Trip Report: * Christmas with Mickey 2010 * "The Surreal Trip!" w/lots of pictures!

[TheTXTaylors5]

I can’t believe how quickly our trip went by. After months and months of planning and anticipation …. WHOOSH! The trip is over and I am back at home. What a trip!!!!!! I have many wonderful memories that are priceless. I can’t thank Bill enough for taking us on this truly magical trip. He really is a great guy that can’t say “No!” to his family. I appreciate all his hard work that enabled us to take this trip. Thank you Bill!!!!! I love having a “Disney Husband”. He gets “it”.

I needed a calendar to keep straight what we did when on this trip. As you will soon see, things don’t always go as planned. An itinerary is a nice thing to have. But, making changes along the way is needed sometimes. With that written, time to start this Trip Report ...

Happy Reading!

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

DAY ONE
FRIDAY - December 10, 2010
We always have grand plans of getting on the road at 5:00 am. But, rarely does that happen. The alarm went off at 4:00 am. The rooster wasn’t even up yet! Another ten minutes wouldn’t put us too far behind. So, Bill hit the snooze button. Well, sleeping in an extra ten minutes turned into another hour of slowly getting out of bed. I just couldn’t get moving this morning. Usually, the thought of our final destination “Disney World” has me awake all night and I am just waiting for the alarm clock to buzz and hop in the car. I was moving slowly this morning. I honestly just think I was exhausted from all the pre-trip packing and running around. My mind and body were ready for this trip to finally start. Luckily, I had everything packed the night before and waiting by the front door for Bill to do his magic and make it all fit into the SUV. It was like a puzzle getting everything to fit. But, he did it! After Bill packed up the SUV and the kids were buckled in their seats, I went back inside to make one final walk through. At this time, I quickly played Santa and put the Christmas presents under the tree and filled the stockings. Santa would be visiting our home while we are away. Thank goodness because I don’t know where Santa would have hidden all that stuff in the SUV! We had no more room! I can’t wait to see the kids’ faces when we get home. This is the first year our oldest Will (DS10) is “in” on the Santa secret. Emily (DD8) and Cole (DS5) are still believers. This will be our first Christmas away from home. I hope this Christmas doesn’t ruin it for them. We’ll see how it goes. We finally pulled out of the driveway around 6:00 am. We’re on our way to Walt Disney World!

We drove through east Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to get to the Sunshine State of Florida. With our new GPS, she had us go the northern route. We were running behind and the northern route is quicker. Bill gave me “the look” and I knew we weren’t passing near New Orleans this trip. Boooo! Maybe next time we can make the stop. I am sure we’ll be making this road trip again. Today was VERY uneventful.

On the road with the Taylors ...

Emily enjoying the road trip.

Bill cruising in the family truckster.

Cole dreaming of Disney World.

The kids kept busy with their games and movies. We had an ongoing game of find the license plate thanks to a fellow DISer and their USA map for the license plate game. Bill downloaded some Podcasts. So, we had fun listening to those.

Our trusty new ride.

This was our first road trip in Bill's new Toyota Sequoia. We had been traveling around the USA in a Honday Odyssey for the past six years. I have to say, I love the Sequoia! It was very roomy and comfortable for the 19 hours drive. The heated leather seats came in handy a few mornings. Brrrr! (More on that later.). Also, the leather seats will be a savior on the ride home (stay tuned!).

We crossed into Florida around 5:00 pm. However, our hotel wasn’t for another five hours away (east of Tallahassee). At least we were in the same state as Disney World. That always feels nice. We have a favorite Holiday Inn Express we like to stay at which is only four hours from WDW. That makes a short drive the next day.

Holiday Inn Express - Madison, Florida

I laid my head on the pillow around 11:00 pm. I drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face because this time tomorrow, I’d be sleeping on a pillow at Walt Disney World! Now, I was getting that giddy feeling and couldn't wait for morning to come!

