We're Dreaming of a WL Christmas! DEC 2010 INTERACTIVE PTR NEW: 12/9 BYE-BYE!

[OhioDisneyLover]

Awesome Day 1 plans.

I can't resist going to the parks on our first day. A few times we've just gone to DTD an settled in, but it usually depends on arrival time. If we get an early flight, we head to the parks.

 

[taymacsmom]

Welcome back! Up here in New England, the kids don't go back to school for 3 more weeks. So we are enjoying our last 3 weeks of summer. Day 1 plans look just perfect. In the past, we have always spent our arrival day exploring the resort and going to DTD. But in 2009, we went to EPCOT on arrival day. I am torn. As much as we are always excited to get to a park, I almost feel like getting to one in early afternoon is a waste for us. Next year, I am thinking we will go back to our original plans and use our 1st full day (after a good night's rest) to get to the parks!

 

[annegirl]

I love your question of the day at the end of posts. What a fun idea!
I'm loving this pre trip report. We are going this December as well . It will be our first time there ever (except for my DH).
I can't wait to read more!

 

[pjennings]

We went to DTD on our first day. It was fun and our only time to go there. I would think I would want to do our resort or explore another resort on our arrival day instead of a park. Who knows I might change my mind next time we go

 

[Believeinfairytales]

Oh, how I adore the Wilderness at Christmas. The tree will take yoru breath away. And yes, many pictures will be taken by that tree, I'm sure! None of mine ever turned out right, though, because of all the lights on the tree and the dim lighting of the lobby, all mixed in with the flash on my camera. I didn't get one decent picture in front of the tree, but never fret, there are usually PP photogs there. I will definitely be doing that if I am ever fortunate enough to be at Disney around Christmas-time again!

And to answer your question regarding going to the parks the first day you arrive, well I always like to go right away! Just throw my stuff down and head straight to the MK. My husband on the other hand, wants to lounge around in the room and get familiar with the bed and the remote control. We're on vacation! You can watch TV at home! But usually I can convince him to get moving and head to the parks with me!

 

[BippityBoo]

Yay for Vera Bradley! I love the simply violet print. I got my duffel in that one and just bought a new hipster in the fall Slate Blooms pattern. I am addicted.

Thank you!!! Ohhhh I want a duffel SO badly. Love the new patterns!

I went to a Vera B store this past weekend and a ton of the pattern's were 50% off!! I got the small duffle bag for $36 (including tax). I'm planning on using it as a carry-on for my next trip! I didn't need any other purses, I already have a ton and use my small Vera B backpack daily as my purse! Glad you found a deal too!!!

OH my gosh! 50% off, what a steal! I love the VB stores. Wish I could decorate my house like that!

Vera B store you say??? Where is that??

I have been to one in Birmingham, AL

OH BOY!!! I have always wanted a backpack and who can resist at that price!! I thank you....but my DH doesn't.

Merry Christmas to me!!

Trish

Merry Early Christmas! haha You can not beat the price. I really feel like $95 for a backpack is too much. Glad you got a deal!

They have a little store outside of Jungle Jims..it's also connected to Jungle Jims as well. I've also been to the one at Kenwood Mall but they have never had 50% off at Kenwood!!

I missed your earlier update but wanted to comment on your wall mural -- love it! I don't own any VB stuff but I really liked that Calypso one...

Thank you!! I love it too. We just found out we are moving, so I will have to let her paint it again! Calypso is beautiful!

I'm here!!!! I've loved reading all of your updates so far!!!!!! I can't wait for more I love all of the organization!

Great!!! Thanks for joining. Organization is a passion of mine (ok--that sounds dorky) ha! Glad you are along for the ride!

I saw that in my email box this morning! It's crazy-- most of the patterns are already sold out!!
I think I may wait until the end of the week and get the small duffel in Cupcakes Pink-- my favorite pattern. My collection is growing to epic proportions-- my wallet is not so fond of this trend!!

Oh my gosh! I knew they would. It is a great price! I have lots of Cupcake Pink. My daughter steals them from me, though! I want to see a pic of your whole collection-ha!

