Joy to the World: an offsite Christmas extravaganza at Disney, Universal & SeaWorld – Dec. 2016 TR

Woo Hoo! We did the Christmas party 10 years ago and had a terrific time. Can't wait to read the rest!
 
Our bands could not open the door to our room, and it took 2 managers to get them to fix the door's mickey reader at 1 am. I was not a happy trooper. We checked out at 11am on the dot. He felt better in the morning. I think he was just exhausted, and his allergies were getting the better of him. Seems most live plants are not good for him. Every pollinating plant/tree/grass he's allergic to their pollen.

And yes, rats, we do miss each other in October. You'll have to plan the beginning of the month, rather than the middle or end. I try to go over Columbus Day, as that's a free work day for me.

And yes, the weather was awesome. I am crossing every finger and toe that we have such great weather this holiday. We're back for round 3. Crowds are us. Mouse and Potter this time though.

Hope your new job will go well, and you will enjoy it. Good luck training this Monday.

That's so frustrating about your magic bands. Technology always seems to let a person down at the absolute worst times.

We will definitely have to coordinate better for autumn 2018. We have tended to book around the Canadian Thanksgiving but I guess we don't need to work around that going foward.

Thank you for the good wishes on my training. I'm unbelievably nervous. It will be good to just get to it, rather than overthinking it like I currently am.

I'm glad Steve is a sport about your Dismeets. I don't know if I could talk my hubby into hanging out with folks he doesn't know. As goofy and outgoing as is with family and close friends, he is a pretty big introvert in general! I could never get him to willingly attend things like work Christmas parties, etc. So sorry that Steve didn't get another chance to hang out with his little buddy :(

Steve's a very good sport. The only time I think he was really weirded out was a few trips ago, when he was in the lobby of the Days Inn Buffalo Airport getting me extra shampoo from the front desk, and someone from the boards recognized him and said "Wait! You're Steve, aren't you?". He came back to the room a bit rattled :rotfl2:.

I would love to have another trip in the offering but not this year I'm afraid :sad1: for me the long travelling day and flight prices means we've have to come across for 2 or 3 weeks to make it worthwhile. Maybe next year we'll manage a trip.

Let me suggest October 2018 :flower3:. You could hopefully meet up with me, @Lynne G , and you never know who else!

Usually the teen boys wear those shoes with ankle socks but I still hate it. Apparently it's a style. Can anyone explain this to me? I don't get it. If your feet are cold then put on closed toe shoes. If they are hot then what do you need the socks for? And then there is the shower shoes with the white socks that are now brown from the dirt of walking around like that all day.
View attachment 246533

I could never figure out Jake's style as a teenager. Heck, it still baffles me now from time to time :lmao:.

I got so far behind!

We love Illuminations (to the extent that we had the music playing during the signing of the register at our wedding...) so I'm glad to hear you loved it too.

It's such a shame that David was poorly and plans had to be changed. I know it's well in the past but hopefully he recovered quickly. HDDR looked like great fun though and I'm glad your DisMeet went well.

Looking forward to reading about MVMCP!

Poor David took a good two weeks to get back to normal, unfortunately. He really caught a nasty bug. Christmas was a quiet one for Kerry and her family while everyone got back on their feet.

Look....more Dolphins.

I think Steve should try to get on America's Next Top Model.

Aw shucks, he'll be very flattered :blush:. Not too often does anyone suggest he's runway material :rotfl:.

So sorry that David and Robert got sick...that is just terrible. You know we visited Portofino and thought it looked great, then we stayed there. It was nice but we decided we liked Royal Pacific better. We did club level at both and just enjoyed our time at RPR more.

I would have liked to have seen what PB's pool looked like. I love the pool area at RPR.....so lush and green!

How cute is your Minnie Mouse fleece? Love it!

Sorry that your friends were sick, getting sick on vacation is the worst. Kerry must have been especially devastated after putting so much planning into the trip. :( At least you guys were able to spend a few days together before the sickness hit.

I saw that sweater on the Disney Store before our trip and I absolutely HAD to have it :earboy2:. I got Kerry a Pooh Bear one (she LOVES Pooh! pooh: ... you can kind of see it in our Illuminations Cruise group photo, she was wearing it that night I'm pretty sure) and we picked up David a Disney hoodie. I think they were some crazy price like $12 each....and they're super soft. Mine was a little big, I just wish I had purchased one size smaller. They are very generously sized.

I felt so bad for Kerry, but bless her heart, she took it all in stride. She's an amazing mom :goodvibes.
 


Okay I don't remember how far back it was but everybody was talking about wearing socks and sandals and yesterday while I was on the Toronto Transit System I saw this and thought of you all.
Enjoy this look. It is a little blurry because I was trying to be nonchalant.

