Our Oct and Dec Pre-Trippie, It’s a Two-fer! UPDATED - need luggage help!

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

Our October and December Pre-Trip Reports, It’s a Two-fer!

First – let me be first to let you all know that I recently graduated from “lurker” to an actual “poster” (not to be confused with poser!) Yeah me! :rotfl2:

I’ve wanted to do a trip report for our last two trips, but failed to be able to recall the detail after the fact (and never bothered with notes). ALL HAS CHANGED! October will mark our Son’s first trip to the World! So, I’ve decided now is the time. And by starting a pre-trip report, then I am locked in to doing a true – full fledged – no holds bars – AWESOME trip report! (All of those who are witnessing this oath, please feel free to kick me when I slack off!)

Our Trips:
There are two for the remainder of 2007! YES – TWO! We’ve got a trip planned for October to commemorate our 2 Year Anniversary, Billy’s First Trip, and MNSSHP! Then, we are going back again in December to honor a promise I made to my DH, that we would go to the World in December (since he’s never seen The Mouse House all decorated with Holiday Spirit!)

The Cast:
October Trip – Me, DH, DS, and my parents
December Trip – Me, DH, DS, and my in-laws (DH’s parents)

About me:
Hi – I’m Natalie - 25. Avid trip report reader and total Disney fanatic! (OT: Thank you PrincessV, LauraLee, and many others for enriching my life with a daily dose of the mouse! popcorn:: ) Back to me. . . my DH and I married at Disney in October 2005, and we visit the World about 2 – 3 times per year! Because of the Dis boards, I have accepted my over-eagerness to plan our trips using my trusty excel sheet. (my family still laughs whenever they see a schedule – as if they are surprised that I’ve done it again). I can be unpleasant to be around on “travel day” and my husband will agree (picture me tapping my watch, and saying “We were supposed to be on the road 10 minutes ago.” To my defense – well, I don’t have a defense – so, I guess I am just anxious on travel day, and we’ll leave it at that! :thumbsup2

About DH:
Bill, 33, and my best friend! He’s accepted and embraced my love of Disney, and he is always equally excited (if not MORE) about planning our trips and going to Disney. He loves to have us dress alike, and he loves to wear Disney Tee’s. His favorite ride is Rockin’ Roller Coaster, and he is very sentimental about walking down Main Street USA. He’s favorite event is watching the “Mayor” opening the park! Biggest peeve – slow walkers, stoppers, gatherings, and anything else that prevents him from walking at a good pace. “Honey – RELAX!”
http://www.wsmithfamily.com/images/NatBill5.bmp

About DS:
Billy, Currently he’s 4 months old, and when we visit the World in October, he’ll be a good 10 months! He’s our joy and is such a happy baby! His nursery décor is, of course, Disney. He often wears Disney gear, and adores his Safari Mickey plush. He’s glued to the TV whenever Mickey Mouse clubhouse is on (but, then again, he does not get the option of watching anything BUT Disney!). Our plan - to mold him into a Disney lover! :cool1:
http://www.wsmithfamily.com/images/Billy4.29.17.bmp

About My Parents:
Billy is there first grandchild! My father, total Disney lover, and adores the “E-Tickets”. My mom, puts up with Disney. She gets excited before the trip, but then cannot wait to get home. She loves people watching, and the shows (often drags the gaggle to sit through a show). They’ve been taking me to Disney annually since before I can remember. They are excited, but hesitant about staying at Beach Club Villas (they’ve been spoiled by the Grand Floridian).

About My In-Laws:
Super sweet, and crazy about their grandson. My F-I-L has a permanent smile, and M-I-L is funny and speaks her mind. M-I-L does not understand our obsession, but they are super excited about the trip in December!

The Scoop on the Trips:
October Trip – 10/28 – 11/01. Beach Club Villas (our second trip as DVC members), and we reserved a 2-bedroom villa. October 31 – Halloween – going to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. This will be our first MNSSHP! Yeah us! pirate:

December Trip – 12/16 – 12/20. Saratoga Springs (our home resort), and again – got the 2-bedroom villa. December 18, we’ve got tickets for MVMCP! And - it's also going to be our first MVMCP!! Yeah us! :banana:


For those of you who are doing the fuzzy math, 4 month old, 2 year anniversary coming up, 25 years old, ya-da ya-da ya-da :teacher: . We perfectly planned and conceived little Billy about 6 months after the wedding, estimated sometime in May. Now, since DS came 5 weeks early, DH is convinced that the timing was all wrong, and that we actually conceived in April - when we were in Disney. That's what he wants to believe, so we will let him believe it! :rolleyes1

Coming up next: October Dinner plans – Yum Yum!

