US & Canada PTR - 2 sleeps to go, wow

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

We are finally only 3 1/2 months out from our trip and for many people this is a long time but for the planning obsessed like myself, that means "hold onto your wig" - it's time to really start to get your OCD on.

As you know the players on this little journey are -

Me - 41 (cough cough), planner extraordinaire, pretty "pitcha" taker, stresser, food porn loving Disney-oholic, travel obsessed, proud mumma

DH - 40 (going on 60, old man lol) shopaholic, reluctant Disney visitor, sports mad, music mad, food loving, highly strung, hard working, proud dadda

DD14 - Diva-licous dancing queen, loves Disney as much as her mumma, loves desserts so free dining is her favourite thing in the whole world, stunning, super smart, super sweet, wants to be an interior designer, living in a fancy NYC apartment (a girl's gotta dream )

DS10 - Sports mad feral beast, makes me laugh, makes me cry, is slowly evolving out of being a fussy eater (thanks to our last WDW trip), very OCD like his mumma and pappa, still young enough to be "cute" at Disney, super smart, mummy's little man.

Okay that's us - now here's the plan:-

9 December - fly to Orlando

20 December - fly to NYC for Christmas (a lifelong dream come true)

29 December - fly to Quebec City, Canada, for NYE

3 January - fly to Toronto, private transfer to Niagara Falls

5 January - private transfer to Buffalo airport, fly to Boston

9 January - fly to Washington DC

13 January - fly home to lovely Canberra

15 January - arrive home

PLANNING - Several things to note about my OCD planning, other than prepaid tours, tickets, shows, etc. I am happy to rejig, cancel, go with the flow. I just like to have a plan in place in case we feel like doing lots and then things can be dropped off as we go along if tiredness overtakes at anypoint.

Tiredness - speaking of tiredness, the men in our family don't do well if they are tired. Can we say "CRANKY" in capitals. So this is something I will need to manage on a daily basis. Have spoken extensively with DH about how to manage their tiredness. On past trips we have pretty much tried to do everything together as a family, only breaking up on the odd occasion. On this trip because of the sheer length of time away, I have decided that it makes sense sometimes for the boys to go back to the room for a nap and for the girls to keep on with what they wish to do. That's not to say I don't like a nap, I surely do, especially in the afternoons at WDW but I don't need to be in bed at 8pm either. My DD is the same as me whereas our boys like to be in bed super early. And after much thought, I realise that is ok. It is everyone's holiday so we just have to do what works as individuals to ensure a much happier time away.

So now onto the individual legs of the trip:-

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

11 nights at WDW staying at Port Orleans French Quarter, with free dining.

We were originally doing a split stay with Animal Kingdom Lodge and POFQ but when free dining got announced for only a short time of our trip, we had to pick one or the other and it worked out much much cheaper to stick with POFQ the whole way. In the end it was my children who said go with POFQ if it's cheaper - I was really bummed about letting go of AKL , so the kids being all for it made the whole thing alot easier.

We've used Mousetales Travel, www.mousetalestravel.com again for all of the bookings. I truly can't rave about them enough. They did all of our ADR's, I've made so many accom and dining changes and they are always just so wonderful. When we used them last time they got us GREAT rooms with views so fingers crossed they work their same magic this time.

We love free dining, we've only been to WDW once and we had free dining. I can't imagine going without it . My DD is obsessed with desserts so this really ticks her boxes because she gets to have so many desserts with the dining plan. If we were paying OOP, she would only get desserts sometimes.

Let's also not forget that I am a mad mad mad Christmas fiend so the decorations are going to bring me so much joy. I can't even imagine how overwhelming and wonderful seeing them all will be.

Rides - we are 100% a "fraidy" family when it comes to rides but on each Disney visit we try to push ourselves one step further. This time my DD and I are hoping to try Expedition Everest but we shall have to see. The boys in our family are the most "chicken".

This is how our WDW days are shaping up:-

Arrive into Orlando airport at 9.30pm on 9th Dec, transfer over to POFQ, sleep

Monday 10 Dec - whenever we get up head over to AK for an easy first day. If we are up early we may even head to Rainforest Cafe for a yum breakfast, otherwise will have something in our room from our Garden Grocer delivery. Whatever we feel like.

Might need to go back for a swim or a rest in the afternoon.

Head over to HS for a 4.30pm ADR for Sci Fi Diner then on to Fantasmic for 6.30pm show. Was thinking about lining up with drinks and snacks at around 5.45 after our early dinner. We've never managed to see Fantasmic, sometimes the lines scared us or tiredness or a combo of everything. DD and I have decided that no matter what we are seeing this hence scheduling it for the first night. Could perhaps be ambitious taking into account jet lag but we will see. If the boys are too tired they can go back to resort. Hoping to wander over to the Osborne Lights afterwards.