COMING UP: Arriving at Walt Disney World and staying at our “home” for the first time at Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

DAY TWO
SATURDAY - December 11, 2010
We slept in a little this morning and didn’t leave the hotel until around 8:00 am. My Mom was flying into MCO today and would land around 11:00 am (Florida time). We didn’t want to subject her to confinement with the kids in the car. Also, she has to be back to work on Monday after the cruise. So, flying only made sense. We were on a race to see who would make it to WDW first ... Disney’s Magical Express or a Toyota Sequoia. The race is on!

After Bill filled up the SUV, there was nothing stopping us and our mission to Walt Disney World. About two hours into our trip, I glanced up and saw a billboard for Starbucks next exit. A little pick-me- up would be nice right about now. So, we made a quick detour for some caffeine. As some of you may know, there isn’t a Starbucks on Disney property. So, you’d better get your fix before stepping onto WDW property (Just a warning!). However, I have heard “rumors” they may start building Starbucks stands/kiosks on property. Wishful thinking maybe. Only time will tell. While Bill was inside getting our drinks, I get a call on my cell phone. It was my Mom!!!!! She was still on the plane at MCO. Phew! I just couldn’t believe she was already in Orlando. I racked my brain to think how she is already there! Silly me! I forgot to take the time difference into consideration when trying to plan our rendezvous. We live in CST. I didn’t tell her we were about two hours away. I told her to take her time and call us when she arrives at the resort. As Bill approaches the SUV, I give him the news that my Mom is already at MCO. So, he puts the pedal to the metal and off we go.

Almost there!

Just as we are turning onto I-4, I get the call from my Mom that she just arrived at Animal Kingdom Lodge. She beat us!!!! We’re about ten minutes away. So, I tell her to relax in the lobby and I’ll call her when we pull up outside.

The winner is ...

It never gets old doing our countdown when passing under the Walt Disney World resort sign. I know we're not the only ones that do it. It always chokes me up. We are at our home away from home. Let the fun begin!

The sweetest sign in the world!

We’ve visited Animal Kingdom Lodge and Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village. But, we have never stayed at either. So, I was excited to stay at Jambo House (main lodge) before the cruise and Kidani Village after the cruise (DVC resort). I called my Mom as we were pulling up to the guard shack around Noon. It was fun pulling up and seeing the holiday garland. We’ve arrived!

Animal Kingdom Lodge

I couldn’t wait to get inside the resort and see the huge tree in the atrium that I have seen numerous pictures of over the years. Bill pulled to the curb and he ran in to check-in. My Mom came outside after Bill was inside for about five minutes. She looked so happy to finally be on vacation. I don’t know if I told y’all but she lost my step-Dad almost three years ago. It was very sudden. They were supposed to go on a cruise for their Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary. But, he died two months before that cruise ever happened. She has never been on a cruise. So, she was VERY happy to finally be cruising. We embark the Disney Wonder tomorrow. Also, this is our first “major” trip with her. She is excited to experience Walt Disney World with her grandchildren. Bill came out and told me that our room was not ready yet. This is very typical when we stay DVC. The only DVC resort we have ever stayed that had our room ready upon arrival was Saratoga Springs. It honestly gets to be annoying when you want to get into your room, unpack and freshen-up before heading to a park. We ended up giving our luggage to a porter and would call them later to deliver the bags when we finally get into our room. I didn't get to enjoy the lobby yet. That would have to wait until later.

The Taylors at Epcot

We had an ADR at Biergarten that evening as part of a Candlelight Processional Package. So, we decided to head to Epcot for a light lunch and to purchase our Annual Passes. Hopefully, we could get a couple of rides in before dinner. We arrived at Epcot around 1:30 pm (I keep estimating the times because I honestly don’t remember the exact times we did what. So, the times are just to give you a gauge on the flow of our days.) Since we participated in the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day volunteer program, we decided to use our vouchers towards our Annual Pass purchases. We were also able to use our DVC discount on the APs. Every bit helps! We did not use one of the vouchers for our AP purchases though. Since we got to the park so late, the Soarin’ Fastpasses were already gone for the day. So, we took advantage of the immediate-use Fastpass card option for the other GAD voucher. Bill bought my Mom a regular Magic Your Way ticket for the duration of her stay. So, we were able to get six (6) of the FP cards. Also, we were given these really cute VoluntEar pins to wear.

