The Twelve Days of Swinter: From Castaway 'Key' to a Partridge in a Palm Tree!

[Tiggerrn2]

Yay!! Writing again!! You've been missed. Hope you find yourself the best job ever!! Loved the update. Can't wait to read how the crowds fell that day.

 

[petals]

Oh I need one of those tiara's and possibly a glass slipper.
That was the Santa meet and greet area for MVMCP btw. I didn't realise there was cute stuff to see in the area at other times as well though

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Rinky posted an update! Rinky posted an update! And it was a darn good one!

I absolutely loved looking at your pictures of the Magic Kingdom in all of it's Christmas decoration glory. We haven't seen the Disney Christmas decorations since 2000.

If you've got expensive tastes, then so do I because I am instantly drawn to those high priced paintings and glass sculptures. Aren't they just gorgeous!?!

I thought about you when I posted my latest installment on my trip report. There was a lady with a thong bikini bottom on and I instantly thought about your similar encounter.

Oh no! Not another thong!

I really hate that I've missed so much of your TR. It will take me forever to get caught up too! I think I'm about 50 pages or so behind. I despise being out of the loop. I'm hoping I can get this wrapped up quickly, then I can focus on reading instead of writing.

YAY a Rinky update!! I've missed them so much!!

You are cracking me up with having so much trouble straying from the plan!! Sounds like someone I know....

But sometimes you got to you what you got to do!! And the fates of the buses said -- you've got to get to MK!!!

I'm so looking forward to seeing the parks decorated for Christmas again. Especially MK and DHS!.

We like to try to take our time and browse the Main Street shops at least once on each trip. That was so nice of that CM to give your DD a sample! I don't know if we've ever been in Crystal Arts. We usually end up doing most of our shopping on the other side of Main Street! Although I have seen that $37,500 castle in Epcot.

Thanks for the update! Can't wait to see how the rest of your day went...

Yes, I did have quite a time straying from my plan. I was actually still considering taking the monorail over to Epcot until the minute we used our tickets to get into MK. I just can't help it.

I am so jealous that you get to see the Christmas decorations again this year. I know we won't get to see them this time since we are doing the cruise after WDW. We will be leaving WDW on Nov. 1st so there is no way they will be out yet. Take lots of picture for me.

I have actually been in one of the shops on the other side of the street too... the Emporium I think, so it was neat to see some of the other types of stores. We didn't buy anything but it was fun to look. We never made it to DTD on that trip (yes, I know you are gasping at that!), so we did all our shopping in the parks this time.

I'm sorry we will just miss each other by days. I would have loved to meet you and your wonderful family. I get a little nervous meeting new people but you Rinky seem so kind and genuine.

Loved your update! I am also type A. I have been planning hardcore and don't think I could ever switch to a more crowded park either on the fly. It's a good thing you did it once so you know. But the decorations are gorgeous so probably worth it!

How fun to look in all the shops, something I also have never taken much time for usually. I love that cotton candy "sample". Ha!

You are too sweet Kelli! I would've loved to meet your family too and I think you are one of the nicest folks on the DIS!

Well I won't give it all away yet, but I will say that I learned that using TP for trip planning is indeed a VERY good idea!

That 'sample' was something else! I kept thinking that if they give away 'samples' like that, no one will ever need to actually BUY any of their stuff!

Yay! What an update!

Free cotton candy is always a winner!

Free anything at WDW is surely a winner, but you can't beat cotton candy with a stick! It was so big that all 3 of us got our fill!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I'll second that 'thanks'!

Too many of us are just missing each other in October.

I really am so glad that everything worked out for Jill and the baby. I know those were some trying days for all of you.

It really does stink that so many of us will be there in October but no one is ever there during my dates.

Great update - I LOVE WDW with Christmas decorations!! I'm glad you chose MK just for the pictures - even if it's more crowded!! I'm one to stick to a plan too, but I'm relaxing a bit more with each trip (unless it's a short trip!).

I just read that they will be putting lights on the castle at the end of September. I'll have to look for the lights on the building when I'm there in October.

I am bummed that you are coming after we leave, and that Memom and gang are leaving when we arrive. The simple solution is that each of you change your trips to my week, you know that, right?
I am going to be able to meet some other DISers too, so that will take the sting out of missing you guys.

All right - now that I'm caught up here, I better go work on my own TR!!!

I would surely change my dates if I could. I really hate that I will be missing some of my favorite Dis folks. It always seems to work out that way for me though.