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

Brag brag! First, my boy. . . he's about 5 1/2 months now, and changing everyday! He's almost sitting up, very inquistive, and he wants to touch everything now! He's just adorable and we love him so much!

The plans are finalized! I feel pretty good about our reservations and I think these will be solid. :cool2:

The October Trip:
Tony's Town Square (D) - one of my favorites! I crave the spaghetti all year long!
Narcoosee's (D) - Bill and I will celebrate our 2 year anniversary, yeah us!
50's Prime Time (L) - My Dad's favorite, he loves the smores (they are really good)
Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki (D) - Who doesn't like the Japanese Hibachi???
Sci-Fi Diner (L) - Great atomosphere, and I love the glowy ice cubes!
Crystal Palace (D) - This is a must for every trip!

The December Trip
Liberty Tree Tavern (D) - I have not been here in years, and it will be new for my DH, a bit nervous about it, but I've got high hopes!
Yakatori House (L) - Have you ever been to this little gem? Yum Yum
Boma (D) - We've never been, but I've read great reviews! Cannot wait for this one!
Flame Tree BBQ (L) - Another great counter service! Love the BBQ!
Crystal Palace (D) - Like I said, it's a must every trip!
Rainforest Cafe (D) - I think my DS will LOVE all of the action around us!
Tony's Town Square (L) - Do I need to mention it agan? Spaghetti! I'm getting hungry!

Is it wrong that I've already got an itemized schedule planned of every move we make??? :rolleyes1 Okay, I am seriously not that bad, but I definitely like to have a plan in place. :thumbsup2

There are still some arrangements that need to be made, like the town car, and my in-laws flight plans.

Packing:
I cannot start packing yet - for very obvious reasons . . . but, I am seriously thinking about getting some crocs! I've got some great slip on sketchers that I absolutely adore, but they are not good in watery situations. So, I'll admit it - I'm going to say it right now - I do NOT own a pair of crocs! Ahhh! I know! Where have I been, right?? :scared: I've never even tried them on. . . I've not given the crocs a chance, and now I am feeling guilty. But, if I get crocs, then don't I need Mickey Crocs? Hello? What kind of a Disney girl would I be??

And my fuzzy math :teacher: says that we've got just about 4.5 months until the October trip! And we cannot wait!!!!

[teruterubouzu]

Your son is so cute! I bet you all will have a great trip. Your plans sound like such fun.

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

Your son is so cute! I bet you all will have a great trip. Your plans sound like such fun.

Thanks! We are so excited to take him - FINALLY - to Disney! It will be his first trip, and first Halloween! :thumbsup2 He's just so cute!!!! Some more pictures of my baby boy!

http://www.wsmithfamily.com/images/Billy5.16.4.bmp

http://www.wsmithfamily.com/images/Billy5.17.5.bmp

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

.
Oh my gosh, did ya ever know that crocs could be so cute? I'm going to order some! I've just got to decide... does anyone have any croc-pinions?


These are so cute, and I would love these in black or even red!!
http://shop.crocs.com/images/Product/icon/33.jpg


And these would look great with my camo shorts! Who doesn't need Off-road footwear??
http://shop.crocs.com/images/Product/icon/30.jpg


These look comfy!
http://shop.crocs.com/images/Product/icon/110.jpg


Of course, these would be a must!!! I love them in pink!!! :thumbsup2
http://shop.crocs.com/images/Product/icon/61.jpg


So, I'm thinking that these will be a great investment!!!

Up next....I need to find a Disney suitcase for the baby!!!! :yay:

.

[Disneyolic]

Our October and December Pre-Trip Reports, It’s a Two-fer!

First – let me be first to let you all know that I recently graduated from “lurker” to an actual “poster” (not to be confused with poser!) Yeah me! :rotfl2: I'm here! I'm not a lurker...I'm an actual poster! :cool1:

About me:
Hi – I’m Natalie - 25. Avid trip report reader and total Disney fanatic! (OT: Thank you PrincessV, LauraLee, and many others for enriching my life with a daily dose of the mouse! popcorn:: ) Back to me. . . my DH and I married at Disney in October 2005, and we visit the World about 2 – 3 times per year! Because of the Dis boards, I have accepted my over-eagerness to plan our trips using my trusty excel sheet. (my family still laughs whenever they see a schedule – as if they are surprised that I’ve done it again). I can be unpleasant to be around on “travel day” and my husband will agree (picture me tapping my watch, and saying “We were supposed to be on the road 10 minutes ago.” To my defense – well, I don’t have a defense – so, I guess I am just anxious on travel day, and we’ll leave it at that! :thumbsup2 I know that anxiousness. I like to be on time and get very frustrated with those who are not!
About DS:
Billy, Currently he’s 4 months old, and when we visit the World in October.He's a cutie. I love the name. Maybe it's because my dad is named William, my brother is Billy, and my 2nd son's middle name is William. Oh, any my SIL is engaged to a Bill! :upsidedow


