There's a First Time for Everything! A Christmas In November TR

[englishrose47]

You are such a TEASE!!!!

 

[sjs314]

DS was over the house today so I showed him your SeaWorld TR, hey I love spreading the excitement of an upcoming trip, sure he went home and told DW about it.

 

[jenseib]

Wow great Sea World pics. I have debated on going there and Universal. I have been to Universal about 10 years ago, back when there was only 1 park. I loved it, and actually like it better than HS (MGM). We used to have a Sea World in Ohi and I have been there several times as a kid and took my older 2 there a few times. But it's closed now. I wish it was still open. We could do a day trip, and it was great.
But now we just never seem to have enough time for even Disney to do all I want to do, plus the added cost, so we haven't made it yet. I think Universal will be the next trip though, as Harry Potter will be open then. But again, it may depend on how long we go for. If it's only 5 days, then I'll just have to wait. LOL!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Great pictures from Sea World!!! We went back in 2004, but after a week at Disney were way too tired to enjoy it fully. Hope you found those dolphins soon!

 

[BippityBoo]

HI

Just wanted to tell you that I went back and read through your TR because I realized that I joined you right after your Epcot post and needed to read the beginning!!!! I LOVED YOUR TR!!! So many great tips. Your DD is such a cute little picture taker

I can not stand to fly either. I will do it...but it takes a lot for me to get on...like a WDW vacation I can relate.

Becky had told me about your carriage necklaces for the pearls. I am planning on doing that with my mother in law, sister in law and daughter on our trip. I bought us all one....what a great deal!!!! Thank you so much for sharing. How much does it cost to pick the pearl? Is it based off of the size of the pearl?

I also loved your lunch with Remy. Such a cool experience. Another must do for us!

My daughter picked up a Sea World info packet recently and really wants to go! I am so happy you are doing a little mini-report b.c I am wondering if it is worth it to go rather than another day at WDW. My sister in law wants to check out the new Harry Potter thing at Universal. I think I will feel like I am cheating on Disney

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I cannot believe it, but here I am typing up my last update! So sad!!! I don't know how I will fill the Disney void in my life without this TR and all of my DIS friends to chat with! Such a depressing thought! Anyway, let me get on with it. I guess I have squeezed every ounce of life out of this thing anyhow.

I left off with DH seeking out someone who could tell us where to go to find the dolphin feeding area. And I feel like I need to defend myself here. I know you must be thinking that we are idiots because we couldn't find the dolphins, but I promise you that the maps did not match the park at that time. I am very good with maps. In fact, I ended up with a perfect 100 average in my college geography class! I just love maps! Yes, I know that makes me one incredibly boring person ( I love the History Channel and the Weather Channel also )! Anyway, I ramble on just to let you know that we were not a bunch of morons who couldn't find our way out of a wet paper bag!

But enough digressing....................... the CM that DH found showed us another route on the map to get us there. I can't tell you how excited I was. It really was a dream come true for me to know that I was going to get to touch and feed them!!! It makes me excited just thinking about it all over again.

We FINALLY found the dolphin area and got in line to purchase some fish. They would not let you down there where you could touch them without buying the fish. You can walk up to the tank on the other side, but the dolphins won't come up to you because they know where the feeding goes on! Very smart creatures!

I am pretty sure the trays of fish were $8 each. My DH nearly stroked out when he heard that. I think his exact words were, "You expect me to pay $25 for three trays of dead fish!!!" To which I just gave him "the look" and said, "YES, I DO!! I've wanted to do this my whole life and it took me 6 hours to find the *@#! place, so cough it up!" Ok, that's what I was thinking. What I actually said was a little bit nicer than that.

I have never been so excited over a purchase as I was when I received those three, stinky dead fish!!!! We had to wait our turn because they only let about 5 families go down at time. As soon as we walked up to the tank though, we were greeted with this!!!!!

Look at the joy on that baby's face! How can you put a price on that?

They let us rub them for a little while without giving up the fish, but then they got wise to us and wouldn't come over until we broke out the food! It was pretty gross because you had to pick them up with your bare hands!

One of them went and got his little football and brought it over to play with!

I was REALLY procrastinating while I was down there. It took me forever to give up my three little fish. I knew as soon as my fish were gone, they were going to tell me to move on. Sure enough, I stayed down there so long that a CM finally asked me to leave! Yes, I was being one of those greedy tourists that doesn't care if anyone else gets a turn. I couldn't help myself. It was such an awesome experience that I didn't want to leave. It was so worth the wait and the frustration, and is one of the greatest vacation memories that I have. Even if you aren't crazy about animals, it is something that your kids will never forget, so do it!

