Celebrating Christmas at the Cape: A December 2009 Trip Report

Woohooo… Christmas at Disney World. Is there any better way to celebrate the season?!

I’m a little late posting, but that’s because about a week after we returned from Disney we left again… this time for a New Year’s Eve cruise! Now that I’m back and reality has set in, I’m excited to relive all our adventures through both trip reports! It’s hard to believe after just over a year of trip reporting I’m typing up my sixth installment. I really enjoy writing up the reports when we return and I even create printouts in publisher when they’re finished. So, if anyone is interested, the previous Disney reports should all still be intact:

Living the Life at the Contemporary: A September 2008 Trip Report
The Making of Disney Dreams and Christmas Memories: A December 2008 Trip Report
Going the Distance… From Mile 1 to 26.2: A Marathon 2009 Trip Report
Lodge-hopping from the Pacific Northwest to an African Savannah: A July 2009 Trip Report

Now let’s get to the latest… our Christmas 2009 trip report! Tacky t-shirts, pixie dust upgrades, and santa hats all make an appearance this holiday season! For those of you who aren’t familiar with us, the cast includes myself, Holly, and my boyfriend, Brett. Both Disney freaks and young at heart. Also with us for the annual Christmas trip are Brett’s parents, Kathy and Danny, and his brother, Derek. A Disney family for sure!

From left, Derek, Brett, myself, Goofy, Kathy and Danny:

This trip kind of snuck up on us. Brett’s been working in Atlanta for the past four months so my countdown was focused more on him coming home than it was on Disney. Disney was certainly the icing on the cake! Our trip was planned for Sunday, December 13-Friday, December 18 at the Beach Club Villas, but Brett and I decided to head down a day early and stay at Caribbean Beach for one night.

 

[mouselvrmom]

So sad your trip is over! But I can't feel too bad for you with so many in the works soon.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your report and can't wait to see the scrapbooking pages! So get on with it! :lookaroun :lol:

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Outstanding report and pictures as always Holly. Just over a month for the Princess report! :lol:

 

[HollyBelle]

Amazing trip report! Great to see your family having a good time at the world. Looking forward to the next one.

Thanks, Jasmine!! We certainly had a great time.

Loved it! Thank you!!

You're welcome... and thank you!

great report and really fun pics... thanks so much for sharing!

Thanks KYfriedPanda. It was fun.

As always AWESOME trip, I swear it feels like I just read your last year marathon trip report, and here you are getting ready to go AGAIN!!! So lucky and will patiently wait for you next report!

Thanks for sharing and Enjoy your up coming trip to the World!

I know, right. We really are so lucky to be able to go as often as we do. I know that'll change eventually, so we might as well take advantage of it while we can! Thanks for coming along with us on the adventures!

So sad your trip is over! But I can't feel too bad for you with so many in the works soon.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your report and can't wait to see the scrapbooking pages! So get on with it! :lookaroun :lol:

Yeah... seeing that we'll be back so soon, this trip wasn't quite as hard to get over.

I know you probably don't believe me, but I'll be posting ALL of my marathon pages at some point this week. Woohoooo the book is about ready to be printed! I've been holding out. :lol:

Outstanding report and pictures as always Holly. Just over a month for the Princess report! :lol:

Thanks! And don't remind me!! The training days are ticking away.

 

[HollyBelle]

**sigh** I had hoped this was a camera trick for 2 reasons: 1. After posting my question to you I showed the pic to Tracey and he said, "It looks like it's done with a lens or Photoshop. I bet it's Photoshop." I hate when he's right! 2. I have Photoshop Elements on my laptop which is officially FUBAR'd in a big way. Gotta send it off to get it de-sickened. Grrrrr...

Cool! Santa brought Chandler the Rebel XS. He's just a beginner and all. I'll do some playing with his to see how I like it. I'm clueless with these things still.

Ack... I always hate hearing when someone's laptop goes down. I'm obsessive compulsive about backing my stuff up on hard drives but I'd be absolutely lost without the laptop.

As for the camera, I'm just a beginner, too! Chandler's should be capable of close to everything mine is. They're from the same line with only a few differences.

It's called 'Bittersweet Embrace'. Here it is on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260523684243&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Ahh... good one! I can't recall seeing that one at Art of Disney in a long time.

You'll see soon that we did very little on our trip compared to other years. I think that's what makes me the most sore looking back. I kick myself for everything I wanted to do but didn't. !

That's what the next trip is for, right!?

I have a horrible sweet tooth so the ones dipped in chocolate are like crack to me...especially if they're the on-a-stick variety because then I don't even have to get sticky fingers. I'm a piggy. I knoooooow!

