do it on a budget, even better. That's one of the reasons I'm going to get an AP for our March trip in 2012. I already have one, but DH does not and with spending 5 days in March and another 5 days in November, it just makes sense to get him one as well. That way when our November trip comes up, I'm only paying for park passes for 3 kids (2 of which will be considered adults) instead of five of them. This will be good since I'll also be paying for the balance of the cruise too! I'm trying not to think to much about that amount that will hit us next summer!

 

[Missyrose]

Thanks, I'm glad I recovered also! WL is awesome, although I can understand moving to CR when you got the chance, I love how close CR is to MK! Did you like the pool area at CR? I really think the back of it needs a serious upgrade, but other than that, CR is beautiful!

I agree that the pool area at CR is a little sparse, but the rest of the hotel totally makes up for it...it's beautiful! And that private walkway to and from MK sure comes in handy when you see the lines for the monorail and ferries!

I'm envious of your picture with Cinderella's coach, that was one thing we didn't get to at MNSSHP. Next year, maybe?

That's funny that you keep hoping for a big drop on Space Mountain. The lack of a big drop is what gets this ride chicken to actually go on that ride!

 

[Nermel9]

John happened to be around yesterday when you posted about your upcoming trip and I told him where you are staying. He highly recommends that you switch to somewhere else. And this is John, who couldn't care less about anything Disney.

I say Boardwalk or AKL but those will probably bump the budget up too much. Oh well, you don't have to get me an xmas present either if that helps.

Haha, I told Brandon what John said and he agreed with him, and he's never even been there! He's such a deluxe snob now. He wanted to switch to WL, so I checked the price, and it would be over $800 for 3 nights, because all they have is Courtyard view with bunk beds available!

I'm thinking of staying at the Boardwalk in May. I really like it there!

What an awesome surprise!!!!

I've been begging my DH to go a weekend early in december, but nothing concrete yet! AAHH I am SO excited for you!!!!!

Thanks! I hope you get to do your weekend trip too!

My December trip is goign to be the same way of some crazy running around, we're flying in on the 9th after work, so 10 - 12th is packing as much Christmas stuff as we can in one weekend. I think I laid out those plans in my PTR. Or I can let you know after you discuss your plans if anything might match up.

Can't wait to hear more!

I still wish we could leave the 9th, like you are doing! But our flight is really early on the 10th so we basically have the whole day there! I just hope we can sleep the night before! I will have to check your PTR, I didn't even know you had one for this trip!

My job does something like that too... we have to save up our Paid Time Off and we have to use that for EVERYTHING that is not a company observed closing. But, if we have a paid holiday on a Monday and then we call out on Tuesday, they won't pay us for the holiday.

BTW, have you said where you're going to stay yet? I don't remember if I saw that detail or not!

All I get at my job is vacation days...we don't get personal days or sick days, but we are allowed to take unpaid days off if we want. Brandon isn't allowed to, so he can't just take a personal day Monday and then take Tuesday off unpaid. I think that's kind of stupid, but whatever. I'm glad we get to go at all!

I haven't said where we're staying yet, I was saving that for my next mini PTR update! And I'm still not sure if I'm changing it or not, knowing me, I probably will!

Yippee for the upcoming trip! I just LOVE the parks decorated during the holidays and especially the Osborne Lights. It's one my FIL favorites as well. We planned two trips one year just so we could go back and see the holiday decorations with them!

A short trip is better than no trip at all and if you can do it on a budget, even better. That's one of the reasons I'm going to get an AP for our March trip in 2012. I already have one, but DH does not and with spending 5 days in March and another 5 days in November, it just makes sense to get him one as well. That way when our November trip comes up, I'm only paying for park passes for 3 kids (2 of which will be considered adults) instead of five of them. This will be good since I'll also be paying for the balance of the cruise too! I'm trying not to think to much about that amount that will hit us next summer!

I love the parks during the holidays! I love going in November, like we did the past 2 years, but I always wanted to go closer to Christmas, and now we're finally getting to!

You should definitely get your DH an AP, it's so worth it if you are doing more than one trip in a year! I'm already trying to figure out how I can squeeze in a 4th trip with them after our anniversary trip in May next year!

I agree that the pool area at CR is a little sparse, but the rest of the hotel totally makes up for it...it's beautiful! And that private walkway to and from MK sure comes in handy when you see the lines for the monorail and ferries!

I'm envious of your picture with Cinderella's coach, that was one thing we didn't get to at MNSSHP. Next year, maybe?

That's funny that you keep hoping for a big drop on Space Mountain. The lack of a big drop is what gets this ride chicken to actually go on that ride!