Tuesday 11 Dec - Magic Kingdom for the day, breakfast in room, will try for rope drop but depends on how we are travelling, an 11.45am ADR at Cinderella's Royal Table. We didn't do this last time but I decided everyone should eat in the castle at least once.

Head to Downtown Disney for a 6pm ADR at T-Rex, DS is very excited about this. I would say jetlag will be more of an issue tonight, judging by previous trips so early dinner then home to bed. Quick peek in the Christmas shop of course and perhaps a little chocolate dipped pretzel stick stock up .

Wednesday 12 Dec - Hollywood Studios day, breakky in room, 12.10pm ADR at Prime Time Diner and really want to get some cupcakes from Starring Rolls, missed out last time and am drooling over some of the pics I've seen.

Dinner ADR for 6.30pm at O'Hana's, first time going, hope it lives up to the hype. Could perhaps go over to MK, not sure.

Thursday 13 Dec - Epcot day, we love this park, it's our favourite as a family. Breakky in room, 12pm ADR at Biergarten, first time here, looks fun.

Back to room for a rest in the afternoon.

MVMCP - ticket says it starts at 7pm but we will go over earlier than that. Looking forward to this evening and seeing the fireworks.

Friday 14 Dec - early start, 8.10am ADR for Crystal Palace, first time here. A bit of a wander then was thinking we might do a little resort hopping to look at the decorations. Must sees are Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge.

Downtown Disney for evening, 7pm ADR at Raglan Road, this place was one of our favourites last time, dined here twice. Wander around shops

Saturday 15 Dec - sleep in, might regret scheduling this for a weekend but intend to go to Outlets for some retail therapy today. DS and I hate shopping, DH and DD love it so I'd say little man and I will last about 4 hours and will then leave the shopaholics to it. There is a long list of purchases we hope to make.

Epcot in the evening for our 8.05pm ADR at Rose and Crown and then hopefully we can watch Illuminations from their balcony at 9.30pm. We haven't seen Illuminations yet either so this will be a first.

Sunday 16 Dec - Epcot day, 12pm ADR at San Angel Inn, really looking forward to this place, looks gorgeous. Plan on doing a big world showcase wander. We didn't even touch the surface of all of the details last time. I'm especially keen to see all the different "santa's.

This is going to be one awesome evening.

4.50pm ADR at Coral Reef, this is the Candlelight Processional Package booking, DS very much looking forward to the fish tanks then we will wander some more and line up for CP with the beautiful Olivia Newton John narrating. I anticipate that this will be a fabulous event to see.

Monday 17 Dec - much to the resistance of my family we are going to NASA on this day. I'm really frustrated that they aren't as excited as me but I'm positive that once they are there everyone will love it. We think we will do the bus tour that also has the side trip where you go on an airboat on the everglades. I hope it's safe . This should be a great day.

Haven't made any plans for dinner because assume we will be tired, will just get a CS meal from resort.

Tuesday 18 Dec - Animal Kingdom day, breakky in room, 12pm ADR at Yak and Yeti, really enjoyed this place last time. Today is all about shows and making sure we see everything we missed on the first day. And hopefully DD and I have plucked up the courage to ride EE, we shall see.

6pm ADR at Flying Fish. This is the restaurant I am most excited about. I'm hoping we haven't made a mistake leaving it to near the end of our stay. We ended up canning the reservation last trip due to tiredness. That damn Orlando heat really took it's toll but hopefully the cooler climate in December will see us able to have more energy. I already know what I'm ordering .

Wednesday 19 Dec - Harry Potter, woohoo. DH thinks we should skip it as we went last time and it's very costly for one day but the kids are insisting and since DS has started reading the books and is much more into it than 2010 I have overruled the daddy and we are going. Hopefully the crowds have settled, last time it was only a few months after it opened and the place was mad. I'm hoping to ride Forbidden Journey this time. Last time DH went on with our DD and they were both super scared . DD seems to have forgotten how much she hated it and wants to go on it again so I'm keen to try it. Yikes!!!!!

Then for dinner, yep you guessed it, last night needs to be spent at Magic Kingdom and we are very lucky to have a 6pm ADR at Be Our Guest. Here's hoping it's worth the hype.

Thursday 20 Dec - fly to NYC in the morning

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Finally getting to fulfill a lifetime dream of Christmas in NYC. The original dream was for a "white Christmas" but since we will get snow in Quebec I'd be happy with just one little snow fall, rather than a big blizzard like Shushh got when she was there for Christmas .