Yeah... I'm thinking I need to try a fresh one before crossing them off my list. The pre-packaged ones just weren't that good.

This is the most awesome thing I've seen! I loooove Up! In fact, while at AKL we watched it every day & night on DVD since we now dislike the 'Must Dos' on the resort channel. The Poly CM's do an incredible job on their gingerbread creations. That's just amazing!

I stand corrected. This is my new vote for the Christmas card picture. LOL!

Holly, your report rocked...as always. Think I'll get busy on mine. Thanks for bringing us along for the journey! :wave:

Up is one of my new favorites as well.

And I can't wait to read all about your trip.

Well, I found 'The Lady Will Have None of It' at a bargain....

http://www.peabodyfineart.com/Disney-MickeyFriends/reis8969.htm

I'm guessing Daisy just doesn't have the clout ol' Donald does.

http://cgi.ebay.com/DISNEY-PIC-THE-...iewItemQQptZArt_Paintings?hash=item3357f3766e

I'm still looking but the Donald one is called "One is the Loneliest Number". Looks like it was pretty popular and sold out on several sites.

http://www.allanimation.com/oneislonu.html

Good finds. While those aren't as expensive as many of the others... they're still a bit high for 16x16s. Sigh. Plus, now that I know I can get 20% off at the Art of Disney it's hard to purchase anywhere else.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Holly! I forgot you would have a trip report coming up!! I always forget to check trip reports! I need to go read your cruise report too!

That was a great report, as always. You did an amazing job in manual modes that quick! It took me a couple of years before I got confident in manual modes!! And with the kit lens!! Wow!! I am so impressed.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this all out. Everyone is right, it makes me feel like I'm there!

 

[DecWDW]

Excellent report! I really enjoyed reading it. I think our trips overlapped a bit. I left on the 13th and like you, we've planned to add a few more days to our next trip. One thing I wanted to note, and for anyone else reading, make sure you check on that 20% AP discount, because at Disneyland, it's only going until 2-1-2010. After that, it's back to the regular 10%. I'm not sure if WDW will be the same, but just be aware.

 

[popsicletrees]

Such a great report, Holly! I am so jealous that you and Brett got pictures with Mickey and Goofy in front of the gingerbread house. March is just around the corner. I'm interested in running a half at WDW someday (I can't believe I just said that), and I am interested in how you like the half in March.

 

[HollyBelle]

Holly! I forgot you would have a trip report coming up!! I always forget to check trip reports! I need to go read your cruise report too!

That was a great report, as always. You did an amazing job in manual modes that quick! It took me a couple of years before I got confident in manual modes!! And with the kit lens!! Wow!! I am so impressed.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this all out. Everyone is right, it makes me feel like I'm there!

Thanks, Tammy! I seem to always have a trip report coming up. :lol:

I stayed mostly in aperture and shutter priority, not full manual. That one still scares me quite a bit! Plus, having the ability to change the white balance in photoshop saved many a photo! From the get go I wanted to avoid auto simply because, well, otherwise what's the point?!

Excellent report! I really enjoyed reading it. I think our trips overlapped a bit. I left on the 13th and like you, we've planned to add a few more days to our next trip. One thing I wanted to note, and for anyone else reading, make sure you check on that 20% AP discount, because at Disneyland, it's only going until 2-1-2010. After that, it's back to the regular 10%. I'm not sure if WDW will be the same, but just be aware.

Thanks, DecWDW. Interesting note about the AP discount; I'm glad you mentioned it. The CM at the Art of Disney acted as if 10% off for Disney Visas, and 20% off with APs was an all the time thing. I'm glad we bought when we did!

Such a great report, Holly! I am so jealous that you and Brett got pictures with Mickey and Goofy in front of the gingerbread house. March is just around the corner. I'm interested in running a half at WDW someday (I can't believe I just said that), and I am interested in how you like the half in March.

Thanks, Rachel. We really did luck out with Mickey and Goofy all decked out in front of the gingerbread house!

As for the Princess Half, I'm really excited! And you should totally sign up for one of the WDW races. In addition to the January and March events, they've added a new one to the calendar... the Wine & Dine Half in October. It's going to be a night race, starting at 10pm. We're seriously considering that one, too. Any excuse to go to Disney World!!

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Thanks, Tammy! I seem to always have a trip report coming up. :lol:

I stayed mostly in aperture and shutter priority, not full manual. That one still scares me quite a bit! Plus, having the ability to change the white balance in photoshop saved many a photo! From the get go I wanted to avoid auto simply because, well, otherwise what's the point?!

You are totally right! If you're not going to learn to use it, it's just an expensive point and shoot!

I never give white balance a second thought now that I shoot in RAW. It's so awesome!

