Your ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE to Disney World at Christmas Time! UPDATE x2 10/21

[Aussiesalad]

AWWW Chester is SO cute!

Awh thanks, he is such a sweetheart!

Oh my gosh, I know. Friends, Full House, Boy Meets World, and Lizzie McGuire are my favorite shows of ALL time

.
I Knowww!!! No matter how many times I watch them I never ever get sick of those shows. I just re watched the Boy Meets World epp where they go to WDW. Arghhh so good!!

His favorite characters are actually Maximus and Pascal from Tangled... he's awesome. Tangled is my freakin' favorite movie

AHH that is TOO cute, he sounds awesome! Tangled is SO freaking amazing!
Sounds like such a great guy
When I was traveling through California for a couple of months in college I met the most amazing boy who seemed to understand my Disney obsession and everything else about me. He took me to Disneyland on one of our first dates and it was perfect. 6 years later he is my husband haha. Yay for Disney loving boys.

4:18 is ridiculously early to get up BUT when you're on your way to Disney its AOK! (that is probably the only time)
Oh dads...they sometimes take a while to get into the spirit of things....

Your trip journal is so cute! I love it!!

Ahhh I love funny plane announcements! When we landed in Hawaii the announcement was 'It is now safe to turn on your phones....and update your facebooks" Hilarious!

Oh no! Are you magical expressing it on your next trip?

Ahhhh I love driving home! Those big magical welcoming gates= best feeling!!

 

[flyergrad09]

You have some serious nail art skills! The DVC logo?!? Super impressive! My goal is to do my nails with a simple Mickey head for my trip, but we'll see if that happens... I get mad at my nails a lot.

Ohmygosh, I love your trip journal! I used to decorate all of my notebooks with collages like that, but I stopped when I stopped getting magazines. I'm kind of inspired by yours, so I might decorate my journal this time. Maybe it'll motivate me to write in it!

Too bad about your dad being grumpy. My dad's like that on trips too sometimes. I suspect it's a dad thing. That's so sad about his friend's wife passing away. Christmas at Disney is definitely a good plan for them. Still, that has got to be so tough.

I looooove Southwest! Their flight attendants are always so nice and friendly, and I think their seats are the most comfy.

I can't wait to read more!

 

[POLY1985]

Yay!! Arrival day. Love your trip notebook - so cute!
Very sad but sweet - the dad taking his kids to Disney for Christmas. I hope they had a good time.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

YAY! The next TR has begun! Sorry I haven't commented in awhile, but I'm on track again so I can really start enjoying this TR again without having to catch up (though how can you not enjoy reading about Disney?) Alright, enough of this, onto the update...

OMG, I totally understand where you are coming from. I swear any light that goes on that early is just a million times brighter, it is absolutely awful, but when it's for Disney... totally worth the pain I say! A shame I didn't know around this time you were on Twitter, I would've been bothering you throughout the whole trip... okay maybe not lol But so sweet of Lia and Kara to twitter-attack you with Disney excitement

Ooooo... pretty Disney luggage and is it weird that I recognize which bag is yours without even you pointing it out? I feel this is what happens when I follow someone's TR for much too long... But anyways, sorry your dad wasn't in that great a mood. Hopefully he brightened up when you guys finally got to Disney especially when you discover his deer face on his driver's license. That is absolutely fantastic right there (Oh and side note, glad to hear you were able to get that awesome dancing deer lol)

Glad to hear you had a smooth run at the airport, even with your dad's luggage having a lot! And awwww... that is so sweet that your dad's friend is going to Disney too, sad to hear about his wife though :'( Still good that he got the chance to take his kids to Disney. He must be one great Dad

YAY! Time for a nice plane ride! That's awesome you had a really fun stewardess, those are the ones that always make for a fun flight. I love your new decked-out trip journal, so very cool! I feel like my trip journal is such a fail compared to that one And I notice you were listening to the Monorail Guy on your iPhone, BIG to that right there!

