Where have you people been? NEW! We're on a PODCAST + MNSSHP 05/20 [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

buffy0214

04-05-2007, 11:46 AM

Check us out on Mike's "Be Our Guest Podcast" http://beourguestpodcast.podbean.com/2008/05/19/episode-18-old-key-west-renting-dvc-points-photopass-tips/

For any newbies to my thread, you haven't missed much. My trip report begins on page 15 and the newest installment is on page 20.

Our Dates
Sun Oct 7-Fri Oct 12
MNSSHP Oct 11
Old Key West Resort

:cool1: :cool1: Trip report begins on page 15

Okay, I am a disney planning geek. I love planning our familys next vacation. While scouring the DVC boards numerous times, I finally found my way to this forum. Where have you people been? :confused3 I've now been only almost daily and found vast sources of exciting never-before-known tips!:surfweb: While I've always had my Disney Bible (Unofficial Guide), I went out and got a passporter and joined TGM. I've become a member of Team Focker Watch and put a down-payment on the next issue of lanyards (insert lime-green smilie here).
I will be posting pics along the way.

Who we are: Hubby and I grew up in Florida and spent many years visiting the mouse. Since moving from our beloved Satellite Beach the thing we've missed the most is our trips to Disney. Beach smeach we want Space Mountain.:scared1:

Me: Buffy, my mom's nickname for me. I'm a stay at home Mom of 3. Scrapbooking (still working on my 2002 Disney book) and planning Dis Trips take up most of my spare time.
DH: Rommel, DH's ID on most sites, very detail oriented, loves war games. If it's not obvious already, he's a computer programmer. A very patient man who *says* he never tires of my endless Disney talk.
DD9: Ranger, because of her love of the action heros. A very sweet girl who loves people and hates to see anyone hurt. She has always been a Power Ranger fan more that a princess type.
DD6: Flower, because she always picks them. The know-it-all. There isn't anything she doesn't know or doesn't have an answer for. Very sweet and all-girl. Her favs are Ariel and Cindy.
DS3: He-ya kid, a nickname given to him from a playmate. A momma's boy who shares his big-sis's affinity for Rangers. Last trip he was frightened by almost everything, including the Pooh ride. How can a kid that watches those horrible villians on Power Rangers be afraid of Pooh?

The planning for our current trip begins in Jan....

Me: I've been wanting to go to Disney again. (Keep in mind it's been since Dec 05-can't believe we didn't go last year)
DH:Yeah me, too.
Me:Ya know they have that new Pirate and Princess party. It looks pretty cool. Maybe we could head down just for a long weekend.
DH: Well check it out (don't ya love him?)
Me: The kids have a week off in February. That would be a good time plus it is our 15 year anniversary. We've still got tickets left for everyone but Cal. He's three now so he's gonna cost us.
DH: I don't want to spend so much just after Christmas.
Me: No prob, I'll check the value resorts, ya know that they have family suites now?

I then spend countless time researching/changing dates/switching dates. I found that a short three-night trip to the ASMu fam suite + 10 day no expiration pass for DS3 + Party tickets ended up being as much a longer trip.:sad2:

Was there a possibility that I could convince hubby?

Will we be on our way soon?

Dum da da dum...

Well, as you probably guessed, it is April, and this is a PRE-plannng trip report.

stay tuned for more.............popcorn::

The Pre-trip Contents:

Page 1, Trip Planning and ADRS
Page 2, New camera purchase

Page 3, New ADRS

Page 4, Sewing costumes & Autrograph holders

Page 5, Pictures of family outfits

Page 6, Tickets arrive

Page 7, Pictures of family outfits & Budget

Page 8, Things to Do

Page 9, & 10 Previous WDW trips plus scrapbook pages
Page 11 More scrapbook pages and Countdown Calendar
Page 12 Previous WDW trips

Page 13 Car magnets & reconstructed tees plus COSTUMES
Page 14 Itinerary & getting ready to leave

Page 15 Trip Report---Checking In
Page 16 Trip Report---Magic Kingdom
Page 17 Trip Report---EPCOT and Garden Grill
Page 18 Trip Report---Downtown Disney Marketplace
Page 18 Trip Report---Magic Kingdom Fantasyland

winkers

04-05-2007, 11:55 AM

woohoo, I'm finally first somewhere! :woohoo: Little things make me happy!

buffy0214

04-09-2007, 07:37 AM

Hey thanks, Winkers, I'm glad someone is listening even if only to be first:lmao:

buffy0214

04-09-2007, 07:58 AM

Okay, I am now going to add some pictures of our last trip to the World. It was taken in Dec 2005. It was our first stay at a Vacation Club resort (rented) following a disasterous off-site stay earlier in Feb of the same year. We loved Old Key West. We were able to stay in a studio because the He-ya kid was still under 3 at the time.

Here we are at MGM during the Car Stunt Show. You can see the baby is tired (please don't mention the paci. I know, I know.) and Flower, on the right, was into her "I don't want to have my picture taken" stage. This thrilled me to no end because we had the Princess Lunch in Norway and she didn't take one picture with any princess:confused: I will post it, however, because it is the only picture where I'm included. Next time, I will take more pics with me.

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/2557/2790685410069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2790685410069150403UxRuRJ)

Next up, Rommel and the he-ya kid meeting the white ranger. A very exciting moment.

http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/3849/2207002020069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2207002020069150403JHgiAR)

The character lunch at Norway. I told you Flower was not going to have any pictures taken. Ranger was a trooper and took a picture with each one. This is Ariel (in waiting).

http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/4940/2485248110069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2485248110069150403hZlzgq)

He-ya kid and Flower at the Old Key West swimming pool. It was a little cold for me, but they loved it.

http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/4798/2283413980069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2283413980069150403DDaTSJ)

Rommel's dad was able to drive in from Satellite Beach to join him and the girls at the Contemporary for Mickey's Character Dinner. The he-ya kid and I stayed at the hotel and rested.

http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/5130/2600876950069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2600876950069150403LdyFnJ)

buffy0214

04-09-2007, 08:31 AM

Okay, after much debate we decided we would wait until October and have a longer trip. Plus, there is MNSSHP and we have never been.:scared1: On the minus side, it's not until October. That's were ya'll come in.:surfweb: I can come on the disboards and chat with all the other crazy disney people.

Here is my scribble page that shows some of my thought process in picking a hotel. This is only one of about 10 pages.

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/3023/2240169130069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2240169130069150403ItOlwA)

I chose two arrival dates and debated taking the kids out of school a couple of days early to save $. Assuming that they have the same holidays as last year:teacher: We narrowed it down and decided on the FW Cabins. I'm not much of a camper but we thought we would be happier having a roomier room. We would rent golf carts because we heard that they came in handy, so add another $45 per rental day. I'm happy, DH is happy, the kids think it is cool. :cool1: I make the reservations. And then...

I get an email from my sister asking when we were going to Disney this year. She knows we go all the time, obviously. She decides she wants her family to go with us. No problem. It could be cool. "Just so you know, however, you will have to keep up with my pace." She and her hubby are notorious wishy washy people who can never make up their minds. I say this with all love:love:

Next, my parents say that if we get a room that is big enough for them, they would like to go also. Now, it would be nice for the kids to have a trip with their grandparents. But, the cabins only sleep five.

Finally, the school schedule comes in. The dates are different:sad2: This means we would have to take the kids out of school for 3 days. That is just too much, I think. They already have an entire week off during Columbus Day week.

Alright, I think I've got it together now. We will switch the dates a few days and cancel our FW cabins. We wanted to try a different resort, but we will head back to OKW. Why, you ask? :confused: We can get a 2 bedroom for a reasonable price that will fit my family plus my parents. I will miss the maid service, but I think it is the best solution. My sister is on her own. I have a feeling that she will cancel anyway as she has the last two times. I say this with love:love: Did I mention, she is the oldest in the family and I am the youngest. I thought the older ones were type A.:confused3

To bring us up to date, we have a reservation for a 2 bedroom at OKW for Oct 7-12. Now we're cooking. Not really, as I plan to eat our meals at the parks.;) Is there no "corny" smilie?

jcc0621

04-09-2007, 08:39 AM

Great start. :thumbsup2

buffy0214

04-09-2007, 08:49 AM

Now that we have the dates figured out, we will have to decide on which parks to go into on which dates. This is essential in securing proper ADR. I check out unoffical guide website where I am alreay a member. I notice the big banner ad at the top of disboards and all the mentions of TGM. I join TGM (tour guide mike for the newbies). I already have an unoffical guide book so I buy Passporter and pre-order the final Harry Potter at the same time.:wizard: I'm on a roll.

I begin cross-referencing all the guide books, chatting online :chat: and come up with the following senario:

Sun 10/7-Drive down and arrive OKW. Go to Magic Kingdom or MGM.
Mon 10/8-Epoct. This is Columbus day and I think it may be our best park choice even though it is the F&W festival.
Tues 10/9-MK
Wed 10/10-AK Gotta check out the EE
Thurs 10/11-Sleep In
Girls go to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
MNSSHP
Fri 10/12-Home

-or-
Sun MK
Mon EPCOT
Tues Sleep In
BBBoutique
MNSSHP
Wed MK
Th AK
Fri Home

We vote on the first one, which is good because the dates of the MNSSHP switch from Tues to Mon. At least, I think. I'm off to check out TGM again...

buffy0214

04-09-2007, 09:11 AM

Can you tell the kids went back to school this am:rotfl2: I have so much more time to post...

Today is the all-important 181 days before your vacation day. Tomorrow moring I will be on the phone making ADRs. Here are my thoughts:

Sun-Dinner Cindys. Just love the castle even w/out Cindy. Plus please recall Flower's response the last time we had a princess meal. I don't want to stress out over getting a character meal at the castle to find that I am the only one enjoying it:yay: Then we can tour ToonTown and Tomorrowland.

Mon-Garden Grill or that one at the living seas. I think the fish will keep the kids occupied and I've never been there but DH wants to go back to GG. GG it is. Gotta keep DH happy:banana: :banana: :banana: Yes, I felt it was a three banana moment.

Tues-Since my Dsis will be there I am not planning any ADR. Plus, I love Pecos Bill:cheer2: I heard they took the hot cheese away, though.:mad:

Wed-Breakfast with Donald at the Breakfastosaurus? Well, I like the breakfast buffets and it would be a way to get into AK soon. I'l make ADR and decide later. Sis will be here on this day also, but I don't think she will get to the park at 8am. Will have to meet up with her later.:love:

Thurs-Crystal Palace for early dinner. Flower requested Pooh characters since "we haven't done that one in a long time". It was Feb '04, which seems like a long time to me, also. Plus who can resist ...

http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/2561/2280184560069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2280184560069150403QDDuIc)

go straight from early, like 4:30 dinner, to MNSSHP. Stay up late, watch the fireworks pixiedust:

Fri-Grandpa agrees to drive us home while we snooze in the car.:cool2:

winkers

04-09-2007, 09:47 AM

Great Pictures! Are you doing the ddp? You are very brave to bring family with you!

buffy0214

04-09-2007, 09:51 AM

No DDP this time. Hubby really wants to get this but everyone in the room would have to be on it and the grandparents plan to eat in the resort room. I'm not even sure I can get my dad into the parks.

buffy0214

04-10-2007, 04:39 PM

Great start. :thumbsup2

Thanks! It's my first trip report of any kind. I figured if nobody reads it, at least I will have it all written down for my scrapbook:)

buffy0214

04-10-2007, 05:19 PM

Prepare yourself for the following report. It is a picture of me at 7am making ADRs.

Everybody ready?

Okay, just so you understand, this is EARLY for me:coffee:

http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/2765/2416041020069150403S200x200Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2416041020069150403HavJqj)

Notice it is a little smaller than the others. I may be brave, but not that much.

This is the exact moment that I got through! I can't complain too much about the early morning compared to the west coasters. I told the reservationist I wanted Cindy's for 10/7. He said, "You want the breakfast, correct". Wait, now I'm confused:confused: Breakfast? What's breakfast? Oh, man, I am sweating. Yes, I want the breakfast. I wish I could do the breakfast. I want to do the breakfast. I can't do the breakfast, we won't arrive until later that afternoon. *sigh* I secure dinner at 5:35. Now I'm wondering if we will be able to make it into the Kingdom in time. If we check in at 4 we will have to high-tail it to the castle.

Here's how the rest went:

Sun 10/7 Cindy's 5:35
Mon 10/8 Garden Grill 4:40
Wed 10/9 Restaurantosaurus 8am
Thurs 10/10 Crystal Palace 4pm

Thrilled with the idea that I might actually be able to secure a Cindy's breakfast later in the week, I begin plotting:idea: I call back and get Crystal Palace on Sun for dinner 6:35. If I can get Cindy's breakfast on Thurs, then I will cancel CRT dinner on our arrival day and we will do Crystal Palace. I think I confused myself. Hubby goes to work. I'm sure it's in order to avoid any more senarios.;)

Oh, yeah, oh, yeah :yay: :yay: :yay: :dance3: Do the happy dance, do the happy dance:woohoo:

I'm the man. Well, sorta. (That's from Mulan). As a side note, my friends little one used to go around and say this all the time. She would say it to waitresses, cashiers, etc. You can get away with this when you are 3.

buffy0214

04-16-2007, 10:25 AM

I spent the majority of Friday trying to figure out if it was worth getting up at 7am on Sat to try and get breakfast reservations at CRT. After an excel spreadsheet outlining the options, bouncing ideas off of everyone, and some personal introspective, I decided the breakfast was out. I really was the only one who wanted to do it and we can always do it at another date. Right? *sigh* It seemed silly to go into the MK that morning just for breakfast. This was supposed to be our easy-then-go-to-MNSSHP day.

I gave my girls three options and told them to pick two. I figure DS3 doesn't really have an opinion on the princesses yet.

1-Hair done at BBB
2-Breakfast at castle with princesses
3-Meal with Winnie the Pooh

They picked 1&3. So I get to sleep in Sat then I called and made BBB reservations. I also got Prime Time on Monday just in case we decide on MGM over EPCOT. My mom has always wanted to do the 50s cafe, though she swears it is in MK at the end of Main Street on the left. I dunno, MGM is the only one I know about. I would prefer MGM but it has EMH and will probably be crowded.

I still have reservations for our arrival day at CRT. princess: Reservations about my reservations that is. Uggg, I know.

My concerns are:
What if we don't make it in time for some reason or another?
Will the kids be too squirmy after driving for 6 hours to enjoy the evening?

Oh, I found out that Cinderella IS there for dinner, but only downstairs to take pics. A picture package is included with dinner as well. :dance3: That's what I wanted. I'm a sucker for the pictures. The fairy godmother will be on had for celebrations but will not be doing a meet-and-greet.

Some pics of our last visit to the castle, Feb 2002.

The famous Cinderella coach butter

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/5535/2975189540069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2975189540069150403ATSIUj)

Cinderella with my DD and her cousin. We didn't think we would see her that day as we weren't having the "character meal"

http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/2489/2652652160069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2652652160069150403jOwEpM)

My youngest DD enjoying the Mickey-head shapped straw.

http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/5382/2886127850069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2886127850069150403feokrC)

While telling my mom the exciting plans, she said, "What are you going to do when this trip is over?" :confused: What a silly question. Obviously, I will be planning for the next one. Sheesh.:rolleyes:

winkers

04-16-2007, 01:05 PM

It's nice to know I'm not the only one who is constantly re-arranging adr's!

Jillnkids

04-19-2007, 04:16 PM

Hey Buffy, my family will be there the same week as you! We're staying until the 13th though. I've made ADRs but am still debating some changes. It will be me, DH, DS12 & DD9. We're staying at the WL with bunkbeds. I can't figure out how much time we'll need for AK. We skipped it last time (our 1st trip). What do you think? On our last visit, I chose the park based on EMH (which were only in the mornings) and we did miss most of the night time events.

I booked BBB for our last morning for my DD. We have an ADR for 1900 Park Fare that evening. I thought it would be a nice way to end our trip.

Here are my ADRs so far:

10/7 Chef Mickey 5:30pm
10/8 Sci-Fi Dine In 12:30pm
10/9 San Angel Inn 12:30pm
10/10 Ohana Breakfast 7:30am
10/11 Crystal Palace 11:50pm
10/13 1900 Park Fare 5:30

I'm considering changing the ressies in green. I always 2nd guess every decision. I can't wait to hear more of your planning process!

buffy0214

04-20-2007, 08:30 AM

I can't figure out how much time we'll need for AK. We skipped it last time (our 1st trip). What do you think? On our last visit, I chose the park based on EMH (which were only in the mornings) and we did miss most of the night time events.

I booked BBB for our last morning for my DD. We have an ADR for 1900 Park Fare that evening. I thought it would be a nice way to end our trip.

Here are my ADRs so far:

10/7 Chef Mickey 5:30pm
10/8 Sci-Fi Dine In 12:30pm
10/9 San Angel Inn 12:30pm
10/10 Ohana Breakfast 7:30am
10/11 Crystal Palace 11:50pm
10/13 1900 Park Fare 5:30

I'm considering changing the ressies in green. I always 2nd guess every decision. I can't wait to hear more of your planning process!

Thanks for checking in! How cool that we are going the same week! Maybe we'll see each other and I can give the "I'm watching you" sign to someone. Check out this thread if you haven't done already http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1399648. It explains about Team Focker Watch so you will know what I'm talking about.:laughing:

We have only done AK once and ran out of time. But, we were traveling with 2 "under 5" + grandparents. We got to see the Safari, Petting Area, Lion King. We rode the dumbo-like dinos (I forget what they are called) and the kids loved the play area. We ate at the Rainforest Cafe. We went at a slow time and there was zero wait. I was disappointed in the food but the kids had fun. Hubby checked out the Bugs show (he liked it and thought the kids would, too) and Dinosaur! (he was unimpressed) while we watched the parade. I guess it depends on what your must-sees are as to how much time to spend here.

My DD favorite thing at AK---the sword

http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/5150/2978922310069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2978922310069150403yWxYar)

Last time, we hit the EMH parks as well and did hopping. So, we would do, say, MK in AM for their EMH and hit MGM in evening for their EMH. The parks were very crowded by noon and we went back to the hotel for a rest. While this did work, we were so tired from early morning/late evenings that we are trying to avoid EMH this time. The exception is AK. We are going that Wednesday for it's EMH PM so that we have more time.

It sounds like you've got a great week planned, also. I can't tell you about Sci-Fi but our family loved Crystal Palace.

Jillnkids

04-20-2007, 04:08 PM

Thanks for your reply! We were considering doing the late EMH at AK on Wednesday also. Actually, I was considering doing the morning emh on Monday then Studios in the afternoon/evening. Blizzard Beach or DTD on Wednesday with AK in the afternoon/evening. Those are the 2 days I'm having trouble deciding on. Plus, my kids want to eat at Whispering Canyon. Yikes, we need to stay longer in order to eat at all the places we want!

Does the Fantasmic package take only 1 TS credit each? I'm considering cancelling the Sci-Fi Dine In to the Mama Melrose Fantasmic package. Any thoughts?

daisy_77

04-22-2007, 04:13 PM

Hi, there!

You have such a cute family! I am really enjoying your Pretrippie....I look forward to reading more!:) :)

buffy0214

04-23-2007, 08:39 AM

Last night during a commercial break for Amazing Race, DH says, "We could do MGM instead of Epcot. I think that there is more for the kids there." I reply, "You started this one!" (meaning the conversation):rolleyes:

Amazing Race fans: two non-elliminations in a row! I feel like I've wasted my time. DH enjoyed the blondes making the noodles. Typical.

Idol chat: Normally we tape the results show as it is too late for the kids to watch. We watched it the next morning before school. DD6 was in tears. I had no idea she would have such a reaction to Sanjaya being voted off. He was her favorite. Poor thing went to school so sad. I felt terrible for watching it before school.

buffy0214

04-23-2007, 09:10 AM

Hi, there!

You have such a cute family! I am really enjoying your Pretrippie....I look forward to reading more!:) :)

Thanks so much:goodvibes . Now that I have the ADRs out of the way, what are we going to do for the next 160+ days:laughing:

buffy0214

04-23-2007, 12:43 PM

I got my new camera today:yay:

http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/2680/2707209100069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2707209100069150403PZpDhh)

It is 12x Optical zoom. I really wanted a new camera with a good zoom to take to dis:woohoo: I've got plenty of time to play with it now...

I think it was SORUL82 that said it wasn't Disney that was expensive it was getting ready for disney.

Jillnkids

04-23-2007, 03:40 PM

Congrats on your new camera! I have a Nikon that has a great zoom also. It takes really great pictures.

Yes, getting ready for any vacation seems to take a toll on my wallet! Of course, it is all those cashbacks on my Discover that is helping fund our Disney trip so I guess that's ok. I want a pair of Crocs (Nile) for myself and my DD wants a pair of Disney crocs for the trip. And of course, I need a new bag --maybe a Baggalini Messenger for the trip. Thankfully, I have birthday money to help pay for the extras.

I made my 1st change to my ADRs. I cancelled my lunch at Sci-Fi to the Mama Melrose Fantasmic Dinner package. I think that will work better with our days plans.

I can't believe I have only 5 months and 2 weeks until our trip! How is everyone else's plans?

andiepie

04-23-2007, 04:30 PM

I have an older version of that camera, not the same zoom and probably fewer megapixels, but I love it! It's easy to use with various scenes for various projects. If anything, I recommend lots of batteries cause it burns through them!:cool2:

daisy_77

04-23-2007, 04:41 PM

I like your new camera! Very nice!:thumbsup2

buffy0214

04-25-2007, 03:29 PM

JillnKids: Oh, yes, I need to add Baggalini to my list of stuff to get!

Andiepie: I noticed it seems like the picture captured is like a split second off from what I am seeing in the display. Did you notice this on yours?

daisy_77: Thanks! Now if I can only figure out all the bells and whistles. It takes moving pics, too, but I need to test if the quality is good enough to be a substitute for my camcorder. I really don't want to tote that thing around. I've left it behind on our past few trips but would like some shots of DS3 while he is still little.

More shopping excersions to come...

buffy0214

04-25-2007, 03:40 PM

andiepie

04-25-2007, 03:53 PM

[QUOTE=buffy0214;18340414][LIST]
Andiepie: I noticed it seems like the picture captured is like a split second off from what I am seeing in the display. Did you notice this on yours?

I noticed this sometimes especially when I'm taking pictures of my cat (I don't have kids, yet). It doesn't do it all of the time, just on certain settings usually when flash is involved. Most of the time the picture still comes out with the shot the way I wanted it to turn out, or maybe I just taught myself not to move the camera until I heard the "click". My camera takes video, too, and I love the quality of the picture itself, but I can't get sound. I've got the manual somewhere around here...:scared: Finding it will be another story. And when I do, maybe I'll figure the video out, but the rest was so easy that I just put in the memory card and took off with it.

Jillnkids

04-25-2007, 04:08 PM

FYI - The Fantasmic packages only take 1 TS credit on the dining plan. I cancelled by Sci-Fi Dine in ADR for a Fantasmic package at Mama Melrose for Tuesday evening. I don't want to miss Fantasmic this time.

