Trip Reports

The Troop:

Me Vicki, husband Park, fourth trip to WDW and daughter Whitney age 8, second trip to WDW My mom Frances, dad Harold, second trip to WDW with last trip being 10 years ago My brother Scott, his wife Connie (7 mo. pregnant), second trip to WDW, with last being 8 years ago and Brady 21/2 yo, first trip to WDW My sister Melissa, second trip to WDW with last trip being 14 years ago, her husband Stan, Crystal 12 yo, Tory 7 yo and Derek 3 yo, all first timers.

The Planning:

Both my parents and Park and I, became Disney Vacation Members (DVC) last Dec. and this was our first trip staying at the Old Key West Resort (OKWR). We started planning the trip in Jan. We had wanted to go on a family vacation for a long time and decided that our children were at a good age to go now before any of us and any more babies. Being an ex-travel agent and a huge Disney fan, I was in charge of the planning.

Together we talked about what kid of things everyone wanted to do and how much time to spend at the parks and where to eat. Most of it was left up to me.

We reserved two, two bedroom vacation homes and i made all of the priority seating arrangements 60 days prior. I also got tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) in July. These tickets were about $17.00 for children 3-9 and $27.00 for adults. Park and Stan are golfers so I had made tee times for them at Magnolia and Lake Buena Vista courses.

My parents being the great and generous parents that they are, bought all of our park passes for our Christmas presents. We decided that a 5-day passport would work for everyone. Park, Whitney and I paid the difference in he prices and got annual passports since we are planning to go back the end of Oct. first of Dec. 1998.

We were all flying in from different locations. My sister and family from Denver, my mom, dad and brother's family from Albuquerque (ABQ) (because it is closer for them and cheaper to fly Southwest Airlines.

We flew from Phoenix (not where we are from, but that's another story). We all flew Southwest Airlines except for my sister's family were on United. They had discounted tickets because Stan's mother works for United, so they were on standby. We were not sure when they would be arriving, but we tried to plan all of the flights to arrive around the same time.

We decided to rent three midsize cars because we were not sure of the flight arrivals with the standbys and weather. This worked great because it gave us all flexibility and we did use the cars a lot. The cars could have had more luggage space though! We would have needed a small U-Haul but we made it with a couple of squished kids in the back seat!

The Arrival Day: Sun.12/7

Our flights went great! Our flight and mom and dad, Scott and Connies' were both 30 minute early. Melissa and family were waiting for us watching the Bronco game on a nearby TV. Great we had all made it! Then on to National for our cars. There was a line and it took about 25 minute at the counter and about 20 more minute trying to find our cars. The people at the check in counter gave each of us different directions to get to our cars and they were parked near each other! It took another 20 minute trying to get all of the luggage and people into the cars. I don't know why we have to pack so much! We took the Greenway route to WDW. I had gotten the directions from Deb. Wills page, thanks Deb! It was fast and had no traffic.

Arrive OKW about 4:30pm. Check in took about 10 minute even with buying the 5-Day passes there. We got buildings 28 and 29 which was one of our requested buildings and this was also as close as they could get us together. It wasn't too far considering we could have been on opposite sides of the resort. We all "oohed and aahed" as we checked our our home for the next 8 days. Park and I had been on the tour so we knew what they were like, but it was actually great to be staying here. Melissa's family was staying with us. They had the bedroom with two beds. We had the master bedroom, after all we are the "owners"!! Whitney and Tory would be sleeping on the sofa sleeper in the living room. My parents had become members without seeing the resort so this would be their first glimpse of their investment. I had to call them to find our what they thought and they loved it! Who wouldn't? Whew!

We unpacked and went to Olivia's for dinner. For three of us it was $45.00 including the tip (as you'll notice, I round off everything).

