Recovering Commando's Christmas- 14 Texans Grand Gathering @ WL

[exwdwcm]

So here is DAY 3


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

8:30am Meet in lobby- head to MK
9am MK opens (get Space Mtn FP first)
10:15am Brkfst- Crystal Palace buffet
2pm guys to ESPN, girls break @ hotel
4:15pm Dallas vs San Diego (3:15pm CST)
5pm meet in lobby- to Hollywood Studios
7:25pm Dinner- 50s Prime Time Café
11pm HS close (extra magic hours)

We are hoping to really spend some time at the Osborne lights this night if we missed them the night before. Yes, this means 2 straight nights at HS, but we want to be able to use the EMH if we wanted. We will have already ridden ToT and TSM the day/night before, so we will do less visited attractions this night.

 

[annnewjerz]

So here is DAY 3


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

8:30am Meet in lobby- head to MK
9am MK opens (get Space Mtn FP first)
10:15am Brkfst- Crystal Palace buffet
2pm guys to ESPN, girls break @ hotel
4:15pm Dallas vs San Diego (3:15pm CST)
5pm meet in lobby- to Hollywood Studios
7:25pm Dinner- 50s Prime Time Café
11pm HS close (extra magic hours)

We are hoping to really spend some time at the Osborne lights this night if we missed them the night before. Yes, this means 2 straight nights at HS, but we want to be able to use the EMH if we wanted. We will have already ridden ToT and TSM the day/night before, so we will do less visited attractions this night.

I think your plans look great! We'll be in Epcot the afternoon of the 12th and DHS the evening of the 13th also, so if you see us---say hi!

 

[nic100308]

WOW!! What an amazing and exciting story you have!!! I must say, reading about your grand gather has inspired me to dream of our own. DH is one of 4, we're all married, and there are 5 nieces and nephews with # 6 on the way. LOL so I was thinking to myself, well if my BIL and SIL have another one they will have two, and by that point we may have two, plus my in-laws = 19 people LOL you think I could make it work!?!? This is some years off, but I asked DH if he thought we could pull it off. He said, "yeah why not!" He's so laid back.

Anyway, I am glad to see your mom did well in her surgery. I am guessing it was a success, and now you have a wonderful trip to Disney to celebrate!! And how nice that Grandpa if the person behind the trip. He will truly be smiling down on all of you!!

Keep coming with your planned days! I just love reading people plans and imagining everything walking through the MK and running to the rides!! Disney just makes me happy!!

 

[exwdwcm]

I think your plans look great! We'll be in Epcot the afternoon of the 12th and DHS the evening of the 13th also, so if you see us---say hi!

yes, perhaps we wil have to try and meet up just to say hello!!!

WOW!! What an amazing and exciting story you have!!! I must say, reading about your grand gather has inspired me to dream of our own. DH is one of 4, we're all married, and there are 5 nieces and nephews with # 6 on the way. LOL so I was thinking to myself, well if my BIL and SIL have another one they will have two, and by that point we may have two, plus my in-laws = 19 people LOL you think I could make it work!?!? This is some years off, but I asked DH if he thought we could pull it off. He said, "yeah why not!" He's so laid back.

Anyway, I am glad to see your mom did well in her surgery. I am guessing it was a success, and now you have a wonderful trip to Disney to celebrate!! And how nice that Grandpa if the person behind the trip. He will truly be smiling down on all of you!!

Keep coming with your planned days! I just love reading people plans and imagining everything walking through the MK and running to the rides!! Disney just makes me happy!!

welcome to the madness!! yes, the big group is a lot of work, but also a lot of fun too!

Mom did well in surgery, but still has not gained her sight back, in fact her sight is worse i think than before the surgery--she has no peripheral vision and is almost blind in one eye. she can no longer drive. That is the hardest part i think of all. She is retired and stuck at home with no ride. I wish i could do something to make it better for her. She gets tired very easily and we will probaby rent a wheelchair for portions of the trip. But we will be together and that is what is important, right?

thanks so much for reading along- i'll be checking in on everyone else's reports tomorrow! nothing like dis'ing at work, right?

oh so i saw Mary Poppins the musical today with my mom, sisters and niece. It was fantastic- we have season tickets to the Dallas Summer Musicals and this was the last one and wow, what a way to wrap up the season for us- it was so good and my niece, Ally was so excited- now she will really love having breakfast with Mary Poppins at 1900 Park Fare!

