Oh, How the years go by...Pre trip report LEAVING IN 24 HOURS

[Mousermom]

Well, here we go again!

Getting ready to embark on another journey to WDW.

Except this time... my only child is going to turn 13 on this trip!:love:

I want to make this trip special for my son. I can't believe how much he's grown up. I really don't know how much longer he'll want to go on these trips with his dad and me. I guess I'm feeling a little sad because I'm not quite ready for him to be so grown up yet. Before I know it, he'll be off to college and then I don't know what I'll do with myself!:scared1:

Anyway, I wrote a TR last year and for those of you who don't know, I'll re-introduce the players:

Me-Mary Beth-the planner, the compulsive Disney freak, the one who obsesses about the minor details, frequent visitor of the Disboards.

DH-Tom-go-with-the-flow-guy, pretends to listen to all my pre-trip ramblings.

DS-T.J.-the one who this trip is all about, my baby boy, not overly excited about this trip (although he may be hiding the fact that he is excited to be cool!)

The details:

Dates: February 28-March 6, 2008
Resort: POFQ
ADRs: O'hana, Kona Cafe (Breakfast), LeCellier

We purposely chose this week to go to WDW because it is ESPN weekend. We went last year and had a ball! My son's gorgeous mug was all over the jumbotron at MGM studios! And, to top it all off, Donovan McNabb is going to be there this year! This was a no-brainer. For those of you who did not read our last TR, we are Eagles fans. No, not just fans..fanatics! We were disappointed last year that there were no athletes representing any Philly teams, so when we heard that McNabb would be there, we jumped at the chance to go.:cheer2:

Gotta go! T.J. needs to be picked up from school!

Next up: Still haven't let the teachers know!!:scared1:

[Mousermom]

So you can match names to faces.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t254/mbluecke/100_0640.jpg

[goofy_kid]

:laundy: pirate: hi mom i'm excited to go! i just want to get on the plane right now and fly to florida. hbu? u excited? u better be lol bye
pirate: :laundy: pirate: :laundy: pirate: :laundy: pirate: :laundy: pirate: :laundy: :laundy: pirate: :laundy:

[Mousermom]

:laundy: pirate: hi mom i'm excited to go! i just want to get on the plane right now and fly to florida. hbu? u excited? u better be lol bye
pirate: :laundy: pirate: :laundy: pirate: :laundy: pirate: :laundy: pirate: :laundy: :laundy: pirate: :laundy:

This is my son's post. I guess I was wrong about him trying to be cool, huh?

[becca011906]

Joining in on the fun!!! You guys look like a great family... see never try to second guess a man... i mean boy !!!! He's still your little boy :) I'll be in tears to when my DS is telling me he's to big for disney!!! NO the DAY WILL NEVER COME! I won't let it! LOL

OHHHH And your DH is an officer too!

[Mousermom]

Joining in on the fun!!! You guys look like a great family... see never try to second guess a man... i mean boy !!!! He's still your little boy :) I'll be in tears to when my DS is telling me he's to big for disney!!! NO the DAY WILL NEVER COME! I won't let it! LOL

OHHHH And your DH is an officer too!

Thank you, becca! I kid you not, up until this post, he wasn't acting too excited about this trip. I guess I don't know everything about him, do I!:laughing:

Actually, my husband is a police dispatcher. He just likes to PRETEND he's a cop!:rolleyes1 So, I have to oblige him once in a while!

[becca011906]

Actually, my husband is a police dispatcher. He just likes to PRETEND he's a cop!:rolleyes1 So, I have to oblige him once in a while!

My husband was a 911/police/EMS dispatcher for 3 years before getting into the Sheriff Dept. as a deputy a year and 1/2 ago. He actully just went to the academy this past summer (that was NOT FUN).

[Mousermom]

Now we are exactly 1 month from the trip, and I pretty much have everything planned. I got new luggage (with Mickey on it), a new digital camera, plenty of Disney t-shirts, and I'm going to try something new this year...pin trading! I've made list after list...revising it as need be. This trip is pretty much taking over my life! However, like many people on these boards, I find that planning these trips is half the fun! I try to get DH involved, but I think he prefers that I do all the planning. He has a very stressful job and this is his time to relax. (If you call a Disney vacation relaxing!!:rotfl:)

I have to give a shout-out to my husband...

He was awarded Dispatcher of the Year by the Philadelphia Police Department!:woohoo:

I was so proud of him. All the big wigs were there in uniform and everything! His commanding officer had such nice things to say about him. I was bawling like a baby! He was on the news and everything! In all honesty, he works very hard and he really does deserve some recognition for the job he does every day. (OK, rambilng over. A little OT, but I just wanted to share!)

