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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: LIVING IN DISNEY WORLD FOR MY DCP!
Posts: 2,701
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Ahh The Christmas Season. Just picture it now... ![]() Everyone is hectic, they're running from here to there, buying presents, going to Christmas parties, and making sure they get enough family togetherness time. Then there are some who like to pick up and leave in the middle of this fiasco. And they like to take a little trip down to Walt Disney World. I am one of those people. Maybe you are planning to be too if you are reading this trip report. Either that or you’re just following along from my past reports. Or you want to see how Disney truly is during the holidays because you're curious. No matter what the case, I would like to take it upon myself to WELCOME YOU to my 5th trip report EVER! ![]() My name is Jess And I am going to be your storyteller today. ![]() Let’s do a fun little introduction. I am going to tell you ten facts about myself that will further your understanding of me and my upcoming adventures. 1) I am a Walt Disney World regular and have been there around 20-25 times. I like to consider myself a professional.And that's pretty much all I have to say about that! That should sum up a lot of what you need to know about me! ![]() So, in my last trip report I told you all I had a surprise for you. Well. Here it is. **Drumroll Please** We all know that I went to Disney on December 21st, 2011- January 2nd, 2012, correct? But, what we may not know is that I ALSO went down to Disney on December 6th-December 9th, 2011. ……… SURPRISE!!!!! Don’t worry, it wasn’t completely an out of the blue “hey let’s go vacation” thing. We had reasons. It was my Mom’s 50th Birthday on December 7th. I wanted to go to a Character Look Alike Audition. (I didn’t get the job, but I just wanted to give it a shot. I’ll explain more on that later.) And I was out of school for a little while so the timing worked. It was a spontaneous thing. You'll learn all about it all soon - don't worry! AHH so basically… You all are reading TWO TRIP REPORTS IN ONE. Are you ready for this? I don’t know if I am. But here we go anyways! We have a RIDICULOUS amount of information coming your way. I think I spent more than half of the month of December in Disney, and I can't tell you how much I have learned. My Disney obsession is THROUGH THE ROOF. And I hope I can share my knowledge with you all! On these trips, I learned lots of behind the scenes fun facts and details about the Walt Disney World Resort. We did a lot of "different" things besides just riding the rides. We ate a ridiculous amount of food. I took tons of pictures of Christmas Decorations and shows. We visited a good majority of Disney Resorts - and I stayed at three different Disney resorts over the course of these trips. We were there during two differently EXTREME crowd levels. And we had a couple Dis-Meets in the midst of all this, too! These reasons, as well as many others, are why I'm calling this your "ultimate" guide. Because basically, you're going to find pretty much anything related to Disney and Christmas in here. (Besides like... water parks, Downtown Disney West Side, Sea World, Universal, etc. There's always exceptions, I know.) So hopefully you'll all be along for the ride! This Trip Report is going to take me a lot longer than my others... but DANG I am excited to write it! THERE'S BIG DOIN'S GOING ON, SO LET'S GET STARTED! And if I'm not mistaking.... It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas right about now! ![]() POR FAVOR MANTENGASE ALEJADO DE LAST PUERTAS. ![]() IT'S ALL WHAM. Continued in Next Post
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IN PROGRESS: DISNEY COLLEGE PROGRAM - FRUMP STYLE! A Spring 2013 Adventure! COMPLETE: The Port Report: Frumpin Around the World with the Bathrobe Princesses (: "She's Looking at Food Pictures Again!" ★ A February Family Vacation! “IT’S OUR MOTHER DAUGHTER TRIP!” Our Spontaneous Getaway - April 2011 "There’s NO Sleeping in Disney!” SURPRISE - The Frumps Are Back Again! Your ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE to Disney World at Christmas Time! The Most MAGICAL Trip Of Them All! "EVERYTHING'S PERFECT!" The Frumps Have Hit the Wall... And No One's Mad. "FART SHOES." If the Yacht Club was a Person, I Would Marry It. ♥ NYE TRIP 2012-2013! Last edited by Disneyfreak508; 10-21-2012 at 01:42 AM. |
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#3 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: LIVING IN DISNEY WORLD FOR MY DCP!