Usually the teen boys wear those shoes with ankle socks but I still hate it. Apparently it's a style. Can anyone explain this to me? I don't get it. If your feet are cold then put on closed toe shoes. If they are hot then what do you need the socks for? And then there is the shower shoes with the white socks that are now brown from the dirt of walking around like that all day.
View attachment 246533

It's an athlete thing. I would see football and soccer players (boys and girls) in high school wearing those type of slide on sandals with socks. Most often Adidas. That also made it a thing. I got a pair in jr high I think and would wear them, that pair finally got replaced a couple of years ago when they finally split along the bottom but they lasted a good 30 years. I mostly wear them around the house now, with and without socks. I also use them after I run because my feet get cranky in shoes when I'm done. Which brings it back to the athletes and probably why they started wearing them.

Those type of sandals are ok with socks, it's the kind with straps that don't flop that aren't right. I don't like birkenstocks, but growing up in Seattle I can say those are ok with socks as well as long as there's no ankle strap. But teeva's with socks is the worst thing ever.

Loved the christmas party. We went to the first one in November. I'd love to do it again sometime.
 


You attempted the Kitchen Sink all by yourself? :eek: That's bravery right there ::yes::. I can't even imagine!!

We loved Hoop Dee Doo....it exceeded our expectations. I would totally go back again on a future trip. It's a pricey night, but super fun and the food was delish. What a perfect place for a birthday celebration!

I did! And I'm amazed I was able to walk afterwards (even with not finishing it)

HDDR is the best when celebrating a birthday! This will be my 3rd year there, and I know I'll be back again next year. I saw your Hoop pictures, and I know Six Bits and Dolly Drew very well! ;) I see them all the time
 
Years ago-first family trip in 2004-our first MK day we got there for rope drop (we stayed offsite). While walking up to the TTC we saw a huge line for monorail so we veered towards ferry. My oldest was right beside me and suddenly I see a large creature out of corner of my eye (she was 6 at the time)-it was Max! He held her hand and escorted her onto the ferry (think Pluto and maybe Minnie there too? have to go back and look at pics now, but I remember Max!). the characters had a great time on the ferry ride with the few of us who were on the ferry! Back when the characters were able to freely roam vs the rigid schedule/lines there are now! DH then proceeded to waste the first 2 hours of "rope drop" time because he wanted a haircut in the Barber shop (something he has always wanted to do), those guys are NOT quick as they sing, tell jokes etc but they are fun. Meanwhile I think the girls and I met and got autographs for every single character around the flagpole area that morning. Apparently most people were rushing to rides so we didn't wait for any of them. I think we have only taken the ferry a total of 3 or 4 times.

Cant wait to see more pics of Christmas Party!
 
It just occurred to me that I should take suggestions for my new 'name'.

Let's hear em...........
Carey On...

BTW - almost caught up. Had a conference in the Centre of the Universe (Carey lives very close to the edge of that black hole) starting mid-week last week, and then this week has been catching up on all the work I missed for 2.5 days last week. Finally a quite period this afternoon to catch up on some reading. Don't worry, I'm due the time. I think I skipped lunch at least 3 times this week. I'll probably fall behind again though. Heading off camping this weekend.
 
I think he's more editorial than runway

Well, rats :headache:. But, you're probably right.

It's an athlete thing. I would see football and soccer players (boys and girls) in high school wearing those type of slide on sandals with socks. Most often Adidas. That also made it a thing. I got a pair in jr high I think and would wear them, that pair finally got replaced a couple of years ago when they finally split along the bottom but they lasted a good 30 years. I mostly wear them around the house now, with and without socks. I also use them after I run because my feet get cranky in shoes when I'm done. Which brings it back to the athletes and probably why they started wearing them.

Those type of sandals are ok with socks, it's the kind with straps that don't flop that aren't right. I don't like birkenstocks, but growing up in Seattle I can say those are ok with socks as well as long as there's no ankle strap. But teeva's with socks is the worst thing ever.

Loved the christmas party. We went to the first one in November. I'd love to do it again sometime.

One of these years, I want to do an end of October/first of November vacation which would span both "seasons" at Disney. That way we could do the Halloween party in the early part of the trip and the Christmas party at the end. Maybe 2018? :scratchin

I can totally see Steve rocking the runway. Very hip - very now - very happening!View attachment 246590

:rotfl: Love it! :thumbsup2

He's definitely got the height for a model. Everything else, well......that's up for debate ;).

Loved the updates especially the Mk at Christmas. I am so ready for my trip.

I did! And I'm amazed I was able to walk afterwards (even with not finishing it)

HDDR is the best when celebrating a birthday! This will be my 3rd year there, and I know I'll be back again next year. I saw your Hoop pictures, and I know Six Bits and Dolly Drew very well! ;) I see them all the time

How fun!! :teeth: First you know Santa personally, now the Hoop Dee Doo cast!

