[NokeyNose]

Day 9:

We went to Downtown Disney this day. We figured we would do a bit of shopping and relaxing. We were going to go to the Hoop-de-do review for 5 pm, and then head over to see Osborne lights and Fantasmic to end our evening. It was a nice day. We bought Justin his first Mickey ears and picked up the girls really nice sweatshirts! We grabbed some coffee over at Ghirardelli (hot cocoa for the girls) and then did some pin shopping. We started Justin a set since this was his first trip, but did not go crazy! Around 1 or so we headed back to the room and cleaned up, relaxed a bit and repacked for the night! We jumped in the car and drove over to Fort Wilderness. We had never been over this way. We jumped on the bus we were told to headed to the outpost and got to see all of the people who decorate for the holidays. We were shocked how much decorating they did. It was terrific! Hoop-de-do was OK! I did not think it was great, I don’t think we will do it again! Maybe we will try the Luau, but after so many people have always said that it was not as good as the Hoop-de-do, we may skip it all together! Who knows! I will say that the food was delicious, and I could not believe that it was unlimited beer and sangria, but I thought the entertainment sort of lacked! The kids enjoyed it though!

We left there and rushed over to HS to see if we could cram in Osborn and Fantasmic, we made it for both! Definitely a sight to see! Osborn lights are amazing! I don’t have any pictures, I just took video! Sorry! Fantasmic was terrific as always! After that we were driving back to the resort when Chris surprised me by taking me over to Wilderness so I could see where I had hoped I could have stayed. He stayed in the car, while I perused the lobby! It was stunning and I loved how they had a photographer there in front of the big tree taking photographs. So wonderful! The decorations were so calming and soothing. It really drove home that this was Christmas time! We tried to make it to all of the DVC’s, but didn’t, which was ok, I was glad to have made it here though! We also got to see two different couples taking horse drawn carriage rides. Chris and I discussed coming alone for a few days one year for our anniversary (Nov 18th), so we could enjoy the sites by our selves. I especially took note of the different lanterns all around Disney this trip, I love how they resemble the themes. But these lanterns at Wilderness were so gorgeous!

We then drove back to the resort and crashed!

Tomorrow was our final day!

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by NokeyNose

We drove over to Boardwalk and valet parked, love this DVC perk! We walked over to the Italian Pavilion and we were seated right away. The restaurant was beautiful, and the wait staff was terrific, but I will be honest, the food was not that great!

I love that perk too! Sorry the food wasn't great at the Italian place, I haven't eaten there since it's changed so I'll have to keep that in mind.

[NokeyNose]

Day 9 Pictures...

[mickeysgirlz]

Originally Posted by mickeyspal

So glad you decided to do a TR. I'm still debating. Sorry we missed you. I remembered on the plane that your number was in my other wallet. I changed wallets for the vaca the night before. Your family is beautiful. Sorry to hear about the sickness. We had sickness too!

We were there the week of the 20th, and we too saw more people puking then I ever saw in my life. Garbage cans and bushes at least. One guy had climbed the fence at Epcot and was heaving in the shrubs . . . it was gross!

I always bring lysol and spray the WHOLE room before we settle in. Cuz you never know??

ANYWAY . . . love your TR . . . I have to do mine too . . . haven't gotten that far yet!

[NokeyNose]

Day 10:

Today we began with that breakfast at Kona Café! MMMMMMMmmmmmmm! The girls got these Tinkerbelle light up clips with their breakfasts and the waitress even threw one in for Justin (A Captain Hook) they were so adorable!!! We decided to park over at the Poly and take the monorail over to Magic Kingdom where we did everything we could pack in. We forced Ashley to go on Pirates and she loved it! They girls did every meet and greet they could find. We did the Indi Speedway again, and we shopped for our own Christmas ornaments to have shipped home! It was a wonderful day! We saw the Dreams come true parade and then headed out of Magic Kingdom so we could make it over to Epcot for our 4:30 reservations at Norway! We jumped on the monorail and got off at TTC to transfer to the Epcot monorail but it was broken down. Oh no!!! Now what? We were catching it close and did not want to try the bus thing, so we hopped back on the monorail and back to the Poly to get our car. Drove over to Boardwalk again, valet parked and ran to Norway! We were 5 minutes late; we couldn’t believe we made it! Dinner was great but Ashley caught us off guard. She is very astute and sometimes too observant! We need to be very careful with her!!! Jasmine came to the table to say Hello, now if you recall, the other day we saw Jasmine when she was with Aladdin. Well, Ashley was quick to point out, that Jasmine sounded very different than she did the other day! Chris quickly explained that Jasmine had told him her throat was soar, and that Princesses too get sick. She then asked if something was going around since she noticed the same thing about Belle! Ugggghhhh! These 4 year olds--- too smart for their own good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dinner was great! One of the best meals we had on property. Definitely try the grilled vegetable ravioli if you get a chance, they are delicious! Justin was defiantly smitten with the princesses. Check out these photos!