Posts: 2,701
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Christmas Tips!
January 12th, 2012 Since this is your ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE, I thought I could point out some very helpful tips that I learned from my experiences. This could be very useful for planning purposes. Anytime you see a new tip, it will be in this green font. And I will add them to this post so you can find the tips all in one place! This can serve as your Christmas Tips Key! I hope this will be helpful! Enjoy! YOUR COMPLETE LIST OF CHRISTMAS TIPS: (As of each most recent update) Christmas Tip #1: If you're renting a car, think about joining National's Emerald Club. This is the EASIEST way to rent a car. By joining, you don’t have to wait in line at the rental car check-in desk. You go to the garage, pick your car, go through the little gate, and leave! Very convenient if the airport is crowded with fellow Christmastime travelers! Christmas Tip #2: If you are like me and usually avoid taking pictures with certain statues because the areas are too congested, the early December crowds are light enough where statues/major Disney icons/photo ops won't be surrounded by swarms of people! Christmas Tip #3: Pay attention to the decorations in the stores in Downtown Disney. Oftentimes they are overlooked because everyone is distracted by the merchandise. But they really are beautiful! Christmas Tip #4: For Annual Passholders and Florida Residents, Tables in Wonderland is a great way to save money on Disney Dining. What the card does is that it takes off 20% of your bill, and then adds back on 18% gratuity. So basically, you're saving the tip. It really adds up and my parents are VERY happy we got it - they like this even better than the dining plan! Christmas Tip #5: Make sure you use the exfoliators at the hand scrub tables at Basin! They work so well and they smell fantastic! Plus, it's a free trial! It's awesome. Christmas Tip #6: If you want to see the animals out the windows at Sanaa, make sure you go during daylight! And during the Christmas season, that would translate as a lunch or an early dinner! Christmas Tip #7: If you're going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, look up the characters and locations BEFORE you get to the party. The map tells you where everyone is, but they don't say who is at each specific location. Christmas Tip #8: If you get to meet Flynn Rider at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, ask what is in his satchel! Christmas Tip #9: If you want to meet the Seven Dwarves at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, line up RIGHT at the very beginning of the party! The line gets SUPER long and the wait would basically take up your whole night. Christmas Tip #10: If you drive a car to the parks, MAKE NOTE OF WHERE YOU PARKED! Christmas Tip #11: Starring Rolls Cafe is only open from 9 am - 4 pm. So don't miss out on your opportunity to get a DELICIOUS [RED VELVET] CUPCAKE and other delectable baked goods by showing up too late in the day! Christmas Tip #12: Always make your dining reservations a little later than you expect to arrive. If you check in early, they usually take you right in and seat you fairly quickly! Christmas Tip #13: La Hacienda ONLY serves dinner! Christmas Tip #14: At T-Rex Cafe, if you're using an Annual Pass discount, the discount is only taken off of the entrees. So if you get an appetizer, (such as the T-Rexadillas) that item is not discounted. Christmas Tip #15: Whether or not you're taking Magical Express, take advantage of being able to check your bags right at the resort! That way you have more time to enjoy your day and you don't have to wait in that line at the airport later! Christmas Tip #16: If you want a quiet place to enjoy your Main Street Bakery breakfast, grab a table over near Casey's Corner, which is right across the street. Casey's doesn't open until lunch so the area is empty this early in the morning! Christmas Tip #17 - If you really want to eat at T-Rex but can't get a reservation, get there right at 11:30 am for an early lunch! The restaurant doesn't start filling up until 12 so you will more than likely get seated! Christmas Tip #18: Make sure you check out "Joyful" at Epcot, especially if you're into Gospel music. This show will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit! Christmas