Seattle Goobers' January '12 Trip! UPDATE 1/30: The TR has begun! :)

[danimaroo]

Hi Dani!!

You joined my PTR and we're going the same time! So excited to meet you and Matt! Loving your PTR so far, you're a great writer and I can't wait to read more!!

I'll be back!!

Awesome to have you here! Welcome to my little dorky PTR! Thank you for the compliments; I try to keep things fun around here! Really glad I found you and commented on your PTR, and really happy I caught up on everything, too! Can't wait to hear about how the boys react to your big reveal on Christmas! Are you thinking about taking video of it?!

 

[Colleen27]

Yay for Mickey Mail!

 

[okw19]

Hahaha, I know, I know. But it's hard to think of something, honestly. Especially since there aren't a ton of pins I'm really in love with from the bunch. So what's better than sending them to a kid who will probably appreciate them ten times more than I will?! I'll let you know when they're sent out, because I definitely would like to send them to you guys.
I know! I am really happy to have a great reason to update every day, haha. Not sure tons of people are reading them/care, but that's okay, because it's fun for me! I LOVE Dug, plus I swear sometimes I'm just like that!

I heard about the Up M&G and am PRAYING that they keep it around for longer than the holidays. If I met Dug I wouldn't know what to do with myself! My friend who is a CM in Disneyland has a photo with Dug and I'm SO jealous! So fingers crossed they let them stick around for a little longer than normal so I can meet both him and Russell.

I am so glad I "met" you on here. You are the sweetest, and we are so much alike! I can't wait til our trip so hopefully we can really meet. You really don't have to go out of your way for DD.

I am really hoping I get to meet Dug too! I love him so much.

Anyway, onto Day 3!

Day 3: A picture of your favorite Disney memory

Okay so, I think my overall favorite Disney memory ever actually happened when I was 6 years old and met Mickey Mouse for the first time. It's something I'll never forget and still makes me smile. Unfortunately, I don't have photos of that event, so I'm choosing something from our honeymoon, and also because it's a different kind of special memory/experience, being in Disney World for the first time as an adult..

This photo just reminds me of how much fun Matt and I had on this trip as a whole. We were able to run around the parks like kids again, holding hands and wearing our dorky hats. It made me realize even more how happy I am to have married Matt and to be able to share such a great love for Disney World together.

I am really truly thankful to have someone who introduced me to so many new things in Disney World, and really reignited my love for a place that holds one of my favorite childhood memories. It's hard to choose just one memory, because our honeymoon was such a wonderful trip and I couldn't ask for a better person to go to Disney World with.

This pictures is so cute! I love it. I am kinda bummed about the parade too, but I guess I will get over it. Less crowds to push through.

MICKEY MAIL!!!!! WOOHOO
I can't believe it is there so soon! That's insane. I am giddy for you guys!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Yay for Mickey Mail!!! Ok, I have a question since last time we stayed offsite! Will I get Mickey Mail 40 days or so (tomorrow!) out even if we are not flying and using DME? We are staying onsite, but I wasn't sure if we would get anything in the mail since we are driving??

 

[princess&her4princes]

WOOHOO for Mickey Mail!!!! Nothing better! And you're so right, it does make it feel real with it in your hand, no turning back now!

One week from today is our big reveal, can't wait! We are already charging our video camera to capture the boys reactions, I'm sure I'll cry!!

Our trips are getting SO close now, less than a month! What a great feeling!!! hope you had a great weekend!!

 

[danimaroo]

Yay for Mickey Mail!

YAY INDEEDIE! I'm just happy that we don't have to worry about our bags; it makes dropping things off at our resort pretty easy!

I am so glad I "met" you on here. You are the sweetest, and we are so much alike! I can't wait til our trip so hopefully we can really meet. You really don't have to go out of your way for DD.

I am really hoping I get to meet Dug too! I love him so much.

This pictures is so cute! I love it. I am kinda bummed about the parade too, but I guess I will get over it. Less crowds to push through.

MICKEY MAIL!!!!! WOOHOO
I can't believe it is there so soon! That's insane. I am giddy for you guys!