What are you all doing on your arrival day? I know I've heard over and over to skip a park that day, but I can hardly resist evening EMH at MK that day! We haven't booked flights yet. I'm waiting for fares to go down a bit, but I am hoping that we get in by lunch time. Wondering what every one else's plans are.....Also, is anyone doing grocery delivery? Any suggestions?

luvfigment

04-26-2007, 02:34 PM

Loving your Pre-TR. I will be there during the same time as you Oct 8-15 to celebrate my Disneymoon!!! It is so much fun reading other people's plans and seeing that they change things just as much as I do. It drives DFi crazy, he just doesn't understand how much fun it is to make all the different plans. The day we arrive we will be heading in to MGM that is what we did last time and what DFi requested to do so. Can't wait to read more of your plans.

jenr812

04-28-2007, 03:42 PM

While telling my mom the exciting plans, she said, "What are you going to do when this trip is over?" :confused: What a silly question. Obviously, I will be planning for the next one. Sheesh.:rolleyes:
:rotfl: Well duh!!! :sad2: :thumbsup2
Love things so far and look forward to more. Your family is adorable. But your youngest DD has horrible taste in boys (Sanjaya)! I say that with love:love: ;) (that so reminds me of my dear MIL who frequently begins uncomfortable conversations with "Not trying to be rude, but...":rolleyes: :rotfl2: )

Congrats on the new camera. I have the Kodak DX6590 which is the model just before yours (the only difference in 10x zoom and a megapixel I think - oh and mine's black!). It is a great camera and has served me well - but I just got the Canon S3IS. :yay: Do you have a tabletop tripod? I highly recommend it for night shots or high zoom shots. I haven't noticed the battery issue that andie mentioned, but I have the charging dock, which is awesome and a must have IMHO. It is the one thing I will REALLY REALLY REALLY miss as the Canon does not have one available. Oh and I've found the video to be good quality! Just remember that you have to have the camera horizontal or your video will be sideways. There is no image stabilizer, so be real still or use a tripod or just rest it on something. I have been known to contort my body into strange positions and then have the camera rest on my knee. LOL Not a pretty sight, but helps keep the camera steady.

I have lurked in the focker thread now and then and would be so tickled to see another focker watcher:lmao:

buffy0214

04-30-2007, 02:36 PM

Andiepie: Thanks! I will have to try out different settings.:cool1:

JillnKids: We can't resist a night at the park, either. :banana: We are heading to the Magic Kingdom. We are going to try and ride Stitch, Space Mountain, and Buzz. We have reservations at Cindy's for dinner and hopefully we will have time to view Spectro parade. I don't want to do too much on our first day. :idea: So then, I tried to talk DH into arriving on Saturday and staying at POP or ASMom. I think I could get him to do it. :wizard: The problem is, what would my dad do between checkout at POP and check-in at OKW?

luvfigment: Welcome! I'm glad you are enjoying it! Planning is half fun, isn't it. I'm sure I drive my DH crazy, too but never complains:hug: I will check out your pre-trippie when I have more time:)

jenr812: Thanks and welcome! I do have a tabletop tripod. But will have to dig it out from somewhere. :rolleyes1 I can just see myself trying to balance it as you mentioned:laughing: I will do it, though. I really want some good video of Hallowishes and the MNSSHP parade. Who know when we will see it again.

buffy0214

04-30-2007, 02:56 PM

Okay, I've decided it would be great to loose about 30 lbs and get in shape for Disney:scared1: I could stand to lose more, for sure, but mainly I want to focus on not losing my breath by the time I'm at the end of main street.

The last time we did Dis, my hubby's back gave out. He was riding along in those electric scooters. I pushed the girls in the double stroller and pulled the baby behind me trying not to run into anyones heels. We were quite the sight:rotfl2: I remember getting a comment, "you sure have your hands full!" Sha! No kidding:rotfl: My point being, this would have been easier if I was more prepared for such a workout.

Alright back to the plan. I figure I can workout in the am after driving the girls to school. I'm working out with FitTV doing their All Star Workouts. Sometimes they are basic workouts. :yay: This morning, however, it was more a dance routine. Mamba with African influences. While I would love to consider myself a dancer:dance3: , it just isn't so. DS3 kept coming out and saying, "I excercise, too" and running around me while I'm tripping all over myself. It was better than the hip hop one I did last week! I can't image how that looked :eek:

daisy_77

05-05-2007, 07:36 PM

Congrats on working out!

30 pounds should be a cinch!:thumbsup2 You have plenty of time!:yay:

nts4wdw

05-05-2007, 08:22 PM

Great Pretrip so far! We've been in October and it was one of our best trips!! I like the way your brain works! I'm constantly rethinking (or maybe overthinking :) ) our plans! They are pretty much set now 'cause I've only got 34 days to go, but I still get the schedule out and go over it almost every day!! (yes I love exclamation points!)
Looking forward to more!!:surfweb:

jenr812

05-05-2007, 09:55 PM

You go girl working out!

I wanna lose 30+ before our trip too, but we leave in 18 days... Any ideas??? LOL

buffy0214

06-02-2007, 04:55 PM

Sigh...I have sadly been neglecting my pre-trip report. :rolleyes1 It has been quite busy around here this last month, just usual end-of-the-school-year business. The kids got out on Friday. But I did manage to do some shopping for Dis, mostly stuff for the kids. It is so much easier to buy stuff for them.

I will follow up more later...but I will say that the "getting in shape" portion of the planning is pretty much where it was the last time I logged in.:laughing:

I see a couple of you should be back from your Disney trips are just getting ready to return. I have some trip reports that I have to go read up on. I've missed so much. :guilty: My hubby's computer is in the shop (less than a year old, too) so we have to fight for time on this one. So for now, I'll go fix some dinner and give him a turn:surfweb:

popcorn:: popcorn:: I just got back from watching Pirates. Hmmm, I'll say I enjoyed it, but didn't love it.

WDW Poly Princess

06-02-2007, 05:20 PM

Sounds like the planning is going well so far!

We're going in October, but it will be a couple of weeks after you :(

Looking forward to hearing more!

MAGGIED

06-02-2007, 05:34 PM

Sounds like you are getting things well in hand for your trip... I have never been in October but several times in early November and we love it at that time of year... the Fantasmic package is only 1 dining credit... and Mama Melrose is great... had dinner there at the beginning of May... can't wait to read more...

buffy0214

06-13-2007, 07:57 AM

reply time:

WDW Poly Princes: Welcome aboard! I know you are going in Oct. I've been reading your pretrippie, too. I'm glad you took some time out to read mine. Arrgg.

Maggied: Welcome! It's been a long time since we've been in Oct. We love early Dec, but since the kids get a week off in Oct we thought this would work out better. it will probably still be too hot for me:cool2:

buffy0214

06-13-2007, 08:27 AM

buffy0214

06-15-2007, 06:51 PM

Congrats on working out!

30 pounds should be a cinch!:thumbsup2 You have plenty of time!:yay:

Thanks, I'm not so sure, however. It's been a long time since I've tried. I think I am going to focus more on getting in shape.

Great Pretrip so far! We've been in October and it was one of our best trips!! I like the way your brain works! I'm constantly rethinking (or maybe overthinking :) ) our plans! They are pretty much set now 'cause I've only got 34 days to go, but I still get the schedule out and go over it almost every day!! (yes I love exclamation points!)
Looking forward to more!!:surfweb:

I know that it has taken me so long to reply that you are back from your trip now. I'm off to check out your thread!!!!

You go girl working out!

I wanna lose 30+ before our trip too, but we leave in 18 days... Any ideas??? LOL

Sorry, I've been so neglectful. No ideas on how to do that. I'm off to check out if you've updated your thread yet. I can't believe that luggage story!

luvfigment

06-15-2007, 08:04 PM

Ohhh we are going to MNSSHP on the same night although we are eating at LTT. I can't wait to read more about your plans!

As for the question about the pin trading I am not sure b/c I have never done it but I think it might be fun for the kids.

buffy0214

06-15-2007, 08:42 PM

:laughing: I just posted the same thing on your thread. We sure are busy this Friday night, huh?

twob4him

06-15-2007, 10:00 PM

:tink: Announcement My sister has just sent me her confirmation. She is staying at All Star Movies and requested the Dalmatian area. She has included her hubby. As far as I knew he was staying in Melbourne with his parents while she and her dd toured with us. All this after I've redone my ADRs. Ugg! Oh, she also had the dates messed up so she is changing them.

Updated touring plan and ADRs (that's dining ressies)

Sun-Arrive at Old Key West around check-in time. Head straight to MK-no ADRs tonight.

Mon-Tour MGM. Lunch 50s Prime Time.

Tues-Tour MK. Early dinner at Cindy's sans sister and her family. I had just booked this when my sis called but luckily she doesn't want to pay ahead anyway JIC she has to cancel. So she is on her own for dinner.

Wed-Tour AK. 8am Breakfastosaurus with all family members.

Thurs-Sleep in. Girls are having their hair done at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. I've switched it to the one inside the castle since we can just stay in MK after that. Hubby and DS will meet up with us later for an early dinner at Crystal Palace followed by our first MNSSHP.

Question: Do you think that pin trading takes away too much time from touring? We're already packing a bunch into a couple of days but I thought my oldest might enjoy doing this. I've scouted out ebay and have my eye on a couple of cast member lots. Let me know what you think.

Hi!!! :yay: I know you have been posting on my thread but it just occured to me to check out your pre-trippie and I followed your link here! You are hilarious!:rotfl: As I am reading this I am trying not to laugh too loud as the rest of the family is asleep :angel: Great job planning and making/changing your ADRs! Looks like you have come to a good conclusion! :thumbsup2

I did have one question....On Thurs you said you "switched it to the one inside the castle". Do you mean BBB? I believe BBB is all the way over in DTD....not in the MK. Correct me if I am wrong. :rolleyes1

Great report..can't wait to hear more! :goodvibes

jenr812

06-15-2007, 11:32 PM

The kids and I all took up pin trading this trip. It isn't time consuming at all and it's fun! I won't say more because that will be later in my TR! ;)

Cathy, they have a BBB in MK too :)

rentayenta

06-16-2007, 12:21 AM

My kids really enjoy pin trading. They aren't super into it but when they think about it, we stop, they trade, and we move on. I have never noticed it taking a long time plus the kids are having fun and not fighting which is huge. I would let them trade shoes if it stopped them from bickering! :lmao:

Keep the report coming! popcorn::

buffy0214

06-16-2007, 07:12 AM

twob4him: :welcome: Thanks for checking me out! I'm not sure about hilarious, but I appreciate the compliment. I thought it was reading kinda boring. I mean, I know that switching ADRs is thrilling for me, but I wasn't sure who else "gets it". The Magic Kingdom is having a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opening Sept 10 this year. They are closing the store The Kings Gallery (inside the Castle) on July 4 and redesigning the boutique. The DTD one is still open.

jenr812: Good I'll keep reading.popcorn:: I thought the kids might like it but I wasn't wanting to add any more $. Already from reading these boards I need matching outfit for each day, I am making my girls some t-shirt dresses, and getting gift baskets from Sarah. All these hints and tips add up. They should have a "cash handing out" smilie. That would be appropriate.

rentayenta :lmao: I hear ya! Thanks for logging on. Hubby and I are commando types, "Go here, go there. Ice cream after we finish the Flying Carpet ride." We do end up "hitting the wall" after noon so that would be a good time to slow down.

buffy0214

06-18-2007, 09:00 AM

I am going to try and make a costume for my DD9 today. princess: She wants to be Jasmine for MNSSHP. She had originally chose Mulan, so I purchased a basic robe pattern and pink/burgandy/purple satin, then she thinks that she really likes Jasmine better. I found a pattern that was a basic peasant top and elastic waist pants. I'm going to make the pants fuller and add sequins to the top so it looks more like a princess and less like a peasant:lmao:

jenr812

06-18-2007, 11:25 AM

Oooh, good luck! Can't wait to see the result :)

buffy0214

06-25-2007, 11:38 AM

Thanks! I worked on it a couple of days last week. I wanted costume that looked like Jasmine but wasn't tummy revealing. I spent hours on a gold belt and it turned out that the costume looked better without it.:confused3

http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/6325/2820057320069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2820057320069150403aWgRRD)

buffy0214

06-25-2007, 11:53 AM

Since I was on a sewing kick, I also saw an ebay auction for disney autograph book lanyard. I decided to make some myself. I used fusible batting to make it more stable and velcro tabs to keep it closed. I think they came out pretty cute:cutie: Now back to :laundy:

Oh,yeah, I almost forgot. My pin trading poll on the Theme parks and Attractions board came back with 75% voting that we should try the pin trading. So I got some on ebay (where else?) and the kids already have them ready to go.

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/6571/2196708360069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2196708360069150403GmZsoT)

Here's one with a model

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/3343/2431680700069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2431680700069150403mOBjnJ)

I made my son a backpack instead. Much better for little dudes.

http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/4325/2394023620069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2394023620069150403VPBgKa)

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/5525/2720648290069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2720648290069150403nvdCpm)

http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/3846/2280298450069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2280298450069150403eSWLtp)

andiepie

06-25-2007, 03:32 PM

The costumes and lanyards look great! I wish I could sew, but I'm sure anything that I made would come out looking like that shirt Denise made Theo on The Cosby Show. :headache:

luvfigment

06-25-2007, 06:17 PM

The costum came out great along with the lanyards and backpack!!! I am very impressed! Our trips are coming up soon!!! On 3 months and some change left!

SwansLoveDisney

06-26-2007, 08:32 AM

I so wish I was crafty! My costume for the MNSSHP will not be nearly as cute as the one you made. And the book holders...wow! I'm impressed!

buffy0214

06-26-2007, 02:31 PM

The costumes and lanyards look great! I wish I could sew, but I'm sure anything that I made would come out looking like that shirt Denise made Theo on The Cosby Show. :headache:

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: I remember that one!

andiepie

06-27-2007, 02:35 PM

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: I remember that one!

Seriously! If I ever tried to sew, it'd come out looking like that. I have a couple pillows (hidden away of course!) from my adventures with a sewing machine in 8th grade home ec. Poor pillows! :sad2:

Now that you've made the Jasmine costume, what others are you going to make? You're gonna dress up, too, right?

buffy0214

06-29-2007, 09:14 AM

I think that's it for making costumes. I bought a costume for my DD6. It is Ariel and very poofy. I'll have to post a pic. I have a feeling she will complain about the inch-iness so I may let her wear a little while and see how it goes. Otherwise back to ebay it goes. My son wants to be a knight so all he needs is a sword and cape.

Hubby doesn't want to dress up. I thought of making t-shirts: Mine would simply say beauty and his beast. B&B was the first Disney movie we went to together. It holds a special place in our hearts as we were falling in love when we watched it and he started bring me roses on a regular basis. (That was a long time ago:rotfl2: Not that I'm complaining. These days I'd rather have help with dishes than flowers.) On our honeymoon, we went to Disney for the weekend. It was only a little over an hour away at the time and all we could afford to do. The only souvenirs we got were t-shirts of B&B. I still have those t-shirts. I thought of some day making a memory quilt and using them. They are way undersized for us now:lmao:

buffy0214

06-29-2007, 09:17 AM

The costum came out great along with the lanyards and backpack!!! I am very impressed! Our trips are coming up soon!!! On 3 months and some change left!

Thanks! Tour guide mike says 100 days. :cheer2:

jenr812

06-29-2007, 11:16 AM

Wow! The costume and lanyards came out amazing!!! I want a sewing machine so bad. How sweet about B&B's special place for you and your DH! WOOHOO for almost being down to double digits!!!

buffy0214

07-03-2007, 07:58 PM

I so wish I was crafty! My costume for the MNSSHP will not be nearly as cute as the one you made. And the book holders...wow! I'm impressed!

Thanks! I really lucked out as I couldn't find a jasmine pattern that I liked. I used a basic peasant top and elastic pant pattern. I was so happy with how it turned out. I have a hard time finding cute things for her to wear as she is a plus size. Even plus size girls want to be a princess. princess: Although, being a princess is a new development. Since she was four she has been a super hero for halloween.

I am hoping that I'm not the one carrying the book holders around. Last time it was quite crazy every time we saw a character. I had to find everyone's book/pen and juggle the camera.

Wow! The costume and lanyards came out amazing!!! I want a sewing machine so bad. How sweet about B&B's special place for you and your DH! WOOHOO for almost being down to double digits!!!

Thanks and :woohoo: for the now 96 days and counting. Hubby decided we should all go on a family walk each evening to help get in shape for the walking we'll do. Well, since it's for Disney I'll go but I'm not happy about it. Normally you can't get me out of the house in summer unless it's going to the pool.:lmao: Hopefully this doesn't go the way of my other exercise program. I blame it on the kids being home from summer. I love having them home but it really ruins my routine. My weekly grocery trip took 3 hours! We had to look/try on clothes. I managed to avoid the toy section but we stopped at the video games and by the time we got to the grocery area it was, "how many more aisles?" I'm like, we just started getting the stuff we came for.

Last year Wal-Mart had a great sewing machine for like $65 on black Friday. It was such an awesome deal. You really don't need to spend much money for one, I have an inexpensive Brother machine. It really does everything I need it to do. But then, you will need space for your fabric collection. Check out the boutique clothing thread in the family forum http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1342831. Now that thread will have you buying lots of fabric in hopes of creating gorgeous outfits. It is hard to keep up with, however, nearing 300 pages. Someone recently posted a link with all the pictures that have been posted and it has helped out a bunch.

buffy0214

07-05-2007, 12:31 PM

Wow! The costume and lanyards came out amazing!!! I want a sewing machine so bad. How sweet about B&B's special place for you and your DH! WOOHOO for almost being down to double digits!!!

Can you believe I don't have any pictures of us on our honeymoon? Nowadays I take pictures of everything! I love scrapbooking. Even if I never get all those scrapbooks done at least I've started taking better pictures.

Maybe I can scrounge a few pics of our early disney trips together.:hug:

twob4him

07-05-2007, 12:38 PM

buffy0214

07-05-2007, 12:40 PM

buffy0214

07-05-2007, 12:46 PM

Wow great job on the lanyard holders and backpack....very creative and I am sure will be greatly used. I love the Jasmine outfit too...your DD looks so happy! I think I saw you on the sewing thread...you should post a pic there...great job!!! :thumbsup2

Thanks! I did post on the custom clothes thread but it moves so fast ya know! I'm on page 204 and it's up to 300+ now and it's only been like a week and a half. Someone did make a bookholder from my instructions. I was so proud that my little idea got copied. Of course, I copied it from someone else but I gloss over that detail in my head.:lmao:

winkers

07-06-2007, 04:02 PM

I finally found you again! I love the jasmine costume and the autograph lanyards! Too cute, and how crafty are you!!!:banana:

luvfigment

07-06-2007, 09:01 PM

Okay Disney friends, I have an important ADR question. Yes, I am still changing things. I know, I know.

Should I change CRT and CP days?

The girls will be dressed up for MNSSHP on Thurday so shouldn't we be going to the castle then? I would only go if we could get an early dinner (like 4:30 or something). Then we would do the CP buffet on Tuesday. Hubby says just leave it alone but I feel he just doesn't want to talk about it anymore.:laughing: So, I come to those who understand:surfweb:

That is a tough question! I think it would be fun for the girls to go to CRT all dressed up but I agree to only do it if you can get an early ADR. You can always call and see if they even have an ADR that early...they may not since it is a MNSSHP night. Either way you accomplish both restaurants. Let us know what you decide.

buffy0214

07-11-2007, 08:26 AM

Huh, that's wierd I know I replied yesterday:confused3 I hope I didn't reply to someone elses thread when I thought I was on mine. That would be embarassing:rolleyes1 I know my DD9 was asking me a question at that time :confused:

Winkers I'm glad you found me again. Thanks for the nice words. That is such a compliment from such a craftly lady as yourself. I'm totally stealing your countdown calendar.

luvfigment Thanks for the input. Right now I can't even call as my long distance minutes are up. I was getting a digital phone with unlimited minutes but the guys never showed up! They had rescheduled me for this Friday and didn't think to tell me. I might just leave everything alone. Too much over-thinking things:scared:

buffy0214

07-11-2007, 08:45 AM

Fluff and stuff that has nothing to do with the pretrippie: I'm getting ready to head out to Atlanta to pick up my sis and her DD10. They are coming down for a two week visit. Now I love my family but so far we have spent the summer like this: 1 week Girl Scout Camp, 1 Week with Brother and his family, 1 Week with other brothers sons, and now 2 weeks with sis. Those 8 weeks are going fast. As soon as my sis leaves I'll be running around getting school stuff. I wanted to visit my best friend and hit the beach but since we've had those fires here in GA the roads have been closed. At least the easiest way to get there from here. It should have been lifted by now but I haven't heard either way. When I agreed to pick my sis up I never thought she'd actually make it:eek: We waited around all day yesterday and then they cancelled her flight so back again we go today:charac2:

Pretrippie stuff

I hadn't given much thought to matching t-shirts for our trip but that was before the Dis! :cool1: I've always enjoyed dressing the girls up matchy but the rest of us? It never occurred to me to have coordinating outfits for each day. Now that I’ve seen all the cute DISigns and tie dye shirts, the plan is up and running.

Here are the outfit ideas for each day (each day will be posted separately):

Arrival/MK Day---Matching tie dye shirts/denim shorts. Possibly making ribbon shorts for the girls? Depending on time and whether I can find some inexpensive shorts to do a trial on. See the bottom of these shorts, something like that but with purple/pink/turquoise colors. Photo courtesy of the custom thread.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/disboutique/girls%20animal%20%20kingdom%20outfits/AKoutfit.jpg

Now, I have never done tie dye before, but figured it couldn’t be too hard. I was wrong. It was the messiest craft I’ve ever done. I came out looking like I had smurf hands (should have taken apic of that!) and the other colors kept dripping on the yellow. I used the instructions posted on the dis, not the spiral one but the regular sunburst pattern. I figured that would be easier. Again, wrong. Next time, I will do the spiral. I’m pretty happy with how they came out, except for Dhs. His has too much white. I think it was a combo of having a thicker/bigger shirt plus me wanting to make sure DS had enough green (his fave). I think I’ll redo hubbys. Here they are…

The girls. I was thinking of adding rhinestones around the mickey heads or a bow to make a minnie (DD6s idea)
http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/7200/2529194570069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2529194570069150403FUpUYj)

The guys. See what I mean about the white.
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/5250/2319343340069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2319343340069150403ftRixW)

winkers

07-13-2007, 08:14 PM

That animal print mickey head is adorable!!! I want one!!!

luvfigment

07-14-2007, 11:14 AM

The shirts came out great!!! The white doesn't look too bad but I understand why you want to do it over. The rhinestones would be a great addition for the girls. I alos really like the safari looking Mickey head shirt...that is really cute! Have a good time with your sister!

buffy0214

07-14-2007, 07:07 PM

Thanks for the comments. Yeah, the animal print minnie is adorable. It's not mine, though, I just copied it for the ribbon shorts idea. I would have made the tees for the girls (and me, too) but I saw this after I'd already purchased some tops for our AK day. I'm saving the idea for next time.

buffy0214

07-14-2007, 07:12 PM

MGM Day---Red/White/Blue combo. While at the fabric store to make the Jasmine costume, my son pulls out a bolt with Cars characters and says, “I want costume, too”. How cute. So okay, I figure I can make a shirt or something and the rest of us will still match with red/white/blue. But that darn custom boutique thread got me going again. I’m going to make the girls matching shirts using the Minnie mouse red dot fabric and for the he-ya kid, I’m going to make shorts. Easier than a shirt plus he already has a white tee with red sleeves that would match perfectly. Here are the shorts and the fabric for the girls…(the fabric looks bright in the pic but really it's just regular red)

http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/5173/2571761000069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2571761000069150403bFNQBj)

http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/5523/2047486660069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2047486660069150403ZcjFTc)

MissMichelle

07-14-2007, 07:18 PM

I am enjoying your TR and I have only just begun. You posted your :scribble page" and I had to do a double take as I thought it was MINE! HAHA...They look a lot alike and I'll be adding one of my pages onto my TR...Can't wait to read on...You have a beautiful family.:goodvibes

buffy0214

07-15-2007, 05:55 AM

Hi and welcome:cheer2: I always do a bunch of scribble sheets and I always check prices at contem, grand floridian, etc, even though we always end up somewhere cheaper. Ya just never know when they decide to lower those prices suddenly.:wizard:

buffy0214

07-15-2007, 06:08 AM

Obviously, I have been in Disney planning stage. Last night I dreamed we were at BBB.http://www.smilieshq.com/smilies/indifferent0008.gif (http://www.smilieshq.com)

They were doing Flower's hair. For some reason she was wearing a Cinderella costume instead of the Ariel one I bought. Forshadowing? Could be as she always wants what she doesn't have. Anyway, I didn't have my camera and the photopass guys were just standing around chit-chatting. I went over and asked if they could take some pics and they were like "we'll get around to it". I was furious and said something very smart and funny back. I'm sure it was smart and funny because I remember being very proud of myself. Whatever I said escapes me at this time. To make a long dream short, I never got any pictures but we had a wonderful time at BBB. My dreamself thought, we'll have to try this again tomorrow.

