Why Not Just Queue Up Another Disney Trip? Link to New TR 6/24 p136!

[MEK]

FYI - I did mention your name again and he got it. Told him you might be coming to Dover. That got his attention.

UGH! Mine is bugging me today but I haven't had any treatments at all in over month and started working out again. Scared. And tired of the co-pays! It's funny, I've still never had a cervical spine film...although if things didn't clear up, they were going to.

Mine has been feeling better ever since I made the doctor's appointment. Naturally.

Fun! And great that you are doing it before the point increase. I really would love to do it for the big family trip but...I don't think it's likely at this point, all I'm going to be able to do is room the 4 of us unless we do a split stay of some sort.

Wait! What big point increase? What in the land of DVC am I missing?

ooh! Tough call, so many lovely options! The points for the cruises generally does not seem to be the way to go...unless you have points to burn I guess or really wouldn't use them otherwise. Then, heck, why not!

Pointwise it would work out perfect for the year to do the cruise and stay in a studio for a week, but I hate not using the points for the things I consider the best bang for the buck. If I am using 200 plus points I want the rack rate on that item to be at least 3 grand. I might look into using the points for a trade. I know there are some ski properties on the East coast that would make a good trade. There is a place on Okemo mountain VT(Jackson Gore) that I would love to trade into. Its a brand new gorgeous resort and once we don't have any kids at home we can take any week we want during the winter. Denny would love to use our points for something like that.

what a lovely afternoon! How timely that you were able to regroup when the meet didn't happen, it is hard herding cats on a trip like that, DISmeets are much easier when you are solo.

DIS meets are way easier when you are solo, so I completely understand our inability to meet. I was sorry the meet didn't happen but having the down time was a bonus. To me vacation is also about having down time and I enjoy my hour in the hot tub. I actually stayed in there a little too long.

I've only parked once at WDW since '04 and I swear we lost the car. It was pretty funny but it was at DHS! No AAA parking but that doesn't sound like it was much of a benefit. I thought there was a parking benefit to an AP but maybe I'm confused?

The AP parking benefit is that you can park free whether you are staying on OR off property.

The AAA parking pass gives you a great parking location in AK and Epcot. I love it for those two parks. It's right near the handicapped section in all of the parks, but that section in HS is not all that close. I honestly forget where it is in MK because I never drive to MK.

I have heard MANY people say that using points for a cruise is not a good value unless you have nothing else to do with them. Renting them out and using the $$ to pay for the cruise is smart.

Renting them out definitely makes more economical sense. I've never rented points before, so I am sure I would be leery. I think I would try to rent them to a friend or coworker first and then try the boards. I know people do it all the time and I'm sure I will eventually run into a year where it makes sense to do that.

Great pictures - Thanks especially for the OKW pool pics! I hope to be enjoying those pools in October!!

That main pool area is really nice. I am sure you are going to love it. The whole area has such a great feel. I am so glad we got the room location we did. It worked out perfectly.

A nice relaxing afternoon. Sorry your plans went awry but you made the best of it.

Hey - plans change. It's cool. the trade off was we did get a bonus afternoon of relaxation or we would have been running around from morning until night. It was a lovely afternoon.

Sounds like a great afternoon break

It was a perfect afternoon break. I'm sorry we missed Kara, but I'm glad we had such a great afternoon as a sbustitute.

That pool area is so cute! I love all the pictures. We had breakfast at Olivia's on our last trip and now OKW is on Dale's must do list.

The pool area is lovely. If you stay there definitely request to be near the Hospitality House. It's a great area. I really feel like I lucked out. I wish we had time to try Olivia's because it looked like a fun place.

Looking forward to hearing about your evening.

Hopefully I will get an update in this weekend!

That sounds like the perfect relaxing afternoon by the pool! (And yay for other people from NJ! )

Despite the less than perfect weather, the hot tub was darn near perfect.

I think there are Jersey people wherever you go! Love Jersey! She was such a nice girl and so was her DH. Its fun to strike up a conversation with random people.

Sorry the DIS meet didn't work out. I'm glad you enjoyed relaxing by the pool. It's so hard to force yourself to sit and relax at WDW sometimes!

I was bummed about the DIS meet, but the alternative was good. I am actually getting much better at sitting and relaxing at Disney. It's all about the balance. It's hard when you have small kids, but in my case relaxation can always happen.

Nice pictures...

thanks!

And for the University of Delaware! Go Blue Hens!

