Our First Trip as Parents! December 2012 TR - 8/6 OMG a TR link!

[heathsf]

Awesome pictures, I would love to see the lights one year!

That second room video - or what was supposed to be a room video - was adorable. Watching your DH totally get distracted by Calvin's cuteness was hilarious!

 

[franandaj]

I so want to go when you guys did, but all this wound stuff threw my long term WDW plans out of whack. I can't wait to see the Osbourne lights myself!

Were you there on the second weekend? Tge roped off thing could have been D23's Magic & Merriment. I would love to attend that. You get a lot of special and exclusive experiences.

Those coffee filters aren't exclusively Mexican! I've done that too! in fact I've used a coffee maker and tin foil to reheat chinese food in a blizzard!

Can't wait to hear about yiur meet with Pam!

 

[Leshaface]

Awesome pictures, I would love to see the lights one year!

That second room video - or what was supposed to be a room video - was adorable. Watching your DH totally get distracted by Calvin's cuteness was hilarious!

I edited out some of the video on the balcony, but in that part I was like, "Make sure you get the bathroom and kitchenette area." So when I came back to look at all the videos, there was nothing! He ended it right there

I so want to go when you guys did, but all this wound stuff threw my long term WDW plans out of whack. I can't wait to see the Osbourne lights myself!

Were you there on the second weekend? Tge roped off thing could have been D23's Magic & Merriment. I would love to attend that. You get a lot of special and exclusive experiences.

Those coffee filters aren't exclusively Mexican! I've done that too! in fact I've used a coffee maker and tin foil to reheat chinese food in a blizzard!

Can't wait to hear about yiur meet with Pam!

Yes that was the second weekend. There wasn't many people in the roped off area but they were able to get some great pictures and video without being trampled over

Haha what the heck?! I don't even know how you did that but that is so amazing!

 

[franandaj]

Haha what the heck?! I don't even know how you did that but that is so amazing!

Back when I had a day job, I was stuck in Missoura at this remote resort, no microwaves and I was in a "cabin", the regular resort part filled up first so I was out in the boonies in a "studio" without a microwave. They held the music educators convention there in the end of January for cheap rates! The last night one year everyone got snowed in at the cabins. I had eaten Chinese food the day before and had leftovers, so I made a tin foil ball, placed it in the "coffee part" and brewed water over it. Sort of "steamed" the leftovers enough heat them! There was no way this California Girl was going to risk driving in snowed in conditions! This was like 10 or more years ago. After being snowed in like that I learned to book a "one bedroom" and buy groceries when I was sent to that convention. It was in such a remote part of Missouri that I was the only one who did that show until I quit the company!

 

[norybell]

Your pictures of the lights are beautiful! I would love to see them someday, but seems like every year it gets harder and harder to get away during the holiday season.

I would be jealous of your only gaining 10 pounds, but not if it's because you were so sick! That must've been awful!

 

[Linda67]

Wonderful updates

Loved the videos, it was great to get a closer look at the one bedroom and studio at AKL - both rooms look great

Oh and HOW STINKIN' CUTE is the video of little Calvin

 

[MEK]

Wow - you really had an awesome view from your 1BR villa. Very nice. Enjoyed the video!

 

[afwdwfan]

It's so crazy how things change as you get older. 10 years ago, we were out partying and drinking it up and now I couldn't even imagine it!

We had some people over for NYE and I was sitting there at about 11:30 with my eyes getting heavy thinking to myself, "I hope they don't stay long past midnight."

A few years ago, my only worry would have been how long would it take to get rid of the hangover.



I'm glad the move to the new room went relatively well. That is definitely a bit odd that the remote was gone, but cool that you got to chat with a CM from close to home. I have to say from our past experience that they never seem to have the pack n play or bedrails in the room when we get there. We've always had to call, but they're always quick to get them there.

Nothing beats a nice evening in DHS for Osborned Lights and Fantasmic. It's too bad you missed that first bus, but I personally prefer to see the lights first and catch the second Fantasmic anyway. That second Fantasmic always seems less crowded and it is easier to get a good seat.

 

[tinkgurl]

I love that family shot you got of the 3 of you! You all look great.

I want to see WDW all decorated for Christmas again. I did back in 2001, but I was younger and didn't care as much.

 

[dizneeat]

The Osbourne Lights are pretty amazing, aren't they? We went in 2007 on a once in lifetime Christmas trip and we both loved it.
Okay, back to YOUR trip. I love the family shot and the 2nd video is just too cute. No wonder your DH got distracted, the little man is the star of the show.