I know, me too! I have noooo problem doing that for your daughter though; seriously, you've been awesome with the PP share as it is, I have no problem doing it! I already picked up a box, so today I'll print off a shipping label and try to send it out tomorrow morning!

Yeah, fingers crossed on Dug still being there. Disney could give us a little something considering all of the closures while we're there!

Yeah, I figure we'll just keep our head up and enjoy everything else in Disney World, because there sure is plenty to enjoy!! And definitely less crowds to deal with is a good thing!

Have you gotten your Mickey Mail yet?! You must let me know when you do! I can't believe we got it so quickly either though. REALLY exciting!

Yay for Mickey Mail!!! Ok, I have a question since last time we stayed offsite! Will I get Mickey Mail 40 days or so (tomorrow!) out even if we are not flying and using DME? We are staying onsite, but I wasn't sure if we would get anything in the mail since we are driving??

Hmm, that is a good question. I think you will get Mickey Mail since you're staying onsite though. See because we're staying through DVC, all we get is the ME stuff. I think people who booked a package get a bunch of other stuff in the mail, like your park tickets and stuff! I could be wrong though, and I'm not 100% sure since I've only booked through DVC recently. You'll have to keep us posted though!!

WOOHOO for Mickey Mail!!!! Nothing better! And you're so right, it does make it feel real with it in your hand, no turning back now!

One week from today is our big reveal, can't wait! We are already charging our video camera to capture the boys reactions, I'm sure I'll cry!!

Our trips are getting SO close now, less than a month! What a great feeling!!! hope you had a great weekend!!

I KNOW, nothing better... except for the trip itself! It really feels real now, and I'm just so excited for our trip.

I AM SO EXCITED for your reveal! I LOVE seeing kids' reactions to that stuff. I'd be crying, too. One day when I have kids I hope to be able to do that for them!

We are so so close. And I had a FANTASTIC weekend. I'll be posting an update here in a few.

 

[danimaroo]

Sorry for the brief 2-day break. We had a wonderful Christmassy weekend and I just never had a chance to sit down at a computer and type up some updates. I kind of figure that weekends are off limits in terms of updating for me right now, since we're pretty busy around Christmas time! So that being said, I owe a little bit of an update, and of course playing catch up on the two days of the photo challenge that I'm behind on!

FIRST AND FOREMOST, today is a big day when it comes to our trip. You may be scratching your head wondering why, but...

WE ARE ONE MONTH AWAY! ONE MONTH! Literally one month from this second, we will be either leaving Epcot to go back to our room, to get ready for dinner over at Crystal Palace, or we'll be on the monorail doing our monorail resort tour that we always do on the first day there! We are SO excited! It's so close!

In other fun news...

So we did our annual Christmas in downtown Seattle with our best friends (the ones who are watching our puppers while we're in Disney World!), and it was a BLAST! We saw the movie The Descendants (which is amazing by the way, definitely rooting for it at the Oscars this year), had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, walked around with the lights and the big star, and did some shopping. We made our way to Old Navy, and I decided I wanted some pajamas and socks, since they were having a big sale. Lo and behold, apparently Disney has paired up with Old Navy for some stuff, so I found really cute PJ pants!

THEN I spotted an ADORABLE long sleeve light sweatshirt for our trip! I HAD to have it. While it wasn't on sale, I didn't really care because it was too cute not to buy.

I just seem to keep finding lots of cute stuff to wear both at home and during our trip!

Anyway, onto the photo challenge! I need to catch up so I'm doing a few days in this post... Hope you don't mind.


Day 5: A picture of your least favorite ride or attraction

Had to use a stock image for this one, since I didn't take a photo while we were on it... But ugh, this ride was pretty terrible. What makes me sad is that Matt told me the old ride was so much better and this one made him really sad. It's just... yeah. I am not a fan and will not be going on it again this trip. BUT I can see how kids would love it, so I'm sure one day when we have kids we'll probably end up going on it.