Tip #19: The Deluxe Resorts have AMAZING Christmas Decorations! Make sure you add the Polynesian to your list! Stop by when passing through on the monorail or make a dining reservation there so you don't miss out! It's so pretty! Christmas Tip #20: Make sure you check out the Gingerbread Carousel at the Beach Club! You're not going to want to miss it - it's so beautiful! Christmas Tip #21: If you have the time, I would definitely recommend taking the walk from Hollywood Studios to Epcot/vice versa. I think the friendship boat might even take longer, so you might as well get the exercise! Plus, it's a great way to escape the crowds and relax a little bit during your day. Christmas Tip #22: If you say you have a party of two at Toy Story Mania, they will send you through the right gate. That way you get to skip the entire line that goes up and down the stairs! Christmas Tip #23: If you're into pin trading, there is an awesome pin board that is always up in Port Orleans French Quarter's gift shop. Actually, at most of the resort gift shops/main desks there are pins boards or books. Make sure you ask the cast members to see them! Christmas Tip #24: They opened Hollywood Studios EARLY every day that we were there. I think it's a crowd control thing. So make sure you get there at least 20-30 minutes before park opening if you wanna do you Toy Story Mania FP/Standby trick during Christmas Week! Christmas Tip #25: This may be an obvious tip, but GO SEE THE OSBORNE SPECTACLE OF LIGHTS IN DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS. Once you see it, you will completely understand why. No explanation needed. Christmas Tip #26: Tables in Wonderland has block out days, particularly Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day. Remember that, because I made the mistake of booking my most expensive restaurants on these days. Christmas Tip #27: They have a Christmas day mass RIGHT AT the Contemporary Resort! You don't even have to leave Disney property! Just make sure you take Disney transportation there. (Use the monorail! Just don't drive a car.) They have Catholic and Protestant services on this special day! Christmas Tip #28: If you really want to avoid crowds, spend Christmas Day at the Disney resorts! There are tons of things to see and do while everyone else is invading the parks! See all of the monorail resorts' decorations, all of the Epcot resorts' decorations, eat at a resort restaurant, and spend time at the pool! It's so much more relaxing and very enjoyable! Christmas Tip #29: Be cautious of buying the gingerbread cookies from the Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian. Mine was really dry and flavorless. There were many other treats for sale that looked a lot better! Christmas Tip #30: It is worth taking a special trip to the Grand Floridian to see the giant Gingerbread House. DON'T MISS IT! It's made out of real gingerbread and there's a little store inside! Too cute! Christmas Tip #31: If you want a relaxing Christmas Day, AVOID THE MAGIC KINGDOM AT ALL COSTS. Christmas Tip #32: To get the best picture of the Grand Floridian Christmas tree, you have to lay down on the pink circle in the rug and take the picture. Christmas Tip #33: If you are looking for a unique holiday experience, book the Yuletide Fantasy Tour! It gives you a look at Disney Christmas decorations and Christmas stories that you cannot see from merely touring the parks. Christmas Tip #34: The Tomorrowland Terrace restaurant is actually OPEN during Christmas week! If you usually pass by it and wish it was open during the regular year, you may want to factor a little quick service lunch into your schedule. Christmas Tip #35: Whether you are staying at the Contemporary or you have a dining reservation at that resort, remember that you can WALK THERE from the Magic Kingdom! Christmas Tip #36: The Diamond Horseshoe is another restaurant open during Christmas week that is closed during the rest of the year. If you enjoy Liberty Tree Tavern's thanksgiving feast, then you'll love this! Christmas Tip #37: Fishing Excursions get 15% discounts for DVC members! If you are a DVC Member or an Annual Passholder, make sure you ALWAYS ask if there is a discount available whenever you buy something! Christmas Tip #38: Try to get a little higher up and in the center