 

[monica23535]

Great pictures of the Osborne Lights Lesha!


I love them but my DH can't stand them, would you believe?

I also love Fantasmic, sigh, wish I was there right now......

 

[happenin2you]

Back when I had a day job, I was stuck in Missoura at this remote resort, no microwaves and I was in a "cabin", the regular resort part filled up first so I was out in the boonies in a "studio" without a microwave. They held the music educators convention there in the end of January for cheap rates! The last night one year everyone got snowed in at the cabins. I had eaten Chinese food the day before and had leftovers, so I made a tin foil ball, placed it in the "coffee part" and brewed water over it. Sort of "steamed" the leftovers enough heat them! There was no way this California Girl was going to risk driving in snowed in conditions! This was like 10 or more years ago. After being snowed in like that I learned to book a "one bedroom" and buy groceries when I was sent to that convention. It was in such a remote part of Missouri that I was the only one who did that show until I quit the company!

How resourceful! I'm adventurous, so I would have thought the more snow the more fun for driving. My husband thinks I'm crazy.

We had some people over for NYE and I was sitting there at about 11:30 with my eyes getting heavy thinking to myself, "I hope they don't stay long past midnight."

A few years ago, my only worry would have been how long would it take to get rid of the hangover.

We had a friend who said he was going to come over because they do fireworks on the strip and we have a balcony on the front of our house with a strip view. He didn't wind up coming and we were super excited because then we wouldn't have to worry about hosting him until midnight. That really would have interfered with our 10pm bedtime plans Even just last year, we had a party and did some pretty good drinking, and now, we're over it.

 

[Leshaface]

Back when I had a day job, I was stuck in Missoura at this remote resort, no microwaves and I was in a "cabin", the regular resort part filled up first so I was out in the boonies in a "studio" without a microwave. They held the music educators convention there in the end of January for cheap rates! The last night one year everyone got snowed in at the cabins. I had eaten Chinese food the day before and had leftovers, so I made a tin foil ball, placed it in the "coffee part" and brewed water over it. Sort of "steamed" the leftovers enough heat them! There was no way this California Girl was going to risk driving in snowed in conditions! This was like 10 or more years ago. After being snowed in like that I learned to book a "one bedroom" and buy groceries when I was sent to that convention. It was in such a remote part of Missouri that I was the only one who did that show until I quit the company!

Wow! You are amazing! I'm the same way about snow and driving. I REFUSE to go back to PA anytime from November through April due to snow. I don't care if it's snow flurries, I refuse to do it! It's definitely the CA blood running through us!

Your pictures of the lights are beautiful! I would love to see them someday, but seems like every year it gets harder and harder to get away during the holiday season.

I would be jealous of your only gaining 10 pounds, but not if it's because you were so sick! That must've been awful!

Hopefully someday you'll get there. I never thought I would be able to get to the World during Christmas and my dream came true! I'm hoping now with DH's job, we'll have the option to go during Christmas time if we want

The way I was feeling, I would have rather gained 30 pounds and felt fine during my pregnancy, than be sick for the majority of it. It really made me think that there was no possible way I could get pregnant again if I felt that way for the second pregnancy...especially with a child to look after I hear though, that for some pregnancies, it's not always the same as the first With my luck, i'd be even sicker!

Wonderful updates

Loved the videos, it was great to get a closer look at the one bedroom and studio at AKL - both rooms look great

Oh and HOW STINKIN' CUTE is the video of little Calvin

I guess I shouldn't be too upset with DH that he didn't get the whole studio tour..especially since that video of Calvin was adorable!

Wow - you really had an awesome view from your 1BR villa. Very nice. Enjoyed the video!

We definitely lucked out on the 1BR view.

We had some people over for NYE and I was sitting there at about 11:30 with my eyes getting heavy thinking to myself, "I hope they don't stay long past midnight."

A few years ago, my only worry would have been how long would it take to get rid of the hangover.



I'm glad the move to the new room went relatively well. That is definitely a bit odd that the remote was gone, but cool that you got to chat with a CM from close to home. I have to say from our past experience that they never seem to have the pack n play or bedrails in the room when we get there. We've always had to call, but they're always quick to get them there.

Nothing beats a nice evening in DHS for Osborned Lights and Fantasmic. It's too bad you missed that first bus, but I personally prefer to see the lights first and catch the second Fantasmic anyway. That second Fantasmic always seems less crowded and it is easier to get a good seat.

