Wickey’s Friend and Family WDW Christmas 2010

[wickey's friend]

Wickey’s Friend and Family WDW Christmas 2010

Cast of Characters:
Me – wickey’s friend, WDW veteran
DH – almost as many trips as I have (I tell him he started it . . . it was his idea for the first trip, and the rest is history)
DS1 – 23 – the original Disney World Boy – he’s a vet too, but a few less trips that DH and I
DS2 – 11 – has grown up going to WDW. The first time was when I was about 8 weeks pregnant with him. Could probably find his way around WDW by himself (and would like to try!)
DS1’s DF – 22 – we’ll call her RR. First trip. She is the sweetest, best thing in the world. We are so lucky that she is marrying our son, and we love her a lot!!!

We traditionally travel to WDW during Christmas break. We usually take DS2 out of school at least the last day, as they never have anything going. However, RR is a teacher and would not be getting out of school early at all, so we will be leaving on Saturday December, 18.

Pre-trip drama: We have two Chihuahuas that we usually board if DS1 isn’t going with us. DH had called and reserved a space, and took them up to the vet’s on Friday the 17th. He calls me from there that afternoon and asks if I can start calling around to see if there is anywhere else we can board them. I didn’t even ask why, I just knew something had gone wrong. I finally called a service that visits your house one or two times a day, lets the dogs out and feeds them, etc. A neighbor recommended them to me (on her way out the door to Colorado), and the service was able to squeeze us in.

The lady from the service came by and we discussed what we needed. I warned her that the female Chi did NOT like strangers and might try to bite. I told her not to turn her back on Minnie (grin). (She’s four pounds, so can not inflict much damage, but I gave her full disclosure.) The lady thought she would be fine, and went about getting to know our dogs. And, you guessed it, Minnie bit her. At this point, I’m panicking, as it turns out the vet was charging us much more than they had said, plus instead of being able to pick them up on 12/24 in the afternoon, they had decided to close and we wouldn’t be able to pick them up until the next Monday. I did not want Minnie nipping at the service lady, and I don’t think she really wanted to have that happen either, but in the end, the lady said she’d do the job and we left it at that. I still didn’t feel good about it, but there wasn’t much else to do. It all turned out okay, but I was very stressed out about it that afternoon.


Day One, Saturday, December 18 – I’m goin’ to Disney World!

When we made airline reservations, we were watching what is supposed to be the eight week out area for the best price. I think we either missed it or more realistically, airfare just is more this year. We got a better price for a flight that left at 7:30 am, so we took it. We weren’t able to get seat assignments until the Friday before we left, so that was an added stress for DH (which also meant I was stressed too).

Now, we live about one and a half hours away from the airport, so we needed to leave at four. A.M.!!!! We all went to bed early that night, but of course, it was the “I’m too excited to sleep” syndrome. I had intended to get up at 2:45, but I was up about 1:45 and decided to go with it.

We did get off a few minutes before four, and were able to get to the airport, park and go through security with little issues. We had time for breakfast and found the one place that had the WORST service ever. The manager was complaining to the customers about the loser employees who did not show up, leaving it to the others to try to take up the slack. We FINALLY go our food, inhaled it and made it to the gate in time to board.

Our flight was uneventful, until we landed. It was POURING. We got to ME and went quickly through the checkpoint and to our line. We almost walked onto the bus and were quickly off. By the time we got to Pop Century, it was only misting.

I had done online check in, and there wasn’t anyone in line, so we were able to take care of everything quickly. I mentioned that we were celebrating RR’s first trip and that they had just gotten engaged a few month’s earlier. The CM gave RR a “first trip” pin and the rest of us an “I’m Celebrating” pin. She also gave them both a “Just Engaged!” pin, which would cause them to get comments and congratulations all week.

As we were completing check in, we got a text that said DS1’s room was ready. As we’d requested connecting rooms, we decided to drop all of our stuff off in their room and have lunch at Everything Pop!

I love this food court – there are so many choices. The array of food on our table was a tuna salad sandwich with clam chowder, two orders of burgers and fries, Philly cheese steak wrap and a kid’s Lo Mein dinner (for me!). There were a few adult beverages on the table as well. (grin) It was all very good. I hadn’t purchased my AP yet, so I also didn’t have the TIW card, but Everything Pop food court took it the rest of the week – which I appreciate VERY much.

