You can never have too much of a good thing!"Turkey Day 2009" 11/09 - 12/09 TR w/Pics

[TheTXTaylors5]

Well, we are heading back to WDW for the third time this year and I am just as excited about this trip as the first. In addition to the three trips to WDW, we went to Disneyland California for the first time this past March. Personally, I think visiting the "original" Disneyland is "a must" for any Disney fan! If you haven't been ... GO!

For those that have never read one of my trip reports, I'll give you some information on us ...

OUR HISTORY
Bill (DH) and I have been married for almost 13 years. "Lucky 13". We are celebrating our 13th Wedding Anniversary at WDW in November. This has been a tradition for the past three years. Bill and I never visited WDW as children. Let's just say, we don't come from "Disney families". My Dad refers to Mickey Mouse as "the rat". Enough said (or rather written). Our other family members and friends don't embrace our Disney obsession either. We get the usual "going to Disney World again!". However, what they don't know or listen long enough to hear is that we bought into DVC (Disney Vacation Club). Heading to Florida is our getaway. They think WDW is just one big amusement park and it is so much more. DH works in IT in a very stressful environment. So, stepping onto the WDW resort property is an escape for him. I am a Stay-at-Home Mommy and when we visit WDW, it is nice to get away from the household responsibilities and just have fun with the family. And have fun is what we do at Walt Disney World.

We visited WDW for the first time in 2004 with then DS4 and DD2. I did ZERO planning for that trip. Fastpasss ... What is a Fastpass? Rider Switch ... What is that? ... ADR (or known then as Priority Seating) ... Can't we just walk up and eat the week of Thanksgiving? Yes, we were that unprepared. However, even with such a poorly planned trip, we had a blast! However, we never really made it out of Fantasyland at the MK and didn't even know about Fantasmic! during our day of fun at DHS. Yes, we only visited two parks that trip. That was because we thought Epcot was only for adults and we weren't paying the outrageous price to see Disney's version of a zoo. Oh how our opinions have changed over the years and our WDW knowledge has been greatly expanded by this great site, travel guidebooks and just reading the WDW site itself. For our second WDW trip, DH found the DISboards and the rest is history ... We have been back to WDW at least once a year sometimes as many as four times a year since our first trip. You could say we were bitten by the Disney bug or rather "magic".

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Cast of Travelers:

Me (Jennifer) - SAHM and self-proclaimed Disney nut.
Favorite WDW ride/attraction: Rock 'n' Rollercoaster (DHS) (In the name of all that rocks. Hit it dude! - Stacey)
Favorite Disney Character: Snow White (Brunettes need to stick together!)

DH (Bill) - Hard working IT Manager. Our WDW trips are his "escape" from the fast-paced high stress environment of work.
Favorite WDW ride/attraction: Soarin' (Epcot), Expedition Everest (DAK) is a VERY close second.
Favorite Disney Character: Mickey Mouse (The big cheese himself has always had a special place in DH's heart.)

DS9 - As he gets older, he gets more adventurous. Which makes our WDW trips more and more fun and a different experience for him each new trip. DH and I no longer have to ride RNR and EE alone.
Favorite WDW ride/attraction: Haunted Mansion (MK)
Favorite Disney Character: Pluto (Boy's best friend. Who doesn't love Pluto?)

DD7 - She is our girly girl. But, still a wild child at heart and up for some of the more adventurous rides at WDW now.
Favorite WDW ride/attraction: Test Track (Epcot), Space Mountain (MK) is a close second. ("That was awesome!" - DD6 after her very first ride on SM.)
Favorite Disney Character: Ariel

DS4 - He is like most boys his age, he loves anything related to Cars or Toy Story. With each new WDW trip, he is "willing" to ride more rides. A lot of people ask us why we visit WDW so much (usually three times a year). For us, each trip is a different experience and the children can atest to that.
Favorite WDW ride/attraction: Splash Mountain (MK) (He rode this for the first time this past June and loved it. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is a VERY close second.
Favorite Disney/Pixar Character: Buzz Lightyear (Little Green Aliens from Toy Story close second. He calls them Ewwwwww!)

DN17 - My nephew had been to the Magic Kingdom about four years ago. However, he didn't get to ride any rollercoasters because his step-brother was too scared. This trip, he will get to all four parks and ride rollercoasters until he can't anymore. He is VERY excited!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Okay, we purposely booked this trip for the week of Thanksgiving. Yes, I know it will be crowded and I may add a few extra gray hairs. But, it has become a tradition with us to celebrate our anniversay, visit my Dad (has a winter home in FL) and spend the week of Thanksgiving and the following at WDW. That second week is kind of like a make-up week for the crowds and chaos in the parks that week of Thanksgiving. If a ride line is too long, we wait and ride it next week. It works out great!

