I'm glad you had a good Thanksgiving and a nice anniversary getaway.
I noticed your plans for Osborne Lights with an 8 pm ADR afterwards... It seems like that might be rushing things a bit if you're going to go change before dinner. If you take a half hour just to enjoy the lights (which isn't enough, IMO), wait in line for PP pictures (probably another half hour... seriously, those lines are crazy at less busy times). You've got an hour to go back, change and get to Blue Zoo. Seems a bit rushed to me?
Well, if the PP line is really 30 min I am positive NO one in my group will wait for it. It will probably not be the first night we see the lights, at least I hope not, just possibly the first night we can time it right to see them turn on. We might attempt it before heading to the Fort on the 1st as well so who knows. that said, it's a 10-15 minute walk to the resorts from DHS (typically longer it seems if you wait for a boat but my parents might do that), 15-20 to change and then another 5-10 to walk to the restaurant?
And I'm sorry for the
MDE headaches. I really hope they get the kinks worked out and have the system working well soon. But knowing how the "old" ADR website seemed to temporarily lose track of ADRs from time to time, I'm not going to hold my breath.
Yeah, I'm not holding my breath either. Just praying none of us have issues with things working and being stuck at guest services trying to fix them.
Bank accounts...they need to quit their whining and suck it up already.
Don't they?
Makes sense, I think I briefly glanced at the plan once or twice the entire time we were there last time.
Sad, but true. I do look at the phone more so chances of me forgetting a cool idea I had is less by relying on that but even then, I'll miss for forget stuff.
But will find new instead I am sure!
Having a reservation is definitely a plus. I will do some ADR's at the 180 mark. (Jan 3 I think...I'll have to double check it.) We are NOT doing
DDP and we will have our car so I will probably do 2-3 and they will probably be at resorts rather than parks.
Makes sense!
I have discovered that First Lady Biscuit's happiness has a direct effect on my own.
wise man! And I am loving all my "names"
Cool hotel. A day away is always a good thing.
Your Lazy day sounds relaxing and your Crazy day seems to have some well organized plans in place so I think you'll be nifty.
Thanks for posting!
It was a lovely little get away! The crazy day is a little nutty but I'm so excited to move to THV myself it will be fun too!
Your plans have me tired just reading about them!
Sounds like you had a lovely Thanksgiving. I can't even imagine 28 people! But I suppose you are used to your large clan and it ends up being second nature.
Your hotel room looked great! I'll have to check out that chain.
28 is on the larger side, I think the most I've had was something like 31 or so. That one did not go nearly so well but for a lot of other reasons (not the least of which that it was Xmas day, prime rib and I didn't know I was hosting until maybe 4 days before). The usual number is more like 18-24. Besides, 28 at my house is actually quite a bit easier than the party for 100 I am planning for Friday night (my company party..I'm in charge). It also doesn't hurt that this is "my" holiday and we do this with basically the same folks every year, they all know the drill
I was just happy I had enough dishes and could fit everyone. I did use literally every glass in the house though. Apparently most folks prefer the double old fashioned size for pretty much everything and we use highballs and pint jars around here (kids like BIG glasses of milk lol) so have easily 3x as many of those. I need to get more "small" glasses for next year!
I love Kimpton. You may not recognize the chain but possibly some of the hotels, this one was a Hotel Monaco of which there are several around the country. Most of the rest of theirs are unique names, very boutiquey. Lots in SF (maybe 7?, we've stayed at 4 there, they have 3 here now but will have 4 by spring) but I don't know about LA.
Caught up on the plans and I think I actually followed everything. It's a shame you might have to give up the better part of a day to go with Jeff to pick up the car, shop, and check-in. But tacos at the THV does sound like a great plan.
Honestly, and this is crazy selfish of me, but I vastly prefer checking in and settling the room (if possible and ready) without anyone else there. I also love the idea of a little solo dash to DHS without anyone. I might need a break myself from everyone by then. I also like the idea of handling it all without holding anyone else up. Moving is easy when it's just you...a bit of a pita with the kids so if they are gone and busy...life is a bit more simple. I am thinking I can make it to Universal by about 1 if I do stay back..and that's ok with me. I'd still get what, a good 6 hours there?
Smart idea to add your family who are staying at the Swan onto your reservation at THV. Magic bands really do come in handy. I like them. I was able to add my friend's tickets pretty easily. I did it right before we left and everything worked out fine.
I hope so, I'll feel better when my sisters tickets are in the system and we can at least try to have FP+ together. I just hope we don't have glitches once there.
You are going to have a great vacation, I just know it! Are you going to see Pat?
I am! Probably a few times
she has graciously insisted on running me to the grocery store the morning of the 30th which will be AWESOME! I think our paths cross in MK on the 29th and then definitely the night of the 30th as well and who knows when else! Hopefully a bunch
I thought the Osborne lights came on before 6pm.
Hmmn. I will need to double check, that'd be cool for us if they did! We may try to see them on the 1st as well so I do need to figure out the exact time.
What a gorgeous hotel room. Michael would love the modern feel.
Their regular rooms are pretty spiffy too! This was the Hotel Monaco and while they have several around the country, each still has it's own personality
Cute scarves!
What brand of pants are those? I don't know if you like J. Crew but they've got their pencil cords on sale. I love them, they fit like a glove.
I'm not that big on cords (or at least at the moment lol). I've got a few pairs and every time I wear them lately I'm like...meh. LOL! In the past J.Crew hasn't fit me well. I am ridiculously short waisted so low rise pants actually work best (as they aren't low rise on me lol) and that can be hard to find outside of jeans. These are Athleta. There is a very good chance that the waist will be too high and they will go back but they were on sale and I had 20% off so worth trying at least.
Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving and Anniversary!!
Your plans look great... January 3rd sounds relaxing. January 4th??? Sounds a tad hectic. But the evening back for dinner sounds great! I hope everything else falls into place.
We did! How was your turkey day? I am VERY excited about taco bar in the villa. Kind of silly but really really looking forward to that night.
are you sure you cant come cruising in Oct with MEK and us?
Looking forward to our paths crossing a couple of times at least. 
caught up is overrated, that's my story and I am sticking to it.
