This is the last trip the 4 of us ever take to WDW. Nov 2-12 *FinalUpdate 3/19* Pg.59

[that's nice]

We had just finished dancing at Club Tinsel and it was almost time to catch the parade. We walked though some snowflakes on the way over….



We had a little time to burn before the parade started so we stopped at the happiest cruise that ever sailed…





…and apparently had a boat all to ourselves!

We walked over to Frontierland and found a spot. I wasn't thinking because I picked a spot that was facing a bright light. That is probably why no one was standing there. It reeked a little havoc on my pictures but some came out ok.

















I snapped about 10 pictures of the gingerbread men and they were turned in almost every picture. The ones where they are looking, the pictures came out blurry. So I present to you: the backsides of gingerbread men!



Love these guys!





SANTA!!!





We had fun watching this parade and my mom really enjoyed it.

Whuttdayathink Juliana?



While the crowds were dispersing, we listened to these guys play for a while..



..and we stopped into another dance party at the Diamond Horseshoe for a bit. It was getting close to Holiday Wishes and we COULDN'T miss that. Christopher was holding out pretty well.



When we arrived in the hub it was packed! We tried to get towards the middle but that wasn't happening, especially with the stroller. We were off to the side but it still wan't a bad view.






Up next… Who isn't gonna make it?

 

[Poolrat]

You made great use of the party and all it had to offer.

The Christmas party is one I have not done yet. Some day....


Hmmm I sure hope you don't have to get pushed out in the stroller but I have a feeling Christopher falls asleep during the fireworks.

 

[that's nice]

We were waiting for Holiday Wishes to start. Juliana and Christopher were starting to hit a wall. But they were excited to see the fireworks. Since we were off to the side, we had a semi obstructed view. A big tree was blocking the fireworks just a bit.







I didn't notice this when I took the picture, but this guy photo-bombing is kinda scary.









When the fireworks ended there was quite a few people leaving so we moved over to the center of the hub to wait for the stage show. Christopher was getting tired and Juliana was losing it. But I wasn't going to try to fight the crowds. The show started 10-15 minutes after the fireworks ended so there wasn't a long wait but Christopher passed out and Juliana was complaining.

Well, the show was starting so let's watch.









What do you think of the show Juliana?



Yea, she's passed out on the ground in the Magic Kingdom. At least we had a blanket for her to lay on.

Once the show was done, we headed out. If we had 2 strollers we would of stayed longer but I couldn't walk around MK holding her passed out.

Heading towards the exit.



What's one more photo pass picture?




Up Next…. my 5:45am wake up call

 

[KatMark]

Where's the happiest cruise that ever sailed at Disney? I don't recall that attraction at all.

Cute pics of the kids thought.

You got some really awesome shots of the parade...much better than mine this year.

WHOA...scary photobomber there. He looks kind of creepy.

Beautiful photos of the castle show (which I missed again). And nice fireworks shots too.

I can't believe Ana passed out on the ground. Poor girl must have been really tired.

Nice photopass of you and Mel on the way out.

 

[jedijill]

I've felt like Juliana sometimes although it might be a wee bit weird for a fully grown woman to lie down in the street and take a nap.

Jill in CO

 

[mommy2mrb]

That was nice of him! It would be a sin to leave any behind.


Thank you!


I think you are right!


I'm sure we were but people always look at me weird so it was nothing out of the ordinary.


Thanks!!!


Awwww… that stinks!!! You should of said fine and left her at the door while you went in.

it was nice to have the to-go cup

what people look at you funny

believe me I tried to get her in the dance party, wasn't happening, just wait till the kids are older and don't want to be embarrassed by you

nice you got a private boat on your cruise

you got great photos of the parade, much brighter than mine turned out! and a good spot for wishes...bummed we didn't see the castle show, just to hard to fit everything in

poor babies getting worn out, late night Disney days are hard on everyone

 

[afwdwfan]

Well, I'm going to be hearing RATM in my head for a while now. Nicely done, Tim.

I wasn't thinking because I picked a spot that was facing a bright light. That is probably why no one was standing there. It reeked a little havoc on my pictures but some came out ok.

As long as you could see the parade and enjoy it that's what matters.

So I present to you: the backsides of gingerbread men!

I think I'd rather see the backside of water.

We were waiting for Holiday Wishes to start. Juliana and Christopher were starting to hit a wall. But they were excited to see the fireworks. Since we were off to the side, we had a semi obstructed view. A big tree was blocking the fireworks just a bit.

Not a bad view at all for not staking out a spot. If the kids are close to fading, you wouldn't want to sit there for an hour trying to keep them happy just so you can have a marginally better view.

I didn't notice this when I took the picture, but this guy photo-bombing is kinda scary.

Wait a minute... was this MVMCP or MNSSHP?

Yea, she's passed out on the ground in the Magic Kingdom. At least we had a blanket for her to lay on.

You know, sometimes I'd like to just find a spot to crash in the middle of the MK. I mean what would be better than going to sleep in the MK, and then waking up there???

Once the show was done, we headed out. If we had 2 strollers we would of stayed longer but I couldn't walk around MK holding her passed out.