I had to laugh at your hangover comment! You're so right! I would prepare myself with water, advil, and crackers at my bedside the night before going out. Nowadays, it's water for my morning stool softeners TMI sorry.

I wasn't too concerned with moving from room to room within the same place. I was definitely more concerned with the move from one resort to another resort (which will be coming up in a bit!)

I, too, am glad that we did it this way. The stadium was probably more than half filled for the second showing which was nice. If we go during Christmas again, this is how we will be doing it.

I love that family shot you got of the 3 of you! You all look great.

I want to see WDW all decorated for Christmas again. I did back in 2001, but I was younger and didn't care as much.

I would have probably been like that too back in the day. As adults now, we appreciate things more. I'm sure you would DIE if you saw it again

The Osbourne Lights are pretty amazing, aren't they? We went in 2007 on a once in lifetime Christmas trip and we both loved it.
Okay, back to YOUR trip. I love the family shot and the 2nd video is just too cute. No wonder your DH got distracted, the little man is the star of the show.

Oh wow for as many times as you've gone to WDW, your last time during Christmas was 2007? That seems like such a long time ago. The lights were glorious!

Great pictures of the Osborne Lights Lesha!


I love them but my DH can't stand them, would you believe?

I also love Fantasmic, sigh, wish I was there right now......

Oh no! Why doesn't he like them? Is it because of all the people and how crowded it gets? Or does he really not like Christmas lights?

You're telling me! I wish I was there now too.

How resourceful! I'm adventurous, so I would have thought the more snow the more fun for driving. My husband thinks I'm crazy.

We had a friend who said he was going to come over because they do fireworks on the strip and we have a balcony on the front of our house with a strip view. He didn't wind up coming and we were super excited because then we wouldn't have to worry about hosting him until midnight. That really would have interfered with our 10pm bedtime plans Even just last year, we had a party and did some pretty good drinking, and now, we're over it.

Dang, you must have a cool nighttime view of the strip then?

 

[Leshaface]

After the Osborne lights, we headed over to Starring Rolls. Apparantely, I didn’t do my research right, because they were closed Now, for future reference, I know that they close at 4.

Because I wasn’t too familiar with CS options here, we grabbed a map and decided on Rosie’s All American Café. Luckily it was located near the entrance to Fantasmic. We got into a routine where mom would take the stroller and find us a table, while DH and I ordered and gathered all the food and utensils. This is some sad food pictures but this is all I have.

I ordered the Chicken nuggets with fries and DH did the same and we were both happy with our food. Even DH ate the whole thing and some of mine!

We also ordered the carrot cake – super yummy and moist!

Mom got the burger and the chocolate fudge cake. She liked her burger and loved the cake! I got to try the cake and it wasn’t at all chocolatey like I thought it was going to be. It was semi-sweet and good!

Pam and I were texting a little, trying to figure out when would be good to meet up, and I told her I would text her after the 8pm showing of F! since we didn’t make it to the first one. And she was fine with that since she would be hanging out at the park for a while anyways.

Once we were done eating, we headed towards the stadium. Mom absolutely loved the setup of Fantasmic here versus Disneylands’ setup. I think F! over at Disneyland is horrible. You’re fighting with people for a good spot, you’re fighting with crowds to get to New Orleans Square, etc. It’s just awful. This is so nice to just walk up to the stadium and sit anywhere because you have an amazing view from any seat. She was very impressed.

I didn’t take much pictures because I wanted to enjoy the show, but I did get a few shots.

Our view:

The show:

I’ve always loved the fire on water scene

We left before the finale so we didn’t have to deal with crowds while carrying the baby, but we had mom watch the rest on the way out.

I grabbed the stroller and texted Pam and asked her if she could meet in front of Mickey’s hat and luckily, she was already there watching the band play.

Mom had me take a picture of the band for my brother. He owns his own landscaping business so she thought he would be amused by the name.

It was dark and there was quite a crowd in front of the stage so I told her I was in the back and a few seconds later she was coming towards me!

We hugged and said how great it was to finally meet each other! I also hugged her mom because it felt like I knew her too through Pams TR’s. They were both so nice and cheerful (just like how they look in their pictures). We talked for a few minutes about how our trip was going and about how their trip was. We took a picture to document our meet!

It was a short but sweet meet up, and hopefully we can meet up again soon Pam!