While we were eating, DH received a text that our room was ready. So, we went back to the rooms, moved our carry on luggage around (we only checked one bag), and left for Epcot. (The plan had been MK first, but we decided RR’s first look at MK needed to be first think in the morning.)

I purchased my AP (rest of group had MYW Hoppers) and TIW card at Guest Services. We rode SE with no wait and then got FP for Soarin’ for 8:06 pm. DS2’s favorite ride is TT, so he and I rode it in the single rider line with a posted 30 minute wait, which was more like 20. While we rode, DH and DS1 had a beverage. DS1 and RR then went to Innoventions and did Sum of All Thrills. RR is a science teacher, and I think she’s going to use this in her classroom – lucky kids!

DS2 decided he wanted to do SoAT, so I agreed to do it with him. I was not very enthusiastic, but we had a short wait and it turned out to be AWESOME!

We all met up and then started walking the countries beginning with Canada through the UK. DH and DS2 waited for the British Invasion while I wandered through the shops. DS2 LOVES to listen to the BI and LOVES the Beatles, so this is one of the things we try to do as much as possible.

While I was wandering, DS1 and RR went into Rose and Crown Pub. I joined them, and RR went to the restroom. While she was gone, a guy who had started drinking in Mexico saw DS1’s “Just Engaged” pin and mistakenly thought I was DS1’s fiancé – he had clearly had too much to drink, lol. It was a very funny story. DS1 had a flight of whiskey (not Johnny Walker that he thought he was getting) and I tried a Welsh Dragon (good, but probably won’t have again.)

After that, we all sat through the BI’s set and then walked to France. We went into the perfume store (DS2 was appalled, lol), and really liked several of the choices. The CM there was very nice in explaining the choices and letting DS1 and RR try several. My sentimental favorite is Shalimar – I wore it when DH and I got married 31 years ago, and he still remembers it. (Everybody say “Awwwwwww.”)

We had ADRs for Rose and Crown, so we walked back there and were quickly seated outside. By now, it was a little chilly, and they had heaters outside. However, that caused the table umbrellas to have to be down, so we couldn’t see each other very well. They also placed a new heater next to our table and tried to light it with us sitting there. It made us very uncomfortable. We had on the table, Shepherd’s Pie (AWESOME!), Fish and Chips, and a Cheese Plate. Beverages included Harp, Stella Artois, and a Johnny Walker flight (okay, DS2 had a Coke, lol!). The food and drink here are outstanding and we used the TIW card!

After dinner, we went back to FW and rode Soarin’. We were exhausted at this point, so we decided to head back to Pop and crashed for the night. (We rarely waited longer than 5-10 minutes for any bus the whole week.) Our checked bag was in the room from ME, so I did a little unpacking and we all went to sleep.

 

[wickey's friend]

Day Two – Sunday, December 19: MK to Epcot!

When I originally thought we’d leave on the 17th, I’d made an ADR for Crystal Palace for breakfast for the 18th, as we traditionally have breakfast there the first day. When I changed our plans, I was never able to get another ADR for the 19th – I tried almost every day in November and December. I had called on Saturday to see if we could get in, and the CM said it might be possible to walk up – so, we got up early with Mickey and Stitch waking us up and left for the MK. I figured if we couldn’t get into CP, we’d have breakfast at the Main Street Bakery.

We were there for the opening (I have pictures if you were the family who opened that day), and we walked up Main Street. It is SO COOL to be there first thing, and I was glad it was RR’s first look at MK.

The family sat down on the porch at CP, and I walked up to see if we could have breakfast. The CM said, “Sure,” and took my info. Before I could get back to the family, the pager went off, and we were in!!! The moral of the story is, if you try forever to get an ADR, it doesn’t hurt to walk up and ask. The food was, as usual, very good. We ate a lot and saw all the characters and used the TIW card for our discount (it pays for itself very quickly!).

After breakfast, we walked over to Tomorrowland to ride Space, but it was down so we got FP. We rode Buzz twice and then we went on the Indy Cars. DS1 and RR in one, DS2 in one by himself (which he thinks is so cool!) and DH and I in another. Next came Pooh, and we enjoyed the new queue. We next rode Space with our FP and then IASW. We went to BTMRR to get a FP, but the standby line said 20 minutes, so we hopped on, and it was more like a 10 minute wait.