so just did the state fair of TX yesterday---it is the largest state fair in the country and we go every year. Oprah is here tonight and recording a show there tomorrow. Here are a few pics- Will really loved the rides- so that is good news for disney- he won't be scared at all. he is just about to turn 2 on Oct 30th! He had his hands in the air riding the roller coaster! DH stayed home- he hates the state fair- and to be honest, he has good reasons. the parking is horrible, it isn't in the safest area, there are lots of how do i say it nicely 'low lifes' and crime and it is expensive- i mean 10 tickets ($5) for a small lemonade and the food is horrible for you (okay, i see that as positive in my book). I had the fried pecan pie! and chili cheese fries. hey, i did step aerobics class in the am beforehand, so i made a little room for all the fried goodness! right?

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Ha! Our carnivals (not really as big as fairs, but similar) attract some real winners too! We like to refer to it as "Dumpster Diving"!!!!!!!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

We had a local fair this weekend too - 18 tickets for $25?!?!?!

And you can't go with kids and not do rides! Glad to hear Will had a good time though

 

[nic100308]

Anytime we go to a fair we always end up just walking around and eating something sinful. The rides scare me, and I'm not a person who is scared of rides, LOL but I just look at the people operating them and I think twice. I think that maybe it is just the type of event that attracts the sort of "winners" that you see. Honestly, sometimes it's more entertaining to us to just walk around and people watch than to risk our lives on the rides!!

 

[exwdwcm]

Ha! Our carnivals (not really as big as fairs, but similar) attract some real winners too! We like to refer to it as "Dumpster Diving"!!!!!!!

LOL- so true. there truly are some 'unique' individuals out there.

We had a local fair this weekend too - 18 tickets for $25?!?!?!

And you can't go with kids and not do rides! Glad to hear Will had a good time though

ouch, that is pricey! He had a fabulous time!

Anytime we go to a fair we always end up just walking around and eating something sinful. The rides scare me, and I'm not a person who is scared of rides, LOL but I just look at the people operating them and I think twice. I think that maybe it is just the type of event that attracts the sort of "winners" that you see. Honestly, sometimes it's more entertaining to us to just walk around and people watch than to risk our lives on the rides!!

True, 'carnies' are a bit scary. And there was an accident (fatal) like 20 years ago at the fair here where a ride broke and one 'car' on a spinning type adult ride flew off loose. Definitely makes you think twice. These aren't disney imagineers putting these things together! I don't think Disney allows mullets and tatoos (in fact they did ask if i had any tattoos when i worked there, you had to cover them if visible!).

 

[exwdwcm]

DAY 4- Monday, December 14

7am breakfast in room/downstairs
7:30am Meet in lobby- head to AK
8am Animal Kingdom opens
(EMH- FP for EE first, then ride Safari)
11am lunch- fast food
2pm break at hotel
3:30pm babysitters arrive
4pm meet in lobby-bus to Epcot
5:30pm Dinner- Shula’s -Dolphin hotel
Drink around the World!
9:30pm Illuminations/Epcot closes
8:05am Castle Brkfst with Cinderella (for my sister/parents and aunt)

So Monday is our 'drink around the world' day or DATW! We plan to do AK in the am and I like to get there right at opening and head to EE and then Safari. THe animals seem more active in the am. We will do lunch probably at Flame Tree Barbeque- i love the patio area to eat at there. The food isn't too shabby either. then we will do a nice break to rest up before we have babysitters come to the room (probably 1 or 2) for all 3 kids. THe DIS recommends a certain group we will use. We are then going to bus it to Epcot (no DD needed!) and walk back through INTL gateway to the Boardwalk area and to the Dolphin- or we might try and bus it to the BW or Dolphin if possible. Then we have dinner at Shula's Steakhouse at the Dolphin that night to celebrate my BIL's graduation. After dinner, we will meander back over to Epcot for DATW!!! I don't plan to have a drink in each place, but we might share some- like maybe share a sake in Japan etc. We are looking forward to the grey goose slushies and grand marnier slush in France. we've never had those before. There is also the new tequila bar in Mexico to check out. Since dinner is at 5:30 (as early as we could get), we will probably not start our DATW until 7:30 or so, which leaves only 2 hours- we are going to have to hoof it! After DATW, if we are ready to head home when Epcot closes, then we will, if not, we might do a monorail resort tour and drink at the Contemporary or Poly too. It all depends. We plan to have the babysitters the entire time. My son is in bed by 8;30 most nights and they apparently will bring games, movies and other stuff to entertain the kids. We will be checking in often though. We can't use the kids club as Will is too young (I think 3 and up?)​