Hey - I'm a former Blue Hen too! Bachelors, Masters and Post Masters. Why mess with success.

Another great update! Sounds like a heavenly day to me...there is nothing I love more than an afternoon by the pool with an adult beverage!

pool = adult beverage. And pool drinks are my favorite drink of the day. If I had my own pool I would be downright dangerous.

The OKW looks fantastic!

The main pool area is really lovely. I really enjoyed it. Definitely up there on my list of favorite resort pools.

What a lovely way to relax for an afternoon! How neat that you were able to pass along some HHI information to the other guest. I am sure that she was very happy that she met you.

It was a great afternoon and I'm glad I could share my first hand HHI experience with the other guest because she already had a real interest in going there. It sounded like the perfect vacation for what she likes to do since she clearly is not a park commando. That's whats great about HHI - its Disney without the need to go park commando.

 

[MEK]

Is the DIS working better today???????

I'll be back witht he rest of the replies this evening!

 

[KatMark]

MEK, I am slowly getting caught up on all my subscribed threads. Love your after lunch time at the Studios. I was so surprised that I was the "Rebel Spy" on Star Tours last week.

We've not done the Backlot Tour in awhile...I think we need to go back on it our next trip. Our oldest was picked to be a participant in 2009 and his baseball team razzed him about it the whole trip.

 

[eandesmom]

[

Here's the reason I think cruising on points is excellent. I'm basing my point cost on the actual price I paid, not the potential a rental could get me. I know a lot of people rent and it works out, but it really makes me uncomfortable. If I'm not able to use my points some year I'll let a friend use them. Here's my baseline figuring: If I take the whole ten years to pay off my loan each point will end up costing around $3. If I'm able to pay off the loan earlier it's even less than that. So, for a trip using 220 points at $3 a point you're looking at $660, well $755 with the $95 fee, about $850 less than the OOP cost. If you can definitely get a rental with no problems I can see that working too. We're doing a 5 day cruise which uses 294 points, so at $3 a point that's $882, plus the $95 fee they charge that's $977. Whereas OOP it was $3200 a year in advance, and now it's $3800 for the same category. Now, I will mention that those same 220 points can get you probably two weeks at WDW if you do a studio, so if you want more time for your points it works out much better to use them at a resort.

I don't want to step on anybodys toes, I've found whole threads that bash people for using points to cruise and I just think that's so silly. They're your points, do with them as you please.

I didn't mean that to come across as bashing at all, I think it can totally make sense for some folks and agree completely, they are yours and you should absolutely do as you please! For us it wouldn't make sense. If I look at our 4 nighter, it'd be 704 points. Beyond the fact that even with banking and borrowing I don't have that many, once I add in the change free it's about a wash. I do include MF though when looking at total per point cost. However, if I had the points available and hadn't planned other trips I'd have zero issues with using them! And if you weren't looking at peak seasons, etc I can definitely see where it might work much better for certain cruises. I would definitely explore the concept of partial usage in the future. I think you can do that, one person or whatever on points and some with cash. I know for a fact that we will likely do RCI trades at some point and most people bash that as well.

FYI - I did mention your name again and he got it. Told him you might be coming to Dover. That got his attention.

Wait! What big point increase? What in the land of DVC am I missing?

THV point reallocation for 2013.

The AP parking benefit is that you can park free whether you are staying on OR off property.

The AAA parking pass gives you a great parking location in AK and Epcot. I love it for those two parks. It's right near the handicapped section in all of the parks, but that section in HS is not all that close. I honestly forget where it is in MK because I never drive to MK.

good to know!

Is the DIS working better today???????

I'll be back witht he rest of the replies this evening!

Is for me!

 

[MEK]

The 'sandcastle' at the pool is so so cute! What a nice relaxing afternoon It is so hard to actually just sit and relax at WDW. I wanted to do that same thing, sit by the pool and relax, but by the time I dragged my mom from AK with complaints that my feet hurt so bad and all I wanted to do was sit in the pool, a thunderstorm started and we just waited in the room... At least we weren't outside in the deluge, it worked out I guess.

Isn't that pool adorable? We had a wonderful afternoon. I'm so glad we got time to relax, have a few adult beverages, and talk with some DVC members. The thunderstorm thing ALWAYS happens to me in the warm weather - without fail. So frustrating!

