PART FOUR!! *December 2012 Roll Call* Holidays, FLE & MVMCP!! A very, merry thread!

[My2Qtz0205]

But, by the same token, that wooden doll house sounds awesome!

Right?! That's the one I would want! She is so Princess crazy. I thought about Santa telling her that Ariel wanted a pool.

 

[WedgieSock]

Panicking a bit, but for a good reason, because

48 HOURS FROM NOW I'LL BE IN FLORIDA, PROBABLY WAITING FOR OR ALREADY ON DME!!!

*runs round in panic, hands in the air*

You're our first one .... you are leaving the nest .....

 

[SAT887]

We're "that family" (you can't see the house from space, but it's probably closer than I'd usually admit) in "that neighborhood" (ever see X-mas with the Kranks? That could be our neighborhood). If we didn't hang lights....well, I can see us being the latest target of "The Wet Bandits". Not that there is any crime in our little suburban neck of the woods..but...I'd rather not make it TOO obvious we're not around.

We're already apologizing to neighbors because we've scaled back on the lights this year.

Hahaha it's funny usually when people ask for directions around the holidays we tell them look for the house that is lighting up half the town. We bought LEDs and they are a bright white (looks almost blue) and you can see it from very far away! This year though- no glowing house!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

*runs round in panic, hands in the air*

You're our first one .... you are leaving the nest .....

You are too funny, though that is kind of how I feel, running around with my hands waving in the air!!!

 

[pilferk]

Hahaha it's funny usually when people ask for directions around the holidays we tell them look for the house that is lighting up half the town. We bought LEDs and they are a bright white (looks almost blue) and you can see it from very far away! This year though- no glowing house!

We have the SAME LEDS (bright/cold, not "warm").

They really do seem brighter than the "warm" version (which some other houses in our neighborhood use).

I'll never forget the December after we "converted" to LEDs. Our power bill dropped like 25% to 30% over the previous December!

 

[PrincessAurora27]

We aren't really decorating. Only our little glass tree. But that's what we did last year too. I did get DBF a stocking this year, that's already hanging up.

I really hope they have the ornament tree at the Christmas shop in DTD. It's sold out on line.

 

[mom2rtk]

*runs round in panic, hands in the air*

You're our first one .... you are leaving the nest .....

LOL, just the sort of humor I am in need of today!

 

[jwgm2012]

So- any ideas for a goody bag for DS20, DD18 and DS14? I know their aunt is already getting them Disney gift cards for Christmas. Thanks!

Ok, so this is a toughie but remember, the best thing about the World is it's ability to make us all young again! I'd include some Disney coloring books with their fave characters, a 24 count box of crayons, their fave snack/candy bags (for me it would be Sour Patch Kids or Twizzlers), a voucher (homemade by you or anyone else you deem) to a free Christmas ornament of their choice, Sudoku books or crosswords (I give the same one to all three teens and they play against each other to see who finishes it first. One picks a page, they all turn to it and say "go" - write the winner's name at the top of the page)... just some ideas - another WDW gc wouldn't be bad either...

We are 2 days out and I'm dragging my butt to the walk in this morning. The sore throat/stuffiness/cough isn't going away, and while it might be nothing, I don't want to be in WDW for 10 days feeling miserable when there was something I could have done for it....

If you're able, I'd recommend starting a daily Zyrtec or 24 hour allergy pill. Whenever this time of year starts up - the daily pill, needed or not, helps fight off the sinus congestion and also helps dry you up a little to relieve the pressure. You'll be amazed at how stopping a little drainage actually helps with the sore throat, coughing, ear pain and even stomach discomfort. Lots of liquids too... we have tons of sinus issues in our family - the daily use of an allergy (slow release, once a day, 24 hours ones) is huge.

How did I miss this thread????

We will arrive in orlando on the 21st, spend the night at an airport hotel then check into our 5 bedroom house on the 22nd! We will be staying through the 4th. There are 8 of us. FIL has just finished up his chemo treatments so this is our kicking cancers butt christmas celebration!

Welcome!

Busy but a totally unproductive day, do you know what I mean?

Soooo, I'm pottering about (about 5pm) and DD is doing her homework. DH is in the bedroom doing whatever. DD & I hear a loudish crash downstairs. The floor there is tiled so I'm thinking a large tin has fallen from a shelf (despite the fact I don't have a large tin down there ). I then think .... oooh what if there is a critter down there!?!? I'd better go down and get rid before a full scale house drama breaks out - you know the kind .... DD running round screaming, the cats having an eppy, DH bursting out to see what all the noise is, me laughing in the corner ....