when you are getting seated for Candlelight Processional. You don't get to pre-choose your seats, but try to make your way there when you load into the theatre. Christmas Tip #39: Do NOT miss the Candlelight Processional! It is heartwarming and beautifully put together. It really captures the true meaning of Christmas! Christmas Tip #40: As far as the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, I recommend it if you are going during Christmas week. (December 24th – December 31st) However, if you are going at the beginning of December, I would just skip the package. It’s overpriced for when the early December crowds are so low. Just make sure you line up about an hour ahead of time and you should be all set! Christmas Tip #41: One of my favorite viewing locations for IllumiNations is on the bridge in between France and the United Kingdom. You get the COMPLETE view! Christmas Tip #42: Whether or not it is the Christmas season, YOU NEED TO SEE THE VOICES OF LIBERTY. They are an extremely talented and beautiful group that deserves 10 minutes of your time. You will fall in love. Christmas Tip #43: If the parks ever get really crowded but you still want to sightsee, go to Epcot and watch the storytellers. You don’t have to wait in line for them and they will keep you entertained even if the crowds are brutal! Christmas Tip #44: If you can only do a couple of the Epcot Holiday Storytellers, my personal favorites were: Norway, Italy, The United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, France, China, Canada, and Germany. In that order. Christmas Tip #45: The best kept Downtown Disney secret is the cookies from Ghiradelli’s. They are better than any other cookies you have ever tasted! Make sure you get them warmed up – that makes them even better! Christmas Tip #46: Make dining reservations at the Deluxe Resorts during Christmas week so you have an excuse to go over and see the decorations! Plus, these restaurants are much less hectic than the ones in the parks! Christmas Tip #47: If you want a unique experience for a relaxing night, book a carriage ride at the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds! The grounds are all decorated for the holidays and it will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit! Christmas Tip #48: Whether it is Christmas season or regular season, MAKE SURE YOU SEE THE DAPPER DANS! They are phenomenal and their angelic barber shop quartet singing and funny jokes will immediately put you in a great mood! Christmas Tip #49: Don’t forget to see Mickey’s Jingle Jungle parade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Disney gives the regular season parade a holiday twist! Christmas Tip #50: If you’re in the area, check out the Disney character inspired Christmas trees in Camp Minnie-Mickey! Christmas Tip #51: DO NOT miss the castle lighting ceremony at Magic Kingdom! It happens every night at dusk – the exact time will be on your Times Guide. It is absolutely magical beyond words. Christmas Tip #52: They perform the Magic Kingdom New Year's Eve fireworks on December 30th as well. So if you want to see the preview show, they will be set off on this night! Christmas Tip #53: If you can't handle the crowds at Christmas time, a very good week to go to Disney is the first week of January. Starting January 1st, the parks are EMPTY. Christmas Tip #54: If you're looking for a fun experience, do Pick-A-Pearl at Mitsukoshi in the Japan Pavilion. The pearls cost $15 each, and they are a great thing to take home! You can either buy jewelry there, or if you search "pick-a-pearl Cinderella carriage necklace" on ebay, you can order a very affordable necklace ahead of time to bring to the park. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Other Trip Reports January-August 2011 Also, I always like to include links to my old trip reports in my most recent one, in case you haven't read them and would like to do so! Each trip has its own story. So if you enjoy this one, you may like the others as well! My first trip report is about my trip in January, and that featured Kristen, Vickie, My Mom, and me! That was a girls trip that we took in honor of my high school graduation. We stayed at the Yacht Club and had an AMAZING time. This is where my Disney Trip Report Collection began.. as well as the frump phenomenon. The Port Report: Frumpin Around the World with the Bathrobe Princesses (: My second trip report took place in February and it was a Family Vacation. We stayed at Old Key West and it was an extremely relaxing trip to the World. That trip included my Mom, Dad, Brother, and Me. "She's Looking at Food Pictures Again!" ★ A February Family Vacation! My third trip report was during April and it was a Mother Daughter trip! My mom and I stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge and spent a lot of time at the Flower and Garden Festival. “IT’S OUR MOTHER DAUGHTER TRIP!” Our Spontaneous Getaway - April 2011 My fourth and most recent trip report took place this past August. I went down to Disney with my best friend, Nat. We surprised our other best friend, Kristen, who was on her family vacation. She had NO IDEA we were coming! This trip report tells about all of our frumpy adventures and has a video documentary of the whole thing! It was SUCH a fun trip! We stayed at Coronado Springs for this one! "There's NO Sleeping in Disney!" SURPRISE - The Frumps Are Back Again! This post is basically for organizational and reference purposes. Everyone who has been reading my TR's for a while probably knows how this goes by now ![]() So if you are interested, please feel free to read these! I love sharing my stories with people even when the reports are completed! Thank you again for being here! I hope you enjoy the upcoming trip report! Continued in Next Post
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IN PROGRESS: DISNEY COLLEGE PROGRAM - FRUMP STYLE! A Spring 2013 Adventure! COMPLETE: The Port Report: Frumpin Around the World with the Bathrobe Princesses (: "She's Looking at Food Pictures Again!" ★ A February Family Vacation! “IT’S OUR MOTHER DAUGHTER TRIP!” Our Spontaneous Getaway - April 2011 "There’s NO Sleeping in Disney!” SURPRISE - The Frumps Are Back Again! Your ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE to Disney World at Christmas Time! The Most MAGICAL Trip Of Them All! "EVERYTHING'S PERFECT!" The Frumps Have Hit the Wall... And No One's Mad. "FART SHOES." If the Yacht Club was a Person, I Would Marry It. ♥ NYE TRIP 2012-2013! Last edited by Disneyfreak508; 09-14-2012 at 09:28 PM. |
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#4 |
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DIS Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,453
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This is going to be the best trip report ever, I can already tell. At least, until July.
![]() ![]() ![]() Also, you little sneak, I can't believe you kept it a secret that you were there earlier in December! I didn't think it was possible to get even more excited to read this TR, but you've managed to find a way =)
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June 1990 - Offsite * June 2008 - Offsite- Got Engaged!
* September 2009 - CSR - Disneymoon * October 2010 - POP/POR * June 2011 - CBR * December 2011 - Offsite - Farewell to Jaws * February 2012 - One More Disney Day-Video Trip Report - ASMu * January 2013 - SSR Old, New & Long Lost Friends, w/ a Side of Frump! * August 2013 - DISNEYLAND![]() *NEW* January 2013 TR: Old, New & Long Lost Friends, with a Side of Frump Follow me on Twitter! @GertieTheDino89 and @AspirantLiving Last edited by arbolita; 01-05-2012 at 02:14 PM. |
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#5 |
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DIS Veteran
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 731
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Jumping on board for another fun filled trip by Ms. Jess. YAY.
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Allison With a little bit of PixieDust anything is possible . . . |
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#6 |
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Mouseketeer
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Northern Ireland i.e. Too far away from WDW!
Posts: 82
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Hey
Normally I'm a lurker on trip reports but decided to say hi! Im Rachel and im also the same age as you! In my first year of university as we call it over in northern ireland Looking forward to reading this trip report! I've only been to WDW 3 times so it would be great to see how it is at Christmas!!