I love the idea of walking to MK from CR, that's so cool! I wish they would do something with the pool area, it seems very 70's still! But the rest of the resort is amazing, I'd love to see one of the rooms in person, I've only seen them in pictures!

Isn't the coach so pretty? It's even prettier at night, all lit up, but I'm happy with what we got!

Haha, you're not a roller coaster person? I LOVE the big drops on roller coasters, I always wish for one on RnRC too!

 

[Missyrose]

I love the idea of walking to MK from CR, that's so cool! I wish they would do something with the pool area, it seems very 70's still! But the rest of the resort is amazing, I'd love to see one of the rooms in person, I've only seen them in pictures!

Isn't the coach so pretty? It's even prettier at night, all lit up, but I'm happy with what we got!

Haha, you're not a roller coaster person? I LOVE the big drops on roller coasters, I always wish for one on RnRC too!

OMG, soooooo not a roller coaster person. Growing up, BTM was the ONLY roller coaster I'd go on. Franklin managed to get me on Space Mountain for the first time last year and on R-n-R a few weeks ago (just wait for the SUPER unattractive ride photo I'm going to post from that inaugural ride on my TR!)

 

[Nermel9]

OMG, soooooo not a roller coaster person. Growing up, BTM was the ONLY roller coaster I'd go on. Franklin managed to get me on Space Mountain for the first time last year and on R-n-R a few weeks ago (just wait for the SUPER unattractive ride photo I'm going to post from that inaugural ride on my TR!)

LOL, can't wait! Those ride pictures are always so awful!

 

[Nermel9]

Boo to You!​

9/30

When we left off, I was sort of in a panic about what to do next at MNSSHP! The party had just started, and I already felt rushed, like there was too much to do and not enough time! Finally, I thought about the things I really wanted to see, and remembered that seeing Mickey and Minnie in their costumes was one of the things I wanted to do, so I asked Brandon if he minded walking to the beginning of Main Street. He was fine with it, so we were off to Main Street!

We got to Exposition Hall and checked the wait times. The Princesses had a long wait, over an hour, but the line for Mickey and Minnie was pretty short, under 30 minutes I think. So we got in line and in no time at all, it seemed like we were in the room, ready to meet Mickey and Minnie!

They looked so cute in their costumes! I always love meeting them together, they seem like such a nice couple, even though they can't speak!

Once we were finished with Mickey and Minnie, we went back outside to Main Street, and people were already lining up for the parade. It was around 7:40, and the parade was supposed to start at 8:15. I assumed we would watch the parade in Frontierland, like we always do at the Christmas parties, but as we walked up Main Street, we actually found a great spot along the curb, so we decided to just sit down and wait. I was pretty happy at the thought of seeing my first Boo to You parade on Main Street, it just seemed a little more magical, looking down the street and seeing the castle!

I passed the time by playing with the settings on the new camera to try to find a good setting for nice parade pictures. Before I knew it, it was almost 8:15, and the CM's were clearing people off of Main Street! Time for the Headless Horseman!

I knew I wouldn't be able to get a good picture, since I assumed he would be riding pretty fast down Main Street, so Brandon decided to take video instead! Even though it's kind of dark, I think it came out pretty good:

​

The Headless Horseman was awesome! What a fun way to start a parade! Once he finished his ride, the CM's were letting people back on Main Street, because the actual parade wouldn't start for another 15 minutes. Everyone next to us on the curb sat back down, but Brandon and I stood, because we were sitting for so long, it was starting to get uncomfortable.

Brandon was playing around with his phone, and I was doing something with the camera when this family came up behind us-Mom, Dad, and 3 kids, maybe ages 8-11, something like that. The Mom asks Brandon if we can sit down when the parade starts so the kids can see over us, to which Brandon says "I guess," not really paying attention. The Mom then got very snotty and said "or they can just stand in front of you, I don't care."

I was annoyed because honestly, I don't think you should be able to come up to people who have been waiting for a parade to start for almost an hour, and snottily demand that they move. However, that wasn't the end of it. The entire family decided that they would talk about us the whole time, until the parade started. The Mom, the Dad, the kids all had something to say. For 10 minutes I had to listen to:

"Well, don't worry, I'll get you in front one way or another"

"Are they going to move? They're not gonna move, are they Mom?"

"I don't know, I asked nicely, we'll just have to wait and see. But you'll get up there either way"

"What's their problem, why won't they just sit?"

Add in a few non-DIS friendly words and you get the idea of the things they were saying right behind us, seriously 6 inches away from me.