Staying at the lovely Hilton New York, again. 9 glorious nights. I love the location of this hotel. I love that it's a few blocks off Times Square so away from the massive crowds but still only a 5 minute walk. I love that it is so close to Central Park and 5th Avenue shops and I love that there is a subway stop right beside it. We have upgraded to an Executive floor room this time so we get use of the lounge which includes continental breakfast, bottles of water, fruit etc and hot nibblies of an evening and a bar. This is key for several reasons:-

The boys in our family are notorious for going to bed early and it drives me spare that the lights need to go out at 8.30pm and night owl me (and now my DD) has to use the laptop in the dark or read with a booklight. This way DD and I can head to the lounge of an evening and read, chat, people watch. And mumma could perhaps partake in a champagne (or 2) whilst updating all my Dis friends on the events of the day .

Because we are there over Christmas, it's hard to say how cold it will get and how miserable the weather could potentially be. It will be nice to have an additional space to spend time at the hotel that isn't our room.

Okay here is how NYC is shaping up:-

Thursday 20 Dec - fly in at 1.30pm, private transfer to hotel. Check in, dump luggage, head to our beloved Times Square for a wander and to Best Buys to get an internet dongle thing so I can continue to chat with my Dis peeps . Have a wander, soak it all in and then early dinner at my all time fave, Bubba Gumps. Can anyone guess what I'm having??? . After dinner I was thinking we could wander along 5th avenue looking at the shop window decorations. I've done up a detailed map of what stores are the best ones. I truly cannot wait for this.

Friday 21 Dec - 8.30am Private guided tour with Family in New York, our own customised itinerary. On this visit we wanted to explore a bit more and felt like a private guide would be great. This guide takes you via the subway and walking to wherever you want to go. As part of the tour you learn how to use the subway like a local which I think will be a godsend. We plan on spending time in Greenwich Village, Little Italy, Harlem, Meat Packing District, Chinatown, etc. This tour goes for 9 hours so we will be exhausted by the time it finishes at 5.30pm. We will likely have an easy dinner near our hotel.

Saturday 22 Dec - Shopping day, definitely Macy's and wherever else DH wants to go. Thinking perhaps some Christmas present purchases as well. Maybe Katz's deli for lunch. No real plans for this evening, perhaps a nice steakhouse dinner or an irish pub. I've got a long list of yummy dining options depending on our mood.

Sunday 23 Dec - Central Park, trying to explore many of the areas we haven't seen yet plus just enjoy enjoy enjoy. Were hoping to do a carriage ride on Christmas eve but wonder whether we should do it today to make sure we don't miss out. Perhaps FAO Schwarz this day, we love that place.

5pm NY Knicks Basketball at Madison Square Garden. The boys are so excited about this. I think we will all love it. Dinner somewhere afterwards, not sure where or what yet, will refer to the list.

Monday 24 Dec - am thinking of going to the Bryant Park Christmas markets for the morning, perhaps some ice skating although I'm a little hesitant to iceskate. None of us are experienced ice skaters and I worry about someone getting hurt .

3pm The Grinch who Stole Christmas stage show at Madison Square Garden

6pm dinner at Les Halles, cannot wait for this, we so enjoyed it last time although we are going to the Park Avenue location this time.

Tuesday 25 Dec - Christmas Day, how lucky are we. Plans are not set for the morning. Ellen's Stardust diner is open from 7am so I thought it could be unique and ridiculously fun to go here for breakfast. Then wander in Central Park, just to enjoy time together as a family. Our first Christmas on our own.

12pm reservations at The Rock Cafe at the Rockefeller Centre which overlooks the iceskating. A pretty nice way to have Christmas dinner.

Not sure what we will do afterwards but we have 4pm tickets to Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. This goes for 90 minutes and if we are hungry I thought dinner at Planet Hollywood or similar if it's open.

Wednesday 26 Dec - 10am booking for 911 Memorial. On our past 2 visits the memorial site was still being constructed so we are really looking forward to this. Shopping afterwards.

Thursday 27 Dec - Cake Boss day. We've ended up not making it here previously so DD is insisting. This should be a long wait for not much reward but I hear the canolis are worth lining up for . Perhaps need to throw a little "culture" into this day. Maybe The Gugg or the Met. We shall see.

early dinner and then 7.30pm Newsies Broadway Show, the new Disney production.