Give A Day Fastpass Cards

VoluntEar pin

For information on Epcot click HERE .

Once we entered the turnstile into Epcot, we all agreed that we needed food. Our first thought was “Let’s get some fish and chips at Yorkshire County Fish Shop in the UK Pavilion at World Showcase”. This is one of our favorite counter service places at Epcot. However being a Saturday, the line was super long. So, we opted for the newish counter service near the Canada Pavilion (It used to be McDonald’s). They had items like fried shrimp which Will (DS10) got and meat-filled and cheese-filled empanadas which Bill (DH) got. Cole (DS5) just munched on what they got. Nothing sounded yummy to Emily (DD8) or I. So, I just got a Duffy rice crispy treat to share with her. Duffy is the Disney Bear that has merchandise EVERYWHERE on property right now. He originally started at Tokyo Disney Sea and has made his way to the states. He's Mickey's teddy bear that Minnie made for him. It's a cute story. Read more about Duffy HERE . At WDW, you can only meet him at Epcot. Will a Duffy come home with us???? You'll just have to wait and see ...

Emily with our Duffy Bar

Will said his shrimp and fries were good. But, Bill was NOT raving about the empanadas. Luckily, this was a light lunch. We would get our fair share of food at the buffet dinner later. Once everyone finished their food, we made our way to The Land, home to Soarin’.

Mom and Emily after Soarin'

For information on the attraction Soarin', click HERE.

We thought my Mom would like this attraction and wanted it to be her first taste of Walt Disney World. We already knew the Fastpasses were gone for the day, thanks to the information board upon our entrance. So, Bill headed to the special Fastpass machine kept open just for the GAD FP cards. It spit out six FP tickets ready for use that minute. Off we were to enter the FP line. I believe the stand-by line was almost two hours at this time. Thank you Fastpasses!!!!! Now, my Mom is a very chatty person and was talking with the people in line behind us telling them that this is her first time on Soarin’. The woman behind us was telling her how it lifts up and moves. I could see it on my Mom’s face that she was freaking out a little. In my mind I was yelling at that woman to stop talking! I know my Mom will love this attraction, if I could just coax her on after the idiot behind us scared her to death. Luckily, my Mom trusted me and knew I would not put her on anything I didn’t think she could handle. OMG! From the time we made the first Swoosh! into the sky, my Mom was laughing and smiling. She loved it!!!! It was so fun seeing her experience this attraction. In the past, we had to do Rider Switch because Cole got freaked on this attraction at Disney’s California Adventure. I am not one to take a screaming kid on an attraction. It is traumatizing to the child and bothersome to the people around them. I am proud to say, Cole walked off Soarin’ today telling Bill, “I want to ride again!” I am glad that Cole got over his Soarin’ fears on his terms. Finally, we can start riding it as a family again. Yea!!!!

Mom and the kids in front of Test Track.

For information on the attraction Test Track, click HERE.

Emily’s favorite ride in all of Walt Disney World is Test Track at Epcot. So of course we had to ride it with Grandma. Off we headed to Test Track. Bill walked a little ahead of us to gather our immediate-use Fastpasses. My Mom walks at a rather slow pace compared to our normal WDW walking. So, we had to slow it down a bit this trip for her. We met Bill just as he was walking away from the FP machine and hopped into the FP line. Again, my Mom starts chatting with the people behind us and again the woman starts to freak out my Mom (a different woman this time). The woman made it sound like we were taking my Mom on a rollercoaster as she describes the inside portion with all the turns and hills. Again, my Mom trusts my judgment and hops into our Test Track car. My Mom is not a “ride” person I discovered this trip. But, she DID like Test Track. We decided we should give my Mom a ride break and headed to Club Cool to try some different Coca Cola products from around the world. Bill said he would meet us in there as he rushed off to god knows where. The kids and I all know about the Beverly as we have all tried it during past trips. This time, we had a new” victim” to try it. My Mom was trying all the sodas and when she came to the Beverly, I had my camera waiting …

Mom's first taste of the Beverly.