You'll see the OL lights up as well. They won't be on of 'course but they will be up. It must take a really long time for them to get all of that stuff out and working properly b/c they always put it up really early, even in August sometimes I think.

Wait, your october trip!!!! Did I miss something???

Got chills reading your update! I totally agree, there is no place like WDW at holiday time. The decos are absolutely AMAZING!!! How can ya beat that kind of magic!!

Looking forward to the next installment!!

Well, I thought I had mentioned it to everyone but maybe I just said something about it in replies. Yes, we are going again at the end of October. We are basically repeating last year's trip (with a few detail changes) .... 7 nights at WDW (at POR) followed by a 3 night cruise on the Dream to the Bahamas. We are really getting excited!!!!

You just got me totally excited for my next trip...I can't wait to see all those decorations...and then I had a thought...I might need more memory cards. ....I will probably take more pictures of the christmas stuff!!!!

I am getting so excited too!!!! I can't wait to get there! And yes, you are going to need some more memory cards for sure! I can't wait to see your wonderful pictures! But then, I won't be writing a TR anymore and I will be able to do a lot more reading of other people's reports.

Welcome back! Now I'm the one that's totally behind and trying to catch up on all your updates--the natural order has returned. It was so fun to see your holiday pictures. We're getting ready for our first Halloween trip (and first Disneyland trip) but I have to admit I'm just not sure anything can top WDW during the holidays.

I'm glad to hear you made it through your challenging summer and I hope you are able to find the time to keep thinking about what's next for you. Besides your upcoming trip, I mean!

Yes, the natural order had returned and I am LOVING it!

I think you will enjoy the fall decorations too. They are not as awesome as the Christmas ones, but they are still really nice and I love that time of year too. When the weather starts to change and the leaves are turning... it's a great time of year. I absolutely love traveling in the fall!

Thank you! I've decided that I need a t-shirt that says "I survived summer break 2012!" It's funny now... it was not funny a month ago!

Yay!! Writing again!! You've been missed. Hope you find yourself the best job ever!! Loved the update. Can't wait to read how the crowds fell that day.

Thank you! I am certainly missed the Dis too!

I will go ahead and tell you this... Touring Plans is WORTH the cost!

Oh I need one of those tiara's and possibly a glass slipper.
That was the Santa meet and greet area for MVMCP btw. I didn't realise there was cute stuff to see in the area at other times as well though

I really like the glass slippers too. I think I remember Jen saying that you can get those personalized with your name at one of the stores in DTD. She got one for her daughter and it was really pretty!

I thought that was the meeting place for Santa but I wasn't sure. It's a really cute area for photo ops even when he's not there.

 

[sharonW]

I'll bet your getting excited as oct is right around the corner!! WOWSY!!!
Are you cruising first again??? This plan is so much better then the pool that you and your fam were considering!!! nothing can beat WDW!!!!!

 

[jenseib]

Wait!!!! You aren't writing a TR for the next trip...Nooo you have to

 

[petals]

Wait!!!! You aren't writing a TR for the next trip...Nooo you have to

I missed that but year you have to write a trip report.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I think Rinky was referring to the point that she would be finished writing THIS TR.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I'll bet your getting excited as oct is right around the corner!! WOWSY!!!
Are you cruising first again??? This plan is so much better then the pool that you and your fam were considering!!! nothing can beat WDW!!!!!

We are really excited! I love traveling in the fall.

No, we are going to try doing the cruise at the end of the trip and see which way we like best. This time we will be at WDW the first 7 nights and then on the cruise for the last 3. I think it will work out better that way. I was already exhausted by the time we got to WDW last year and my legs and feet were already aching. That is not a good way to start out an 8 day Disney trip where we logged MANY miles! Hopefully by doing the cruise last, we can just relax and try to recouperate from the workout you get in the parks.

I'm glad we didn't do the pool too. Now, I might be kicking myself by next May when the stiffling heat and humidity return though.

Wait!!!! You aren't writing a TR for the next trip...Nooo you have to

I don't think I am going to be able to write a full-fledged report. I might do a 'highlights' TR or something like that, but I just don't have as much as I used to with working two part time jobs and volunteering at DD's school. If I was only writing, I might be able to do it, but I like to read other people's TRs too and I just don't have the time for both anymore. I have really missed reading about all of my Dis friend's trips and want to get back in the loop with all of you. I enjoy all your TRs just as much, if not more than writing my own and I REALLY miss knowing what's going on with everyone.

I missed that but year you have to write a trip report.

I'm pretty sure that I'll post my favorite pictures or tell about some of the crazy stories that we always seem to come back with, but I don't think I'll be able to do a full TR.