The weather that day was cloudy and dank, so only DS2 wanted to ride Splash. So, we let him since it was a walk on. He didn’t get very wet, which was good because it was also a little cold.

We walked through the Ye Old Christmas Shop (didn’t buy anything since it was our first full day), and checked in at the Plaza for our ADR. I asked to be seated in “Dot’s” area, but to our dismay, they said she had retired several months earlier. Dot had worked there since Day One! She was amazing and had been our waitress a couple of times. We even had our picture taken with her last trip. She certainly deserves her retirement. We had tuna salad on croissant, tomato bisque (which is GREAT!), and burgers with fries. We pretty much ate everything on our plates (DH and I split one of the tuna’s, a theme we’d try to follow most of the week due to the portion sizes at WDW!). Used TIW card here.

Somewhere in there, we went through ToonTown, for the last time before they shut it down. I'm glad we got to ride Goofy's Barnstormer and go through Mickey and Minnie's houses.

After lunch we rode HM, which had part of the queue behind a tarp, but it was done well so it wasn’t too bad. Then DS1 and RR decided to go back to Pop for awhile, while the rest of us used our FP for Big Thunder. We left through Adventureland to try to miss the parade, looked at Pirates, but decided not to ride. We got some of the yummy candied almonds and strolled out to catch the bus back to Pop. And, who do we see at the front part of the line? Yep, DS1 and RR. That was the only time all week we had a problem with the buses. One came quickly after that (grin), and we all were able to get on the same bus. We all wanted warmer clothes for the night, and of course, DS2 begged to swim. Our rooms were very close to the bowling pin pool, so we decided to let him. He said as long as he was in the water, it was fine. He wasn’t the only one in the pool either. DH and I watched while enjoying an adult beverage.

After the swim, we all headed for Epcot. DS2 wanted to play video games in Innoventions, so DS1 and RR walked on to WS. We had an ADR at the new Hacienda de San Angel, but as we’d looked at the menu and decided we really didn’t see anything that excited us, we decided to go out the IG and have dinner at ESPN.

DS2 is a sports FANATIC, so this is his most favorite place in the world. Since it was Sunday night, there was no live show (more on the live shows later!). The group ate nachos, fries, ESPN dingers (hot wings), Mufalata burger (DS1 said it was very good), and a hot dog. Everything was really good, and the adults washed it down with a pitcher of Bud Light (best value here!). They now also take the TIW (didn’t used to – used to have to use the AP). After dinner, DS2 played in the Arcade for a while and then we walked back to Epcot through the IG. We walked through a couple of counties, and then we watched Illuminations with the holiday ending from the UK. We were able to get a bus very quickly and back to Pop, where we crashed for the day.

 

[wickey's friend]

Day Three – Monday, December 20: AK, here we come!

Up very early with Mickey and Stitch (AK opened at 7 am that day), and it was pretty cold (NOT as cold as the week before or after thank goodness!). We had a 9 am ADR at Tusker House, which I’d tried to change to earlier, but couldn’t. The plan was to ride EE as many times as possible and then have breakfast. We didn’t make the opening, but we rode EE three times back-to-back and then got a FP. We and checked in early at Tusker House and got in very quickly. We had our picture taken with Donald, and proceeded to eat! Everything here is good too– okay, I don’t think we had anything that wasn’t excellent all week. We saw all the characters, but Mickey came to our table while I was gone – which is very sad; as he is my main man, er, mouse. Since RR was with us, we purchased the picture with Donald, and we got an 8x10 of us, and 8x10 of the characters and four 4x6 pictures of the group of us for around $31. Not too bad, and it was a decent picture of all of us. We used the TIW card for our meal here.

After breakfast, we got a FP for the Safari and then we rode Dinosaur. I don’t do Primevil Whirl, so the rest of the group rode that with a posted 20 minute wait, and I shopped a little – although there’s not much of a selection over in that area. Next we also got a FP to ride Dinosaur later (Yes we held three separate sets of FP at one time due to the timing!). We used our FP and rode the Safari – not as many animals, but not bad. The cheetahs were out, and one got up to stalk the animals close to them (of course, they couldn’t reach them), which had our whole truck excited!  We shopped a little in Africa (my favorite store), and DS1 and RR watched the monkeys while the rest of us rode EE again. (LOVE that ride!)