She had the same expression as most people that drink it. Yuck! My favorite is the Costa Rica soda.

Cheers!

Bill met up with us with a bag in his hand. He surprised me, my Mom and Emily with sparkly Minnie ears. Thank you Bill!

Emily and I with our sparkly ears.

At this time, we decided to head back into World Showcase and started in Mexico to slowly make our way to Germany for our 5:25 pm ADR at Biergarten.

COMING UP: Dinner at Biergarten and Candlelight Processional

 

[bigmoonmullen]

Hi Jennifer,

Good stuff!!! Will keeping watching your trip report.

Did you get the pictures of your mother singing off my facebook page?

If not, let me know where to send them.

Mark

 

[Pooh_Girl]

Lovin' it!!! Keep it comin'!!!

 

[DVCsince02]

Awesome trip report Jen! I love how close you and your mom are.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Hi Jennifer,

Good stuff!!! Will keeping watching your trip report.

Did you get the pictures of your mother singing off my facebook page?

If not, let me know where to send them.

Mark

Bill mentioned that you posted them on Facebook. Thank you! Of all the nights to leave my camera in the room! She had a blast! Can I "borrow" the pics????

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Awesome trip report Jen! I love how close you and your mom are.

Thank you! There's more to come. I have been playing in the snow. Yes, snow in Texas!!!!! We "enjoy" it when we get it. So, I have neglected this TR this weekend. I need to get going before I lose the ambition. We've already booked our trips for 2011 and I am sooooo looking forward to October ... NO KIDS!!!!!!

My Mom moved to Texas from Virginia after her husband died. She used to live more than 24 hours away. Now, she lives 24 minutes away. Having her close has been great for our relationship. She's still young at heart and loves to have fun.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Lovin' it!!! Keep it comin'!!!

More to come! Keep warm Tina. I know y'all must have gotten some snow too. The front was moving your way yesterday. Did I tell you that when we went to Hershey Park this past summer we waved to the exit on I-40 for Jonesboro. I knew y'all were over there somewhere. Say "Hi!" to Robby from us! Hope we get to see you guys in 2012!!!!! Whether it is on a cruise or in Florida, we'd love to meet back up.

Jennifer

 

[bigmoonmullen]

Bill mentioned that you posted them on Facebook. Thank you! Of all the nights to leave my camera in the room! She had a blast! Can I "borrow" the pics????

Jennifer

Jennifer.... YES by all means. Let me know if you prefer that I email them... just send me a PM with your email address.

Mark

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Merry Christmas Jennifer!!

Wishing y'all a safe drive and a fabulous trip!!! We'll be there in just 5 short days!! I'll keep my eyes peeled for y'all!!

How was your trip??????

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Jennifer.... YES by all means. Let me know if you prefer that I email them... just send me a PM with your email address.

Mark

Sending a PM ...

Jennifer

 

[BethC1952]

Loving your TR!!! Your kids have gotten so big! Hopefully we'll see you in 2012!

Beth

 

[Pooh_Girl]

More to come! Keep warm Tina. I know y'all must have gotten some snow too. The front was moving your way yesterday. Did I tell you that when we went to Hershey Park this past summer we waved to the exit on I-40 for Jonesboro. I knew y'all were over there somewhere. Say "Hi!" to Robby from us! Hope we get to see you guys in 2012!!!!! Whether it is on a cruise or in Florida, we'd love to meet back up.

Jennifer

We got a little snow, but it's all pretty much gone now. I'm glad we missed on the biggest part of it. It's SOOOO cold now though.
I remember you guys telling us about that. If we're still here the next time you come this way, let us know and we can meet up!! Hopefully the next time we see you guys though is in sunny FL!!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

DAY TWO (Part 2)
SATURDAY – December 11, 2010
Heading into World Showcase from Future World, we came across a Gospel group singing on stage. They were really good and really into the music. The crowd however was just standing there like bumps on a log. It was interesting to watch.