WOOT, FINALLY IN DISNEY! And 20 minutes ahead of schedule! LOL @ your tweet about "If you don't like Disney, unfollow me" It is SOOOO very true! I think that's why some people unfollow me all the time HAHA Oh life... And yeah, got to agree, MCO does smell good

It amazes me how you've rented two cars over these past two trips. I don't think I could do it. MAGICAL EXPRESS FOR LIFE! Well, I'll probably end up getting a car on the next trip I take to Florida since it won't be so Disney focused anymore :/ Ah well!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Brilliant update!!
at your dad having a deer face on his driving license!!
Yay for arriving early that's always good
Can't wait to read more

Thank you!
Haha I know, that's so funny!
I agree!
Thanks for being here!

I love you trip journal! You are so creative!! I tried keeping a journal on my trip this past week and did not succeed! I felt very overwhelmed. Do you have any tips for doing trip journals? Can't wait to read more about your family christmas trip

Thank you so much! It was a lot of fun making it!
Keeping a trip journal is SO hard! The only reason I ever finish them is because I know I'm writing a trip report! I know that if I don't write it while I'm there, I'll never remember!
My biggest tip is to keep up with it throughout the day. Like whenever you're on the bus, in a long line, or when you're waiting for your food at a restaurant. And sometimes I just take a moment to sit at a table and catch up throughout the day, in the morning, or at night before I leave the park. They're a bit of work but if you're doing a trip report it's crucial!
Thank you! I'm glad you're here!

I love getting up early for a Disney flight because you get to MCO sooooo early!!!

OMG I love your Trip Journal! That is so cool!! I wish I was creative haha

Ahh, I love that feeling of landing in Disney! It's the best!!!

Me too!
Thank you! It was a lot of fun to make!
I agree!

Im more of a lurker than talker but i absolutely love the screen saver on your phone in your pic!! I need to find one like that asap!!!
And your tweet, if your not a disney fan, unfollow me! Surely something i would do if i had twitter

Aww thank you!
And LOL I know right?! It's so true!

Can't wait to read more about your Holiday vacation!!!

Aww yay! Thanks for being here!

Yay for arrival day!!!!!! This day of any trip is always the best!!!!! Especially when you going for as long as your trip was .

Yay! It's the best day of the trip! I had so many wonderful days ahead of me!​

Love your tweets about your dad's mood! That sounds like something I would do except i would probably be complaining on facebook as well.

LOL I was so sad that he was being crabby! But I'm glad he got better!​

Loved your comment about your dad's deer face driver's license picture! Glad that it helped make your dad in a better mood as well! I know this is a kind of random question but i was just wondering how you and kristen feel about the movie bambi since there are deer in it? do you like it because of the deer or do you not like it because of bambi's mother?

LOL oh thank you! LOL we love Bambi! It's just such a sad movie!​

Your trip journal is soo cool! I love how your disney-fyed it

Thanks!​

I agree about listening to people's conversations on a airplane, They are usually fun or amusing and it is a great way to pass the time. I also like to people watch before getting on a plane and in Disney as well. It really helps you get into the trip spirit. My whole family likes to people watch at the airport. When my brother and his wife went on their honeymoon the differences in there facebook statuses was super funny! He was all happy to be at the airport about to leave and was posting statuses about people watching while she was mostly nervous about the flight (she is a nervous flyer).

I agree! LOL that's really funny! Everyone is so different when they're at the airport... so many emotions!​

Nice phone background! Also love that you have the white phone! I really wanted that one but it wasn't out yet when we got our phones so mine is the traditional black one.

Thank you! Aww I'm sorry you didn't get that one! I just got my iPhone in like September so it was thankfully out at that point!​

Sad you forgot your GPS at home, hopefully the airport GPS worked well for you!

Yup it was basically the same one! I just had to look up the addresses all over again lol​

Totally agree about the MCO smell! I like the smell just outside of it when you get your first whiff of orlando air. (btw i love the smell of florida air in general so pretty much just getting off the plane there brings me instant happiness).

I'm glad I'm not the only one who smells it. It's wonderful!​

Your trip journal is so so so adorable! Do you use a different notebook for all your trips?? I took a little notebook on my last trip but I was sad that it wasn't Disney (and I never even ended up taking notes, oops, hahaha) but that's a really good idea to decorate it yourself!

