It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – an offsite, non-Disney, Christmas TR

[dancin Disney style]

That someone was me!

This was first planned as a mom/daughter trip but then I got to feeling guilty about my DH who is not coming along on two other trips I have planned to FL next week and in May, so he's going to join us for a couple of days and it will be the perfect mix of mom/daughter time and mom/dad/daughter time. I am so excited! We were going to bring a friend but since it's a surprise for my DD, deciding which friend was hard and ultimately I decided to not go that route. I'm looking into booking a scavenger hunt for her through Gifts of a Lifetime. I think she would love that. Any suggestions on things to do for Sweet 16 birthday at Disney? I might get her a birthday skin for her Magic Band, and am considering pick-a-pearl -- we've never done that. I also have 2 of her favorite Disney meals booked. Anyway, not to hijack the thread, but I would love any suggestions...! Another poster mentioned about setting precedents with this trip. Yes, I am quite certain they will now expect similar. Maybe my subconscious is sneakily planning this on my behalf (oh wait, it's their birthdays....).

Boooo that the Bo-Bina family's Christmas trip is over! But yes, now you can look toward April and all the fun that will be had on that adventure. Bringing Jake's sunshine will be extra-special and it's great to see your favorite places all new again through the eyes of a first-timer. I'll be watching for your PRT!

We really didn't do anything special. My DD only wanted to spend her actual birthday in MK and have a nice dinner. She gave me no input for dinner other than some place we had never been before. Dinner ended up being at the GF Café and only because I thought that menu would be to her taste and also so that we could easily get back to MK for the parade and Wishes. The only thing I did that was special-ish was I ordered a custom cake for her. It was super cute and crazy expensive. I ordered a mini cake that is literally the size of a large cupcake and it was $35. Kind of amusing...DD thought it was given to her by the restaurant. I had to tell that no I ordered it for her.

My DD loves pearls so I did think about doing the pick a pearl this year as a little treat. She hasn't asked for anything this year other than to spend her birthday at the pool.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I am guessing he finds it oddly quiet when you're away .

Don't you mean peaceful? I'm pretty sure he thinks he's died and gone to heaven. He can eat what he wants, do what he wants and snore his face off every night.

 

[Ritchielace]

Another great trip report. You always show the best deals outside of the parks for that last day. Can't wait for you to get started on the next one!

 

[jump00]

Gina's trip reports are fantastic!!!! Such a great read- like a mini novel. With my concussion I could only read for a few minutes at a time but I managed to read her trip reports these past few weeks. Wooo hoo!!!! I wish I had Gina's "ability" to find such great deals. I'm so envious. Sorry about your db loss. They need to make sure passengers personal property is protected when going through security. If it isn't - that's unacceptable. Poor customer service.

I'm looking forward to your next trip report.

Cheers

Jump00

 

[Vestmama4]

We got more snow here at home so I've been busy with the kiddos and I got behind on the trip report. I just got caught up and I'm so sad it's all over. It's been so nice reading and reliving what I was doing in Orlando on whatever day you were reporting about. Such a wonderful week with some fabulous weather (that I'm so missing right now.) I'm excited to read your upcoming trip report in the spring. I think I read that you all will be spending a lot of time in Universal Orlando and since those parks totally won me over in the small time I was there this past December I will be looking forward to learning more about them. And that line in the airport makes my 14 hour road trip a little less painful lol.

 

[dsmom]

So far I haven't found too much on Groupon or Livingsocial for April/May, but our itinerary is pretty full with the major parks so perhaps that's why not much is appealing. I sure would like a mini golf deal or two to pop up there!! Now THAT I would be all over.


Have you done the mini golf at Citywalk yet? We have yet to try it but it looks fun!

 

[mmdis]

I'm so sad your report is over. I look so forward to your updates each night. SeAworld at Christmas is definetly on the must do list.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write your reports!!!

I'm sad for your brother I really do think he should of filed a report with the Tampa tsa. They may at least investigate if there are other reports of theft when certain employees are working.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Yes, but did you add the cost of the drug induced munchies from the Buffalo p&f debacle?

Sounds kind of reasonable in US$, but that is darn near C$7k

The Gods really aren't smiling on our adventure. I have had a funny noise from the front end of the Traverse for a few weeks, started out low, then it started to grow...

Took it in this morning to have it taken care of before our trip, and am facing a $2000.00 repair bill when I pick it up tonight. I sure hope that Kraft Dinner is cheaper in Orlando than in Canada...