We stayed for one more spectacular Illuminations and took the friendship back over to the Boardwalk. Drove home to pack, and were sad the trip had come and gone so quickly!

[NokeyNose]

Day 11: (oops! I guess I should have called this 10 full days of Christmas Cheer!)

We woke and brought the bags over to be checked at Bell services. This service is wonderful. We were a bit concerned how we were going to do this now that we were down Bryan and Emily for our return, but Disney magic took away all of our troubles! It was terrific!!!! We ate breakfast and headed to the airport, and waved goodbye to our Christmas trip! It was home to shop, decorate and begin the season!!!

When we touched down in Newburg NY we had to taxi around for about 45 minutes, the pilot came on and said that we could look out our windows on the left and we would see AirForce One. President Bush had arrived right before us, so we had to taxi a bit! It was pretty cool to see the plane up close and personal. Also nice to know we were flying into the safest Airport in the nation at the time!

I hope you all enjoyed the TR and all of our pictures. I never have posted pictures before; I hope they came out ok! Thanks for letting me share and for reliving the journey with me! Happy Holidays all!

[mickeyspal]

Originally Posted by mickeysgirlz

We were there the week of the 20th, and we too saw more people puking then I ever saw in my life. Garbage cans and bushes at least. One guy had climbed the fence at Epcot and was heaving in the shrubs . . . it was gross!

I always bring lysol and spray the WHOLE room before we settle in. Cuz you never know??

ANYWAY . . . love your TR . . . I have to do mine too . . . haven't gotten that far yet!

That's a great idea and will remember for future. One person puked in the Emporium on Main Street and one little girl made her mark just before she boarded the Toy Story ride. We were about 6 people behind her. I almost did it. While her mother took her off the ride to take care of her child, her dad stayed on the ride to ride it. No father of the year award for him!

[mickeymotto]

I just got caught up on your TR and I must say it was wonderful. You have a beautiful family and your children are absolutely adorable!

I loved all you pics, they were really great and told the story of what a great time you all had. Thanks for sharing with us.

[NokeyNose]

Originally Posted by WishUponAStar

You can say that again, I LOVE 'the Springs' section. So close & convenient to everything. I personally think the resort still lacks 'the Wow factor' that I appreciate so much in resort like AKL & WL but everything else makes up for it.

I completely agree, we would definately stay there again, however, after walking through Wilderness at Christmas time, I am 100% sure tehre is no place like it! (For me anyways!)

[NokeyNose]

Originally Posted by mickeyspal

That's a great idea and will remember for future. One person puked in the Emporium on Main Street and one little girl made her mark just before she boarded the Toy Story ride. We were about 6 people behind her. I almost did it. While her mother took her off the ride to take care of her child, her dad stayed on the ride to ride it. No father of the year award for him!

I love that! So funny! I can't believe he did that! Unbelievable!

[NokeyNose]

Originally Posted by mickeymotto

I just got caught up on your TR and I must say it was wonderful. You have a beautiful family and your children are absolutely adorable!

I loved all you pics, they were really great and told the story of what a great time you all had. Thanks for sharing with us.

Thanks, that is very kind of you! I appreciate you guys reliving the journey with me. Although, now I am beginning to miss it all over again!

[PhilliesFan]

Sounds like you guys had a great time despite the illness.
Good job on the TR and great photos.

[mickeyspal]

Shannon you did a great job. Still so sorry we missed you guys. We would of really of loved meeting you all. Maybe there will be a next time. We are looking at Nov 30 thru Dec 7 of 2009. Fingers crossed!!

[WDW Rules]

I can't believe I didn't notice that we would be there at the same time (Dec1-6th). We too froze at the MVMCP. Sorry to say we didn't stick around long after the parade. The party was a first for our dd and dgd so I was disappointed that they didn't get to see everything. Just to cold to enjoy. I did think of you though. We stayed at the Contemporary and found this on the fourth floor.

[keljen]

Great TR and love all the pictures. Sorry the Weather did't cooperate