Now, I'm not a mean, evil person. I don't want to ruin a child's enjoyment of seeing a Disney parade. HOWEVER. I paid to be there too. And just because I don't have a child with me doesn't mean I shouldn't be able to get a good spot for the parade and enjoy it. It was my first MNSSHP and the parade was one of the things I was most excited about. So I stood there, SOOOO mad, debating with myself in my head whether or not to turn around and confront this woman, and possibly make a huge scene in Disney World, my favorite place on the planet or just let it go. I asked Brandon "ok, should I be a b&*#h when the parade starts and keep standing, or just sit down?" and he mumbled something at me. He was not paying attention to any of this, because he was doing something on his phone.

I thought about my niece, Caitlin, who some of you might know from my sister, pinkxray's TR's. I thought about her seeing her first Halloween parade, and how mad I would be if someone purposely blocked her, or did anything to ruin her enjoyment of her first MNSSHP, (which she was going to be going to in a few weeks at that time.) So when the CM's started clearing people off Main Street again, I sat down, and Brandon did too. And then of course, the woman actually has the nerve to say "thank you." Yeah. You're welcome. Sigh.

I hope I don't start a debate on here, whether not it's ok to do this at parades, I know this gets debated all the time on the DIS. I don't know if you guys are going to think I'm so terrible person for being annoyed with this family. It wasn't so much them asking if we could sit so the kids could see, it's everything that happened after. Especially the mom saying she was going to get the kids in the front one way or another. I did think about standing there, I did think about confronting her, but then I remembered it was Disney World, everyone is supposed to be happy, and I should just sit down and be quiet, and try not to let things like this ruin my time! So when the parade started, I tried to forget about them and enjoy the parade, which I did!

I think I got some pretty good pictures, although I've seen better!

I loved the parade, it was just as good as everyone said it would be! I love the music, and I really love the Haunted Mansion part!

When it was over, we both had to use the bathroom, so we went over to the bathrooms by Crystal Palace, where I texted my DIS friend Joni and told her about the rude family at the parade, and waited for Brandon.

Since it was so close to it being time for Hallowishes, we decided to see if we could find a good spot to hang out and wait for it to begin. I was kind of hungry, so we got some popcorn first and then went right to the middle of the hub and sat down on the ground, which is what everyone else was doing. I was so excited to finally see Hallowishes, and compare them to Holiday Wishes, which is my favorite fireworks show in Disney!

Up next...Hallowishes and more MNSSHP!

 

[Stefy]

That's just horrible what happened and that woman and her family constantly going on and on about it is just the same as if you would have turned around and confronted her. But I'm glad that there was no confrontation in the end, as I can tell it would have upset you alot. Its a shame that there are people out there like that, even more shameful that it happens at WDW

So glad you loved the parade, its such an awesome show and the music is so cool. What was your favourite part? Did you see the grave diggers little skit?

 

[klacey1]

Your parade pictures are wonderful! It looks just incredible! Can't wait to hear what you think of HalloWishes!
You are a big person to just sit even though it would have been more comfortable to stand-- I also applaud your ability not to confront the rude things the people were saying about you. Ridiculous. I hate entitled people-- those with kids and without. Big ups to you-- I don't think I would have been able to bite my tongue!

 

[wdwgirl03]

haha, I like in the video of the Headless Horseman you can hear one of the CMs telling people to stay behind the tape or whatever. They are so serious about not being in the street AT ALL when he comes by!

Ugh, that is obnoxious about that family and their kids.

 

[amazingact21]

First off, your parade pictures turned out really well. Alex is normally really good with taking photos, but he didn't get any good ones from Boo to You, so I was glad to see someone was able to capture some great ones.

And second, I can completely empathize with you on the rude family incident. It seems like 2 adults catch a lot of un-needed heckling because there aren't children with them. I have yet to sit down for a parade or show and not had a family make a little snide comment about "taking up space for the kids." It stinks that they had to upset you and take away that parade anticipation.
But you were such a better person than me; it was really good of you to just sit down and brush their comments aside. I don't think I could've kept my mouth shut.

I can't wait to see what you thought of Hallowishes. I know it's become my DH's favorite firework show, so I wonder if you enjoyed it as much as Holiday Wishes.

 

[BerrysGirl]

Your pictures came out great! Whatever setting you picked on your camera was awesome... I especially love the one with the waltzing ghosts with the eery fog in the background. So appropriate!

I'm also super jealous you managed to snag evidence of the Headless Horseman. When he rode passed us I got the world's worst blurry picture... I deleted it on the spot!