Friday 28 Dec - Yankee Stadium tour then perhaps a wander around the Bronx, dinner somewhere nice for our last evening in NYC

Saturday 29 Dec - fly to Quebec in morning


I'm sure there's alot more to add to NYC, but this is it so far.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

5 lovely wintery days in Quebec City. We are staying at Hotel Royal - http://www.hotelsjaro.com/palaceroyal/index-en.aspx, a lovely hotel just outside of the walls of old Quebec. There is an iceskating rink right outside this hotel, see a picture here:- https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/i...JPpKdDpX7xat2PBDaAQncpVkpbEgLOAXgs6KNhhm9w_kw.

This hotel was highly recommended on Trip Advisor, the price is very reasonable and the room has a separate living room. You see where I'm going with this, in the majority of accom we are trying to make sure everyone has enough "space" to rest, rejuvenate and relax .

Quebec is such a beautiful "european" style city and it looks beautifully quaint in pictures at winter time. Follow this google link to see just how sweet:- http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrice_stg/5457276169/

There is a pool in middle of the hotel as well so the kids will likely make use of it.

The plans so far are fairly relaxed to be honest. We just want to wander and soak up this unique place:-

Saturday 29 Dec - fly in at 3pm, cab to hotel, check in, dump bags and go for a quick wander before eating dinner near hotel

Sunday 30 Dec - 9.30am Private Horse and Carriage tour of the city. Lunch somewhere nice (and warm ) then will head down and look through Chateau Frontenac and surrounds and at sunset will catch the ferry to Levis and back to watch the city come alight and capture stunning pictures, hopefully. An easy burger style dinner near hotel.

Monday 31 Dec - The NYE activities haven't really been announced as yet but I'm sure we will find some great things to do. I have searched for somewhere nice for dinner that has a warm family atmosphere and is within walking distance of our hotel. I've narrowed it down to 2 so will make a decision in the next few weeks and make a booking.

Fireworks perhaps?

Tuesday 1 Jan - We would like to take a tour out into the countryside today in the afternoon. The tour company hasn't announced whether it will run on this day yet or not. If not, we will do it the next day. Here is the link to the tour, only 4 hours but lots of great countryside to look at:- http://www.viator.com/tours/Quebec-...d-Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre-from-Quebec/d626-3455T2.

Wednesday 2 Jan - today will be spent wandering around the township some more. There is an upper and lower town to see and everyone recommends checking out Grande Allee which has lots of shops and restaurants etc. I have a list of picturesque streets etc that I have found on Trip Advisor.

As you can see, we don't have much in the way of firm plans for Quebec City. From what I have read it is a place to just wander around and soak up the city so that is essentially what we plan to do.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

We fly into Toronto at 8am and are then being picked up in a private car to be taken to Niagara Falls which is over 2 hours away. Looking forward to seeing some of the countryside during this drive.

We are staying here:- Embassy Suites Niagara Falls. Follow this link to check out the views from this place. Amazing. We paid a little extra to be on a high floor for the ultimate view:- http://www.embassysuitesniagara.com/.

This room has a separate living room as well and an indoor pool.

The plans for here are:-

Thursday 3 Jan - arrive around lunchtime, check in (hopefully) then go take a look at the falls. Head to the Rainbow Bridge, take in this spectacular scene. Head to Clifton Hill nearby and go to Ripley's Believe it or not (DS is very excited, go figure lol).

6.30pm dinner at The Keg Steakhouse which is in our hotel, spectacular views of the falls. See here:- http://www.kegsteakhouse.com/en/locations/ON/niagara-falls/fallsview-keg/.

Friday 4 Jan - Behind the Falls Tour, a nice lunch and then Dinosaur Mini Golf if it is running at this time of year. Otherwise there are big indoor video arcades, etc. Niagara is just a time to relax and have fun. Not lots of plans.

Saturday 5 Jan - transfer to Buffalo airport

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Looking forward to all the history in Boston.

We are staying at Omni Parker House Hotel, http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/BostonParkerHouse.aspx. It's where JFK proposed to Jackie O, Charles Dickens recited A Christmas Carol here, Ho Chi Minh was a busboy, and Malcolm X was a waiter. John Wilkes Booth stayed there a week before he shot Lincoln. And the Boston Cream Pie was invented in the kitchen here . There are fancier hotels than this one but the location along with the historical charm "had me at hello".

Plans so far:-

Saturday 5 Jan - fly into Boston at 3.30pm, cab to hotel, check in, dump bags and head off straight to Fanueil Hall to wander around, eat at all of the different vendors in the hall, catch some street performers. Sleep

Sunday 6 Jan - doing a 2 day hop on hop off Trolley Tour. Get on tour first thing, do most of the loop and get off at Fenway Park and do Fenway Park tour. Go somewhere nice and easy for lunch. Then hop back on trolley tour, complete rest of the tour and go to Boston Tea Party Museum. Go to North End for a wonderful italian dinner. So many places to choose from, I have a long list.