Continued in next post.....................

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

After our wonderful time with the dolphins, we had time for one more show. DD and I wanted to see the dolphin show, but they were done for the day! So disappointing! We checked the schedule and the only thing left that would time out right for us was the Pets Ahoy! show. It was up near the front of the park so we thought that was a good choice. We were all pleasantly surprised by this show. It was great! It is very funny and perfect for young kids!

Check out this terrier.

Just married!

No cats allowed!

The end! Literally!

They let the kids come up and pet the dogs and cats after the show. We were amazed at how well trained all these animals were. It was GREAT! And all of the animals had been rescued from shelters. I loved that. All of the pets we have ever had came from shelters and they make great companions! I am a big advocate for adopting pets from shelters!

We did a little browsing in the shops before leaving.

It was still too early to head back to the resort (6:00 or so) and it was our last night so we wanted to do something fun. We decided to go to................

We had someone very important to go see so we did that first. There was NO LINE! I couldn't believe it. We walked right up.

They had a nice long talk about dolls, Barbie jeeps, and presents for our dog and cats.

Look at that Santa! I was even convinced that he was the real thing! He even has a twinkle in his eye!

Then we did lots of window shopping at World of Disney.

DD was terrified of this guy. See how she is pushing away with her feet! She would not take a picture with him! I really can’t blame her!

Santa Genie!

Cont. in next post......................

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Cindy's place

We had dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express and it was delicious! That's why we went back in '09!

This was waiting for us when we got to the room.

Our mousekeeper turned the TV on to make it look like they were all watching the Disney channel! So cute! My DD loved all the special touches.

Day 10

We woke up very sad on our last day. None of us wanted to leave.

I took some pictures of our room since I had not done that earlier in the week.

A very cute light

The picture and wallpaper in our room

We walked over to the 101 Dalmatians building to take some pictures. Look at the cute sidewalk!

We went to the gift shop and did some pin trading.

The very nice CM gave this Tinker Bell pin to DD as a small YOMD prize! How nice!

DH occupied DD in the gift shop for a while and I used the 10 or so snack credits that we had left to buy stocking stuffers for DD. I got lots of cute things like a Cinderella slipper filled with candy, a princess purse filled with candy jewelry, big character suckers, etc. The CM was so nice. She walked around with me in the food section of the gift shop and told me what I could use my snack credits on. I ended up with enough stuff to almost fill DD's whole stocking and she was so excited to have all those Disney things on Christmas morning. And best of all............... it was free!

We ate a late breakfast in the food court and stalled as long as possible, but eventually it was time to go. I took some pictures as we drove through Jacksonville, FL.

We stopped near Savannah and got a room. We were so tired that we just couldn't drive it straight through. I had made a ressie at a hotel there because I knew we probably wouldn't be able to drive it in one day. Well, when we got off the exit, the directions told us that our hotel was between "Big Mama's Restaurant and El Cheapo Gas." Needless to say, we were wondering how nice it would be. It wasn't too bad for a roadside place, but we have laughed over those directions many times since that trip. Now whenever I'm giving DH directions on a trip, I'll say " You turn left at Big Mama's or it's right beside El Cheapo's!" Made for some funny memories!

That night at the hotel, DD pulled out some left over glow stuff that I brought along. We had used most of it in the parks at night, but there was an earring and necklace set left. She put it on and pretended we were watching Spectro! This was all you could see in the picture!

We had fun that night talking about all the great things we had done over the last week.

We wanted to explore Savannah a little the next day before gong home, but we were pooped. We just drove straight through instead.

It was a wonderful trip! Everything was just as magical as I had expected and more! I cannot wait until we can go back. That probably won't be until 2011, but I suppose I can wait that long since we were so blessed to be able to go two years in a row.

I have enjoyed doing this TR so much and it is because of the fun comradery with all of you! You guys are so much fun, and I have really loved talking with all of you. I hope you will all still be around when I do my next TR, even though it will be a while. And I want to see all these pick-a-pearls that everyone is doing. If any of you have already done them, please post your pictures on here. I'd love to see them. I hope the mods will keep this TR open long enough for me to see all the pretty pearls. I know Wigd is there now, and I hope she will post a picture of her PAP when she gets back!

I’m not going to say goodbye............ I prefer "see you around the DIS!"