After dinner mom, Melissa, Connie and I went to get some groceries, but we first went to EPCOT to get our annual passports so we would not have to bother with them in the morning. We set out for Publix, but ran into Goodings first and decided we were too tired to care about the savings we might have gotten. We each spent about $70.00 on mostly breakfast, snack stuff and beer. We did not plan to have any major meals in.

MGM: Mon. 12/8

I decided after reading a lot here and at various web sights to do what Jeff Spencer suggested and avoid early entry parks and go to the park that had EE the day prior. I thought that the extra sleep in the mornings would save all of our minds! Being from Mountain Standard Time, the late nights were not bad, it was the mornings that were hard!

So we were off to MGM and arrived at 8:50am, the park opened at 9:00. We went straight to Tower of Terror (TOT). Park, Dad, Scott, Melissa, Stan, Crystal and I were going to ride. None of us had been on this. Park and I were too chicken (or I was anyway) to ride this last year so with the peer pressure, I couldn't be left out! We went for our first "drop"! We had about a 20 minute wait, so while in line I told the others what I had read about the seat belt seat. I knew I didn't want this seat, yes I am a chicken! When we arrived at our elevator my brother got the seat belt seat. He wasn't too sure of this either! He wouldn't have had a clue if I hadn't told him about it, maybe I shouldn't have! The worse part of this ride for me was not knowing when they would drop you! We had two short drops and then to the top we zoomed and the doors opened and it hesitated. I know it was just seconds, but I kept thinking "go ahead and drop us and get it over with!" Well, I got my wish! Down we went with our hair flying up and then they pulled us back and without a hesitation down we went! It was more fun than I thought, now that we were done! Our picture turned out great! The look on Scott's face was priceless! We bought the picture for a great family keepsake!

We collected the rest of the troop and walked onto the Great Movie Ride and were on the gangster side. The Wizard of Oz part is still my favorite! When we walked out the Beauty and Beast Enchanted Christmas show as about to begin and the girls wanted to watch, so we waited for it even thought I had read that it really wasn't worth a wait. And everyone was right, it is really not worth waiting for. I did get to look around and get a good look at all of the Christmas decorations. They huge tree was decorated to look like the one in the BBEC video.

We then walked into the Animation Tour. I wish we could spend more time here watching the animators at work. Whitney didn't want to go on with the rest of the tour and she could have watched them much longer. She loves to draw. As you've read from other reports they were working on Mulan. It was about 11:30 so we decided to eat before it got crowded and also because Scott and family were going to go back to OKW to rest after lunch.

We ate at Hollywood and Vine Cafeteria. The food here was not that great. I had the Turkey Rollup, which looked good on the counter, but had no flavor. All well! Our lunch was $43.00.

Scott and Connie decided to go to Muppets 3 D before leaving. We wait about 10 minute This is still one of my favorites in the parks! Scott and Connie left. Then on to Star Tours, 10 minute wait. Backstage Tour, no wait, we will probably skip this one next year because it is the same as last year. We then went to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. The kids had a great time while the rest of us took a break, had Cokes and beer for the guys.

We had priority seating (PS) at 5:00pm and met Scott and Connie there and were seated by 5:15. I know that a of of people don't really like this place, but it is one of our favorites! I have to eat here every time! I had what used to be called the Trash Burger, it has a new name and I can't remember it. The kids meals came with a glow-in-the-dark frisbee and a cupcake. Our dinner was $54.00.

It was now time for the Osburne Family Light Display. They had you start on New York Street where it was "snowing" soap bubbles. It was fun to have "snow" and be warm! The light display was great fun! They played Christmas songs and had hot chocolate available. We saw a couple of hidden Mickey's, I am sure there were many that we missed. I have to put this in because Park is reading over my shoulder, he saw most of the Hidden Mickey's and had to point them out to me. There, I typed it, Park! This was worth seeing and I am glad that we got the chance.