Gospel Choir at Epcot.

We listened for a bit and then headed towards the huge Christmas tree on display at the entrance of World Showcase. It was decorated with plaques of all the different ways to say “Merry Christmas”. I like how each park decorates their Christmas tree with the theme of the park. We stood for a bit trying to figure out which country went with each greeting.

Epcot decked out for the holidays ...

After I took about a million pictures (at least that is what my family will tell you), we headed towards the Mexico Pavilion and came across the Three Wise Men.

Three Wise Men in Mexico Pavilion

During the Christmas season, World Showcase has Christmas Around the World. In addition to the Candlelight Processional (Which we get to see later this evening. I can’t wait!), “most” of the World Showcase Pavilions have a character or characters out that represent a Santa or that country’s Christmas traditions. During this vacation, we came across a few and I will tell you about them as we encounter them along the trip.

Being a Saturday, World Showcase was pretty busy. After Mexico, we entered the Norway Pavilion and saw their version of Santa Claus called Nisse also known as Julenissen (Christmas Elf). He was a very skinny Elf. For the story of Julenissen click HERE.

Nisse in Norway Pavilion

At this time, we didn't venture too far into the Norway Pavilion. We would do that later in the trip when on a Kim Possible Mission and when we take a "dip" on the Maelstrom (stay tuned for that fun!).

Next, we were on to the China Pavilion. We didn't really go into the Pavilion. We passed by the outskirts. We'll visit Nine Dragons for lunch later in the trip. At this time, we see the drawbridge go up between China and The Outpost. The Globe was making it's way into World Showcase Lagoon for IllumiNations that evening. Also, about four fireworks barges entered.

The World passing in front of my eyes.

We "patiently" waited for the procession of boats to enter the Lagoon. This was a little frustrating because I could see the Germany Pavilion just on the other side of the open bridge. Finally, after about fifteen minutes and now a traffic jam of people, the bridge lowered and we could continue on to the Germany Pavilion.

Germany Pavilion

When I think of Christmas, the #1 country I think of is Germany. We get a lot of our Christmas traditions from Germany. The Germany Pavilion was beautifully decorated with garland and lights. It felt very Christmassy! We made our way to the back of the Pavilion where Biergarten is located.

This is an all-you-can eat buffet restaurant. We've never eaten here before. So, we were all excited to try it. Bill checked in and was handed a pager. They seemed VERY busy. I spotted an empty spot on a bench. So, my Mom went to rest her poor feet. While waiting, we came across a fellow DISer and person that went on an Adventures by Disney Tour with us (Hi Heather!). She was checking in for dinner too. One thing to know about Biergarten is that it has community seating. So, you will be seated with other guests. They pack them in! After chatting with Heather for about 20 minutes our pager goes off. Not one second later, Heather's pager goes off. We were seated at the same table. What a coincidence! We also had one older lady dining by herself at our table.

Dining at Biergarten.

We were seated at the second level and had a great view of the stage. There was a Oompah Band playing traditional German music.

The band plays on and on and on ...

The atmosphere of the restaurant is made to feel like Oktoberfest. You really feel like you are outside in a little German village square. It is very quaint. Almost immediately after being seated, our server came to take our drink orders. I was surprised that my Mom ordered a flight of beers. I knew she wouldn't finish them all and I would have to "help", so I just ordered a soda. Bill went for the big glass of beer. The thing was HUGE!

Bill and Mom with their beers. Prost!

Soon, we were off to explore the buffet. I've had authentic German food before when I visited Germany. So, I was looking forward to the schnitzel. They had chicken schnitzel on the buffet. So, I plopped that onto my plate along with pretzel bread (It looked like what we got at Le Cellier our last trip), potatoes, carrots, meat with a gravy and broiled chicken. I also made a trip to the salad bar. I am not a picky eater. However, I honestly don't like buffet food in general. I prefer quality over quantity. So, I went into this meal "trying" to give it a chance. However after my first bite, all the reasons I don't like buffets were justified. The food was warmish, not hot. It could all use a little flavor boost. Sadly, it was very bland. I think I saw more adults at the kid's buffet than at the regular buffet. I know Bill is paying a lot of money for this dinner because it is part of a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. So, I made a second trip to the buffet getting more pretzel bread. That was yummy! It was just as good as in Canada. Dessert was "okay". I got chocolate cake and a little cream puff thing. Bill liked his apple strudel. But, he was NOT ooohing and aahing over it.