Even in my sleep I'm rescheduling:rotfl2:

luvmy2sams

07-15-2007, 03:08 PM

twob4him

07-15-2007, 04:32 PM

[U]. Those 8 weeks are going fast.
Pretrippie stuff

Wow thats a lot of entertaining and socializing...fun but time-consuming! ;)

I hadn't given much thought to matching t-shirts for our trip but that was before the Dis! :cool1: I've always enjoyed dressing the girls up matchy but the rest of us? It never occurred to me to have coordinating outfits for each day. Now that I’ve seen all the cute DISigns and tie dye shirts, the plan is up and running.

That darn thread is way to addictive!!!! I am making an Ariel outfit for a friend who is going in Oct. I post a pic when I am done!

Here are the outfit ideas for each day (each day will be posted separately):

Arrival/MK Day---Matching tie dye shirts/denim shorts. Possibly making ribbon shorts for the girls? Depending on time and whether I can find some inexpensive shorts to do a trial on. See the bottom of these shorts, something like that but with purple/pink/turquoise colors. Photo courtesy of the custom thread.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/disboutique/girls%20animal%20%20kingdom%20outfits/AKoutfit.jpg

Now, I have never done tie dye before, but figured it couldn’t be too hard. I was wrong. It was the messiest craft I’ve ever done. I came out looking like I had smurf hands (should have taken apic of that!) and the other colors kept dripping on the yellow. I used the instructions posted on the dis, not the spiral one but the regular sunburst pattern. I figured that would be easier. Again, wrong. Next time, I will do the spiral. I’m pretty happy with how they came out, except for Dhs. His has too much white. I think it was a combo of having a thicker/bigger shirt plus me wanting to make sure DS had enough green (his fave). I think I’ll redo hubbys. Here they are…

The girls. I was thinking of adding rhinestones around the mickey heads or a bow to make a minnie (DD6s idea)
http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/7200/2529194570069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2529194570069150403FUpUYj)

The guys. See what I mean about the white.
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/5250/2319343340069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2319343340069150403ftRixW)

I love love the tie-dyed shirts...way to go!!!! :cheer2: The Mickey safari with the ribbon shorts is cute...I saw that over on the thread...it doesn't look too hard...you just gotta get different ribbon and you are set!

MGM Day---Red/White/Blue combo. While at the fabric store to make the Jasmine costume, my son pulls out a bolt with Cars characters and says, “I want costume, too”. How cute. So okay, I figure I can make a shirt or something and the rest of us will still match with red/white/blue. But that darn custom boutique thread got me going again. I’m going to make the girls matching shirts using the Minnie mouse red dot fabric and for the he-ya kid, I’m going to make shorts. Easier than a shirt plus he already has a white tee with red sleeves that would match perfectly. Here are the shorts and the fabric for the girls…(the fabric looks bright in the pic but really it's just regular red)

http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/5173/2571761000069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2571761000069150403bFNQBj)

http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/5523/2047486660069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2047486660069150403ZcjFTc)

Awww DS wants an outfit too! I love it! The shirt looks great with those shorts. Now what are you doing with the polka dot fabric??

Obviously, I have been in Disney planning stage. Last night I dreamed we were at BBB.http://www.smilieshq.com/smilies/indifferent0008.gif (http://www.smilieshq.com)
[I]

Even in my sleep I'm rescheduling:rotfl2:

Hey that is hilarious!!! :rotfl2: Did you get the early ADR????

buffy0214

07-16-2007, 08:43 AM

You are too funny! :lmao: I can't believe how much of myself I recognized in your postings. I even read some of it out loud to DH and commented that several years ago I would have thought acting like this about a vacation was a sure sign of the need for intervention. Now I think...."Hey, I ordered my passporter and the new HP book that way, too." and "I've got to find the thread with the ribbon shorts. DD8 would love those!" and lastly "What a fabulous idea for autograph books. I'm going to borrow that for our trip!"

We're arriving on October 13th, so don't exhaust Mickey before we get there! :teeth:

Have a fantastic trip! Can't wait to read all about it! :)

:welcome: We still might need intervention!:lmao: All this planning is a great way to keep the magic alive until the trip.

Have you seen the HP movie? I've really got to get through book 6 this week. I've read it before but that was when it first came out. I'm hoping for a happy ending:wizard:

I love love the tie-dyed shirts...way to go!!!! :cheer2: The Mickey safari with the ribbon shorts is cute...I saw that over on the thread...it doesn't look too hard...you just gotta get different ribbon and you are set!

She did no-sew on the whole thing...I couldn't believe it. She did an awesome job!

Awww DS wants an outfit too! I love it! The shirt looks great with those shorts. Now what are you doing with the polka dot fabric??

I'm going to do a top from Simplicity 420-the ruffle bottom one. I will have to buy another pattern for Flower because she is a size 6 and this pattern starts at 8. I think I can size it down pretty simply, though.

http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/5451/2460464470069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2460464470069150403nRJBoV)

Hey that is hilarious!!! :rotfl2: Did you get the early ADR????

I haven't tried. I didn't have long distance until my cable guys came to install my digital phone. They were supposed to come last Mon, but didn't arrive until Friday! It was a 13th, too. I'm not superstitious (sp?) but what a day! I dove into the pool and broke my glasses in half. I was able to go to Wally World and get an appointment for an eye exam after the cable guy left at 5. I ordered my glasses which will not arrive for a week so I got contacts, too (a years worth). A total of almost $500:eek: That's a bunch considering I need to go BTS shopping in a week. Ranger needs her glasses, too.

I'm almost afraid to try the ADR. If I'm able to get it then I will have more decisions to make:sad2:

buffy0214

07-16-2007, 08:52 AM

Time for the ticket dance! :banana: :banana: :banana:

I got my tickets, I got my ticketsparty:

The MNSSHP

http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/6565/2912035150069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2912035150069150403IzZnij)

The 6 day tickets. I got 6 days instead of 5 b/c it was only $2 per person diff. Maybe we will head into EPCOT before we drive home.:confused3 I would like to see Nemo and we've never been on Test Track:scared1: It's weird because when DH and I had season tickets we almost always went to Epcot. It was our favorite park before we had kids. The Test Track line was always majorly long. Now there is FP!! I :love: the FastPasses!

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/5592/2036164770069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2036164770069150403rJCiYl)

luvfigment

07-16-2007, 07:10 PM

andiepie

07-16-2007, 07:21 PM

I really love your tie dye shirts and I kinda like the white in guys' shirts. Blue and green are my favorite color combinations. :)

Hooray for your tickets!

I've gotten my glasses and contacts at Wally World, too, and they were also outrageoulsy expensive but I really hate walking into glass doors and walls so I guess I've got to have them. ;)

buffy0214

07-17-2007, 10:59 AM

:cool1: :banana: :dance3: party: YAY You got your tickets!!!!! I bet you are getting wicked excited!!!!

It feels so much closer now!

I really love your tie dye shirts and I kinda like the white in guys' shirts. Blue and green are my favorite color combinations. :)

Hooray for your tickets!

I've gotten my glasses and contacts at Wally World, too, and they were also outrageoulsy expensive but I really hate walking into glass doors and walls so I guess I've got to have them. ;)

No kidding! I have that same problem. Driving would be totally out...

buffy0214

07-17-2007, 11:01 AM

Thenwood

07-17-2007, 12:08 PM

Hello, I'm a regular "mayer". However, we've gone for my 30th in Oct one year (end of the month) and it was quite cool for me. Esp. at night when I like to swim. Since we live in Buffalo and its cold 8 months out of the year I like it hot when we go! But we just got back from our annual May trip and I just found out that my husband booked a weekend getaway without the kids for our 10 yr annivsary at OKW for Oct 12-14th. I can't tell you how excited I am.
I just lost 30 lbs (if you really want it, yes its easy), now I'm working on the last 20lbs before our Disney anniversary trip. Once I accomplish that, I'll be back to my highschool size! :cheer2:

Jillnkids

07-17-2007, 01:29 PM

I just saw on the official disney site that Big Thunder is closed from Oct 1-24. Big-time major bummer:sad: My mom will probably cancel now as that is her most favorite ride. I'm off to make the dreaded call to her....

NO! :eek: NO!:eek: NO! :eek: My son will be devastated! This was his absolute favorite ride! Oh well, maybe this will be a good reason to visit again.

I just found out today that Delta changed my flights so I've been dealing with that today. But, it worked to our advantage. Now we get there earlier and leave later.

luvfigment

07-17-2007, 08:32 PM

I just saw on the official disney site that Big Thunder is closed from Oct 1-24. Big-time major bummer:sad: My mom will probably cancel now as that is her most favorite ride. I'm off to make the dreaded call to her....

I was sooooo upset when I read the same thing!!!!!! :sad2: It is always a must do this will be the first time I don't go on it since I was tall enough to ride!

luvmy2sams

07-17-2007, 10:12 PM

:welcome: We still might need intervention!:lmao: All this planning is a great way to keep the magic alive until the trip.

Have you seen the HP movie? I've really got to get through book 6 this week. I've read it before but that was when it first came out. I'm hoping for a happy ending:wizard:

Haven't seen the movie yet. We meant to go to the drive-in last Saturday to see it but ended up spending the day at the zoo instead. We've rescheduled for this Friday night so HOPEFULLY we'll actually do what we set out to do this time around. :lmao:

I'm 400+ pages through my reread of book 6, trying desperately to finish it before I pick up #7 this weekend. DS's 4th birthday is Saturday, and he's convinced that all the #7 hype is really just a countdown to his big day. :teeth:

I just saw on the official disney site that Big Thunder is closed from Oct 1-24. Big-time major bummer:sad: My mom will probably cancel now as that is her most favorite ride. I'm off to make the dreaded call to her....

Our family collectively threw up when we read this on the DIS the other day. :sad2: We've been talking BTMRR up for months now to DS, and it's DH's favorite ride. It was to be our first stop upon entering the MK> We probably would have rescheduled until Christmas time if we didn't already have the non-refundable airfare. Oh well...that just means that we'll definitely be back soon. :)

Don't you just love getting those tickets in your hands? It seems official and all that good stuff. :banana:

buffy0214

07-18-2007, 05:25 PM

I just found out that my husband booked a weekend getaway without the kids for our 10 yr annivsary at OKW for Oct 12-14th. I can't tell you how excited I am.

Congrats on the 10 years! What a great surprise your hubby gave you. :thumbsup2

NO! :eek: NO!:eek: NO! :eek: My son will be devastated! This was his absolute favorite ride! Oh well, maybe this will be a good reason to visit again.

I just found out today that Delta changed my flights so I've been dealing with that today. But, it worked to our advantage. Now we get there earlier and leave later.

I am so sad for your son. Usually when we go it's something minor closed but not this:eek: I'm glad your flights worked out better. More time at WDW...sounds good.

I was sooooo upset when I read the same thing!!!!!! :sad2: It is always a must do this will be the first time I don't go on it since I was tall enough to ride!

And on your honeymoon, too. There are so many other things to do but it just doesn't seem right without the railroad, does it.

I'm 400+ pages through my reread of book 6, trying desperately to finish it before I pick up #7 this weekend. DS's 4th birthday is Saturday, and he's convinced that all the #7 hype is really just a countdown to his big day. :teeth:

How cute that he thinks the hype is all for him! How could it not be? I was trying to reread book 6 but I'm out of time, I had to go on the net and get a summary so I at least remember some of the stuff.

Don't you just love getting those tickets in your hands? It seems official and all that good stuff. :banana:

Yeah, we know we are on the way now:woohoo:

buffy0214

07-18-2007, 05:37 PM

The outfits are done for the next pre-trip installment, but I still need to get the kids in them so I can take some pictures...hopefully I'll be able to post them tomorrow.

:tiptoe: I saw this little walking smilie and I remembered to tell ya'll that we (read hubby) decided that the family should go on evening walks starting at the 100 day mark (which was a couple of weeks ago?). We've been doing that every day and increasing our distance a little more each time. I'm not sure it will really prepare us for all the walking at WDW but it can't hurt. Flower, who is deathly terrified of bugs, esp. ants, has a tough time at some areas. I try and tell her that God gave her dominion over the animals. No dice. I try and tell her how much bigger she is. She's not having it. I try and show her how much faster she is. She still screams about being scared. :sad2: The walks aren't what you call peaceful but the other kids have really been loving the time together.

twob4him

07-18-2007, 06:40 PM

I just saw on the official disney site that Big Thunder is closed from Oct 1-24. Big-time major bummer:sad: My mom will probably cancel now as that is her most favorite ride. I'm off to make the dreaded call to her....

Awwwwww that is terrible! Haunted Mansion was closed when we went. You could look at it this way...its one less line to stand it??? How did your mom take it????

The outfits are done for the next pre-trip installment, but I still need to get the kids in them so I can take some pictures...hopefully I'll be able to post them tomorrow.

:tiptoe: I saw this little walking smilie and I remembered to tell ya'll that we (read hubby) decided that the family should go on evening walks starting at the 100 day mark (which was a couple of weeks ago?). We've been doing that every day and increasing our distance a little more each time. I'm not sure it will really prepare us for all the walking at WDW but it can't hurt. Flower, who is deathly terrified of bugs, esp. ants, has a tough time at some areas. I try and tell her that God gave her dominion over the animals. No dice. I try and tell her how much bigger she is. She's not having it. I try and show her how much faster she is. She still screams about being scared. :sad2: The walks aren't what you call peaceful but the other kids have really been loving the time together.

We walked too! Thats funny~but it really does help! My kids had no trouble and I didnt either. I even pushed the stroller the whole trip. Sorry about the bug-a-phobe....perhaps if she sees Ant Bully or Bugs Life or Charlottes Web she will get over it??? :rolleyes:
Well, your trip is getting closer!!! :thumbsup2
PS - I posted some pics of the outfit today on my thread and also on the sewing thread.

buffy0214

07-23-2007, 07:29 AM

Awwwwww that is terrible! Haunted Mansion was closed when we went. You could look at it this way...its one less line to stand it??? How did your mom take it????

She was very disappointed but she still wants to go.:)

We walked too! Thats funny~but it really does help! My kids had no trouble and I didnt either. I even pushed the stroller the whole trip. Sorry about the bug-a-phobe....perhaps if she sees Ant Bully or Bugs Life or Charlottes Web she will get over it??? :rolleyes:
Well, your trip is getting closer!!! :thumbsup2
PS - I posted some pics of the outfit today on my thread and also on the sewing thread.

I glad to hear that it is helpful. It's funny, I she always loved Bugs Life but can't stand bugs. I can barely get her outside in the summer, unless we head for the pool.

I loved your stuff on the sewing thread. Good job:thumbsup2

buffy0214

07-23-2007, 08:17 AM

MK Day---We will be going to Cindy’s for dinner so I want to be cute but comfy, too. I’m making the girls t-shirt dresses out of tinkerbell fabric. I’m just going to wear matching turquoise polo and khaki shorts. The boys will wear lime green polos and khakis. I’ve got the girls stuff done…

Ranger knows just how to twirl. She posed with no instruction from me.
http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/5377/2236363900069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2236363900069150403EbVJIP)http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/3837/2472903950069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2472903950069150403oOdSLR)

Flower complained a little, but I got a couple of shots from her…
http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/7130/2471679740069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2471679740069150403smtAgf)http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/5632/2617060810069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2617060810069150403qFBbAe)

http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/5794/2002145340069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2002145340069150403SrtIVz)

Whew! Just a couple more sewing projects and I'm done!

luvfigment

07-23-2007, 07:13 PM

And on your honeymoon, too. There are so many other things to do but it just doesn't seem right without the railroad, does it.

I know!!!! It is too disappointing but there are plenty of other things to do and it opens up more things from MNSSHP to get done.

The girsl outfits for CRT are too cute!!! You are doing a great job with all the sewing projects.

Can you beleive how fast the trips are coming???

buffy0214

07-25-2007, 07:52 AM

I know! I still have 2 more tops to make plus the countdown calendar. The calendar is exciting to make, though:cool1: The kiddos go BTS in about 11 days so I will be in a whirlwind of activity when that happens.

buffy0214

07-26-2007, 06:15 PM

AK Day--There are some super cute ideas out there for AK day, but I had already found these tank tops for the girls at Pennys. Otherwise, we are just wearing brown/khaki…DS still needs a shirt.

The girls outfits
http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/6985/2575010760069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2575010760069150403yJDyqA)

Mine and DHs. Just brown not too exciting. I'm not sure about mine, either:confused3
http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/4454/2313955780069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2313955780069150403BjDzbK)

SwansLoveDisney

07-26-2007, 06:22 PM

Cute outfits!

Why aren't you sure about yours?!? It's super cute and it matches the girls' outfits.

buffy0214

07-27-2007, 06:48 PM

I don't know...I'm just not sure about baring the upper arms.:laughing: I'm sure I'll be hot, even in Oct, so it would be the coolest option.

buffy0214

07-27-2007, 07:05 PM

Arrrggh the budget:headache: I've been thinking about how much we will need for this vacation. Here's what I've got so far

2 bedroom suite at OKW-5 nights $1560 paid :cool2:
6 day MYW base tickets (3 adults/2kids) $966 + tax ($62.80)/ship ($3) paid:cool2:
MNSSHP tickets (3 adults/2kids) $182.75 + tax ($11.92) paid :cool2:
Food $900 (not including the $240 already paid for CRT) saved :cool2:
Stroller rental $100
Spending $500 saved :cool2:
Boutique $100
Misc $200

I didn't figure in gas or tolls cuz I just am not sure how to calculate that:confused: Maybe $100ish?

I think I am going to try and keep track of how much we spend this time to see how close I get to the budget. Who knows? We may one day look back and think "How did we ever go to Disney for so little money?"

I'm letting the kids have $75 each. Last time I had their spending money separated and had to make change every time they wanted something. It really slowed us down to keep track of all that loose change. Does anyone have ideas on how they keep track of their kids spending money? I didn't want to get the disney dollars as I would still be making change. I'm thinking along the lines of gift card or something. Can you get a gift card at WDW to make purchases at WDW?

nts4wdw

07-27-2007, 07:20 PM

Cute outfits! I hate thinking about the money part of it. I leave that to Chuck (Constable Mickey)!!:rotfl2:

twob4him

07-27-2007, 07:54 PM

Such cute outfits! :goodvibes And a very reasonable budget...it would be interesting to see if you get close to your goal. As far the kids go, why not try the gift card thing...don't they just run the card and give you the total balance?? And when they go thru the amount ($75 ?) they are done! Sounds great! :thumbsup2

luvfigment

07-28-2007, 09:20 PM

The outfits are great, I relaly like the girls too bad they didn't have them in adult sizes. The budget looks great and it would be really interesting to see how close you come. For out budget I am putting $20 aside each week and DFi is putting some aside each week for out spending money and OOP expensives since we have the DDP.

As for the kids money I think the girst cards would work out the best and I am almost positive they have gift card type things. They also have thos Visa debit card thingys out now instead of using travelers checks. Keep us posted!!!

Just think a little over 2 months now!!!!

andiepie

07-29-2007, 05:18 PM

Wow, I go to a new job for a week and come back to all those cute outfits! Did you say that you got your brown tank top from Penny's? I like it, I may need to go shopping. :lmao:

I agree with the others... the gift cards should probably be better. Especially if it's the kind where you can check the balances periodically.

It's so close! So exciting!

buffy0214

07-30-2007, 09:37 AM

Cute outfits! I hate thinking about the money part of it. I leave that to Chuck (Constable Mickey)!!:rotfl2:

:rotfl2: Unfortunately, I am in charge of all the money around here. Hubby likes to remain in the dark. I've got most of it saved already :cool1:

Such cute outfits! :goodvibes And a very reasonable budget...it would be interesting to see if you get close to your goal. As far the kids go, why not try the gift card thing...don't they just run the card and give you the total balance?? And when they go thru the amount ($75 ?) they are done! Sounds great! :thumbsup2

Yeah, I think that is the way I'm going to go. I think I'll get the visa debit cards. JIC they don't spend all $75 (:rotfl: ) visas can get spent anywhere. I think they have a little machine at Wally-World where you can get some.

The outfits are great, I relaly like the girls too bad they didn't have them in adult sizes. The budget looks great and it would be really interesting to see how close you come. For out budget I am putting $20 aside each week and DFi is putting some aside each week for out spending money and OOP expensives since we have the DDP.

As for the kids money I think the girst cards would work out the best and I am almost positive they have gift card type things. They also have thos Visa debit card thingys out now instead of using travelers checks. Keep us posted!!!

Just think a little over 2 months now!!!!

Good idea saving a little each week. You shouldn't need too much since you have the DDP. Next time we are going to do the dining plan, too, I think. I am going with the debit card thingys as they can be spent anywhere. You know, in case I'm under budget. It could happen:rolleyes1

I can't believe we only have two months! So much to do, I better make a list of all the stuff I have left to do/purchase.

Wow, I go to a new job for a week and come back to all those cute outfits! Did you say that you got your brown tank top from Penny's? I like it, I may need to go shopping. :lmao:

I agree with the others... the gift cards should probably be better. Especially if it's the kind where you can check the balances periodically.

It's so close! So exciting!

I got my girls their stuff at Penny's. Mine (only the best for me) at Wally World.

I assume I will be able to check balances on a prepaid Visa, also. I think that is how we'll go.

winkers

07-30-2007, 11:02 AM

I love the outfits! It never even occured to me to plan matching family outfits for each day............I hang my head in shame.:) My dh is probably thankful I didn't have that idea.

buffy0214

07-30-2007, 02:56 PM

nts4wdw

07-30-2007, 03:31 PM

:sad2: Oh, for shame.:rotfl: It hadn't occured to me before, either. Now that I DIS, it's given me so much more to do. Actually, the coordinating has been the toughest of the pre-planning. I always tried to match my DDs outfits but hadn't thought past that. DH is okay with it as long as I don't get too crazy. He's willing to wear color co-ordinating tees or polos.

The color coordinating is my favorite part. Although, our next trip is for Jake's birthday and he has decreed no mathcing shirts. Maybe I can talk him into matching colors.........

winkers

07-30-2007, 08:17 PM

:sad2: Oh, for shame.:rotfl: It hadn't occured to me before, either. Now that I DIS, it's given me so much more to do. Actually, the coordinating has been the toughest of the pre-planning. I always tried to match my DDs outfits but hadn't thought past that. DH is okay with it as long as I don't get too crazy. He's willing to wear color co-ordinating tees or polos.