Lunch was at Yak & Yeti, which is always good. They don’t take TIW, but the do give a 10% discount for the AP. DH and I split the Tempura Shrimp (yummy as always), and DS1 and RR split something with steak, rice and veggies (not sure of the name). DS2 had chicken nuggets and Yeti fries (he always orders this here – he loves it!). I had a Safari Amber and DH had a Bud Light (I think).

Next we walked through the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Then, DS2 wanted to ride Kali (even though it was pretty cold), so I waited for him (made him wear a poncho) while DH, DS1 and RR walked the Pangani Trail (all I have to say about that is there are some naughty gorillas on that trail). We swung by the Dawa Bar, where DH and DS1 had beer, while I got a Lost On Safari (very good!). RR and I shopped a little on the way out, and then we got a quick bus to Pop. DS2 swam in the Hippy Dippy pool for a while. It was a little warmer that day, and there were quite a few in the pool – mostly children though.

After the break, we took a bus to MK. I sat next to a Grandma with her two granddaughters, and it was all of their first time. They had taken a red eye from Salt Lake City, had a nap and were going to MK. I gave her as much info as I could in the 10 minute or so ride, FP, food, characters, etc. I hope they had a good trip.

Once we got to MK, we only waited a short time and took the boat to WL for our WCC ADR. One of our pilots was CM Jim, and he was a very nice guy. He told DS2 to ask him if he had any trading cards. Apparently, all bus drivers, boat pilots and monorail pilots have trading cards. I don’t know if it is new, but I had not heard of them. Jim gave us a full set of boat cards that he had and told us to ask the transportation CMs for them.

We had a good waiter – but not over the top. DH and I split the roast, as did DS1 and RR. DS2 had a burger and, you guessed it, fries. I had a Northwestern Sunset drink (yum!), and DS1 and DH had beer of some kind (I like beer, but if I’m not drinking it, I don’t pay too much attention, lol!) We used TIW card here too. After dinner, we shopped in the Mercantile (we’ve stayed at WL a lot, and I love this resort and the store).

We decided to go to Downtown Disney, so we all went to the bus stop to wait. DS1 and DH decided they needed to visit the facilities, so they ran back up to the lodge, and RR went as well. DS2 and I waited, and while they were gone, a bus showed up. I texted DH and DS1 that we’d missed it, and DH showed back up to the bus stop. We waited for DS1 and RR to show back up, and they finally did after making at stop at the Territory Lounge. They pretty much had to chug their drinks, as a bus showed up soon after they got there. Serves them right for not bringing anything for the rest of us.

We got off the bus at the West Side and walked around a bit. We stopped by Bongos order out window for beer for a few of us, then Wetzel Pretzels and a Sprite for DS2. We walked around and ended up at Raglan Road. For some reason, some of us were still hungry, so DH and I split an order of Fish and Chips, and DS1 and RR split an order of Bangers and Booz, with a few more adult beverages thrown in there somewhere. The food was excellent, the waiter was outstanding, and the live Irish music complete with dancer was fantastic. We had such a good time!

We finally left Raglan Road and caught a quick bus back to Pop. It was pretty cold by then, but not unbearable (like the week before and after!). We quickly went to sleep once we got back.

 

[wickey's friend]

Day Four – Tuesday, December 21: MGM (I’ll call it that forever), and do we want to try for Toy Story Mania?

We were up early again with Mickey and Stitch (I started setting one wake up call for me, and then another for DS2 to hear when it was time for him to get up). I had asked everyone several times the day before if we wanted to try to get to MGM (aka, DHS) early to try to get to TSM, but nobody would commit. I like it, but I don’t like all the effort it takes to either ride it or get a FP first thing in the morning.

We ate breakfast at Everything Pop, using the TIW card, and had egg croissant, breakfast egg plate, Pop waffle, and egg burritos. After the yummy breakfast, we walked to the bus stop where a bus to MGM was waiting for us. We arrived at 8:40 for a 9 am opening. However, by the time we got through the turnstile, they were letting everyone in. So, we walked with everyone else to TSM and got in the standby line, even though it was supposed to be a 45 minute wait – the FP line was longer! I think it was more like 30 minutes, and I chatted with a mom from Canada who was there with her two daughters and husband. They have an RV and come to the states almost every Christmas for about 2-3 weeks, part of that time at Disney. She’s a scrap-booker, so we chatted about that, and the time passed quickly. Everyone liked the ride and said it was worth the wait.

