"The 12 days of Disney Christmas" or "With 6 you get towel oragami!" New 2/9 pic

[Becky521]

Hi fellow Disers. Just a quick explanation on this report. My Dw is the true Becky521 but we have both been using her name, and since this is how we are known here I decided to log this in under Becky521. Now with that said on to the report.

Cast of characters:
Me - Harry, Age 43, since so many of our past trips were with family and they were always "commando" style I tend to always be in a hurry to "get there" and several yards in front of the group. Due to this I will be known as "Closet Commando" or "CC"

My Wife - Becky, Age 42, Didn't discovered Disney until our Honeymoon and has been bitten by the bug ever since, lucky for me, I knew I married her for a reason. She can find the magic in just about everything Disney big or small. I will call her "Magic Beckdom" or "MB"

My oldest Daughter - Kalyn, Age 19, Has been going to Disney every 2 years since she was three. She truely "gets" Disney. She is enjoing it now as an adult but each trip brings back the memories of those earlier trips. Since she now can see the world through the eyes of a child and an adult and she is CRAZY about Ariel I will call her "Middle Mermaid" or "MM"rincess:

My youngest Daughter - Jourdan, Age 13, Also been going since she was a toddler, 18 mos for her first visit. She is still young enough to loose the "teenage thing" when she is in the World and just let the magic in. Because of this and her love of a certain Pixie I will call her "Tinker Jo" or "TJ"

Our Friend - Karen, Age 60's, Never been to Disney before and really saw it as a big amusement park. Really only went because we told her how great it was. Had a tendancy to stop on a whim to; take a pic, grab a smoke, or just wander off. I'll call her "Where's K?" or "WK?"

Karen's Grandson - Nick, Age 14, Also never been to Disney, He was a late entry to our little band of merry vacationers. Couldn't wait to do "all the great rides". Spends most of his time in front of a computer and very little out doing something physical. He had many different personalities during the trip depending on the day, hour or activity in which we were involved. Due to the constantly changing attitude it was like being on vacation with several prople instead of just one so i will call him "The Dwarves" or just refer to him by the appropriate name as the need arrises.


Our trip report actually starts back on July fourth when we spent the day with "WK?" at a picnic and the subject of Disney came up. Being that our family are all Disney Nuts we didn't need any prompting to sing it's praises. After several hours of once again boring a Disney Virgin with our many tales of the Magic, I said those memorable words, "Next time we go you should go with us!". This was a safe statement to make, after all we had no plans of an upcoming trip, we hadn't even thought about one. She didn't really seem all that excited about the prospect. Her daughter had been to WDW on her honeymoon and hated it. "WK?" had never had any desire to go.

As you all know all it takes to get a trip off the ground is to say those three magical words, "...our next trip..." Once these words were spoken aloud it was a done deal. We were going to Disney! But when to go? We had been there over the Christmas Holiday two years ago and loved it, and this also fit into "Middle Mermaid's" college schedule so it made the most sence. We checked the dates with Disney and WOO HOO! there was a room that slept 5 available at PORS for the dates we could go. From there it just seemed to get better! "What's that? Do I want a Dinning Plan?", "How does that work?", "All that food for only $30 some dollars a day?", "Sign me up!", "What's that? Do I want pick up at the airprot and you transport my lugage to the room?". "That's a no brainer.", "Sure, for that price lets go for the nine day park hoppers.", "Water parks and more?", "Last time we were there in December it never got over 60 degrees but why not?", "Of course I want a dinner package for the CP!", "I can now make my ADR's 180 days in advance? Put me through to dinning."

I couldn't believe it, here it was July and we had everything set! All the reservations were made, the deposit was in, time off from work was all approved. All we had to do was sit back and wait.

Then in the end of July "Where's K?" came to us with a "problem". She had told her grandson she was going to Disney and he wanted to go too. His Parents said they would pay for the difference. Our response: "Sure". After all we know Nick, he is a good kid, why not. Oh, wait, our room only sleeps 5. A quick call to Disney and we find we can reserve a family suite at ASMu that sleeps 6. "Sounds Good!", "What about all those ADR's for 5?". Back to Disney Dinning. "Yes we can change all of our ADR's to 6 people and not loose any? Great, lets do it." Crisis over! We our now 6 and we are going to Disney!!

Since we had been there several times and our friends had not, we felt it was our place to "bring them up to speed". We printed out copies of descriptions of each rest we would visit as well as each menu. We gave them guide books to read. Hooked them up with the Dis Board to check out. We made up count down calanders to use before the trip and t-shirts with everyones favorite character on them to wear when we were there, we even made LGMH tags for everyone's bags so we could be identified by other Disers.

We settled into the all too familliar "__" days to go, over the fall months and looked longingly at that Dec 16th date on the Calander. There were a few little hints that our fellow vacationers were not utilizing all the info we had supplied but I guess our own excitment about being in WDW for the Holidays tended to blind us a bit.

Finally by Dec 15th the dogs had been securely placed at the kennel, or Pluto World as we told them. I had traveled out to Rochester NY from our home near Saratoge Springs to pick up "Middle Mermaid" from school and then the two of us traveled back to Syracuse to meet up with the rest of the group. "Magic Beckdom " and "Where's K?" were to pick up the "Dwarves" in the morning and then pick up "Tinker Jo" right from school and we would all meet in Syracuse in the early afternoon. We had a direct flight on JetBlue in the am.

