Cast: CDisney, DH, Nathan (4) David (6)
Nov. 23-25 Hard Rock Hotel
Nov. 25-Dec. 1 Holiday Inn Family Suites
Nov. 26 Epcot
This was our first trip to Disney that we didnt set an alarm clock and we really kicked back and relaxed. I dont think we got out of bed before 7 a.m. (Thats considered late with my two early birds.) Our first trip, I had a standing order with room service to have coffee delivered at 6 a.m. so we could be at the parks for early entry every morning.
Although the food wasnt the highest quality, the free breakfast buffet at HIFS was very convenient . . . and it was free. In general, the hot food was barely warm, but we learned later in the week that one of the serving areas did a better job keeping the buffet at a proper temperature.
This morning we gave the kids an opportunity to burn off excess energy before we went to Epcot. My husband and David had the pool almost to themselves. Nathan beat me at a round of miniature golf and then disappeared into the slides and tunnels of the playground. I think starting their day this way gave us our best visit to Epcot. The boys were not as antsy to find rides.
Although crowds were very thin, Test Track still had a 45-minute wait when we arrived about 11:30 a.m. We grabbed Fast Passes and explored the Wonders of Life pavilion until it was time for Test Track. Nathan and I hoped to find Mickey Mouse, while my husband and David tackled Test Track, but we were unsuccessful. I had forgotten that he wasnt at the old Mouse Gear location and I didnt have our FRS radios so we could search elsewhere.
My poor Nathan was sad. Maybe he doesnt like us anymore, he whimpered.
I assured him that Mickey still liked him and we would find him for sure before we went home. That satisfied him and we headed back to meet the rest of our party for a small lunch.
After lunch, we explored Mexico and I was sure to get a Margarita before we crossed the border.
A dedicated Budweiser drinker, my husband didnt think it was fair that he had to go all the way to Africa to find his brand of beer. With drinks in hand, we reunited in Norway so the kids could play pirates on the Viking ship.
Arrrgh! Its a mutiny! David bellowed as his crew was hauled away by parents who had allotted only five minutes aboard for their kids. Their imaginations carried them to faraway places for a good half hour before we urged them to move on so we could ride the Maelstrom.
Nathan was ready to jump ship. He was sure the Maelstrom would plummet him over a waterfall, and he wanted nothing to do with that adventure. When I told him there were only trolls, no waterfalls, he still wasnt too convinced.
He pressed his little body into mine throughout the entire ride, so I was sure this was one he would skip next time. But, he surprised me and said he wanted to go again as soon as we got off.
We spent the rest of the afternoon just wandering through the World Showcase. We enjoyed the Character Masquerade in Italy, the Matsiriza in Japan, and the World Showcase Players in the United Kingdom. As we made our way around the world, the kids were already getting hungry by 4 p.m. and our reservation for Le Cellier wasnt for another 40 minutes. I checked in at the desk and they were able to accommodate us early.
Our server wasnt very friendly, but the food was delicious. Our meal was part of the Candlelight Processional package, so we had an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. My boys both broke tradition and ordered a childs portion of prime rib instead of chicken nuggets. I was surprised that they picked the prime rib and even more surprised when they ate a good portion of it. There was more than enough food and none of us could finish our desserts.
After dinner, the tree lighting ceremony and Cast in Bronze put us in a Christmas mood. The kids were awed by the lights. For me, it was the music just a small herald of what was to come later at the Candlelight Processional.
We decided to let the kids do some shopping with the 15% discount that came with the package. It took them only five minutes in Mouse Gear to figure out what they wanted. David spotted a bucket of Toy Story toy soldiers on the shelf and didnt want to see anything else. Nathan, who has to have everything that David has, grabbed a bucket as well.
I pleaded with them to look around. But, their decision was final.
I bought $22 worth of Army men to add to the hundreds we already had at home. I could have gotten several battalions of the little plastic men at the dollar store for $22. I have to admit though, their choice worked to my favor later.
With their purchases stowed in our double stroller, we started making our way towards the America Gardens Theatre for the 8:15 p.m. Candlelight Processional. We got there about an hour early, but decided to go ahead and get in the package seating line. I wanted to sit towards the front so David could see the orchestra and the conductor, and the boys were anxious to play with their Army men.
My husband and I chatted with others in line, while pretend battles were waged at our feet. The Army men kept them happy until it was time to claim our seats in the second row.
Ever since I started planning this trip, I looked forward to the Candlelight Processional, but I had no idea how much it would mean to me until that night. As I sat engrossed in the music, my heart filled with emotion and tears streamed down my face.
Sixteen years ago, I lost my father to a freak accident. I was only 17. Since then, Ive been blessed with happiness, but at Christmas I always feel a sense of sadness because Dad made the holidays so joyful and I miss him. Every year, we would welcome Christmas by attending midnight Mass together. As we stood side by side, it was the choirs carols that always touched my soul.
At the Candlelight Processional, all the memories of Christmas past flooded my mind and my heart filled with such joy. It was almost like I was a child again, standing hand-in-hand with my father. Its an experience Ill never forget, and one for which Ill always be thankful.
My children, by the way, were angelic throughout the performance. Nathan fell asleep in my lap as my tears spilled into his hair. The trombones and the animated conductor helped David tap into a reserve supply of patience. I left the performance with a renewed spirit.