Next, we got a FP for RnRC, as the standby was already 40 minutes. ToT was a 55 minute wait at that point. We walked over to the HISTA playground, where DS1, RR and DS2 went in for a while. Then, we went to the Lights, Camera, Motors show (we’d been handed FP for it when we entered the park). It was fun, and afterward, everyone went to the Tune In Lounge at 50s Prime Time where we had an ADR for lunch while I power walked to ToT for FP. We had fish sandwiches, meat loaf, onion rings and chicken nuggets/fries (guess who had those?). I had a Long Island Ice Tea, DH and DS2 had beer. We had a great CM waitress, and she and the waiter for the table next to us kidded around and all of us in that room had a good time. We used the TIW card here too.

After lunch, we went to the Villain’s shop (love that one, and it keeps shrinking in merchandise) and then used the FP for RnRC! We immediately rode again, using the single rider line. It was such fun. DS2 doesn’t care for ToT, so DS1, RR and I rode while DH and DS2 waited for us. After that, we went through One Man’s Dream (new stuff!) and then shopped down the main street. Even though I sort of wanted to stay at MGM and show RR around more, we decided it was time to go to the Boardwalk for dinner (we had ADRs at Kouzzina). We saw a boat just leaving as we left, so we decided to walk and get there sooner. It was a pleasant walk, but as we came to the Boardwalk, my boss called with a sort of emergency. I worked on that for about 10 minutes, and finally helped with a solution.

We looked at the menu at Kouzzina, but the group decided to go back to ESPN (not surprised!). The live show was different from when we’ve been there before (Mark Ferrara is the personality we like at ESPN, and he wasn’t there! Oh, no!). We didn’t win any prizes from trivia that night, but we did have nachos, wings, fries and the black bean/spinach dip with chips. We also tried the pitcher of Bud Light again, lol! Used the TIW card again. (Love that card!)

After dinner, DS1 and RR left to go back to Pop, and we let my little DS play one of the Boardwalk games (basketball for prizes), but he didn’t win anything. Poor guy – doesn’t realize how rigged they are.  We went back into Epcot, strolled through the countries and caught the bus back to Pop too for the night.

 

[wickey's friend]

Day Five – Wednesday, December 22: How do you get to AKL? Then, Epcot here we come! And we find a new favorite place to eat!

We were up with Mickey and Stitch again – you think they’ll call my house now? We took a cab to AKL for breakfast at Boma at 7:30. The trouble was, it was a new cab driver and he asked us if we knew how to get there, lol! Luckily, I study the maps (geek!) and I had him almost there, but he veered right instead of left, and we ended up in line to get into AK! Oh, no! We couldn’t do a U-turn, so my DH got out of the car and went up to the AK parking lot gate and explained our situation. The CM said they’d be opening the gate in about two minutes, and we’d be able to drive through and go on to AKL.

We did just that, and DH gave the poor guy a good tip – he was embarrassed, but now he knows how to get to AKL from Pop!

We’ve stayed at AKL many times, and we love this resort. When we walked in, I just felt like I was at home. My DH said later, next time, we’re staying here again.

We had breakfast and got a French press of coffee – YUM! We stuffed as much food in as we could, and I mentioned to our waitress that I saw them making Zebra domes. She disappeared for a few minutes, and she brought me a plate of them for breakfast!! I shared with the rest of the family, but I got most of them, lol!!!!

After breakfast, we had a little time to explore, and I took DS2 to Mara to get a Paw Print Brownie – his favorite. Yes, after all that breakfast, he ate the brownie. (Rule is at Disney, you get to eat what you want, when you want!) We also went to a couple of viewing areas to see the animals, but not too many were out. Then, we went through Zawadi – the resort shop. I LOVE this shop – but I didn’t get to spend too much time there.

We caught a bus to Epcot, and we all rode TT in the single-rider line. Next, the whole family rode Mission: Space. I tried to get the others to all ride the non-spinning side. I tried. They all insisted they’d be okay. I knew better.

Sure enough – all except for me were dizzy and a little disoriented after the ride. It doesn’t faze me at all – I love it – but they were a little “off” after that.