This is where the first minor snag in our plans occured.

Next time: "Did you know you would stop that long for lunch?"

 

[lynn71092]

OK, you've got me hooked!!

 

[Becky521]

Hy Lynn71092,

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my TR. I hope to have the next installment on here by tom. It's encouraging to know somw one took the time. I plan on adding some info on my need to call the FAA before our trip about transporting "Pipe Bombs" and "Coke" in the next installment too.

 

[momocay]

SOunds like this is going to be interesting, to say the least. Cant wait to read more!

 

[disneyloveNY]

Me too

 

[MomofCKJ]

Excited to read more, we were there the same time period. We were at Pop Dec 15-22.

Allyson

 

[beachwarmer]

I can't wait to read more.

We are flying out of Syracuse on Jet Blue for the first time in Feb so I am looking forward to your next installment.

 

[Davidsmommy]

Great start! We are neighbors - I live in Queensbury.

I keep finding people who live near me on the Dis - it is so funny!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Subbing, sounds like it will be an entertaining report.

 

[Becky521]

Hi Folks. Back with another installment. I want to thank momofCKJ, beachwarmer, davidsmommy, momocay and disneyloveNY for jumping on board. davidsmommy great to meet a fellow NY'er, Great weather we are having huh? Hope this chapter dosen't let you down.

I should probably give a little more pre-Disney info here. As I said last time this was to be our second Holiday trip to The World. We had gone back in 2004, just "Magic Beckdom", "Middle Mermaid", "Tinker Jo" and myself. It had been our first Disney trip with just us and no family and we had rediscovered the magic all over again. This trip should be a repeat right? That last trip had been planned very quickly and we really didn't know what to expect for the Holidays. This year we were ready. We had the small artificial tree, the garland made of red and LGMH, the lights for the hotel windows, you name it. We also had all the Christmas presents packed with the various Disney wrapping papers to wrap when we got there, Airport security you know. It was one of these presents that prompted my call to the FAA. You see "Magic Beckdom" loves wind chimes. Being the wonderful husband I am I decided to buy her a new one for Christmas. I had gone to the local Halmark and picked out a great windchime with stained glass irises on it. The actual chimes were copper pipes about 1 in in diameter and about 8 inches long. Great "Magic Beckdom" should love it. THEN, as I am checking out I happen to mention packing it well as it was going on a flight. The sales clerk gives me a strange look and says "Oh, good luck with that. Hope you plan on geting to the airport early in case they want to put you through extra security when they see these chimes." I laugh, thinking it is a joke and I'm on my way. Why would she say such a silly thing? Why would windchimes cause a security risk? I get to work and keep thinking about it and then it hits me. The airport x-ray machine will read this as several 8 inch pipes all stacked side by side. Great they will think I am transporting Dynomite or even a several pipe bombs! What should I do leave it here, take it and take my chances? Pack it in "Tinker Jo's" suit case and pretend I don't know her if she is stopped at security. I decide to call the airport. I eventually get through to a gentleman with security for the FAA.

Him: Hello. Security
Me: Hi... I have a strange question about items that can be taken on an air
Plane.
Him: There is a list of restricted items on our web site sir.
Me: Yes I found this on line but the item in question is not listed. Nervous
Laugh.
Him: (His turn to pause)...What item do you want to bring with you sir?
Me: (Realizing how stupid this is going to sound) A wind chime.
Him: (After a long pause when i swear I heard him laughing with his hand
over the receiver) A wind chime?
Me: Yes you see it has these chimes made out of copper, about 8 inches
long...
Him: What airport are you flying out of sir?
Me: Syracuse, NY
Him: What date are you flying?
Me: (Trying to be the good American and helping improve homeland security)
Dec. 16th at 9am with Jet Blue.
Him: And where are you flying to?
Me: (For the first time a hear that touch of suspition in his voice.) Orlando...
(Then I realized just how stange this must have sounded to him and my
Nerves kick in. I am suddenly struck with the worst case of verbal
diahrea in history.) You see I am going to Disney World for Christmas
and i bought my wife this windchime and I didn't know how to get it
there on the plane because if I carry it on she might see it but if I
check it with my lugage the x-ray might think it was...(and then I said
probably the worst thing you could say to a security office from the
Faa.)...dynomite or...a...pipe...bomb.
Him: Sir, what's your name?
Me: My name? (Just call me "the idiot that should not have listened to some
stupid clerk in Halmark Binladden". I give him my name. what do I have
to loose at this point.)
Him: Well sir, I world suggest putting it in your checked bags on top. That
way if airport security has any questions they can open the bag and
check it further.
Me: Ok great! (BY now I know I am not spending Christmas in Disney, I am
going to spend it in Singsing. Do they have fast pass for Full Body
Cavity Search?)
Him: Is there anything I can help you with today?

