Catching up is such an undertaking when you're this far behind!
Just from your title I think you also have a whole new understanding and appreciation for the frigid trip we had last January. It's a whole new perspective, huh? I hope it wasn't as miserable for y'all. From the pics I've seen it looks like you handled it waaaaay better than I did. I don't do cold.
Okay. We chose poorly at the AKL. Seriously. I think I would've liked that resort a lot more had I had that big cushy king bed & great big shower to wander around in. I don't envy being at Kidani vs. Jambo. I've never even been to Kidani but from the pics and information I've read about it a lot of the things you pointed out have perplexed me as well. No QS eatery? Why not? Before reading what you had to say I don't think I was even aware that there was a shop of any size over there at all. All the pics I've seen of the lobby seemed tiny & understated in contrast to the grandeur of Jambo House. Why such a contrast? Is there a difference in story to account for it?
Yeah, there is only one other time I've been that cold at Disney... December 2007. But it was only really cold one morning and then it warmed up. So it didn't seem nearly as bad. Looking back at your pictures from that January trip, it appears to be even colder than the temperatures we experienced. I was just happy I packed multiple scarves for a change of pace each day!
No clue about the story of Kidani. But whatever the story, it lacks functionality. :lol: Tiny and understated may just be an understatement.
What is that guy doing? Is that the way he caught the ball? Like a miracle snag? Or is that him show-boating into the endzone? If it's the latter then he totally deserves to trip over himself and drop that ball. You know, counting your chickens before they hatch & all. Sorry. I know it's unrelated but I had to ask. LOL!
Yep... he's totally show-boating. It's what he does. You ever notice how you don't mind someone doing this when they're on "your" team, but when they're on the other guys team, they're just such an a$$!?!:ROFLOL:
I don't remember seeing presents under the Contemporary's gingerbread tree when we were there. I got the feeling that it was still a work-in-progress, tho, so that might explain it. Or I'm just that absent-minded. It's probably just me. Either way, I wonder what Donald got for Daisy?!?! Don't you?!?! Hhmmm...I'm thinking there's some killer suede boots in that box!
Yeah I don't recall them having gifts under it last year. That's one thing I like about the Christmas decorations at the resorts... they're ever changing. Especially the carousel at the Beach Club, the fact that the horses change every year is what makes it my favorite.
And Daisy could totally rock a pair of duck boots!
It sounds like Brett could've used me & my killer competitiveness to mow down the masses to get those TSMM FP's fast. LOL! Seriously. This bothers me about myself. I think TSMM FP runs bring out the worst in me so I'm thinking maybe I'll just have to start doing the standby punishment or give up that attraction altoghether.
And, 'Munks RULE!!!!
Yeah, he usually attacks the FP run with a vengeance, but started out at a disadvantage, seeing that we were just behind (or going through) the turnstiles when the rope dropped.
As tacky as Goofy's outfit is (you totally nailed the description, BTW), all I could think when I saw this pic was: "Thank God he doesn't have a sag going on - yet." I totally draw the line when the Big G's drawers head south & his belt buckle goes all bling. I wonder, would his exposed boxers have Mickey on 'em???
Agreed on the pic of Kathy & Danny. That's a total "awwww" moment. Good capture!
I'm with you about the sagging britches. Why, oh why, is that considered fashionable to some?
OMG! Brett totally reminds me! One of my mystery WDW Christmas gifts from Brian was a Muppets Vinylmation. When I opened it I found me a Swedish Chef!!! Score!!!!
You got the best one in the bunch. Brett and I have both said we'd buy Swedish Chef if only we could pick him out specifically. I'm not crazy fond of the vinylmations, but as a whole, I think that might be my favorite set.
The fabled Plush Tree!!! I get it now and adore this! Fully awesome is the best way to describe it! Oooh...I wonder if Tracey would let me do a 2nd Christmas tree upstairs on the landing?!?!
Oh yeah! Two is the way to go. Currently this is our only one, but I have every intention of having a more traditional tree, as well. In fact, my mom has two, the traditional one and an island themed one with margarita ornaments and leis for garland! Awesome, I tell you! Hmmm... I might have to find space for three trees so I can have one of those as well.
It's a Wonderful Shop. Your comments. Yes. That's the problem. So many of the shops around Disney are the same stuff arranged differently. No fun.
Yeah, I get bored with the shops. You've seen one... you've seen 'em all.
Camera strap! Talk to me, girl! Where did that come from?! Is that eBay? I think I've seen some like that but thought they were more for the little point & shoots. I'm thinking they're far less expensive than the crazy asking prices of some of the vintage Disney ones. Yes?
Nope, not ebay. Hand made! I've always liked the Disney ones, but never wanted to pay the price for them. Plus, I wanted mine to be unique. So, once my mom got a DSLR, we decided to make our own. She's done the majority of the work, since she's the expert at sewing and all, but they're not too hard to make. This one was our test case and it held up beautifully, so plan on seeing quite a few different ones during our March trip... if we can just find time to get them all done with the other "crafts" we've got going on for the wedding.
Yes! This is **just** the man you want to marry! When Tracey asked me if I'd really marry him all I could think is that at the very least I knew that every day for the rest of my life would have at least one laugh. Brett rocks! You'll laugh and have fun forever. What more could a girl ask for? Seriously. Even Jessica Rabbit understood the absolute appeal in a bunny who made her laugh.
Absolutely... couldn't have said it better myself. Laughter is so incredibly important in a relationship!
Agreed on the removal of the presents from beneath Epcot's tree. The absence of the presents has robbed that tree of it's color and charm. Trees under a tree. How un-creative is that?! Lame-O w/a capital "O" for OMFG!!! The very least they could do is some peaking characters sorta like your plush tree.
Totally... Epcot's tree was always my favorite of the four park trees. I think the loss of the presents drops it into last place. Crazy how much character the presents added to its overall look. The poor tree got caught in the cross hairs when they banished the beloved Lights of Winter.
Duffy. I agree with your perspective. The problem isn't with the bear himself so much as the blatant marketing pimping of the poor little guy. I see that and agree.
I loved Duffy looooong before he made his US parks' debut. I saw Duffy in a Tokyo Disney blog and all the fuss the Japanese make over him. I adored the whole concept and fell madly in love with the bear. I wanted my own Duffy bear so badly but couldn't afford a trip to Tokyo Disney to get one and wouldn't spend the $250+ on eBay to get one that came from Japan. Soooo, my blinders are on towards marketing's tackiness. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have not 1 but 3 Duffy's. The fact that I got to meet Duffy, too, was the icing on the cake! Just like the guy you saw, I was jumping all around giddy & stuff singing out, "I met Duffy! I met Duffy!" THEN the CM handed me the sticker and I went all squealing bananas all over again. This is why I reeeeaaallly think I would like to ditch WDW for a couple years in the hopes of going to Tokyo Disney. The Japanese "get" Disney more on the level I do. They embrace the Kawaii which is something I long for. Everything I've read says the theming, story, quality, etc. over there is leaps & bounds above & beyond the US parks. This is something I want to see for myself. The fact that I can dress in crazy fun themed outfits every day and carry around a cuddly teddy bear that's dressed to match makes it even better. I need to go be with these people! LOL
Looooving the TR, Holly! I'll catch up more later! Ugh! I hate getting torn away....
See, your love of Duffy wasn't born out of the Disney marketing machine... at least not the current one that is busting it's butt to make him popular and likeable at all costs. I've gotta agree with you fully about the Tokyo parks. Brett is in love with Japanese culture and has always wanted to make the trek. And like you, I'm in love with the idea of running around with my little plush characters hanging out of my bags enjoying the parks too. And let's get serious, have you seen the number of outfits Daisy Duck has over in Tokyo!? I wouldn't be able to ride a single ride, I'd be too busy running around meeting characters left and right.