We next got a FP for Soarin’ – but it was for 6 pm! We rode Nemo and then walked some of the countries and checked in for our lunch at Biergarten (does it seem to anyone else that all we do is eat?). We had a table with a very nice couple from Atlanta who was visiting their daughter in Sarasota. The food here is amazing. DH’s family is of German descent, but I claim it as I love German food! We listened to the band – had a new, woman singer/trumpet/bells player. I missed the usual lead guy, but I guess he had the day off.

After lunch, DS1 and RR went off walking countries and DH, DS2 and I also were just looking around and watching the train in Germany. I passed by a woman that I just knew I’d seen somewhere. I debated with myself whether to stop and ask, but I got brave and did. I asked her if she worked for Fox News, and she said yes! It was Catherine Herridge from their DC bureau.

I told her that Fox News comes on first thing in the morning, and is mostly the last thing we watch at night. She was SO NICE!!!!! She was with her husband and family – her youngest was born with a liver condition, and she donated part of her liver to him when he was very little. We sort of followed her story, and there was her young son with her, looking very healthy at Disney World!

I asked her if I could go get my DH and have him take a picture of us, and she said of course. I hated to bother her on vacation, but she seemed genuinely happy to do so. Again, she was just the nicest person! Shout out to my new friend, Catherine!

After my brush with celebrity, we walked over to Italy, where I got a glass of Prosecco (thanks to Sue, who introduced me to my favorite sparkling wine!). While in line, I chatted with a guy from Texas who lives fairly close to where I do – again, a small world!

We checked the menu at Tutto Italia, where we had ADRs for later – and we agreed it looked good. We walked the countries for a while, and DH, DS2 and I got a FP for Maelstrom, and I purchased a bottle of my favorite perfume – Laila from Norway. It is just the BEST!

We hung out in Mexico for a while, people watching with a Dos Equis for DH and a Margarita for me. DS2 had a Coke. I noticed while we were sitting there that my perfume was leaking, so I went back to Norway, where they graciously gave me a new bottle.

It was then time to ride Maelstrom, and with the FP, we practically walked on the ride. After that, we walked more countries and ended up in Morocco, where I got a henna tattoo. I wanted one while on my last solo trip in May, but didn’t get one.

Brad Garret (from “Everybody Loves Raymond” fame was the CP narrator, and we stood for a minute to listen. He cracked a very funny joke that the PC police wouldn’t let me publish – but he was funny!!!

We all gathered at Tutto Italia, and it is a new favorite! We did not have to wait long, and we were seated in Giuseppe’s area. He was the best waiter – very attentive and nice. We had lobster tortellini, tortellini soup, and the children’s spaghetti and meatball. The wine and Italian beer were very good, but I have to tell you, the best thing was the pomodoro sauce on the kid’s spaghetti and meatball. O.M.G!!! It was fresh tasting, and oh, so yummy! I could just eat the sauce! This place is on our list of “must dos” from now on!

After dinner, we walked back to Future World and rode Soarin’ – we waited for top row, center and weren’t disappointed! We walked over to the Living Seas to visit the aquarium, then DH, DS2 and I tried the Figment ride (my sentimental favorite), but it was closed. DS1 and RR went to the Art of Disney store, and DH, DS2 and I rode Spaceship Earth. We all sort of got separated, but we made it back to Pop on the same bus again. We were tired again, but very happy.

 

[wickey's friend]

Day Six – MK very early, and what have we not done that we need to do today?

MK opened at 7 am. OMG! That is early when you’ve been going all week. I originally had an ADR for Crystal Palace, but since we’d been earlier in the week, we decided to just get to MK and ride some things before having breakfast at Main Street Bakery.

We were up so very early with Mickey and Stitch, and caught a quick bus to MK. It was still dark, with a full moon – the earliest I’ve even been in MK. We rode in order, Dumbo (second turn of the day), Peter Pan, Snow White, Cindy’s Carousel, Teacups (DS2, RR and me only) and Space Mountain (without DH) in the first hour. It was great!!! There was hardly anyone there!

Then we had a very yummy breakfast at Main Street Bakery – a sentimental favorite. We had cheese Danish, egg/ham/cheese croissants, cinnamon rolls and coffee/juice.