Monday 7 Jan - Husband's birthday. Hop back on trolley tour, hop off at sites that take fancy like Paul Revere's house. Perhaps lunch at Cheers. In the afternoon have a wander around Boston Common and perhaps go to Samuel Adams Brewery if time and want to. Out for a lovely dinner at Davios, http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&r...witO3TUSDeHfozWFg&sig2=bSlHVrOLG9T7626M5nGuEg, did alot of research on this one. Hopefully it lives up to the hype and the children enjoy it as well. I'm sure my husband will enjoy his birthday. Now that I type this out, I wonder if he would prefer to go to Fenway Park today on his birthday???? Hmm need to think about that some more.

Tuesday 8 Jan - Catch the train to Harvard University. Book in for a student guided tour, goes for 1hour. Hope to inspire our children to greatness .
Have lunch at the university in one of the many options then come back and into the city and wander around Beacon Hill, a lovely suburb full of old brownstones, I've got a list of "must see" streets. If anytime left go to the Prudential Centre for shopping.

Wednesday 9 Jan - fly to Washington

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

So we originally booked this hotel because of the extra space and the price when we thought MIL was coming along. Then once she wasn't coming, I couldn't bring myself to change the accom. We could stay somewhere fancier and a bit closer but it wouldn't has as much space or the free breakfast so what ya gonna do .

Embassy Suites Downtown - http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en...bassy-suites-washington-dc-WASDNES/index.html

Room has a separate living area, free breakfast and a managers reception everyday between 5-7 with a free signature cocktail and nibblies.

It's a 20-25 minute walk to the Mall and White House from here. From my research it seems that Washington is fairly walkable. Public transport is easy but with a family of 4 and everything being fairly compact, many recommend just lots of quick cab rides, similar price to Metro tickets for 4. We will see how we go.

I'm very conscious that this is the final leg of a long journey so Washington may include lots of naps and early nights. And that is perfectly fine.

Plan:-

Wednesday 9 Jan - fly in at 11.15am. Take bags to hotel, have lunch somewhere nearby then we are either doing The Capitol tour or going to Air and Space museum, still figuring this out. We are also going to the Washington Capitals Ice Hockey game this night. We will catch public transport to this, need to do a bit of research on that.

Thursday 10 Jan - 10am walking tour with Walk of the Town tours. This tour gets the most sensational reviews, I can't wait to do it. This will finish just before 2pm, we will likely have a much needed long late lunch somewhere near our hotel, I've got a long list of yum options. We might be done for today after a late night the night before at the ice hockey and then the walking so we might have an early night. Or we might do something, not sure.

Friday 11 Jan - tossing up whether to do a hop on hop off trolley tour this day. I want to go to Arlington Cemetery and visit a few other spots that won't be covered that first day. I need to decide this soon because the remaining days itinerary depends on what we do here.

Saturday 12 Jan - American History museum first thing, afternoon perhaps wander over to Georgetown to look at the lovely shops and the beautiful houses. Dinner somewhere or other, check list

Sunday 13 Jan - I didn't realise when I was working out all of our internal flights but we don't fly out until until 5pm back to Australia. I would've probably added a day in Boston. Oh well it's done now. So I was thinking we need to do something that is easy and relaxed, perhaps the Zoo. It's free entry and we could have a leisurely stroll. The kids would really enjoy it. So this could be on the cards.

The other option is the Spy Museum. I don't think it will fit into our other days but think DS would adore it.

So far Washington is my least planned leg of the trip. I need to do a bit more research on how long things take, what works best etc. I'll get there.

 

[Andona]

Can't wait to read the rest, Shuttergirl! You have an amazing trip planned. I laughed when I read your description of your DH, he and my DH could have been twins!!

I'm sure the family will enjoy Cape Canaveral, it's definitely worth the visit

Andona

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[dabecs]

Sounds fantastic! I have not got down to daily plans for Washington or NY yet - reading your pre trip report makes me want to

Are you on the deluxe dining plan? You have chosen so many great locations, I can't wait to see the foodie photos.

My husband is the opposite of yours - functions well in 4/5 hours sleep a night and is a real night owl. It's me who always gives up first!

I am going to read your last trip report before we go, I've read it all twice already!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Can't wait to read the rest, Shuttergirl! You have an amazing trip planned. I laughed when I read your description of your DH, he and my DH could have been twins!!

I'm sure the family will enjoy Cape Canaveral, it's definitely worth the visit

Andona

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Andona - I'm glad I'm not the only one married to "my husband" . He really can be challenging on these trips but at the same time so enthusiastic and fun so it's just a balancing act. And he just loves NYC so much, when he talks about it, it's infectious.