Ok so that was over. By the time I get home I have finally calmed down. That night as I sit watching TV "Magic Beckdom" comes in with several small zip lock bags filled with a white powder and places them in a suit case. "What's that?" I ask. It seems she has come up with a great idea from reading the Dis Board. Some one on here has said to pack individual loads of laundry detergent in zip lock bags. "Don't you think this will take up less room this way and be better for traveling?" she asks. Now it is true that she can find the Disney magic just about any where but this ability has a side effect. She sometimes can be just a light niaeve. "It's probably ok. It's just that it looks like little bags of cocaine." I say. She responds with "Oh, I never thought of that. What if I just write laundry detergent on the bags.?" (Why didn't I think of that, I could just have written "Not a pipe bomb" on my killer wind chimes. "That's a good idea I bet a real terrorist would never think of that."
"Well they could always smell it." Problem with this thought: Oxyclean has absolutely no smell. At least I will have company while I'm waiting for that cavity search fast past time to roll around.

This little episode should give you an idea of how we go through life. Just a laugh a minute.

Now back to our regularly scheduled show, the TR.

When last we saw our little band of travelers myself and "Middle Mermaid" had arrived to meet up with the rest of our group at the hotel in Syracuse. I put a call into "Magic Beckdom" to get a ETA and found out they hadn't even left our area yet because "Where's K?" decided they needed to stop for lunch first. Now we had planned that they would get something but we thought it would be a quick run through the drive thru and on the road. This meant "Middle Mermaid and I had about two hours to kill before they would arrive. "NO PROBLEM!" oh wait. "Where's K?" had booked our rooms at the Marriot because she worked at the Marriot back home and since they were in her name we couldn't check in with out her. Never knew just how little there was near the airport in Syracuse. We spent the after noon hitting every dollar store in the area. Then I remembered that "Middle Mermaid" had mentioned at Thanksgiving the need for new sneekers for the trip. I asked her if this had been done and got the standard college student answer, "No, I didn't have time." Read "No, you weren't there to pay for them." So off to Walmart we go. Quick flash back here. As we enter the store there is a shop lifter being escorted out by the police. For just a quick second my talk with FAA guy crosses my mind and I cringe, just a little bit. Ok, now shoes are bought we have scoped out the airport and the long term parking and now we settle in to wait.

Finally the others arrive and we can register. But wait, an other new rinkle. "Where's K?" seems a little anxious. When I ask her what's wrong she tells me she is worried because the hotel only has one main entrance and that is through the lobby. "So?" Well seems that "Where's K?" tries to be frugal where ever she can and when registering us with the hotel she neglected to mention "The Dwarves", "Tinker Jo" and "Middle Mermaid". So we only "officially" have rooms for three adults. No problem since we are paying for the hotel we will just register them now. "No, we can't do that because the Hotel will think she is trying to lie and she could get in trouble at work." She says we will have to sneek them in. I decide I will be wearing an orange jump suit for New Years for sure. I suggest we go get something to eat now and go up to our rooms after so we can calm her down and talk some sence into her. (You see where this is going, don't you?) We decide on a chain rest. that is close. We order our meals and start to get in vacation mode. Long story short. (Too late!) food is slow, cold and not everything shows up. Complaints are made and we end up getting comp meals. "Magic Beckdom" and I are surprised at this "Where's K?" says it is just the begining of our "YEAR OF MANY DREAMS" vacation. her words not mine. So back to the hotel we go and the situation has not changed so now we need to figure out how to get six people into the building when they only expect three. "Magic Beckdom" and I are starting to see how this is going to work. So we split into three groups of 2 and up we go. "Is that a siren I hear?" All goes well and we are in our rooms then "Where's K?" decided that "The Dwarves" and "Tinker Jo" should go down to the pool. "Is she for real? She just insisted we comit fraud and now they should go down through the lobby to the pool?" Then we "Where's K?" and I go out to the front of the hotel to have a cig and we meet up with the desk clerk, while we are talking with him she mentions "the kids" he just looks at her and smiles.
That evening we play Disney trivia persuit in the hotel. Obviously "Where's K?" and "The Dwarves" did not use any of our pre-trip info. Along these lines too "Middle Mermaid" had actually made up flash cards for "The Dwarves" on Disney characters because at Thanksgiving he had made the mistake of telling her that Ariel was not a princess! On the car trip out to Syracuse "Tinker Jo" quizzed him on these, they both were having fun, and he had said that Mushu was "Sparky" and referred to Chip and Dale as "The Squirrels".Don't worry you don't have to know ALL the character's name to enjoy Disney. Then, with the the sweet knowledge that, yes tom we will be laying our heads down on sheets owned by the mouse, we settle into bed in the hotel...right at the end of the runway.

Next instalment: Disney at last!! DTD and MBYB-B-Q or That's Mickey, don't ignore him he owns the place!

 

[Davidsmommy]

You are so funny! GREAT installment - I can't wait for dh to get back from the grocery store so I can read it to him.

It is so warm today - I am loving it!

 

[tink's girls]

This is a great trip report! I can't wait to read the next installment!!

 

[Becky521]

Hi all. Back with the next chapter. What? Two chapters in two days? Is he insane you ask.

Before I get started I would like to welcome tink's girls to the adventure and say welcome back to Davidsmommy. Looks like our Florida weather might be coming to an end.