Here's the reason I think cruising on points is excellent. I'm basing my point cost on the actual price I paid, not the potential a rental could get me. I know a lot of people rent and it works out, but it really makes me uncomfortable. If I'm not able to use my points some year I'll let a friend use them. Here's my baseline figuring: If I take the whole ten years to pay off my loan each point will end up costing around $3. If I'm able to pay off the loan earlier it's even less than that. So, for a trip using 220 points at $3 a point you're looking at $660, well $755 with the $95 fee, about $850 less than the OOP cost. If you can definitely get a rental with no problems I can see that working too. We're doing a 5 day cruise which uses 294 points, so at $3 a point that's $882, plus the $95 fee they charge that's $977. Whereas OOP it was $3200 a year in advance, and now it's $3800 for the same category. Now, I will mention that those same 220 points can get you probably two weeks at WDW if you do a studio, so if you want more time for your points it works out much better to use them at a resort.

I don't want to step on anybodys toes, I've found whole threads that bash people for using points to cruise and I just think that's so silly. They're your points, do with them as you please.

I appreciate you breaking it down like this because it makes a lot of sense and I definitely agree that you should use your points the way you want to. There is a lot to be sad for not having a bill and just paying your annual dues. I just talked to Denny about this and we did decide to pay cash for the cruise, but we will use those points to try to make a ski trade. For us it makes more sense because if we can get the trade its at a place where I would never pay the rack rate. I'm too darn cheap.

I really can't wait to hear all about your cruise. I hope you do a TR! Please!

Nice pics of OKW - I've never been there so it's fun to see!!

Thanks. OKW was a very cool resort. I recommend that every true Disney lover get a chance to stay there. It's a special place.

Oh, and just for the record, I would've voted to hit Star Tours several more times!!

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! Where were you when I needed a ride partner?????

FUN! Is that what you wore?

Nah! But I did manage to find a couple of shirts that looked 60's enough to wear. I also found some great big hanging earings and necklaces. I left the head bands for the teens! They all looked so cute! Everyone really got into the theme. It was great.

Ew sorry you hurt your neck. Y'know, at Woodstock they had a special "cure" for your neck








a neck rub of course! what did you THINK they'd use for pain at Woodstock

Good one! Your post reminds me that I could have SWORN I smelt pot after one of the breaks! One of the guitar instructors looks totally like he grew up in the 60's and I was starting to wonder if he doesn't take a hit here and there. He's a great musician, so its all good in my book!

Thanks for sharing all these pics We so enjoyed this in May -that was our first time ever. I love walking through all the random aisles of props, though I wished there were not a line of people behind me. I wanted to look more.

[/COLOR][/SIZE]

Thanks for sharing all these pics We so enjoyed this in May -that was our first time ever. I love walking through all the random aisles of props, though I wished there were not a line of people behind me. I wanted to look more.

So glad you liked the pictures. I had a ton of fun on that ride. It was so great to take pictures. The first time I did this ride, back in the dark ages, I had no interest in photography.

Yup, just take a look in Katie's room.

[/COLOR][/SIZE] this looks like an Indiana Jones prop
[/COLOR][/SIZE]

Good eye! Perhaps it is. I have no idea. I am bad at noticing details in any movies. I wouldn't know a prop if I fell over it.

F
--

shhh I am thinking of adding this on to our trip package in June. I think that with just us going, its an ideal add on. Joe has been talking about adding on a day before & a day after to our reservation, but not adding park days. This tour sounds like the perfect peek into the parks on a non-park day.

If you are thinking of it, you should definitely do it! I bet its great. Hey - its your anniversary - go for it!

Love that slide!
[/SIZE][/COLOR] That sounds like a fantasic afternoon in my book!

That drink combo sounds delish! Did you bring the pomegranate lemonade or was that from the snack bar fountain? I usually just get diet coke there so don't pay much attention to the other flavors.

what a great update Mary Ellen! Sounds like another great trip for the books so far!

We had such a nice afternoon at the pool. I didn't go down the slide (mostly because it was a little cool for the pool), but it did look like a lot of fun!

The pomegranate lemonade is in maybe half of the resorts - I know that the Poly has it, POFQ has it, and OKW has it. I've seen it other places but I forget where. It may have been at the BC. I can't remember. I like it better than the regular lemonade. It's got more of a tropical flavor! It's yummy!

 

[MEK]

Great pics as always and I love ribbons and wreaths - the more the better

I totally agree! The wreaths at all the parks and resorts were so great! I love Christmas!

at telling Denny and Nick they were 'off the hook' I'm sorry you didn't get to meet with Kara but like you said it is hard when you have a big family to please.