I'm glad you think KSC will be worth it. I'm certain everyone will love it.

Sounds fantastic! I have not got down to daily plans for Washington or NY yet - reading your pre trip report makes me want to

Are you on the deluxe dining plan? You have chosen so many great locations, I can't wait to see the foodie photos.

My husband is the opposite of yours - functions well in 4/5 hours sleep a night and is a real night owl. It's me who always gives up first!

I am going to read your last trip report before we go, I've read it all twice already!

Looking forward to hearing your NYC and Washington plans. I have a personalised map of places to eat that I've researched far too much if you want the link .

We are on the regular dining plan so will be OOP for some meals but our family just could not, seriously could not, narrow down our choices anymore. As it is DH is still sooking about Teppan Edo, DD is moping about 1900 Park Fare and DS wants Boma as well. I just couldn't fit it all in . Our DS10 is considered an adult this time on the plan but he will often want a kids meal so we will purchase those OOP and save the adult dining credits for other meals. This should help offset the costs a little.

I would love to travel with your husband . He sounds like my kinda guy.

Glad you've enjoyed my previous trip report. Hopefully I can do another one this time around.

 

[battymum]

You will all be so much happier if you let DH and DS do their own thing occassionally!

Before our trip I had made a plan and told everyone "this is what I am doing, on this day, you can come along if you want or not"

I knew that all the boys would follow and DD would choose her own thing if she wanted. This was my holiday and I didnt want anyone ruining it with whining - if they didnt want to be there, they didnt have to be.
Except for one day when DD stayed at the resort instead of Typhoon Lagoon - they all followed me.!


Oh and make sure to go on Forbidden Journey -

I am a scaredy cat and loved it.!

 

[hjd0411]

What an absolutely amazing trip you have planned! It all sounds like great fun.
I agree with Andona - the family should love KSC once they get there. When we went I was the keen one and my travelling commpanion not so. Guess who had the best time there!!??
And I can't wait to see the beautiful photos I know you will bring back from the Christmas decorations at WDW!

 

[Caroline NZ]

Fantastic trip planned Ms Shuttergirl. I loved reading your trip report last time, and seeing all your wonderful photos. I always giggle when you say your husband is the shopper and you dislike it. That's the complete opposite to us
Looking forward to hearing more.

 

[BecBennett]

Holy dooley! It's all so indepth!! I feel like I've already read your TR and you haven't even left yet!!!

Tiredness - speaking of tiredness, the men in our family don't do well if they are tired. Can we say "CRANKY" in capitals. So this is something I will need to manage on a daily basis. Have spoken extensively with DH about how to manage their tiredness. On past trips we have pretty much tried to do everything together as a family, only breaking up on the odd occasion. On this trip because of the sheer length of time away, I have decided that it makes sense sometimes for the boys to go back to the room for a nap and for the girls to keep on with what they wish to do. That's not to say I don't like a nap, I surely do, especially in the afternoons at WDW but I don't need to be in bed at 8pm either. My DD is the same as me whereas our boys like to be in bed super early. And after much thought, I realise that is ok. It is everyone's holiday so we just have to do what works as individuals to ensure a much happier time away.

This is such a good idea. DH is like that too, must have plenty of rest or he gets snippy The problem is, is that there's only 2 of us, and it doesn't seem right to leave one person in the hotel, while the other goes out site seeing. I mean I wouldn't mind, it's a great chance for me to go back to places I've seen and take a heap of pics, but DH doesn't like to think that the holiday is going on without him. So it means staying in the hotel to let him rest, or having a grump trail along behind me

The boys in our family are notorious for going to bed early and it drives me spare that the lights need to go out at 8.30pm and night owl me (and now my DD) has to use the laptop in the dark or read with a booklight.

Bleh, how frustrating!! Again I completely understand, how do they sleep so early when in Australia people would just be getting out of bed?? I'm often wide awake into the night on our holidays to the US

6pm dinner at Les Halles, cannot wait for this, we so enjoyed it last time although we are going to the Park Avenue location this time.

I still really want to go to Les Halles, but still haven't One day...

Sunday 30 Dec - 9.30am Private Horse and Carriage tour of the city. Lunch somewhere nice (and warm ) then will head down and look through Chateau Frontenac and surrounds and at sunset will catch the ferry to Levis and back to watch the city come alight and capture stunning pictures, hopefully.

I've always wanted to go there

This room has a separate living room as well and an indoor pool.

The room has an indoor pool!?!?!



Wow, you have an amazing trip planned! I hope it all goes well, and can't wait to read along!