Ok, where were we? Oh yes, the beautiful Run Way Inn. We decided to leave a wake up call for 5:30 as we had to get to the airport by 7. Should be fine as it is directly across the street after all. Turns out you really don't have to leave a wake up call here because they have this really neat alarm system that sounds like a jet taking off that goes off every 5 or ten mins. round the clock. What a great idea!! We finally get to sleep but I am up buy 4:45. "I'm too excited to sleep!" I get up to visit the bathroom and "Magic Beckdom" is staring me in the face. Looks like we really didn't need that wake up call for real. Everyone starts getting ready and then I realize, in hind sight, we have had our first official Dwarf visit. It seems "Sleepy" decided to join us today. Several calls finally encourage him to rejoin the inner group so we can get "The Dwarves" up and dressed. We grab some coffee and tea in the lobby, well I do. I had to keep going down and getting 1 or two cups at a time as I am one of the only real people in my room. The morning desk clerk mind you knows nothing of the situation last night, so to her I'm just that strange guest who has eaten twevle mini muffins and drank two coffees, two teas and a hot choclate in the span of 15 min. If anyone asks I'll just say I am packing them to take with me as I hear one can get very dehydrated durring Homeland Security's questioning.

We arrive at the airport in pleanty of time. We hit the check in counter and only cause a slight delay here. Mostly because of being a large group of 6 and not due to any un-American acts we may have been planning, YET. One little thing here that made us laugh. They didn't open my sitcase with the "bomb" but they did open one of "Tinker Jo's". This particular one held nothing more than two stuffed animals she had brought along, more to give the mousekeeper some art supplies and the bra she had worn the day before. Guess it's not as funny when you are thirteen and have your bra displayed to an airport full of people as it is when you are in your forties and you see it happen to a thirteen year old.

Our next little adventure happens at the security desk. You see I have decided to give my wife more than the killer wind chimes for Christmas. I have also brought along a VERY SPECIAL gift for her, (Won't tell you what now. It was a surprise for her and if I can keep it a surprise through all of this I can surely keep it a surprise here. Hint it will be worth the wait.) Anyway, I have decided to carry this gift on the plane with me because I was affraid it would get lost if my luggage was opened. I have made a plan with "Little Mermaid", "Tinker Jo" and "Where's K?" that I will send "Magic Beckdom" through security first followd by the three of them, We kept "The Dwarves " in the dark. We were affraid "Dopey" would let the surprise slip. After everyone made it through security they would try to keep "Magic Beckdom" busy so I could go through. That way if anything did happen she would be less likely to see it. Probably not a good idea to appear to be secretly bringing something on an airplane, especially since my contact with FAA had provided them with my name and flight info already remember? I just REALLY wanted this to be a surprise. (It's killing you to know isn't it?) MY plan worked like a charm!! However, I never realized that "The Dwarves" would actually be the reason. Just as we approach the security check point the other dwarves decided to let "Dopey" handle this one. Seems the poor little guy just couldn't handle "Take off all shoes. Coats and outer ware should be placed in the bins. All cameras and electronic equipment should be out of the case." He was a disaster. One shoe ended up on the floor. The camcorder went through the ex-ray in the bag and had to repete the ride on it's own, exposed for all to see. The coat tried to go through whith one arm hanging off the belt and got stuck. "Where's K?" is trying to help him and only managing to upset the security guy and make "Dopey" more confued. "People, this in not the way to act while going through security with someone who is known , and being watched by Home land Security." The secuity officer looks at me and I smile slightly and say "They don't get out much." Eventually we all get through and head down the corrider to our gate. But wait. where is it? We walk all the way to the end and it is not there. We turn around and retrace our steps. (now this part may be helpful for beachwarmer and anyone else flying out of Syracuse on Jet Blue.) Turns out Jet Blue dosen't get to board at the regular gates with those who fly the bigger airlines. Immediatly after you clear security you have to take a SHARP right turn and travel down a SMALL hallway, looks like it was once access to a prisoner holding room, to get to your gate. We find the right gate, settle into some chairs by the wall and wait. We were about 30 mins early so it really wasn't bad. "Magic Beckdom" and "Middle Mermaid" headed out to find a ladies room and a few mins later "Tinker Jo" asks if she can go with "Dopey" to get a drink at the vending machine. I tell her sure, It's right over there. They all get back safely. "Tinker Jo" and now "Happy" are playing with a little dog that will be on our flight and everyone else is content to relax. I decide to get a drink also but discover the machine only takes $! bills so I go back and ask "Magic Beckdom" for some, she dosen't have any cash. I get "Tinker Jo" to cash a $20 for me and I am set. All is right with the world. We are here on time, the security "concern" is behind me and in just a few hours I will be in the World. This will be the trip of a life time>

Our flight was very uneventful. Made good time. Syracuse to Orlando in just over two hours.

We exit the plane into the terminal, ride the imposter monorail to the main terminal and look for the Magical Express. Very easy. I check in, they send us to the "staging" area, we board the second bus and off we go. OH the joy!! The sun and palm trees. the endless rows off new condos being built. We truely are in Florida. The bus driver announces that he is sorry but he dosen't have a copy of the film to show on the bus. "That's OK, most of us have been there and we know. For those of us who haven't been here before, they probably wouldn't pay attention anyway. Don't worry about it dear man just drive."