Day 6: A picture something you've never ridden/seen in the parks

Another stock image... because I didn't really even like to get near this thing last trip. I am going on it though this time, because I know I will be mad at myself if I don't try it. Matt seems to think I'll be okay with it, he said he used to hate it back when it was one really huge drop, but the past few times he's been on it was a lot more fun with the smaller drops. I'm sure the photo of me on that ride will be ridiculous... and I'm sure I'll be screaming like I'm being murdered while Matt laughs at me. But don't feel so bad for me, because I laugh at him on Expedition Everest when he screams while we're sitting in the front.

Did I mentioned that our first ride this trip on EE will be in the front and I'm planning on recording it? THAT will be a hilarious video for sure.

Day 7: A picture of your favorite in-park character

Okay, excuse the fact that this is a terrible angle and I'd just woken up, so I look REALLY bad in this photo... but this is my favorite in-park character! I just love Eeyore so much, so I'm REALLY excited to see him again this next trip. He's just so cute.

I'm also looking forward to meeting Stitch this time (I told Matt we are stopping for a photo this time, because that's his favorite!), and still keeping my fingers crossed that Dug will still be in AK when we're there.

 

[okw19]

YAY INDEEDIE! I'm just happy that we don't have to worry about our bags; it makes dropping things off at our resort pretty easy!
Yes, it does! We drive and OKW has parking directly in front of the villas so luggage is easy for us thatnkfully.
I know, me too! I have noooo problem doing that for your daughter though; seriously, you've been awesome with the PP share as it is, I have no problem doing it! I already picked up a box, so today I'll print off a shipping label and try to send it out tomorrow morning!
Awh, you are so sweet! She will be excited to have pins like mommy and her aunt! I think I will let her put them up on the bulletin board in her room.
Yeah, fingers crossed on Dug still being there. Disney could give us a little something considering all of the closures while we're there!
I watched Up last night and now I really need Dug to be there. I'd love Dug, Russell and Carl is possible. How cool would it be if Disney built an animatronic Kevin?!
Yeah, I figure we'll just keep our head up and enjoy everything else in Disney World, because there sure is plenty to enjoy!! And definitely less crowds to deal with is a good thing!
Have you gotten your Mickey Mail yet?! You must let me know when you do! I can't believe we got it so quickly either though. REALLY exciting!
We haven't gotten any because we didn't book our OKW Villa through Disney. I guess we might get some for our first night since we are staying at Pop! on arrival night.

WE ARE ONE MONTH AWAY! ONE MONTH! Literally one month from this second, we will be either leaving Epcot to go back to our room, to get ready for dinner over at Crystal Palace, or we'll be on the monorail doing our monorail resort tour that we always do on the first day there! We are SO excited! It's so close!
YAY!!!!
In other fun news...

So we did our annual Christmas in downtown Seattle with our best friends (the ones who are watching our puppers while we're in Disney World!), and it was a BLAST! We saw the movie The Descendants (which is amazing by the way, definitely rooting for it at the Oscars this year), had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, walked around with the lights and the big star, and did some shopping. We made our way to Old Navy, and I decided I wanted some pajamas and socks, since they were having a big sale. Lo and behold, apparently Disney has paired up with Old Navy for some stuff, so I found really cute PJ pants!

LOVE THESE!!
THEN I spotted an ADORABLE long sleeve light sweatshirt for our trip! I HAD to have it. While it wasn't on sale, I didn't really care because it was too cute not to buy.

I bought this on Black Friday!!! We will be twins
I just seem to keep finding lots of cute stuff to wear both at home and during our trip!

Anyway, onto the photo challenge! I need to catch up so I'm doing a few days in this post... Hope you don't mind.