After breakfast, we rode Pirates and the Jungle Cruise (lame CM – told jokes, but with no humor). Next, we rode Splash. I tried to get everyone to wear ponchos, but was out-voted. Yes, we got soaked! And, it was mostly on the holding area where the log going over the drop splashed on us . . . not so much on our drop. I tired to warn them, but they didn’t listen.

After that, DH and DS2 rode Big Thunder, while DS1 and RR looked for coffee/hot chocolate, and I just hung out in Frontierland, waiting for everyone. After we all met, we went to Main Street to do some shopping (okay, RR and I shopped, while the guys watched, lol!). DS1 and RR got ice cream from the Main Street Ice Cream Shop.

DH and DS2 looked at riding Astro Orbiter, but the wait was at least 30 minutes – too long! (I don’t ride that at all!). We all then went on Carousel of Progress and then walked to Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch.

We had a turkey plate (with dressing, green beans, etc.), cheeseburgers and one hamburger (DS2 doesn’t like cheese!). It was all so good – our traditional last lunch. We used the Table in Wonderland card here too.

After lunch, we went on Mickey’s Philharmagic and the People Mover (so glad the changed the name back). DS2 had a FP for Space, so he rode solo while DH and I had a Mickey ice cream sandwich and Mickey ice cream bar respectively.

We said goodbye to MK, and we rode the monorail to the TTC and waited a short time for the monorail to Epcot. We got the TRON-orail!!! It was our only trip on the monorails. DS1 and RR went back to the Living Seas to view the manatees, while DH, DS2 and I went back into Innoventions for DS2 to play on the video games (yes, I bring the boy to Disney World, and he still wants to play video games. ).

We walked the countries from Canada to the UK again. We had ADRs for Nine Dragons, but it was cold, windy and a while until our ADR. DH, DS2 and I headed for ESPN again and texted DS1 and RR where we were going. They were in the UK in the Rose and Crown Pub, visiting with a very nice couple from somewhere up north (can’t remember which state). So, yet again we all ended up at ESPN.

As I’ve said, this is DS2’s favorite place. There are more than 90 TV sets in the place – including some in the restrooms. DS2 has won several trivia contests here, and we have a few glasses and a T-shirt as a result of his winnings.

As I said before, Mark Ferrara is one of the guys who does the live show at ESPN. My DH saw him in the fall on a commercial that ran on the Golf Channel. He was sure it was the same guy.

While we were at ESPN, they were having the live show with the contests, and one of the TVs was on the Golf Channel. All of a sudden, the commercial came on, and we were shouting, “You’re on TV!!!” The guy looked, and just died laughing . . . I think he was pleased that we recognized him from his other “gig!”

We had such a good time here for our last night. We had nachos (again!), wings, French fries and pitchers again. We also played trivia again, and little DS won yet another ESPN glass for our collection! Mark F. seemed to appreciate our humor and little DS’s fascination with sports, and it was a very good time.

DS1 and RR left early while we waited for the check (TIW again). DH, DS2 and I went back through the IG and tried to catch a set of the British Invasion, but the stage was dark. I guess they get a night off after all.

We rode back to Pop in what we guessed was a contract bus for the holiday crowds – it was a very nice coach, with great seats and TVs. Guess going at holiday time does have its perks!

 

[wickey's friend]

Day Seven -- But I don’t want to go home.

We were up for our last day with Mickey and Stitch. We had breakfast at Everything Pop (used TiW card). We checked one bag with the check in service, and we shopped in gift shop part of Everything Pop for a while.

DH had checked our one bag and checked in with the airline earlier in the day, so we had our boarding passes, etc., and we hopped on the ME back to the airport.

Security was not crowded at all, and it was Christmas Eve too. They had to search one of my carry-ons, because they couldn't figure out what they were seeing in the x-ray machine. It was a stainless Mickey-head bottle opener.

We ate lunch at the Ruby Tuesday's in the airport, and it was good!

When we got to our gate, they were asking if anyone wanted to catch the next flight since they were overbooked. We would have taken the change to first class and the $200 per person, except that DS1 and RR had to get home to her parents' house for Christmas Eve festivities. We did see one family of four do that -- a nice Christmas present.

I know you’re going to think I’m a Pollyanna, but seriously, the trip was fantastic! The weather was great (okay, maybe a little cool, but not nearly as cold as the week before or after!). We had a good time showing RR WDW for the first time. We didn’t encounter a surly CM all week, and we really didn’t see any bad guest behavior.