I mentioned it to my dh this morning and he gave me a firm NO! Along with that she's totally lost it look in his eyes. What he's forgotten is I always pack for him so wouldn't it be a shame if all he had to wear was matching outfits???:rotfl2:

buffy0214

07-31-2007, 08:30 AM

The color coordinating is my favorite part. Although, our next trip is for Jake's birthday and he has decreed no mathcing shirts. Maybe I can talk him into matching colors.........

I have had fun with it but it has taken so much time. I'll find such cute stuff on the DIS and I think, "I can make that real quick". But when you do that 5 times, suddenly you have a bunch of projects:lmao:

I've seen some cute ideas for birthday shirts. Like ones that say "I'm Jake" and everyone else's would say "We're here for Jake's Birthday". He would probably be totally embarassed by something like this, I would imagine. How about everyone else wear matching colors and Jake would wear contrasting color. When is his b-day? Are you going to do another pre-trip report? I really love reading your report. Your family sounds so much like mine.

I mentioned it to my dh this morning and he gave me a firm NO! Along with that she's totally lost it look in his eyes. What he's forgotten is I always pack for him so wouldn't it be a shame if all he had to wear was matching outfits???:rotfl2:

:lmao: Imagine the look you'd get when he pulls out matching tie-dye!

buffy0214

07-31-2007, 08:50 AM

Okay, it's not really a purchase but I ordered my customized maps. I was think of doing this after we went to get a good summary of our vacation. But then, I really want to have my maps!

Shout out to MissMichelle for telling me that we can preorder the photo CD for photopass:banana: You get a dancing banana from me! I orded right away and got my code.

I also got Flower a new princess dress. The ariel one is itchy and too short. So, she picked out a sleeping beauty one with a cloak and I got DS a knight cape.

Here is what is left on my to-do list:

ADRs
cancel Garden Grill for Oct 8, make Garden Grill for Oct 12 in case we end up hitting EPCOT before we drive home DONE

Sewing
Make polka dot shirts for girls
Reconstruct Disney Tees to make tank tops for us girls
Tunic for He-ya kid for Knight costume (time permitting)

Purchasing
Passporter Deluxe (probably will wait and just get 2008 for next trip)
Matching tees for hubby and me for Halloween
4 GB memory card for videos DONE (I got 2 2GB)
Digital voice recorder (questionable. Just to make trip report/scrapbooking easier)
Crocs for Pete (oh, that's Rommel's name IRL)
Water Camera
Disposible cameras for kids
Body Glide (maybe)

Other to-do's
Get pre-paid visas
Create daily itenerary
Make/laminate mini itenerary for daily use

There's got to be more but that is all for now.

I was going to order a basket or get autograph books ahead of time through memoriesbybetsy (formerly memories by sarah). I want to get the photo holder one but I'm not sure if it's too big for the purses I made. The baskets are cute, too but I think the kids would rather pick their own gifts out.

Whew! I've got a lot to do. Right now, though I've got to clean the kids closets out. I'm getting all the stuff that doesn't fit out and putting up their BTS clothes. I got some cute dinosaur clothes for the He-ya kid at Gymboree. He loved it! He said, "I want to go back to school right now". Unfortunately, his preK starts about 2 weeks after his sisters go to school (this Monday).

nts4wdw

07-31-2007, 10:58 AM

I've seen some cute ideas for birthday shirts. Like ones that say "I'm Jake" and everyone else's would say "We're here for Jake's Birthday". He would probably be totally embarassed by something like this, I would imagine. How about everyone else wear matching colors and Jake would wear contrasting color. When is his b-day? Are you going to do another pre-trip report? I really love reading your report. Your family sounds so much like mine.

His Birthday is Jan. 17! So far away!!!! He told me this morning that we could all wear the same color, but no iron on stuff!! And definitely our tye die stuff! He loves those, actually wears them to school. It is difficult to get a teenager to love anything. I was thinking this morning about starting a pretrip, but I'm not even half way finished with the trip report form June!! We went to Home Depot this morning for Mickeyheads. he wants to start our countdown now!!!!

Sorry this was so long, don't want to hijack.
Like your to do list! I've thought about getting the deluxe Passporter. I ended up buying a new copy every year 'cause Chuck keeps giving mine away after our trips.
I love seeing your purchases.

buffy0214

08-02-2007, 07:26 AM

Oh, good, at least you can have some matchy-matchy tees. Check out disneyoutlet.com right now. They have logo tees for $5. Does the logo count at iron-on thingys? I bought a bunch for our fam. I mean you can't make 'em for that cheap.

buffy0214

08-02-2007, 07:56 AM

:tinker:ADR update

I cancelled the Garden Grill and rescheduled for our going home day JIC. I also checked on CRT on our MNSSHP day. They didn't have any reservations left for dinner. In a way, that's good because it is one less decision to make. Check that off the list.

I'm off today. No time to DIS:sad2: So sad. I'm heading out to the pool today. Then I'm taking the girls to meet their teachers and get their hair cut. I really just want to play on the computer and read everyone's trip reports *sigh*.

The next installment is stalled as I'm waiting for the costumes to arrive.

buffy0214

08-04-2007, 09:08 AM

Okay, I'm going to be putting the Disney tees under the knife (I mean scissors) today. I am reconstructing mine and my girls into tanks. Wish me luck!

Here is the "before" shot. Thanks to some nice dis'er who posted that disneyoutlet had these tees for $5.pixiedust:

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/4817/2873640570069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2873640570069150403WmALbw)

Also, I did check out the zazzle and made some tees for me and hubby for MNSSHP. Let me know what you think...do you like the orange or white words? I'm thinking black with white words would work best for both of ours. Which "beast" font do you like best?

http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/7729/2790910670069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2790910670069150403PJDiHa)http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/8054/2902772590069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2902772590069150403QrXEDQ)

http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/6878/2747242770069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2747242770069150403luIfSm)http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/5372/2399215240069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2399215240069150403qoETBq)

Sorry they are small. I guess when you snag 'em from zazzle the file is so small that I was unable to enlarge.

I'm thinking of this for DS to wear with his cape on MNSSHP

http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/4311/2303373790069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2303373790069150403PNHQZl)

I just noticed this is my 400th post.:woohoo:

luvfigment

08-05-2007, 07:15 PM

Your to do list reminds me that I need to make one! The trip is coming up so quickly and I am starting to get overwhelmed with the "to do's" for the wedding and the trip. I like all of the outfits for the trip including the shirts. Are you going to still try and get an ADR for CRT or not bother?

Congrats on your 400th post!!!!

nts4wdw

08-05-2007, 07:21 PM

buffy0214

08-07-2007, 09:23 AM

:woohoo: :woohoo: 2 months to go:woohoo: :woohoo:

Are you going to still try and get an ADR for CRT or not bother?

I tried too late, everything for dinner was gone, but that's okay as it's one less thing to think about:laughing:

Looking forward to seeing the results! I'd like to try it myself.

I've got mine done! It's a little tight, but I'm still going to wear it. Next time I try surgery on a tee I'll get a larger size. Will post the pick soon...

Jillnkids

08-07-2007, 09:37 AM

buffy0214

08-08-2007, 12:36 PM

I can't wait to see your t-shirts! I bought DD and myself the lime green shirts and bought my DH and DS navy blue shirts. My DH hates matching shirts! I think he'll humor me.

We are at the 2 month mark also! I can't wait to go!

I'm lucky I guess. Pete doesn't mind the matching shirts at all, in fact, I think he thinks it is fun.:cool1:

Horay for the 2 month mark!!!

luvfigment

08-08-2007, 08:30 PM

I'm lucky I guess. Pete doesn't mind the matching shirts at all, in fact, I think he thinks it is fun.:cool1:

Horay for the 2 month mark!!!

Horay for the 2 month mark!!! :banana: :banana:

As for the matching t-shirts, DFi still doesn't know about them and if I told him I think he would think I was joking. He just doesn't know he doesn't have a choice and will wear one. :thumbsup2

buffy0214

08-13-2007, 07:59 AM

Wait until he realizes that you are going to take pictures of your food for your trip report:laughing:

Thanks to the DIS, I'll be taking my food pics this trip.

buffy0214

08-13-2007, 08:39 AM

Okay, since we are waiting for me to get some sewing finished, here is some background info on the trips I've taken to WDW....

The early Years

Having lived in Florida since I was in first grade I am no stranger to WDW. My parents say that we took yearly trips when I was young but for some reason I vaguely remember them:confused3 I do remember listening to my record and flipping through the book that came with it. I had four of them and I memorized Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp, Robin Hood, and The Fox and the Hound. It's funny to watch those movies with my kids now because I still know them by heart.

My earliest memory of a trip was probably the ones I took when I was in Girl Scouts. I remember Disney's Tencenial Celebration and I kept the gift bag from the small purchase I made for many, many years. I also remember going to EPCOT the year it opened. I took some pretty bad pictures but am unable to locate them, at least not without some serious digging.:laughing: Again, I kept the map forever. I now wish I still had it. What a great memory that would have been.

When I was 15 my parents bought me and my three siblings Season Passes for Christmas. I think my mom said they were about $60 at the time for Florida Residents:eek: On the back it says that the Worldpassport allows you the following during January, May and September 1986: Transport between TTC, the MK and EPCOT Center. WDW MK and Epcot Center admission and use of attractions. I was able to dig this one up...

http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/9866/2054828150069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2054828150069150403fBfcDz)

buffy0214

08-13-2007, 09:34 AM

The Teen Years

After obtaining our wheels (mine was a Nissan Pulsar with sunroof which I loved:love: ) my friends and I would occasionaly take trips to WDW. Here's the car. Can you spot me?
http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/9901/2983190920069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2983190920069150403bUZMyA)

I recall skipping school (don't listen kids) once and hitting MK with my BFF, Tracey, only to meet up with a couple of guys from our school doing the same thing.;) I wish I had pics from that trip. Here is one I took with Tracey in '88. I'm the short one in the Tigger picture. We are still BFF after knowing each other since 1st grade:goodvibes Oh, these are my early scrapbook pages. I'm better now. Although looking at them, they were'nt half as bad as I thought they were.:lmao:

http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/7860/2606792350069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2606792350069150403LqleMP)

Senior Trip with Tracey and a couple of friends...I'm the one in the lime green! See I was a DISer even then:cool1: Oh yeah, I'm cool:cool2:

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/7726/2055722640069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2055722640069150403WAropj)
http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/10276/2727118920069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2727118920069150403cJonJV)
http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/7347/2978264740069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2978264740069150403iGEeDW)
http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/7698/2196925380069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2196925380069150403cfhTLB)

Oh, I almost forgot about Grad Night. Doh! Here we are... I remember riding Dumbo a lot because the best band was playing at Fantasyland. I can't remember their name, though, so obviously they didn't go on to bigger/better things.

http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/7273/2964155890069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2964155890069150403eTqAPo)http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/8879/2806771770069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2806771770069150403hAXPPK)
http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/7059/2314043180069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2314043180069150403JovVwg)

Here's a couple from Spring Break 1990. We were in college then. Tracey had already met the man she would marry. He is all the way on the left. He would probably kill me for posting this! Not his best picture. I had to do it, though, because I love this mural. Oh, the guy on the far right was my other best friend I met in HS. He was a Disney fanatic and so much fun to go to WDW with. Truely, the last time I spoke to him he was still trying to land a job there. He also LOVED Madonna back then and enjoyed tormenting us by making us star in his music videos. No I don't have any pics of that:rotfl: as his brother tapped over it:headache:

http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/7208/2954195140069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2954195140069150403ZqLVZa)

Here's me and Tracey the same trip. I love this picture of us and still have it framed.

http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/9246/2223437670069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2223437670069150403NzqOfm)

Well that ought to keep you occupied for a while. If you are lurking go ahead and post! I would love to make some new DIS friends.

Next up...the married-sans-kids-years

andiepie

08-13-2007, 08:44 PM

Definitely take pictures of your meals! Everytime I look at them, though I get hungry, but it's so worth it. The food looks so good!

I love your early scrapbooking pages. Funny, I did yearbook in high school and college, but can't seem to put together a simple layout since then.

My best friend and I have been friends since first grade, too. She lives in Alabama, so I'm trying to convince her to take a girls only WDW trip with me that way I could just pick her up along the way there. :goodvibes I love her husband; it's just been forever since it's just been the two of us anywhere.

Can't wait to read more!:cool1:

buffy0214

08-14-2007, 05:47 AM

I feel a little embarassed about taking food pictures, but I'm going to go for it anyway. I'm also going to be taking more pictures of signs/achitechture. I see so many awesome pictures of WDW posted on trip reports. I keep thinking, "I should have done that!".

I hear ya about the scrapbook pages. I blame the popular magazines now. It seems I can't make a page without feeling like I need a degree in graphic arts. I have joined a kit-of-the-month club that has helped me out. Much easier to throw together a page when all the stuff is together for you.

A girls trip would be so fun! I'd feel too guilty about it, though, until my youngest is about 5. He should be able to do without me but he is very attached right now. I'd spend the whole time worried about him.

luvfigment

08-14-2007, 07:42 PM

Wait until he realizes that you are going to take pictures of your food for your trip report:laughing:

Thanks to the DIS, I'll be taking my food pics this trip.

Oh DFi is going to LOVE that one. Ha ha ha I can just hear him now "Kerri are you serious? You are taking pictures of the food? Please put the camera away and just eat!" All very lovingly of course and he will be laughing and shaking his head. :sad2:

I love that you had that Lime green shirt on even back in the day! You were destined to be a Diser!!!

buffy0214

08-15-2007, 07:36 AM

Oh DFi is going to LOVE that one. Ha ha ha I can just hear him now "Kerri are you serious? You are taking pictures of the food? Please put the camera away and just eat!" All very lovingly of course and he will be laughing and shaking his head. :sad2:

:lmao: Hopefully, he won't try to ban you from the DISboards:rotfl2: Just kidding, of course. It's so silly but fun! It's a great way to have be a kid again.

I love that you had that Lime green shirt on even back in the day! You were destined to be a Diser!!!

I know! I've got a bunch of lime green stuff now.

buffy0214

08-15-2007, 07:45 AM

Well, I was tuned into QVC yesterday for their scrapbooking day. While I didn't get anything, they kept hawking the Disney Jewelry Show for today. So I got online and I'm debating these two items...

I had my eye on this one last time. It comes in small and large. I'm drawn to the large of course, but is it too large:confused: I will check it out on the show today at noon...

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/9368/2182129910069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2182129910069150403EOAOtb)

Here are the earring that I like...They have a matching necklace, too, but I like the one above better.

http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/10698/2904850380069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2904850380069150403WakBNQ)

Oh, and some cute piratey ones...

http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/8632/2777634150069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2777634150069150403OgZOOA)

buffy0214

08-16-2007, 06:28 AM

Okay, so I got the big Mickey head necklace. It is so cute:goodvibes

nts4wdw

08-16-2007, 02:54 PM

luvfigment

08-16-2007, 07:40 PM

:lmao: Hopefully, he won't try to ban you from the DISboards:rotfl2: Just kidding, of course. It's so silly but fun! It's a great way to have be a kid again.

I know! I've got a bunch of lime green stuff now.

He knows better than try to ban me from the DISboards!!! He has tried but he knows I am addicted!

BTW I really like the Mickey head necklace...hmmm maybe I need to head over the QVC and see if it is available.

winkers

08-19-2007, 12:54 AM

I love all the old 80's pictures! I'm just waiting for big hair to come back, because my hair does big really well!:lmao:

buffy0214

08-20-2007, 10:47 AM

Ohhhhh! I love them all. I'm a sucker for jewelry, but especially Disney jewelry.

I know, aren't they so cute! I have bad alergies to most jewelry so it usually has to be gold for me. I wish I could get more. They had a great ring, too!

He knows better than try to ban me from the DISboards!!! He has tried but he knows I am addicted!

BTW I really like the Mickey head necklace...hmmm maybe I need to head over the QVC and see if it is available.

:lmao: Ah, so he has already tried, huh? It's a good thing he understands (or at least accepts) the addiction. The necklace looks so cute on TV, I hope it looks as good in person.

I love all the old 80's pictures! I'm just waiting for big hair to come back, because my hair does big really well!:lmao:

:laughing: Aren't we all ready for the big hair to make a comeback! I think we should just start doing it and it will become a trend. After all, the clothes are back: leggings, bubble skirts, tunic tops with belts, jeans tucked into boots.:cool2: I've been going crazy getting clothes for my girls. Now we just need some mall hair.

buffy0214

08-20-2007, 01:28 PM

The married, sans kids years

Just before the start of my second year of college I met the love of my life. He is funny, very outgoing and loves life and people. I, on the other hand, am shy, sarcastic, and would rather be at Disney or home with my family. I'm not sure how he puts up with me really. We do have some things in common: political views, family background (not to say we have the same family background:rotfl: just very stable/loving), and our love of Disney, of course.:mickeyjum

We had a whirlwind courtship and were engaged on April 1. No, he didn't even say "April Fools". Either that or it's the longest joke in history, 15+ years. Here we are at WDW during those times.

Not only did we have big hair back then, but big glasses, too. Sorry honey. He hated those glasses because he parents got him the cheap pair. Not his best pic, anyway. But look how cute I am. I watched Little Mermaid over and over. I loved it so much. It was my stress relief in college. So I took home this little sebatian souvenir. I think this was Spring Break 91?
http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/10675/2162131150069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2162131150069150403LTsmoZ)
Prince Charming looked right at me this trip as well. He was totally going to leave Cindy for me. I prefer Prince Phillip, but any prince will do in a pinch.
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/9666/2903494390069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2903494390069150403BcJcyZ)

Just so you can tell how hot my DH really was at that time. Here is a better photo of us...:hug:
http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/11875/2441205250069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2441205250069150403rOFFAM)

Yada, yada, yada, we get married. :bride: I tried my hand at the video thing, so I hope this comes out right. It was valentine's Day 1992. Here we are announcing where we are going for our honeymoon.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c65/buffy0214/th_b5c435b5.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c65/buffy0214/?action=view&current=b5c435b5.pbr)

As explained earlier, we have no pics of our honeymoon. It was only later that I became a photo fanatic.

A couple years into our marriage we splurged on Season Passes. I haven't been able to find pictures of this time, either. I think I have a ToT one. If so, I will post later.
http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/9210/2404371000069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2404371000069150403Tusdnm)

We really enjoyed those 2 years with our passes. Some couples would do dinner or movie, we would go to Epcot. It was a good thing we got the passes because we moved to North Carolina in 96. While we loved NC, it would be a while before we returned to see the mouse....Next up, our 10-year anniversary and return to WDW...with kids.
:tinker: Announcement Things are progressing nicely on the lime green shirt reconstruction. I've finished mine and DD7's. I just have to do DD9's. I have been very busy with DD7's b-day. She had a party yesterday that lasted 4 hours. I am so tired now http://www.smilieshq.com/smilies/indifferent0018.gif (http://www.smilieshq.com) but we still have 2 hours of gymnastics tonight. I will have to catch up on everyone else's reports later. I don't know how some people keep caught up on their own report, other reports, and have time for kids/work/housework. I'm just not that talented.

buffy0214

08-22-2007, 09:09 AM

I just can't seem to stop getting stuff for this trip.

I got my Mickey from QVC and he is adorable. The problem is, I really need a bigger chain. Argg! I'd hate to spend more just to get a chain.

I got some glow bracelets, mini sharpie-like markers (from Target-Thanks to PolyPrincess), cute little antenna topper, and waterproof camera. I also ebayed three autograph books. Flowers is not pictured because she took hers off somewhere. Gotta find that! It's a pink minnie mouse one.

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/8538/2946366790069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2946366790069150403iIukMD)

Here's a pic of Flower at her bithday party...What do you guys think about writing my kids real names? This "code" stuff is confusing for me and I know who they are :confused: I figured it would be safer but I've noticed some people write out the real names and others don't.

http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/10717/2586586490069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2586586490069150403mzvIIW)

nts4wdw

08-22-2007, 07:47 PM

OMG! That wedding clip is too cute!! And our wedding dresses are almost exactly the same!! I had a tiara with the veil on the back of it, though. It's probably a good thing Chuck and I didn't catch the Disney bug until after kids. We would have been dangerous.
About the kids' names thing, you know we have our kids names in the reports, but there are tons of Jakes and Ems out there. I think it's what ever makes you comfortable. How vague is that, huh?

buffy0214

08-23-2007, 03:05 PM

OMG I so loved that dress! I had narrowed down my dresses to three and my Dad came with on the last try-on and he said, "This is the one". He was very adamant. "But Dad, what about the first one." "No, no, no. this is it". A great memory I have of my Dad and me. I never pegged him to care about the wedding dress. Fergie's wedding was a major influence with the styles then. Lots of bows. For the younger readers that is the Duchess of York, not the singer.:laughing: Even the Little Mermaid's dress had those puffy sleeves. Very princess like.

I think I will stop using the "code" names in my official trip report. Mainly I'm driving myself crazy.:upsidedow

buffy0214

08-28-2007, 03:37 PM

The Married with Kids Years, First Trip

Our move to NC definately slowed down the trips to WDW. Within the first few months of our move we found out we were going to have our first child:cool1: We were on :cloud9: Instead of saving for Disney we saved for our first home. Within 3 months of moving in, we had kiddo #2.

We had been wanting to return but obviously busy. Our 10 year anniversary was looming so we started to plan a return trip for Feb 14, 2002. Ranger would be 4 and Flower would be 18 months. We had no qualms about doing Disney with a toddler. Well, I did worry about nap times but she just napped in the stroller so no biggie. Just threee short days spent on this trip.

Highlights of the Anniversary trip include:

Flying to Orlando
First on-site stay at All-Star Music
First trip to Animal Kingdom---Pete's parents tour with us
First ride on Rock n Roller Coaster & Buzz
First visit to the Harmony Barbour Shop
Anniversary Dinner at Tony's
Eating at Cinderella's Castle with Pete's sister and her family

We thought we knew everything there was to know about MK. Then I got the Unofficial guide. :banana: I was so suprised to learn about the barbour shop. I also found out that you had to call in advance to get a dinner at the castle:upsidedow DOH! I had always wanted to eat in the castle and could never figure out how all those tourists did it! Now I know!

I've got the AK photos scrapbooked but that's it! I was into my stamping and bead phase.

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/12075/2947016260069150403S500x500Q85.jpg
(http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2947016260069150403HXAKil)http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/12543/2361750800069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2361750800069150403LAKGHR)
http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/11459/2649988850069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2649988850069150403mmJvCm)
http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/12065/2157488670069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2157488670069150403TDOfPo)
http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/14370/2448787630069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2448787630069150403tehFLg)

The next day we did MGM in the morning. No pics of that for some reason:confused3 and MK at night. We arrived in time to see the parade and for Pete and Ranger to get their hair done. With pixie dust, too.

http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/13891/2605307790069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2605307790069150403RyVdPz)
http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/12968/2601987040069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2601987040069150403OPYuPy)
http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/14291/2257556900069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2257556900069150403pWcVYS)
http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/12517/2963224630069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2963224630069150403veXQrY)

No line for face painting nor to see the characters in toontown. We just went from one to the next.

http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/14364/2945077240069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2945077240069150403FuXMBX)

Our last day was spent at MK. Pete's parents stayed for the morning and then his sister and her family arrived to eat with us in the castle and stay through til the fireworks.

Here's Ranger taking a crack at Excalibur.
http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/12590/2616134300069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2616134300069150403ndShGU)
Sportin' her Eeyore ears
http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/11119/2450826010069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2450826010069150403UcbwbZ)
And my personal favorite of the trip, the Ariel pose...
http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/13648/2966905790069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2966905790069150403Qcpgsz)

The most important thing I learned on this trip was that research was very important! We had so many more magical experiences than we would have "had we not known". It started my love of learning the insiders secrets.:love:

The year 2002 brought many highs and lows. DH lost his job in June due to the popular downsizing of technical jobs. By Christmas his new boss had called with a job offer so we were on the move to Georgia. Next up...our two 2004 trips.

buffy0214

08-29-2007, 09:28 AM

Married with Kids, trip 2

One of the good things about moving to GA is our proximity to the mouse:cool1: We moved into our new home in July 03 had a baby boy in Sept. We were itching for a trip and in Jan 04 we planned a day trip for February. We decided a quick trip didn't warrant the expense of an on-site hotel, but we were so wrong. We had a very inexpensive hotel and there was a reason for it! Bleech! We only did MK since it was just a day trip to get a Disney fix.

Highlights of this trip include:

Vowing to never stay on-site
First trip to Downtown Disney
First Character Meal with the kiddos
Baby's First trip to WDW

Here are my scrapbook pages that I actually finished. My thought was to do it as a rainbow, one color for each spread.

http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/11882/2107671870069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2107671870069150403EgOSQd)
http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/11301/2265522190069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2265522190069150403OQnKvb)
http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/13585/2236688430069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2236688430069150403bYFCov)
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/12379/2812692520069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2812692520069150403UacdJV)
http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/11730/2555379830069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2555379830069150403nHktkv)
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/12482/2254926450069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2254926450069150403RTmros)
http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/10677/2454099100069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2454099100069150403WWmcqv)
http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/14483/2984367330069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2984367330069150403bjgyIJ)
http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/14537/2106150500069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2106150500069150403SETIDU)
http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/12542/2698706070069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2698706070069150403lUdErq)
http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/12318/2731901200069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2731901200069150403xotXqi)

Next up.....MVMCP 2004

winkers

08-29-2007, 04:24 PM

I love your scrapbook pages! I'm so far behind on mine. Wanna do mine for me???

luvfigment

08-29-2007, 07:01 PM

Great job with the scapbooking pages!!! I like the little review of your past trips. It seems like everytime you move you have a baby. LOL.

disneyaddicted

08-29-2007, 07:21 PM

I love scrapbooking, and I just wanted to say your pages are gorgeous, I love them all. I can't wait to see the ones from MVMCP. I will be going this DEC. and plan to scrapbook it all. I scrapped the last trip but I feel like I missed alot of things, so this time around I will leave nothing out. I am really enjoying your trip down memeory lane.

buffy0214

09-02-2007, 09:29 AM

I love your scrapbook pages! I'm so far behind on mine. Wanna do mine for me???

:cool1: I'm glad you like them. I am behind as well. These are the only ones I've done for this trip and it was in 2002. My inlaws gave me pics of DH's brother to make a book for them. That was about 10 years ago. I only have a couple of pages to go but for some reason I can't get that project finished. Basically, you wouldn't want to hire me for the job:rotfl2:

Great job with the scapbooking pages!!! I like the little review of your past trips. It seems like everytime you move you have a baby. LOL.

No kidding. I was very pregnant with 2 of the moves and always in the summer. Not a fun experience. Thanks for letting me know that you liked the pages. I can never have too many compliments:laughing:

I love scrapbooking, and I just wanted to say your pages are gorgeous, I love them all. I can't wait to see the ones from MVMCP. I will be going this DEC. and plan to scrapbook it all. I scrapped the last trip but I feel like I missed alot of things, so this time around I will leave nothing out. I am really enjoying your trip down memeory lane.

I know what you mean! I don't have very good pics of the MVMCP so you will probably be disappointed but I will post the few I have. I'm always so busy having fun that I forget to take pictures. So many on the DISboards do an awesome job of capturing the experience. Thanks for posting! You will love the Christmas party if you haven't already been. We loved it so much which is why we are returning for the Halloween one. It totally wore us out, though!

MickeyMacks

09-02-2007, 09:37 AM

WDW Poly Princess

09-02-2007, 11:47 AM

Wow, I love your SB pages!

I'm awesome at *buying* Scrapbook supplies, but I never get around to actually putting them to use! Maybe this will be the trip when it finally happens!

Your trip is just over a month away now! YAY!

buffy0214

09-05-2007, 03:56 PM

Just ordered the tickets yesterday, it'll be our first time. Can't wait! We did MVMCP in 2005 and I hear this party's better.

Enjoying your pre-trippie, sounds like you've been spending as much time planning as I have!

:woohoo: Whoo-hoo for the tickets and :welcome: We did the MVMCP in 2005, too!!! I'm so excited for the Halloween Party, too. DD7 asks to view the parade every few days (the one on DIS). She says we should watch the first parade and then if we like it we can see the second one. It's good to know someone in this family takes after me. My little planner:love:

Wow, I love your SB pages!

I'm awesome at *buying* Scrapbook supplies, but I never get around to actually putting them to use! Maybe this will be the trip when it finally happens!

Your trip is just over a month away now! YAY!

:lmao: No kidding. I bought scrapbook supplies for years before I actually used them. Who am I kidding? I still shop more than scrap. Can't believe are trips are so close now. :cheer2: We've been planning for so long....

buffy0214

09-05-2007, 04:24 PM

Okay, I'm checking in. I have had a busy couple of weeks. My kids all have birthdays one after the other so I've been planning DD10s party which will be this weekend. Then we found out that one of her best friends lost her father last week. It was very sudden and very sad. I spoke to my friend yesterday and she said it would have been her husbands birthday. She had forgotten that she had bought him a big screen TV and it was delievered yesterday. Naturally, she wasn't doing well. I decided to invite her daughter and a couple of friends over for a sleepover before the party. I felt she needed some alone time.

I don't mind a sleepover but it just seems like my Disney trip is sneaking up on me all of a sudden and all my precious weekends are busy. For months, it's been so far away and now I've only got one month.:scared1: Suddenly, I have a bunch to do. I need to make my daily iteneraries and make sure all my sewing is done. I think it is pretty much finished:thumbsup2 . Then my in-laws called and they want to visit for DSs birthday at the end of this month. Luckily we aren't having a big party for DS, just family, so that should be an easy one. Although anything with my MIL is always more stressful. KWIM?

All of this hasn't slowed down my purchasing, however. Hubby would probably say, unfortunately. :confused3 I got some more pins to trade JIC. I ordered DS and DH navy blue crocs. DS says they are black and cool:cool2: . Then I was listening to WDW radio show podcast. Lou talked about a great new book that was out. My ears perk up, I love new disney books. This one is by Tim Foster at guidetothemagic.com. I got his magic for kids book. It looks so beautiful and just what I was looking for. I wanted a book that my kids could flip through and decide what they wanted to ride or do.

I will try and have my MVMCP mini-report up tomorrow and I will follow shortly with our trip of 2005. Then I will get back to our daily outfits and can finally show ya'll my reconstructed tees.:yay:

luvfigment

09-05-2007, 07:14 PM

andiepie

09-05-2007, 08:43 PM

disneyaddicted

09-05-2007, 09:16 PM

I hate that feeling of time is running away. I tend to put things off so I will have alot to do to keep me busy the week before I go, but then I never leave myself enough time. It was nice of you to help your friend out by giving her some time alone, especially when you don't have much time to spare. But I say Disney Lovers are good people and you just backed that up.
One month to go. That is so awesome! I am still super stoked about your MVMCP scrapbook pages, I am sure they will be great regardless of the quantity of pics on them.
This will be my first time doing MVMCP, I love disney, I love Christmas, nuff said. :)

Jillnkids

09-06-2007, 09:57 AM

I know what you mean! We're heading down the same day and the trip has seemed so far away. Now, it's just around the corner. And like you, our weekends are filling up fast. I've started setting stuff aside that needs to be packed. I also printed an Ultimate Packing List and looking it over. I've bought my DD a few things for the trip but NOTHING for my DS12. I guess a 12 yo boy doesn't need much to head to WDW.

I am very anxious to see your tees! I bought the same ones for all of us.

Disneyfan18951

09-06-2007, 11:10 AM

Great pre-trip report. Love the clothes.. I am going the week after you so I know what you mean about sneaking up on you.

Looking forward to more

buffy0214

09-08-2007, 06:32 AM

I finally get time to catch up! Yay! So close... omg, I can't imagine how excited you are!

I love all of you scrapbook pages! I'm the same way. I have stickers, papers, punches, all that but haven't made a page, yet. One day very soon (or probably not) I'll get to it! :lmao: I work with kids and they keep me up to my ears in arts and crafts, so maybe I'll have a scrapbook day and I'll get them done all in one day! Yeah right, I'd probably be cleaning glue off of the ceiling if I tried that! :rotfl:

Loved your wedding dress and video clips, too!

One of the best things I've heard is to scrapbook the pictures you love:love: Don't worry about getting "caught up". If a picture speaks to you, then scrap it. I used to do everything in order, but I feel so much better now. If I want to scrap my Disney trip, I just do it. I'm glad you liked the video clip. I had to figure out how to get my home movie onto the computer and then edit. It was the first one I've ever done. :banana: Horay for me:)

I hate that feeling of time is running away. I tend to put things off so I will have alot to do to keep me busy the week before I go, but then I never leave myself enough time. It was nice of you to help your friend out by giving her some time alone, especially when you don't have much time to spare. But I say Disney Lovers are good people and you just backed that up.
One month to go. That is so awesome! I am still super stoked about your MVMCP scrapbook pages, I am sure they will be great regardless of the quantity of pics on them.
This will be my first time doing MVMCP, I love disney, I love Christmas, nuff said. :)

I promise I will get them up soon. I couldn't find my camera to take the pics of the pages and then when I finally found it, I didn't have time. We had 3 girls sleep over last night and are having a skating party today with 15 kids. Yikes! I think I even agreed to this. I'm going to get some of the pictures up today and will try and post the few scrapbook pages I've done this evening.

I know what you mean! We're heading down the same day and the trip has seemed so far away. Now, it's just around the corner. And like you, our weekends are filling up fast. I've started setting stuff aside that needs to be packed. I also printed an Ultimate Packing List and looking it over. I've bought my DD a few things for the trip but NOTHING for my DS12. I guess a 12 yo boy doesn't need much to head to WDW.

I am very anxious to see your tees! I bought the same ones for all of us.

O man, I didn't get my countdown calendar done in time for the 30-day mark. 29 days for us now!!!:woohoo: I may need to hit Michaels again and get some stickers for it. I think all a 12 year old would need is a new video game. At least if he is anything like my son who is already a maniac for the games. So much so that I've had to impose a strict time when he is allowed. I've been kinda packing as I go. I've got numerous XL zippies, one for each day and as I collect things for that day, I'm tossing 'em in. Tees should be up soon. I wanted to finish my trip down memory lane.

Great pre-trip report. Love the clothes.. I am going the week after you so I know what you mean about sneaking up on you.

Looking forward to more

:wave: Hey! Welcome to my trip report. I'm glad you are enjoying it. I'm so excited to be going in Ocober!

That is very sad about your friends husband who passed away. I totally understand how you feel about the trips (and my wedding) for so long felt so far a way and then all of a sudden it is just about 1 month away!!! I hope all the birthdays go and the sewing as well!!!

I appreciate the sympathy. It was so sudden. He was diagnosed the week before he passed with a brain tumor. I can't imagine losing my hubby. It really makes you hold your loved ones a little tighter.

Birthday party #2 is up next. I took the girls swimming last night so that took up a chunk of time. They kept talking about Zach Effron (High School Musical). I asked my DD if she liked him and she said, "yeah, but not kissy kissy". :lmao: We're talking 10 year old.

I hope all is going well with your planning as well. I have been so behind in my reading as well as my writing. I miss the boards and hopefully will be able to catch up soon. Before I/we leave, anyway.:laughing:

buffy0214

09-08-2007, 03:38 PM

Married with Kids, MVMCP Dec 11 2004 with kids in tow

This trip began with one of those postcards that Disney sends out: $60 for All-Star sports or music. When I called the CM said that I actually have a cheaper code under my name for $50/night. Oh, yeah, baby. I pounced on the opportunity :hyper: Since DS was still only 1 we just needed the one room. Ah, the cheaper days. Then I call my friend and tell her we are going to go down just for MVMCP and how cool it is and there is snow on main street and everything.:hyper2: She is totally on board. I make another reservation and order the tickets. Our plans were to drive down, go to the party that evening. Wake up and do Breakfast at ohana (big mistake-time wise). Then they were heading over to Melbourne to see her parents. We were going to stay another night to relax before our drive home.

Highlights of this trip include:

First trip to MVMCP
First trip with my friend's family (BFF, BFF's hubby and 2 girls)
First stay at AS-SP
Character meal at Ohana
Getting Xmas stockings personalized at DTD
Tracey vows that she is done having kids after seeing me with mine:confused3 She said, "Ya'll did so great with everything. We would not have done as well." IDK I thought it was a very smooth trip:rolleyes1

Our families arrived at AS-Sp withing 1/2 hour of each other. Right about check-in time, 4:00. The resort was cute. We were in the football section. Overall, we found the AS-Mu to quieter. There were obviously some type of school groups around. They were very loud, especially at the pool. But we weren't planning to spend much time here.

This is the opening scrapbook page of this trip. I love this picture of the girls at DTD:goodvibes Oh, and I know I am missing some letters. Gotta head back to Hobby Lobby to fill in those "s"s and "r"s.
http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/14513/2696459630069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2696459630069150403cYYjCF)
A close-up of the cuties
http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/15940/2167510660069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2167510660069150403RBsMOY)
Here is the All-Star Sports page
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/13506/2587142090069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2587142090069150403EHVINH)
The map of the evening plus tickets and an armband.
http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/13991/2299577980069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2299577980069150403icbMUP)

We grab some quick snacks and get ready. This was all before I knew about the DIS and that you can actually go into the parks at this time! So, we went at 7. As soon as we arrive at the park, I think "I don't have the tickets". Somehow I just knew it, and, sure enough I didn't. DH takes the bus back and hunts around while we wait. I send my friend on in with her girls. They head straight for Dumbo. Even though I didn't know about the DIS, I knew enough to have a plan. Neither of us was as interested in the shows as the rides. The park was not crowed at all. I don't think it is an exaggeration to say the girls road goofy barnstormer 20 times. The were allowed to stay on multiple times. No line. Minimal waits at the fantasyland rides, like 5 minutes or so.

Here are the girls meeting the characters. Nobody was around at all.
http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/16309/2201494100069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2201494100069150403lsznQp)
http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/12677/2890219220069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2890219220069150403lMgUCz)
http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/14474/2950890800069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2950890800069150403izvAKK)http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/12820/2402319620069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2402319620069150403xTdVvf)

Here's a few of the rides
http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/16457/2590441630069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2590441630069150403HDhFre)http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/15888/2244901190069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2244901190069150403nPhQOo)

This is the picture we took at the end of the night. No kidding. It was near midnight. Notice the difference. My family looks tuckered out, hers adorable.
http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/14823/2040612340069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2040612340069150403qZYJrF)

And the parting shot. We didn't see the parade and sorta saw the fireworks, but mainly the girls got to ride everything to their hearts content. Not bad.
http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/14291/2158668700069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2158668700069150403xVMTAS)

I remember when I made reservations at Ohana, we had thought it would be great for the kiddos and a way to finish out the events of the night before. I recall our ADR was around 9:30 or 9:45. Tracey's hubby was like, or we eat way earlier than that. But we told him no way were we going to be getting up any earlier after partying all night. As it is we should have made a lunch ressie. We really had to drag ourselves to the feast.

http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/16056/2351639290069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2351639290069150403kqAAwb)
http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/15665/2312285410069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2312285410069150403oUHQzx)
Big hug for Mickey
http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/11548/2265280640069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2265280640069150403jOpaBR)

The baby enjoyed the pineapple bread. Truely, the breakfast was the favorite thing for him.:laughing:
http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/15630/2199142800069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2199142800069150403tKpEme)

Afterwards, we drove around on the monorail, then we headed to DTD. Tracey had wanted to get one of the silhouettes that they used to do at the MK. We were fortunate enough to find them at DTD. The artist doesn't draw them or anything, just looks at the child and cuts the profile out of black paper. Really amazing.

I went into the Days of Christmas Store. It was super packed. I'm thinking that DTD on Saturday pulls a lot of locals. It was very hard to move in here. My kids each picked out a stocking and we had their names sewn on them. They did this in the back of the store. Here my oldest DD with hers that Christmas Eve.
http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/15209/2705837590069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2705837590069150403gvIvVb)

After touring DTD we said goodbye to our dear friends. Her hubby said we need to do this every other year. Cool, that's a plan. Unfortunately, it just didn't worked out that we were able to return in '06. Overall, we would return to do it again. The kids had a blast and the crowds were light on our night. I was a little disappointed in the "snow on mainstreet". I thought it would look a little more realistic, but it was pretty obviously bubbles.

luvfigment

09-08-2007, 08:20 PM

I appreciate the sympathy. It was so sudden. He was diagnosed the week before he passed with a brain tumor. I can't imagine losing my hubby. It really makes you hold your loved ones a little tighter.

Birthday party #2 is up next. I took the girls swimming last night so that took up a chunk of time. They kept talking about Zach Effron (High School Musical). I asked my DD if she liked him and she said, "yeah, but not kissy kissy". :lmao: We're talking 10 year old.

I hope all is going well with your planning as well. I have been so behind in my reading as well as my writing. I miss the boards and hopefully will be able to catch up soon. Before I/we leave, anyway.:laughing:

Oh that is even more sad about your friend...It really does make you thank fun and always make sure you let the ones your love know that you love them.

Ahhh to be 10 again! I remember having posters on my walls of all the "hot" celebs. :laughing:

The plans are going great...I hope you do get to get all updated before the trips! Can you believe they are almost here? How exciting you are in your 20's for the countdown.

The scrapbooking pages are great long with the pictures from MVMCP! I would love to go down there for the holiday season one year.

buffy0214

09-10-2007, 11:18 AM

Early December is our absolute favorite time to tour. It is usually still warm enough to swim but no crowds and the decorations are beautiful. We loved it so much that we went back in Dec 05. It is tough, though, because we have to take the kids out of school. I really don't mind so much as long as they are doing well, but the school seems to frown on such a thing.:confused3 Sheesh.

buffy0214

09-12-2007, 03:49 PM

The change of plans

My mom calls me on Sunday. She saw the travel channel thing on WDW. She's all excited telling me about a ride that make you seem as though you are gliding and you fly over California.

Me:"Yeah, Mom, that's Soarin".
Mom:"I want to ride that one"
Me:"Mom, that's at Epcot. We weren't going to go to Epcot this visit. You were like, 'what's there to do at Epcot?'"
Mom, disappointingly, "Oh, it looks like fun"
Me: "Let me see what I can do"

Now, I told her all this back in May when I was making ADRs but she wasn't into it then. Lately, she's been calling every day with planning advice.

So, I check Tourguide Mike and conclude that we could tour Epcot on Columbus Day and then tour MGM on the day we are driving home. (I hope I'm not giving anything away there.) After all, the kids are mainly interested in seeing High School Musical Pep Rally, the Cars and Power Ranger characters, plus riding Star Tours. Seeing the Incredibles is also high on the list. I think we could get this done that day without having to arrive early. I will not be rushing into the parks since we will be up late the night before at MNSSHP. Then hubby and I confur:idea:

We decide I should try to get another day at a value resort. I call with my pin code and secure the family suite. Total 249. I hang up. Then start thinking, "$249, that doesn't seem like a reduced rate." I check disney.com and find out that it is their regular rate. I call back the next morning and, long story short, I was booked a room with my pin code but the room isn't reduced because they don't reduce that room even though I was told it was reduced. Clear as mud, eh? So I just cancel the whole thing. I give it the big whatever. We can tour MGM and then drive home. We will be tired but it is only about 6 hours. We can do it. Of course, this messes up my ADRS!

another change

Then Mom calls again, "I've been talking with Aunt Anette".
"Yeah"
"She says that the Sci Fi is a lot of fun and you can sit in little cars"
"Yeah"
"I am thinking I don't want to do the 50s Prime Time because it is not what I thought"
"Ok, I'll make some more calls, and quit talking with Aunt Anette."

So after a couple more calls, I get the following general Itenerary Is this my third or fourth general itenerary?:rolleyes:

Sun-Drive down-tour MK Tomorrowland and Toontown, view Spectromagic
Mon-Epcot-Garden Grill at 11:20
Tues-Magic Kingdom-Cindys for Dinner 4:20 View fireworks?
Wed-Animal Kingdom-Breakfastosaurus 8am:scared1: early
Thurs-BBB at Magic Kingdom at 2:20, Crystal Palace 4pm, MNSSHP
Fri-MGM Sci-Fi at 1:25

Yet another development

I call my sister that night as I emailed her the itenerary for MK on Oct 9. She hmmms, and haws and then lets me know that they are probably not coming. :sad2: Her hubby is working major overtime. Frankly, I don't see how this matters, he doesn't like Disney, anyway. If you read my post #5 on page one, you will find out why I am unsurprised by this news.:rolleyes1

In other news

The sleepover/skating party went great. My girls are in the center back with glasses and the center front with the blue sweater.
http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/17396/2345434940069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2345434940069150403PoDZCh)

DS even got into the skating. He "wubbed" it. He would grab any number of the above girls and they would skate him around the rink.
http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/17990/2568209910069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2568209910069150403nluMKu)

Later that evening I began work on the very needed countdown calendar. Here I am surounded by my "old skool" scrapbooking stickers. Good to know you can use them for projects.
http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/15656/2950514260069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2950514260069150403QDBtXx)

Dear Becky is my little planner's helper. She is loving marking off the days.
http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/15984/2180539980069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2180539980069150403ivvxuO)

The finished project. Tada!
http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/14193/2339501990069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2339501990069150403ONSCxW)

MRYPPNS

09-12-2007, 04:11 PM

I love how you did the colors of the mickey heads on your countdown calendar!

buffy0214

09-12-2007, 04:42 PM

Thanks, I had a little help from Home Depot with those;)

winkers

09-12-2007, 05:29 PM

luvfigment

09-12-2007, 07:11 PM

The countdown calendar came out great!!!!! I am sorry your plans keep changing also but I guess that can be some of the fun. The trips are coming so fast and I will have to keep an :magnify out for you at MNSSHP!

Glad to see the parties all went well and that your DS enjoyed skating with the girls.

SwansLoveDisney

09-12-2007, 07:11 PM

Just reading your post stresses me out! :eek:

It sounds like you handled it very well, though!

buffy0214

09-13-2007, 07:57 AM

Your last post describes yet another reason why I won't take anyone else with me to disneyworld!! I would be throttling your mom right now if I was you. There isn't enough prozac in the world to keep my ocd'ness from going all crazy on her! You are a saint!:rotfl:

I love the countdown calader!

No kidding, I could use a little prozac right now! She pretty much expected Disney to be the same as it was when she left Florida over 10 years ago. What irks me is she wouldn't listen to me back in May and now she has so much advice. I tried to make ressies at Marakesh and she said, "I don't want to eat eyeballs or anything":lmao: "Mom, it's Disney, they won't be serving eyeballs!"

You'll never guess where I got the idea for the calendar:rolleyes1

The countdown calendar came out great!!!!! I am sorry your plans keep changing also but I guess that can be some of the fun. The trips are coming so fast and I will have to keep an :magnify out for you at MNSSHP!

Glad to see the parties all went well and that your DS enjoyed skating with the girls.

It's getting a little hectic with all the changes. Plus, I forgot I was going to redo hubby's tie dye shirt. I can't imagine how you are doing, with planning the wedding AND disney.

Just reading your post stresses me out! :eek:

It sounds like you handled it very well, though!

I don't know about handling it well. I was pretty much pouring over my books and the internet to see if I could get everything fixed. I was a lunatic for about 24 hours:eek: Luckily, we were able to get pretty decent ADRs.

buffy0214

09-13-2007, 08:00 AM

I've got my pics of the constructed tees done. I can either conclude my Trip Back in Time report or my Clothing Plan report next. If anyone wants to see one over the other let me know.

I took the Which Disney Princess are You? quiz as reported on the podcast.
http://toys.about.com/library/quiz/d...incessquiz.htm

Guess who I was

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c65/buffy0214/clipbelledress1.gif

According to the answers you have just chosen you are most like the Disney Princess Belle.

Belle is as lovely as her name implies but her natural unaffected beauty is far more than skin deep. An intelligent and avid reader Belle yearns for faraway places and exciting adventures. She is a loyal, loving daughter and when the beast finally wins her trust she gives him all her kindness and patience and then realizes she has also given him her heart. With her inner strength and outward beauty, Belle is a young woman who can and does make things happen.

Oh, so true:goodvibes Except I wouldn't normally call DH a beast:laughing:

TheDISneyFamily

09-13-2007, 08:09 AM

DISNEYDUET

09-13-2007, 08:28 AM

Hi ya Buffy!! I just found you and had to pop in and say hi. :wave2: We will be down 10/11-10/16. From the looks of your plan we will both be in MGM on Friday 10/12. I will keep my eyes peeled for your beautiful family. I am hoping to have a pretrippie up soon with pics. My life has been crazy here at work and my mom just had surgery and we are having our house renovated...Golly I need this vacation BAD!!!

MRYPPNS

09-13-2007, 08:51 AM

I'll vote for trip back in time first popcorn::

Heidi

disneyaddicted

09-13-2007, 10:43 AM

I really liked how you did your MMVMCP pages, they looked great.

Sorry you have to keep changing your itinerary, you are a real trooper and handled that well.

I vote for A trip down memory lane, I love those.

andiepie

09-13-2007, 07:32 PM

Oooh thanks for "boo-ing" me. It made my day! I can't get it to work, but I'll keep trying! :wizard:

I vote for the trip in time photos, too. I've loved all the others, and can't wait to read more! popcorn::

buffy0214

09-14-2007, 09:03 AM

Hi! It looks like we're going to be in WDW at the same time! :goodvibes We're going to be at Epcot on Monday the 8th, so maybe we'll see you guys! We'll have our LGMHs!!! :thumbsup2

I love your trip countdown calendar! It'll be here before you know it! :yay:

Take care,
Michelle

Awesome! Happy to have a fellow October-visitor. We will be up early on Monday and hitting Soarin. We will either probably be in our tie dye tees. By changing our days around my Mom also messed up my clothing plans. :rolleyes1

Hi ya Buffy!! I just found you and had to pop in and say hi. :wave2: We will be down 10/11-10/16. From the looks of your plan we will both be in MGM on Friday 10/12. I will keep my eyes peeled for your beautiful family. I am hoping to have a pretrippie up soon with pics. My life has been crazy here at work and my mom just had surgery and we are having our house renovated...Golly I need this vacation BAD!!!

Sounds like a good thing you've got your vacation coming up! I'll be wearing my Team Focker Watch lanyard and would love to see ya!

I'll vote for trip back in time first popcorn::

Heidi

Thanks letting me know, I'm off to type it up.

I really liked how you did your MMVMCP pages, they looked great.

Sorry you have to keep changing your itinerary, you are a real trooper and handled that well.

I vote for A trip down memory lane, I love those.

You got it! I'm trying to get it typed up right now. I really should be cleaning but DISing is much more fun.

Oooh thanks for "boo-ing" me. It made my day! I can't get it to work, but I'll keep trying! :wizard:

I vote for the trip in time photos, too. I've loved all the others, and can't wait to read more! popcorn::

Oh, man. Let me know if you need help getting it into your signature. My last mini-trip report is coming up.

buffy0214

09-14-2007, 09:24 AM

Trip Back in Time, Part VI

The Married with Kids Years-our last trip Dec 2005

The consenses is to finish my prior trip report and finish up the series. So here it goes.

The last trip we took was Dec 2005. I took my oldest daughter out of school for a week (2nd grade). I even had to sign a truancy letter stating that I understand how many days they are allowed to miss. Blah, blah, blah. I mean, is this really necessary. The child is never even sick or late.

This was our most successful trip to date. I was deep into planning mode on this one. I scoured the net and the unofficial guide for planning tips. I decided that on this trip we would visit as many EMH as possible using our hoppers, taking an afternoon break. This worked out great since the parks would get busy in the afternoon. Well, for December, anyway.

Highlights of this trip include:

First stay at DVC-rented OKW for 5 night stay
Trip to Grand Floridian to see the Gingerbread house
Getting our Pal Mickey
Princess Lunch at Norway
Meeting Power Rangers
Dinner at Chef Mickey’s
Lots of ride "firsts": Soarin, Mission: Space, Turtle Talk, Voyage of Little Mermaid

This trip started when Rachel,my oldest, saw that the Power Rangers were at MGM. Well, obviously we had to see that! I was all for any reason to go back. :cool1: I rented DVC through eBay and everything was great. We loved OKW so much that we are going back again, but this time in a 2-bedroom suite.

Sun, Dec 4--Travel Day
We didn’t plan to do much on this day except travel and a trip to Grand Floridian. When we got to OKW the kids had to swim. I kept my printout of the weather report for that weekand it was 77 and sunny. Good thing the pools are heated.

http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/17527/2746478390069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2746478390069150403PKKrWX)http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/15141/2364602790069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2364602790069150403EcHVmr)
http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/18152/2572655830069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2572655830069150403ftejcR)
http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/17196/2527257110069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2527257110069150403JbUsVc)

After hearing so much about all the decorations at the different hotels, I had planned to go to Grand Floridian that evening to see the Gingerbread house. We had fun but it was a pain getting there. They had closed the parking lot to guests.
http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/15663/2426742420069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2426742420069150403IItASF)
http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/15318/2649686550069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2649686550069150403NQkFAO)

Me in lime green, again. It’s a good thing I didn’t get the “lime look” on this trip. I would have thought that person was psycho.
http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/16637/2077242260069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2077242260069150403klNLCZ)

And the gorgeous tree at Grand Floridian. Someone was getting wedding portraits here so I didn’t want to get in the way. I bet those were beautiful photos.
http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/14673/2737547880069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2737547880069150403DoHRQZ)

Mon, Dec 5--Epcot & MGM

We started this day with the hopes of visiting all three thrillers: Mission Space, Soarin, and TestTrack. Plus the much hyped Turtle Talk.

Everything went smooth in the am. We rode Soarin’ using rider switch while we took turns holding Calvin, so the girls got to ride twice in a row. It was Becky’s absolute favorite next to Dumbo. We did the same thing for Mission Space. This is where I wiped out! I don’t know if was the allergy pills I took or my body just doesn’t like spinning, but I was out for the next couple of hours. I was fine during the ride but almost immediately after stepping off, I felt so dizzy. It didn’t stop. I laid down in the play area while the kids ran around. This really doesn’t help when you are already nauseous. :sick: Bleck. Finally, Pete returned from his ride. He comes be-boppin' off, shrugging his shoulders, “eh, it was just okay, I don't see what the big deal is”. I could have punched him in the nose.

I wasn’t in the mood for Test Track yet, even though we had FP. No way! We did the milder Turtle Talk. Much better. Crush picked out Rachel, who was wearing my hat. Then he spoke with us and picked on us being in the cheap seats. How do they make it seem totally normal to be talking to a cartoon turtle? It was very cool and Rachel talked about it all trip.

Rachel tried her best to smile, but no one else would dare look up into the sun for this pic.
http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/17974/2890300620069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2890300620069150403FtJwSh)

We grabbed some more Soarin FP and went on to Norway for our Princess Lunch. We got there in time to ride the ride, skipping the movie. We were seating next to where the Princess come out which was cool, but it was a narrow aisle and not much room to move around. The kids were super hungry so we went to the Cold buffet. We almost missed the first princess. We saw Belle, in her casual dress, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Cinderella. Plus Ariel was in waiting in an aqua gown. Becky became suddenly shy and wouldn’t speak to any of them, nor have her picture taken. This is one kid who preferred the “masked” characters. I had no clue. Snow white was so sweet and tried to get her to talk, but no dice. Rachel, was a trooper, however, even though princesses aren’t her thang. Food-wise, it was just okay, service was excellent, however.

Also, the way the tables were, you had to step away from the table to get a picture. The princesses always stood with their backs to the light, so I knew I wasn’t getting good shots.

http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/15935/2273225290069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2273225290069150403yyhvOU)http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/15631/2127596530069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2127596530069150403iltKbC)

http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/14871/2776435460069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2776435460069150403pmcIoq)
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/14594/2114362090069150403S425x425Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2114362090069150403vPsBMU)

We hit Soarin one last time before we left for our afternoon break…

The evening plans were for MGM so we could see the lights. The girls and I were ready to go but Pete and Cal wouldn’t budge. I nudged him enough to let him know I was heading out and to meet me there. He grunted in a “yeah, go ahead, I’m not ready to get up yet” kinda way. It was nice to head into the parks with just the girls. They could walk on their own and everything!

MGM is not a really good park, however, in the evening when you aren’t into thrill rides. You’ve already missed most of the shows. The girls were quickly bored and antsy to go on a ride. I didn’t want to see the lights or Muppets until the boys arrived. I decided to brave Star Tours with them. 5 min wait! Let’s go.

I was so worried about taking Becky on this ride. She was barely 5 and must have been right at 40” with shoes as they had to carefully measure her each time. I told how the ride was and what she would see. It ended up being her second favorite ride and the one she most remembers. I’m so glad we went! We ended up riding 4 times in a row and just walked on each time. Gotta love those Dec. crowds.

The boys finally arrived and Calvin looked like he would rather still be sleeping. We saw the Spectacle of Lights and saw the Muppets. Along the way Becky wanted a pretzel and for the life of me we never found that pretzel again. She still remembers it, and we are on the hunt for a pretzel this trip.

I took this photo
http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/15733/2774800440069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2774800440069150403yRUNXZ)

Then Pete suggested I take one where you can actually read “Peace on Earth”
http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/15918/2346048560069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2346048560069150403yUFnNO)

We went back to the hotel with our new friend, Pal Mickey. (who is very hard to get into by the way---lots of glue and wire on this guy)
http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/17376/2635602600069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2635602600069150403qCgnUE)

buffy0214

09-14-2007, 10:20 AM

Tues, Dec 6--MGM

We had originally decided to take a day off but then realized that we needed to go to MGM during the day so we can be sure to see the Power Rangers. But first a trip to RnRC! Pete talked Rachel into riding with him. I worried the entire time. She claimed she wouldn't be going again, but she did later that day. I'm still not sure if she liked it or just decided to brave it again. We also did the obligatory Playhouse Disney and Little Mermaid. It was our first time on LM. I loved it and the girls made a friend with another little girl in our row. We saw her a couple times through out the morning.

Finally it was time to meet the rangers. Calvin was in awe.

http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/17043/2468816590069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2468816590069150403UwqDeS)

Pete and Rachel had fun posing
http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/17571/2981563050069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2981563050069150403CFFfFC)

And away they go. Calvin's missing them.
http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/17548/2308068610069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2308068610069150403RWcpva)
http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/16141/2886140110069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2886140110069150403NdfAVz)

Afterwards, we loaded up on Power Ranger loot. Rachel spent every penny of her trip money and was happy to do it.

Then we headed off to see the Stunt Show. Don't you love a picture of a baby on Daddy's shoulders:goodvibes
http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/16337/2959508750069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2959508750069150403xmbLRE)

Stunt show was fun, but perhaps a little long. For me, anyway.
http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/16527/2458194370069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2458194370069150403IbLaGR)
The half-Herbie
http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/18274/2413278070069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2413278070069150403abSIvC)

Time for lunch. We had pre-planned to go to Pizza Planet. Cal was into Toy Story at this time. It was very disappointing. The food was fine, but there was virtually no themeing. It was just a bunch of arcade games. Mostly the crane type which I wouldn't allow the kids to do. Those are just money grubbers and we can always do this type of thing at home. I don't wanna waste time here.

I think we went on the Backlot tour next. I'm glad we did because I found a General Hospital tee in the gift shop at the end. Did I mention I love GH:love: Well, sometimes it's not so much love as an obligation (it's been great recently). How can you give up a show you've watched since you were 12?

We rounded out the day with a return trip to Star Tours and RnRC then back to the hotel. I had made plans for Pete to go to Chef Mickey's with the girls. His parents were supposed to come in and go as well but his Mom didn't make it. I had opted to stay back with Calvin and let him rest. I missed out on the fun, though. They saw Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Chip & Dale.

http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/16645/2456952030069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2456952030069150403xOJjej)

Minnie was able to sneak a picture in with Becky. She is trying her best to ignore her.
http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/16871/2750681570069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2750681570069150403DNaaQw)

I know she looks like she could take it or leave it, but she likes the desserts. She's just wearing her "too cool for school" look.
http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/16385/2081775940069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2081775940069150403lWOrNB)

Two more days left! We had quite a nerve wracking event the next day which all mothers dread.:scared: Oh, my first cliffhanger.

MRYPPNS

09-14-2007, 02:02 PM

more please ! popcorn::

winkers

09-14-2007, 05:30 PM

oooh, a cliffhanger!popcorn::

andiepie

09-14-2007, 07:33 PM

popcorn:: Waiting for more!

SwansLoveDisney

09-14-2007, 11:06 PM

Um, can I have some of those desserts?!?

nts4wdw

09-15-2007, 03:33 PM

I'm really enjoying the minitrip report! We were there at that same time!! December 6 is my birthday and we decided to take Chuck's folks with us.....but that is a story for another day. Maybe we will be in your pictures!! Looking forward to more.

buffy0214

09-19-2007, 07:50 AM

more please ! popcorn::

It's on the way;)

oooh, a cliffhanger!popcorn::

I know, my first. I'm so proud:snooty:

popcorn:: Waiting for more!

I've finally got some time to finish up.

Um, can I have some of those desserts?!?

Don't they look yummy? I still can't believe I let them go to Chef Mickey's without me.

I'm really enjoying the minitrip report! We were there at that same time!! December 6 is my birthday and we decided to take Chuck's folks with us.....but that is a story for another day. Maybe we will be in your pictures!! Looking forward to more.

How funny! Was that not the best time of year? Pete turns the BIG 4-0 on Dec 18. I wish I had thought about that in advance and we would have gone closer to that date. I'll have to check my pictures again to see if I can find ya.

buffy0214

09-19-2007, 09:38 AM

Wed, Dec 7- Magic Kingdom

The morning started off relatively normal. We got up super early that morning to beat the crowds. We were near the front and ready to go. Our tradition since we’ve had kids is to hit Dumbo early and ride twice.

http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/16063/2750009370069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2750009370069150403RtSPLq)

Pete took this shot. Me & Cal are in the front salmon-colored Dumbo and the girls are behind us in the pink Dumbo. Rachel is wearing her Power Ranger hat from the night before. This is also the only picture I have of the castle in it's golden glory. I'm on a mission to take more pictures this year.

Everything is going as planned. Next up, Winnie the Pooh! Here is Becky just a few moments before "the event" occurs.

http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/18499/2874952390069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2874952390069150403CIvHzp)

I hope you enjoy those pictures because they are the only ones I have of the next two days! After the Pooh ride we rode the Carrousel. I was keeping my arm around Calvin while he rode. Pete was watching nearby in his electric wheelchair thingy. He had, unfortunately, had a back spasm early in the vacation and was ECVing it the rest of the time. [An expense we hadn’t planned on…..but that is a story for the end.]

I made sure we exited the same exit and the kids were following me and we got to where Pete was. At least, I thought the kids were behind me! By the time I go to Pete, I turned around and Becky was missing!!! I ran around like yelling for her and nothing! They were starting the Excalibur show thing and I’m charging through people shouting for “Becky”. Lynn, if you were there that day, that crazy lady was me! Then, I quickly went to the closest CM (but not the one dressed like Merlin) and told her that I was missing my daughter. She got on the walkie-talkie and within a minute they said they’ve got her. A plain clothed security guy came out of nowhere and said they’ve located her and follow him. We found her at Small World. Another Mom had noticed she was alone and ushered her to a CM at Small World. Praise God for that Mom! Everyone had been so calm and professional, including Becky who appeared totally unfazed by the whole thing. :angel: She really hadn’t realized that she was lost yet and was wandering around looking for us. She was like, “I thought you guys might have been over this way.” :faint: Evidently, she must have thought we were the ones that were lost, which would be just like her.

So that is the end of my intense morning. I was frazzled the rest of the morning, so that is probably why there are no more pictures.:sad:

Thurs, Dec 8- Magic Kingdom morning/EPCOT evening

Luckily this day is happily event-free:guilty: I'm still freaked out when writing that last story.

We began this day at MK. It was raining so I just left the camera behind today. Plus, I didn't want any distractions so we wouldn't have a repeat of the previous day's scare. We got up early enough and the kids were still game to hit MK, so were we. We doned our ponchos (well, Calvin refused to wear his) and rode Dumbo about 4 times in a row today because there were no lines to be found anywhere in Fantasyland. We rode all our favorite rides, had lunch at Pinocchio's and then, soaked and cold, everyone was ready to head back to the hotel.

After a rest, Becky was ready to ride Soarin again so off we went to Epcot. We decided to end the night with Illuminations and some fruit smoothies from a nearby vendor. The show was beautiful, as usual, and Cal slept right through it.

Afterwards, wanting to get the girls a traditional T-shirt, I hit Mousegears. Along with a throng of others. :crowded:Note to self: shop before Illuminations. Pete, wisely, waited on a bench outside the store. There were some awesome things in here! I wish I'd had more time (and money).

I was so worried about $$ at this time because we had the ECV expense and Christmas was coming soon. We live debt-free (or as Pete would add, except for the minivan and the house) so I budget for everything in advance. Now I know to budget for for "extras" that you don't expect to happen. So anyway, I just got the t-shirts and left it at that. I worried all the next morning while we packed up the car to go home. I kept telling myself that I shouldn't have made that last purchase, we would have been fine without a couple of Disney tees. On the way home, Pete tells me that he is getting a nice bonus check. :eek: WHAT?! He intentionally kept this info from me. He'd known about it for weeks. I was so mad:furious:, I've been obsessing, and here he has this info that would have been much nicer to have known before the trip.:headache:

So that concludes my Trip Back in Time reports. We are all caught up. I had been expecting to go back to MVMCP in 2006 with Tracey. I forget why she cancelled, I think it was a family wedding that she had to take pictures for. Tracey is an amateur photographer and takes beautiful pictures. Here are some she took of our family at the beach. Since I'm lacking pics in this report, I figured I could share these.

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/19438/2304599020069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2304599020069150403WmJsDY)
http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/15537/2569385500069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2569385500069150403NCCnVN)
http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/18449/2005675720069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2005675720069150403cnJIAL)
http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/17769/2646062750069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2646062750069150403HrEEqq)
http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/15894/2727190460069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2727190460069150403mlLrfL)
http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/16602/2875051250069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2875051250069150403bATvcZ)

I think she does a great job and am so happy to have these pictures. I hope to take the kids and go with her to Sea World in February. This little trip might help me after my post-Disney blues. I think I am beginning to obsess over this coming trip too much. I really need to chill out! Well, once I get my iteneraries done.

Jillnkids

09-19-2007, 01:09 PM

Wow, you did have a hectic morning. Isn't that the WORST feeling in the world, when you realize your child isn't with you? Thinking about it almost make your heart race and panic set in! Glad all was well in the end.

Can you believe 18 days?! Oh my, I haven't done much to start getting ready to go either! I do have my toiletries and all together. I haven't even started getting clothes together because we're still wearing them! I had hoped it would cool down a bit before we left but it's going to be in the 90's here over the weekend.

How is your packing coming?

winkers

09-19-2007, 03:58 PM

Lost children is the worst!:scared1:
I lost my youngest at disneyland getting in line for the Matterhorn. He was 4 at the time and the 5 minutes it took to find him were horrible.

The family pictures are great!

buffy0214

09-25-2007, 01:32 PM

:eek: Wow, you did have a hectic morning. Isn't that the WORST feeling in the world, when you realize your child isn't with you? Thinking about it almost make your heart race and panic set in! Glad all was well in the end.

Can you believe 18 days?! Oh my, I haven't done much to start getting ready to go either! I do have my toiletries and all together. I haven't even started getting clothes together because we're still wearing them! I had hoped it would cool down a bit before we left but it's going to be in the 90's here over the weekend.

How is your packing coming?

I've been stashing stuff as I get it done, so the bulk of it is in one area. I'm going to wait to get the rest next week. I've got the inlaws coming this weekend so I won't be doing any Disney stuff until next week, crunch time!

Lost children is the worst!:scared1:
I lost my youngest at disneyland getting in line for the Matterhorn. He was 4 at the time and the 5 minutes it took to find him were horrible.

The family pictures are great!

Yikes:sad2: I hope we are over the "lost kid" stage. I've had enough of that! I had nightmares last night of my DS4 riding Splash Mountain. I had hoped we could all ride together this year, but that dream just might have stopped that

buffy0214

09-25-2007, 01:37 PM

I've been fooling around over on the DISign boards and got a great stick figure design. I decided to make a couple of magnets to put on the car for the trip down. I thought to do "honk if you DIS!" a little to late so it's just "Do you DIS?"

http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/16941/2367626720069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2367626720069150403clZpPo)

winkers

09-25-2007, 03:14 PM

I love the bumper sticker/magnets!!

nts4wdw

09-25-2007, 05:26 PM

I love them!!! I wish I had a bigger bumper! (Oh, that didn't sound right.)

buffy0214

09-26-2007, 03:02 PM

I love the bumper sticker/magnets!!

Thanks! I saw those little stick figure families and had to do something with them.

I love them!!! I wish I had a bigger bumper! (Oh, that didn't sound right.)

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: Plenty of room on mine:eek:

buffy0214

09-26-2007, 03:53 PM

Ah, yes, I know you have waited so long for this post. Finally, here it is the reconstructed lime green tees!!!!! I had some fun doing these tees but you aren't so much reconstructing as reassembling.

Here's mine. I used a tank top that I already had to use kinda like a pattern. I'm also wearing my QVC Mickey necklace. Ain't he cute?

http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/16963/2982590120069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2982590120069150403fHdltG)

The girls came out similarly. Becky's was so huge, though that it easy became a dress with a ruffle!

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/18400/2996652350069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2996652350069150403AdgieN)

We were originally going to wear these on our "morning off". Now that Mom has messed up, err, requested a change of plans, we are either going to wear these on our arrival day or to Epcot. Then on the the other day we are going to wear the tie dye. I'm thinking these for Epcot cuz' it will be our long (no afternoon break) day.:confused: IDK, any thoughts? anyone? anyone?

MNSSHP Outfits
You have already seen Rachel's Jasmine outfit posted way back.

I was able to make my "beauty" tee shirt. I blinged (it's a verb now) out an Old Navy tee. It was actually quite easy to do. I happen to have a ton of sticker paper that goes in my printer. I printed out the word using a pretty font, but not too fancy. Then I used my trusty exacto knite and cut it out. I used the negative part of the word (think stencil) and stuck it to my shirt. Then I have a little chalk bag that I have for marking quilting stencils. I pounched the chalk over the word and then pealed it up. So basically I had the word in chalk on my shirt. It sounds confusing, but really very easy. Then I just glued those rhinestones on one by one. It went much faster than I would have thought. I started it while hubby watched a game and I finished by halftime.

Hubby's was much easier. I zazzled it. I was a little disappointed, though. I thought it would be screen print but it was like painted on. It looks good, just wasn't what I expected.

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/15712/2897365380069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2897365380069150403KshRcP)

http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/17090/2845233580069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2845233580069150403jPDAKa)

Becky's Sleeping Beauty costume. Non itching. Approved by picky princessess everywhere.;)

The moody princess
http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/18787/2504692420069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2504692420069150403SwrHWR)
The goofy princess
http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/17743/2154997750069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2154997750069150403LihskM)

Here's Calvin's t-shirt costume
http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/14391/2634340160069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2634340160069150403yXXTKW)

this is the cape he has (this is not him, though),
http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/20110/2696969050069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2696969050069150403UcCRps)

:tink: The Sister Situation I called my sister yesterday and she STILL doesn't know for sure if she is coming or not. She said her hubby just stopped working overtime. She emailed today that he was going to see if he could get the time off. :sad2: Brother! It would drive me nuts to not know whether or not I was going to Disney. I've written her off for this trip. I'm giving 15 to 1. Any takers?

The in-laws are coming tomorrow. I'm so sad that I won't be DISing much this weekend. I'll try to hop on when I can. Just 11 more days:dance3:

nts4wdw

09-26-2007, 05:37 PM

Those costimes are so cool!! I love the Beauty and Beast thing. Pictures, alots of pictures, please!!

winkers

09-26-2007, 05:52 PM

I love your outfits!! I can't believe how much I missed out on by not dressing my family to match. I guess that's just another reason to go back!

SwansLoveDisney

09-26-2007, 08:45 PM

Those shirts are awesome! All of them! You are so crafty!

Will your sister please decide already?!?

Disneyfan18951

09-26-2007, 10:15 PM

Okay, I thought I was being crafty by putting together my own costume and making 2 sets of matching T's but you had to go and one up with the car magnets!!!

Oh Well, we are flying anyway and I don't think Continental would let us stick anything onto the side of their planes :rotfl2:

You did such a great job, I am always so amazed at what Dissers come up with

buffy0214

09-28-2007, 02:39 PM

Those costimes are so cool!! I love the Beauty and Beast thing. Pictures, alots of pictures, please!!

Thanks so much! I am so excited. I hope I get a lot of pictures, too. Usually when I'm there I'm just so immersed in the magic that I forget.

I love your outfits!! I can't believe how much I missed out on by not dressing my family to match. I guess that's just another reason to go back!

As if we need a reason, huh? I had to do something to keep busy while the trip was counting down. I took on more projects than usual.

Those shirts are awesome! All of them! You are so crafty!

Will your sister please decide already?!?

:sad2: She told me this a.m. that her hubby is not able to get off. Her birthday is on Oct 8 and I told her as a b-day present to just fly her and her daughter into MCO. Splurge a little.

I'm glad you like the shirts. I had so much fun doing them.

Okay, I thought I was being crafty by putting together my own costume and making 2 sets of matching T's but you had to go and one up with the car magnets!!!

Oh Well, we are flying anyway and I don't think Continental would let us stick anything onto the side of their planes :rotfl2:

:lmao: Man! They are picky at Continental!

The car mags were by far the easiest of all the projects. What costume are you doing?

andiepie

09-29-2007, 06:04 PM

luvfigment

09-29-2007, 08:01 PM

The shirts and costumes came out great!!! I am so impressed! I am going to attempt my shirts tomorrow I think.

Can you believe we are doing the SINGLE DIGIT DANCE :cool1: :banana: :dance3:

buffy0214

10-02-2007, 07:44 AM

Those shirts are awesome! I'm so excited for you!

I think I'm going to start my own planning, but I can guarantee there won't be any creative shirt designs like yours.

Question: I'm buying the Passporter. Should I get the Unofficial Guide or Birnbaum's Guide, too?

I'm sure your shirts will be great and really it is about the fun in doing them. Congrats on getting the Passporter:cheer2: You will love it. As far as Unofficial vs. Birnbaums, I love Unofficial. It is really great and very informative. It has information that you can't find anywhere. I think I had a Birnbaums once and it just wasn't as informative.

The shirts and costumes came out great!!! I am so impressed! I am going to attempt my shirts tomorrow I think.

Can you believe we are doing the SINGLE DIGIT DANCE :cool1: :banana: :dance3:

Good luck on your shirts! I will be checking your thread for them. Hooray for the single digits:dance3:

buffy0214

10-02-2007, 08:23 AM

Okay, what happened? I posted a reply on Thursday night, I believe.:confused3 It was my nine day countdown. Ah, well, I will try to post again.....

:dancer: :dancer: :dancer: Time for the :dancer: :dancer: :dancer:
http://smilieshq.com/smilies/party0010.gif (http://www.smilieshq.com) http://smilieshq.com/smilies/party0010.gif (http://www.smilieshq.com)5 Day Dancehttp://smilieshq.com/smilies/party0010.gif (http://www.smilieshq.com)http://smilieshq.com/smilies/party0010.gif (http://www.smilieshq.com)
:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2::cheer2:

In honor of today's dance I bring you
The Top 10 things I learned on the DIS.

#10 Join Tour Guide Mike (TGM) and get a Passporter (I should have bought the deluxe)
#9 Create and itinerary to take with you to the park
#8 Prepay for Photopass and use it often
#7 Put quarters/pennies in M&M case for the penny press machine
#6 Take lots of pins into the parks for trading
#5 Create matching outfits for touring
#4 Put clothing in zippy bags for each day
#3 Everyone needs a pair of crocs
#2 Baggallini is a must
#1 Put Lime Green everywhere!

Today is packing day! All the in-laws are gone and everything is back to normal. Well, except Becky is home sick today. Just before I was heading out to pick the girls up from school yesterday I get a call that she got sick. She feels better today but I want her home and resting. We are going to need energy next week.

Oh, and the final update on my sister is........she's not coming. She finally cancelled and if you've been following this, I am not surprised. We all are disappointed, however, especially Becky who really loves her cousin. Rachel asked this week if she could bring a friend and I told her no, of course. I think maybe when the kids are old enough to explore the parks on their own, I might let them invite a friend. Maybe for a hard ticket event or something?

My last child birthday party is finished. Cal loved his birthday and after every gift said, "Awesome, it's just what I wanted!"

Now, I am going to save this post JIC it disappears again.

TheDISneyFamily

10-02-2007, 09:50 AM

Jillnkids

10-02-2007, 09:57 AM

Hey, can you believe it's almost time to go?!

Your shirts look fabulous! You are so creative! I'll be looking for you while we are touring! I don't remember if you have posted your itinerary.

I need to pack, but it's so warm here this week. We're still wearing our clothes! Yikes! Anyway, the gathering has begun. I plan on really getting on it Thursday.

5 days!!!

buffy0214

10-04-2007, 06:29 AM

Excellent list!!! :thumbsup2 I have to tell you, I LOVE what you did with your Lime Green Mickey T-shirts! :love: They look amazing! :goodvibes

I really hope we run into you in WDW! I'll keep an eye out for you guys!!! :magnify:

:dance3: Have a wonderful time in WDW!!! :dance3:

Take care,
Michelle

Thanks:love: Only one more day for ya'll:cheer2: Have a great time,too! I'll be looking for your trip report on the flip side....

Hey, can you believe it's almost time to go?!

Your shirts look fabulous! You are so creative! I'll be looking for you while we are touring! I don't remember if you have posted your itinerary.

I need to pack, but it's so warm here this week. We're still wearing our clothes! Yikes! Anyway, the gathering has begun. I plan on really getting on it Thursday.

5 days!!!

OMG! Only 3 days now. We are so close:yay: :yay: I just washed the clothes we need last night and I'm off to pack today!:woohoo:

I will be posting some stuff later today and I will include my final itinerary. I think we had the same AK day:confused:

Jillnkids

10-04-2007, 06:41 AM

Hey, 3 more days! Wow, I really need to get packing! I have been doing laundry. I'm almost done with that. I've been ironing what needs to be ironed (plus I had a huge pile of stuff to be ironed and I didn't want that waiting for me when we got home) and setting clothes aside. I still feel like there is tons to do but I don't have a lot left to do besides pack.

We're getting VERY excited! I know you all must be also!

Gotta go take my DS to school! I"ll check in later.

buffy0214

10-04-2007, 04:13 PM

I would love to not have a pile of laundry when I get home but it looks like that may be the case. :laundy: We've got so much to do on Saturday, DD10 has to cheer at a game and DD7 is in a parade. I'm not stressing myself out before we go to try and do everything.:scared:

luvfigment

10-04-2007, 04:24 PM

Good luck on your shirts! I will be checking your thread for them. Hooray for the single digits:dance3:

The luck worked!!!! I will have to keep an eye out for you at MNSSHP maybe on the way to dinner or right after we will cross paths. We are eating at LTT and you kinda go by CP so I will be ready. I am working on my LGMH also so I will be ready! If I don't talk to you before the trips I hope you have a Magical time and can't wait to read your TR!!!!

buffy0214

10-04-2007, 04:55 PM

Welp, I've been packing the clothes all day. I put each days clothing in a zippy plus individual zippies for underwear and swimsuits.

I wanted to get my itinerary up today JIC anyone is going to the parks on the same days as us. Here are my little cards that I printed out for each day at the park. They are fairly detailed but mainly guidelines. Mostly, I wanted to make sure I had the times down for shows and things. The blue is time to pick up FP, the red on Epcot is the main things we want to do. Food plans are in bold and underlined. Priorities, right?

http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/22284/2165038420069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2165038420069150403kakCra)

Magic Kingdom-Sun, Oct 7

Head out around 7am, arrive Old Key West about 2ish.
Get to the MK ASAP
Take the train to toontown
Send Pete to get FP for Space or Buzz
Meet characters/do barnstormer
Tour Tomorrowland
Eat at Cosmic Rays
Take train to Frontierland at 7pm
Scope out a good place to watch Spectromagic
Exit

Epcot-Mon, Oct 8

Depart Hotel at 8am
Soarin, TurtleTalk, Test Track, Imagination
ADRs at Garden Grill 11:20
Soarin again with FP
Tour WS, especially China, USA, Japan, and UK
Eat along the way at the F&W booths
Ride Universe of Energy on the way out?

Magic Kingdom-Tues, Oct 9
Depart Hotel 7:30
Send Pete to get FP at SM (unless we rode on day 10
Dumbo, Pooh, Peter Pan, Small World
Train to Frontierland
FP Splash
Check out Pirate Tutorial
Eat at Pecos Bills
Ride Splash and return to hotel for break
----------------------------------
ADR Cindy's 4:20
FP Jungle Cruise, tour Adventureland
Hall of Pres, Haunted mansion
Philharmagic
Scope out a spot for Wishes (top of train station for quick exiting?)

Animal Kingdom-Wed, Oct 10
Leave for park 7:15 (we might take a midday break and return for EMH in the eve)
ADR Breakfastosaurus 8am
Send Pete for FP Everest
Tour Dinoland
Jungle Trek + Kahli? (might not want to get wet)
Get FP Safari
Do Planet Watch/petting area
Eat at Pizzafari
FP Bugs?
Lion King Show 2 or 3
Bugs
Shop or repeat anything until Dinner
Eat Flame Tree BBQ
Expore Oasis

MNSSHP-Thurs, Oct 11
Sleep-in Day:woohoo: (as long as kids will let us, anyway)
I will take the girls to BBB after lunch
ADR Crystal Palace 4pm
Pictures at Cindy's Coach
Stitch's DanceParty
Villians Mix Mingle 7:45
Alice & Wonderland Treat Path
Hallowishes 9:30 from Tomorrowland Bridge
Get a Funnel Cake at Sleepy Hollow and take turns riding Haunted Mansion
Gather Treats or ride, depending on what the kids want to do
10:30 Parade from Frontierland
Ride and gather treats

MGM-Fri, Oct 12
Wake up exhaused, Depart Hotel 9:45
Get to MGM to watch 10:45 HSM Pep Rally
Star Tours
See Cars, Power Rangers, Kim Possible characters
Muppet Show
Star Tours again
ADR Sci Fi 1:25
See Incredibles & Ratatouille?
Playhouse Disney or Little Mermaid or B&B (my pick)
RnRC
Eat at Toulca Legs
Go home:sad1:

Whew! That was a lot to take in for one post. I tried to keep it consise:rolleyes1

I finished up mini composition books yesterday. I was making one for my trip report memos and the kiddos had to have one, too.

http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/21938/2772612440069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2772612440069150403nHmRBP)

nts4wdw

10-04-2007, 05:41 PM

Wow! I can't believe it is here! Back in the summer, you were jealous of us. Now we are jealous of you!! You are gonna have such a good time. Promise you will tell us all about it. I LOVE the journals. Just too cute!! Enjoy every minute! And if you happen to pass Off Kilter at Epcot, blow them a kiss for me, OK? :lmao:

buffy0214

10-05-2007, 12:11 PM

The luck worked!!!! I will have to keep an eye out for you at MNSSHP maybe on the way to dinner or right after we will cross paths. We are eating at LTT and you kinda go by CP so I will be ready. I am working on my LGMH also so I will be ready! If I don't talk to you before the trips I hope you have a Magical time and can't wait to read your TR!!!!

I'm so glad they turned out well:cheer2: Have a magical disneymoonpixiedust:

Wow! I can't believe it is here! Back in the summer, you were jealous of us. Now we are jealous of you!! You are gonna have such a good time. Promise you will tell us all about it. I LOVE the journals. Just too cute!! Enjoy every minute! And if you happen to pass Off Kilter at Epcot, blow them a kiss for me, OK? :lmao:

We can just go round-and-round in circles of jealousy. :rotfl:

If I am lucky enough to catch their act I will send 'em your love:love: Look at your cute little bagpipe smilie. Just for Lynn.

buffy0214

10-05-2007, 12:20 PM

I highly recommend getting manicure/pedicure before going to Disney. Much better than doing laundry:lmao: The first color I picked up was called "Princesses Rule". princess: How perfect is that!! I had to use it.

Had another Disneydream or nightmare as such. I dreamed DS was forced to ride in the front on Splash Mountain and he fell out:scared1: Can you tell I'm a little worried about him graduating to the "big boy" rides?

Off to do more packing...I'm starting to get hyper now. :hyper:

nts4wdw

10-05-2007, 06:08 PM

Circles of jealousy!:lmao: I'll be glad when it's your turn again. ;)
I'm going out of town tomorrow, so have a wonderful magical time, take lots of pictures and enjoy your family!!!
Oh, and be prepared to spill all the details when you get back.

jenr812

10-06-2007, 10:19 AM

Wow! The journals are fantastic! Your itinerary looks amazing - I so wish I could tag a long!!! Have an incredible trip! :) I know you will ;)

buffy0214

10-06-2007, 09:46 PM

Thanks for the farewells!!! I appreciate ya'll stopping by. I am packed and ready to go:yay: :yay: :yay: We watched the Travel Channel special and the kids would let me know the things they are wanting to ride or not ride. We also watched Mulan to help put us in a Disney mood. (My vote was for Sleeping Beauty but I was outvoted.) I also put High School Musical 2 on the ipod. I think we have a record today; absolutely everything is already in the car:banana: :banana: I guess all the planning over the past 8 months paid off:rotfl: (on a side note, Pete had a co-worker tell him on Friday that he would rather have a rainy day at Disney than a gorgeous day here. And he doesn't know about the DIS!! I'll have to teach him a thing or two:teacher: )

I have a few final thoughts, or resolutions if you will. On this trip to Disney World I promise to:

Take lots of pictures and video
Slow down and take rests when needed, don't push it in order to "get my money's worth"
Let the kids pick some things to do, even if it is swimming
Take notes so I can have a good trip report

A couple of parting shots.....

Some DIS business cards to give out in case I meet some DISers
http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/19762/2298054860069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2298054860069150403XDJitD)

Baggalini, crocs, and Pal Mickey all set to go.
http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/20146/2604113150069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2604113150069150403xalMzq)

So long everyone:wave2: http://dl2.glitter-graphics.net/pub/391/391772pdsmgs2hns.gif (http://www.glitter-graphics.com)

buffy0214

10-16-2007, 07:54 AM

Well, we made it home. We had such a blast but I've been sick since we've been home. :sick: Withdrawls? The kids all had fun but I had to change my itineraries on the first day. We went to MK on our arrival day and it was packed! There was no way we were going to get everything done as the kids tired out quickly. More on this during the actual report....

I will start my trip report when I get my photopass CD back. I did great at recording the numbers on the back of the photopasses save one. Guess which one I lost? Yep:sad2: It was during MNSSHP at the Cinderella Coach. It was the only pics we took on that PP so I emailed "lost pictures" and I'm hoping they can find them. In the meantime I'm adding lots of borders:laughing:

Now I'm off to do that laundry I didn't get around to before vacation:laundy:

See ya real soon:mickeyjum

Jillnkids

10-16-2007, 01:50 PM

The kids all had fun but I had to change my itineraries on the first day. We went to MK on our arrival day and it was packed! There was no way we were going to get everything done as the kids tired out quickly. More on this during the actual report....

Could you believe how crowded it was!? And HOT?! Oh my goodness, when we went 3 years ago the weather was like it was on Friday - cool in morning and evening, warm during the day. We had a great time despite the heat and the attitude of my 12 yo boy! I haven't decided whether I'll write a TR or not. We stuck to our general plan, but still missed several things. The heat really got to us and slowed us down a bit.

Looking forward to reading your trip report!

buffy0214

10-23-2007, 08:47 AM

Could you believe how crowded it was!? And HOT?! Oh my goodness, when we went 3 years ago the weather was like it was on Friday - cool in morning and evening, warm during the day. We had a great time despite the heat and the attitude of my 12 yo boy! I haven't decided whether I'll write a TR or not. We stuck to our general plan, but still missed several things. The heat really got to us and slowed us down a bit.

Looking forward to reading your trip report!

Yeah, it was really hot, especially on the day we went to AK. I overheard someone saying that it is 5 degrees hotter in AK because all the trees actually keep the heat in. It certainly felt that way to me.

I ordered my photopass CD today. I've been busy adding borders to everything and ended up with almost 400 photos!! I had to try and get my $$$ worth.

MRYPPNS

10-23-2007, 04:34 PM

I ordered my photopass CD today. I've been busy adding borders to everything and ended up with almost 400 photos!! I had to try and get my $$$ worth.

400 !?!

I'm impressed. How did you manage to get 400 photos taken?

luvfigment

10-23-2007, 06:56 PM

winkers

10-24-2007, 10:37 AM

I'm glad you're home! Sorry you've been sick!

buffy0214

10-30-2007, 07:58 AM

400 !?!

I'm impressed. How did you manage to get 400 photos taken?

Well, I think I started out with about 120 or so. Most of them were because we had two girls at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. They take a bunch there then at a photo shoot. I added tons of borders and cropped a few so that is why the amount practically quadrupled!!! I had to get my $$$$ worth;)

I am glad you had a great time! I was looking for you at MNSSHP but sadly that did not happen. I will be starting my TR soon I have to work on the pictures for the CD also since DH (hee hee I like that sound) left yesterday so I need to keep my mind off of it. I cna't wait to hear all about your trip. I was surprised how busy and hot it was.

So good to hear from you. Sorry we didn't see each other, either. I was also suprised by the heat and the crowds. I didn't think MNSSHP was so bad and turned out to be one of my favorite days. I am still in the "my-trip-is-over" blues. So much worse for you, I'd bet, since DH is gone:sad1:

I'm glad you're home! Sorry you've been sick!

Hey winkers! I can't complain....it's not a toothache (ouch!). Probably mostly post-trip blues/allergies. No biggie.

buffy0214

10-30-2007, 08:14 AM

Since I'm still waiting for my CD (I expect it any day now) I thought I'd let ya'll know about my b-day present.

My birthday started out great with birthday postcard from Mickey:

http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/25324/2646655980069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2646655980069150403lgygfr)

Shucks, Mickey, I miss ya! There was so much that I didn't get done at WDW that I really want to go back again soon. I really envy those that get to go so often.

My Dad called and said that someone was advertising a Yorkie pup for $350. Hubby jumped right on the phone! We were able to get one of the two remaining puppies and WE GOT FIRST PICK! We had to drive 1.5 hours to get him and it was so worth it!

Here's our little 3 pound bundle of hair, Bailey Ray

http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/27920/2771646880069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2771646880069150403YDXeOc)
http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/25923/2463586540069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2463586540069150403QemICU)
http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/25667/2754547250069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2754547250069150403OsAIqz)
http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/27402/2278238860069150403S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2278238860069150403DUcoCH)

MRYPPNS

10-30-2007, 04:09 PM

Happy Birthday and happy new puppy!!
Very cute, one of my dogs is named Bailey Marie.

andiepie

10-30-2007, 06:23 PM

OMG what an adorable puppy! We've been wanting a dog for the longest, but we have a cat who's rather antisocial.:headache:

So glad you're back! I hate it that you're having the post trip blues. Here's my vote for you to plan another trip! :wizard:

luvfigment

11-03-2007, 07:51 PM

Oh my gosh the puppy is too cute! I am waiting for my CD also...it should be here on Monday and then I am will be all about writing my TR! Can't wait to read all about yours!

winkers

11-03-2007, 08:05 PM

That puppy is sooo cute!! My mom has 2 miniature yorkies and I really want one!

buffy0214

11-05-2007, 07:32 AM

Happy Birthday and happy new puppy!!
Very cute, one of my dogs is named Bailey Marie.

Thanks:banana: I haven't had a puppy since I was a teenager so I'd forgotten how much work those little fellas are---just like kids.

OMG what an adorable puppy! We've been wanting a dog for the longest, but we have a cat who's rather antisocial.:headache:

So glad you're back! I hate it that you're having the post trip blues. Here's my vote for you to plan another trip! :wizard:

I so wish that I could start planning another trip, expecially since I didn't get to do so many things on my "list". I don't think we will be ready to go for a long trip until '09. We usually go every other year. Although, we tend to sneak in a "weekend" trip on those off years.

Oh my gosh the puppy is too cute! I am waiting for my CD also...it should be here on Monday and then I am will be all about writing my TR! Can't wait to read all about yours!

I finally got my CD, now all I need is some time. I feel like it has been taking me forever to get my report going:guilty:

That puppy is sooo cute!! My mom has 2 miniature yorkies and I really want one!

Aren't they sweet.:love: I had been putting off getting a pup because, frankly, the 3 kids are enough:laughing: Bailey is really sweet, though, and wants to please. It will be nice when he sleeps through the night, however:rolleyes:

buffy0214

11-07-2007, 11:57 AM

Okay, I think I'm ready to start my Trip Report. Sorry it took so long but it just takes me a while to get back into things.

Day 1, part 1
Oct 7-----Travel Time

Whoo-hoo!! It is time to go! After months of planning, DIS-ing, and counting down, we are finally ready to go!!!!!

Rachel wanted everyone to get up at 5am so we could get an early start. We all vetoed her because we hoped to be able to check into our room when we arrive. So we head out at 7am. The car is decked out and we are blaring “What Time Is It?” from High School Musical 2. My mom arrives just in time and her first words are, “Are we going to be listening to that, I’ve already got a headache” Sheesh!! We are getting psyched up here! My Dad gets a chuckle from seeing my DISMagnets and antenna topper.

We have a happily uneventful trip, and 350 miles later we arrive home:hug: I just love how they greet you at DVC resorts. Old Key West is starting to feel like home to us now. What can I sell around here on Ebay in order to become a member?:laughing:

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/27608/2325539020069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2325539020069150403sztHiX)

We arrived just after a flight had, also, so we had a little wait. A CM there made balloon animals for the kiddos. And we got the oh-so-rare Mickey stickers. Really, I think we came home with about 100 of these.

http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/29372/2010362860069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2010362860069150403BImaLa)

We have a small problem at check-in. Pete gets out of the line and says our room isn't ready and we can call to get our room assignment after 4. I thought, "That's weird, I was sure I read on the DIS that you can get your room assignment at least even if it isn't ready".