Thank you! Yes I do! I go to Walgreens and buy little notebooks for each trip. This was the first one that I actually decorated. LOL that's funny that you didn't take notes. I never kept up with them until I started writing my trip reports!​

I remember reading your disclaimer and wondering if anyone actually did unfollow you??? Probably not haha. It's so true though... some of the stuff we tweet about on a regular basis probably has non-Disney people wondering what the heck we're on.

Hahaha I wonder! I got a tweet and somebody was like "the whole reason I follow you is because you like disney!" So that's good haha. And oh yeah, I get tweets from some of my normal friends sometimes and they're like "you need disney rehab." I'm always like... please spare me haha​

ALMOST TO DISNEY AWWW YEAH. GET DOWN.

YAY!​

Oh gosh, I remember that night well. My inability to sleep at normal times really is quite frumpy.

Hahaha I'm basically on that schedule now because of college. I never go to bed at a normal time!​

I'm sorry about your dad's less than Disney mood. My dad can be the same way. Especially when he's stressed about traveling.

LOL it's okay. It must be a Dad thing!​

I LOVE your trip journal. I think I told you that on Twitter, but I'm telling you again lol. It's so festive! I'm totally going to decorate mine this year.

Thank you again! I thought it came out really cute! You definitely should!! AHH I am so excited for you to go on your trip!​

fabulous update as always! I am having a dismotional week! This time quite few years ago i was packing up for my SR trip at disney!! I have been following the facebook posts from past teachers! I wish i was going with them!!!! SO happy i am going in less than 2 weeks!!! I simply ADORE your trip journals! I am totally borrowing this idea!! I have a little notebook obsession, and it fits perfectly into my hipster! Thanks for the idea hun!
Hope school is going great!
xo Christina

Thank you! I have weeks like that all the time! Aww you're so lucky you got to go on a senior class trip to disney! I would have loved to go with school. Yay for going so soon! That will be wonderful! And aww thank you! I was happy with out my trip journal turned out! Go right ahead - I'm sure yours will be adorable! You're welcome!
It is! I'm almost done with the semester! Thank you!

Arrival day is certainly one of the best days of the trip Disney is probably the only acceptable reason to be waking up at 4am

I LOVE your trip journal! I never even thought to decorate it haha but I might just have to next time

Sounds like an awesome start to the trip! can't wait for more~

It definitely is! LOL anytime I see anybody awake at that hour of the morning I'm like "why the heck are you awake if you're not going to Disney!?"

Thank you! You definitely should!

It was! Thank you!

Cute trip journal! I love writing in my Disney journals when I'm there but I've never filled one up for one trip! Wow, you must have wrote a lot!!

Love all your tweets; especially the deer face one. That's classic!

And, thanks for the reply about the ring and the nail polish tip. I'll have to look into a thin brush and dotting tool. I will keep my eye out for the ring too...we go next week!!!!

Thank you! I never was able to completely finish a trip journal until I started writing my trip reports lol. And yeah I wrote a lot... but only because I was there for SO long.

Thank you!

No problem! And AHHH that's awesome! Have a magical time!

I'm excited! A whole new Jess trip! Your report and pics will encourage lots of Disney Daydreaming! I can daydream while sitting back and relaxing OR sitting forward and being tense! lol, that was cute.

Hooray! I'm glad you're ready! I'm so happy that you guys enjoy them!

I have a question for ya! Do you fly Southwest a lot? Can you give me any info, impressions, pros/cons about them?
I've heard there are not seating assignments unless you pay. If you don't pay, what kind a craziness is it to find 3 seats together?


What a great start, and early arrival to Florida!

I do fly southwest a lot! We usually take it to Disney actually - it's either that or jet blue. I always am really happy with my flights there! They always seem very fast and we've never had an issue!

There are not seating assignments and you can pay for priority seating... but it's not necessary! If you are there RIGHT on the dot and you click right on the second you're allowed to get your boarding passes, you can most likely get in group A or B. And at that point it's not that hard to get seats together! Also if you have a kid in your party, people are always willing to move so at least one of the parents can sit with the child.

Woo hoo, arrival!

How awesome that your Dad is making a deer face in his license picture. I am also making a deer face in mine. I think it's because they take it so fast and it goes, "wait, picture.....DEER!"

YAY!

Hahaha I know isn't that hilarious? And lol that's PERFECT. That could definitely be why. Deer faces are always the way to go!

Awh thanks, he is such a sweetheart!
.
I Knowww!!! No matter how many times I watch them I never ever get sick of those shows. I just re watched the Boy Meets World epp where they go to WDW. Arghhh so good!!

Oh I know, right? THAT'S MY FAVORITE BOY MEETS WORLD EPISODE It's absolutely ADORABLE!!!​

AHH that is TOO cute, he sounds awesome! Tangled is SO freaking amazing!
Sounds like such a great guy
When I was traveling through California for a couple of months in college I met the most amazing boy who seemed to understand my Disney obsession and everything else about me. He took me to Disneyland on one of our first dates and it was perfect. 6 years later he is my husband haha. Yay for Disney loving boys.

He is such a sweetheart! Unfortunately he lives REALLY far away from me so I don't know if I'm going to see him all summer. ): But we're staying together and I think it's going to all work out okay!

Aww that is SO CUTE!!!! Oh my gosh. How precious. You're so lucky!​

4:18 is ridiculously early to get up BUT when you're on your way to Disney its AOK! (that is probably the only time)
Oh dads...they sometimes take a while to get into the spirit of things....

I know, right!? Disney is the only thing that can justify waking up that early!
Oh, I know. I'm glad he was better after we got moving!​

Your trip journal is so cute! I love it!!

Ahhh I love funny plane announcements! When we landed in Hawaii the announcement was 'It is now safe to turn on your phones....and update your facebooks" Hilarious!

Thanks!

I agree! Hahaha that's a great announcement! I totally would update my facebook if I landed in Hawaii!​

Oh no! Are you magical expressing it on your next trip?

YESSS I'm so excited!!​

Ahhhh I love driving home! Those big magical welcoming gates= best feeling!!

I know! YAYYYYY!​

You have some serious nail art skills! The DVC logo?!? Super impressive! My goal is to do my nails with a simple Mickey head for my trip, but we'll see if that happens... I get mad at my nails a lot.

Thank you! Haha that was my FAVORITE! I was so glad that it actually worked! I would definitely use a tooth pick to get that to work! I use this thing called the dotting tool, (that I ordered online) but if you don't feel like buying it I think a tooth pick would work. ​

Ohmygosh, I love your trip journal! I used to decorate all of my notebooks with collages like that, but I stopped when I stopped getting magazines. I'm kind of inspired by yours, so I might decorate my journal this time. Maybe it'll motivate me to write in it!

Thank you! You definitely should! It makes the whole journaling thing even more fun!​

Too bad about your dad being grumpy. My dad's like that on trips too sometimes. I suspect it's a dad thing. That's so sad about his friend's wife passing away. Christmas at Disney is definitely a good plan for them. Still, that has got to be so tough.

I know, right!? Oh well. I'm glad he got over it. I know, I felt SO bad. That's really sad. I don't think I would be able to get through Christmas in that situation unless I was in Disney!​

I looooove Southwest! Their flight attendants are always so nice and friendly, and I think their seats are the most comfy.

I agree! Southwest is great!​

I can't wait to read more!

Thank you!​

Yay!! Arrival day. Love your trip notebook - so cute!
Very sad but sweet - the dad taking his kids to Disney for Christmas. I hope they had a good time.

YAY! Thank you!
I know, that was really nice of him. I hope they had an enjoyable time, considering the circumstances. ):

YAY! The next TR has begun! Sorry I haven't commented in awhile, but I'm on track again so I can really start enjoying this TR again without having to catch up (though how can you not enjoy reading about Disney?) Alright, enough of this, onto the update...

Hooray! Don't even worry! I'm glad you're back and all caught up! ​

OMG, I totally understand where you are coming from. I swear any light that goes on that early is just a million times brighter, it is absolutely awful, but when it's for Disney... totally worth the pain I say! A shame I didn't know around this time you were on Twitter, I would've been bothering you throughout the whole trip... okay maybe not lol But so sweet of Lia and Kara to twitter-attack you with Disney excitement

Haha I know right?! Especially when you're exhausted. Well, I'm sure you'll be able to follow along on this next trip!​

Ooooo... pretty Disney luggage and is it weird that I recognize which bag is yours without even you pointing it out? I feel this is what happens when I follow someone's TR for much too long... But anyways, sorry your dad wasn't in that great a mood. Hopefully he brightened up when you guys finally got to Disney especially when you discover his deer face on his driver's license. That is absolutely fantastic right there (Oh and side note, glad to hear you were able to get that awesome dancing deer lol)

Hahaha that's so funny! I love it. I love my purple suitcase! The only problem with it is that it ALWAYS tips over! It's so obnoxious.

That's okay! He got much better! Thank goodness.​

Glad to hear you had a smooth run at the airport, even with your dad's luggage having a lot! And awwww... that is so sweet that your dad's friend is going to Disney too, sad to hear about his wife though :'( Still good that he got the chance to take his kids to Disney. He must be one great Dad

Thanks! Yeah, that was really sad. But going to Disney is always a comfort.​

YAY! Time for a nice plane ride! That's awesome you had a really fun stewardess, those are the ones that always make for a fun flight. I love your new decked-out trip journal, so very cool! I feel like my trip journal is such a fail compared to that one And I notice you were listening to the Monorail Guy on your iPhone, BIG to that right there!

Hooray! Yeah, definitely! Thank you! I love my trip journals! And yes, I was!! I was listening to him on the way there!​

WOOT, FINALLY IN DISNEY! And 20 minutes ahead of schedule! LOL @ your tweet about "If you don't like Disney, unfollow me" It is SOOOO very true! I think that's why some people unfollow me all the time HAHA Oh life... And yeah, got to agree, MCO does smell good

WOOHOO! That's always the best. And yeah it's SO true. I think that's why I lose followers sometimes too lol. I don't care - their loss! And yeah it does!​

It amazes me how you've rented two cars over these past two trips. I don't think I could do it. MAGICAL EXPRESS FOR LIFE! Well, I'll probably end up getting a car on the next trip I take to Florida since it won't be so Disney focused anymore :/ Ah well!

Haha I know right!? It throws me off so much. Oh well, I got on the busses eventually and we took Magical Express home on this trip - so it's all good!​

Can't wait to read more!

Thanks!​

​

 

[joleen76]

I can't wait to hear about your Christmas Trip! I have always wanted to go at Christmas but we are afraid of the crowds. Can't wait to see how you guys fared.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I can't wait to hear about your Christmas Trip! I have always wanted to go at Christmas but we are afraid of the crowds. Can't wait to see how you guys fared.

Yay I'm glad you're here! I'm not gonna lie, the crowds are BAD... but I was proud with what we accomplished! I wouldn't go during Christmas week if that was going to be my only trip for a long time. It's just crazy. But we had a blast! I can't wait to tell all about it!​

 

[PlutosRHM55]

I remember reading your disclaimer and wondering if anyone actually did unfollow you??? Probably not haha. It's so true though... some of the stuff we tweet about on a regular basis probably has non-Disney people wondering what the heck we're on.

Saw this and had to comment! It's a shame I can't retweet this (what I boldened). If they ever asked that, I would be "As if you don't already know... *twitch* Disney!"

 

[Aussiesalad]

Unfortunately he lives REALLY far away from me so I don't know if I'm going to see him all summer. ): But we're staying together and I think it's going to all work out okay!

Well it's funny you should say that because after DH and I met while I was traveling I had to go back to Australia to finish my last year of college. So we did long distance for just over a year until I finished school and moved to California. Some people say long distance is a bad idea and not worth it, and it can be quite hard at times but with the right person I think the distance can actually strengthen the relationship

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Saw this and had to comment! It's a shame I can't retweet this (what I boldened). If they ever asked that, I would be "As if you don't already know... *twitch* Disney!"

Hahahaha oh I know. People like that are just missing out.

Well it's funny you should say that because after DH and I met while I was traveling I had to go back to Australia to finish my last year of college. So we did long distance for just over a year until I finished school and moved to California. Some people say long distance is a bad idea and not worth it, and it can be quite hard at times but with the right person I think the distance can actually strengthen the relationship

Aww really? Well that's so wonderful that it worked out for the both of you! And yeah I honestly think it depends on the situation. And yeah, it could DEFINITELY strengthen it. I think because we're only going to be apart from May-August it should will be really great when we come back! But I guess we'll see what happens!​

 

[gabzee]

Yeah for the beginning of the new trip! The only way I would happily get up early, is if I know I'm getting up to go to Disney!

Your tweets were hilarious as well as your dad's deer face for his license picture! It must run in the fam! Loving the updates!

 

[RooRach0906]

Can't wait for the next chapter! I saw the episode of Boy Meets World today where they are in Disney World Hope everything is going great!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Yeah for the beginning of the new trip! The only way I would happily get up early, is if I know I'm getting up to go to Disney!

Your tweets were hilarious as well as your dad's deer face for his license picture! It must run in the fam! Loving the updates!

Yay! And oh I know, right? I could never justify getting up that early for any other reason!

Haha oh thank you! And it definitely does Thank you!

Can't wait for the next chapter! I saw the episode of Boy Meets World today where they are in Disney World Hope everything is going great!

Thanks! Aww did you!? That's the best one! And it is - thank you so much! ​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Chapter 36: Back to T-Rex and then Checking In!
December 21st, 2011

Our first order of business was driving to Downtown Disney! We arrived around 11:30 am and we were ready for lunch!

Mom and I were still obsessing over how good T-Rex was from a few weeks ago. Sadly, I wasn't able to get a reservation on any of the other days of this trip. For the heck of it we thought we would try and get a table since it was so early in the day.

Thankfully, we were presented with some good news! We walked up to the podium and the restaurant was EMPTY. Of course we could have a table! YAY FOR A SUCCESSFUL WALK UP!

Christmas Tip #17 - If you really want to eat at T-Rex but can't get a reservation, get there right at 11:30 am for an early lunch! The restaurant doesn't start filling up until 12 so you will more than likely get seated!

I tweeted:
So impulsive decision... T-Rex for lunch! we had to bring dad and Jonathan here it is just THAT good!

We were seated in the first room! We could see this from our table:

They gave me crayons and a kids menu. I was VERY happy. If you give me crayons, I will color.

Here is my masterpiece. I know, I know. You wish you were as talented at coloring as I am. LOL jk.

Our food came very quickly! I ordered the T-Rexadillas AGAIN. It's kind of insane how good they are. AHHHH I want them so bad right now.

My mid-meal tweet:
T-Rexadillas are the love of my life.

My Mom also ordered the same exact thing that she got last time. The Sabre Tooth Salad...

and the Tomato Basil Soup.

I ate some of the soup this time and it actually has a unique taste to it! It's very good, but it isn't your typical tomato soup. The basil definitely alters the flavor.

Jonathan ordered the Boneyard Buffet which consisted of Chicken, Ribs, and Waffle Fries. I have heard wonderful things about those waffle fries except the ones he got were cold. I was so sad! But they tasted good anyways. I hope next time I can get some that are fresh!

My Dad got the Wolly Mammoth Chicken which he said was very good!

I'm so glad we got to eat at T-Rex again even though I had the exact same food as last time. It was SO worth repeating! I honestly will probably get T-Rexadillas the next time I go, too. I'm OBSESSED.

I walked around and took a few more pictures of the restaurant. Like I said before, it's SUCH a visually appealing restaurant! Seriously, take some time to look around. I love all of the Dinosaurs and primeval creatures!

It does get loud in there during that meteor shower, though! Just be warned in case you have someone in your party who gets bothered by loud noise.

Overview of T-Rex Cafe Dining Experience:
Waitress: Lindsey
Service: Pretty good. It was your average experience. 3.5/5
Atmosphere: SO cool! Very loud but the meteor showers really add to the experience. (although I wish they were a little less often) I do love those Dinosaurs. They're AWESOME! 4/5
Food: Exceptional. It's just so delicious. I love it so much!! 5/5

We finished up our delicious lunch. What a great start to our trip! Jonathan and I left while Mom and Dad took care of the bill. I had a sweet spot in mind that I needed to visit.

GOOFY'S CANDY COMPANY!

I took a bunch of pictures of the food that was on display. I was LOVING LIFE. Just look at all of that goodness!!