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19 and Disney Mad ![]() The "We're finished school forever DLP June 2011 PTR The "We're finished school forever DLP June 2011 TR Previous Trips: 1997 - DLP Offsite, 2001- WDW Offsite, 2004 - DLP Sequoia Lodge, 2006 - WDW Offsite, 2008 - WDW All-Star Music, 2011 - DLP Santa Fe 2013 June 10th - August 16th Walt Disney World Cast Member!! Quick Service Food and Beverage! |
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#7 |
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Earning My Ears
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 8
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Cant wait to hear!!! My wife and I are Disney nuts too!!! No one in our family gets it so we are glad to hear there are more of us out there
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#8 |
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Live, Laugh, Love and Disney <3 :)
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Not close enough to Disney
Posts: 775
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Awesome you got to go 2 disney twice in december! I love christmas in Disney
![]() Also, your hair looks so cute in the picture you posted. Hope that both of your trips were amazing ![]() I can't wait for more
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12-POP Century, 11-POP Century,'09-POP Century,'08-POP Century,'07-A.S.Mu and POP Century,'06-Wilderness Lodge,'05-Carribean Beach, '05-A.S.Sp, '04-Wilderness Lodge,'03-A.S.Sp, and Many More
DM: DD: DB 27: DB 25: DSIL 24: Me 21: CURRENT THREAD: "Good Morning! No Sleeping!"- A Mother Daughter January Get Away Pottermore: GoldThorn119 Twitter Page: Jazzyjen508 ![]() Last edited by Jazzabelle508; 01-05-2012 at 02:25 PM. |
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#9 |
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Mouseketeer
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: colorado
Posts: 97
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MY 8 year old daughter just loves all your trip reports and even though the last one is not done she put this one in fav folder so i guss we will read more of what you have to say. Thanks for being silly i think that is what she loves.
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Fave Place on Earth
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Iowa
Posts: 160
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So Addicted
I found one of your reports awhile back and i've read each one now, I'm so addicted. You girls crack me up and remind me of myself when I was your age, so fun. I'm very excited for your next trip report so I'm subbing early. Your pictures are amazing and I love hearing about your "frumpy adventures", makes me long for my next trip.
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#11 |
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DIS Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Virginia
Posts: 3,158
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YAY!!!!!!
Ahem.
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See ya real soon! -Marissa ![]() ![]() "You Guys Are Cast Members... Right?" - December 2011 * Oh, Just A Few GALLONS of Pixie Dust! - July/August 2012 (Completed Trip Reports) |
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#12 |
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DIS Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,453
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June 1990 - Offsite * June 2008 - Offsite- Got Engaged!
* September 2009 - CSR - Disneymoon * October 2010 - POP/POR * June 2011 - CBR * December 2011 - Offsite - Farewell to Jaws * February 2012 - One More Disney Day-Video Trip Report - ASMu * January 2013 - SSR Old, New & Long Lost Friends, w/ a Side of Frump! * August 2013 - DISNEYLAND![]() *NEW* January 2013 TR: Old, New & Long Lost Friends, with a Side of Frump Follow me on Twitter! @GertieTheDino89 and @AspirantLiving |
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#13 |
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Mouseketeer
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 183
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I'm in!! oohh, I love your reports. Your disney excitement comes through them and they are contagious!!! Can't wait to read more
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#14 |
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Mouseketeer
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Bridgeville, PA
Posts: 229
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I came on the Dis today because I knew you were going for Christmas and wanted to see if you started your report and
ixiedust: there it was!! I've read the rest of your reports and can't wait to read this one!
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Our Warrior Princess Wishes for the World
http://www.disboards.com/showthread....1872001&page=2 |
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#15 |
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Mouseketeer
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: western pennsylvania!
Posts: 128
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subbing! i was there at the same time (well, a little before) but IT WAS WONDERFUL! can't wait to read more!!
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I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse -Walt Disney ![]() I'll be back in... May 2012! July 2013! ![]() Current Reports! Sure, we'll wait 7 hours! As Long as we get to WDW! July 14-22 TR! The Seester's Christmas Bay-cation! Completed Reports! Shake your "Bon-Bon"- Our "Last" Family Vacation-July '11 PTR past trips-8/95 dixie landings (PO now), 5/96 poly, 12/96 offsite, 8/03 WL, 6/04 BC, 7/05 WL, 3/06 offsite, 7/07, WL, 3/08 offsite, 3/10 offsite 7/11 WL, 12/11 POP! |
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