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Could you see Cinderella with a mullet??!!
I can see them not wanting the tattoos visible I guess...but I am not anti-tattoo, so it wouldn't bother me. I have a few, but they are tasteful. I have my two oldest kids' footprints on the tops of my feet. The youngest's handprint is on my shoulder and on the other shoulder is a memorial tattoo for my DH's sister who was killed in a car accident a few years ago. And, I actually really like arm tattoos on guys...the more the better! Is that weird? I guess it's personal preference? I like guys to have full sleeves. I actually talked DH into doing it...it's a work in progress..lot of time and money!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Great plans! We are doing a bit of beverage tasting in Epcot ourselves!!!!

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

Can you indulge who the "group" is that you'll be using for childcare? We're debating it ourselves.

Enjoy your DATW evening!!!

Could you see Cinderella with a mullet??!!

 

[DWGal210]

Hi there! Sorry I am late in reading your PTR...sounds like you guys are going to have a great time!!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[nic100308]

I love the drink around the world idea. Last time we were there in Oct we did not take advantage of the Food & Wine Festival at all!! I know, we just didn't know anything about it so we sort of over looked it. DH was very excited about the new tequila bar in Mexico. I may have to steak your idea and do a little mini DATW.

 

[exwdwcm]

Could you see Cinderella with a mullet??!!
I can see them not wanting the tattoos visible I guess...but I am not anti-tattoo, so it wouldn't bother me. I have a few, but they are tasteful. I have my two oldest kids' footprints on the tops of my feet. The youngest's handprint is on my shoulder and on the other shoulder is a memorial tattoo for my DH's sister who was killed in a car accident a few years ago. And, I actually really like arm tattoos on guys...the more the better! Is that weird? I guess it's personal preference? I like guys to have full sleeves. I actually talked DH into doing it...it's a work in progress..lot of time and money!

how cute, i haven't heared of the footprints idea, i bet it looks great. i have one, but got it after i did my college program for WDW.

and no, not strange at all!! i have lots of friends with sleeves.

Can you indulge who the "group" is that you'll be using for childcare? We're debating it ourselves.

Enjoy your DATW evening!!!

here is the info - KIDS NITE OUT- DIS recommends them- so we aer going to give them a try. i've heard good things.

800-696-8105 or 407-828-0920). If a babysitter is needed throughout your stay, the Walt Disney Company recommends utilizing the services of Kid’s Nite Out. Kid’s Nite Out Caregivers can provide one-on-one in-room childcare in the comfort of your Walt Disney World Resort room or can just hang out with your family if you need a father’s/mother’s helper. The sitters are over the age of 18 years and are certified in child/infant CPR and basic first aid. Reservations can be made up to two months in advance and require at least a 24-hour notice.
Rates are based upon the number of children…

• 1 child - $16.00 per hour
• 2 children - $18.50 per hour
• 3 children - $21.00 per hour
• 4 children - 23.50 per hour
• For groups or more than 4 children, all children must be 2 years of age or older. Please call Kid’s Nite for these rates
• After 9:00 p.m., there will be an additional $2.00 an hour charge.
• For children 6 weeks - 12 years old
• One-time transportation fee of $10 will be added to total bill for the care provider.
• All rates are hourly based, with a 4-hour minimum, and a one-time transportation fee. Cancellations require 24 hours notice to avoid the 4-hour charge. Advance reservations are required. Prices are subject to change without notice.
• For childcare on Holidays and Special Events, rates are subject to change.

Hi there! Sorry I am late in reading your PTR...sounds like you guys are going to have a great time!!

Can't wait to read more!

Welcome and thanks for reading along!!!!