Kara had her WHOLE family there! She just surgery so she hasn't updated her TR in awhile, but that trip sounded very chaotic. I bet if Denny and Nick had gone with me to Epcot they would have gone off by themselves anyway.

Glad you got to enjoy the hot tub and promote HHI as well!

Nothing better than hot tubbing AND spreading the HHI love! There was actually another person who joined us in the hot tub later who was "all ears" when it came to the HHI discussion. Maybe I just referred 2 new people to HHI.

Sorry your DIS meet didn't work out! Sounds like you had a great afternoon though! Brandon and I never have relaxing pool time on our trips, I have to make more of a point to try to go to the pool on our next trip! The OKW pool area looks really nice!

I was bummed about not getting to meet up with Kara, but I did really enjoy my afternoon at the pool and I knew Kara would have wanted that. It really was a lovely pool area and I encourage you and Brandon to take some more pool time on your next trip. It's very therapeutic!

MEK, I am slowly getting caught up on all my subscribed threads. Love your after lunch time at the Studios. I was so surprised that I was the "Rebel Spy" on Star Tours last week.

Welcome back Kathy! I can't wait to hear about your wonderful trip. Congrats on being the Rebel Spy! I bet the girls got a kick out of that. Way to go!

We've not done the Backlot Tour in awhile...I think we need to go back on it our next trip. Our oldest was picked to be a participant in 2009 and his baseball team razzed him about it the whole trip.

It was a lot more fun than I remembered. I really enjoyed it and there are tons of picture opportunities!!!!

I didn't mean that to come across as bashing at all, I think it can totally make sense for some folks and agree completely, they are yours and you should absolutely do as you please! For us it wouldn't make sense. If I look at our 4 nighter, it'd be 704 points. Beyond the fact that even with banking and borrowing I don't have that many, once I add in the change free it's about a wash. I do include MF though when looking at total per point cost. However, if I had the points available and hadn't planned other trips I'd have zero issues with using them! And if you weren't looking at peak seasons, etc I can definitely see where it might work much better for certain cruises. I would definitely explore the concept of partial usage in the future. I think you can do that, one person or whatever on points and some with cash. I know for a fact that we will likely do RCI trades at some point and most people bash that as well.

Cynthia - I did not think you were bashing at all. I think Pam was probably referring to other threads on the subject. I think point usage is something each person has to decide for themselves. I like Pam's logic on why points make sense. But I have to admite, I do like the idea of using partial points and partial cash for a cruise. that makes a lot of sense to me because you are not exhausting all your points, but your cash outlay is so much smaller. I agree that the more people you have doing the cruise the less feasible using points is.

 

[MEK]

Soooooooooooooooooo - I talked to the Denster about future plans and he is totally on board with a cruise in 2013 followed by a DVC stay! But more importantly, he says he is willing to consider a late November/early December trip to WDW before our AP expires.

Where's that EASY button! Don't forget - you saw it here first! Woo Hoo!

Nick is at the Sixers/Miami Heat game now, so we are watching it on TV just in case we catch a glimpse of him. His GF bought the tickets for his Xmas present.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I think since you posted that Denny agreed to your plan then it's a done deal! We read it on the DIS!

I hope they still have pomegranate lemonade at OKW in October! I will be ALL OVER that!!! I'll have to bring something special to mix in...

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Wohoo for the cruise & future trips in the upcoming yeat & the next!

 

[KatMark]

Way to go Denny!

 

[Pinkocto]

I didn't mean that to come across as bashing at all, I think it can totally make sense for some folks and agree completely, they are yours and you should absolutely do as you please! For us it wouldn't make sense. If I look at our 4 nighter, it'd be 704 points. Beyond the fact that even with banking and borrowing I don't have that many, once I add in the change free it's about a wash. I do include MF though when looking at total per point cost. However, if I had the points available and hadn't planned other trips I'd have zero issues with using them! And if you weren't looking at peak seasons, etc I can definitely see where it might work much better for certain cruises. I would definitely explore the concept of partial usage in the future. I think you can do that, one person or whatever on points and some with cash. I know for a fact that we will likely do RCI trades at some point and most people bash that as well.

No no no, I didn't feel you were doing that at all. I really meant totally different threads. I guess I assumed Mary Ellen was looking at the points charts and I was just saying using points can save money on cruises too. I can see it working either way.