This year is a little different from our past trips. Instead of staying on property for the full two weeks and be in the midst of the holiday crowds, we decided to head off WDW property on Thanksgiving and not return until Monday, November 30th. Hopefully, the holiday crowds go home on Sunday and we can come back to a semi-empty WDW. We'll see ...

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

This was initially going to a mini-Grand Gathering with my Mom and nephew. However, my Mom had to bow out and now it will just be my nephew with us for week two. I've had to re-work some ADRs and think I finally have our itinerary worked out.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I need to start a trip countdown!!!

The suitcases are coming out of the closet!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Our ADRs:

The Magic Kingdom
Plaza Restaurant (dinner)
Crystal Palace (dinner)
Liberty Tree Tavern (lunch)

Epcot
Le Cellier (lunch)
Les Chefs de France (lunch)
Nine Dragons (lunch)

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Mama Melrose (lunch)
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre (lunch)

Disney's Animal Kingdom
Tusker House (Donald's Safari Breakfast)

Resorts
Boma (dinner)
'Ohana (Character Breakfast)
'Ohana (dinner)
Chef Mickey (breakfast)

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I have neglected this Pre-Trip Report for long enough. This trip is quickly approaching and I am just starting to get organized. Once again, I have tweaked our ADRs. Will this never end?????

Since we plan to be at the Magic Kingdom for Extra Magic Hours on Sunday (November 22nd) evening until 3 AM. Yes, that reads 3 AM! There is no way DH and I are getting up early for Epcot rope drop the next morning. So, I have pushed our Anniversary celebration to the following night. I booked DH and I for a nice romantic dinner at Shula's Steakhouse. This means no Le Cellier. I am cringing at the thought of cancelling my coveted Le Cellier ADR. I know we can't swap ADRs on the DIS anymore. However, I can tell you when I plan to cancel it if you want to scoop it up. PM me. There is no way we can work the Le Cellier ADR into the schedule this trip. It's not going anywhere and I've read Shula's is better anyway. So, that will have to console me until we finally get to eat at Le Cellier. There's always next time?

ADR: Le Cellier (Epcot - Canada)
Date: November 23, 2009
Time: 11:30 am (lunch)

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Our ADRs: (update 11/10/09)

The Magic Kingdom
Plaza Restaurant (lunch)
Crystal Palace (dinner)

Epcot
Les Chefs de France (lunch)
Nine Dragons (lunch and dinner)

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Mama Melrose (lunch)
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre (lunch)

Disney's Animal Kingdom
Tusker House (Donald's Safari Breakfast)

Resorts
Animal Kingdom - Boma (dinner)
Polynesian - 'Ohana (Character Breakfast)
Polynesian - 'Ohana (dinner)
Contemporary - Chef Mickey (breakfast)

Downtown Disney
T-Rex (lunch)

I know this may look like a lot of ADRs on paper. However, we will be in Florida for two weeks. Staying in a DVC Villa, I WILL cook some meals in the room and may even cancel more ADRs depending on funds (we just booked another Disney cruise on the new ship Disney Dream!!!). However, part of the WDW experience to me is eating in some of the unique restaurants.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Character Meals:
Usually, we don't stand in line in the parks to meet the characters. I find it a waste of park time. However, we have been known to stop quick in World Showcase if the princesses have no line and Buzz at the MK is a must for DS4 each trip. He usually has no line either.

DS4 with Buzz (MNSSHP)

Besides those, we like to see the characters at a Character Meal. Personally, I like the character meals because you can kill two birds with one stone. The kids get fed and they get to meet their favorite characters that come to them!!!! It's a great concept!!! However, the food is usually nothing to rave about. We have THREE new character meals to try out this trip ... Crystal Palace, Tusker House/Donald's Safari Breakfast and 'Ohana I've read rave reviews on the Tusker House and 'Ohana character meals. So, I am very excited for these two. I could only get Crystal Palace for dinner and really wanted breakfast. So, I may cancel that one. We'll see.

Past Character Meals:
CRT- breakfast (DS4 was there too. But, he was NOT in a photogenic mood that morning. We had an 8:10 am ADR. At least he IS in the "official" photo that came with the meal.)

Chef Mickey - breakfast (three times)

Cape May Cafe - breakfast

We still have so many to try. I like to add a few new restaurants into each trip and eat in some old favorites too. Making new memories.

Epcot:
I still want to try Akershus for breakfast with DD7 one trip. But, not this year. Also, I want to try Garden Grill for dinner in the future. We've walked by that restaurant on our way to Soarin' and everyone always looks like they are having fun and enjoying themselves.