We made our way out of the park and luckily a bus had just showed up and soon we were on our way back to the hotel. I wanted to get our mugs and show mom the Jambo house lobby, so we had DH take the baby back to Kidani. Just a tip: I didn’t know I could get our mugs there at Kidani. The gift shop has a beverage station, which I didn’t know about. Oh well, I wanted mom to see the lobby anyway.

As soon as we walked through the doors, mom was oohing and ahhing. It was beautiful!

We walked around the lobby for a bit, and headed down the stairs were Boma and Jiko was. I wasn’t sure where the Mara was, so I asked for directions and then made our way over there.

Mom and I hadn’t used our snack for the day, so I grabbed a muffin and she grabbed a chocolate croissant for breakfast the next morning. We also got our refillable mugs, which I was disappointed in:

You’d think they would use Holiday mugs but these look Summery to me. Anyways, our mugs got comped because of our quick service plan and we headed to the beverage station….Oh my GOSH! I should have taken a picture but I didn’t because I was too excited. THERE WAS MR. PIBB!!!!!! DH and I are huge Dr. Pepper lovers, so whenever we go to Disneyland or Disney World or go on a cruise, we always have to prepare ourselves that there isn’t going to be Dr. Pepper or anything similar. But there it was, staring straight at me, so I HAD to get it!

Mom and I decided to walk back to Kidani to see how long the walk was and it was only about a 5-6 minute walk. Not bad at all!

When we got back to the room, I had DH take a drink from my mug. I asked him what this tasted like, and he said it tasted like Dr. Pepper but knew there wasn’t any so he thought it was rootbeer. I told him it was Mr. PIbb and he was shocked and happy!

After our happy Mr. Pibb dance, we needed to give the kiddo a bath. Here he is all clean!

Mom put DS in his PJ’s while I watched (and laughed quietly!) DH attempt to put the Pack n’Play together. I had to take a picture of him doing it after a few minutes.

We all ended up going to bed around 11:30. I was excited for tomorrow. Our most favorite park ever was coming up!

 

[Pinkocto]

Loving the updates! I didn't comment yet on the previous one since I still need to watch the videos. Love the Osbourne Lights, so amazing!

Yeah for our meet I was so excited I hope I didn't scare you hopefully we can get together in September, that would be awesome.

Oh my, the Jambo House lobby looks amazing! I sadly didn't get over to see it.

Calvin wrapped in his towel on the bed is just precious!

 

[dizneeat]

Oh wow for as many times as you've gone to WDW, your last time during Christmas was 2007? That seems like such a long time ago. The lights were glorious!

Christmas isn't a time we can travel normally. School is still on and in 2007 I had to take unpaid leave and this is a "once in a lifetime" event here at our schools. Going during the holiday period itself is hard too as Tom doesn't get that time off. So I guess, until we retire we will have to live off the memory of 2007.

Okay, back to the update.
The AKL lobby is just so amazing! We just love to visit there and just wander around. So pretty.
And I am happy to hear that you found your favourite drink. Maybe I should try my first Dr. Pepper in February. You make it sound like it is a very nice drink.

Oh, and even if I repeat myself. Your little man is soooooo cute!

 

[franandaj]

Great update!

I on the other hand love our Fantasmic! I love the whole way that it comes out of a bustling park during the day and is transformed at night. It is a PITA when they block off NO Square and route the traffic around, but I still like ours better.

And Calvin is just such a cuties. Nice to see a picture of Pam since she never posts them in her TR!

Let's hear it for September!

 

[disneybarbie]

Sounded like a really nice evening at the Studios

I think we sat in nearly the same seats for Fantasmic in October, my photos are from a very similar angle!

That was cute your Mom wanted to take a photo of the band name at DHS... I drive past a garden center on my way to work every day, and there's a big sign outside saying 'MULCH - SOLD HERE".. and I always think of the DHS band!

We didn't find the walk between Jambo House and Kidani Village too far either, from reviews I'd read online I thought it was going to be miles!


Emma x

 

[norybell]

I love Mr Pibb, even more than Dr Pepper (maybe because we can never get it).

And I hate to repeat everyone, but I have to say it: Calvin in his towel is ridiculously adorable!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[monica23535]

How cute does Calvin look all wrapped up in his towel, I just want to pick him up!

I've just asked DH why he dislikes the Osborne Lights so much and he said he just doesn't think they're anything special!! Yes, he is very strange lol