As I go downstairs I smell burning, so then I start to run, we have a clear glass panel door and all I can see is thick smoke I can't see flames, but it could be around the corner in the other room. Is the door to that room open? OMG, how long will it take for the house to burn down? All this flying through my head while I absolutely peg it back upstairs and down the hallway. I burst into our bedroom and say really calmly (which was weird) "Hey hun, theres a fire downstairs and I'm not quite sure how to handle it" Then its all slow-motion, he leaps up, "Get Bronwyn & the dog and stay here" he says in a really manly voice, running down the hallway (remember, still in slow motion) jumps down the whole flight of stairs ..... not even a minute passes but it seems like ages. I can hear him coughing, faffing around, he eventually emerges up the stairs ... through the smoke.... coughing ..... and he says "the heater on the fish tank blew up"

Now thats not very dramatic is it??? You were on the edge of your seat until I said 'the heater on the fish tank', weren't you Apparently the flame was about 2 inches high and one cup of water put it out. The thick smoke was from the plastic housing melting

Too funny! Wedgie, you're hilarious!

We are arriving on 12/26 after a Christmas Present Surprise! We'll be staying at BLT!!!

I am most looking forward to the Be Our Guest reservation and The Candlelight Processional with Marlee Matlin.

I'm wondering how I will possibly be able to get through the next month as I am currently OBSESSED with everything I can read about the craziness of Christmas week.

You'll be completely obsessed until your trip and even afterwards when you're going through PDD (post Disney depression)... but welcome!

So am I! My mind is already at DTD on Thursday

Don't sweat the 4 days. It'll be here before you know it! And who knows we may even see each other on Sunday at DHS!

It would be awesome to run into each other on Sunday - you and a million other people! LOL...

Hi all,

I have been off of this board for days-signing papers, meeting with contractors, selling stuff on-line, packing up the house and oh, by the way, we are leaving in 2 days for WDW! This is crazy, the worst timing but I am so glad we are doing it. I can't wait to relax among the zebras and scream on some rides for stress relief.

Anyway.I started a trip report:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=46795826#post46795826

Hey Gina! This vacation is going to be even more amazing because you'll have the sell of your house behind you! Have an amazing time!

Panicking a bit, but for a good reason, because

48 HOURS FROM NOW I'LL BE IN FLORIDA, PROBABLY WAITING FOR OR ALREADY ON DME!!!

Holy Cow!!! Yay for you! Have an awesome time! Buy lots of goodies and have amazing food!

 

[jwgm2012]

Morning my DIS buddies!

We leave in 3 days, 20 hours and 45 minutes! Only 17 more work hours!!!!!!!

Started getting my trip clothes together

Have an eye appt for Friday

Getting my nails done (just polish) Friday

Celebrating DBF's mom's birthday Friday...

We have yet to decide if we'll drive into Austin Friday night and stay at a hotel or just leave at 3:30 in the morning on Saturday morning and head straight to the Austin airport... our flight leaves at 7:30am... we're about 80 minutes away


Did anyone shop online for black Friday deals at JcPenney.com? If so, please, please double check your order status... I am royally PO'd right now - Like naked Kate Middleton pics PO'd... I placed an order Thursday night during JCP's online black Friday time frame, got everything I wanted, pressed "order" and a not only got a confirmation on the screen but the next morning also received an emailed order confirmation.

Went online this morning to check shipping status and only one item is showing up on my order - out of 5. I spent the last 22 minutes on the phone with JCP and ended up being told "sorry, but looks like the other items fell off the order because they're not in stock" I said "but I have an order confirmation showing they were ordered??" She responded with, "well we must've ran out before that"... Everything ordered were Christmas gifts!

I think what makes me the most upset is that because I ordered those items and believed them to be mine, I didn't get up the next morning and go into the store - which I ABSOLUTELY would have if I wasn't able to secure them online. The lady said I should've gotten a call - When?? and to this day - 5 DAYS.LATER. no call and I wouldn't have known if I hadn't gone and checked the order...