We arrive at the ASMu and check in. Our room's not ready yet. We check our carry on luggage and winter coats with the luggage roomand decide to head on over to DTD. We hope to pick up some autograph books and maybe get some lunch.

The bus trip seems a little long put thats just because we have been up since 4:45. We arrive at DTD. A quick stop at TEOS for something to eat. Our first use of the dinning plan. A little confusing the first time, especially at this crowded shop, but it seems like it should work great after we get the hang of it. Next we do a little shopping. I pick up something to go with the GIFT for "Magic Beckdom" (No I'm not going to tell you) I ask if I can have it personalized and am told it wont be ready until 12/26. The lovely Disney CM sees my disappointment and asks when I needed it. I tell her I really needed it by 12/19 for a special evening I had planned for a belated 20th anniversary celebration, Opps! let that slip. she says she can get it done by the 18th. I offer to carry her to her car at the end of her shift. THE MAGIC BEGINS! "Tinker Jo" picks up a small Tinker Bell tablet she decides to use for autographs. Mini adventure here. "Tinker Jo" finds me wandering in the Disney store and says she likes this book but is affraid it won't fit in her fanny pack. We head off to find a CM and explain that we would like to try it in her fanny pack but didn't want someone to see us and think we were shop lifting. Got the FAA don't want Disney police too. It dosen't fit in hers but will fit in "Magic Beckdom's" so they switch. Thank God she still gets the Disney thing and has not lost it to her developing teenage mind. "Where's K?" picks up an autograph book with room for 14 pics also. She plans on getting the autographs and pics of some of the Princesses as a Christmas gift for her grand daughter back home. Soon this simple purchase will take on a life of it's own and could almost be seen as a 7th member of our group. A member who can be VERY problematic.

After a while of just more strolling and window shopping and soaking in the Disney magic we head out to the bus stop and jump a bus for FW. We have ressies for the MBYB-B-Q. A meal we have never done before and are looking forward to it. Heard it has great food, entertainment, characters AND
LINE DANCING

We arrive at FW and locate the direction we need to take to get to the
B-B-Q. "Magic Beckdom", "Tinker Jo" and I are all very excited. "Middle Mermaid" is a little more reserved but I think this is because she is worried we will make her dance. "Happy" had now become "Grumpy". As I have said he is not usually real active and the early rising and all the activity is beginning to take it's toll. Where's K?" stops to take some pics of some Holiday decorations and we walk off with out her. I very quickly realize we are missing someone. My hearding instincts really kicked in over the ten days, infact I hope to take "Best in Class" at the Madison Square Garden dog show in March for my ability to keep the heard together. We do a short back track and find "Where's K?" on the far side of a large Christmas tree. Reunited, we forge forward to the B-B-Q. When they open the gate we surge onward with the other happy dinners at the gentle urging of the friendly over-all clad CM's, as we round the slight bend in the path we see before us a large covered pavillion. There are CM's with cowboy hats and bandanas offering us a cold drink as we enter. We are in Disney heaven. At least for a short while longer.

No sooner had we sat down at the long picnic table when we had our first character sighting. Goofy came strolling out from behind the pavillion. I felt that familliar tingle that meant I was home. I had my paper cup of ice cold iced tea, my children were smiling and happy and there was a 7 ft dog? in chaps wandering in our midst. Goofy was soon followed by Minnie in her little cowgirl outfit and then Chip and Dale in matching red and white checked B-B-Q aprons and chef hats. Then it happened. I looked across the table and saw "Grumpy" he was obviously not feeling the magic. His teenage mind was saying "Why have I been drug to this place, and when am I going to eat?" I glanced over at "Where's K?" and saw that her face was showing nothing really at all, to hard to read that one. That was the first time MY alter ego came out. I suddenly became "Jules, your cruise director". I tried to explain in 50 words or less why this should be exciting. They weren't buying it. "Grumpy" just stared at me and "Where's K?" acted as if she couldn't hear me over the music and "roar" of the crowd. I suggested trying to get some autographs for for grand daughter but she said "No, I only want the princesses." "But there wont be enough princess to fill the book so you could round it out with some of the other characters." "No, I'll wait. I'm sure I will find enough princesses to fill it." Then "Middle Mermaid" took a stab at it. "But there are only like 6 or 7 princesses so you should have room for some others.". "No that's OK."