 

[sharonW]

GREAT, GREAT TR's's, LOVED every single post!
Thanks for sharing the magic. I truly hope you'll
be making plans to make more wonderful disney
memories very very soon!!!!

 

[sjs314]

I am sad too that your TR is over, I really enjoyed reading it , was almost as good as being there, loved seeing the dolphins, I don't recall if they had where one could feed them the year we went or not, but I know we did not do it if they did have it back then. Gonna miss this tread , take care until your next WDW trip

 

[MeMom]

Definitely a $25 smile...or maybe more.

Not a bad smile from this one, either.

Looks like he's smirking a bit.



I enjoyed seeing a little of All Star Movies. We've visited many times and stayed there once. When we've stayed at Music or Sports, I always walk around all three for pictures.

If you can't start a pre-trip, even if it is a long time away, don't make yourself a stranger over at our place!
We expect you there on a regular basis.

I have very much enjoyed your report and all the great pictures, as well as getting to know your sweet DIS family.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

You are such a TEASE!!!!

Sorry! The waiting is over! I've posted all my secrets now.

DS was over the house today so I showed him your SeaWorld TR, hey I love spreading the excitement of an upcoming trip, sure he went home and told DW about it.

Oh good! I really hope they have a good time. They have the best shows. I'm sure they will love it!

Wow great Sea World pics. I have debated on going there and Universal. I have been to Universal about 10 years ago, back when there was only 1 park. I loved it, and actually like it better than HS (MGM). We used to have a Sea World in Ohi and I have been there several times as a kid and took my older 2 there a few times. But it's closed now. I wish it was still open. We could do a day trip, and it was great.
But now we just never seem to have enough time for even Disney to do all I want to do, plus the added cost, so we haven't made it yet. I think Universal will be the next trip though, as Harry Potter will be open then. But again, it may depend on how long we go for. If it's only 5 days, then I'll just have to wait. LOL!

I know what you mean. It is hard to pull yourself away from Disney for anything. I think the reason I was able to do it is b/c we really thought we would not be back to Florida for a very long time. So I wanted to do SW since I thought it may be my only chance. But it really is a lot of added expense. We actually had a combo pass to go to the new SW waterpark as well but it was too cold for that. You'll have to let us know how you like all the new stuff at Universal if you go. I've never considered going there because it seems more focused on stuff for boys. Maybe I'm wrong though.

Great pictures from Sea World!!! We went back in 2004, but after a week at Disney were way too tired to enjoy it fully. Hope you found those dolphins soon!

I know what you mean. Our feet were so tired. I really wish we had gone at the beginning of our trip. Also, it's another park that is too big to do in one day.

HI

Just wanted to tell you that I went back and read through your TR because I realized that I joined you right after your Epcot post and needed to read the beginning!!!! I LOVED YOUR TR!!! So many great tips. Your DD is such a cute little picture taker

Well thank you! I'm so glad you wnet back and read it all.

I can not stand to fly either. I will do it...but it takes a lot for me to get on...like a WDW vacation I can relate.

It is tough isn't it? I don't like feeling that I am not in control of my own safety. WDW is probably the only thing that will ever get me on a plane too!

Becky had told me about your carriage necklaces for the pearls. I am planning on doing that with my mother in law, sister in law and daughter on our trip. I bought us all one....what a great deal!!!! Thank you so much for sharing. How much does it cost to pick the pearl? Is it based off of the size of the pearl?

That PAP has been very popular! I know the CMs in Japan are going to wonder where in the world all those pendants came from all of a sudden! When we were there, it was $15.95 I believe. It isn't based on the size of the pearl. You just pick an oyster and whatever is in there is what you get. I think you are guaranteed to get a decent pearl though. I've never heard of anyone not getting a nice pearl. You will love doing it. It is such a fun thing for a group of girls to do! ENJOY!!!

I also loved your lunch with Remy. Such a cool experience. Another must do for us!

Oh the meal with Remy would be perfect for you! It is great for boys and girls (and adults ).

My daughter picked up a Sea World info packet recently and really wants to go! I am so happy you are doing a little mini-report b.c I am wondering if it is worth it to go rather than another day at WDW. My sister in law wants to check out the new Harry Potter thing at Universal. I think I will feel like I am cheating on Disney

I know what you mean. I felt the same way. I would say it depends on your family. If your kids love animals, then do it. If not, then wait until after you have done all the stuff that you want to do at Disney. They have some awesome shows there.... no doubt about that!

replies in red

GREAT, GREAT TR's's, LOVED every single post!
Thanks for sharing the magic. I truly hope you'll
be making plans to make more wonderful disney
memories very very soon!!!!