Went back to OKW. The guys watched Monday Night football and we went to Conch Flats General Store and had frozen yogurt. We sat out on the boardwalk and enjoyed the warm evening. I am glad that we did this because the weather in a couple of days would be changing! The kids played in the Jacuzzi tub. We couldn't get them to bed before midnight because of the time difference and the excitement of the day they were not tired.

The weather was in the low 70's and we needed a sweatshirt at night. This was a heat wave for us compared to the weather at home of 12 degrees!

Magic Kingdom: Tues. 12/9

We took the bus to the MK today and we did not have much of a wait either going or coming. We arrived at 9:00am and headed to Space Mountain. We walked right in until you get to the command area and then we waited 15 minute Everyone rode this except for our chicken daughter, the two little boys, and poor Connie who had to watch them! I hadn't ridden this ride at WDW, only been on it at Disneyland and was excited to do it! It seems that the one at DL is darker and faster.

After rounding up the others we were off to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMR), but we got sidetracked when the kids saw the Autopia. We had a 5 minute wait, which is the shortest time we have ever had to wait for this ride. We were then off to BTMR, minus Scott, Connie and Brady, who went to Fantasyland. We had a 15 minute wait. Whitney did no on this ride and she really had fun and wanted to go again. But we had ticket for MVMC on Thurs. night and so I talked her into waiting until then to ride it again at night. Over to Splash Mountain next. Whitney would not ride this year. She went on it once last year and when we were at home was saying that she would ride it 10 times the next trip. Well so much for the big talker! Grandma stayed to help Connie with the little ones while the rest of us went for the big "splash"! Melissa and I sat in the back with our husbands in the front and the others in between. Needless to say the guys got drenched and we were relatively dry. We might as well have gotten wet because starting tomorrow we would be wet almost all of the time!

Lunch was at Pecos Bill's since it was close. Lunch for us was $25.00. The hamburgers were greasy and great of course! I don't know why the things that are supposed to be "bad" for you always taste so good!

After lunch we went to the Christmas Bear Jamboree with a 5 minute wait. I have always liked the Bear Jamboree, but was glad to see something new here. It was a lot of fun and we would have had the end on video if Park had pushed the record button instead of just watching thorough the view finder!

We then went to Fantasyland so that the little boys could ride something. Brady insisted on It's A Small World. The guys, especially Park, were not too thrilled about this but they went anyway. Park had asked if he had to go on this when we were still at home and I just smiled and didn't answer. I guess he got his answer!

We were now in search of some ice cream. Whitney and I wanted the ice cream bars shaped like Mickey's head and the nearest stand was back by the HM. So while were were in search of the bars, Brady spotted Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale in an autograph area, so Connie took him to see them. Connie said that Goofy was "goofying" around and kept running off and the person in charge of him had to keep dragging him back. Brady thought that was very funny! Even though Whitney still loves all of the Disney Magic, watching Brady and Derek meet the characters was a highlight of my trip!

We now were ready for some rest back at OKW. Park, Whitney and I aren't really much for taking naps so we were headed to the pool. We gathered Crystal, Tory, Derek and Stan and headed for the main pool. Derek did need a nap, but Stan told him he would take h im to the pool if he would then go take a nap and he had a deal. After about an hour, Derek had to go for his needed nap. As they were leaving, Scott, Connie, Brady, and mom and dad showed up. The guys got beer and I had the drink special of the day, some kind of fruit margarita. It was great to be sitting out in the warm sun, drinking and talking with my family!