At this point they opened the food lines and the Autographs were forgotten. If anyone has ever eaten at the B-B-Q you know they have tons of food. All familliar pincic fare. "Grumpy" quickly became a little known dwarf named "Picky". He wrinkled his nose at most of it and ended up choosing Some corn bread, that he didn't eat; some salad, that he rearranged into a beautiful pattern on his plate serveral times until the composition was just right, I'm sure the dish washer had it framed; Corn on the cob, that he found just fit perfectly in his empty cup; and a LARGE pile of ribs, these he did eat.
"Where's K?" ate her meal and seemed to enjy it. The best part of the meal for both I'm sure was that it gave them something to do while they completely ignored the characters and the hords of smilling children that surrounded them. At one point Mickey walked right up behind "Picky" and waved to us, and even though we were all waving back dear "Picky" never even turned around. (It's OK, he is 14, he is tired and he dosen't understand yet. It will change as the week goes on.) When the meal was over the show got started. We watched the performes sing and tell jokes and some great rope tricks. However it was quickly becoming obvious that some members of our happy group were not enjoying it as much as other. "Where's K?" and now "Grumpy" again couldn't see the cowboy doing the rope tricks because there was a pole supporting the roof in their way. "Magic Beckdom" suggested they move over to an empty spot at the next table where they could see but they never responded. She took "Tinker Jo" over there and left me with "Where's K?" and "Grumpy". I guess I learned one of her Disney secrets that day. "On the rare occassion when there is no magic around you just move to a spot where there is some." It was at this point I also noticed "Middle Mermaid" had on a puss too. I asked her what was up and she plastered a smile on and said "nothing". For the rest of the night she would pull out that same smile whenever she knew I was looking at her. It wasn't until later that night that we would discover her problem. it seems the new sneakers, the ones we had told her to get at Thanksgiving and break in. The ones she finally let me buy moments before we boarded plan, were hurting her feet. I guess "sensible footware" is not a course she is taking this semester at school. Just what does she get for all that tuition?
"Jules, your cruise director" tried to keep the spirits up but he just wasn't able, so I suggested maybe we should head back to the hotel. "Let me just run to the restroom and we can go." Well, that was a fortuitous move on my part because on the way to the restrooms there is this fantastic view of the CR. This seemed to rejeuvenate most of us some what. Then just as we were preparing to leave they started to do the bunny hop. "That's right, line dancing. We couldn't possibly leave yet. " "Grumpy", "Where's K?" have a seat, we're going to dance." That's when I used "Magic Beckdom.s" trick. I went with "Tinker Jo" to dance and left "Middle Mermaid" to "Grumpy" sit.
Eventually "Magic Beckdom" joined us and we stayed for about an hour. "What was that noice?" Could it have been the proverbial fart in church?

Finally we decided to head for the hotel. It wasn't that we were really ready to go as much as it was I realized those two people with the icey glares knew where I was sleeping and I didn't want to wake up with a pillow over my face.

I had called the hotel from and DTD and gotten our room number so we headed back to ASMu and then right up to our room. Must say the family suites are very nice. The seperate bedroom was a big plus for "Magic Beckdom" and I and we came to really appretiate the two bathrooms. When we entered the room "Grumpy" discovered one of the few things he seemed to look forward to all week, probably because he knew he had to go back to the room to enjoy it. There on the bed in our room the mousekeeper had used a bath towel, two face towels and a washcloth and made a big Mickey head with a bow tie. The magic showed itself again. Everyone seemed to relax a bit. One last little drama for our first day happened at this point. Seems "Where's K?" had promised "Grumpy's" mother she would call when we got down, to give her the room # and phone# etc. However since we hadn't gotten the phone # yet she didn't call. "Magic Beckdom" had offered her cell phone several times during the day and each time "Where's K?" refused, insisting she would call when we got to the room. Now she calls and get's his mom on the phone. Mom pulls an "Wicked Queen" on her. She has been calling the airport all day and has had family and friends checking MSNBC for word on any airplane crashes. Now I have a minor with me who's parents don't know where he is. Might as well add kidnapping to the wrap sheet.

We say our good nights and close the door to our own room, notice I have to keep bring this up. It did begin to feel like a haven by the end of the week. "Magic Beckdom" and I finally craw into bed. "Did you have a good day?" I ask. "OH yes. Do you think "Where's K?" and "The Dwarves" had a good day?" she replies. "I think so. I think it's all just so over whelming and they have been up for so long. I think tom after a good night's sleep they will be fine." "Did you call for a wake up call?" she wants to know. "Yes, I bet that will be great. The phone is right next to "The Dwarves" side of the bed. That should be fun in the morning." She gives me a questioning look. "Do you think he will enjoy being woken up like that?". "OH, him? I meant fun for me. No I think he is going to hate it."

I drift off to sleep, in the HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH hearing a strange demonic laugh in my head. I can't decide if it reminds me more of Scar after he sends Mufasa into the ravine or Ursula when she steals Ariel's voice.

Next Installment: Magic Kingdom or "Is this a ride and can I take pictures inside?"

 

[tink's girls]

Hillarious! I can just see the "Dwarves" and "where's k". I hope they are good Disney fans like the rest of us by the end of the week! Can't wait to read the next installment!

 

[disneyloveNY]

Great!! Waiting patiently...

 

[cathy0124]

Great so far..can't wait to read the rest

 

[Vivsmom]

This is great! Keep it up! I now must keep reading to see what WheresK and the Dwarves are going to do.

 

[Becky521]

Hello everyone. I would like to thank you all for your support and encouragement. I was so affraid this would be a thread that no one would read. Welcome to cathy0124 and vivsmom. To disneyloveNY and tink's girls welcome back and thanks for hanging in there.

And now back to our regularly scheduled program.