DHS:
My children are all past the Little Einsteins and JoJo age. Even DS4 has moved on. They really need to add a new character meal at DHS. We would all flip, if they had a Disney/Pixar meal. That would be the best and most sought after ADR for sure! Can you imagine your little ones (and big ones) having breakfast with Woody and Buzz or even Mr. Incredible. Are you listening Disney Execs?????

MK:
With the announcement of the new Fantasyland expansion ...

I am curious if the meal at the Be Our Guest restaurant will replace the one at CRT? Is it a character meal? We had breakfast at CRT last year and loved it. Yes, it WAS expensive. But, having breakfast is Cinderella Castle was such a magical way to start our MK day. I highly recommend the CRT breakfast at least once to anyone with a young daughter (ages 3 - 10). My DS4 was unphased and would have rather been riding Buzz. At least DS9 got up and took some pictures with the princesses and DD7 for me.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

11 days until we head east for some fun in the Florida sun!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

We leave for WDW in 8 days!!!!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I checked the crowd predictor on TouringPlans.com and it has "8's" for the whole week of Thanksgiving. Yikes!!! Now, I really am glad we are heading to Daytona Beach on Thanksgiving Day. With the holidays come a lot of first time WDW travelers. It will be nice to get away from all the chaos.

Our Daytona Beach hotel is going to have an ocean-front view. I can't wait to wake-up in the morning with the sights of the ocean.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

To me, there's nothing like Walt Disney World during the holidays. The parks and resorts are so beautifully decorated. It is breathtaking. This year was no different ...

 

[rmkstorey]

Can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Can't wait to hear all about it!

We were at WDW the same time as you. I am off to check out YOUR Trip Report.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I don’t know if I mentioned it in my Pre-Trip Report, but my DH (Bill) injured his rib a week before our trip. He has been sick with bronchitis and has a terribly-persistent cough. While away on business, he coughed so hard he heard a “Snap!” He suffered through the week and went to the doctor when he got home. Come to find out, that “Snap!” was his rib breaking. He coughed so hard he fractured a rib. So, he has been instructed by his doctor to take it easy for the next few weeks. He probably won’t be fully recovered for a few months. Even so, he decided to push on with our family vacation. Obviously, he wouldn’t be able to ride Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Expedition Everest, Test Track, etc … But, he was willing to still go and let his family enjoy themselves. So, off we went …

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Saturday, November 21, 2009
We departed our home in Texas around 7:30 am. For us, that was late. Normally, we leave around 6 am. For some reason, we just couldn’t get going this morning. We were finally on the road to Walt Disney World! We have never taken a road trip without rain somewhere along the way. It is just an ongoing family joke and it continued with this trip. The windshield wipers were on the WHOLE trip. That is not an exaggeration. From Texas, through Louisiana, into Mississippi, Alabama and finally we entered a wet Florida. There was no sunshine waiting for us as usual. This was just the beginning of things to come this week. We found our usual comfy Holiday Inn Express past Tallahassee for the night. It would only be a quick three hours to WDW the next day. That is nothing compared to the already sixteen hours on the road. No one had any problems falling asleep tonight. I dreamed of tomorrow’s destination … Walt Disney World!

We're on our way to WDW!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Sunday, November 22, 2009
We woke up with a little more pep in our step than the previous morning. Bill and DS9 (Will) went downstairs to grab the rest of the family some breakfast and bring it back up to the room, while I hopped in the shower. Holiday Inn Express is known for their cinnamon rolls. We can’t pass them up when staying there. After a quick in-room breakfast, we were on the road. With windshield wipers on, Bill navigated his way to our home away from home. We have a GPS, but Bill can make the trip blindfolded we’ve done it so many times. My little Honda Odyssey has 12 WDW trips and 1 DLR trip under her belt. Great traveling mini-van!

No matter how many trips we take to Walt Disney World, it never gets old seeing this beautiful site ...

We pulled into Disney’s Boardwalk resort around Noon. Bill had pre-registered online. So, our room keys (Key To The World) and packet were ready. However, our room was not ready. So, the bellhop unloaded the car to store our suitcases until we had a room number. Bill would receive a text message on his cell phone when our room was ready.

Disney's Boardwalk resort and Villas

It was lunchtime. So, we headed to the Boardwalk to see what it had to offer. Being a Sunday and Bill is a BIG football buff (Go Cowboys!), we first headed to the ESPN Club to maybe grab a burger and watch a game. However, there was a line out the door. So, we just grabbed some hand-dipped corn dogs from one of the stands and had a nice leisurely lunch outside. One thing to know about the food stands on the Boardwalk, they are CASH ONLY. So, make sure you have plenty of cash if you plan to eat there. By this time, the rain had stopped. But, the sun was playing peek-a-boo behind the clouds and it was still an overcast day. Just as we were done with our lunch, Bill got the page our room was ready. Off to see our Boardwalk Villas room.