Back to business...

ADRs were made 180 days out. I was on that phone right away. We aren't on the dining plan. I know a lot of people really like this plan. I just feel that we would be spending too much time eating. I like to be at the parks the majority of the time and feel it is better for us to just grab and go for the most part. But, we do have a tradition...

O'hana, baby!!!:woohoo:

I know there are mixed feelings about this place, but me, Tom, and T.J. love it! We've been here 3 times before with both the old and new menus. Loved it every time. We always go about an hour before the fireworks start. We always go there on our first full day at WDW. It really gets us in the mood to start our vacation. We are also trying Kona for breakfast. We've heard so many good things about the Tonga Toast and the coffee there that we have to try it out. Also, we are trying LeCellier for the first time. Quite a few people that I spoke to who are WDW regulars can't believe that I was able to get a ressie there. I hope it is as good as everyone says it is!!

Anyway, there is one last thing I have to tackle and it is really making me nervous!! My son's teacher! I'm ashamed to admit this, but she scares the crap out of me!!:scared1: In the past when I have told his teachers that we will be out of town, I have to say, we haven't had any problems. But, this teacher he has this year is a little frightning! Let's just say, her students LISTEN to her.
In all honesty, I'm afraid to tell her that we are going to WDW. I think she's gonna yell at ME!! (BTW, my son goes to catholic school. I pay tuition for him to attend this school.) The school distributes a calendar at the beginning of the school year with all the rules and regulations in it. With regards to vacations during the school year, they don't encourage it. But, if it is done, all they request is that you write a journal about the vacation. I'm afraid that this teacher is gonna bog this kid down with so much homework that he isn't going to enjoy himself very much. Worse than that, I think she's the type of person that will straight-up tell me NOT TO GO ON VACATION!! Then again, I might be creating a situation where there isn't one. No wonder I get migraines all the time!!! STRESS!! Last year, T.J.'s teacher was so great about it. All she said was for me to write a note 2 weeks prior to remind her about it.

Hopefully, it will all work out.:flower3:

I'll post here when I finally do let her know and I'll tell you what her reaction was.


Next time: I'll try and de-stress and I'll also try to post pictures of Tom's Dispatcher of the year awards ceremony!

[Mousermom]

My husband was a 911/police/EMS dispatcher for 3 years before getting into the Sheriff Dept. as a deputy a year and 1/2 ago. He actully just went to the academy this past summer (that was NOT FUN).

DH is going on 12 years as a dispatcher. Personally, I don't know how he does it. I don't think I could do that job. To have another person's life in your hands would be too much for me to handle. Especially when your #1 priority is to protect the officer. He really enjoys the job. He works city-wide band so when something really big happens, he's right in there where the action is.

So, what's the deal with the academy? How come it wasn't fun?

[Mousermom]

Not much interest, but I guess I'll go on...

I sent a note to the teacher and her response was...NOTHING!

Well, I guess she's not going to respond to the note I wrote. I asked if there were going to be extra assignments that she send them home with T.J.

They are expected to complete a journal, but if she wanted more work done, to let me know what he needs to do and I will make sure it gets done.

Vacations are frowned upon and I guess she's mad about it. I've never had a problem with any other teacher up until this point, but something about her just gets me nervous.

Other than that, I'm trying to post the pictures of Tom's awards ceremony, without much success. I'll try to get Mr. computer-savvy (T.J.) to try and help me get them up so you guys can see Tom's special day.

Next time: Exactly 4 weeks today! Doing the happy dance!!!:banana:

[Mousermom]

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t254/mbluecke/CIMG34153.jpg
Philadelphia Police Dispatcher Of The Year 2007 Ceremony
Tom's parents, Tom, Me, T.J. and the Inspector

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t254/mbluecke/CIMG34023.jpg

Big wigs and Tom


http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t254/mbluecke/CIMG33853.jpg

Tom and Inspector
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t254/mbluecke/CIMG33843.jpg

Tom and Inspector with citation from the City of Philadelphia

[eyeheartgoofy]

I'm reading.:)

Congrats to hubby on his reward!

[becca011906]

Cool pics, that's so cool BIG party: for you DH!!! Congrats to him!!!

[Mousermom]

I'm reading.:)

Congrats to hubby on his reward!

Thanks, eyeheartgoofy! Tom also thanks you!:)

More to come. Keep reading!