I also got it in my e-mail. I already of the messanger bag. If I bought tha backpack I couldn't get a Disney DB purse. Hopefully they'm have this sell again another time.

I hope so too! Did you see the NEW backpack style? SO cute and a place for your laptop. I am going to beg for a DB purse while we are in WDW as my Christmas gift. Did you see the new princess pattern? SO cute!

 

[Lynn5700]

Hi!!! YAY you are back! WOW, day one looks fantastic!! That dinner looks amazing!

Hmm, no I cannot resist not going to a park on the first day, haha.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hey Katie! Glad to see you back and posting

I wish we were close enough to drive and be in WDW in 9 hours! I think I'd get alot more trips in that way

I like your idea of just chilling at the resort and enjoying a meal at WCC that first day. We've done both - headed straight to a park, and skipping them in lieu of resort time - and we've had fun both ways. The WL is so pretty decorated for the holidays, you'll have a fabulous time just walking around and checking it all out. Then you'll be fully rested and ready to go for your first full park day!

 

[BippityBoo]

love all the updates and links for creative ideas! love those little people faces/icons too! adorable.

one of these days, i will give in and buy a VB. We so far like our disney backpack with our name on it from disney store. pretty durable and like you- need room for diapers still. Once we are done with diapers, i want to try a hipster!

Thank you! The faces are one of my favorite finds. How cute?!

The hipster was great for me, but I needed something bigger with my toddler (like your Pooh). Stick to the backpack till next year! VB is so addicting! And expensive (ha!) But oh-so-fun!

I was catching up on your PTR last night and it wasn't good for my wallet. I received teh VB email about the messengers and backpacks on sale, but I didn't buy one right away. After reading your message last night, I headed over to the VB site and SO many patterns were sold out! I just HAD to buy one, so.....I bought the backpack in Carnaby (no more Call Me Coral or Night and Day which are my favs). I also like Bali Blue and Bali Gold, but those were gone too. I can't wait to get my backpack!!! Shhh...don't tell my DH!!!!

I love that you got to take advantage! Did you see the NEW backpack style? It is awesome! Can't wait for that one to go on sale (haha!) I love Call Me Coral too. Already saw pics of the ones your ordered, so fun!

Busted. I'm so posting this on facebook. Just kidding!

HAHA!

My DH doesn't have a FB account anymore!

OH-that is good! hehe.

I'll find a way...

UH-OH! haha, you two are funny!

I will not look. I will not look. I will not look.

HAHAHA! I know! I felt bad posting it...no pressure but it was a GREAT deal! Our husbands are over it by now for sure! hehe.

Cute stuff! Thanks for sharing. Your friend is so creative. I use Tebi73, too. She's done some great things for me. BTW- Walmart has some really cute Disney shirts in the girls section. I finally got the girls a matching Minnie bling shirt yesterday.
I LOVE VB! I think clicking on the link would be dangerous! I just got the all in one wristlet and a new hipster.
P.S- I started my new PTR. The Link is in my sig.

I saw those Walmart shirts! So cute!! They have some at JC Penny too. Loving that you have a new PTR!!

I was just saying that to myself, too. That vera website is dangerous.

FOR SURE!

I love the wall mural!
The pattern you picked is one of my favorites I think I need a new VB bag...
Oh! And, I started my TR (link in my sig)

Loving your TR!! I love my purple VB. It is colorful without having too much color.

I'm so glad I bought my VB backpack Monday night. I just looked a few minutes ago and every single color is sold out!

OH my gosh! Everyone jumped at the opportunity!

Does VB realize that probably 50% of their customers come from the DIS? They should advertise on here.

I AGREE! I think they may be in the dark about the VB/Disney connection. Maybe I can contact them...

Oh my goodness, your friend is very creative!!!

I just love the sand buckets!! So cute!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Heather! How is the lil baby?

By the time I got home all of the patterns I like were sold out.

I love the backpack you got! That's going to be so nice to have for your trip!

I know!! Sorry you had to miss out, but you have so many pretty ones you are using in ITALY right now! Woohoo!