 

[Pinkocto]

Soooooooooooooooooo - I talked to the Denster about future plans and he is totally on board with a cruise in 2013 followed by a DVC stay! But more importantly, he says he is willing to consider a late November/early December trip to WDW before our AP expires.

Where's that EASY button! Don't forget - you saw it here first! Woo Hoo!

Nick is at the Sixers/Miami Heat game now, so we are watching it on TV just in case we catch a glimpse of him. His GF bought the tickets for his Xmas present.

Double excellent news!!!!

 

[MEK]

I think since you posted that Denny agreed to your plan then it's a done deal! We read it on the DIS!

I agree! AND I told him that!

I hope they still have pomegranate lemonade at OKW in October! I will be ALL OVER that!!! I'll have to bring something special to mix in...

It makes an excellent mixer, but I also have to recommend the turtle crawl at the Gurgling Suitcase. That was hands-down one of my favorite drinks at WDW. It's tropical with just the right amount of sweet and the right amount of adult beverage. I can't stand a drink that is all calories and sugar but no alcohol. This was perfect - you MUST try it!

Wohoo for the cruise & future trips in the upcoming yeat & the next!

I used to be OK with just one trip planned, but now I feel like I "must" have two or three trips planned. I think its the DVC points. I am always trying to decide what to do next. It's a disease, that's for sure!

Wohoo for the cruise & future trips in the upcoming yeat & the next!

I totally have to hit Denny when he is in the right mood. The funny thing is I have no idea when that's going to be. You can't tell from his outside mood. You just have to go for it and see what kind of response you get. It's always a mystery! I think when Denny starts dreaming of his retirement his mood improves tremendously!

No no no, I didn't feel you were doing that at all. I really meant totally different threads. I guess I assumed Mary Ellen was looking at the points charts and I was just saying using points can save money on cruises too. I can see it working either way.

I am waiting for my break even point. I should go back and calculate out how much I would have spent on reservations vs. how much I have spent on my contracts and annual dues. Then I would have a better idea if I have broken even yet. I think I have a few more years to go. I do like that I have seen the rack rates increase on all the rooms which is what I wanted to see when I bought DVC. Not that I want people to pay more for rooms. I just want to see that I am getting more value for my DVC dollar which is one of the DVC selling points.

Double excellent news!!!!

I'm so glad Denny is on board for the cruise. And if I can get another trip out of my AP I will be happy. Of course, I will have to borrow points for that trip so I don't want to do anything too soon. I've used all my 2012 points for the treehouse, BWV, and the girl's trip in October. I don't want to borrow points yet for December, but I sure wouldn't mind a couple nights at VWL!

 

[Charleston Princess]

You know, even after all these years, I don't think I have EVER seen the backside of Bo! I had no idea he had a handkerchief in his back pocket! Love that Nick posed with him as well!

 

[MEK]

You know, even after all these years, I don't think I have EVER seen the backside of Bo! I had no idea he had a handkerchief in his back pocket! Love that Nick posed with him as well!

I'm always looking for new angles and I don't recall seeing too many pictures of Bo's backside either.

Nick knew he needed to take on for the team on that shot. I told him it was going right to the DIS boards!

 

[Pinkocto]

I used to be OK with just one trip planned, but now I feel like I "must" have two or three trips planned. I think its the DVC points. I am always trying to decide what to do next. It's a disease, that's for sure!

I'm right there with you. The points changed me! In a fabulous way of course

I'm so glad Denny is on board for the cruise. And if I can get another trip out of my AP I will be happy. Of course, I will have to borrow points for that trip so I don't want to do anything too soon. I've used all my 2012 points for the treehouse, BWV, and the girl's trip in October. I don't want to borrow points yet for December, but I sure wouldn't mind a couple nights at VWL!

WL was so beautifully decorated, we thought it felt the most like Christmas.

I will definitely be doing a TR for the cruise. I have to first start the December one

 

[manntra]

Love the picture of you and Nick together!
Your pictures of OKW make me wish I stayed there longer than one night
Woo hoo for cruising!!! You will absolutely love it!!! I am dying to go on another one

Tracy

 

[saintstickets]

Soooooooooooooooooo - I talked to the Denster about future plans and he is totally on board with a cruise in 2013 followed by a DVC stay! But more importantly, he says he is willing to consider a late November/early December trip to WDW before our AP expires.