Munching on corn dogs and hanging out at The Boardwalk.

We are Disney Vacation Club Members. This would be our first stay at the BWV. We walked into our one-bedroom standard-view room. We were on the fourth floor with a view of the entrance and grassy area out front. It was not bad for a standard view. The room was spacious with a full kitchen, living room w/sofa bed, king master bedroom and split bath (shower and toilet in one and bath tub in the other). Also, there was a stackable washer and dryer in the hallway. Not too shabby for our week at WDW. After un-packing, we heard the usual “Can we go swimming?” from DS9 (Will) and DD6 (Emily). Even though we have a pool at home, there is something exciting about swimming in public pools to them. Bill needed to relax and rest a bit and DS4 (Cole) wanted to stay with him. So, I took Will and Emily down to the pool.

Our one-bedroom DVC Villa.

(My favorite accent in the living room was the teacup lamp. Too cute!)

We had a HUGE double balcony.

The pool area (Lunar Park) is very well themed. The refreshments/bar area was made to look like a carousel. The main attraction at the pool was the Keister Coaster water slide. It was made to look like an old wooden rollercoaster like you’d see at Coney Island. The slide exited the riders through the mouth of a clown. Of course Will and Emily wanted to give the Keister Coaster a ride. After the first slide down, they wanted to go again and again and again. So, I relaxed in a nearby lounge chair to watch them splash through the clown mouth. After being at the pool for about an hour, it started to rain. Luckily, I was protected by an umbrella. I asked the kids if they wanted to leave, but they were having too much fun and even made some new friends. They were already wet. A little rain wasn’t going to hurt them. So, I sat in the shelter of the umbrella while they splashed in the pool for about another 45 minutes. Finally, I took my two prunes up to get dressed. We needed to go off property to get some groceries and it was almost dinner time at this point. Before heading off-property, we had one stop to make … Downtown Disney.

Lunar Park

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Sunday, November 22, 2009 Part II
Bill and I are not big coffee drinkers. However, we both can’t get enough of the Disney Coffee Holiday Blend. Of course, it is only offered during the holidays (November – January). So, we stock up on it during our annual Thanksgiving trip. We try to ration it through-out the year to last us until the following November. But, we always seem to use the last of our supply in September. It was still raining when we pulled into the Marketplace section of Downtown Disney. So, I hopped out of the car and ran into The World of Disney while Bill and the kids temporarily parked at the curb. The WoD only had three cans on display. So, I grabbed the cans, paid (got my 10% AP Discount) and was back in the car within five minutes. We would have to pick-up more cans along the way. At least I could have some yummy Holiday Blend coffee the following morning (I would need it!).

We decided to pick-up dinner and eat in the room. Bill and I ordered pizzas from Pizzeria Uno and the kids wanted McDonald’s. Since we were already at The Crossroads (shopping center near DTD), I ran into Goodings (an over-priced/under-stocked grocery store) and picked up a few items. Normally, we go to Walmart on I-4. But, it was getting late, raining and we just didn’t want to go that far. So, we paid the price and bought some groceries at Goodings. Then, we were on our way back to the Boardwalk Villas. Luckily, we were able to find a parking spot near the resort. If the lot is full, you have to park across the street. With it raining and we had bags of groceries, I am very thankful for our parking spot.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Sunday, November 22, 2009 - Part III
We had an uneventful dinner. Then, I tried to get the family to lay down and take a nap. We plan to visit The Magic Kingdom this evening. It has Evening Extra Magic Hours until 3 a.m. Yes, 3 a.m. and we plan to stay until the very end. They’ll have to kick us out of the park!
Everyone was too anxious. No one slept. But, they did relax and watch some television until around 9 PM. Epcot’s fireworks display IllumiNations was about to start. Our room faced Epcot. But, I wasn’t too sure what kind of view we would get of the fireworks being on the backside of the resort from Epcot. Emily and I sat out on our balcony and Bill sat on our bed with the door and drapes open to see what kind of view we had. As expected, we couldn’t see the low fireworks. Surprisingly, we got a clear view of the high fireworks. We could faintly hear the music, but the fireworks were spectacular. What a way to start our WDW vacation. Truly magical.

After the fireworks, we decided to freshen up and get ready and head to the MK. We waited about five minutes when a Magic Kingdom bus arrived. One thing about the Boardwalk, it shares a bus with the Swan and Dolphin. So, we made a quick stop at those resorts. Next stop … The Magic Kingdom!