We came, we saw, we got rained on, and we had magic!

[Ruthie5671]

I've never posted a trip report before, so I hope I can do our trip some justice.

Here is the cast of characters:

Those who drove from Kentucky: Myself - Ruthie, my fiancee - Tony, and my mom - Wendy. Those who flew from Hawaii: My brother - David, my sister-in-law - Jammie, and two nephews - Jacob (13) and Kyle (11). We had all been to WDW before, but it had been about 25 years since Tony had been. So it was basically as if he was seeing everything for the first time.

Our package was for five days with dining, using David's military discount, using two rooms at the All-Stars Movies. Mom is ECV dependent, so one of the rooms was handicapped. We arrived the mid-morning of 12-1 (Jammie's birthday), with us arriving first and the airport crew coming a bit later with the complimentary transportation. The "magic" was right off the bat upon check in. The very nice CM informed us that we had three rooms instead of two. I was extremely confused, thinking that in our many trip changes (vacations at the mercy of the army always change) I had accidentially reserved three rooms. Nope, I wasn't going crazy. The magic was a complimentary room for the duration of our stay!! It was very nice to have some privacy!

We hit the four parks, but somehow only saw Epcot from top to bottom. I blame that on the horrible weather, which limited what mom could do, and not taking good advantage of EMH. The weather also limited the Osborne Lights, which only stayed on for about 15 minutes the one day we were at Hollywood Studios. But the 15 minutes I saw were just amazing, and I cannot wait to see them again next year.

As for the food, well all I can say is yummy!!! We did table service each evening. Three of the nights were in Epcot at BeirGarten (Germany), Tappen Edo (Japan) and Mexico (I cannot think of the name). The other dinners were Mama Melrose at HS and Crystal Palace at MK. The hands down favorite with the family was Tappen Edo. The food was wonderful, and the presentation/cooking was fabulous. Counter service was sandwiches and salads, which were all delicious and well prepared.

The crowds were shockingly low, with the exception of this past Saturday. I would strongly suggest this time of year right after Thanksgiving and before Christmas. Before the weather got crazy, we were walking straight on rides in MK. I remember the days of 2 hour waits for Pirates. And now, the 10 minute wait was the time it took to get to the boat!

We did not do the Christmas party, due to the large cost it would be for a group of seven. However, I overheard other folks talk about how great it was.

Completely loving the Photo Pass. The best invention since the dining plan. I also enjoy the specific places that you can always find the characters rather than having to chase them all over the park. It made things easier for those adults in our group who absolutely had to meet Pooh Bear in person (yes, me).

I'm not sure what else to write, other than my fiancee and I are already thinking towards next December, and our trip for just the two of us. I cannot wait to see what kind of dining plans and/or discounts will be available. I will be happy to answer any questions. I hope everyone is having a magical day!!

Ruthie