 

[Travel Mum]

Oh Ms Shuttergirl, thank you so much for doing this PTR for us!!! It looks like a fantastic trip and you have put so much effort into planning it - I can only imagine how many hours you have put into it! I too love your Trip Reports so am certainly looking forward to this one too. If we ever are lucky enough to get back to WDW (we'd probably have to win Lotto so luck is certainly involved), I'd definitely want to include New York this time. Plus, with DD14 in high school, December/January is the only time of the year we could go for more than 2 weeks (and I'd never go all that way for that short of a time) so I'd be looking at a winter holiday too and will therefore be be watching your experiences with keen interest. To be honest, I love warm weather but DH loves the cold so your trip would be a dream for him. Gosh, Quebec looks gorgeous in those photos!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

You will all be so much happier if you let DH and DS do their own thing occassionally!

Before our trip I had made a plan and told everyone "this is what I am doing, on this day, you can come along if you want or not"

I knew that all the boys would follow and DD would choose her own thing if she wanted. This was my holiday and I didnt want anyone ruining it with whining - if they didnt want to be there, they didnt have to be.
Except for one day when DD stayed at the resort instead of Typhoon Lagoon - they all followed me.!


Oh and make sure to go on Forbidden Journey -

I am a scaredy cat and loved it.!

I love your attitude about "this is what I'm doing, come or don't come". I often feel like that but don't verbalise it . No one else wants a bar of the planning but they expect to see and do everything. It's quite alot of pressure. So I genuinely appreciate you sharing what worked for you. It's a constant battle lol.

Glad to hear that a scaredy cat liked FJ, I'm definitely doing it, if my butt fits into the seat .

What an absolutely amazing trip you have planned! It all sounds like great fun.
I agree with Andona - the family should love KSC once they get there. When we went I was the keen one and my travelling commpanion not so. Guess who had the best time there!!??
And I can't wait to see the beautiful photos I know you will bring back from the Christmas decorations at WDW!

I can't wait to see the Christmas decorations, fingers crossed I can do them justice in images. I seriously doubt whether the magnificence can be captured but I'll sure try.

Fantastic trip planned Ms Shuttergirl. I loved reading your trip report last time, and seeing all your wonderful photos. I always giggle when you say your husband is the shopper and you dislike it. That's the complete opposite to us
Looking forward to hearing more.

I know right, he is like a girl in that way. Loves to shop. And he likes to iron, go figure. And cook. I guess when I list all of that down it really makes him sound like a "keeper" .

Holy dooley! It's all so indepth!! I feel like I've already read your TR and you haven't even left yet!!!



This is such a good idea. DH is like that too, must have plenty of rest or he gets snippy The problem is, is that there's only 2 of us, and it doesn't seem right to leave one person in the hotel, while the other goes out site seeing. I mean I wouldn't mind, it's a great chance for me to go back to places I've seen and take a heap of pics, but DH doesn't like to think that the holiday is going on without him. So it means staying in the hotel to let him rest, or having a grump trail along behind me



Bleh, how frustrating!! Again I completely understand, how do they sleep so early when in Australia people would just be getting out of bed?? I'm often wide awake into the night on our holidays to the US



I still really want to go to Les Halles, but still haven't One day...



I've always wanted to go there



The room has an indoor pool!?!?!



Wow, you have an amazing trip planned! I hope it all goes well, and can't wait to read along!

Bec - hahahaha, reading my itinerary through your eyes certainly makes me sound "crazy". Can I just say though, I truly am prepared to chuck things out of the this plan if they don't suit. I've done it before, will do it again.

No I worded the pool and room info wrong. There is a pool in the hotel, not our room, unfortunately.

And as a huge disclaimer about my OCD:-

I am, in the next 2 weeks, about to hit my busiest time of the year. It will be from the beginning of September until the day we leave for the US. I'm usually slammed through Sept/Oct/Nov every other year but with me going away for 5 weeks it has stepped up the pressure enormously. I need to finish shooting clients work for Christmas delivery by end of October. This severely cuts into my "big earning" time. Severely!!! . I will also be doing sessions, most especially newborns right up until the day before I leave for the trip. I've got a session booked for the day before already. Ugh. I also don't get holiday pay so 5 weeks away not only costs me the price of the trip, it also costs me 5 weeks of income.

To make up for the loss of income I will need to pretty much double my usual crazy Christmas lead up workload. So knowing that, I have had to be exceptionally organised in the planning of this upcoming trip. I won't have time to give it a second thought after the beginning of September so it was important to do all of my research now.