I'll miss you sharonW!! You've been around the whole time! I'm so glad you stuck with me! I'll see you on timandlesley's thread though! I always enjoy their reports and I know you do too.

I am sad too that your TR is over, I really enjoyed reading it , was almost as good as being there, loved seeing the dolphins, I don't recall if they had where one could feed them the year we went or not, but I know we did not do it if they did have it back then. Gonna miss this tread , take care until your next WDW trip

I know! I hate for it to end. I'm so glad you read along and posted though. Thanks for sticking around!

Definitely a $25 smile...or maybe more.




Not a bad smile from this one, either.






Looks like he's smirking a bit.



I enjoyed seeing a little of All Star Movies. We've visited many times and stayed there once. When we've stayed at Music or Sports, I always walk around all three for pictures.

If you can't start a pre-trip, even if it is a long time away, don't make yourself a stranger over at our place!
We expect you there on a regular basis.

I have very much enjoyed your report and all the great pictures, as well as getting to know your sweet DIS family.

I agree! That smile was worth more than $25! And the dolphins did look like they enjoyed it too, didn't they?!

I really liked ASMo. I liked the buses at POP better, but I think ASMo is a great alternative if you can't get Pop. I really like the values at Disney. Of'course I'd prefer AKL, but the values are really nice for what you pay!

You know I'm not going anywhere Memom! I've been following along on your reports for a LONG time. You can't get rid of me that easily! Besides, you have too much good stuff going on over at your place to bail out now! I just know there are tons of trips in your future and I want to hear about all of them!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Ok lurkers........... it's time to come out and say hello!!! I know you are out there! I've never been one to force people to join in when they don't want to, but I just want you all to know that this is your last chance to come out and say hi! I'd love to know who has been reading along. It's ok with me that you didn't post during the TR, (I've done that too), but I would still like to see who came along for the ride with me! Please, pretty please.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I have enjoyed every minute of your 2 for 1 TR! Both trips sound like they were really magical in so many ways for you and your family! SO many wonderful pictures and stories!
Whenever you go back, I'll be wanting in on that TR!
Feel free to come and hang out on my TR. Not that I'm there! LOL! I have to finish it up soon, and partly don't want to. But I might do a PTR since I actually have a trip planned. So you'll have to come along and get more of your Disney fix!

Thank you for sharing everything with us!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I almost forgot to tell all my DIS friends.............DD's class is doing a spring play. We just found out today that they are doing "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!" I am sooooo excited!!! I love her teacher this year b/c she is a Disney nut too! She took them to Disney on Ice for a field trip! Anyway, DD got the part of the mirror! I am tickled pink for her. I think the mirror is a very cool part! Can't wait for showtime.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I have enjoyed every minute of your 2 for 1 TR! Both trips sound like they were really magical in so many ways for you and your family! SO many wonderful pictures and stories!
Whenever you go back, I'll be wanting in on that TR!
Feel free to come and hang out on my TR. Not that I'm there! LOL! I have to finish it up soon, and partly don't want to. But I might do a PTR since I actually have a trip planned. So you'll have to come along and get more of your Disney fix!

Thank you for sharing everything with us!

I am so glad that you hung around for the whole thing! You know I will be over on your TR too! I have really enjoyed yours as well, even though you have so tempted me to book a cruise! And I will be there if you do a PTR too! Just make sure you post the link to it in your TR so I don't loose you!

 

[Tinker_Tam]

I have been here, enjoying, the whole time. What great trips you have had. I got so much info from your report becuase we will be going on our first trip in December. Can't wait! I already ordered (and received) my pearl cages.

 

[disneybarbie]

Oh no.. you can't have finished.. I've been reading your TR(s) for about 3 months now!

Thank you for sharing your trips and so many lovely photos.. can't wait for any upcoming vacations to the World you might have

Luv to you & your family

Emma x x

 

[Angelrose]

I admit it. I have been lurking and enjoying every page of your TR. I can't wait to read your next one. Thank you so much.

 

[stace208]

Loved, loved, LOVED those dolphin pictures!! I will so be finding that and paying whatever in June. Ben can ride his manta coaster and momma (and whomever else wants) can feed the dolphins!!!

I have really enjoyed your TR immensely and look forward to a PTR and/or TR in the future. I hope you'll keep checking in on mine too! All you lurkers are free to come and post on mine too-the more the merrier!