Or maybe we can just walk to Orlando...

Oh Munro, I am so sorry to hear about your vehicle issues!!! Doesn't it always seem like an especially nasty kind of Murphy's Law that there's always some sort of big unexpected expense for a trip?? It seems to happen all the time to us, too.

$2000 is a tough one to swallow. What on earth was wrong with the darn thing to cost that much? Gotta be safe, though. And I guess, looking on the bright side, at least it happened NOW and not half way to Florida, where you'd be paying for that $2000 repair plus 40% exchange.

And gee, thanks for calculating out the total price of our trip in Canadian dollars.....you're a real pal . I don't feel indulgent or excessive or financially irresponsible at all now .

I look forward to your PTR and thank you for being such a warm and welcoming person when sharing your trip reports with your fellow Disers

Aw, thank you for such kind words . I am having a bit of stinky week these last few days (winter blues? I dunno ) and those kind of posts just make my heart smile . You guys really are the best!

We really didn't do anything special. My DD only wanted to spend her actual birthday in MK and have a nice dinner. She gave me no input for dinner other than some place we had never been before. Dinner ended up being at the GF Café and only because I thought that menu would be to her taste and also so that we could easily get back to MK for the parade and Wishes. The only thing I did that was special-ish was I ordered a custom cake for her. It was super cute and crazy expensive. I ordered a mini cake that is literally the size of a large cupcake and it was $35. Kind of amusing...DD thought it was given to her by the restaurant. I had to tell that no I ordered it for her.

My DD loves pearls so I did think about doing the pick a pearl this year as a little treat. She hasn't asked for anything this year other than to spend her birthday at the pool.

Pick a pearl has always been on my wish list, but I've never been able to convince myself to splurge. Some day . C'mon Lotto 649!

Don't you mean peaceful? I'm pretty sure he thinks he's died and gone to heaven. He can eat what he wants, do what he wants and snore his face off every night.

I'm betting he misses you terribly.....by day 6, at least .

Another great trip report. You always show the best deals outside of the parks for that last day. Can't wait for you to get started on the next one!

Thank you, Ritchielace! I hope to have the PTR up soon (maybe even by tomorrow!). Its forecasted to be a frosty weekend here our little corner of Canada (a high on Saturday of -21!! ) so I'm thinking it will be a good weekend to curl up with the laptop!!

Gina's trip reports are fantastic!!!! Such a great read- like a mini novel. With my concussion I could only read for a few minutes at a time but I managed to read her trip reports these past few weeks. Wooo hoo!!!! I wish I had Gina's "ability" to find such great deals. I'm so envious. Sorry about your db loss. They need to make sure passengers personal property is protected when going through security. If it isn't - that's unacceptable. Poor customer service.

I'm looking forward to your next trip report.

Cheers

Jump00

Sending you good healing vibes, my friend . I am so flattered that you used your reading time to keep up with my report here on the Dis! Thankfully, I've never had a concussion, but I have had a brain tumor....so I know that any type of healing where the head is concerned is tough stuff.

We got more snow here at home so I've been busy with the kiddos and I got behind on the trip report. I just got caught up and I'm so sad it's all over. It's been so nice reading and reliving what I was doing in Orlando on whatever day you were reporting about. Such a wonderful week with some fabulous weather (that I'm so missing right now.) I'm excited to read your upcoming trip report in the spring. I think I read that you all will be spending a lot of time in Universal Orlando and since those parks totally won me over in the small time I was there this past December I will be looking forward to learning more about them. And that line in the airport makes my 14 hour road trip a little less painful lol.

Current plans are to spend three full days at Universal in April.....Steve and I still have AP's, but we only bought the kids 3-day tickets for this trip (though if they love it, we could upgrade them to Power Passes for a very small fee, so you never know!). Once we add in a couple of days at Seaworld, a day at Aquatica, a day in St. Petersburg (more info on that later.....we have a very cool and much anticipated event on the itinerary!!) and a resort day or two, 3 days at Uni are probably all we can fit in anyway. Trips are never, ever long enough for my liking!

If you check out my May and October trip reports (see the links in my signature), there's lots of the Universal parks in both . I know I'm in the minority, but I'd take a day at Universal over a day at Disney anytime.

Our weather is horrible here, too. What I wouldn't give for a little Florida sunshine right now! Here's to warmer days ahead for all of us!

Have you done the mini golf at Citywalk yet? We have yet to try it but it looks fun!

We golfed one of the courses (the Haunted side) in August 2014 and loved it.....the courses were super fun and so well themed! I have actually been toying with purchasing the meal and mini golf vouchers for April, though our two favourite spots (NBA City and Nascar) are no longer dining options. If the kids like the look of Margaritaville, we might add that to one of the days we have planned for the Universal parks.

I'm so sad your report is over. I look so forward to your updates each night. SeAworld at Christmas is definetly on the must do list.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write your reports!!!

I'm sad for your brother I really do think he should of filed a report with the Tampa tsa. They may at least investigate if there are other reports of theft when certain employees are working.

In hindsight, you're right....I should have encouraged him to file a police report. Lesson learned for both of us, I guess.

Thanks for following along with us on this report, and I hope you'll join us on my April PTR once its kicked off! I'm trying to come up with an idea for the title....suggestions are welcome, I am not feeling very creative today!!

 

[Lynne G]

Join the Sunshine in April with us.

Ahh, I feel ya with the cold. We're getting negative number wind chills. And not getting relief until after Monday. I am so ready for a warm vacation now!

Can't believe you'll be in Orlando again soon. I've booked my hotels for October and Christmas. I asked the kids thoughts on where to stay for Christmas this year, and I got shoulder shrugs. Okay then, my executive decision. Booked the Hampton, then changed for a lower priced Springhill Suites. Have not been to either, but both are so close to SW/Aquadicia/DC, and have a fold out sofa and free hot breakfasts, and free parking. While the pool at the Residence Inn was nice, we thought we should try another hotel this year. As much as I'd like a spring trip, it's not in the cards.

And thoughts for Niagara Falls, is the third week/week-end of June may be best for us. Still trying to see when school ends and work starts for the kids. Graduation from High School for the older one in June.

Here's to a warm hug for ya.

 

[jho1]

Coming out of lurkdom to thank you Gina for another great trip report. Thanks to you our family now has an annual pass to Sea World. Some one asked if the BOGO promotion was only for Americans and Canadians, and when I got it last february (the BOGO promotion had been extended), it was. I remember because we're a family of 5, but we were going with extended family who live in different countries and I couldn't get the annual pass for one of my daughters. They never checked anything at the park, I guess they determine that by the address in the credit card.

We have a trip planned for our "spring break" in two weeks. The forecast here in Montreal is for -20C this weekend, I can't wait to get out of the cold. We've been a hardcore Disney family for a while, we're DVC members. Last year we ventured into Sea World and this year we're adding Universal. Usually I like to take things easy with 3 kids, but this year our trip will be jam packed. We're planning 1.5 days at Sea World, 2 at Disney and 3 at Universal.

 

[Tricia's mom]

Not sure what section we will be in. I don't really care... We usually spend very little time in our room. I am just glad to have a washer/dryer !! We have 5 day Disney passes - thats where we will be spending most of our time.
I have not stayed off property in YEARS ! I am sure our paths will cross , lol. I am sure there will not be many Moms with an 8 year old named Tricia !!!

I do have a list of guilty pleasures to eat at while in Orlando.
Sweet tomatoes
Golden Corral
Waffle House
maybe Cici's
all piggy places But we dont have those local to us- and its VACATION !!

 

[Tricia's mom]

Oh, Any plans for a PTR for April ????

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Join the Sunshine in April with us.

Ahh, I feel ya with the cold. We're getting negative number wind chills. And not getting relief until after Monday. I am so ready for a warm vacation now!

Can't believe you'll be in Orlando again soon. I've booked my hotels for October and Christmas. I asked the kids thoughts on where to stay for Christmas this year, and I got shoulder shrugs. Okay then, my executive decision. Booked the Hampton, then changed for a lower priced Springhill Suites. Have not been to either, but both are so close to SW/Aquadicia/DC, and have a fold out sofa and free hot breakfasts, and free parking. While the pool at the Residence Inn was nice, we thought we should try another hotel this year. As much as I'd like a spring trip, it's not in the cards.

And thoughts for Niagara Falls, is the third week/week-end of June may be best for us. Still trying to see when school ends and work starts for the kids. Graduation from High School for the older one in June.

Here's to a warm hug for ya.

What are you October dates, Lynne? I just booked ours this morning....we've got two full weeks at our disposal this time, October 14th to 28th. Going to have lots of downtime to relax and enjoy some Dismeets if at all possible! We'll do Seaworld and Aquatica for sure, hopefully a day at DC and an MNSSHP (no HHN, unfortunately....not in the budget, especially with a longer trip and needing a second week "somewhere"). Should be just Steve and I that trip, and ya know....I am very much looking forward to some couples time.

Coming out of lurkdom to thank you Gina for another great trip report. Thanks to you our family now has an annual pass to Sea World. Some one asked if the BOGO promotion was only for Americans and Canadians, and when I got it last february (the BOGO promotion had been extended), it was. I remember because we're a family of 5, but we were going with extended family who live in different countries and I couldn't get the annual pass for one of my daughters. They never checked anything at the park, I guess they determine that by the address in the credit card.

We have a trip planned for our "spring break" in two weeks. The forecast here in Montreal is for -20C this weekend, I can't wait to get out of the cold. We've been a hardcore Disney family for a while, we're DVC members. Last year we ventured into Sea World and this year we're adding Universal. Usually I like to take things easy with 3 kids, but this year our trip will be jam packed. We're planning 1.5 days at Sea World, 2 at Disney and 3 at Universal.

jho1! Glad to have you come out of the shadows and join in the chat .

Its hard to keep trips from becoming jam packed with activities....there's so much to do, and you just want to make the most out of every moment! Even for April, I am starting to thing....wow, we don't have much down time in there. Our spring vacation will be really busy, but October should be a little more relaxing. Lots of days relaxing by the pool, I hope!

Isn't our weather completely ridiculous this week? We are supposed to get highs .... and yes, I said HIGHS .... of -21 this weekend . Time to hibernate .

Not sure what section we will be in. I don't really care... We usually spend very little time in our room. I am just glad to have a washer/dryer !! We have 5 day Disney passes - thats where we will be spending most of our time.
I have not stayed off property in YEARS ! I am sure our paths will cross , lol. I am sure there will not be many Moms with an 8 year old named Tricia !!!

I do have a list of guilty pleasures to eat at while in Orlando.
Sweet tomatoes
Golden Corral
Waffle House
maybe Cici's
all piggy places But we dont have those local to us- and its VACATION !!

Well, if you end up in the Fountains (our favourite section ) we might just be neighbours!

I like your list of restaurants......and go ahead, indulge without guilt. Calories don't count on vacation . And heck, you'll walk and swim them all off, anyway.

Oh, Any plans for a PTR for April ????

Yes ma'am . I hope to kick something off either tomorrow or this weekend. I will post the link here once its underway!

 

[bankr63]

Oh Munro, I am so sorry to hear about your vehicle issues!!! Doesn't it always seem like an especially nasty kind of Murphy's Law that there's always some sort of big unexpected expense for a trip?? It seems to happen all the time to us, too.

$2000 is a tough one to swallow. What on earth was wrong with the darn thing to cost that much? Gotta be safe, though. And I guess, looking on the bright side, at least it happened NOW and not half way to Florida, where you'd be paying for that $2000 repair plus 40% exchange.

And gee, thanks for calculating out the total price of our trip in Canadian dollars.....you're a real pal . I don't feel indulgent or excessive or financially irresponsible at all now .

I thought you would appreciate that.
Actually, it was as much to scare me as you. It will be really interesting to see how budget our upcoming budget trip can actually be. Looking at a couple of lodging options for the drive, and the hotel prices for those cheap $100 hotels look way too steep when converted to C$!

The Traverse issue was a slow leak in the power steering rack. As the power steering fluid leaked slowly away, the noise became more frequent and insistent. They had to replace the entire rack, realign the wheels, and there was a broken suspension link too.

And yes, I think that Sully (that's my big blue Monster SUV) knows the timing of these things. Last year the heat stuck full on for the passenger side about 2 days before we left. Spent the whole 12 days in Florida (was HOT last March too!) with my air conditioning fighting against the heating system in the car (three zone climate control). I also had a funny tire noise that got louder as the trip progressed. Turns out I had a bad wheel bearing too. Maybe Sully is trying to tell me that we should fly?

 

[ArwenMarie]

Thanks again for a great trip report. I seriously want to plan a Christmas 2016 vacation this year and I know I will be coming back to this report! I absolutely loved your Christmas at SeaWorld day in particular

Looking forward to your next PTR!

 

[pigletto]

LOL when I saw your trip total was given in USD but not converted to CDN I thought "Smart Girl, I see what you did there". It's just more comforting to see the total that way these days isn't it?
I keep patting myself on the back for being under $5000 Canadian for our upcoming trip. What I conveniently leave off the budget sheet is that one half of our flights were a Christmas gift from my parents, and that my inlaws have generously offered to cover lodging on the trip for us and Dh's sister's family. That budget wouldn't be so cute with those things added back in.

 

[DnA2010]

At work, so can't get into too much detail due to time constraints, but this TR has really inspired me towards seriously considering an "Orlando" vacation as oppose to WDW- now the next time we get to Florida, there will def still be a WDW component as DD11 hasn't been other than 1 day at MK, but there are now lots of other things I want to do- I think it will be a long trip!

 

[JaxDad]

Thanks for following along with us on this report, and I hope you'll join us on my April PTR once its kicked off!

Thank you Gina!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I thought you would appreciate that.
Actually, it was as much to scare me as you. It will be really interesting to see how budget our upcoming budget trip can actually be. Looking at a couple of lodging options for the drive, and the hotel prices for those cheap $100 hotels look way too steep when converted to C$!

The Traverse issue was a slow leak in the power steering rack. As the power steering fluid leaked slowly away, the noise became more frequent and insistent. They had to replace the entire rack, realign the wheels, and there was a broken suspension link too.

And yes, I think that Sully (that's my big blue Monster SUV) knows the timing of these things. Last year the heat stuck full on for the passenger side about 2 days before we left. Spent the whole 12 days in Florida (was HOT last March too!) with my air conditioning fighting against the heating system in the car (three zone climate control). I also had a funny tire noise that got louder as the trip progressed. Turns out I had a bad wheel bearing too. Maybe Sully is trying to tell me that we should fly?

Or, maybe Sully is trying to tell you its time for a new love? Something red and and has a top that rolls down?

Thanks again for a great trip report. I seriously want to plan a Christmas 2016 vacation this year and I know I will be coming back to this report! I absolutely loved your Christmas at SeaWorld day in particular

Looking forward to your next PTR!

Always so happy to have you reading and posting along with me .

Sending you a little trip planning pixie dust in the hopes that you get to spend Christmas in Orlando. It won't happen for me this year, so I will be living vicariously through you guys instead!

LOL when I saw your trip total was given in USD but not converted to CDN I thought "Smart Girl, I see what you did there". It's just more comforting to see the total that way these days isn't it?
I keep patting myself on the back for being under $5000 Canadian for our upcoming trip. What I conveniently leave off the budget sheet is that one half of our flights were a Christmas gift from my parents, and that my inlaws have generously offered to cover lodging on the trip for us and Dh's sister's family. That budget wouldn't be so cute with those things added back in.

Man, why don't I have any relatives like that? How super generous of them, though....and how awesome for you to be the recipient of such kindness!

I am trying not to fret too much about the exchange. Looking back on the photos (now bound in a hardcover book.....a beautiful collection of our wonderful memories) it was worth every penny. I hate to sound like a cheesy Mastercard commercial, but those family fun times were priceless.

At work, so can't get into too much detail due to time constraints, but this TR has really inspired me towards seriously considering an "Orlando" vacation as oppose to WDW- now the next time we get to Florida, there will def still be a WDW component as DD11 hasn't been other than 1 day at MK, but there are now lots of other things I want to do- I think it will be a long trip!

That is so awesome! Seriously, there is sooooo much awesome stuff outside of the Disney parks, I encourage everyone to step out of the box and try it (even just once). You might be surprised at how much you enjoy "Orlando" along with your Disney. At the very least, switching things up every now and again keeps things fresh and interesting .

I am also glad to hear I'm not the only one on the Dis at work . Don't tell the bosses .... .

Thank you Gina!

Good news! October is booked and we have a full two weeks in Florida .

Not sure if our second week will see us in St. Augustine or not (its still in the discussion phase.....our flights home were just secured this morning) but its still in the running. Stay tuned, I am sure there will be some October chatter in and among the April planning once that PTR is underway .

 

[Lynne G]

We might say hello in the airport. Leaving the day you arrive in October. Oh well. So ready to book flights for October and December. Always happy when I get that part finished. So far, got my rental car down for the December time, but still not for October. I keep trying though, as I always like having a car.

Ready to hear about your April itinerary. Will be on the look out for it. And it's so fun to hear Sunshine is excited to travel along. Bet you'll get some couples time when the young ones are out on their own.