One day when I'm a cast member I am going to splurge and buy one of these giant rice krispies. (with my cast member discount, of course)

I took this picture for Kara (and myself because I am obsessed with these as well) - MICKEY RICE KRISPIES! Words cannot describe.

Next time I need to make sure I get a red velvet cake pop. THEY'RE SO PERFECT!

As for this trip I wanted one of the chocolate and candy dipped creations!

After much contemplation, Jonathan and I decided to get milk chocolate dipped pretzel rods covered in mini m&m's! Jon had his just like this...

And I got mine drizzled in white chocolate. YUM!

We left Goofy's and met up with Mom and Dad in front of Ghiradelli's. They discovered that Ghiradelli's has free chocolate samples! It pretty much made their lives. The flavor of the day was peppermint bark... very christmassy!

We headed out after that. I didn't do any shopping at this point, but I did admire all of my favorite stores from a distance!

Unfortunately, Jonathan's throat was starting to hurt... which is never a good thing! Especially in Disney!!

We got in the car and headed over to our hotel - Mystic Dunes!

Interval told us that Mystic Dunes was in Celebration, FL but it was actually in Kissimmee! It was actually on the same road as the West Gate. Ew. I was excited about staying in Celebration, too. So that was a little disappointing.

We pulled in and Mom and Dad went to check in. Jon and I sat in the car while we waited. I wouldn't let him listen to anything besides Disney Music! HA HA.

The check-in process took SO LONG! I swear, we were sitting there for a good 30 or 40 minutes. Ugh it was so annoying! Apparently the lady took forever with the paperwork. How ridiculous. Mom wished that we could switch to a Disney resort again after that whole fiasco.

They were finally done and we drove to our building - #25! The room was all the way down and it was #25403.

We had a one bedroom villa and it was nicer than the Westgate. It had a very Florida smell, which was good. However, at the same time, it wasn't Disney!

Here's the living room:

Jonathan and I had to share that pull out couch - they didn't have roll aways! That was especially annoying because I knew that he wasn't feeling well, so I hoped I wouldn't catch his sore throat!

The bedroom:

The bathroom:

We relaxed for a little bit and watched Everybody Loves Raymond on TV. However, I was in Disney. I couldn't sit still for long! I wanted to run over to a park before our dinner reservation!

Continued in Next Post​

 

[onelilspark]

You can tell the hotel was designed in the 90s...look at all the mirrors!

 

[pinkpixie0920]

Loved the update! Would you recommend T-Rex over Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom? We have ADRs at RC for lunch and now I am contemplating trying to switch.

 

[IheartDDuck]

That is a super stylin' green leather couch at your villa.

That food definitely looked yummy, and those quesadilla's are going to have to be on my list based on your recommendation.

 

[__disneygirl]

YAY, you're in Disney!! Omg, I'm so excited... you had 12 whole days there... this TR is gonna be going on forever! And I can't believe you are going back so soon. I am SO jealous. I know I've said that 500 times but I really can not even put in to words how much I want to go. So I will have to live vicariously through you. Please update your twitter approximately every 45 seconds.

Whoa, thank God I just had Chipotle or else I would be epicly hungry after the TREX update. I love that place so much. Oh, whatever, I'm still totally craving their food now even though I'm full. I'm a frump.

I WANT A CAKE POP SO BAD. It's painful for me to go into Starbucks these days b/c they have the most delicious raspberry truffle cake pops and they taunt me. They're small and only like 150 calories each or something but I cannot be eating cake that often. In Disney though... that's another story.

I can just imagine you and your mom being so annoyed staying off property again. I can't wait until you switch!!

 

[SmallWorld71]

So glad to see another report!
I actually was at DTD last Friday (driving home from SW Florida) and the 2 places we decided to eat at were T-Rex and Goofy's Candy Company - I guess great DIS minds think alike. I had the Guacasaurus Burger - quite yummy! I love how all the food has dino themed names. And, I am now in love with cake pops!

 

[Caretames1]

Yay, for T-Rex! We so liked it too! I think themeing is some of the best I've ever seen!


Thanks for posting all the Goofys pictures, I'm going through a munchie day and I feel the urge to eat my laptop screen.