So please, double check your orders if you did JCP black friday online sales.

sorry, just had to vent...

ok, back to Christmas happiness


gina

 

[sunnysideup3]

Well good thing I went in to the walk-in! Walked out with a prescription for a Z-pack.. I have bronchitis! Luckily I don't feel absolutely god-awful, and it's a 3 day super prescription, so I'll take the last one the morning we leave and pack the Robitussin with us. Glad I went in...it's better than getting sicker in Disney.

It sucks, because I've been helping my boss with her side cookie business for the holidays to earn some Disney money and I was supposed to work tonight, but I guess I need the rest/free time more.....

 

[cybrkitn]

Question:

For those of us Roll Callers NOT at WDW for X-mas (Dec 24th/25th)...what are you doing in terms of holiday prep? Scaling back? Decorating/wrapping/shopping earlier than normal?

At this point I don't even know. DH wants to have a Christmas open house with friends and I'm going to decorate the house once we get back. That's as far as we've gotten. As far as gifts go, DH wants to do a little shopping for DS10 while in Disney - yeah right, Dear, that's impossible with him with us

 

[Lcaemom]

*runs round in panic, hands in the air*

You're our first one .... you are leaving the nest .....

That was my first thought, too...the first one of us is actually leaving!!!! It's really here!!! So excited for all of us!!!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

That was my first thought, too...the first one of us is actually leaving!!!! It's really here!!! So excited for all of us!!!

So I am, especially since I'm the first one! Seriously though, I'm so happy for everyone, as we will all be at WDW within the next few weeks

And for everyone with the sinus issues, saline spray!!! It dried my sinuses right up yesterday, and by this morning I was feeling at least 50% better. It really helps!

 

[cybrkitn]

Panicking a bit, but for a good reason, because

48 HOURS FROM NOW I'LL BE IN FLORIDA, PROBABLY WAITING FOR OR ALREADY ON DME!!!

And we'll be following not too far behind ya

DS10 was singing and doing a little dance this morning while waiting for his bus, "We're going to Disney in 2 days, we're going to Disney in 2 days!" My brother was almost doing the same thing this morning as well (when I talked to my mom) and he's 38! In all honesty, though, my brother has not had a decent vacation in a very long time. It's his chance to finally get a way, have fun and relax (if that's possible - relaxing that is)!

 

[PrincessAurora27]

I just texted DBF and my BFF that in 2 weeks we'll be having lunch at Les Chefs de France. Escargot!!!

We're going to Disney!!!! I haven't felt like this since I was a kid on xmas morning!

 

[Tangelders Ahoy]

Did I forget to say that we leave TOMORROW??!!?? In 47 hours we will be on the Disney Dream....I can't believe it is finally here!!!

 

[QueenElinor]

I think I have an immune system of steel. I haven't had the flu/cold in many many years. I do get some sinus problems in the spring and occassionally in the fall, but it's mostly just a stuffy head.

That said, I'm terrified that this will be the year I get the flu right before (or during) Disney! I bought some Halls Defense Drops yesterday as an ounce of prevention. They probably will do nothing to help but I'm going to try anything I can think of! I'm also making sure I get plenty of sleep here on out.

If you want to avoid the flu, it's not too late to get a flu shot. The "real" flu (as compared to a cold virus) will truly ruin your trip. I'm getting a flu shot Friday. Other than that, I'm being fanatical about using alcohol-based hand cleansers- especially at the airport! Almost all viruses are transmitted by contact.

I work at a university, so you KNOW how carefully the average college student takes care of themselves It's just like a daycare for bigger kids when it comes to germs!

Oh, that's for sure! But nothing makes them appreciate Mom like that first nasty cold away from home. My DD's school even stocks little TLC packages the poor dears can pick up- with soup, OTC cold medicine and Tylenol inside.

Also, I hear there's norovirus going around some campuses now- I'm sending the kids little bottles of hand cleaner in their next care packages!

I have some questions I'm hoping some of you can help me with. This trip is due mostly to my DX's company having a day of meetings followed by a company Christmas party at CSR. I have decided to tag along to the party which starts as cocktails and dinner at the CSR and ends with a special Illuminations desert party at Epcot. I understand that's a special private party that changes details depending on who is throwing it, but if any of you have been I'd love to hear what your experience was like.

My main question is about clothes and shoes. The party is business casual. I'll be wearing a sweater dress, tights and some boots that have absolutely no support or comfort whatsoever. They are flat and don't hurt, but the soles are just flat and hard. Epcot has extra magic hours after Illuminations and I'm sure I'll want to hang out for at least a while in the park.

I'm thinking my options are to stay in what I have on and risk messing up my feet on our first full day. That seems bad. I could carry my walking shoes (brown new balance) and look funny (and hopefully not be too cold). Or I could take a backpack to the party with more appropriate park clothes/shoes and change in a restroom when the party is over. I think the last option seems best, even though my backpack might seem out of place in a crowd of business casual, but I really wanted to know what you guys would do in such a situation?

I have to admit it's a pretty nice problem to have! But I'm spending too much time and worry trying to decide what to do. I love having you guys around to help!

That sounds like a really fun time! I guess if it were me, I would not bring the backpack if there's no where to stash it out of sight. How about renting a locker? Here's what The DIS has regarding EPCOT lockers:

To the right of the base of Spaceship Earth, near the restrooms
Small locker - 11"H x 9"W x 16" Deep
Large Locker - 17"H x 12"W x 22" Deep

International Gateway Stroller rental
Small locker - 11"H x 9"W x 16" Deep

Behind Bus Information booth
Luggage lockers - 23"H x 16"W x 29" Deep (Coin operated - $1.00 - 4 quarters

The other thing I might do is look through my closet for more supportive shoes that look better than the walking shoes. You aren't going to be touring for a whole day, just a few hours. Maybe there is a good compromise lurking in your closet? If those options don't sound good, I'd just forget it and wear the walking shoes. That would also save you from having to carry a backpack around.

Panicking a bit, but for a good reason, because

48 HOURS FROM NOW I'LL BE IN FLORIDA, PROBABLY WAITING FOR OR ALREADY ON DME!!!

That's great!

Ok, so this is a toughie but remember, the best thing about the World is it's ability to make us all young again! I'd include some Disney coloring books with their fave characters, a 24 count box of crayons, their fave snack/candy bags (for me it would be Sour Patch Kids or Twizzlers), a voucher (homemade by you or anyone else you deem) to a free Christmas ornament of their choice, Sudoku books or crosswords (I give the same one to all three teens and they play against each other to see who finishes it first. One picks a page, they all turn to it and say "go" - write the winner's name at the top of the page)... just some ideas - another WDW gc wouldn't be bad either...

Thanks! Great ideas. The puzzles & candy especially. DS20 is a Sudoku fan and DD18 loves crosswords. They really aren't too old for little kid stuff- my daughter has been longing for me to replace the VCR tape of the Aristocats- I think I'll download it to take on the plane. I'm sure the other kids have favorite movies I never upgraded to digital, too. This is a good chance to do that.

 

[cybrkitn]

It would be awesome to run into each other on Sunday - you and a million other people! LOL...

My LGMH tags are all set and ready! I'll have one of them on my pink backpack. I chose an LGMH from Milliepie over on the Disney Cruise forum after Googling "lime green mickey head". It has Tinkerbell above one of Mickey's ear which is in a pixie dust swirl.

 

[jwgm2012]

Well good thing I went in to the walk-in! Walked out with a prescription for a Z-pack.. I have bronchitis! Luckily I don't feel absolutely god-awful, and it's a 3 day super prescription, so I'll take the last one the morning we leave and pack the Robitussin with us. Glad I went in...it's better than getting sicker in Disney.

It sucks, because I've been helping my boss with her side cookie business for the holidays to earn some Disney money and I was supposed to work tonight, but I guess I need the rest/free time more.....

So glad you've got something to get you better. Z-pack is good stuff! and good for you recognizing you need rest - so many "tough" it out and that won't help you get better at all!

That was my first thought, too...the first one of us is actually leaving!!!! It's really here!!! So excited for all of us!!!

I can't believe it either! Funny, I actually get more work done on the days leading up to my vacation time! It's like I'm so scared people will come into my office and see what I DON'T do when I'm here.

 

[Lcaemom]

And we'll be following not too far behind ya

DS10 was singing and doing a little dance this morning while waiting for his bus, "We're going to Disney in 2 days, we're going to Disney in 2 days!" My brother was almost doing the same thing this morning as well (when I talked to my mom) and he's 38! In all honesty, though, my brother has not had a decent vacation in a very long time. It's his chance to finally get a way, have fun and relax (if that's possible - relaxing that is)!

Did I forget to say that we leave TOMORROW??!!?? In 47 hours we will be on the Disney Dream....I can't believe it is finally here!!!

THIS IS SO EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!