I love the drink around the world idea. Last time we were there in Oct we did not take advantage of the Food & Wine Festival at all!! I know, we just didn't know anything about it so we sort of over looked it. DH was very excited about the new tequila bar in Mexico. I may have to steak your idea and do a little mini DATW.

you must do the DATW!!! DH and i did drink around the monorail last time- we hit up the lounge/bar at the California grill and watched the sunset. you don't need ressies, you can just simply sit at the bar or they have about 8 tables that are considered the lounge/waiting area and you can order food there too. Here is DH and I at Cali Grill having a drink!

after that, we headed to the Poly and had a drink at the bar near O'hana!! of course then onto GF for a drink at their lounge- they have a live jazz band playing often and they play disney music sometimes too- it was fabulous!

And while we are not drunks or lushes (okay, maybe some of us are, lol), we do like to have a good time every once in a while. it has been few and far between for DH and I since having our son 2 years ago. We just don't have babysitters that often and we don't really 'drink at home'. So we look forward to this. My mom loves her beer, as do my BILs and DH. I love anything fruity and like beer as well (nothing dark though!) and so do my sisters. Dad rarely drinks since he is usually driving, but he will probably partake in some tequila, mom said he went a little crazy on a cruise they did a few years back on the tequila!

 

[nic100308]

I love beer!!! DH does too. If I had to pick a favorite I think it would be Blue Moon. But if I am enjoying fish & chips it has got to be Guinness. But my drink of choice is a gin and tonic.

So I think you have talked us (meaning me) into a mini drink around the world. Our first full day in Disney we will be at Epcot. We have a 3:30 ressie at Rose & Corwn. So I am thinking that will be out ending point and which will be good because then we can sit for a little, recover and fill our bellies with some yummy fish & chips. mmmmmm fish and chips...

 

[exwdwcm]

I love beer!!! DH does too. If I had to pick a favorite I think it would be Blue Moon. But if I am enjoying fish & chips it has got to be Guinness. But my drink of choice is a gin and tonic.

So I think you have talked us (meaning me) into a mini drink around the world. Our first full day in Disney we will be at Epcot. We have a 3:30 ressie at Rose & Corwn. So I am thinking that will be out ending point and which will be good because then we can sit for a little, recover and fill our bellies with some yummy fish & chips. mmmmmm fish and chips...

lol- sounds perfect- nothing like ending in the UK with all of those great beer selections! CHEERS!

So tonight, i met up with 3 other DISers- from the DIS unplugged podcast board I visit. I did the podcast cruise in May with Pete, Jon and the rest of the DIS gang! Plus 300 or so from here on the site! Tonight, another DISer was in town for a conference, so a few of us local texans met up with her at rainforest cafe in Dallas. it was a great time with great new DIS friends. here is a pic! most of them will be at the big DAP party on 12/12 for the DIS, so i get to see them in December too.

 

[nic100308]

I hope you had fun with your DIS friends. I have actually never been to the Rain Forest Cafe. There used to be one close to us and it was always PACKED and we tried to go to the one in AK the last time we were there and same thing. The one by us is no longer here so I don't even know where I could find one to try.

 

[MadilynnsMomma]

ATTN: Rainforest Cafe Fans/Diners

$10 off $25 meal coupon available at www.rainforestcafe.com! No restrictions on it that say you can't use it at Disney!

 

[exwdwcm]

I hope you had fun with your DIS friends. I have actually never been to the Rain Forest Cafe. There used to be one close to us and it was always PACKED and we tried to go to the one in AK the last time we were there and same thing. The one by us is no longer here so I don't even know where I could find one to try.

to be honest, i am not a big fan of RFC. I think the food is mediocre at best and it is way overpriced. The atmosphere is fun, but that is the only appeal for me. We never do it at WDW, especially when we have one here.

ATTN: Rainforest Cafe Fans/Diners

$10 off $25 meal coupon available at www.rainforestcafe.com! No restrictions on it that say you can't use it at Disney!

wow, thanks, i'll hold onto it in case we go back!

So this weekend was very busy- we had a halloween party at my BILs house over an hour away. IT was fun and Will dressed at Capt Hook and actually kept the costume on most of the night- good practice for Halloween!

and nothing says party like a chocolate fountain!

We also had Will's bday party for his 2year old bday this weekend at Pump It Up- it is a huge bounce house place. It was great- we did 40 minutes in the first room, 40 in the second and then 40 in the cake room. we had pizza, cake and more. The kids loved it (and adults too). It was great- their staff sets up, cleans up and even wrote down the names/gifts as we opened presents for us! who could ask for more. Was a little pricey- probably about $400 with tip and pizza and all, but well worth it for the convenience!