whoSEZ & boBmouse: It all started w/ a Mousefest; 1/26 -- photo, TR complete, what's happened since! About This Page:

[OffKilter_Lynn]

Awwww!

What? No pictures?! Come on! Don't keep us waiting...

[whoSEZ]

Sunday, December 12, 2004

You find PassPorters in the most unexpected places!

Today was a sleep-in day for Lesley and me; we were checking out of Pop Century and moving to the Animal Kingdom Lodge! We got up about 8 a.m., then packed up the rest of our stuff and decided what to do for the day. Lesley wanted to go back to MGM for a few of her favorites, and I needed to stop by Caribbean Beach to see if Kelly was working. The plan was for me to go check in at AKL, then Lesley would meet me there.

I found out later that Lesley rode RnR and the Great Movie Ride, then went to Who Wants to Be a Millionaire -- a first for her. She later told me she saw Bob there, and the two of them talked about Bob's DVC tour that morning and then went to ride RnR again. I was glad I wasn't with them!

Meanwhile ... I left our room at Pop Century about 11 a.m. and hopped a bus to MGM, then waited for a bus to CBR. And waited. And waited. At the time, I was feeling more than a little impatient, but as it turned out, it was a good thing that it didn't arrive any faster, or I would have missed out on the best surprise of the day!

When I arrived at CBR, I walked into the check-in area and asked for Kelly. Another CM pointed her out, and I noticed that she was with a family of four. I could tell fairly quickly that it wasn't Kelly helping a guest, but more like she was chatting with friends, and I started wondering if the family was a PassPorter family. I kept thinking, "Husband, wife, and two teenagers. Who could it be?" and couldn't for the life of me think of anybody. It turned out to be Donna (GoofyMom) and her awesome family -- so we had an impromptu PassPorter meet right there at Guest Services!

Donna and family (Dan, Drew, and Paige) were free for lunch, and because I needed to go to AKL anyway, we decided to have lunch there. We sat near the pool and ate and laughed while they told me about all the pixie dust they'd been experiencing. I was so happy to hear they'd been having a magical trip!

After lunch, I asked them if they wanted to wait while I checked in; I thought they might like to see the savanna view, but I wasn’t sure the room would be ready yet. So I went to check in, and yay! the room was ready! I wanted to make sure Lesley would be able to get her room key later, so I asked the CM, "You have the second adult in the reservation, right?" and she said, "Uhhh, yes. Paul?" I kind of snorted and said, "Not unless you have a surprise for me in the room." (As Dan later said, "I didn't know it was that kind of hotel." ) The CM fixed the reservation and handed me the key, and we were off to Room 3309! Donna, Dan, Drew, Paige, and I enjoyed the view -- especially Paige! Donna later "thanked" me for getting Paige hooked on AKL!

The GoofyFam and I said our goodbyes and double-checked our meeting spot for breakfast the next morning, then I called Bell Services and got settled in the room and waited for Lesley. Somewhere in there, I also called Bob's cell to arrange a meeting time and place for MVMCP that night, not knowing that he and Lesley had already done that.

So Lesley arrived at the room and immediately loved the place -- our view was absolutely perfect! We didn't have a whole lot of time to enjoy it then, though, as it was nearly time to leave for MVMCP.

I think we arrived at MK about 6 p.m., met Bob at the Hub, and were herded into Tomorrowland with the rest of the MVMCP crowd. That meant dinner for a second straight night at Cosmic Ray's, which was okay with us. Then ... let the fun begin!!

First up was Buzz (Lesley in one car, Bob and I in the other), and I must say Bob kicked us soundly! We stopped to look at our pictures, and the one of Bob and me was great of both of us, so we bought them. I was bummed that we didn't have one of Lesley too, but that would change later! After our first ride on Buzz, we went to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, and by then, we were being allowed into Fantasyland. Pooh, Mickey's PhilharMagic, and Peter Pan were next. Somewhere in there, we headed back to the Tomorrowland Galaxy Palace Theatre, but it was standing room only, so we skipped that. I don't recall exactly when this happened, but in one of the Fantasyland rides that uses blacklighting, Lesley looked at me and burst out laughing. Apparently, I'd managed to get a park re-entry stamp on my cheek! She and Bob enjoyed that just a little too much. I have no idea how that happened -- except that maybe I got my hand stamped and then fell asleep with my face resting on my hand? Who knows. It provided more than a little entertainment, though, so it's all good.