I forgot to tell you I love the tilt shift. It looks great!

 

[HollyBelle]

Yeah... I was always trying to set the wb because I want to get as much right in camera as possible, but it's amazing how many times I simply forgot to switch it. :lol:

I love the tilt/shift look... it's fun. And it works really well on cruise photos. Of the ones I've done, the following shot of Ocho Rios, Jamaica is my favorite (I think because the island was so conducive to such saturated colors):

 

[sweetpee_1993]

**sigh**

Oh to get that kind of quality pic without all the studying to operate the camera. LOL! I need to just suck it up, go down to the local college, and take classes in Photoshop & Photography. LOL!

Beautiful pics, Holly. If it comes that easy to you I think the other photo-hobbiests around here should be sweatin' bullets 'cause you're totally gonna smoke their work. :lol:

 

[popsicletrees]

As for the Princess Half, I'm really excited! And you should totally sign up for one of the WDW races. In addition to the January and March events, they've added a new one to the calendar... the Wine & Dine Half in October. It's going to be a night race, starting at 10pm. We're seriously considering that one, too. Any excuse to go to Disney World!!

Ooh, that one sounds excellent. Too bad it would not be a good idea to wine & dine while running the half or running at all.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Yeah... I was always trying to set the wb because I want to get as much right in camera as possible, but it's amazing how many times I simply forgot to switch it. :lol:

I love the tilt/shift look... it's fun. And it works really well on cruise photos. Of the ones I've done, the following shot of Ocho Rios, Jamaica is my favorite (I think because the island was so conducive to such saturated colors):

I love that!! It looks so real!!

 

[HollyBelle]

**sigh**

Oh to get that kind of quality pic without all the studying to operate the camera. LOL! I need to just suck it up, go down to the local college, and take classes in Photoshop & Photography. LOL!

Beautiful pics, Holly. If it comes that easy to you I think the other photo-hobbiests around here should be sweatin' bullets 'cause you're totally gonna smoke their work. :lol:

Thanks, Kelly! I'll let you in on a little secret... the Jamaica picture was taken with an older olympus point and shoot I have! Youtube tutorials are your friend when it comes to learning photoshop techniques. That tilt/shift effect takes only a minute or two to accomplish.

Don't count yourself out... you can totally do it! :sohappy:

Ooh, that one sounds excellent. Too bad it would not be a good idea to wine & dine while running the half or running at all.

Good point. :lol: When researching for the full marathon last year, I remember running into some information about how one year a local bar "sponsored" a water stop late in the run (mile 22 or so) and they actually handed out small shots of beer to those who wanted it! Can you imagine?! And at Disney, no less! :ROFLOL:

Just an aside... there is going to be a post race party after the Wine and Dine Half at Epcot (which is where the race finishes). It's supposed to last until 3am or so and runners get one "free" beverage and one "free" food sample with registration. Can you tell I'm totally trying to talk myself into registering for this one?!

I love that!! It looks so real!!

Thanks, Tammy! I bet you have some fabulous island pictures that would take well to this effect!

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Thanks, Tammy! I bet you have some fabulous island pictures that would take well to this effect!

Ooooooh. Excellent idea!

 

[MKCP 1985]

Wow, Holly. You and your crew really get the most out of your Disney vacations. Thanks for taking us along on the ride. Great photos and storytelling. :wave:

I hope to see you at Wine and Dine.

 

[diddy_mouse]

Such a wonderful report! The last day is always bittersweet, isn't it?

Hmmm...this Wine and Dine run is both new and intriguing to me. Is it a half? I am still trying to convince myself to register for a 5K or even a half one of these days.

It's a bummer that we haven't been able to visit WDW recently, but something is telling me that this is our year...guess we'll see what fate has in store.

 

[lisak09]

Wow what an amazing trip report! Loved reading it and seeing all your photos. When i have time i'm going to check out your other reports.

 

[TakeMeThere81]

I haven't gotten to the end yet, but have too many comments that I know I'll forget!

OK, back to EPCOT. I totally agree with you on Soarin', the orange groves specifically are my favorite part...that and the part with the carrier and the helo that flies(DH flies those) and then the surfer at dusk. Ahhh, Soarin.

I had the receipt thing happen to us at DCA!! We never used it though

All of your food pics, well all of your pics are awesome! I love your reports Holly! Wish I was there!:sohappy:

 

[WDWFigment]

Congrats on the room upgrade and on the new camera (even if you're an evil Canon user! )! Looks like you two got a good amount of cool/rare character shots! You've got some really captivating images in here. I'm normally not a fan of tilt shift, but I think it's neat on the Jamaica shot!