I think Rinky was referring to the point that she would be finished writing THIS TR.

I'm so glad that you have faith in my diligence Sheree, but I'm not sure that I do! I'd love to write a full TR, but I don't have enough DIS time anymore to read and write TRs(I guess I can't walk and chew gum at the same time ). I've really missed all of the reports I was reading and keeping up with my DIS friends and I want to get back to that.

 

[sharonW]

Yes Rinky, they say taking the cruise after wdw is better so you can relax after all they running at the world. I always felt I would rather cruise first and then wdw to save the best for last....what do I know as I've never cruised!!

Ah, two part time jobs now, ya gotta make the $$$ for vacation!!

 

[petals]

I'm pretty sure that I'll post my favorite pictures or tell about some of the crazy stories that we always seem to come back with, but I don't think I'll be able to do a full TR.

Aws

 

[jenseib]

Yes Rinky, they say taking the cruise after wdw is better so you can relax after all they running at the world. I always felt I would rather cruise first and then wdw to save the best for last....what do I know as I've never cruised!!

Ah, two part time jobs now, ya gotta make the $$$ for vacation!!

I'm like you...I want Disney after...it's depressing getting off the ship, so going to Disney is a nice uplift!

 

[morgtroy]

Hey Congratulations on another trip and cruise!! What are your dates? I will be in Disney for the Wine and Dine half marathon. Nov 9-13.
Wish I had a cruise in the works

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Yes Rinky, they say taking the cruise after wdw is better so you can relax after all they running at the world. I always felt I would rather cruise first and then wdw to save the best for last....what do I know as I've never cruised!!

Ah, two part time jobs now, ya gotta make the $$$ for vacation!!

Well let's be real here, it's a win win either way, right?!! Any Disney trip or any Disney cruise, regardless of the details is going to be a winner! I like to try new things on every trip though and just thought that we'd reverse the order and see which way we liked it best. My legs just hurt so bad from all those stairs on the ship that I was already a mess by the time I got to Disney. So I think I will like that part better, but who knows? I do keep thinking though what a disaster it would be to get seasick again on the last night and then have 12 hours of riding in the car to look forward to!! I don't think I could take it!

Aws

I know. Who knows though... I might have so much to tell when I get back that I can't resist doing another report. If I do though, it will be a very slow moving one. If only I had the time/money to just DIS all day and nothing else... that would be grand!

I'm like you...I want Disney after...it's depressing getting off the ship, so going to Disney is a nice uplift!

Well I will be sure to let you know what we thought about it when we get back. I'm a little nervous about going straight from the ship to driving in the car for 12 hours. I know I felt like I was still rocking for 2 days after I got off the ship last time and I don't know how well that will mix with riding in the car. I get motion sickness very easily.

Hey Congratulations on another trip and cruise!! What are your dates? I will be in Disney for the Wine and Dine half marathon. Nov 9-13.
Wish I had a cruise in the works

Thanks! Our dates are Oct. 25-Nov. 1 at Disney and Nov. 1-4 on the cruise. You are about the 5th Disser that I've talked to who I will be missing by just a few days. I'm glad to hear you are going back though. Where are you staying?

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Your next trip sounds lovely Rinky! Lots of fun in the World and then some relaxing at sea.

 

[morgtroy]

Oh, hate we're missing each other. We are staying at Caribbean Beach this time. Cheaper to stay moderate with the free dining than upgrading the counter dining to regular dining at a value resort. We've never stayed here, I've rented DVC the last couple times. We're excited to check out Caribbean Beach, and Wine and Dine. Love Disney's timing this year, I can run the half, still enjoy food and wine festival and get to see the Christmas decorations. Can't wait!

 

[partyof2]

I am a terrible DISer, I've had a busy end to the summer and fallen way behind on everyone's TR

I'm so excited for your next trip! I think that Disney first, Cruise second is definitely the way to go; you can really take it easy on the cruise and wind down before it's back to reality I'm excited to hear what you think about POR as I always appreciate your honesty.

I cracked up at the 'sample' size of cotton candy, Disney is so wonderful.

My heart was in my mouth a little when I saw how busy MK was November time, that's when we are going next year and I am really anxious that it's going to be busier than I anticipated.

Praying that you find your way onto a new career path shortly!

P.S. I'll be so bummed if you decide not to write a new TR, but please don't feel as though you have to commit to one just for your fans' sake (ha!), I just want you to know how much I enjoy your writing.

 

[MeMom]

We are really excited! I love traveling in the fall.