The next morning, Sunday 12/17 I was up before the wake up call. Could have been the excitement or the desire to be in the outer room when "The Dwarves" got the call. When the phone rang it took a couple of prompts to get "Sleepy" to answer the phone. "Get it. It's right there next to you." When he did he listened for a few mins and then hung up with a confussed look on his face.
"Who was it?"
"Some lady was talking to me and then some foreign guy took the phone and started yelling."
He didn't realize it was the magic of Disney starting off his day. He thought it was some irrate Brazilian tourist making prank calls! We all got ready in record time and headed for the bus stop right on schedule. We had dinner ADR's at the CP that night so today we would visit MK.

I should probably give you a little bit of back up info here. Two years ago when we visited WDW for the Holidays "Tinker Jo" saw a Santa hat with Minnie ears and really wanted one. However she was affraid to buy one because I think she was affraid her sister would think it was stupid. Sooo, I bought her the hat and a Mickey one for myself and we wore them the entire trip. When we were planning this trip she wanted to take them with us again. Therefore from this point on, as you read this trip report you need to realize that I am now wearing a plush red Santa hat with Mickey ears that droop slightly backward. Also "Magic Beckdom" had made a decision that we would try to do at least one new thing evry day. Today's aggenda included the opening of the MK.

We arrived at the MK early enough that we were able to get right down front by the Flowered Mickey head to watch the rope drop. While we were waiting a CM came up to "Magic Beckdom" and "Tinker Jo" and gave them each a handful of confetti shaped like Cindy's castle to throw at the appropriate time.
They passed it around to all of us so we could all join in the celebration. Soon a friendly voice announced that the MK would be opening in just mins and you could just feel the excitement in the air. I looked around and realized that while we stood there, our faces turned skyward shining in the morning sun, the small gold pieces of mylar in our hands beginning to clump together from the sweat, "Where's K?" was missing. "The Dwarves" were not going to be of any help in finding her. "Sleepy" had reinserted himself and he was now sqauting down on his haunches because all this standing was getting to be to much, his confetti lost because it was getting all sticky. Unless "Where's K?" had decided to lay on the ground and tack a nap herself he was useless. I asked "Magic Beckdom" if she knew where she was and she replied, "Yes, She is right over...she was right over there." A quick scan of the crowd revealed "Where's K?" about 10ft of to our left. She was staring at the back of the man infront of her and happily talking to herself. Actually she was talking to us, she just didn't realize we were not there. With our group reunited we stood there waiting for something to happen, anything. Eventually a "Citizen of Main Street USA" appeared up on the train station platform and announced that Mickey and his pals were on their way from Toon Town to help welcome us to the MK and they would be there very soon. Then she and some of her friends put on a little show for us. The excitment was contageous I guess. "Where's K?" was all smiles and even "The dwarves" was standing up. Then The train appeared and we all counted down and trew our confetti in the air, "The Dwarves" had gotten some more from "Where's K?" and we joined the mass of humanity crossing under the train station. There it all was, the huge Christmas tree, the beautiful buildings, the Christmas music, just as I remembered. "Tinker Jo", "Middle Mermaid" and I jumped in line to see Pinocchio and Gepetto, "Magic Beckdom" ran into the camera center to get a couple of park maps and some time schedules and "Where's K?" started snapping pics of everything. Looks like we got her hooked, at least for the moment. "The Dwarves", I wasn't sure about. He followed me but he seemed to have a weird blank look on his face. (Guess he might be a little overwelmed. This kid changes moods faster than any one I ever met. I was to learn that the look meant there was an internal struggle for dominance going on in there and a new Dwarf would soon appear.) When "Magic Beckdom" came back she went with "Tinker Jo" and "Middle Mermaid to see Gideon and Foulfellow. "Where'sK?" came over and announced, "I'm going to go buy myself a hat." She headed for the little hat cart there in front of Tony's. Moments later she was back wearing a slightly different version of "Tinker Jo's" hat. A point that was not wasted on "Tinker Jo". "Why did she buy that hat? She want's to be like us." Guess she didn't notice the thousands of others wearing the same hats. Now properly chapeaued "Where's K?" needed a cig. Now I also smoke but I am always very careful about smoking only in designated smoking areas so I consulted the map and found a convienent area just over behind Tony's. Walking over there I allowed myself to think that maybe everything was going to be great. My family was happy and even "Where's K?" was letting the magic in. "They charged me $16 for this hat." I couldn't read the tone. "Oh? Need a light?". "For that price this hat is not coming of my head all week." I got that one. I started searching Town Square for "Magic Beckdom" and the girls. There they are in line to see Daisy Duck by the big tree. I turn and ask "Where's K?" if she would like to go get some autographs. "There arn't any princess here." she huffs. She's got me there, just a little wooden puppet, his toy maker and one lone duck. Not a lousy princess in sight. I find myself envying them. I then turn to see that "The Dwarves" internal conflict of a few moments ago is over and there is a new member of our group. This is a little know dwarf, well at least up until that point. This little guy would become all to familliar to us all as the week went on. Enter "Antsy". "Antsy" always wants to be some where else. He never wants to do what we are doing right now and he HATES to wait in lines. At this time he is sittin on a little half wall and picking blooms off of pansies and throwing them in the air. (OK, not bad, a little destructive but I think I can deal with this one.) "Why don't we go meet up with the others and go get something to eat at the bakery?" I suggest. (Now Where's K?" never really got the whole dinning plan thing.) "Is that expensive?". "No, it's all part of the plan.". "OK" she responds suspiciously.