Woohoo! Glad y'all are planning on a cruise. I tried to talk our crew into that for our trip this May but they wanted to see Harry Potter and swim at DC so we are staying at VWL and gallivanting about Orlando & Kennedy Space Center. I guess we'll survive. Any idea on dates in 2013 yet? DW and I will be at WDW in May for F&G and then Sep or Oct for F&W. Hmmmm...maybe a possible meet up since we missed out at HHI?

 

[MEK]

I'm right there with you. The points changed me! In a fabulous way of course

Right on sister!

WL was so beautifully decorated, we thought it felt the most like Christmas.

I did get over there one night, but I was disappointed when I had to change my VWL ressie in December. It was a date thing.

I will definitely be doing a TR for the cruise. I have to first start the December one

Well what the heck are you waiting for. I am anxious to hear all about it! Can't wait to hear about the cruise too.

Love the picture of you and Nick together!

Thanks! Nick was good about getting his picture taken! He's really alot of fun at Disney world because he loves it and he's flexible!

Your pictures of OKW make me wish I stayed there longer than one night

Tracy

Even with the peep hole? The pool area was super nice and I forgot to mention that there is a sauna in that little lighthouse.

Woo hoo for cruising!!! You will absolutely love it!!! I am dying to go on another one

Tracy

I think an anniversary cruise in 2013 will be perfect. I am going to book the one that takes place during our anniversary.

Woohoo! Glad y'all are planning on a cruise. I tried to talk our crew into that for our trip this May but they wanted to see Harry Potter and swim at DC so we are staying at VWL and gallivanting about Orlando & Kennedy Space Center. I guess we'll survive. Any idea on dates in 2013 yet? DW and I will be at WDW in May for F&G and then Sep or Oct for F&W. Hmmmm...maybe a possible meet up since we missed out at HHI?

I tried to talk Nick into a cruise for a graduation present and he didn't want it (that would be spring of 2013). Go figure! I will admit that DC sounds pretty cool except Denny can't swim and I know he wouldn't do the dolphin swim. He hates water unless he can stand with his feet on the bottom (which I'm sure you can), but the idea of anything potentially making him lose his balance is not good.

For 2013 I am thinking of the 4 night dream cruise that leaves october 20th. That would put us in Disney on the 24th until????? Denny's B-day is the 31st so it would be an anniversary/birthday celebration. I just hope it doesn't conflict with any parent's days for whatever school Nick ends up attending. Let's hope that's early in the month. I'm thinking it would be fun to stay at AKL and what's the chance of the grand flo DVC (which isn't really a DVC resort ) being opened then? I would love to spend a couple nights there.

 

[MEK]

In my last update we had just spent a relaxing afternoon at the OKW pool! I got some quality hot tub time and some quality adult beverage time while touting the attributes of a HHI stay to some other DVCers.

Back to the room we all got buffed and puffed. I really can't remember what I wore that night because I have no picture of *me*. Oh well.

I think our ADR was at 7:25 at the Cali Grille! I chose this restaurant because I really thought Nick would enjoy it. He loves to eat and has a pretty mature palate. We could have attended the Christmas party on this evening, but I thought the money would be better spent on dinner. Denny and I have attended a sold out Christmas party and, although it was fun, I didn't feel like fighting the crowds. So I thought the best alternative was dinner at the Cali Grille and Wishes from the observation deck.

We arrived at the Contemporary around 6pm and proceeded to enter a long line of traffic to get in. I remember at one point still being out on the main street unable to even enter the parking lot. Once we finally reached the guard he had to find our name on the "list". Fortunately this happened quickly and we were IN!

We cruised up to the monorail

We were on a mission to go visit the Christmas decorations at another resort.

No surprise where that was!

Nick had never been in the GF before (and Denny has only been there once), so they were both suitably impressed with the place.

The Christmas tree was HUGE

Have I seen this girl before on Toddler and Tiaras? Kidding - she is really cute!

I love these decorations. I'm totally into hydrangeas on Christmas trees.

some miscellaneous decorations.....

But what we really came here to see was THIS......

I've seen tons of pictures of the gingerbread house, but this was my first time seeing it in person.

Nick doesn't look too thrilled in this picture.

The line wasn't very long

but I didn't get any treats, although those little gingerbread houses did look pretty cool.

The gingerbread house came complete with its own Santa!

It was around this time that Nick handed me this

to which I replied, "You didn't break that off did you??????" He said he found it on the outside of the house. It reminds me of Melissa's experience with the teenagers who she saw actually rip pieces of gingerbread off the house. I bet that have to repair that thing every night!


Continued in Next Post........