That's the time I recommend for first-timers or those who will go only once every ten years.

Jill and I were talking about cruises just this morning. We just want an overnight voyage to Castaway Cay. And we want to see the shows, so I guess we need 2-3 nights, huh?

 

[Woth2982]

Looks like I will be missing you all by about a week! I will be there Nov 8-12 for the Wine and Dine 5K.....but I think they changed the name to the jingle jungle 5K.....but it is my first official race after my knee surgery last February! I am hoping the Disney Cruise is somewhere in my future next year!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Your next trip sounds lovely Rinky! Lots of fun in the World and then some relaxing at sea.

I hope it works out just like that! I can't wait!!!

Oh, hate we're missing each other. We are staying at Caribbean Beach this time. Cheaper to stay moderate with the free dining than upgrading the counter dining to regular dining at a value resort. We've never stayed here, I've rented DVC the last couple times. We're excited to check out Caribbean Beach, and Wine and Dine. Love Disney's timing this year, I can run the half, still enjoy food and wine festival and get to see the Christmas decorations. Can't wait!

Ohhhh CBR! We LOVED CBR, but then you know that if you've read this report. I really hope you enjoy it as much as we did. It is so beautiful and relaxing there. And it does sound like your timing is perfect! That's a lot of special events to get to do in one trip!

I am a terrible DISer, I've had a busy end to the summer and fallen way behind on everyone's TR

I'm so excited for your next trip! I think that Disney first, Cruise second is definitely the way to go; you can really take it easy on the cruise and wind down before it's back to reality I'm excited to hear what you think about POR as I always appreciate your honesty.

I cracked up at the 'sample' size of cotton candy, Disney is so wonderful.

My heart was in my mouth a little when I saw how busy MK was November time, that's when we are going next year and I am really anxious that it's going to be busier than I anticipated.

Praying that you find your way onto a new career path shortly!

P.S. I'll be so bummed if you decide not to write a new TR, but please don't feel as though you have to commit to one just for your fans' sake (ha!), I just want you to know how much I enjoy your writing.

Well thank you for those very sweet comments. I won't say for certain that I won't write a TR. I'll just say... "we'll see".

I will be sure to give an honest report of POR when I get back. I hope we love it as much as we did CBR!

You'll be fine going in November. I've been 3 times now and it is a great time to go! You might have one or two somewhat busy days, but if you use Touring Plans, you will be fine!

That's the time I recommend for first-timers or those who will go only once every ten years.

Jill and I were talking about cruises just this morning. We just want an overnight voyage to Castaway Cay. And we want to see the shows, so I guess we need 2-3 nights, huh?

Everything is better in the fall isn't it? The weather is just so nice and who doesn't love the festive look of everything with pumpkins and leaves. It just makes you feel good!

As for the cruise... why don't you just go on and give into that temptation that keeps prodding at you... you know you want to go on that cruise. It's calling your name right now... oooohhhhhhhh Memommmmmm! I am convinced it will get the best of you before it's all said and done and you will be sailing with the mouse!

You know that I can relate and very much sympathize with you on being claustrophobic. So I'm going to let you in on my cruising plan for this trip. You know I really struggled with the size of the cabin (or lack of size ) last year. Well I since discovered that there are rooms at the very back of the ship (aft) that have HUGE balconies on them and that's what I have booked this time. I figure that way if I get to feeling cramped, I can head out there and hopefully I'll be fine. I found some pictures that another disser posted of what the balconies look like and thought I'd post them for you so you could see that it may very well be doable for you...

Aren't they nice! Our room will have one exactly like the first picture. And the good thing about the aft balconies is that Disney backs their ships into the ports so we will have a great view of Atlantis in the Bahamas and this gorgeous view of Castaway Cay....

Not bad huh?

Those rooms do cost a little bit more than a standard balcony room, but not much at all. It was less than $100 difference in price total for 3 cruise fares. Anyway, the aft balcony rooms are listed as category 05E and the description of the balcony will say "oversized private verandah." It's something for you to think about anyway.

Looks like I will be missing you all by about a week! I will be there Nov 8-12 for the Wine and Dine 5K.....but I think they changed the name to the jingle jungle 5K.....but it is my first official race after my knee surgery last February! I am hoping the Disney Cruise is somewhere in my future next year!

Another runner! You girls are an inspiration! I need to get off my fanny and just start walking. I'm working on it though.

I hope you do great in your run! What better place to have a marathon than Disney! And I hope your cruise plans work out for next year as well. Lots of fun on the horizon for you!