Day 5: A picture of your least favorite ride or attraction

Had to use a stock image for this one, since I didn't take a photo while we were on it... But ugh, this ride was pretty terrible. What makes me sad is that Matt told me the old ride was so much better and this one made him really sad. It's just... yeah. I am not a fan and will not be going on it again this trip. BUT I can see how kids would love it, so I'm sure one day when we have kids we'll probably end up going on it.
I used to LOVE this ride back in the 90's before they changed it. I still ride it every trip even though it sucks now. I will have to ride for sure this trip with DD.
Day 6: A picture something you've never ridden/seen in the parks
Another stock image... because I didn't really even like to get near this thing last trip. I am going on it though this time, because I know I will be mad at myself if I don't try it. Matt seems to think I'll be okay with it, he said he used to hate it back when it was one really huge drop, but the past few times he's been on it was a lot more fun with the smaller drops. I'm sure the photo of me on that ride will be ridiculous... and I'm sure I'll be screaming like I'm being murdered while Matt laughs at me. But don't feel so bad for me, because I laugh at him on Expedition Everest when he screams while we're sitting in the front.
YES! You will love it. It is one of the best things Disney has done IMO. Good ride and excellent theming! It is a complete experience with all the amazing details they put into it.
Did I mentioned that our first ride this trip on EE will be in the front and I'm planning on recording it? THAT will be a hilarious video for sure.

Day 7: A picture of your favorite in-park character

Okay, excuse the fact that this is a terrible angle and I'd just woken up, so I look REALLY bad in this photo... but this is my favorite in-park character! I just love Eeyore so much, so I'm REALLY excited to see him again this next trip. He's just so cute.
He's so cute

I'm also looking forward to meeting Stitch this time (I told Matt we are stopping for a photo this time, because that's his favorite!), and still keeping my fingers crossed that Dug will still be in AK when we're there.

Sorry that was so long! I shouldn't have quoted.

 

[danimaroo]

Sorry that was so long! I shouldn't have quoted.

Hahaha, noooo worries, I still read all of it! Soooo you will be happy to know that I just printed off the shipping label for the pins! I just need to pack them up tonight in the box and off they go! I hope your DD loves them.

 

[danimaroo]

Hi everybody! Back for Day 8! Not much going on here, just getting excited for CHRISTMAS! I love it so much and this is going to be the first year that Matt and I spend the actual morning of Christmas Day in our own house!

In the past I've been back in Boston while Matt stayed here with his family (this is before we got married), then last year, our first Christmas as a married couple, we spent the night at Matt's parents' house to help out with his niece. Now that she um, figured certain things out about Christmas, we figure it's time to start our own tradition of having Christmas at home.

I am SO excited for this, plus Puppy Christmas (and OMG you guys, "Santa Paws" has totally spoiled our dogs this year. Our cat is also getting a gift of Beef Jerky... She is like a little shark when there is beef jerky around!), so it's going to be a great Christmas! I can't wait. Definitely going to post a video of the doggies reaction to everything waiting for them on Christmas morning!

We are now 30 days away from our vacation! I have a feeling the day after Christmas we are going to be in full-on planning mode. I am going to try to make it as least stressful as possible, in terms of getting ready, so I'm trying to think of things we might need to shop for (like a pop up hamper, detergent, smaller breakfast items, etc.)

Because we're flying first-class, we are allowed to check 2 bags each for free. I think we're actually only going to do one per person, plus 2 roll-ons, so we should have plenty of space for the food. I'm thinking just like 2-3 items so we can eat a quick breakfast in the room sometimes.

Outside of shopping for stuff, we also need to clean our house, since our friends will be staying the 10 days at our house while they watch our animals! Though it shouldn't be too bad as we tend to keep the downstairs pretty darn clean. Our bedroom is the only room that needs a serious cleaning, so hopefully we can set aside some time in early January to do a big cleaning. I'm sure I'll be on here asking for ideas of things to not forget (ugh this time I am bringing WAY more socks! ), and will start to make random lists to pester you with.

Anyway, onto the next day of the photo challenge!

Day 8: A picture of the ride you miss the most

Stock photo, AGAIN. I know, I'm lame. I'm posting this because it will be closed when we are in Disney. This is the one thing I am saddest about while we are visiting... but I am pepping myself up because Splash Mountain WILL be open this time and I am DYING to ride it. I will miss Big Thunder a lot though.

 

[okw19]

Hahaha, noooo worries, I still read all of it! Soooo you will be happy to know that I just printed off the shipping label for the pins! I just need to pack them up tonight in the box and off they go! I hope your DD loves them.