I ask hubby if he inquired about being near the hospitality house and he said CM responded, "not likely to get it as everyone asks for that". I let him know that yeah, but we asked for it back in April. Then we noticed that on the card he was given it said we need a code to enter when we call back. "What's the code?" "IDK".

Pete goes back in to find out the code. (A little background on hubby. My mom used to call him the senator because he has a way of getting people to do things for him. He is never mean or forceful but for some reason people like to help him. This will come into play in the next senario.) He talks to a guy who noticed our t-shirts when we checked in and he had chatted with during the wait. The guy said that we we shouldn't need a code and should have gotten our room assignment. Whew! I knew it! It turned out to be the manager. He fixed it up so that not only did we get our room assigment but we got the coveted building 12. See how close it is to the hospitality house and how there is no traffic nearby. Awesome:thumbsup2

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/27837/2036215160069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2036215160069150403RXsvGC)

Not only that, but our rooms were ready!!!!!:woohoo: :woohoo: Way to go Pete!!!

We go out to the car and notice that my DISMagnets were gone:sad2: That's so strange because we were there at Okahumpka. We had two people stop us there and inquire about our tie dye tees. We got more response from those tees than anything else! We loved 'em as it was so easy to pick out our party. They will be a staple in furture Disney trips.

I run out of the car in order to get these pictures of our glorious 2-bedroom suite. I knew it would never be as clean as it is at this moment. That is the down-side of renting DVC. No maid service.

Our room is on the lower level.
http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/29142/2284098280069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2284098280069150403BTkjcu)
http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/27948/2429098010069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2429098010069150403AIwmjT)

We are greeted by these little guys. A towel-purse and towel-mystery-things. Any guesses as to what these little guys are?
http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/27559/2591220510069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2591220510069150403pCXgBn)
http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/27292/2989666310069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2989666310069150403gXedlG)

Living Room and view
http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/25937/2693933310069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2693933310069150403KjZRlX)
http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/27193/2375386460069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2375386460069150403HOmPlJ)
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/26203/2364647290069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2364647290069150403UbHYPt)

The Dining Area and Kitchen
http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/27258/2165015110069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2165015110069150403cOeWQF)
http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/26912/2586493010069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2586493010069150403MslNmQ)

The guest bedroom
http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/25814/2364768730069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2364768730069150403cLmLqv)

The master bedroom. Super comfy.
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/16898/2792098060069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2792098060069150403DyTTiG)
http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/29176/2816942360069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2816942360069150403JUbaRj)

The master bathroom and more little towel-guys. Ghosts?
http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/26803/2007711350069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2007711350069150403PxWBdP)
http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/449/2668494200069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2668494200069150403qYGFAE)

I never could get the drain stopped up so that water would stay in it. I shoved a washcloth in the drain.
http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/27338/2115743670069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2115743670069150403dyVtXu)

Lastly, Pete waving to me from the master bath into the master bedroom.
http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/29567/2722260810069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2722260810069150403NEifbe)

buffy0214

11-07-2007, 12:11 PM

Oh, wait, you might want to see the laundry-room, too. Well, maybe someone does:)
http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/26345/2826939420069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2826939420069150403QwtpER)

We bring our luggage in and then toss some Mountain Dews, apple juice, and water in the fridge and head out to the bus stop. MAGIC KINGDOM HERE WE COME!!!!!:banana: :banana:

Hey, it's a love bug. Woah, those are super rare, check it out kids, you might not see another.
http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/5159/2735462480069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2735462480069150403ldSnKJ)

Pete, Calvin, and Becky are ready.
http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/26620/2539394440069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2539394440069150403TjJngp)
http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/27722/2683414800069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2683414800069150403NNbqey)

Grandma and Rachel are ready.
http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/28690/2151296860069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2151296860069150403tSsLyv)

I'm ready, too, but there is no photo proof of this fact. The kids loved the autograph purses and backpack I made and had their pin attached. These quickly became too difficult for the kids to keep up with. I got tired of continually reminding them to not leave them behind, so for the rest of the trip they stayed in the room. Oh, well, they were cute, though, weren't they.

A seemless arrival day. We arrived at OKW at 1 and were getting our baggage checked in MK by 2:30. Wait, 2:30? Doesn't something happen on Main Street round-about this time?

Jillnkids

11-07-2007, 12:52 PM

winkers

11-07-2007, 01:05 PM

It's about time!:lmao:

I didn't relize that you don't get mousekeeping at the dvc resorts! That's one of the things I love most. Beds that magically make themselves!

Beast0214

11-18-2007, 05:27 PM

Hey!

This is Buffy's DH. I had forgotten how cute and little our girls were in those scrapbooks. We had a great time then. Of course, we had a great time this past trip. We took a little longer and were able to relax a little more.

I think the kids are getting old enough to enjoy other things, but they still love the pool. I love the Hot Tub as it feels great on aching feet and back.:cloud9:

andiepie

11-18-2007, 08:20 PM

Hey! Glad DH made an appearance. I'd been wondering where ya'll have been!

Come on! We need more! :surfweb:

OhMari

11-18-2007, 08:54 PM

I see that you are home now and telling us about your trip to WDW. I am going to move you over to our regular board.

Marisa

buffy0214

11-19-2007, 07:20 AM

Loving your TR so far! We saw bunches of love bugs the first part of the week but not as many later in the week. My kids called them "two-headed bugs". Dh and I laughed our heads off over that one. We just let them call them that all week and we just laughed every time!

Can't wait for more!

That's hilarious:lmao:

It's about time!:lmao:

I didn't relize that you don't get mousekeeping at the dvc resorts! That's one of the things I love most. Beds that magically make themselves!

No kidding! You do get mousekeeping if you stay as a regular guest but not as a DVC member. This is for sure one of the down sides for me. I really don't like making beds on vacation:p

Hey!

This is Buffy's DH. I had forgotten how cute and little our girls were in those scrapbooks. We had a great time then. Of course, we had a great time this past trip. We took a little longer and were able to relax a little more.

I think the kids are getting old enough to enjoy other things, but they still love the pool. I love the Hot Tub as it feels great on aching feet and back.:cloud9:

Finally! I've been waiting for ya. Funny that you think we had a long time this time. I so totally needed at least 3 more days.

Hey! Glad DH made an appearance. I'd been wondering where ya'll have been!

Come on! We need more! :surfweb:

I was waiting on hubby:rolleyes1 I will try and get another section up today.

I see that you are home now and telling us about your trip to WDW. I am going to move you over to our regular board.

Marisa

Thanks, Marisa:thumbsup2

mindyd

11-19-2007, 01:15 PM

Hi,

I just read your whole journal and I am very jealous with how crafty you are I love the car magnet and the shirts.

Beast0214

11-19-2007, 06:43 PM

Hi,

I just read your whole journal and I am very jealous with how crafty you are I love the car magnet and the shirts.
Buffy0214 likes crafts, although she does not seem to take as long as I imagine I would... and she does crafts so much faster than I.

I cannot wait to see how she puts together all of those pictures. I always look at her pages and think how much better they look than just the pictures by themselves.

buffy0214

11-21-2007, 08:07 AM

Hi,

I just read your whole journal and I am very jealous with how crafty you are I love the car magnet and the shirts.

I'm glad to have ya here!:yay: Please don't be jealous. Those magnets were so super easy that anyone who knows how to print can do it.

Buffy0214 likes crafts, although she does not seem to take as long as I imagine I would... and she does crafts so much faster than I.

I cannot wait to see how she puts together all of those pictures. I always look at her pages and think how much better they look than just the pictures by themselves.

You do crafts?:laughing: You might have to wait a while before I get those pages together. I still haven't finished our last trip.:rolleyes1 Maybe I'll do a Disney scrapbook weekend marathon.

buffy0214

11-21-2007, 08:45 AM

Day 1, part 2
Oct 7-----Magic Kingdom time!!!!!

On the way to the bus stop I noticed hubby, who always carries a book around, putting a book in the backpack. I was floored! Who would need a book at Disneyworld? A Dad with 3 kids should not have any downtime to read.:headache: “Honey, you are not going to need a book, we are at DISNEY!!!” He replied, “you never know” Weirdo.:rolleyes2

I was so excited to be at the Magic Kingdom. :banana: :banana: :banana: There were virtually no lines at the baggage check point so we walked right up. We chatted with the CM who checked our bags and then he asked Rachel if she liked Tinkerbell. She said yes and WE GOT OUR FIRST DREAM right away. A tinkerbell pin and one to share.

He told Rachel to share the other one with her sister. A dream granted as soon as we entered the park. This really got our visit off to a magical start.:wizard:

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/31840/2036835990069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2036835990069150403FpCgOy)
http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/31299/2240276030069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2240276030069150403RUNPky)
http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/31422/2479546740069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2479546740069150403fxpTRU)

Our plan was to head for ToonTown via the railroad. When we got to the top of the station, I showed Calvin the castle. The look on his face was priceless. :love: We had been talking about the castle for quite a while now and there it was! He was happy to see it but mainly it was a look of anticipation of things to come.

Chip, Dale, and Pluto greeting people at the top of the station but we got there just a little too late. It was still neat to see them. What luck the train just arrived!! We hopped on raring to go to Toontown. :woohoo: Then a CM came over and explained that the train would be delayed for 20 minutes while the parade passed over the tracks. But I don't want to wait let's get this train a'movin'. :hyper: Hubby taps me on the shoulder and I turn around to find him reading his book. Oh, yes, you are so funny. Keep it up funnyman. :duck: Put the book away, you are ruining the ambiance!

At first I thought perhaps we should get off and go see the parade from the station. It wasn’t on the itinerary but, ya know, timing is everything. Unfortunately, the train started going before the parade reached Main Street. Or, perhaps, fortunately, because we were on our way. The train stopped first at Frontierland and there were some very hot, tired looking folks waiting. Holy cow it looks crowded! :crowded:What is with all these people? And the heat! :sunny:I’m sorry but I really thought it would be a little cooler. No wait, kids, stay on the train we are going to the next stop. We arrive at toontown to see even MORE hot, tired folks. Lots more. This is not looking good. According to Tour Guide Mike this was not a recommended MK day. I see it looks as though he is right. We find out that the MK is going to have extra magic hours until 1 am. Woah! No wonder it is crowded. I looked like a lot of people are still here from this morning and many more were just arriving. Truly, I have never seen Toontown so crowded. Did I mention the crowds?

I then get asked about our t-shirts. :hyper2:Did I already tell ya'll about everyone asking me about our tees? We loved these! :cool1: It was always a no-brainer on what to wear and so easy to spot our group members so these are a keeper for next time.:thumbsup2

I was anticipating our first ride but I took time to tell the lady how to make them and then handed out my first DISBOARDS “business card” and told her to search for “tie dye”. Had to spread the word about the DIS.

Pete headed out to get Space Mountain FP. We were supposed to do character meet and greet but Calvin spotted the Barnstormer. This would become a deterrent to my itinerary. Calvin wanted only to ride the things he saw in front of him. I took Calvin and Becky on it. Rachel was too scared to ride for some reason so she waited with Grandma. Just nervous I guess. :confused3 It was a long wait at 20 minutes.

Becky got to take the red pass that keeps track of how long the line is.
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/30235/2942835280069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2942835280069150403yMFaGQ)

Becky had to ride by herself so she was a little nervous.
http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/28433/2258310170069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2258310170069150403LfeQsA)

Calvin gives his thumbs up for his first ride.
http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/28892/2533035790069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2533035790069150403scVebd)

Pete meets up with us and we head over to Stitch. This is my first time riding and I was unimpressed. Quite gross actually. Not the cute little Stitchy that I love. Still it was Rachel’s favorite. We stop in the shop quickly and I wanted to get a stuffed Stitch but I didn’t (my first regret). Becky got a robo-stitch and a stuffed baby Stitch. Calvin was jealous of Becky's robo-stitch so we had to backtrack and get another one.

http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/30019/2230381230069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2230381230069150403cAwNgm)

http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/31528/2457978810069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2457978810069150403becDLs)

buffy0214

11-21-2007, 08:56 AM

Onto Buzz. I rode with Rachel and gave her some of the pointers that I learned on the DIS. I keep some hints to myself (sorry, hubby). The scores as follows:

Bonnie 92200
Pete 52180
G’ma 10800
Rachel 2400
Cal 2300
Becky 3200

I was able to snag a picture. Then I tried to “redneck” the photos but they didn’t turn out well. Being a Georgian you’d think I’d been very good at this. We shop again and Calvin get a laser gun.

http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/30888/2334139490069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2334139490069150403FHaQEv)

Me and Rachel
http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/31295/2834692070069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2834692070069150403VbwgVV)

Pete and Cal
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/30555/2089192990069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2089192990069150403XisBII)

We wanted to hit the people mover (TTA for some). It was the first time I had ever waited for this one so you could tell it was busy. The plan was to eat at Cosmic Rays by 5 so that we would have time to see the Spectromagic Parade. We made it to Cosmic Rays on time. Afterwards, the kids wanted to ride the teacups. Wait! Teacups? Right after dinner? Weird kids. :rolleyes: Pete agrees to take them while Mom and I sit it out in Cosmic Rays.

Pete told me that they got another small dream. While in line they asked Calvin if it was his birthday. He said no and they proceeded to sing “A Very Merry Unbirthday to You” :dance3: then they gave him a certificate and 8x10 picture of Alice and the Mad Hatter. How cute! Pete said Cal loved be sung to. I think he was spoiled. He will expect to be sung to every time on teacups.

While we should have been heading over to Frontierland to view the parade but, as mentioned before, we were deterred. ….Best laid plans as they say….Calvin saw the Speedway. Boys + Cars = must see. Personally, speedway is not my fav, but seeing it through my son’s eyes gave me a whole new perspective. We rode again and were presented with a Tomorrowland Speedway Official License. Well, it’s something for the scrapbook.

Where's Becky? Grandma and Becky
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/30427/2845639290069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2845639290069150403rUGlRi)

Da boyz
http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/29096/2751300570069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2751300570069150403yqsoGJ)

Rachel
http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/31572/2942858000069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2942858000069150403ntXEDO)

Next was the new Monsters, Inc. New for us. It was cute and the kids liked it but it was our longest wait, about 30 minutes. Not worth it for that wait. Maybe a 5 or 10 minute wait.

We ended our day with a snack at the lunching pad while we took turns riding Space Mountain with our FPs. Pete rode alone and I went with Mom. It was hilarious. :rotfl: I just couldn’t stop laughing the whole ride. I’m not sure what it was. I think because it has been so long since I’ve been on it. It was the highlight of the evening.

It was just about time for Wishes. Believe it or not I had never seen Wishes. Of course, I’ve seen the nighttime fireworks, but not Wishes from the front of the castle. I thought the timing was perfect. We may have missed Spectro but we could see Wishes tonight instead of on Tuesday. I was vetoed. Pete and Mom wanted to beat the crowd to the bus. Calvin was tired and the girls wanted to swim.

We did miss the crowds and got on the bus right away. It was quite a memorable ride. The guy missed a turn and almost hit a tree. Then he stopped at a stop but he didn’t turn on the lights nor open the door to let people off. We had to shout at him before he drove off again. Finally, he was about to miss another turn and hit the brakes hard. I really had to hold onto Cal before he hit one of the poles. That was really one of the most bizarre experience ever on a Disney bus.:upsidedow

The girls convinced Pete to take them for a swim. I stayed with Mom and Cal because we had an early start the next day for Epcot! Yea, Epcot! I have a lot of exciting stuff planned for this day. I enjoyed our first day and we did accomplish a lot but I was a little disappointed in the heat, the crowds, and Calvin’s lack of compliance. Plus, I hadn’t been able to get a Photopass picture yet. I prepaid so I need to get my $$$$ worth.

winkers

11-21-2007, 11:56 AM

In defense of your dh, he's not a weirdo for taking a book!:rotfl2: I'm very rarely without a book. I hate just standing in a line without something to read!

buffy0214

11-21-2007, 12:46 PM

Oh, don't defend him, he isn't used to that:lmao:

He can read two paragraphs at a red light. I have no idea how he does that. If the book is good don't you want to read more? If you read a few paragraphs at a time, don't you just loose your place?

winkers

11-21-2007, 05:56 PM

I've been known to cook dinner and vacuum while reading. It's a special talent I have.:lmao:

Beast0214

11-22-2007, 05:42 AM

Onto Buzz. I rode with Rachel and gave her some of the pointers that I learned on the DIS. I keep some hints to myself (sorry, hubby). The scores as follows:

Bonnie 92200
Pete 52180
G’ma 10800
Rachel 2400
Cal 2300
Becky 3200

We did miss the crowds and got on the bus right away. It was quite a memorable ride. The guy missed a turn and almost hit a tree. Then he stopped at a stop but he didn’t turn on the lights nor open the door to let people off. We had to shout at him before he drove off again. Finally, he was about to miss another turn and hit the brakes hard. I really had to hold onto Cal before he hit one of the poles. That was really one of the most bizarre experience ever on a Disney bus.:upsidedow

The girls convinced Pete to take them for a swim.I think you mis-wrote the scores here, honey.:cool1: I had 102K. I remember because it was the first time I actually beat her. I was riding behind her and she told me about one of the big tricks, finally. :laughing:

I went FP on Space Mountain, while Buffy and her Mom took the kids on Buzz. Bonnie, of course, could not stand me having a higher score...:lmao:

I met everyone back at Home and took the kids swimming. I managed to avoid the bus trauma and my ride back was uneventful. I really had a good time swimming with the kids. It is interesting how awesome Disney is and yet the pool is always a highlight. I also found out the Canadian Thanksgiving fell on the same day as Columbus Day for those in the States.

buffy0214

11-24-2007, 03:00 PM

Oops, sorry:blush:

I wrote them down as I heard them. Plus it made total sense that I was the winner:rolleyes1

:flower3: :flower3: :flower3:

nts4wdw

11-24-2007, 07:13 PM

Ohhhh, the Dh joins in.... should be interesting.... I am keeping up, just keeping quiet. Enjoying it!

buffy0214

11-26-2007, 06:36 AM

Ha Ha. Thanks, Lynn, I'm glad you're still here! I know you are waiting to catch a glimse of your favorite Epcot band. ;) Epcot is up next but there were quite a few disappointments on that day:sad1:

Beast0214

12-20-2007, 05:46 AM

Ha Ha. Thanks, Lynn, I'm glad you're still here! I know you are waiting to catch a glimse of your favorite Epcot band. ;) Epcot is up next but there were quite a few disappointments on that day:sad1:

There were some points that I really enjoyed. Running to get fast passes and then running back and running to get more fast passes. Whew! I was exhausted.:headache: However, I still found it strangely enjoyable.

Test track was a blast (especially quick when I snuck in after getting fast passes as a single rider).

buffy0214

01-14-2008, 12:57 PM

Oh man! I started my report back up yesterday but I don't see the reply:headache: I guess I have to save everytime.

buffy0214

01-14-2008, 03:53 PM

Hi All!

I know I've been absent from my thread for a while. I haven't forgotten. I don't have any excuse either except that it's been hard to find a chunk of time that I can devote to the DIS. I know that's so hard to believe:laughing:

Pete's comments refer to our EPCOT day. I found out later in the trip that everytime we sent him to fetch a FP, he also rode the ride. No wonder it always took him so long:laughing: Actually, he was very fast considering the expanse of EPCOT. The Land may look close to Imagination but when you have 2 stroller riders and a 10yo, who wishes she was a stroller rider, it kinda takes a while.

Day 2--EPCOT Monday, Oct 8

Our EPCOT day started off uneventful. The kids were able to fix their own breakfast which speeds things up. We also did the daily clothing in a zippy bag thing. All I had to do was open up the EPCOT day bag and everything was ready to go. This really made things easy and is a must do for our next trip. Today was Lime Green Logo tees. Yes, they are very subtle:eek: If you've forgotten how they looked, check out the link http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21008152&postcount=186

See what I mean. These shirts were my Mom's favorites. She said it was easy to spot our group and keep us together. Of course, she didn't wear one. She claims to not like t-shirts. The CMs always asked where her shirt was.:laughing: I actally like lime green so I'm glad the DIS has adopted these colors. I didn't get to give anyone the "lime look" today even though I knew there were at least 2 other dis'ers in the park that I was aware of. I did get slightly burned this day because of the bare shoulder. I was much more comfy in our tie dye.

We departed OKW at 8:30 and arrived in time for the rope drop. Looks like TGM was right about today. The crowds were much lower, especially in the morning. The rope dropped and our plan was to head to Soarin, grab FP, and ride Soarin. Pete went on ahead because the crew was moving slow today. I urged them on, "Come on guys, let's hurry." I was met with the unenthused, "Why do we have to hurry?" I guess they don't understand how the queue builds up every second that we aren't there. Let's go, let's go. Finally, we make it and are able to Soar! I just love this ride:goodvibes My only wish is that we get a little spray of water as we fly over the ocean. Light mist, nothing major.

After Soarin, we headed over to The Seas to catch the first Turtle Talk with Crush. Pete tore off to get a FP at Test Track. He got a FP and then he rode it. Grandma got some pictures of us by the Nemo sculpture.

http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/40663/2265483530069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2265483530069150403ogdjaJ)
http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/27437/2020221330069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2020221330069150403RnRUhq)

Becky would not get up by the sculpture and Calvin just wanted to play in the dirt. We were holding up the "picture line" so we just snapped a few quick ones. I think I like the candid one better. When Cal got down he had a tick on him so, of course, I checked him daily for the bullseye shaped mark. Luckily, that never appeared.

Here is Becky. I took the time to do the braids so she is getting a post!
http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/40990/2196604330069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2196604330069150403thGtkt)
http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/41999/2245446560069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2245446560069150403ASEOHW)

I told Pete that we he got back to head to the left of the building and enter the dark doors. He didn't:sad2: He went into the main entrance and ended up in a queue. He didn't know what queue he was in but he waited in it anyway :confused3 and was surprised that it was for the Nemo ride. He rode it. . So funny. I kept calling him because he was about to miss the show but I couldn't get through. I guess those big tanks make it hard on cell phones:rolleyes1 We went onto Turtle Talk without him. Awww...I'm so sad he missed it. It was cuter than I remembered. Calvin absolutely adored it and kept raising his little hand in the air. I wish I had the video camera. None of my kids got "picked on" this time but they still loved it.

We met up with Pete after the show and had to check out the gift shop. Becky's motto must be, "If I can't buy it or eat it, it doesn't interest me". Next time, I'm going to make sure she gets a set amount per day to keep her from spending her whole budget right away. I even bought a baby Squirt plush. So cute. Unfortunately, he was the only thing missing when we got home:sad1:

We headed up to the Nemo ride. Most of us for the first time. :laughing: It was pretty cute. We did get stopped, however, at the angler fish spot. Bleech! This was the worst part of the ride normally, but to be stuck here was really bad. It just kept circling and growly. The youngest was pretty freaked out. Why do they feel the need to scare kids? I expect scary stuff on ToT but Nemo! Here's a couple of pics. They didn't turn out real well.

I mean, really, where is that Nemo?
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/40155/2369244300069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2369244300069150403Femikf)
http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/39129/2257056410069150403S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2257056410069150403SlRRjV)

We'd spent 2 hours seeing 3 things and it was time to go back to The Land for our 11:20 ADRs. No one was hungry yet, but when you have an ADR you gotta go. Next up......Character meal at the Garden Grill with a frisky chipmunk.