missjackiemcg
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2013
Well, clever titles escape me, but I've delayed long enough, and if I don't start now, I may never get going!
Our trip took place over Christmas Break 2019. We (OK, I!) absolutely love being at Disney World for Christmas, so I am always game for spending the holidays there rather than at home where we have to drive all over the city and suburbs to see everyone. Don't get me wrong, I love my family, it's just so much more magical to celebrate where I can monorail to my destinations and let someone else do the driving!
So, who are we?!
132673130 by Jackie Lagoni, on Flickr
My Mom and Dad, my DH, Rob, and our 10 year old son, Jimmy. We travel well together and have done Disney on two other trips together (besides the ones that were just us 3!) You can't read about the first time because I hadn't discovered the DIS yet, but you can enjoy our 12 days of Disney Vow Renewal adventure if you like; it's in my signature!Our trip took place over Christmas Break 2019. We (OK, I!) absolutely love being at Disney World for Christmas, so I am always game for spending the holidays there rather than at home where we have to drive all over the city and suburbs to see everyone. Don't get me wrong, I love my family, it's just so much more magical to celebrate where I can monorail to my destinations and let someone else do the driving!
So, who are we?!
132673130 by Jackie Lagoni, on Flickr
A few years ago, my Dad mentioned to my Mom that the only way he'd ever do Disney again was if we could do a Disney Cruise. She was hyper nervous about the thought of cruising, but seemed open to the possibility SOMEDAY. We started talking about the idea of making it a Christmas cruise (enhances the magic, you see!?) and she got a little more interested. I reached out to my DIS friend, @ariane37 for some information and quotes, and before I knew it we were booked! I believe our original countdown was 500 or so days, so we had some time to plan and wait!! My Mom (and I, on behalf of my Mom usually LOL) probably emailed Ariane a million times during the course of that time, but she was so patient with all of our questions and had us well prepared for our amazing trip!
Real Life Update before we get started: We came home from our incredible trip and spent the next couple weekends celebrating Christmas with family and friends who had missed over the actual holiday. On January 12th, we were with my parents, my brother and sister-in-law having dinner and getting ready to open presents when she suddenly went into labor at just 25 weeks. My nephew Liam was born much too early, but valiantly survived 12 days. On the same day he was born, I was diagnosed with shingles, which meant I was the only person in our family who couldn't go see him. Liam had bilateral bleeding on his brain, and though doctors had been hopeful at first, there just wasn't anything more they could do to save him or insure his quality of life. On January 23rd, we gathered as a family to say goodbye to our sweet angel, Liam.
The last almost month has been heartbreakingly hard on our family, especially my brother and his wife, but also the rest of our family who became immediately attached and in love with Liam. I've found it hard to find things to smile about and just felt down in the dumps, but am really working hard at trying to turn things around mentally. I thought the best thing I could do for myself right now is give in to some DIS time and finally get going on this TR!!
So, join me if you will!!
DECEMBER 21, 2019
We got up dark and early to head to my parents' house where our limo would be picking us up for the drive to the airport. Since we wouldn't be home for Christmas Eve, Jimmy's number one concerns were sprinkling reindeer food outside and making sure Santa's treats and beverage were stocked and ready for his arrival!
20191221_061818 by Jackie Lagoni, on Flickr
20191221_061022 by Jackie Lagoni, on Flickr
We were picked up at my parents' house, dropped off and through security without too much time to wait before we would board. It did not matter to me that it was only 8:30 a.m. We always have a drink before we fly, and Jimmy got in on it with a root beer this morning, too.
20191221_085705 by Jackie Lagoni, on Flickr
Before long, we had boarded our plane and were ready to fly! Jimmy, who never travels alone, had a bag full of "guys" to keep his company. Buddy and Baby (the bald Cabbage Patch kid) were the lucky ones who actually got to get out of the bag during the flight, so they could take in the sights in the clouds together. Yes, he's 10. Yes, he's a boy. Yes, he has an American girl doll. (Actually he has 2 more at home!) He's going to be the best Dad in the world.
20191221_103437 by Jackie Lagoni, on Flickr
20191221_103543 by Jackie Lagoni, on Flickr
20191221_120743 by Jackie Lagoni, on Flickr
We paid for Universal's Star Shuttle to pick us up at MCO and take us back to the hotel. It was a very easy check-in process at their desk, and I was given a little portfolio with all of our printed tickets and photo voucher inside, along with some coupons we didn't get a chance to use. They sent us outside to wait for our name to be called to board.
I expected a shrink wrapped bus like the one on their website that has Harry Potter and Minions, etc. on it...we were actually called over to board an old, white, short motor coach looking thing that had the ricketiest windows and doors I've ever heard! They rattled and shook so hard the entire way to Cabana Bay Beach...I was really glad the ride was short LOL But it was quick and convenient, though noisy!
We checked in and were quickly up to our room to change, unpack a little and head out to City Walk. We took the walking path across the street to the other hotel and took their boat transport to City Walk. On our way through the lobby, we ran into Bob!
20191221_155006 by Jackie Lagoni, on Flickr
Jimmy had chosen our dinner for tonight, and it was Pat O'Brien's. (We love all things New Orleans, and since he LOVED the real Pat O's, this was an easy choice for him! We ate there on our last USO trip, as well.)
20191221_171318 by Jackie Lagoni, on Flickr
My Dad and Jimmy enjoyed trying to stump the piano player with their song requests, and Jimmy even requested "Dancing Queen" for me It was a perfect meal to start our vacation, and we were excited to head back to the hotel to explore a bit and get ready for our one park day in the morning!
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