Today was Connie's birthday and we had PS at Whispering Canyon. I had read so much about this place that I thought it would be perfect for her BD celebration. When I checked in they said it would be a 20-30 mn. wait. So off with the beeper in had we wet to have a look around and find the bar. This place was beautiful with all of the Christmas decorations. We had never been here and were very impressed. I think we might stay here our first night on our next trip before checking in and using our DVC points. We found the bar and beer again for the guys and a margarita for Melissa and me. The beeper went off while we were in the bar, so I left to gather everyone up. We had three tables but they were all right next to each other. Note: I was a little worried about the eating situation with 13 of us. I was not sure if it would work out with us ever getting seated at tables near each other. When I had made the PS they told me that we would have to have separated tables and every restaurant and there was no guarantee that we would be able to be seated at the same time or even close to each other. I have no complaints at all! At every place we ate it worked out great and we were always seated at the same time and close together. Our waiter was Chuck Wagon and he was great! He made our night and by the time we left our stomachs hurt and Connie was crying from laughing so much! We all had the all-you-can-eat and it was more than enough! It was great fun! For Connie's BD surprise, Chuck Wagon, made her and on another person celebrating bd's, ride a stick horse around the restaurant, singing "Happy Birthday to Me"! I am in major trouble with my sister-in-law! I am going to have to watch out in the future because she said she will get me back. She was a great sport though, even being 7 mo. pregnant! Our dinner was $75.00 plus tip. When we were ready to leave it was raining like crazy and we were soaked by the time we got to the cars. I don't know why I didn't think to have the cars valet parked.

Back to OKW and to bed again sometime near midnight!

EPCOT: Wed. Dec. 10

We woke up to gray skys today. So with umbrellas and yellow ponchos in had, we headed out to EPCOT, arriving at 8:45am. Everyone wanted to ride the big silver ball and luckily we were able to walk on. Then were off to Honey I Shrunk the Audience (HISTA). I wasn't sure about Brady in this because it scared Whitney last year and she was 7 yo. I keep my feet up the whole time because I hate mice, even these "mice". Connie and Scott thought that he would be ok. He watched for a little while, but when the first explosion occurred he buried his head in his mom's shoulder and then later he decided to sit on my lap. Even with the glasses off he was scared. I kept putting my hands over his eyes when I knew something was about to happen and he would peek out from under them. He did survive and so did the rest of us.

After that I thought maybe the little ones needed something light so we went on the Journey into Imagination. It is still cute but I will be anxious to see what new things they do to it. Note: Everything we went on was a walk on. I don't think I have ever seen it this uncrowded and we have gone in Oct. twice and Jan. once. It was great! The only place there was a line as at Living with the Land and it was 25 minute

We had PS at Garden Grill and were seated right away. We almost had the place to ourselves and the characters, Mickey Minnie, Chip and Dale were always at our table it seemed. The service was a little slow and we were there for three complete revolutions of the dining room. After awhile we really didn't want to see the characters anymore, imagine that! After autographs, multiple pictures, tons of hugs and kisses and coloring with the kids, they ran out of things to do except come by and just look at us like, "aren't you ever got to leave"! The food was good here also. It is all you can eat. The catfish and mashed potatoes were my favorites! Lunch was $62.00. These character meals are getting expensive!

We finished Future World after lunch. Derek couldn't wait to see the dinosaurs any longer so that was the first stop. I think the dinosaurs make this ride and I almost fell asleep during the rest of the show! After that huge lunch and little sleep, I am almost to turn into one of the nappers!

We went on Horizons, I love this ride. I wish along with a lot of you that they could keep this open. We stood outside of the Test Track like on the Mervyn's commercial saying "Open, Open!"

We were lucky with the rain so far today. It seemed that it would rain every time we were inside and then be stopped by the time we came out. But our luck did run out after Horizons, it was pouring and coming down at an angle. There was no way to keep dry. We waited under an overhang until the worsted passed besides we were told that it only rains for 20 min in Fl. and then stops. Wrong! It finally let up so we decided to ride the monorail since we would not be back to this part of EPCOT again this trip.

Then it was back to OKW. Note: It seemed to us that every time we left for the day OKW would move! We could never seem to find it our way back! We made many "sight seeing" trips and we would have not seen so much of the area if we hadn't gotten lost almost every day!

We didn't have any set plans for dinner, so we decided to go try to get into the Rainforest Cafe. We left about 6pm and I warned everyone that we might have an hour or two wait. I thought we could put our names in and then go look around and shop some. While I was standing in line to put our names in, about 10 minute, a hostess came out and asked if there were any parties of 6 or more. I immediately said we had 13. She said if we were all there to meet her inside at the Fruit Tree and we would be seated shortly. I couldn't believe our luck! Everyone that had come away from the hostess stand was saying it was a 2 hour wait. When I rounded up the family they all thought that I had slipped her some money! We were seated under the huge mushroom 5 minute later! I think this place is so much fun. It was noisy under the mushroom because it is near the bar and the loud speaker announcing the departure of safaris, but it was better than waiting 2 hours! Our meal for 4 our us was $87.00 with tip. We paid for Crystal's dinner because she is going to watch Whitney one night sow we can go to Pleasure Island.

After we went to the World of Disney store. It was packed so we decided to come back another time. I don't know if it is ever not crowded!

Thurs. 12/11

Today the guys were going to golf but it was raining, so we decided to relax, hang out and do some laundry. Stan is a super sports nut, so we wanted to go to the ESPN Clue or to the All Star Cafe. We flipped a coin and All Star Cafe won. Well after driving in pouring rain we made it to the World of Sports where the Cafe is to find it isn't even open yet! Ooops! I was not in good standing with the family on this! I really thought that it was open because I had read about it in Rita Atero's book and i guess I assumed it was open! So Scott, Connie, mom and dad said forget it and we went back to OKW. We got into our room and we still wanted to do something so we decided to go to the ESPN CLub. Mom and dad, Melissa and family and the three of us set off again. We get to the EC and they only have 8 tables available to the public because they are filming a pro bowl special (it was pro bowl announcement day, I guess) so we couldn't eat there! Park and Stan did get to go in just to look at the NFL announcers and some ec-football players. I can't remember who they said they saw. While they were in the EC we went to Spoodles to see if we could eat there. We could so we went back to get the guys and they were very reluctant to leave!

The food is different at Spoodles. We each ordered something different like our waiter suggested and the split it like at an Oriental restaurant. Some of the food we liked but then some of the food we didn't. I had ordered the Pene Pasta and it was really good and Park ordered the Caesar Salad Pizza and it was good. Stan ordered some kind of stew and well it was real different! Melissa ordered this huge mushroom, they all like it but I am not a mushroom person so I didn't every try it. Mom and day played it safe and got a chicken sandwich and it was good. The kids ordered maco and cheese and chicken fingers and at it all. Our meal ws $60.00 which was expensive for lunch and we didn't even have characters! It was fun trying something different!

Tonight we were going to MVMCP! First it was dinner at Chef Mickey's. We had PS and this was our longest wait of 30 minute We went to the bar and had a drink so the time did pass fairly quickly. The pager fro this restaurant was round and it lit up when our table was ready. The kids like watching and playing with it.

The food is good here and the characters come around quite a bit. We were seated by a window and kept watching it rain outside. I kept hoping for a little "magic" and that it would stop before we had to leave! It didn't look too promising! But the magic of Disney must have heard me because when we got to the gates of MK it stopped raining! Yea! There was a line to get in and Man Street was crowded but once we were passed main Street it was easy going. We got our pictures thanked first with no wait at the second photo taking spot. I had read to do that first here and in other trip reports. We did decide to watch the 9pm parade, even though I had read to wait until the 11pm parade, but Connie and Scott were not going to stay that long. We found a good spot in front of the castle and waited about 25 minute As the parade was about to start it began to sprinkle. Oh no not rain again! But it stopped shortly after it started. Yea!

It did not rain again all night.

After the parade we went to Fantasy land and went on Peter Pan, still a favorite of mine! Then it was time for the fireworks. They were great and a close tie with ones we had seen while in college in CA at the Rose Bowl on the 4th. Scott and Connie decided to leave then so we told them goodnight and went off to the HM. From there it was on to BTMR and rode it several times in a row. it seemed to us that one side was faster than the other, or was it our ammunitions? Then everyone except for mom, dad, Whit, Derek and I went on Splash Mountain It was the first time in days that I hadn't been wet at the parks and I was going to stay that way tonight! We went to Pecos Bill's for Diet Cokes. There was free hot chocolate but it was warm and humid for us and we needed something cold. When they got off of SplashMountain we headed to Space Mountain during the 11pm parade. Whitney was finally brave enough to ride this tonight. And loved it. We went on this several times. Then everyone except for mom, Whitney, Derek who was asleep in his stroller, and I went to Alien Encounter. Whit and I decided to go on the People Mover, not the name now, while mom waited for the others. We finally left at 12:45. It had been a great night and if we are in WDW during this time again we will go to the MVMCP again.

Fri. Dec. 12

It is Park and my 16th wedding anniversary and it is still raining! Park and Stan are determined to golf and so they are off to the Lake Buena Vista Golf course. For the rest of us, we had PS at the Crystal Palace. We went a little early in the search of more photos and autographs. The kids wanted to ride Barn Stormer so we got in a short line. Just as we were about to get on, it broke down. So we went to the Hall of Fame to get some autographs. It was time for lunch when we got done there. We had about a 10 minute wait on the porch. I thought that this buffet had the best variety of food of the places we had eaten with buffets so far. Pooh, Tigger and Eyore tried their best to make it around to all of the tables and we did get to see them all.

The kids wanted to go on Peter Pan after lunch so we put on the ponchos and headed out. Grandma and grandpa had decided they had had enough of the rain and were going back to OKW. We waddled, quack, quack, over to Peter Pan to find a 30 minute wait. We decided it wasn't worth it and we were also getting tired of walking around in wet, squishy tennis shoes wo we headed back to OKW too. When we got to the bus stop for OKW the bus was there and so were mom and dad and they were not surprised to see us.

After drying off and putting on dry shoes and socks again, we were off to the Market Place. We went to the Lego Store first. This is a great place! Then we tried the Disney Store again only to find it just as busy at the other night. We spent sometime looking around and decided to leave.

For our anniversary we had plans to go to the Flying Fish and then to Pleasure Island. We left the kids with Crystal. Scott and Connie did not come with us so they also kept an eye on them. I had read a lot about the FF and Park and I were both looking forward to eating here. We were not disappointed. I had the Potato Wrapped Red Snapper and it was great! Park had a special Striped Bass with Toasted Pearl Pasta. Every else had the New York Strip Steak. Each couple also split the Napoleon Caramelized Bananas dessert. That topped off our meal just right!! Our dinner was $103.00 for two. it was expensive, but well worth it and we will go there again next trip!

We stopped back by OW to check on the kids and put them in bed. Then off to PI.

Park and I had not been to PI since our first couple of trips to WOW, before Whitney. I had forgotten how much fun this place is! Our first stop was the Adventurers Club only because I had read so much about it. It did live up to its reputation! Everyone was wondering what I had gotten us into until they caught on. We all had a Kungaloosh, except for Stan and he had a beer. We did not have to wait long for thing so star happening. The president of the club came out along with another man and we were inducted into the club. The anamatronic man on the wall, I think he was the captain, teased me about being blond. I didn't think he was talking to me until the president had to point to out! Park also was teased about a beer belly since we were going into the beer tasting. Stan was the cheerleader for the green beer which lost to the red beer, Fosters. We went back out to the main room and were back into the library soon for the Adventures Award ceremony. It was very funny. We left after this and there was the band on the outside stage. It wasn't raining for the moment. Stan and Melissa wanted to to to Mannequins next because they had heard about it rom some friends. We only stayed long enough to make a quick rotation on the dance floor. I don't think it was my parents kind of place! We then walked into 8Trak and my dad leaned over and asked if there wasn't a Comedy Club or a Western club there. So we reluctantly left to try to Comedy Club. The next show was in 45 minute so we went to the Neon Armadillo. Park is not much of a country fan and I don't mind it. I did get him to dance a couple of times. It was raining when we got out and the next CC show was starting so we walked in and found a seat. This was fun and the comedians are very fast on their feet!

It was about 1am now so we headed back to OKW.

Sat. Dec. 13

Guess what? It is still raining! Parts of Orlando are flooding and they say it does not usually rain like this. The CM's we have spoke to keep saying it usually rains about 20 mins. and then stops. Well, we are here to experience this extraordinary weather. I did feel sorry knowing that for some of these families it we saw, it may be their only trip ever to WDW.

We all wanted to split up today and go back to the parks and do the things we had missed or do our favorites again. We were then going to meet at EPCOT for a 5:30 PS at Japan. Whitney wanted to go ride on Space Mountain again, now that she was no long afraid, she couldn't get enough! We went to MK. It was more crowded today than it had been all week, even with the rain. We stood in line at Sp. Mountain for 30 minute We then went to ride Barn Stormer, since it had broken down the day we tried to ride it. After that we just ate our way around MK. Whitney had wanted a turkey leg all week so we went in search of one. On the way, Park got the roasted almonds with cinnamon sugar on them. Yum! We should have started with these earlier in the week! We found the turkey legs. We bought one and split it. They are huge and so good! Last stop was popcorn and Diet Coke for me. I don't know why I even bother with the "diet" coke after all we had eaten all week! I guess it is just habit.

We went back to OKW to dry out again. I don't know why we even bother because we would be out and wet again soon. But it did feel good to have dry shoes and socks even it only for a short while.

Off to EPCOT we went and got a passport for Whitney. We walked around to all of the countries collecting the passport stamps for Whit and a beer for Park. We didn't really allow enough time for this, so we had to hurry and not really get to enjoy what every country had to offer. Next trip I want to spend more time here now that Whitney is older and enjoys the countries more.

We met everyone for dinner and were seated right away. We had two separate tables again because the tables only seat 8 people. We had 6 at our table so we were seating with a nice couple from Tampa, who were using the last of some FL. resident pass they had. We had been in Tampa years ago and I loved it so it was fun to talk to people who actually live. You know I think I love any place that has a daytime high temperature over 40 degrees in the winter! We have eaten here on every trip so far. The food was still good, bu the person cooking at our table wasn't as entertaining as I remembered in the past. Our dinner was $75.00 and included sake for Park (his favorite).

We finished the passport stamps after dinner, saw the holiday lights, the dancing fountain and I had to have a Beaver Tail. I had read so much about how good the Beaver Tails were and it lived up to the praises! It was great! Illuminations was at 10:30 tonight and one of us were really up to waiting 2 hours for it. No one seemed that sorry about missing it except for me, so Park said we could come tomorrow night to see it.

Sunday Dec. 14

Aren't you all glad this trip report is almost done? Today is our last full day here. I really hate to leave tomorrow, but this rain is making it easier to leave!

We had wanted to go to Sea World today. We really wanted to visit Klondike and Snow, the polar bears born at the Denver Zoo. We had been to see them when they were babies and wanted to see them again now. We decided since it was still raining we didn't really want to spend the extra money to go slop in the rain there too! We will try for this on our next trip.

This morning we are off to 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian. I had read so much about this place and was excited to eat here. We had been to the GF on our last trip and I thought that it was so pretty then, but at Christmas time it is beyond words! It you are into Victorian this is the place to come look at the decorations. The huge tree in the center of the lobby area was the "awesome"!

The breakfast was great too. Mary Poppins and Bert were there to take picture with while you waited to be seated. We were seated within 10 minute We saw Minnie, Pluto and Alice. Each character took as much time as the kids needed. I have to give a rude person report here. Connie came back to the table after getting her omelet to say that there was this lady getting an omelet at the same time. This lady stared yelling at the CM making the omelets because he had folded hers. I guess she had told him not to fold it and when it was folded demanded that he make a new one and not to fold it! Poor guy, it is probably just a habit to fold it and that he forgot and folded hers. Connie didn't stick around to find out if he did it right the next time. Breakfast was $42.00.