[Mousermom]

Cool pics, that's so cool BIG party: for you DH!!! Congrats to him!!!

Thanks becca! Keep reading!:)

[Mousermom]

So...today I paid off the trip!!!!:cool1:

I was so happy to get that over and done with. Luckily, I have a friend that works at a travel agency and she really hooked me up.

Anyway, the main focus of this trip is the fact that T.J. is turning 13. I wanted to do something special for him, but I don't want him to think I'm being a dork. He is entering the stage that he cannot hug mom or dad in public anymore. Especially when he gets dropped off at school. God forbid anyone see that.:scared1:

I want to order a cake for him when we eat at O'hana on Friday night. I saw the cutest cake on the Birthday cake boards that I really want. I will download the picture on my next post.

Also, a friend of mine that I work with has been printing out Disney clipart for me. She got me clipart of Mickey dressed up in sports uniforms and Mickey holding a "Happy Birthday" banner. I'm going to decorate the window of our room. I am really getting into this. I STOLE about 50 Mickey Heads from the Home Depot and I am going to put christmas lights around the window as well.

When we get back from our trip, I'll post pictures of the window and the cake. I also don't want to forget to get T.J. a birthday button from City Hall. Hopefully, he'll get some fun freebies!

And, dare I say it........a dream???:idea:

I figure, you only become a teenager once, right?:rolleyes: It's not only a mother's right...it's her duty to embarass her son this way!!!!!:dance3:

See ya next time!

[Mousermom]

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t254/mbluecke/Picture135.jpg

Here's the cake. Since were eating at O'hana, I thought this cake would be cute for T.J.'s birthday.

[becca011906]

that's a pretty neat cake, i think it's not 'babyish' and would work well for a teen/grown up b-day!!!!

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

Hi mousermom! We are from Philly too - well Bucks County to be exact but who's counting right? Just wanted to chime in and say hello. You look like you have a great family - they grow up so quickly don't they :sad2: . I can imagine how excited your DS is about McNabb. Have an awesome awesome trip!!

[Mousermom]

that's a pretty neat cake, i think it's not 'babyish' and would work well for a teen/grown up b-day!!!!

I agree, becca! Thanks for hanging in there with me!:lovestruc

[Mousermom]

Hi mousermom! We are from Philly too - well Bucks County to be exact but who's counting right? Just wanted to chime in and say hello. You look like you have a great family - they grow up so quickly don't they :sad2: . I can imagine how excited your DS is about McNabb. Have an awesome awesome trip!!

Well, howdy neighbor! :wave2: We live in NE Philly. Where 'bouts in Bucks County?
As the trip gets closer, he's getting more excited about the trip. We can't wait to see McNabb. But, it's really weird that we have to travel over 1,000 miles to see him when the Linc is about 20 minutes from us!!! You have to take out a second mortgage to buy a ticket for a football game these days!:rolleyes1

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

Well, howdy neighbor! :wave2: We live in NE Philly. Where 'bouts in Bucks County?
As the trip gets closer, he's getting more excited about the trip. We can't wait to see McNabb. But, it's really weird that we have to travel over 1,000 miles to see him when the Linc is about 20 minutes from us!!! You have to take out a second mortgage to buy a ticket for a football game these days!:rolleyes1

Yeah, tell me about it. Well, it's not like you'll be seeing him in the Superbowl anytime soon either :sad2: .

We live in Langhorne, BUT I work in the NE right off of Comly & the Blvd. Where abouts are you in the NE??

[Mousermom]

We live near Academy and Red Lion Roads. My son goes to St. Martha's on Academy Road near Comly. Small world, isn't it? Do you live near Sesame Place? I went there a few time when I was a kid.

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

We live near Academy and Red Lion Roads. My son goes to St. Martha's on Academy Road near Comly. Small world, isn't it? Do you live near Sesame Place? I went there a few time when I was a kid.

LOL - he is literally right around the corner from my work. I pass his school everyday on my lunch hour on my way to Franklin Mills :rotfl2: .

Yes, we are about 5 minutes from Sesame Place, and pass it all the time but we haven't been there in a while. It just gets too crazy in the summer. It's so packed and hot and just not our thing anymore. I used to go when I was a kid too and took my older son once when he was just 1 but that's about it. Hey, once you've been to Disney does anything compare?? ;)

[Mousermom]

LOL - he is literally right around the corner from my work. I pass his school everyday on my lunch hour on my way to Franklin Mills :rotfl2: .

