Christmas in Walt Disney World 2013

Wow it has been a rough December! I was sick the first few days, then we went to Walt Diseny World (ok that was not rough!) then a day after we came back, both Jeff and I got really sick - most likely the flu. A week and a half later, and I am finally feeling human again (see what i did there?). Thankfully the kiddo did not get it. Now we are off on vacation again to go visit my parents for Christmas.

 I did want to post some pictures from the trip. We crammed in as much Disney Christmas spirit as we could in only 4 days! It was amazing :D

Bay Lake Tower/Contemporary lighted wreath

Gingerbread tree at Contemporary

 We stayed at Bay Lake Tower, of course. Love how close it is to the Magic Kingdom, and that is the park we went to most. I loved hoe decorated the Contemporary was - love being surrounded by Christmas!

Eager to get to the Magic Kingdom!

 We started in the Magic Kingdom then went to the studios. Had to see the Osbourne lights! A-maz-ing!!!!

centerpiece

love this one - Santa pulling the reindeer!

 Before heading back to the hotel, we checked out the Christmas decor in the Grand Floridian.

Life size gingerbread house!

 Day 2, we went to EPCOT. Had lunch at Via Napoli - so delicious!!! Then we went to Candlelight. Whoopi Goldberg was the narrator. The shoe was spectacular. So moving.

Very cool gingerbread WDW setup, complete with a train

had to meet Mickey!

Just so amazing.

 Day 3 was the Magic Kingdom. We went to Micky's Very Merry Christmas party. Well worth the money. Free cookies and cocoa, tons of characters and short lines for rides. Plus there was a special fireworks show, Christmas parade and castle show!

Breakfast at Gaston's tavern. YUM.

ready for the party!

he got to dance with Pluto!

fireworks!

such a great show

The princes were in the parade! Cinderella in the pumpkin carriage, pulled by real horses

love love love those toy soldiers

Mickey doing the nutcracker dance

so many characters

GORGEOUS!!!

 Last day :( The parade was taped while we were there, so this was the first time we saw the tree. We were able to run over to EPCOT to go to the DVC party, luckily. We just ducked in and ducked out, though, since we had to catch the Magical Express.

great tree, and I love all of the stuff under it

he finally got to meet Pluto!

big hugs

Mickey and Minnie at the party in their winter gear

We had such a great trip. It was a whirlwind, but that is what happens! I strongly suggest going to WDW during the Christmas season.

We're back!

Meeting Mickey and Minnie!

We are back from E's first WDW vacation! It was a crazy, crazy time that went way too quickly. We really needed an extra day! And a vacation from my vacation ;) But overall it was a really good time. BLT is just fabulous, and taking the monorail almost every day was wonderful. I also enjoyed out 2 sit down meals - the Wavve nad Chef Mickey's.

Keep an eye out for my WDW with a young toddler tip post coming soon!

Loved the Contemporary's floor mats

Menu Plan Monday - Weeks of 8/13/12 and 8/20/12

FINALLY vacation has arrived!!! It starts this week and leaks into next week so I have planned some quick and easy meals before - when I will be packing like crazy making sure we have all of the 16 month old's stuff and after - when I will be exhausted!

Meals include:
quiche
pigs n blankets
pasta n sauce
chicken pasta from the freezer

Applebees
Sonic

At WDW we will be eating at Chef Mickey's (E's first character meal) and the Wave (for Jeff's parent birthdays). I can't wait! The new item I am most excited about trying is the waffle sandwiches from Sleepy hollow. And of course to get an Orange bird sipper cup!

S is for...

S is for Soarin' (Over California or Not)

Sorta kinda like riding Soarin'

 Soarin' Over California (renamed just Soarin' at WDW) is one of the coolest rides ever. The ride vehicle is like a huge hang glider, and once your eat belt is tightened and the roof comes down, the thrill begins!! You are lifted up into the sky and a HUGE screen in front of you comes to life! Suddenly you are among the clouds and the Golden Gate appears! And you are in for a wild ride. Not to be missed!

Soarin' sign in WDW

 

C is For...

C is for Cinderella's Castle

Cinderella's Castle - the icon

What makes me cry every single time I see it? Cinderella's Castle, the centerpiece of the Magic Kingdom. It just gets me, makes me realize I am "home" and I can relax, have dun and leave all of my worries behind me for just a little while.

Cinderella's Castle  - stunning in December

I'm Back from WDW, and finally my announcement!!!

I ran out of time to post before the trip, but yes, J and I just got back from a long weekend trip to Walt Disney World. We had a great time - I will post pictures soon! Here is one - from when we got stuck on Snow White!

But... it will be our last trip for awhile... because I AM PREGNANT!!! I know, just about everyone already knows but I had to announce it here! 15w3d today... I am due April 3!

So I am *hoping* to get my groove back and start pitching to companies with maternity and newborn products! I really want to make this a good resource for pregnancy and baby product reviews and giveaways - with all my other usual stuff mixed in.

But first... I need to go nurse my cold. No fun getting sick on vacation!!

Sweet Sundays!

So J and I are going to WDW in October. I cannot wait!! We are also seeing the new Harry Potter land at Universal... I might be even MORE excited about seeing that LOL The main reason we are going to WDW is for the Food and Wine Festival. If you've never been to WDW during Food and Wine... you MUST! Not only can you sample food and drinks from around the world - literally! but they also have seminars and special hard ticket events. There are demos and celebrity chefs. And, of course, there is the "eat to the beat" concert series.

(photo from http://www.disneyfoodblog.com)

Jeff and I decided to try one of the hard ticket events this year. It honestly wasn't that hard to decide which one... Who wouldn't want desert for breakfast?? Here is the description: Enjoy champagne and a light brunch before indulging in three signature desserts prepared right in front of your eyes by a highly-acclaimed pasty chef or baker. Sounds delicious! And from what I seen from past years... they taste and look delicious too!!

So I got up before  7 a.m. to tag team call to get a reservation, was on the phone 25 minutes... but got the reservation!! Yum, I cannot wait! Now to stay awake at work lol