After breakfast we went to the Market Place to get a family picture taken. Mom wanted to send the picture with her Christmas cards. We had the picture with Mickey. It came out pretty good considering we had ben rained on all morning.

We went back to OKW and the guys watched football. There was a little break in the rain so Whitney and I went to MGM to get TOT sweatshirts for Park and dad for Christmas gifts and I got one too. Whitney got a couple of autographs and pictures with Timon and Rafiki while we were there. We wanted to stay longer, but knew that the others were waiting for ust to go to eat. I just didn't want to leave the park, since it would be the last time until next Oct.

When we got back everyone wanted to go to Planet Hollywood to eat. It was about 4pm and we only had to wait about 10 minute This is the shortest time we have ever waited at this PH! Lunch was good. I always have the Captain Crunch Chicken! It is my favorite! Lunch was $35.00.

We went to the store after eating, so everyone could get something. Park, Whit and I didn't get anything because last year we had spent enough here! Park had gotten the jean jacket with the leather sleeves, Whitney had gotten the red and blue jacket with the gorilla on it and I had gotten the jan jacket with the Planet Hollywood WDW logo on the back. We still wear these a lot at home and we didn't need anything on this trip. I buy a t-shirt, sweatshirt or something at every PH we eat in. I have gotten quite a collection.

Melissa, Tory, Crystal, Whit and I decided to go to EPCOT and watch Illuminations. Crystal had wanted a ring with her name on it at Mexico so we headed over there. Oh, we had parked at BW and used valet parking again. We did this every time we went to EPCOT to go to the countries and it worked out great. We had to walk by Canada to get to Mexico so we had to stop of another Beaver Tail! I love those things! The ring would take about 30 minute to make so we went to the patio by the snack area at Mexico. We had chips and salsa and I could have gone for a margarita, but it was too cold so we had coffee and hot chocolate instead. We decided since we were by the rail we would just watch Illuminations from here. It was not bad, except for a palm tree blocking some of the fireworks. Tomorrow back home

Going home Dec. 15

It is getting windy and cold and it is still raining off and on. This weather does make it easier to go home. But it is colder and snowy at home.

Melissa and family were listed on a 10:30am flight so they left about 8:30. We said our good-byes and when they left it was so quite with just the three of us!

The rest of us were on the same flight back to ABQ and it left at 3:40pm. Since we had most of the day we decided to go back to the Disney Market Village for last minute shopping. I was hoping that it would be less crowded since it was Mon. morning and it was not very crowded at all. Finally a good time to go! We did all of our shopping and went to eat at TGIF at eh Cross Roads Mall area. This was the first meal we had eaten out of WDW all week.

After lunch on to the airport. Scott and Park dropped us off at the curb to check in and then went on to return the cars. There was a line at curbside so by the time we were checked in, they were back.

The rest of the trip was uneventful. All of you know what it's like to go home.

We landed about 5:15pm and decided to spend the night in ABQ because we had a 4 hour drive home to Colorado. Park also wanted to watch the Mon.

Night Football game with the Broncos and San Francisco. The way the game came out we should have just driven home!

We all had a great trip even with the rain. No one hated me by the end of the week either! I wasn't sure since I was the main planner and love Disney so much, if everyone would have a fun week including me. I had decided to not sweat the small stuff and what we did we did and whatever happens it would all work out in the end. It was great to all be together! Park, Whitney and I will be going back in Oct. for a couple of days and then are taking the Disney Cruise. Can't wait!

I hope that I did not bore you with my first trip report and that you enjoyed reading it. I love reading all of the trip reports and always look forward to them!

Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!

Vicki McDonald

vpw@fone.net

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