Hopefully that explains the crazy details I've shared . Well it probably doesn't completely explain the "crazy" but hopefully it makes me seem slightly saner.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Oh Ms Shuttergirl, thank you so much for doing this PTR for us!!! It looks like a fantastic trip and you have put so much effort into planning it - I can only imagine how many hours you have put into it! I too love your Trip Reports so am certainly looking forward to this one too. If we ever are lucky enough to get back to WDW (we'd probably have to win Lotto so luck is certainly involved), I'd definitely want to include New York this time. Plus, with DD14 in high school, December/January is the only time of the year we could go for more than 2 weeks (and I'd never go all that way for that short of a time) so I'd be looking at a winter holiday too and will therefore be be watching your experiences with keen interest. To be honest, I love warm weather but DH loves the cold so your trip would be a dream for him. Gosh, Quebec looks gorgeous in those photos!

Travel Mum - yes there has definitely been quite a few hours, days, months spent on working on our holiday . But as everyone here agrees, it is lots of fun. I almost like the planning as much as the holiday.

Thank you for the compliment about my last trip report, I sure hope this upcoming one can meet expectations. If I'm having some champagnes of an evening while I'm away my trip report will become a whole lot "funnier" hahaha.

You've got it exactly, our daughter 14 also and in high school so Dec/Jan is an easier time for us to go away for longer stretches. We prefer cooler weather than hot but not sure we have any idea what Quebec has in store for us . This may be our last "winter" holiday but realistically I doubt it since January is now our holiday friend.

You absolutely must include NYC on your next trip. It is a truly wonderful place.

 

[Andona]

Ugh. I also don't get holiday pay so 5 weeks away not only costs me the price of the trip, it also costs me 5 weeks of income.

Totally understand and sympathise with this. DH and I are both self-employed. When we go away both businesses shut down for the length of our trip. It means we simply can't afford to travel for more than around 3 1/2 weeks as we have no income coming into the family coffers at all while we travel but the bills keep coming...

I would love to head off for a month or more but until we retire it just won't be happening for us Something to look forward to!

I don't think you're OCD - your meticulous planning sounds normal to me ( or maybe I'm just a little crazy too!) You've inspired me to start working on a PTR of my own...

I LOVED that picture of the Quebec street in the snow - so quaint. Looks like I'm adding another place to the bucket list...

Andona

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Totally understand and sympathise with this. DH and I are both self-employed. When we go away both businesses shut down for the length of our trip. It means we simply can't afford to travel for more than around 3 1/2 weeks as we have no income coming into the family coffers at all while we travel but the bills keep coming...

I would love to head off for a month or more but until we retire it just won't be happening for us Something to look forward to!

I don't think you're OCD - your meticulous planning sounds normal to me ( or maybe I'm just a little crazy too!) You've inspired me to start working on a PTR of my own...

I LOVED that picture of the Quebec street in the snow - so quaint. Looks like I'm adding another place to the bucket list...

Andona

I'm so glad someone can relate to the income loss. It truly is quite shocking to lose so much money but I will never say it isn't worth it because these trips are priceless in so many ways.

I'm also glad to hear I don't sound too crazy to some on the Dis. Many people in my everyday life think I am insane. I have stopped discussing it with them, I know what it takes to create an amazing holiday for my family and that is lots of planning. Whilst I understand lots of other families can "fly by the seat of their pants" and be completely thrilled, that is so now how the Kelly's roll. .

I think it was Princess in Oz who went to Canada and went to Montreal, Quebec and Niagara Falls. She inspired me so hopefully my trip will inspire you Andona. I remember her and others saying that Montreal wasn't quite as beautiful as Quebec City so rather than dividing our time between the 2, we have chosen to just truly immerse ourselves into one beautiful place instead. I definitely feel like we have made a good decision. I remember PIO saying how tacky Clifton Hill at Niagara Falls was, this will so make my children happy. They love some tacky so one mans junk is another man's treasure in this instance.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Totally understand and sympathise with this. DH and I are both self-employed. When we go away both businesses shut down for the length of our trip. It means we simply can't afford to travel for more than around 3 1/2 weeks as we have no income coming into the family coffers at all while we travel but the bills keep coming...

I would love to head off for a month or more but until we retire it just won't be happening for us Something to look forward to!

I don't think you're OCD - your meticulous planning sounds normal to me ( or maybe I'm just a little crazy too!) You've inspired me to start working on a PTR of my own...

I LOVED that picture of the Quebec street in the snow - so quaint. Looks like I'm adding another place to the bucket list...

Andona

I've just realised how close your trip is, you so need to start a PTR. Your trip is not something my family will do, with all the driving etc. So it's really important to share all the details and take lots and lots of pictures because many of us, but especially me , won't get to see all of the amazing things you will see.

PTR, PTR, PTR....please