Part 5 - Return to the Real World and Conclusion

[Ellester]

Cast of Characters:

Ellen (34) – Me!, Disney Veteran, 20+trips since 1973, also 7 months pregnant
John (37) – Devoted husband, father, and son-in-law. 6th time to WDW
Anabelle (5 ½ ) – Our daughter, Princess, first class. 4th time to WDW
Rebecca (2) – Our daughter, Princess-in-Training, 2nd time to WDW
Dad (62) – My dad, Disney Veteran, has lived in Florida 30 years
Mom (60) – My stepmother, Disney Veteran, the rare Florida native
Laura (33) – My stepsister, Disney Veteran, mom to Cassie and Marcus
Ted (47) – Laura’s husband, Disney Veteran, dad to Cassie and Marcus
Cassie (5) – niece, 4th time to WDW
Marcus (3) – nephew, 1st time to WDW
Lee (30) – My stepbrother, Disney Veteran, another rare Florida
native

Sunday, January 4th

I woke up shortly before 9. Apparently the guests in a nearby room had to slam the sliding glass door to their patio to get it shut, and they apparently were on and off the patio several times starting before 8am. So, I got up and took a quick shower. I packed up and got the girls’ dressed. We met the rest of the family for breakfast at the F&FC and to say our goodbye’s. We made a quick run to the 4th floor to buy a few gifts for the girls down the street who were taking care of the dog, packed up the car, and said our farewells to Disney. The trip home was fairly uneventful. The girls both took marathon (4+ hour) naps, which didn’t surprise us after all the excitement and lack of sleep over the past week.

In conclusion, we had a great but rushed trip. We really enjoyed the convenience of the Contemporary to MK. Having a stroller, it was great walking over there and only having to take the bus to AK (we didn't make MGM this time around). The crowds were very heavy, but we expected that. I had to adjust my commando mentality (John shares a similar park strategy) due to the crowds, the size of our group, and my advancing pregnancy. We didn't ride any mountains, but that was OK. After our visit last May, I realized that for all the times I have been to WDW I have never been for longer than 3 nights. A side effect of growing up in Florida, lots and lots of short weekend or day trips but no long vacations. John and I would love to take the kids for a full week, maybe for his 40th birthday in two years. The older girls will still be considered "children" and the baby will be under 3 so still free. We'll see if we can be disciplined enough to save up for it.

I had really wanted to see some of the resorts decorated for Christmas. Orginally we were only going to do the parks on two days. The choice of another day in the parks or seeing the resorts was an easy one for me, I'll see the resorts another time! We did get to see Spectro for the first time, along with Wishes and the Christmas Country Bears show. Maybe we'll be back again sooner, I don't think we've ever planned a Disney trip more than 6 months out. They just seem to happen, who knows! Rebecca keeps wanting to go "see Cinderelly's castle, it glowed", so maybe a little pixie dust will come our way and we'll be back sooner than we think!

Thanks for reading!

~Ellen

 

[Minniespal]

Great report ~ Thanx for posting.

 

[Del]

Thanks for a great write-up!

Del

 

[Sinderella]

Thanks for a great trip report. Very detailed. Best of luck to your family.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

For many years I just went on day trips...but back then we only had the MK. You realy should try for a longer stay...and with your size family why not try and rent points from a DVC member. That way you would have a kitchen and

would make your stay easier.

Thank you for your reports "Loved them"

 

[vald1977]

Thanks for taking the time to share your trip with us. Sounds like you all had a great time!

 

[Ellester]

Originally posted by MAGICinMYHEART
For many years I just went on day trips...but back then we only had the MK. You realy should try for a longer stay...and with your size family why not try and rent points from a DVC member. That way you would have a kitchen and

would make your stay easier.

I would love to make our next trip on DVC points. It's something I've been thinking about. Hopefully it will work out!

Glad you enjoyed the report, they are fun to write!