So . . .yes, I’m ready to go back. Hopefully, I can go in May for my birthday for a solo trip, and then we’re already talking about next December.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Wow Wick! Totally awesome! Of course I haven't read any of it yet, but I was so excited to see how much you've written and I get to be first!

 

[kimmar067]

...less that 20 minutes to write a trippie??!?!? What are you - SUPERWOMAN????
[...great stuff - BTW...]

 

[wickey's friend]

Wow Wick! Totally awesome! Of course I haven't read any of it yet, but I was so excited to see how much you've written and I get to be first!

Yeah!!! PK'sMom is here!!!!

...less that 20 minutes to write a trippie??!?!? What are you - SUPERWOMAN????
[...great stuff - BTW...]

What can I say?








I really took me a couple of weeks to write, but I cheated and posted it all at once.

 

[SCHBR'smom]

I haven't finished reading, yet, I'm only up to the biting Minnie. I had a Minnie, too, but she's now with my mom. I'll get back to reading now.

 

[wickey's friend]

I haven't finished reading, yet, I'm only up to the biting Minnie. I had a Minnie, too, but she's now with my mom. I'll get back to reading now.

Poor Minnie. She's just misunderstood.



Neighbor's husband said Minnie did good -- he doesn't like the pet sitter. I knew that Minnie Girl was right!

 

[Pakey]

Hey Wick

I've gotten as far as you did a walkin at CP without the wait I always have even with an ADR.

When I recover from that, I'll read on.

 

[SCHBR'smom]

Poor Minnie. She's just misunderstood.



Neighbor's husband said Minnie did good -- he doesn't like the pet sitter. I knew that Minnie Girl was right!

Our Minnie needed more attention than she could get in a family with 2 other dogs and half a dozen kids. My mom was on her own, and they have been the perfect fit. My mom even has her in training to be a reading therapy dog.

 

[SCHBR'smom]

After that, we all sat through the BI’s set and then walked to France. We went into the perfume store (DS2 was appalled, lol), and really liked several of the choices. The CM there was very nice in explaining the choices and letting DS2 and RR try several. My sentimental favorite is Shalimar – I wore it when DH and I got married 31 years ago, and he still remembers it. (Everybody say “Awwwwwww.”)
.

Awwwwwww

 

[SCHBR'smom]

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip, Pollyanna, er, I mean, Wickey!

 

[wickey's friend]

Hey Wick

I've gotten as far as you did a walkin at CP without the wait I always have even with an ADR.

When I recover from that, I'll read on.

I KNOW!! I just knew we'd be eating somewhere else that morning, but Pooh must have seen me at the window and told them to let us in.

Awwwwwww

Thankyouverymuch!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Finally got to read the entire trip report Wick. Sounds like a fantastic time. Makes me jealous and warm and fuzzy all at the same time.

 

[snapppyd]

Great report! We've been hemming and hawing about going in May, I think you made my decision for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Day Seven -- But I don’t want to go home.

We were up for our last day with Mickey and Stitch. We had breakfast at Everything Pop (used TiW card). We checked one bag with the check in service, and we shopped in gift shop part of Everything Pop for a while.

DH had checked our one bag and checked in with the airline earlier in the day, so we had our boarding passes, etc., and we hopped on the ME back to the airport.

Security was not crowded at all, and it was Christmas Eve too. They had to search one of my carry-ons, because they couldn't figure out what they were seeing in the x-ray machine. It was a stainless Mickey-head bottle opener.

We ate lunch at the Ruby Tuesday's in the airport, and it was good!

When we got to our gate, they were asking if anyone wanted to catch the next flight since they were overbooked. We would have taken the change to first class and the $200 per person, except that DS1 and RR had to get home to her parents' house for Christmas Eve festivities. We did see one family of four do that -- a nice Christmas present.

I know you’re going to think I’m a Pollyanna, but seriously, the trip was fantastic! The weather was great (okay, maybe a little cool, but not nearly as cold as the week before or after!). We had a good time showing RR WDW for the first time. We didn’t encounter a surly CM all week, and we really didn’t see any bad guest behavior.

So . . .yes, I’m ready to go back. Hopefully, I can go in May for my birthday for a solo trip, and then we’re already talking about next December.

Great report! We've been hemming and hawing about going in May, I think you made my decision for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DIS Meet!