My Food. The plate of food looks bland even in pictures.

I have to say that our server was great refilling drinks for me and the kids and clearing dirty plates. Bill and Mom milked their beers for the whole meal. I even helped Bill out a little on his beer.

Now, that's a beer! Me "helping" Bill with his beer.

However, when it came time for the bill ... that took forever! It was like she went on break. I would think with the line of people waiting to dine, they would be a little quicker when processing the bill.

We had a great dining experience with the atmosphere of the restaurant and attentive server. However, the food was very average. Would we dine here again???? Probably not. There are so many other great restaurants on property that we have not tried yet. This is one we can mark off our list as having tried.

Biergarten - Germany Pavilion (Epcot)
Food
Service
Atmosphere
Rating: 5 Best - 1 Worst

COMING UP: Candlelight Processional

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

DAY TWO (Part 3)
SATURDAY – December 11, 2010
We got our Candlelight Processional badges with the check and were ready to head back into the chaos of the park.

Candlelight Processional Badge

We exited the Biergarten around 7:00 pm. The sky was getting dark and the holiday lights were sparkling. The Germany Pavilion was beautiful! We headed towards the Italy Pavilion to leisurely walk to the America Gardens Theatre where the Candlelight Processional was taking place. We thought we would have at least an hour to browse the World Showcase before we had to get into the Candlelight Processional Package line for the 8:30 pm show. However when we passed the theatre, we noticed that people were already lined up! Not just for the stand-by line, but the package line was already back to Japan. So, we got into line too. That is when we felt a chill in the air. With the sun sleeping, the air had gotten cooler. However, our jackets were in the car. We didn’t have time to run to the car and grab them. By the time we went out to the car and came back, the Candlelight Processional would have started. So, I left Bill in line with the kids. My Mom and I went on a hunt for some “cheapish” sweatshirts for the family in World Showcase. This is when I discovered there is no such thing as anything “cheapish” in World Showcase. First, we checked the Americas Pavilion and found not too much except a couple of carts with pins and Christmas items. So, we backtracked to Italy and went into the shops there. My Mom found herself a fancy sweatshirt with flowers in the perfume and jewelry shop. It didn’t fit me. So, I kept looking. I didn’t see anything for Bill or the kids in there. So, we went across the plaza and I found the kids some Italy sweatshirts. I’m part Italian. So, they were actually something they would wear again. Again, I didn’t find anything that would fit Bill or me (Bill is 6’5” and needs something that doesn’t come up to his elbows). So, I came back empty handed. I made one last attempt in the department store in the Japan Pavilion. I was about to purchase a Hello Kitty blanket (at least we could cuddle under it), but Bill came running into the store telling me the line is moving. I came out and he was nowhere in sight. The line was moving pretty quickly, but still long. Finally, I met up with them inside the theatre. They were in the lower section stage right.

I have been looking forward to the Candlelight Processional since we first booked the package. I will be honest to admit, I am not a religious person as an adult. I do unto others and live a moral life. But, we don’t go to church every Sunday. But, I did grow up in the Catholic faith and know all the songs and of course the story of Christmas.

The Choir

The show started with the choir proceeding into the theatre singing and holding candles. This was beautiful to see and hear. The choir sang beautifully together. The orchestra was so good, they sounded like a recording. I know that sounds funny, but you know what I mean. They were flawless. I normally don’t notice a conductor. However, the one leading the orchestra our night was amazing and a treat to watch.

The Conductor

There are guest readers and tonight we got to hear Whoopi Goldberg read The Story of Christmas. Yes, she’s Jewish. So, I thought it was an odd choice for a Christmas-themed program. But, she was great and stuck to the script. Also, she was up at the podium bobbing her head and singing to the songs between readings. It was very entertaining to watch.