Years ago-first family trip in 2004-our first MK day we got there for rope drop (we stayed offsite). While walking up to the TTC we saw a huge line for monorail so we veered towards ferry. My oldest was right beside me and suddenly I see a large creature out of corner of my eye (she was 6 at the time)-it was Max! He held her hand and escorted her onto the ferry (think Pluto and maybe Minnie there too? have to go back and look at pics now, but I remember Max!). the characters had a great time on the ferry ride with the few of us who were on the ferry! Back when the characters were able to freely roam vs the rigid schedule/lines there are now! DH then proceeded to waste the first 2 hours of "rope drop" time because he wanted a haircut in the Barber shop (something he has always wanted to do), those guys are NOT quick as they sing, tell jokes etc but they are fun. Meanwhile I think the girls and I met and got autographs for every single character around the flagpole area that morning. Apparently most people were rushing to rides so we didn't wait for any of them. I think we have only taken the ferry a total of 3 or 4 times.

Cant wait to see more pics of Christmas Party!

To have had characters on the ferry would have been AMAZING. What a cool memory for you guys to have!! Now that's Disney magic at its best ::yes::.

I am hoping to get an entry up later tomorrow evening, if my timing goes as planned. We are off to the zoo tomorrow but I hope to have some time when we get back to make a tiny bit more progress.

Carey On...

BTW - almost caught up. Had a conference in the Centre of the Universe (Carey lives very close to the edge of that black hole) starting mid-week last week, and then this week has been catching up on all the work I missed for 2.5 days last week. Finally a quite period this afternoon to catch up on some reading. Don't worry, I'm due the time. I think I skipped lunch at least 3 times this week. I'll probably fall behind again though. Heading off camping this weekend.

I hope you are enjoying a warm, sunny, pleasant weekend in the woods. Here's to no rain and no bugs! Oh yeah....and no bears .
 
So I didn't get an entry done as I'd hoped......we spent more time out having fun today than I anticipated, which meant less time on the computer. I will do my best to work on something over the course of the next few evenings so you all don't completely lose interest. The rest of the party updates might come in short drips and drabs, but I assure you.....they WILL come ::yes::.

I start my new job tomorrow, so full time hours for the next 2 or 3 weeks while I train. After that, I'll be Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursdays only......so I will be able to wrap up this report sometime thereafter, with a little luck.

In the meantime, Steve and I splurged today and we bought tickets to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party for our October trip! :banana: With the expense of Halloween Horror Nights, we said we'd take a pass on MNSSHP this year.....but honestly, we knew we'd both miss it. I even found new costumes for us that (a) Steve actually liked and (b) I think will fit my big fella, so I ordered those as well. After two years and 4 parties, it was time to retire the pirates and do something new. If all goes as planned, we'll be gracing the party on October 15th as a Pharoah and Cleopatra:

95001-Plus-Size-Pharaoh-Costume-2main.jpg


48511-Womens-Cleopatra-Costume-2main.jpg


I am sure I'll need my costume shortened (full length costumes are prohibited by Disney, plus I'm a short girl anyway :rolleyes2 ) but otherwise, I hope that's all the modifications that are needed.

My next task is to find a Memory Maker share to take part in, so we can get all of our party pics at a reasonable cost. I'm sure that will be a bit of a challenge.....there's some interest on the easy wdw forums but no one ever wants the task of leading the share (and with the chaos of my life lately, I don't want to take on that responsibility either).

I am more than a little excited :hyper:.
 
Love the costume idea! I was Cleopatra once a couple years ago, but it was more of the Elizabeth Taylor Cleopatra from the movie.

We also toyed with the idea of not doing MNSSHP because we're doing 2 nights at HHN, but I felt like we had to. :rotfl: I just love everything Halloween so much.
 
Carey On...

BTW - almost caught up. Had a conference in the Centre of the Universe (Carey lives very close to the edge of that black hole) starting mid-week last week, and then this week has been catching up on all the work I missed for 2.5 days last week. Finally a quite period this afternoon to catch up on some reading. Don't worry, I'm due the time. I think I skipped lunch at least 3 times this week. I'll probably fall behind again though. Heading off camping this weekend.
I actually really love that black hole. Spent my teen years running amuck on those streets. I've also enjoyed my visits to your hood as well. Bit of a small town vibe in a city.
I will be :drive: through your fair city on Friday on my way to Mt Tremblant. I'll be sure to :wave2:
 
Love your costumes!! Yours will look lovely with your dark hair :).
I am more than a little jealous of your Fall trip. Autumn is so fun in Orlando. My heart is with the Christmas season though and I am bound and determined to do a big trip in December 2018. We are planning an epic cross Canada adventure next summer with ds before he starts high school (dd20 will have to work though). So December 2018 will be the next trip to Disney. I doubt we will do Universal in 2018. We've been passholders for the last year and we've done two week long onsite Universal vacations. We are going to cap off the awesome year with three days at Universal over Labour Day weekend. So Disney will be next!

Best of luck at work today! I'm looking forward to hearing how it went. :)
 

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