Part V: Go away, were having fun
Nov. 23-25 Hard Rock Hotel
Nov. 25-Dec. 1 Holiday Inn Family Suites
Nov. 26 Epcot
This was our first trip to Disney that we didnt set an alarm clock and we really kicked back and relaxed. I dont think we got out of bed before 7 a.m. (Thats considered late with my two early birds.) Our first trip, I had a standing order with room service to have coffee delivered at 6 a.m. so we could be at the parks for early entry every morning.
Although the food wasnt the highest quality, the free breakfast buffet at HIFS was very convenient . . . and it was free. In general, the hot food was barely warm, but we learned later in the week that one of the serving areas did a better job keeping the buffet at a proper temperature.
This morning we gave the kids an opportunity to burn off excess energy before we went to Epcot. My husband and David had the pool almost to themselves. Nathan beat me at a round of miniature golf and then disappeared into the slides and tunnels of the playground. I think starting their day this way gave us our best visit to Epcot. The boys were not as antsy to find rides.
Although crowds were very thin, Test Track still had a 45-minute wait when we arrived about 11:30 a.m. We grabbed Fast Passes and explored the Wonders of Life pavilion until it was time for Test Track. Nathan and I hoped to find Mickey Mouse, while my husband and David tackled Test Track, but we were unsuccessful. I had forgotten that he wasnt at the old Mouse Gear location and I didnt have our FRS radios so we could search elsewhere.
My poor Nathan was sad. Maybe he doesnt like us anymore, he whimpered.
I assured him that Mickey still liked him and we would find him for sure before we went home. That satisfied him and we headed back to meet the rest of our party for a small lunch.After lunch, we explored Mexico and I was sure to get a Margarita before we crossed the border.
A dedicated Budweiser drinker, my husband didnt think it was fair that he had to go all the way to Africa to find his brand of beer. With drinks in hand, we reunited in Norway so the kids could play pirates on the Viking ship. Arrrgh! Its a mutiny! David bellowed as his crew was hauled away by parents who had allotted only five minutes aboard for their kids. Their imaginations carried them to faraway places for a good half hour before we urged them to move on so we could ride the Maelstrom.
Nathan was ready to jump ship. He was sure the Maelstrom would plummet him over a waterfall, and he wanted nothing to do with that adventure. When I told him there were only trolls, no waterfalls, he still wasnt too convinced.
He pressed his little body into mine throughout the entire ride, so I was sure this was one he would skip next time. But, he surprised me and said he wanted to go again as soon as we got off. We spent the rest of the afternoon just wandering through the World Showcase. We enjoyed the Character Masquerade in Italy, the Matsiriza in Japan, and the World Showcase Players in the United Kingdom. As we made our way around the world, the kids were already getting hungry by 4 p.m. and our reservation for Le Cellier wasnt for another 40 minutes. I checked in at the desk and they were able to accommodate us early.
Our server wasnt very friendly, but the food was delicious. Our meal was part of the Candlelight Processional package, so we had an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. My boys both broke tradition and ordered a childs portion of prime rib instead of chicken nuggets. I was surprised that they picked the prime rib and even more surprised when they ate a good portion of it. There was more than enough food and none of us could finish our desserts.
After dinner, the tree lighting ceremony and Cast in Bronze put us in a Christmas mood. The kids were awed by the lights. For me, it was the music just a small herald of what was to come later at the Candlelight Processional.
We decided to let the kids do some shopping with the 15% discount that came with the package. It took them only five minutes in Mouse Gear to figure out what they wanted. David spotted a bucket of Toy Story toy soldiers on the shelf and didnt want to see anything else. Nathan, who has to have everything that David has, grabbed a bucket as well.
I pleaded with them to look around. But, their decision was final.
I bought $22 worth of Army men to add to the hundreds we already had at home. I could have gotten several battalions of the little plastic men at the dollar store for $22. I have to admit though, their choice worked to my favor later.With their purchases stowed in our double stroller, we started making our way towards the America Gardens Theatre for the 8:15 p.m. Candlelight Processional. We got there about an hour early, but decided to go ahead and get in the package seating line. I wanted to sit towards the front so David could see the orchestra and the conductor, and the boys were anxious to play with their Army men.
My husband and I chatted with others in line, while pretend battles were waged at our feet. The Army men kept them happy until it was time to claim our seats in the second row.
Ever since I started planning this trip, I looked forward to the Candlelight Processional, but I had no idea how much it would mean to me until that night. As I sat engrossed in the music, my heart filled with emotion and tears streamed down my face.
Sixteen years ago, I lost my father to a freak accident. I was only 17. Since then, Ive been blessed with happiness, but at Christmas I always feel a sense of sadness because Dad made the holidays so joyful and I miss him. Every year, we would welcome Christmas by attending midnight Mass together. As we stood side by side, it was the choirs carols that always touched my soul.
At the Candlelight Processional, all the memories of Christmas past flooded my mind and my heart filled with such joy. It was almost like I was a child again, standing hand-in-hand with my father. Its an experience Ill never forget, and one for which Ill always be thankful.
My children, by the way, were angelic throughout the performance. Nathan fell asleep in my lap as my tears spilled into his hair. The trombones and the animated conductor helped David tap into a reserve supply of patience. I left the performance with a renewed spirit.
Part V: Go away, were having fun