Yes, we are about 5 minutes from Sesame Place, and pass it all the time but we haven't been there in a while. It just gets too crazy in the summer. It's so packed and hot and just not our thing anymore. I used to go when I was a kid too and took my older son once when he was just 1 but that's about it. Hey, once you've been to Disney does anything compare?? ;)

That is too funny! It's amazing the people that you meet here on the disboards!!!

You are right. NOTHING compares to a Disney vacation. My mother went to WDW with me in 1998, and she kept saying that she'd rather be in Wildwood! C'mon! Are you kidding me? Old habits die hard, I guess!:rotfl:

[Mousermom]

I ordered a gift basket for T.J. to be delivered to our resort. It will have a Pluto Plush Doll, ESPN trivia book, autograph book, pen, refillable mug, and a birthday button. I can't wait to see what it looks like! I hope he likes all the surprises I have planned for him!

[Mousermom]

So now I thought I'd post our itinerary for the week:

2/28- Arrive at WDW (hopefully around 9 p.m.)

2/29- Morning-Hollywood Studios (ESPN Weekend)
Evening-Dinner-O'hana-7:40 p.m.

3/1- Morning-Hollywood Studios (ESPN Weekend)
Evening-Fantasmic

3/2- Morning-Hollywood Studios (ESPN Weekend) Kona breakfast (9:30)
Evening-Magic Kingdom (EMH)

3/3- Morning-Animal Kingdom (Tom and T.J.) Downtown Disney (Mary Beth)
Evening-Le Cellier (7:00) Illuminations

3/4- Morning-Epcot (EMH)
Evening-Downtown Disney

3/5- Morning- Magic Kingdom (EMH)
Evening- taking it easy

3/6- Go Home:sad1:

What do you think?

[Mousermom]

I found out that the Phillies are going to be playing a game at Disney's Wide World of Sports during our stay. Does anyone know how you get there? There are directions on their website, so I am assuming that the WDW transportation system cannot get you there. We will not have a car this trip. Has anyone gone there before? Any feedback would be great.

[becca011906]

schedual looks great... i'm not sure about getting to DWWS...maybe by cab if you don't have a car with you i'd just check at the front desk when you get there if they provide/help w/ transportation or not.

[Mousermom]

Thanks, becca! I think I'm just going to ask at the front desk and maybe they'll be able to help me out. This is going to be another surprise for T.J.. He's been bugging his dad to take him to some kind of sporting event for awhile now, so hopefully this will tide him over until baseball season starts.

[Mousermom]

I thought I'd post something before we leave!

I've been really busy getting ready and with work and all, so I apologize if I haven't been keeping up.

Well...here we are...3 days away from the Happiest Place on Earth!

We are DYING to get outta here!

Pretty much all packed...few more things. I love my Mickey luggage! All our documents are ready except for the boarding passes. My wonderful friend and travel agent Sabrina is going to print them out for me on Wednesday because our printer broke about 2 weeks ago thanks to my 3 year old nephew knocking it on the floor! (It's OK, Stephen...I love you!)

I sent a reminder in to T.J.'s teachers a few days ago and again...NOTHING!

I asked T.J. what his teacher said and apparently she said he'd have a lot of work to make up when he got back.

Whatever.

He'll be writing a journal of his trip. We'll see what else they have planned.

I am so excited about the things I have planned for T.J.'s birthday!

I ordered a gift basket from Peggy. I hope he likes it! I'll post pics of it when I get back.

I also ordered the cake the Polynesian bakery for our dinner at O'hana. It's an 8 inch white cake with white chocolate icing and filling. The woman on the phone was trying to talk me out of the 8 inch cake for the generic 6 inch job! I really wanted the personalized cake, and I can't believe this woman was trying to talk me out of spending DOUBLE money for the 8 inch! I think she was trying to help me out, but my heart is set on the custom cake! Besides...whatever we don't eat, we'll offer to other diners or just pack up and take back to the room and snack on it all week! Again, I'll post pics when we get back!

I also made a poster to hang in the window of our resort room. I found some cute stickers at Michael's craft store to put on the poster. I am also going to hang Christmas lights in the window as well.

The Philadelphia Phillies are going to be playing a spring training game at Wild Woreld of Sports while we are in WDW. Tom is thinking about taking T.J. there as another surprise!! This is going to be so much fun!! He's going to love it!! McNabb AND the Phillies at the same time!! And...whe had to travel all the way to Florida for this!!!!:rotfl2:

Well...I don't think I'll get another chance to post again before we leave, so...see ya when we get back!!!

Take care,

Mary Beth