Did you really buy all those Crocs? I tried on the Cleo's and didn't like them. But I love my Athens, Ithaca & Capris!!! I even have the Mickey Beach Crocs but I'm not going to wear them on our vacation next week. I found that they make my feet sweat really bad and there is no way that I am going to wear socks with them.

I look forward to reading more...

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

I'm here! I'm not a lurker...I'm an actual poster! :cool1:

I know that anxiousness. I like to be on time and get very frustrated with those who are not!
He's a cutie. I love the name. Maybe it's because my dad is named William, my brother is Billy, and my 2nd son's middle name is William. Oh, any my SIL is engaged to a Bill! :upsidedow


Did you really buy all those Crocs? I tried on the Cleo's and didn't like them. But I love my Athens, Ithaca & Capris!!! I even have the Mickey Beach Crocs but I'm not going to wear them on our vacation next week. I found that they make my feet sweat really bad and there is no way that I am going to wear socks with them.

I look forward to reading more...

I love the name William too - for obvious reasons. Baby boy is a William, so is my husband, and also my father-in-law . . . and I think there are more "Williams" further down their lineage too! Not sure though, :rolleyes1

Nope - did not buy the crocs yet. . . I'm still thinking on them! I think I should go to the mall kiosk and at least try them on before spending. I don't know though, I just hear so many good things about the crocs! I've been missing out! What's a girl to do :confused3 Buy crocs site-unseen? I've got to talk to hubby! ;)

Thanks for reading!!!!!


.

[Disneyolic]

Do you have pictures of your Disney wedding? I would love to see them!

[Avivasmom]

What a cutie you have there. We go around the holiday time too...this will be our 4th year...you will love the decorations.

Looking forward to reading more.

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

Do you have pictures of your Disney wedding? I would love to see them!


I do! This is kind of tacky of me - but I took pictures of my photo albumn (that's why they look grainy) . . . but really, they look beautiful, and Disney did a great job putting together our photo albumn. Here's just a few of that great day! :yay:

http://www.wsmithfamily.com/images/Nat12.bmp


http://www.wsmithfamily.com/images/NatandBill.bmp


http://www.wsmithfamily.com/images/bridal_party.bmp


http://www.wsmithfamily.com/images/dance_floor.bmp


It really was a great day!!!
:thumbsup2

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

What a cutie you have there. We go around the holiday time too...this will be our 4th year...you will love the decorations.

Looking forward to reading more.

Thank you for reading! I am really looking forward to our December trip and the decorations and the parades! My DH has never been during christmas time, so this is a special treat for us! :thumbsup2

[Disneyolic]

Beautiful pictures! I just wish I could your album in person. Dallas is a bit too far tho.. ;)

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

Beautiful pictures! I just wish I could your album in person. Dallas is a bit too far tho.. ;)

Thank you!!! It really is neat they way they did it. . . they printed to pictures right on the page, and it's more matted and not really glossy. Looks really nice! Love Disney!!!!!

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

Does anyone know where I can get some cute Disney luggage for DS and his gear????:confused3

[DreaGirl]

Hi! I found your report after you posted on mine!

Your son is so adorable! It is so amazing how fast they grow up. I'm watching DD *run* around our house as we talk. Enjoy these times when he doesn't really move!:lmao:

I never thought I would be a CROCS person either, but I love my MJs. I have them in black and might get them in pink since the Capris don't really look right. I like the primas too, but found that they weren't really that comfy.

I am so jealous that you are going two times this year! I would love that.

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

Hi! I found your report after you posted on mine!

Your son is so adorable! It is so amazing how fast they grow up. I'm watching DD *run* around our house as we talk. Enjoy these times when he doesn't really move!:lmao:

I never thought I would be a CROCS person either, but I love my MJs. I have them in black and might get them in pink since the Capris don't really look right. I like the primas too, but found that they weren't really that comfy.

I am so jealous that you are going two times this year! I would love that.

Thanks for reading! I cannot wait until DS is your daughters age. Right now he is almost sitting up on his own, and he wants to be mobile so badly, but cannot crawl yet. He LOVES Little Einsteins and Mickey Mouse Club House! He's going to be great fun at Disney!
:thumbsup2

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

I still really need some luggage ideas. I'm looking for some cute Disney baby for our baby boy! He's got so much gear!