Still here and reading along. I had to make myself not look at the Vera Bradley sale. I didn't want to hurt my own feelings when I knew I wouldn't be able to buy anything.

My husband would chop my head off if I asked him to allow me to buy one.

Love the mural in the playroom and the sandbuckets. What a wonderful idea!

Thank you! Love my mural too! I know what you mean, I told my DH that it was for school (b/c it was a backpack and lanyard) and he said "Oh Vera Bradley is for school, huh?" hehe

I've never gotten in to the VB thing; hmmm. Maybe I need to see what I'm missing out on!

Oh it is so fun! The patterns are addicting but, overall, it is such a great product. Tons of pockets and they hold up great. It is very easy to stay organized in the parks with a VB. Check them out--you will be happy!

 

[BippityBoo]

I just wanted to say Thank You for posting the VB sale. I received my backpack Friday and it will be perfect for the trip in December!!! With a 4 year old, I will still bring in an extra outfit, wipes, snacks, etc. I can't wait to use it!!

Trish

Hey Trish!!! You are SO welcome! I agree---the backpack is ideal for vacation. Especially when you still have a little one to pack wipes, etc for. Glad you love it!!

Got my VB backpack yesterday and I LOVE it!!!! It's so roomy and I can't wait to use it! Still debating if I want to carry it in the parks or not. I really loved my hipster on my 2 trips last year. I think if I opt for a bigger bag, I might start throwing un-necessary items in there. Plus, I have a tote, hipster, wallet, lanyard and mini notebook in Call Me Coral. Do I want to change it up?

Well, I agree. That is a hard choice. If I did not have my 2 year old, then I would stick with the hipster. It is easier to carry around. However, the backpack is so darn cute. What to do? I tend to bring too much when I have extra room. Agree wtih you there.

Hi Katie! Just catching up. Great beach pics. So glad you were able to enjoy the beach with NO OIL!

Lots of good organizational ideas. I try to keep the hotel room very neat - but of course, its inevitable that every morning there will be something we need to take with us that day that we cant find. So my simple solution was to start bringing a collapsible mesh bin that we set on the table. Each day when we get back from the parks, the essentials go in there. Can't find you park pass? Its in the bin. Camera? in the bin. Ponchos? In the bin. Its helped a lot! I've always meant to try the shoe holder over the door thing for toiletries. Maybe I'll do that this year.

Love your mural! Just beautiful!

Thank you! The beach was great.

What a GREAT idea about an essentials bin! I love that! Thanks for the idea!

I have been enjoying reading your PTR and everyone's post. My girls have loved looking at the DOI pictures you posted. We are going in Sept and we are so excited.

You will LOVE DOI!! I just saw it is coming to our area AGAIN on my daughter's birthday next year! The Toy Story one. Which one are you going to see? Thanks for reading!!

Thanks to your handy links, I am all caught up! I love all of the organizational tools and tips! And the beach looks INCREDIBLE!!

I think I'm too late for the VB sale....STINK! I've had my eye on a backpack for two years but can't pay the $92.

I know what you mean. $90 for a backpack--no thanks! The NEW backpack style came out...did you see it? It is amazing, just love it.

All caught up! I loved your last TR!

Thanks for posting all the links to your creative friends. I'll for sure be checking them out!

That's so cool that you got to see the Imagination Movers in concert! My dad had gotten an e-mail about it and I wanted to take my niece, but we totally forgot about it and never followed through with trying to get tickets.

I'm interested to hear about your Pirates League experience when you go. I haven't heard much about it, but it sounds like a great alternative to BBB for little boys!

Your welcome! Love creative friends!!

Awww the IM show was awesome. I am now checking in on the new Knight Package at BBB. Did you see that? I am not sure which one to pick now!!

love the bin idea- great!!

I agree!

Hey Katie!

I feel like the worse DIS friend ever... SOOOOOO sorry I've been away since before you started this PTR.

PLEASE!! So happy you are "back"

I went back and read all about Abby's AG party, and that is one of the absolute cutest parties I have EVER seen!! You did such an amazing job. I love that all of the "stations" went along with an AG doll, and that the girls had a craft, play time, wrote to the troops, and just had a great time. What a creative mommy!

OH MY! Thank you so much!! I just made the dream party that I wanted as a little girl! Just found out that Abby's 2nd grade teacher is President of the American Girl club at her school!! WOW!

AND...I got all caught up on your PTR!!! Your plans look amazing! I'm so excited to follow along! I went back and got my answers for all of your Qs...

1. No, we didn't do GAD since we knew we wouldn't be going to WDW anytime soon. But your family's experience sounds wonderful. It's great that you were all able to serve together. We want our kids to be involved in service projects (well....when we have kids!)

I agree. It is so important. And my family can all use our fastpass options (up to 7 people!)

2. Kona Cafe is our favorite!! We LOVE the food, and the atmosphere is relaxing, yet fun at the same time. We loved eating at the Poly and then taking the boat over to the MK. Your ADRs sound great!!! Your trip will be full of yummy eating! Oh--and I was going to vote for Starring Rolls because we loved it SO much!

Can't wait to try it! Not this trip---but when my DH and I go back in May!
Oh we will gain about 10 lbs in 5 days. HA!

SO excited for Starring Rolls! The cupcakes look like they are to die for! Perfect quick dinner stop.

3. I went to DOI when I was little--I think it was the first Toy Story, but I can't remember much about it. And then Michael and I went last year for my birthday. It was really cute, but we're going to wait until we have kids to go again. We enjoy the Broadway musicals instead! (Just went to Beauty and the Beast on Friday and it was WONDERFUL!!) HOW AWESOME that your family got such great seats!! Your DOI experience sounds sooooo great! Your kids (especially Abby since she's older) will remember it forever! Great family memories....

OH I am just dying to see Beauty and the Beast! The Toy Story DOI is coming to our area next year!

Your binder is ADORABLE! I love all of the Christmas stuff. I can't wait until we can go for Christmas time someday. We've been talking about going to DLR in a few years, and then going back to WDW for Christmas the year after my dad retires (7 years). It's a long ways away, but at least it's on the radar! Anyway, I love your binder!

Thank you!! 7 years goes so quicky!

4. Nope, never met a celebrity. Your day sounds great though!!

5. YES! We saw TS3 (twice!) and absolutely loved it! TS is Michael's favorite, and we thought TS3 was every bit as good--if not better--than the others. I cried both times we saw it. It was SOOOOO good!

It was awesome! I agree--the best one yet! Barbie and Ken were sooo funny! Can't wait for the DVD!

Your shopping update was wonderful! You have so many cute things already! I just read about the carriage chains a few days ago, and I really wish that I would have known about it before we went. I had my pick a pearl mounted on a charm thing for a necklace, but it was pretty expensive. I love having my pearl though. Oh--and you mentioned "Cinderella" by SCC. That was my Daddy-Daughter dance at my wedding. I bawled. And I still cry every time I hear it.

I have heard that the necklaces are SO expensive in the parks. The one on Ebay is really good quality too! I am sure you cried your eyes out! SO excited about SCC!!!

6. Favorite thing to buy: Clothes!! I think that's probably most people's answer...

FOR SURE!

7. Travel/organization... Your ideas are SOO great! I'll for sure be using those when we have kids/when we roadtrip. I understood what you were saying about the collapse-able tubs, and I think it's a great idea. And your kiddos will be well-entertained in the car! Do they do movies? My sister used to judge trips by how many movies they were. My brother and I (since we were deprived and grew up in the days way before movies in the car) had to entertain ourselves with books and stuff. But I think we had more fun than she did--we would play all kinds of games and sing songs and things. Car trips can be a lot of fun! I don't have any tips for you...you've already done a great job!

They do movies (thank goodness!!) We try to make them do other things rather than watch movies the whole way. However, the DVDs are SO helpful when Mom and Dad need a break! I agree---road trips are so fun for kids!

And the designs for shirts and the stickers and things are so cute! I'll have to check those places out!

The shirts are so easy! Make you and Michael one!


GREAT PTR so far!!! I'm excited to read along. And hopefully life won't get CRAZY like it did earlier, and I'll be able to keep up.

SOOOOOO happy one of my favorite DISers is back!

I just wanted to thank you for introducing us to Sophia Grace. I love her stuff. I ordered some of her customs that she was offering too. I just went out and bought the material for my first template.

OH how did it go?? I found it SO easy and fun!! Starting on my Mickey vacation ones soon! Everyone asks me to make them stuff now! I love it~

Still here! Just wanted to pop in and say Hello. Can't wait to hear more about your Disney planning!

HELLO!!! So happy you are still following along. Sorry for such a big break away! Can't wait to plan!!

 

[DWGal210]

Hi Katie!!!

Love your Day 1 plans - looks like fun!!!

I love the holiday Starbucks -yummo!!! My fav is the spiced apple cider.

I am now thinking of a solo trip in May 2011 & looking where to stay - might have to be WL - looks gorgeous!!

 

[exwdwcm]

welcome back Katie- love your arrival day- looks like fun! love all the pics too- what a great idea, i might have to borrow that idea!! makes the report more fun- with pics each step of the way.

love the starbucks cups and all the holiday movies and music! can i ride with you guys?

 

[jenny105]

Day one sounds great! It gave me goosebumps just looking at the picture of the gate. I absolutely love WL and hope to visit when I'm down there in October.

And no, I can never resist going to the parks! MK is open til 1 am the night we get in and I'm going, whether I'm by myself or not!

 

[Charlefours]

I took advantage of the VB sale too. I ordered a messenger bag and I just love it!

Nope, we are heading to the parks that first afternoon!! We will be getting into the resort soon enough, that I want to take Lilian for her first look at the Castle.

 

[stacikristine]

Your Day 1 sounds amazing!!!

9 hours really isn't a lot when it's Disney World that you're driving to! My parents would always wake us up super early for road trips too. I can't even count the number of times I woke up and we were in a different state.

Olive Garden is my all-time favorite!!! But Subway is usually a much better lunch option for road-tripping. Especially when you have WCC to look forward to!

I'd always gone to a park on arrival day with my family, but I took TourGuideMike's suggestion and we just hung around the resort and went to DTD this time, and we LOVED it!! I'm sure that we'll do it this way from now on. It made things so much more relaxing. And since we made it to rope drop every morning (but our last), we didn't regret not having park time that first day.

I can't wait to see all of your gorgeous pictures of Disney World at Christmastime!!!

Oh--and this isn't a done deal AT ALL (and please don't say anything on FB), but Michael has made it to the second cut for a job in Tampa, FL. We REALLY love the church, and we're so ready to move. Aaaannnnnndddddd.... we'd only be an hour and 20 mins from Disney World!!! We've already looked at annual pass rates for FL residents... Even without Disney, we REALLYYYYYY want this job. But Disney would be a great bonus! So please keep us in your prayers!

 

[pooh'smate]

I am so glad you are back. I love the holiday drinks at Starbucks and when you listen to Christmas music while drinking them even better. I don't know if we will go to a park on the first day or not. This upcoming trip will be our first.

 

[BippityBoo]

HEY YA'LL!!

I want to keep all of my DIS friends and friends back at home posted on what is going on at WDW while I am there. Trying to avoid looking like a complete Disney nut to my non-Disney-loving facebook friends, I made a Twitter account! I am very new to Twitter, but I love following the DIS, a few choice celebrities and friends . It is so fun! If you tweet---look me up! We can chat about Disney stuff.

www.twitter.com/DISBippityBoo

BONUS--for those of you wondering what I look like--GASP there is a picture of me on my twitter account

 

[PopArtGal]

Starbucks' yummy holiday specials...yuuuummmmmmmmmmm

 

[onelilspark]

I just started following you

 

[mom2mek]

Hmmm....I don't do twitter, but how am I going to keep up with you on your trip if you are not FB-ing?? I may have to consider taking the tweet leap!!

(Great pic, by the way)!

Sara