Parenting FAIL.

That's why you carry Christopher and put her in the stroller.

 

[that's nice]

You made great use of the party and all it had to offer.

It is hard to stay super late with the little ones but we had a fun time.

The Christmas party is one I have not done yet. Some day….

Next year right?

Hmmm I sure hope you don't have to get pushed out in the stroller but I have a feeling Christopher falls asleep during the fireworks.

That would be a sight.

Where's the happiest cruise that ever sailed at Disney? I don't recall that attraction at all.

Well you better be ready to ride it in September… right next to me.

You got some really awesome shots of the parade...much better than mine this year.

Too bad I didn't update before you… you could of just 'borrowed' mine.

WHOA...scary photobomber there. He looks kind of creepy.

Doesn't he?

Beautiful photos of the castle show (which I missed again). And nice fireworks shots too.

Thanks!

I can't believe Ana passed out on the ground. Poor girl must have been really tired.

Me either. But this was day 8 and she was totally shot.

Nice photopass of you and Mel on the way out.

Thanks… too bad I was carrying 40lbs of dead weight.

I've felt like Juliana sometimes although it might be a wee bit weird for a fully grown woman to lie down in the street and take a nap.

Jill in CO

LOL…. That would be funny. I've seen people sleeping throughout MK before but never curled up on the ground.

 

[that's nice]

what people look at you funny

Sometimes&..

believe me I tried to get her in the dance party, wasn't happening, just wait till the kids are older and don't want to be embarrassed by you

nice you got a private boat on your cruise

It was!

you got great photos of the parade, much brighter than mine turned out! and a good spot for wishes...bummed we didn't see the castle show, just to hard to fit everything in

It is hard& there never is enough time.

poor babies getting worn out, late night Disney days are hard on everyone

Even the parents.

Well, I'm going to be hearing RATM in my head for a while now. Nicely done, Tim.

Time to turn on pandora.

As long as you could see the parade and enjoy it that's what matters.

Yea but not only was that light messing up my pictures but it was also shining in our faces.

I think I'd rather see the backside of water.

Hey, to each his own.

Not a bad view at all for not staking out a spot. If the kids are close to fading, you wouldn't want to sit there for an hour trying to keep them happy just so you can have a marginally better view.

True. It was OK but that tree was annoying me.

Wait a minute... was this MVMCP or MNSSHP?

Scary guy.

You know, sometimes I'd like to just find a spot to crash in the middle of the MK. I mean what would be better than going to sleep in the MK, and then waking up there???

I guess you'd only use one day on your ticket too.

Parenting FAIL.

That's why you carry Christopher and put her in the stroller.

Not a bad idea but haven't you ever heard never to wake a sleeping baby (or crazy boy)?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

We had a little time to burn before the parade started so we stopped at the happiest cruise that ever sailed…

Why?

…and apparently had a boat all to ourselves!

Um...yay?

So I present to you: the backsides of gingerbread men!

I'm gonna go with Andy on this one. Gimme the back side of water.

SANTA!!!

RANDALL!!!!

A big tree was blocking the fireworks just a bit.

Stupid tree. Time to cut it down.

I didn't notice this when I took the picture, but this guy photo-bombing is kinda scary.

Dude, the fireworks are THAT way.

Yea, she's passed out on the ground in the Magic Kingdom. At least we had a blanket for her to lay on.

Parents of the Year!!

 

[Poolrat]

Nice Fireworks shots.
It would have been a sight for Juliana to be pushing you in the stroller through the gates.

 

[Steppesister]

I have to be honest, I'd choose a Halloween party over a Christmas party, but that's just personal taste. Nevertheless, it looks like there are some really fun things to see and do and that you all really enjoyed it.

It doesn't surprise me that you had one sleeping on the ground; it was a long day! There are times I feel like doing the same thing at WDW, but I'm never near Ellen's Energy ride when that happens.

 

[PopArtGal]

I'm glad you stuck around for the castle show. I love that show!

 

[marvali]

Trying to catch up around here. It looks like you had a wonderful time at the Christmas party! I haven't had the chance to do that one yet, but maybe one day. You got some really great pictures!

I hope you and the family had a very Merry Christmas and you are keeping warm during this very cold start to the New Year!

 

[that's nice]

Why?

Um...yay?

I can't believe you are a hater.

I'm gonna go with Andy on this one. Gimme the back side of water.

Surprised you don't hate this ride too.

Stupid tree. Time to cut it down.

I agree.

Dude, the fireworks are THAT way.

I can't imagine what he was looking at.

Parents of the Year!!

Feel free to send us our prize!

Nice Fireworks shots.

Thank you!

It would have been a sight for Juliana to be pushing you in the stroller through the gates.

Not sure I'd fit in a stroller though.

 

[that's nice]

I have to be honest, I'd choose a Halloween party over a Christmas party, but that's just personal taste. Nevertheless, it looks like there are some really fun things to see and do and that you all really enjoyed it. :good vibes

It was fun but after doing a few of these parties with very young children, I think we are gonna give them a rest for a while.