Whoopi Goldberg

The only negative thing I can say about our first Candlelight Processional experience is that at one point, I was deafened by the trumpeters to my left. I didn’t notice them come out and was not prepared for their trumpeting. So, I will warn you NOT to sit in the first section near the outer edges.

The Trumpeters

This was a very magical evening. At first, I wasn’t sure how well the kids would sit through this whole production (ages 5, 8 and 10). They really enjoyed the show and were mesmerized by the singing and story. The songs were so peaceful that Cole (DS5) actually fell asleep. He hasn’t fallen asleep “in public” for at least a year. Wish I could take the choir home with me and play the music to him every night. I may need to find the CD.

You get preferred viewing of IllumiNations with your Candlelight Processional badge. However, the kids were getting tired and it was cold (Bill and I still didn’t have jackets). So, we headed to the car to end the evening on a high note. We will view IllumiNations on another night. That is one thing great about being at Walt Disney World so long (we’re coming back after the cruise). We don’t feel like we have to do everything every day. We actually take the time to stop and smell the roses and “experience” the parks and come back to do some things on another day. There was no commando touring this trip and it was actually nice

We finally made it back to the SUV and Bill cranked on the heat. We still had not been into our room at Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House. We got a page our room was ready just as we were entering Epcot earlier. What timing! I am really looking forward to getting into our room and catching some zzzzzz's. But first, I want to see the massive tree in the lobby. Next stop ... Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House

COMING UP: Would we like Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House? You might be surprised with the answer ...

 

[DVCsince02]

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

DAY TWO (Part 4)
SATURDAY - December 11, 2010
We arrived back to the Animal Kingdom Lodge for the night. Bill dropped us off at the front door. He went to park the SUV. We decided to meet him in the lobby. This would give me time to take some pictures and just enjoy the lobby semi- empty. It was around 10 pm at this time. “Wow!” Is what best describes the lobby all decorated for the holidays. The tree was HUGE and decorated with Africa-inspired ornaments.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Bill met back up with us and it was finally time to see our “home” for the evening. We made our way to our two-bedroom DVC Villa. DVC turned some of the Animal Kingdom Lodge rooms into DVC Villas while they were completing Kidani Village. Even though Kidani Village is now completed, they still rent the rooms out to DVC Members and people willing to pay the premium out-of-pocket. My first impression of the room was that it was very dark (too dark). Having the the dark woods and black kitchen made me feel like I was in a cave. It was nighttime outside. So, there wasn't any natural light to come in. But even with the lights on, ALL the rooms just seemed too dark. Don't get me wrong the room was clean and decorated nicely. It just didn’t “Wow!” me like the model I saw at Saratoga Springs when we bought into DVC. I honestly don’t know one thing that bothered me about the room, it was just the whole thing. Something was "off" when they did the quickie renovation of the room. Personally, I don't think it is worth it at the point value they have it at right now (DVC talk). Luckily, we are only staying one night at Jambo House. I sure hope the Kidani Village rooms are better, because that is our Home Resort.

Jambo House DVC Villa

Master Bedroom

Mom's Room (Bedroom #2)

Bathroom

Everyone got freshened up and the kids fell fast asleep, as did my Mom who had been up since 4 am that morning. I decided to do some laundry, so we had all clean clothes for the cruise. I threw in a load and relaxed a bit. Having a washer and dryer in the room is a big plus when staying DVC! After putting the clothes in the dryer, I decided to catch some zzzzzz’s. Tomorrow we embark on the Disney Wonder for some fun in the sun on the high seas.

COMING UP: Breakfast at Boma (maybe) and where is the warm Florida weather?