We meet "Magic Beckdom" and the girls at the corner and head down Main Street. We enter the bakery and get in line. Now if any of you have ever grabed something at the bakery just after park opening you know it can be a zoo. Today was no exception. A nice CM explained that if we just wanted pastries and a drink we didn't have to wait in the line we could just go around the other way. Great! As we all made our selections I told everyone to just meet out side when they were done and we could stake out a spot on the curb. Everyone soon appears except...That's right, "Where's K?". "Middle Mermaid" runs back in to find her and returns to report she has scored a table in the back. We all head back in and find that her table is about 12 inches in diameter and she only has 3 chairs. As I stand there with my tray trying to decide what to do this "lovely" lady at the next table thinks I am trying to steal her table and begins to give me a piece of her mind. I am trying to appologize and extract myself from the situation when "Where's K?" hears her and starts giving it right back to her. Welcome to The Happiest Place On Earth!!. I eat my breakfast with the lady boring a hole in my back with her eyes and "Where's K?" mumbling under her breath. "Magic Kingdom" is at the other table pretendeing she doesn't know us and making her own magic.

After we eat we decide to head over to Adventureland.

First things first. We will climb the SFRTH. Basicly because it was the first thing we came to. "Wher's K?" seems impressed but i think she thought it was actually made by some homeless swiss family. Probably back before Disney offered any value resorts they set up camp here because they couldn't afford a night at the CR. "Antsy", who has returned to the fold is looking board and laging behind, I think he is trying to figure out a way to jump the rail and climb down the tree. We then head straight for TETRUNM. This has always been one of my favorites. I loved the old version and I love the new version. As we are waiting for the little pre-show "Antsy" asks, "What is this all about?". "It's a show where all the birds and flowers sing and tell jokes.". "Can I take pictures?" . "I don't think so.". "Oh." The Birds don't fail to deliver, at least for me. Next we go to check out FP for JC. The wait is only like 10 mins so we get in standby. Our captain seems a little board with his job so "Where's K?" and "Antsy" follow his lead. When we are leaving the JC "Tinker Jo' says she would like to do AMC. "Magic Beckdom" and "Middle Mermaid" say they will go too so the four of us get in line. "Where's K?" says she will sit this one out because of the spinning. "Antsy" doesn't want to do it either. I talk him into going with us by telling him about the spitting camels. While we are waiting I make a discovery. "Oh, only 4 people can ride at a time." I jump out of line quickly before "Antsy" has a chance to react. I now head off to find "Where's K?", the same demonic laughter from last night ring in my ears. I think "Magic Beckdom" suspects that I am on to her trick of making your own magic and she is P*^^$d that I am learning how to do it myself. I can't find "Where's K?" but I do find a secluded smoking area right as you come into Adventureland from the Hub so I sit down and enjoy a quiet moment alone. I then go off to find "Where's K?" again. Eventually I catch up with her wandering in front of TETRUNM, seems she has found her own smoking area on the other side of Adventureland. When we get back to AMC I see a character meet with Alladin, Jasmin and the Genie. "Let's get in line to get their autographs and the others can join us when they get off the ride." I figure that's OK as I am not really cutting as I will take the picture of them and it will not delay anyone in line behind us. "I don't need them. I am only goin to get the Princesses." she responds. "But Jasmin is a princess.". "Are you sure? I don't know if my grand daughter would know who she is." I want to say, "Maybe she has a copy of her royal lineage with her or perhaps she can show us the royal birth mark." what I do say is "Oh, come on." She agrees to get in line to meet this supposed princess. The others finish their ride and join us in line. When we are finished with this imposter "Where's K?" is almost in tears. "What's the matter?" I ask her. She says, "Look what she did. I told her about Emily at home and she personalized it to her. How sweet. She was really good."

This is going to be a long week. The magic is right there in front of them. They both keep having moments when it breaks in but then that quick they shut it out again. I just don't know how to help them see it or if I want to spend that much effort trying and spoil my own trip.

Then a voice is heard from "The Dwarves". "Antsy" is now gone and "Grumpy" has made his first appearance. "Can we please get something to eat? Im hungry". "We just ate." I reply. "That was like an hour and a half ago.". "I could eat something too." says "Where's K?". "Alright, lets find something to eat." Thank God for the dinning plan.

Sorry folks I have to stop for now. I will try to finish up this installment tom.
same time same place.

 

[Davidsmommy]

"Did you call for a wake up call?" she wants to know. "Yes, I bet that will be great. The phone is right next to "The Dwarves" side of the bed. That should be fun in the morning." She gives me a questioning look. "Do you think he will enjoy being woken up like that?". "OH, him? I meant fun for me. No I think he is going to hate it."

That was priceless.

 

[tink's girls]

Still totally enjoying this TR. It is so funny! Thanks for sharing!