Next up was the Haunted Mansion, and Bob and I rode together again. He showed me the Hidden Donald; I showed him the shadow of the piano player on the floor. We stopped to get some hot chocolate and cookies, then sat for the fireworks. The view from Liberty Square is okay, but not nearly as good as the view from Main Street.

After the fireworks, we headed over toward Thunder Mountain for a cold ride! At the end of the ride, I looked over at Bob and couldn't decide if he was sweating or crying! (It turned out the cold made his eyes water.) We stopped by Pirates next, but the line was pretty long (at least compared to what we'd been seeing up to then), so we skipped it. By then, I was ready to sit for a while, so I suggested we stake out parade spots -- I was willing to sit while the two of them headed over to Space Mountain, which I don't like anyway. It turned out they ended up riding both Space and Buzz again, and I think Bob won again.

It was a cold night (and remember, I'm from Minnesota, so you can be sure it was really cold!), so I was sitting there wishing I had some more hot chocolate, when suddenly I saw Bob and Lesley coming toward me -- and he had hot chocolate and cookies for me! The parade was great fun, though my camera battery took that moment to choose to die a slow death. A couple of the characters (Mary Poppins and the Mad Hatter) had nicely stopped right in front of me to pose, and my camera was just not cooperating. They stood there -- and stood there -- and stood there -- waiting for the camera to flash!

After the parade, we decided to get our photo taken together and headed over to Tomorrowland (the photos were being taken in the Timekeeper theater), and boy, did we get there at the right time! We walked in, waited only long enough to fill out the paperwork, and watched the line fill up behind us. The picture turned out really well of all three of us, and they were willing to send it to all three of our addresses.

One more ride on Buzz was next, and ... you guessed it ... Bob won again. This time, Lesley's picture turned out really well, so we bought that for her scrapbook.

Next, we headed up Main Street to get our AP and MVMCP pins, then headed back to the Hub to watch the holiday show on the castle stage. Cute, and a fun way to end our time together.

The party was over, much to our disappointment. Bob and I talked about the boards on our way out; I asked him to post a hello from me when he got home, and told him I'd e-mail him when I got home. We made our way to the bus stops and had to say our goodbyes there.

Back at our AKL room, Lesley and I did the usual notes, etc., and went to bed. Another great day, with a bittersweet ending for me.


Memories of Our Fifth Day

The weather today was: Sunny but cool during the day; cold at night.
The best thing today was: MVMCP with Bob; the impromptu PP meet at CBR (what are the odds?!); and seeing our room at AKL.
The worst thing today was: saying goodbye to Bob.
The funniest thing today was: Sandy's face (not to mention Lesley's eyes and teeth) glowing in the blacklight on a few rides, and wondering how I got a park re-entry stamp on my face.
Today we tried: Sandy -- went without moleskin (oops); Lesley -- WWTBAM
And the result was: Sandy -- surprisingly, no problem; Lesley -- fun, plus a surprise meeting with Bob.
The most magical moment today was: Snow on Main Street and the warm fuzzies of being at MVMCP with Bob. Also, our first step onto our balcony at AKL.

Meals and Snacks

Breakfast: Sandy -- in room; Lesley -- Pop Century food court, $6.48
Lunch: Sandy -- The Mara, $7.85; Lesley -- pretzel $3.00
Dinner: Cosmic Ray's -- Sandy $6.78, Lesley $8.29
Snacks: none


Memories of Our Lodging (Animal Kingdom Lodge)

Our first impression of the hotel was: Woah!!!
The best thing about our hotel was: the view, the view, and the view! Loved watching feeding time.
The worst thing about our hotel was: that squeaky "air in the pipes" sound that was there constantly.
The amenities at our hotel were: simply outstanding.
At our hotel, we tried: savannah view.
The result was: worth every single penny.
The most magical moment at our hotel was: that first look from the balcony. For Sandy, this also included being able to show Donna's family, especially Drew and Paige, the view!

Rooms and Views

Our room was: perfect.
The view was: perfect.
Best feature: THE VIEW!!!
Worst feature: If we had to pick something, we'd say the location of the food court. It's not the most convenient location.

[boBºoº]

December 12th I spent how much today!



I am taking the DVC tour today and they are picking me up at 8:10. We go over to Saratoga Springs and I wait about ten minutes for a sales rep to come greet my. We go into a small office and talk about the point system and a little financing. We then go tour the rooms. The studio is nice, it have a shower stall, microwave, toaster, coffee maker and basic amenities. It would work nicely for me. The One room villa is nicer with a living room, bedroom both with TV's and DVD players. It also has a kitchenette with stove, toaster, microwave, and coffee maker. The bathroom has a shower stall and Jacuzzi. The two-room villa is a studio and one room villa with a connecting door. The grand villa was stunning with a full kitchen and dinning room. Three bedrooms and four bathrooms. Three bathrooms have Jacuzzis. Each bedroom has a TV and DVD player. It is way out of any point range I could afford. We go back to the office and discuss the finenesses. My sales rep leaves me to think about it. I call him back in about fifteen minutes to tell him that I am going to do it. So they get the paper work started as I dream about how to use my point. I sign a million papers and become a DVC Member. They give me a backpack, picture of the resort and a pin. I have that sent back to my resort. I am offered Ice Cream before I get my ride. I decline because it is a little cold for it.



I ask the DVC driver to drop me off at MGM Studios. I go and play Who Wants to be a Millionaire and I see Lesley across the set. I meet up with her after the show. We go ride Rock'n'Rollercoaster. I am going to have to work on Sandy to get her to ride this. We make plans as to where to meet tonight at the Christmas party and split up. I see the Plummer's and stop to watch the show. They are practicing for the plunger darts competition. They are very funny and if you get a chance you should watch them. I go back to Pop Century to change and then to Magic Kingdom.



I go ride Buzz when I get there and score 321,900,I am a space ace and it is my best score. I ride Haunted Mansion and have a message on my phone from Sandy that they want to meet a little early. I high tail it over to the hub where we are meeting. They get there about the same time we were going to meet. We went to cosmic rays for dinner. Then rode buzz, Sandy and I rode together, I think that my driving messed her up. We looked at the picture and decided to get it because it was so good. We ride Pooh and Sandy gets a picture of the Mr. Toad picture. We then ride Snow White, Peter Pan and the Haunted Mansion. We get some hot chocolate and a cookie then watch Wishes from Liberty Square. It is much better from Main Street.



We ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Sandy and I share a car and Lesley rides alone. It is much better at night than in the day. It seems longer at night. My eyes are watering from the ride and Sandy thought I was crying. We had a blast on it. We then go to Pyrites to ride it but there was a very long line, so we skip it. We go find a spot for parade. Sandy suggests that Lesley and I go ride Space Mountain while she holds our spot. She doesn't ride Space Mountain and she said she did not mind. On our way back from SM we ride Buzz. I kick her booty and she blames it on my driving. We had a great spot for the parade just on the bridge to the hub. I enjoy the parade. Though I have to say that Disney does some weird things to the characters. Like what is up with the tongues on the reindeer and some of the outfits the dancers wear.



After the parade we go to get our picture taken. Boy did we time that right. There was no line when we got in but it formed right behind us and filled the queue. We wanted to get one picture with all of us and have it sent to three different addresses. I have read that people say they would not do this but they were glad to. It turned out to be a very good picture too.



We rode buzz again with each of us in a separate space fighter. I won again so it might not have been my driving before. LOL We then went to Expedition Hall to get AP Pins then back to the castle to watch the celebrate the seasons show. We left the Magic Kingdom walking through the snow on Main Street. We say our good byes near the bus stops. L Sandy and Lesley had changed to Animal Kingdom Lodge from Pop Century this morning, so there would be no ride back to the resort together for us tonight and tomorrow I go home. I pack some more and fill out pass pocket. Then go to bed it is 2 am.



Memories of My Eighth Day:



The weather today was sunny but cool.

The best thing about today was buying into the Disney Vacation Club.

The worst thing about today was having to say good-bye to Sandy and Lesley.

The funniest thing today was riding Buzz with Sandy.

Today we tried the Mickey Very Merry Christmas Party and the result was that we had a great time. Got many rides in and most of the shows.

The most magical moments today were buying into the DVC and the picture with Sandy on Buzz.

I walked 12 miles today.

I spent $2114.63 today. Wow

[chezp]

Thanks for getting the next installments done so quickly guys! And congratulations again Bob on becoming a DVC member - I know you won't regret that decision!

More please...

[LizardCop]

guys.....

[DrDolphin]

Great updates!! Bob congrats on becoming a DVC member!!! More please!!

[angelalar]

UMMM I can't wait until the end....

[Jillybean]

More great updates! I have the feeling that something is about to happen!

Bob - - Congrats on becoming a DVC member!!! I remember that you were very interested! You won't regret it!!!

Jill

[MegglesMom]

Great reports you guys!! You have me on the edge of my seat waiting for more....

[karmic]

WOW! I absolutely this report! Sitting on the edge of my seat waitng for more!

[BritDisFan]

Aww you two, this is so great , please please hurry back with more.

Karen

[whoSEZ]

Monday, December 13, 2004

"Mom, their motives aren't pure."

I hate to admit it, but I woke up feeling more than a little crabby that morning. That was partly because I got less than five hours of sleep, but looking back on it, I think it was also partly because I was already missing Bob and didn't know if I'd ever see him again. Poor Lesley got the brunt of my mood -- which, sad to say, isn't the first time that's happened in our nearly 16 years of friendship. She knew I'd get over it, and I did.

That morning was the first time we'd seen feeding time at AKL. A truck drives through the savanna, filling the feeding stations, and the animals play "follow the truck." It's pretty cool to watch! The sunrise was coming up to our right, which made it a little difficult to get a really good photo, but I did my best. I have to admit, I went a little overboard on the AKL photos.

We took a bus to the Magic Kingdom and then walked to the Contemporary for our breakfast at Chef Mickey's with the GoofyFam. I went to sit in the little lounge area to the left of the Chef Mickey's check-in podium; Lesley went shopping. (I told you, champion shopper!! ) Donna and family arrived shortly, and we checked in, had our pictures taken, and then were taken to our table. Everyone but Dan was eating (he'd already had his fill of Polynesian concierge breafkast goodies), so he was the official photographer. The funniest picture was of Drew's breakfast: chocolate pudding, watermelon, and a plate full of bacon. Only a 16-year-old could eat like that!! We also got some great shots of all of us with the characters. Minnie heard Donna say it was Dan's birthday, so Minnie brought Dan a cupcake and had to kiss him several times before we got it on film!! There was another classic moment when Donna met Pluto. She said something like, "You're my favorite, Pluto!" Apparently, Pluto didn't believe it, because he'd seen her "GoofyMom" PassPorter badge; he made it clear that she should change her name to PlutoMom! At some point during the breakfast, the GoofyFam was talking about some money that Donna was holding for something. Dan and Drew both offered to "hold" the money (chivalry! ). Paige got the zinger of the morning when she deadpanned, "Mom, their motives aren't pure. Why don't you keep it with me?"

After breakfast, we hopped on the monorail and went to the MK, where we wandered down Main Street, stopping at the hub for a GoofyFam photo op. We all wanted to see PhilharMagic again (or at least see it without nodding off in the middle, eh Dan? ) so that was our next stop. Unfortunately, there weren't six seats together, so I sat with Dan, Drew, and Paige, while Lesley and Donna found seats closer to the front. Everyone stayed awake and enjoyed the show, then we did a little shopping and listened to the saxophone players who were outside the shop.

Lesley and I wanted to ride Thunder Mountain and Splash, so the GoofyFam and we said our goodbyes and talked about what time we were meeting that night for the IllumiNations cruise. After we parted company, Lesley and I talked about how much fun the evening was going to be with Donna's family -- we couldn't wait!

As Lesley and I had turned the corner -- pretty much right in front of the big drop on Splash -- I looked up and saw John, Doris, and Katie! Kate was looking the other way, so I got down to her level and said hello. She looked at me, smiled with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, and said, "What's your name?" Her memory is something else! We then saw Angela and the boys, too (Jack was sleeping, of course ), and talked for a bit about our plans for the rest of the day. Lesley and I had noticed the lines for Splash and Thunder Mountain were pretty long (again, it's all relative; we'd had walk-ons all week), so we decided to pass. I was also thinking that I might like to go back to the hotel for a nap, so Angela and John invited Lesley to hang out with them. They ended up seeing some characters, having lunch, and just wandering around. I have to say that meeting the Larson family was one of the highlights of the trip for Lesley and me.

Back at AKL, I realized I hadn't yet had my Mickey Bar (Hi, Forti! ), so I stopped at the Mara to get one. The rest of the afternoon, I napped and occasionally moped about Bob being gone. I was really surprised by how much I was missing him that day, and I decided to pick up the phone to wish him a safe flight home. He told me briefly about the backstage tour he'd done that morning -- that's definitely on my list of tours to take someday! We said our goodbyes, and I told him I'd e-mail him when I got home. Lesley came back to the room fairly early (a mid-day break is unusual for her!), so we had a nice relaxing afternoon at the hotel. Reading, napping, watching the animals, etc.

Pretty soon, it was time to leave for the IllumiNations cruise. We took a bus to Epcot, then wandered slowly through the park, just enjoying the lights and the people. We stopped for popcorn and drinks somewhere in the World Showcase (that was our dinner!) and then headed for the International Gateway. We arrived at the boathouse early, which was okay because I was acting as Host for Boat #3. The GoofyFam arrived shortly after, and we had fun talking about what we'd done since we parted that morning. (I believe they said something about going on the Haunted Mansion. ) Not long after that, a family from Oregon arrived, and we found out that their daughter, Celine, was in for a big surprise -- she didn't know why we were all there! Apparently, she doesn't like secrets, so we were all trying to assure her that she would LOVE this secret. I shook her hand and told her that I promised she would love it, and it was going to be something she'd never ever forget. We then met our last boatmate, a woman from Arkansas. Somehow, that led to a discussion of where we were all from and some of the funny sayings from Canadians and Minnesotans ... and pretty soon, we had dubbed our boat the "We're from Arkansas and Oregon, dontcha know, eh?", which covered everyone on board.

At some point, we all started talking about Deb Wills -- she was on another of the boats that evening, and she was bringing the tip money for our captain, which I needed to get from her to give our captain later. Lesley and I started telling the others about the conversation we'd had with Deb, Ann, and George at the Dessert Party on Friday night, laughing about Ann teasing Deb whenever she heard someone ask for Deb's autograph. We then decided the entire boat full of us should ask her for her autograph, which they did. Deb looked like she didn't know whether to laugh or crawl into a hole. She's great fun. We were all there, ready to go, when we heard someone asking who was on Boat 3. We made it clear that was us (we probably seemed a little obnoxious to the good folks on Boats 1, 2, and 4 ), which was when Captain Mike introduced himself. He was so much fun! We took off first and enjoyed a leisurely tour through the Boardwalk-MGM-Epcot waterways, and never in a straight line, which Mike said was boring. He pointed out landmarks, quizzed us on all things Disney, and kept us all laughing.

At one point, someone shouted "Dave!" and who do we see walking along next to the Boardwalk -- none other than Dave Marx! He waved, though I'm not sure he could really tell who was in the boat, and I took a picture, which sadly didn't turn out.

Though we were the first boat to leave the boathouse, we were the last to arrive at the bridge (I told you, a leisurely pace and no straight lines for Boat 3!), but Mike pulled us in perfectly between two other boats. Then he gathered us all together at the front of the boat and described in minute detail the whole story of IllumiNations, telling us things to watch for. I learned things I'd never known before -- about the colors, the pictures on the globe, the number of flames around the World Showcase Lagoon, why not all of the pavilions light up at the end, etc. I love IllumiNations anyway, but this time, it was simply spectacular -- the view, the narration, the people, and the weather were all just right. I don't know if you can request a particular captain for IllumiNations cruises, but I would highly suggest Mike from New Jersey!!

After we got back to the boathouse, we took some group photos, then I asked Celine if we were right about her enjoying the surprise. She answered me with a big smile and hug -- she definitely will not forget that night.

The GoofyFam and Lesley and I walked back toward where the GoofyFam had parked (they'd offered to give us a ride back to AKL). Lesley said she wanted to go back to Downtown Disney, and they said they'd drop her off there first, but right then, we noticed a Downtown Disney bus pull up at the Yacht Club, so she ran off to catch that, shouting her goodbyes to Donna's family. I shouted back, "I'll hug them all for you!" and we watched her get on the bus. The rest of us found the GoofyFam's car -- with hugs all around before we got in the car (so they wouldn't have to get out when they dropped me at AKL). I sincerely enjoyed spending time with them at WDW. They are such a great family; it always seemed to me like they were truly enjoying each other's company. If you ever get the chance to meet them, I highly recommend it!!

Back at the room, I ordered a very late room service dinner (big mistake, it was way too late to be eating, and I didn't sleep very well!), wrote some TR notes, chatted with Lesley when she got back, and went to bed.

Memories of Our Sixth Day

The weather today was: Warm and sunny.
The best thing today was: IllumiNations Cruise with some great people "from Arkansas and Oregon, dontcha know, eh?"
The worst thing today was: saying goodbye to GoofyMom and family!
The funniest thing today was: Katie saying "What's your name?" -- continuing the game we started two days ago. Also, all of Boat #3 asking Deb Wills for her autograph.
Today we tried: watching feeding time.
And the result was: animals, animals everywhere!
The most magical moment today was: IllumiNations, especially Captain Mike's narration and information.

Meals and Snacks

Breakfast: Chef Mickey's -- $22.00 each including tip
Lunch: Sandy -- The Mara, $6.37; Lesley -- Cosmic Ray's with the Larsons (their treat)
Dinner: Sandy -- room service, $21.73 including tip (yikes!); Lesley -- none
Snacks: drinks -- Sandy, $4.00; popcorn -- Lesley, $3.75

[GoofyMom]

Omg! Sandy, I'm over some of these memories! I had forgotten the "Mom their motives aren't pure" crack! My family truly loved meeting you and Lesley, and I truly hated saying goodbye to you after our cruise!

[boBºoº]

December 13th Yuletide tour and going home



I finish packing and take my luggage down to the holding room. I have to be at PCOT by 8:45 for the tour. I get there a bit early and check out the pin cart. Of course I buy some. Gees did you even have to ask. We are checked in and given nametags. We get on a bus to travel to the back of world showcase. We are divided into two groups. The tour guide for my group, James, is very funny. We start in Germany and talk about their holiday traditions. A lot of it was the same as the storytellers but James talked about his family's traditions too. We stop at each country from Germany to Morocco.



We get on the bus and got to MGM Studios. We Walk to New York Street and talk about the movie "A Miracle on 34th Street". James mentions that Maureen O'Sullivan Or is it O'Hare, who played the mother was pissed because she was called back for Ireland to do the film. So it was not all acting on her part. We also walked through where the Osborn lights are and talked about Mr. Osborn.



Back on the bus to Magic Kingdom. We talk about the trees in the parks and how they are put together. James also read the article about the newspaper that answered Virginia about Santa. We then go to the Grand Floridian and check out the lobby. It is just stunning; the ginger bread house is so cool. You can buy ginger beard shingles that they us on it there but I did not know this til later.



We then go to the decoration warehouse. Disney has only 25 full time workers that do that job. And in the holiday season they only add 27 more. So 52 people do all the decoration for all the parks, resorts and down town. They do not take the stuff off the trees they just clean them up and store them for next year.



They give us each an ornament and a pin at the end of the tour. The pin opens up like a Christmas card. We are dropped off back at EPCOT. It is about one o'clock and the tour took about fur hours. It was fun but you could learn most of the stuff in EPCOT by watching the storytellers.



I decide to go to Le Celliar's for lunch before going back to resort. I am seated in the Manitoba section of the dinning room and my waiter is named Frazier. I start off with the cheddar cheese soup. It is very good worthy of all the praise it gets. My entree is a New York strip steak that was cook perfectly. They pepper it before they bring it out. I loved every bite. The bread holder is neat. I thought it was a candle when I first sat down just not lite. I went "OH" when Frazier dropped the bread into it. All the breads they give you are good but my favorite was the pretzel bread. I had the Maple crème Brulee for dessert and it was very good.



I go back to Pop Century and take some picture of the resort. I walk out on the grass to get a picture of resort sign and the grass is like non I ever seen before, it is very course and crunchy like. I then get my luggage to wait for my ride. He pulls up as I ask for it. I felt a little rushed and forgot to tip the bellhop. My driver talks to me on the way to airport, which helps because I am always a little depress when leaving WDW. It helps a lot. I check in and go to the gates. I have a while to wait, so I fill out the memories of the trip pocket to fill the time. My phone rings and it is Sandy calling to wish me a safe flight home. I was pleasantly surprised. I had missed talking to her all day. It made my day.



The flight home was uneventful and I worked on my budget work sheet for the trip. I spent a bit less than I expected too. It was cold when we landed and my truck had not heated up by the time I got to the car park. We had to wit what felt like a very long time for the luggage to start coming out and my bags seemed to be the last off the carts. I get home just after ten and talk to my mom a little before bed.



Memories of My Ninth Day:



The weather was partly cloudy and warm.

The best thing today was the Yule Tide Tour.

The worst thing today was that it is my last day.

The funniest thing today was an old guy was complaining about his shoes and his wife if he wanted to try hers.

Today I tried Le Celliar's and the result was a great meal.

The most magical moment today was seeing the Grand Floridian's lobby.

I walked 5.9 miles today.

I spent $95.56 today.



My Magic Memories for My Trip:



My most memorable day was Sunday the 12th because I bought into the Disney Vacation Club. I also got to hang out with Sandy and Lesley at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.



My most memorable attraction was Who Wants to be a Millionaire because I got into the hot seat. I got the 32,000-point question wrong.



My most memorable meal was Prime Time Café because that is where I first met Sandy and Little Sister Amanda picked on us.



My most memorable activity was meeting fellow Pass porters because it is great putting a face to the friends I have on line.



My most memorable place was World Showcase Plaza because I watched Illuminations from there three times. I love this show.



My most memorable moment was the Candlelight Processional because it was great music with the true meaning of Christmas.



Some of the special memories of my vacation: Meeting SuzyQDisney and DH Glen, NCGAL (Kristie) and DH Chris, Sandy (WhoSez)& Lesley, Angie (Angelalar) and DH John with kids_ Luke, Katie & Jack, Ripkensnana (carol) and DH BOB, Steve Barret author of HM book, and of course Dave Marx.



When did you go? December 5th to 13th

Who did you go with and what are their ages? I went solo and I am about 40.

Was this your first trip? No. If not, now many trips have you made? Four

What attractions did you visit? All four major parks and Downtown Disney.

What special things did you do? Candlelight Processional, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney Vacation Club tour and Yuletide Fantasy tour.

What would you do again? Why? Candlelight Processional because it was so beautiful. MVMCP because it is fun but I would not go solo.

What would you never do again? Why? I would not do the Yuletide Fantasy Tour solo again because you need to talk with someone about it.

What tips do you have for your fellow vacationers? Set up meets with fellow Pass Porters. They are a blast.

[DrDolphin]

Great update Sandy!!!! Sounds like you had a fantastic day!