It doesn't surprise me that you had one sleeping on the ground; it was a long day! There are times I feel like doing the same thing at WDW, but I'm never near Ellen's Energy ride when that happens.

There's a ride…. or is it a show? that I've never done. It is always closed when we go.

I'm glad you stuck around for the castle show. I love that show!

It was cute and I'm glad we stayed for it. It beat trying to fight the crowds leaving after the fireworks.

Trying to catch up around here. It looks like you had a wonderful time at the Christmas party! I haven't had the chance to do that one yet, but maybe one day. You got some really great pictures!

Hey Mr. Marv! Hope everything is well with ya!

We had fun at the party and I'm glad we did it. My mom really enjoyed herself.

I hope you and the family had a very Merry Christmas and you are keeping warm during this very cold start to the New Year!

Yea, got chilly again today. We did hit double digits though. It's been breezy all day so the wind chills have been in the negative. We might hit 25 on Sunday!

 

[that's nice]

Before I start our Saturday day, I forgot to add after we got back to CSR and got the kids to bed after the Christmas Party, I went to the front desk to ask a few questions. First, was there any cancelations for Sunday night. Our CSR reservation was only to Sunday. Our flights weren't till Monday so we were going to have to switch to POP for 1 night. Unfortunately, the hotel was still booked solid and we would have to switch. Second, I was running in the Jingle Jungle 5K in the morning and I never made it to WWoS to pick up my race packet. The girl at the front desk made a few calls to see what I should do and no one had an answer for her. After standing there for 30 minutes I told her to forget about it. I'd figure it out in the morning. By this point it was close to midnight and I had to be up in a few hours.



After going to bed after midnight, 5:30am comes very quickly. My alarm went off- I hopped up, got dressed and drove over to Animal Kingdom. I wanted to get there super early for the Jingle Jungle 5K to find out where I needed to go to pick up my race packet. The don't let you run without checking in and wearing a number. I was worried I'd have to drive somewhere else on property to get it. Luckily they had tents set up for people who weren't able to get their bib. When I arrived at AK, the staff wasn't even ready yet so I had to wait till just after 6 to check in.



I was only able to get my bib but the rest of my packet was still being held at the WWoS. If I wanted my tshirt, I'd have to go there to pick it up. It was just after 6 and the run wasn't starting for almost an hour. What was I going to do to entertain myself? I know….. stand in line.



While I was waiting I heard from Katie (Woth2982) who was running as well. She was able to find me and we talked for a few minutes before making our way up to the front. Ahhh, it was about time.



We were in different corrals so we went our separate ways. It was getting close to the start.



The sun was just starting to come up and there were some hot air balloons in the distance.



What do you know… it was fireworks time. Time to get running!



Well, not quite yet. There were so many people packed in the corrals that everyone slowly made their way to the starting line. Once we hit the starting line we were actually able to start running.

It was a great run that started in parking lot, through the entrance to AK, we took a right at the tree of life, through Africa, then we ran out a door back stage and saw where they store the animals. There were CMs along the route with animals and plenty of characters too. We came back into the park and ran past EE, Nemo, and Dinosaur then out another door back into the parking lot to the finish line!





It was a really fun run!

They gave every runner a runDisney food box that was filled with all kinds of snack packs of food I don't eat. But I did get a banana.



I hopped in the car and drove back to CSR which only takes 5 minutes from AK. When I got back to the room everyone was already up and ready to go eat breakfast. We decided to go back to the Pepper Market since we had such a great meal there earlier in the week. Plus You got all you can eat of these:



During breakfast, Melody decided she wanted me to go back to AK and pick up a shirt she only saw in AK… a brown Mickey head shirt. So before heading over to the WWoS, I took one for the team and drove back to Animal Kingdom. When we went to AK earlier in the week, the Christmas tree wasn't even up yet.





I walked over to Africa and found the shirt right away. Was I going to turn around and walk out but what fun would that be? I walked over to EE and saw that the single rider line was a 5 minute wait so I jumped on..



The 5 minute wait was actually a 0 minute wait so once off, I got back in line and waited for a front seat this time.

Hey I see CSR in the distance!





After my 2 quick rides on EE, it was time to head over to the WWoS to grab my t shirt.

On the way out…






Up next….. On my own, pool time, & lights

 

[marvali]

Nice job on the 5k Gingerbread Man! Did you beat Barry??? I told Drew last weekend I need to take him sometime and let him run the 5k, although I bet he could probably survive the half if he worked at it a little.

Celebrating your success with all you can eat Mickey waffles is definitely a great reward! Well, that and the

And super job of taking one for the team heading back to AK for the T-shirt, and then making that additional EE sacrifice.

 

[KatMark]

Tim, congrats on another 5K completion. So very proud of you.

How come when I was at CSR a year ago, I do not remember seeing Mickey Waffles at the Pepper Market?

Glad you got to sneak in two rides on EE after you found Mel's shirt. I love the photo of you sitting on the bench with Minnie making eyes at you.

 

[PopArtGal]

yum mickey waffles.

Although I do prefer the big ones.