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

DAY THREE
SUNDAY - December 12, 2010
Everyone was moving slowly this morning. We had an 8:10 am ADR at Boma for breakfast this morning. However, it was now 7:30 am and people still needed their showers. So, we took a consensus and breakfast in the car on our way to Port Canaveral won. I didn’t unpack most of the suitcases. So, I just repacked the clean clothes from the dryer and toiletries. That was the easiest packing job ever! We didn’t spend much time at the Animal Kingdom Lodge this weekend. We’ll be back to explore more next time. We didn’t bring all our bags up to the room. So, we dragged what bags we had down to the curb and Bill went to get the SUV. We quickly loaded the bags and exited the AKL resort. There is a McDonald’s right up the street on property. So, we went through the drive-thru and had breakfast in the car on our way to Port Canaveral.

The drive to Port Canaveral was uneventful. I was anxious to get that first glance of the Disney Wonder as you come over the hill. She looks so beautiful. I am glad Disney decided to make the ships look like classic ocean liners.

Our first sight of the Disney Wonder.

Getting closer!

We haven’t been to Port Canaveral since they expanded and built the parking garage. So, the drop-off process was new to us. Bill dropped us off at the curb while a porter took our bags. That was easy enough. We would meet Bill inside. We had to show our IDs and then made our way to the metal detectors. It was just like being in the airport except we got to keep on our shoes. While in the security line waiting to go through the metal detector, I noticed Lee Cockerell and his wife getting into line behind me. I said “Hi Mr. Cockerell!” and we started chatting. He is very personable.

I don't know why but I always get that anxious feeling when I have to pass through a metal detector. I have nothing to hide, but I am always relieved when the siren doesn’t go off. We all made it through without a “Beep!” and headed towards the escalator up to the terminal.

The Disney Cruise Line Terminal

All decked out for the holidays.

Since we are part of the special DIS Unplugged Podcast group, we went and got our credentials that will get us into the “group only” events like the Jodi Benson concert and speaker autograph sessions.

Our Credentials

By the time we got our credentials, Bill was coming up the escalator. So, we all got into the check-in line. Since we’ve cruised with Disney Cruise Line before, we are Castaway Club Members. So, we got into a shorter line for CC Members.

DCL Check-In Desks

Check-in was a breeze. We pre-printed our registration forms at home and had everything already completed and signed before even coming to port. Once we got our KTTW cards and Castaway Club lanyards, we went to confirm our children’s registration with the kids clubs and get our pager. We keep the pager for the duration of the cruise and if they need to get in contact with us, we get a page. Also, the kids got their wristbands. Now, it was the waiting game to embark. We arrived a lot later than most of the others in our DIS group. They took Disney transportation or the transportation offered by the DIS group. So our boarding group number was pretty much next to the last group. This gave us time to visit with some familiar faces and meet some people I have only chatted with on the DISboards. I went around glancing at people’s credentials to see if I recognized their screen names (the credentials had your real name and screen name on them). It is nice to put faces and real-life personalities to DISboards names. I have to admit, some people aren’t as “outgoing” in person as they are on the boards. But, most people I met were friendly and welcoming. With so many people in the terminal it was getting HOT. I can’t imagine what it will be like on our Dream cruise (more bodies and body heat). They need to pump in some fresh air or something. It was chilly outside and sweltering inside. I forgot to tell you, when we got up that morning and went outside … it was COLD!!!!! The weather forecast called for a wet and cold day. This is Florida right? Don’t people come here from colder climates for the warmer winter?

Disney Cruise Line does make waiting in the terminal a little more fun with Captain Mickey and Minnie making an appearance. So of course, we had to get a picture. Also, I took some time to take some terminal pictures. It made the wait go by a lot quicker.

The Family with Mickey

The Kids with Mickey

Me and Mom with Minnie

Random Terminal Pictures ...

Cole

Will

I know as soon as we embark the ship, the cruise is going to pass like a blurr. So, I want to take this time to soak in the atmosphere of finally being here in the terminal and savor the anticipation of the amazing cruise we are about to enjoy.

COMING UP: Finally, embarking the Disney Wonder!

 

[DVCsince02]

Jen, we felt the same way about our BLT room that you did with your AKV room. But for us the missing wow factor wasn't the dark colors, but the fact that it was an accessible room.

Love your TR!