I saw the 3 pc luggage set on Disney Shopping, but I'd like to see a few more options before I commit to that purchase.

Anyone know who sells Disney luggage, bags, or backpacks??

[Avivasmom]

Aviva just has a Tinkerbell backpack..no seperate luggage...I pack her with me.

Sorry not more help.

[Disneyolic]

I still really need some luggage ideas. I'm looking for some cute Disney baby for our baby boy! He's got so much gear!

I saw the 3 pc luggage set on Disney Shopping, but I'd like to see a few more options before I commit to that purchase.

Anyone know who sells Disney luggage, bags, or backpacks??Target has some, I believe. I know my DD got a Princess piece there.

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

Aviva just has a Tinkerbell backpack..no seperate luggage...I pack her with me.

Sorry not more help.

Thanks though. . . . I just noticed, Aviva was born at 31 weeks? Billy was a born at 35 weeks, and stopped breathing just after delivery and had to stay in NICU for 3 weeks. But, he's doing wonderful now (actually at this very moment having quite a tantrum!!

[WDW Poly Princess]

I'm so excited that we're going at the same time! Everyone else seems to be a few days before or afte me!


I see that you were smart enough to reserve BCV back when it was still available!

On the Crocs- be sure to break em in before the trip! (Lesson learned the hard way!) The little bumps under your feet are so uncomfortable to me at first, but a couple of miles of walking in them wears them down to be much more comfy! Also, throwing em in the dryer or putting them in hot water for a while helps make them softer! I totally recommend trying them on at the mall, though- sometimes even among pairs that are the same size, one pair just seems to fit better than the other.

Have you tried eBay for Disney luggage? I just did a search, and a ton came up!


Your son is SO cute! I hope you're planning to take a billion pictures of him at the World!

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

I'm so excited that we're going at the same time! Everyone else seems to be a few days before or afte me!


I see that you were smart enough to reserve BCV back when it was still available!

On the Crocs- be sure to break em in before the trip! (Lesson learned the hard way!) The little bumps under your feet are so uncomfortable to me at first, but a couple of miles of walking in them wears them down to be much more comfy! Also, throwing em in the dryer or putting them in hot water for a while helps make them softer! I totally recommend trying them on at the mall, though- sometimes even among pairs that are the same size, one pair just seems to fit better than the other.

Have you tried eBay for Disney luggage? I just did a search, and a ton came up!


Your son is SO cute! I hope you're planning to take a billion pictures of him at the World!

Thanks for the tips on the Crocs - you know I would have not broken them in!! That would not have been fun!

We were so excited to get BCV!! We are DVC, and had to wait until we were 7 months out from the trip (b/c it's not our home resort). . . I love the location and being in walking distance from MGM and Epcot. We've stayed at the Yacht Club before, but never at Beach Club, so it will be a new expirience for us! We are very super duper excited!!! :banana:

I'm going to check e-bay now. . . that's a really good thought! Thanks! :thumbsup2

[ArielSRL]

Thanks for reading! I cannot wait until DS is your daughters age. Right now he is almost sitting up on his own, and he wants to be mobile so badly, but cannot crawl yet. He LOVES Little Einsteins and Mickey Mouse Club House! He's going to be great fun at Disney!
:thumbsup2

Hi! I'm fairly new to the boards and kind of a lurker though I have stepped up the comments lately! Anyway, found your Pre TR through your siggie, when you posted somewhere else. Enjoying it so far. Subbed! :surfweb:

Anyway, if your son likes Little Einsteins, you might want to do the character meal at Hollywood and Vine in MGM. It features Little Einsteins, as well as JoJo and Goliath. Just a heads up. :)

[Brocktoon]

More Halloween week pre-trip reports are popping up. It's common knowledge that all the smart and cool kids hit WDW on Halloween week (and now I just offended eveyone not going that week) :thumbsup2

I'll be down that week, but I'm way too lazy to do the pre-trip report thing. Instead, I'll try to keep up and follow along with these reports that are popping up.

Keep writing, and I'll keep reading ...