Thank you. You really didn't have to go out of your way to do that for her.

Hi everybody! Back for Day 8! Not much going on here, just getting excited for CHRISTMAS! I love it so much and this is going to be the first year that Matt and I spend the actual morning of Christmas Day in our own house!

In the past I've been back in Boston while Matt stayed here with his family (this is before we got married), then last year, our first Christmas as a married couple, we spent the night at Matt's parents' house to help out with his niece. Now that she um, figured certain things out about Christmas, we figure it's time to start our own tradition of having Christmas at home.

I am SO excited for this, plus Puppy Christmas (and OMG you guys, "Santa Paws" has totally spoiled our dogs this year. Our cat is also getting a gift of Beef Jerky... She is like a little shark when there is beef jerky around!), so it's going to be a great Christmas! I can't wait. Definitely going to post a video of the doggies reaction to everything waiting for them on Christmas morning!

We are now 30 days away from our vacation! I have a feeling the day after Christmas we are going to be in full-on planning mode. I am going to try to make it as least stressful as possible, in terms of getting ready, so I'm trying to think of things we might need to shop for (like a pop up hamper, detergent, smaller breakfast items, etc.)

Because we're flying first-class, we are allowed to check 2 bags each for free. I think we're actually only going to do one per person, plus 2 roll-ons, so we should have plenty of space for the food. I'm thinking just like 2-3 items so we can eat a quick breakfast in the room sometimes.

Outside of shopping for stuff, we also need to clean our house, since our friends will be staying the 10 days at our house while they watch our animals! Though it shouldn't be too bad as we tend to keep the downstairs pretty darn clean. Our bedroom is the only room that needs a serious cleaning, so hopefully we can set aside some time in early January to do a big cleaning. I'm sure I'll be on here asking for ideas of things to not forget (ugh this time I am bringing WAY more socks! ), and will start to make random lists to pester you with.

Anyway, onto the next day of the photo challenge!

Day 8: A picture of the ride you miss the most

Stock photo, AGAIN. I know, I'm lame. I'm posting this because it will be closed when we are in Disney. This is the one thing I am saddest about while we are visiting... but I am pepping myself up because Splash Mountain WILL be open this time and I am DYING to ride it. I will miss Big Thunder a lot though.

So that's exciting that you'll get to spend Christmas in your house and together. I'm sure your furry babies will be so excited for all their gifts.
A pop up hamper is a great idea! We always stock up on granola bars and Pop Tarts for a quick breakfast.

I'm going to miss BTMRR too. At least we will have Splash!

 

[danimaroo]

Thank you. You really didn't have to go out of your way to do that for her.

So that's exciting that you'll get to spend Christmas in your house and together. I'm sure your furry babies will be so excited for all their gifts.
A pop up hamper is a great idea! We always stock up on granola bars and Pop Tarts for a quick breakfast.

I'm going to miss BTMRR too. At least we will have Splash!

It's really not a problem at all! I just gave it to my receptionist at work to send out with all the mail so it'll be on its way today! You'll have to let me know when you get it.

I'm very happy to spend Christmas in our house this year! It's going to be absolutely wonderful.

I WAS going to get a pop-up hamper but lo and behold, while I was shopping at American Eagle yesterday, where they had a 40% off EVERYTHING sale, I found a perfect laundry bag for like 3 bucks! So I grabbed that and figured it will be perfect for doing laundry. I also grabbed a journal for our trip, nothing fancy, but it's a perfect size for when I have a moment to sit down and write some notes about our trip for my future TR!

I'm thinking we'll do something similar. I think last trip we ended up getting some cereal and milk and some bagels and cream cheese as the little market at OKW. It made a good breakfast. I think there will be a few mornings where we go get breakfast while out and about, but I'm usually pretty okay just eating something quick in the room and then heading out and having an early lunch.

BTMRR is sad, but I can't deny that I'm REALLY excited to have Splash Mountain open this year!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Phew!! I'm finally all caught up! Today I'm thankful that Cole passed out on the couch during quiet time to I could catch up here!

You are a great writer! Really enjoying your PTR! I love all the pics and random posts/updates.

Congrats on your combined weight loss, good for you guys! You're looking great!

Your dining ADR's look great, I need to compare ours and see where we're at! I think you said we're at MK your first night together, I wonder if there are any others?

I'm with you about ToT! I did it on our Disney honeymoon, after RnR and breakfast and almost lost it! I've never done it again, in the last 4 trips we've taken. My middle son, Lucas, did it last September, he was 5 at the time and he LOVED it! There's been some talk about me trying it again, since it's been 11 years but I dont know if I can bring myself to do it....the up and down motion scares me!!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!! Less than a month, woo hoo!!!!!!! Dancin with you girl!

 

[danimaroo]

Day 9: A picture of your favorite Disney restaurant

Okay so this one is really really tough. Our last trip I really loved Via Napoli, Raglan Road and Crystal Palace. The food at all 3 was excellent (not to mention my favorite pals over at CP ). But I gave the edge to Raglan Road because of that bread pudding.

Oh my word, it is over-the-top amazing. That good, I promise. I'm really looking forward to going back for the fish and chips (also AMAZING) and the bread pudding. Plus both times we went everyone was super friendly and they played The Swell Season, one of my favorite bands.

 

[okw19]

Oh my goodness! I will have to take my Granddad to Raglan Road if only just for dessert! He's a bread pudding fanatic. Beers and bread pudding. Sounds like a good Granddaddy/granddaughter date, right?

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Day 9: A picture of your favorite Disney restaurant

Okay so this one is really really tough. Our last trip I really loved Via Napoli, Raglan Road and Crystal Palace. The food at all 3 was excellent (not to mention my favorite pals over at CP ). But I gave the edge to Raglan Road because of that bread pudding.

Oh my word, it is over-the-top amazing. That good, I promise. I'm really looking forward to going back for the fish and chips (also AMAZING) and the bread pudding. Plus both times we went everyone was super friendly and they played The Swell Season, one of my favorite bands.

We always do Raglan Rd on our arrival night....YUMMY!! And we love the music and dancer!

 

[danimaroo]

Phew!! I'm finally all caught up! Today I'm thankful that Cole passed out on the couch during quiet time to I could catch up here!

You are a great writer! Really enjoying your PTR! I love all the pics and random posts/updates.

Congrats on your combined weight loss, good for you guys! You're looking great!

Your dining ADR's look great, I need to compare ours and see where we're at! I think you said we're at MK your first night together, I wonder if there are any others?

I'm with you about ToT! I did it on our Disney honeymoon, after RnR and breakfast and almost lost it! I've never done it again, in the last 4 trips we've taken. My middle son, Lucas, did it last September, he was 5 at the time and he LOVED it! There's been some talk about me trying it again, since it's been 11 years but I dont know if I can bring myself to do it....the up and down motion scares me!!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!! Less than a month, woo hoo!!!!!!! Dancin with you girl!

YAY glad you're caught up... and thank you! I try to make things fun, especially when there aren't a ton of things to update about our trip!

We've really put a lot of effort into the weight loss and it's going well. We're kind of letting ourselves enjoy Christmas and the food that comes with it, then we'll be back to our usual foods... until our vacation. At least we'll be walking a lot though!

Yeah I wonder that too! We're pretty flexible so it'll be funny to see if we actually keep all of our ADRs. I'm hoping we do because I am really excited for all of those restaurants!

I am just totally terrified of elevators in general, plus the Twilight Zone music freaked me out when I was little (but not the show itself, hahaha)... I'm sure I'll be fine, but I just have to do it at least once! Watch, I'll end up really liking it. You should do it, too! Then we can both talk about how we tried it out in our TRs! Haha.

I AM SO EXCITED! Matt pointed out this morning how we're closer to our trip than we are to the weekend we went up and played in the snow... It's so crazy but I canNOT wait. We're so close!!!

Oh my goodness! I will have to take my Granddad to Raglan Road if only just for dessert! He's a bread pudding fanatic. Beers and bread pudding. Sounds like a good Granddaddy/granddaughter date, right?

You really should, I think he would LOVE it there. And if he likes bread pudding, like real genuine bread pudding.. theeeen you DEFINITELY should take him there. I think it's a perfect date for you guys!

We always do Raglan Rd on our arrival night....YUMMY!! And we love the music and dancer!

You know, that's part of the reason I started following your PTR... Your love for Raglan Road made me realize, "Welp, I think I'll enjoy this PTR if she enjoys Raglan Road!"

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Oh my goodness! I will have to take my Granddad to Raglan Road if only just for dessert! He's a bread pudding fanatic. Beers and bread pudding. Sounds like a good Granddaddy/granddaughter date, right?

I can't tell you how much I wish my Grandpa was still alive so I could take him here. He was from County Monaghan, Ireland and he would have loved to just sit and listen to the music and have a sweet dish like bread pudding! You really should do this.


[/QUOTE]You know, that's part of the reason I started following your PTR... Your love for Raglan Road made me realize, "Welp, I think I'll enjoy this PTR if she enjoys Raglan Road!" [/QUOTE]

Great minds think alike!

 

[danimaroo]

Woohoo, only a few more days til Christmas! I am so excited for Christmas this year. I really think it's going to be a good one! Last night we celebrated my niece's birthday at the Cheesecake Factory and then walked around downtown a bit. She's just turned 11 and has been OBSESSED with Harry Potter, so we got her a Marauder's Map. I wasn't sure if she'd like it or not, just because she's still only 11 and I wasn't sure if she'd think it was as cool as both Matt and I thought it was (no seriously, the map is a really neat replica from the movie and it's HUGE)..

Well, she opened it up and was SO excited. It was really fun to see her be genuinely excited over a gift (vs. the fake excitement to not hurt people's feelings). For Christmas we bought her a replica of Hermione Granger's wand in a special Ollivanders box, so I really cannot wait til she opens that.

Matt pointed out this morning how close we are getting to our vacation. It's so crazy that we will be in Disney World so soon. I know I say this EVERY update but I can't wait, I really can't. We were both talking about how having 10 days there is awesome because we don't have to feel too guilty about being lazy around the pool or just not running around parks here and there because we have so much time to enjoy everything. I'm glad we went with a longer vacation for sure!

ANYWAY! I've been looking forward to today's challenge, so let's get to it! AND I'm even using one of my own photos for once, haha...

Day 10: A picture of your favorite ride or attraction

THIS is a total no-brainer! Expedition Everest of course! I fell in love with everything about this ride. The theming is seriously amazing. I love the details you catch while walking through the line. I was actually glad to have some time to wait in line a few times because of the details throughout the "museum".

The ride itself is great! I love that it's a smooth roller coaster, that it goes backwards, I could go on. I am so excited to ride it again. I told Matt we are doing front row our first time on it and he told me he would do it for me. He does NOT like the front row of it at all, but does enjoy sitting in the middle. I think it's because there is nothing in front of you in the front row... but that's why I love it! It's so much fun.

Because it cracks me up, I am posting a link to the video I took of us when we rode it in the front during our honeymoon. I thought Matt would scream more than I did, but I think I took the cake... at least for the loudest scream anyway! I'm looking forward to the video from this year's trip during our first ride... Should be pretty funny.

 

[princess&her4princes]

Day 9: A picture of your favorite Disney restaurant

Okay so this one is really really tough. Our last trip I really loved Via Napoli, Raglan Road and Crystal Palace. The food at all 3 was excellent (not to mention my favorite pals over at CP ). But I gave the edge to Raglan Road because of that bread pudding.

Oh my word, it is over-the-top amazing. That good, I promise. I'm really looking forward to going back for the fish and chips (also AMAZING) and the bread pudding. Plus both times we went everyone was super friendly and they played The Swell Season, one of my favorite bands.

Raglan Road is one of our favorites, too! We typically do it on our arrival day, we will go to DTD and catch an early ressie. This will be the 1st trip in years we're not going, not even sure we'll make it to DTD! So please have some bread pudding for me when you go!

And yes, I think we should both ride ToT....if you do it, I will! yikes! lol What did I get myself into?!!