[Disneyolic]

More Halloween week pre-trip reports are popping up. It's common knowledge that all the smart and cool kids hit WDW on Halloween week (and now I just offended eveyone not going that week) :thumbsup2 ...But the even cooler kids are going right now!!!! :cool1:

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

Hi! I'm fairly new to the boards and kind of a lurker though I have stepped up the comments lately! Anyway, found your Pre TR through your siggie, when you posted somewhere else. Enjoying it so far. Subbed! :surfweb:

Anyway, if your son likes Little Einsteins, you might want to do the character meal at Hollywood and Vine in MGM. It features Little Einsteins, as well as JoJo and Goliath. Just a heads up. :)


Thanks for coming out of hiding! :) I was thinking about ressies at H&V, but little kiddo is only going to be 10 months. . . and I don't know if he is going to connect the small figures on TV to the real "characters" at H&V.

I think maybe our October 2008 trip will be our first H&V ressie (we are planning on staying 10 days! It'll be our first LONG Disney trip! :thumbsup2

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

More Halloween week pre-trip reports are popping up. It's common knowledge that all the smart and cool kids hit WDW on Halloween week (and now I just offended eveyone not going that week) :thumbsup2

I'll be down that week, but I'm way too lazy to do the pre-trip report thing. Instead, I'll try to keep up and follow along with these reports that are popping up.

Keep writing, and I'll keep reading ...

Awesome - you will probably see us lugging around munkin and all his gear. . . our first vacation with him should be very interesting!

Do you have kiddo's? Is this your first Halloween trip? We've been during Halloween a few times, but have NEVER been to MNSSHP (if you can believe that!) What kind of Dis'ers are we???? :confused3

Thanks for reading! :thumbsup2

[hollybearsmom]

I'll be reading along. Are the grands going to sit or are you staying all together?

[ArielSRL]

I think maybe our October 2008 trip will be our first H&V ressie (we are planning on staying 10 days! It'll be our first LONG Disney trip! :thumbsup2

Sounds like a plan!

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

I'll be reading along. Are the grands going to sit or are you staying all together?

For October: My parents are really big into Disney, especially my dad. So, I think we will be staying together for the most part. Although, for our anniversary on the 29th we will be splitting up, and DH and I are going to have a special dinner. But, I've been to Disney with my parents many times and they hold up fairly well!

For December: My In-laws are not that crazy about Disney, and I think that we will be together most of the day, but I am currently scheduling that DH and I will be going out in the evenings alone for MH's.

Did I mention that I love evening Magic Hours!!??? Heck ya I do! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[Brocktoon]

Awesome - you will probably see us lugging around munkin and all his gear. . . our first vacation with him should be very interesting!

Do you have kiddo's? Is this your first Halloween trip? We've been during Halloween a few times, but have NEVER been to MNSSHP (if you can believe that!) What kind of Dis'ers are we???? :confused3

Thanks for reading! :thumbsup2

No kids for me (that I know of) ... I'm living the gloriously fun life of the single corporate fast-tracker, full of 60 hour work-weeks, global business travel, and neverending project deadlines :sad1:

My parents have a nicely sized R/V that they take down to WDW ~once a year. I'm flying down to meet them in Ft. Wilderness for Halloween week. This will be Halloween in WDW #2 for me. We did the same last year.

With all the pressure and stress associated with my job, WDW is one of those few places to escape it all. Between staying on site, and DDP, pretty much everything is taken care of for the week, and I don't need to follow anything about the outside world.

Halloween week has good weather, low crowds, and my fav ... the F&W Fest. It was a no-brainer to to visit with the parents again during that week. We have some relatives who are DVC'ers, and I'm pretty sure they are going to be staying at the BCV during that week as well.

No MNSSHP for us, but we'll be hitting the Aventurer' Club on 10/31. Last year we did the Haunted Hayride at FW on 10/31, which was great, but could be very intense for smaller kids.

[DreaGirl]

As far as the luggage goes...DD doesn't have her own. We pack it in with ours. So, DH usually has his own and DD and I share. Although for this trip I am going to mix the suitcases so if one gets lost one of us doesn't lose all our clothes. It would probably be mine too with my luck!

[twob4him]

Does anyone know where I can get some cute Disney luggage for DS and his gear????:confused3

Hi Married Him...I found you from Dawn Maree's TR! I love the baby pics and the wedding pics! I hope someday one of my daughters wants to get married in Disney! ;) So what did you decide about DS's luggage???

[__disneygirl]

Hi! I just discovered this pre-trip report and i'm really enjoying it. I love the idea of doing a two-fer! I've never seen anything like that on the boards. Also I must say that your son is just adorable! He's perfect! I loved looking at your wedding pictures also... my DREAM is to have a Disney wedding one day and you looked absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Can't wait to read more:thumbsup2

[roxannensteve]

Hello - I love reading other Pre Trip REeports, especially those going the same month as me. We're December bound too. Can't wait to hear more. :banana: