Sarilas' O-fficial Pre-Trip Report (a.k.a. Vacation, Take TWO!) - Jan. 30-Feb. 8, '09

[Sarilas]

Greetings! Welcome to our family vacation I-can't-wait-any-longer-I-have-to-start-writing pre-trip report! Starring...

Myself, and my husband, Jose...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/JoseandLara.jpg

...and our children Tatiana and Kyle...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Family%20Pictures/TatianaandKyle-Communionsmall.jpg

...Stasia and Lexi!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Family%20Pictures/girlssmall.jpg

Okay, let's get right into the good stuff.

I'm DYING to get to WDW. Like I can think of nothing else. Here's how it all got started.

On May 11 of last year, 5 weeks after the birth of my fourth child, my mother (my best friend) passed away from pancreatic cancer. It took me a solid year to stop crying when I saw her picture, heard her name or to just be able to breathe when a memory of her flooded back. I'm still a teary-eyed basket case, but at least now I can BREATHE. I'd moved her and my Dad here to our house in Tennessee from northern CA during Christmas, right after she'd gotten her diagnosis. Everything in my world was in a tail spin and I still had to function as a wife and mother. And that year went by so quickly...

But we all pulled through, and are getting stronger every day. But we are tired. Emotionally and physically exhausted, and the poor kids - well I can't begin to tell you all they've been through but suffice it to say they deserved some FUN.

Earlier this year ('08) we decided to take our economic stimulus (yeah!) and go on a mini-vacation. Something nearby (Nashville), something moderately priced, something we'd all love. I WANTED to do Disney, but it just wasn't in the budget we'd established. So we settled on Dollywood, booked a cabin in the mountains and prepared for a nice, relaxing long weekend over Memorial Day.

Only it wasn't meant to be.

I'll keep this short and sweet: Cabin was beautiful, but the night we arrived the transmission on our minivan went out. (We've renamed her The Million Dollar Robo-Van.) Dollywood was okay, but it was NO Disney! I kept commenting to my husband that Disney would NEVER have trash, or even leaves on the streets and pathways. That Disney Cast Members are SO much nicer and more helpful than these other employees. There was just no comparison.

So, once we'd returned home, gotten Robo-Van back and talked about our not-quite-vacation, we began discussing the need for a REAL trip.

Now, when I first mentioned Disney World to my husband, he was okay with it but under-whelmed. None of us have ever been to WDW, but it took me a while to realize why he was so hesitant: He's never been to ANY Disney park, EVER. Growing up in Puerto Rico and in Texas as an Army brat, his parents took trips to national monuments, not national treasures like Disney! Not as a child or an adult has he experienced what it's like to walk down Main Street, USA, or hear the echo of "yo, ho, yo ho". If I greeted him with "Welcome, foolish mortal!" he'd think I'd lost my mind! But the fact is, growing up in Orange County, California means I practically LIVED at Disneyland. My mom attended the opening of the park - it was in my blood!

That night I rushed out and bought the Birnbaum guides (for the parks, the dining and the one for kids). Everyone started to catch the fever and before I knew it, they were ALMOST as excited as I was at the prospect of a REAL Disney World vacation!

We knew we had to wait till at least January of 2009, when Jose would have the vacation time AND we'd have his Christmas bonus money. The first thing he said when we really started planning was that if we were going to do this (oh, and we WERE!) that we were going to indulge as much as possible whenever we could. So what's the first thing we needed to decide?

Where to stay!

With a family of 6, accommodations are a major selling point. The first thing I did was call Disney reservations and spoke to the NICEST woman in the world (but I say that about all Disney Cast Members!) who told me exactly which hotels on-site could accommodate us. We thought about a Deluxe hotel, but did we all really want to be in ONE room? And at that price a second room was out of the question. Then she told us about All-Star Music and their Family Suites - it sounded perfect! I spent the next few days researching pictures and trip reports from others who have stayed there, and it quickly became clear that this was THE place for us to stay. But that begged the question...

When are we going?!

We knew it would be January, and we knew we didn't want to wait too long. So we balanced the idea of waiting till the end of the month for the slowest possible crowds with going the first week, when schools (at least here!) are back in session. We knew we'd run into SOME crowds, but at least it wouldn't be like peak season. So Jose put in his vacation request and I called Disney reservations... and it's official!

We're booked at All-Star Music Family Suites from January 5-9, checking out on the 10th!

So much planning to do and only 6 months to do it! Dining plan, or deluxe dining? Regular tickets or park hoppers? ADR's on July 9th!

So yeah, changes have been made, as usually happens!

We're booked at ASMusic still, one glorious family suite but now our dates are January 10-18!

Now we're booked for February 20 through March 1 at Port Orleans Riverside

OKAY, THIS IS THE LAST CHANGE I SWEAR! :rotfl:

Our travel dates are now January 30-February 8 at Port Orleans Riverside!

Sarilas' O-fficial Pre Trip Report "take me to your chapters" shortcuts!

Chapter 1: Meet and Greet (you are here!) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25643439&postcount=1)

Chapter 2: To print, or not to print... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25695028&postcount=6)

Chapter 3: A PIN code? For ME?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25708719&postcount=11)

Chapter 4: The dates, they are a changin'... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25711585&postcount=15)

Chapter 5: More days! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25712657&postcount=25)

Chapter 6: The inception of the coloring calendar! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25728578&postcount=32)

Chapter 7: First trip project completed! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25747253&postcount=38)

Chapter 8: Date changes and shopping and vacation planners, oh my! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25814098&postcount=54)

Chapter 9: Must have planning tools. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25850066&postcount=72)

Chapter 10: Talk me into a room change, PLEASE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25856872&postcount=76)

Chapter 11: Room change #1! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25860455&postcount=79)

Chapter 12: Presenting... our vacation binder! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25947576&postcount=89)

Chapter 13: ADR's are the devil! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25962607&postcount=97)

Chapter 14: January calendar UP! ...but EMPTY! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25973914&postcount=117)

Chapter 15: Even the Mom's Panel doesn't know. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26020995&postcount=123)

Chapter 16: Make your ADR list already, would ya?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26119160&postcount=125)

Chapter 17: ADR list #1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26122242&postcount=129) and addendum (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26124839&postcount=130)

Chapter 18: EMH's o r no EMH's, I'm starting an itinerary! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26126510&postcount=135)

Chapter 19: Have I mentioned that they STILL haven't released January's hours?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26134192&postcount=138)

Chapter 20: You just can't DO THAT! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26142444&postcount=147)

Chapter 21: Settle the ADR's NOW! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26149268&postcount=152)

Chapter 22: ADR itinerary, anyone? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26152691&postcount=157)

Chapter 23: O-fficial ADR's! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26166174&postcount=166)

Chapter 24: Where to eat your final meal? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26167112&postcount=170)

Chapter 25: First ADR changes! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26171568&postcount=175)

Chapter 26: First shopping pics! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26203445&postcount=189)

Chapter 27: Why is it you never leave the store with what you intended to purchase? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26212991&postcount=197)

Chapter 28: Day 180! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26227181&postcount=203)

Chapter 29: FINALLY, the January hours, people! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26335571&postcount=214)

Chapter 30: Unexpected trip to the island (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26373923&postcount=223)

Chapter 31: More ADR changes... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26381410&postcount=229)

Chapter 32: Oh look! An itinerary-ish thingy! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26618878&postcount=240)

Chapter 33: 2009 Package Price Release Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26676893&postcount=249)

Chapter 34: Vacation package booking is O-fficial! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26678507&postcount=263)

Chapter 35: AP discounts are the BOMB DIGGITY! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26679809&postcount=275)

Chapter 36: Liberating Mickey heads and making ADR changes. Again! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26695500&postcount=285)

Chapter 37: Always something to do. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26735454&postcount=297)

Chapter 38: Split stay?... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26764250&postcount=306)

Chapter 39: Junior High School vs. room drama (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26807945&postcount=309)

Chapter 40: Disney Mail and purchases! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26894768&postcount=321)

Chapter 41: Mickey head countdown calendar and pics (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27015791&postcount=329)

Chapter 42: The mall, the vault and ice! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27319851&postcount=346)

Chapter 43: Resort room square footage? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27372785&postcount=360)

Chapter 44: 'Ohana means... bread pudding! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27437132&postcount=376)

Chapter 45: The mascots arrive! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27454365&postcount=395)

Chapter 46: Chocolate food porn recipe (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27462384&postcount=402)

Chapter 47: Disney On Ice! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27530948&postcount=424)

Chapter 48: Chaos and cash (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27623793&postcount=436)

Chapter 49: Poison ivy. 'nuff said. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27678699&postcount=443)

Chapter 50: Decorating the TV (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27682166&postcount=450)

Chapter 51: A near miss! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27721232&postcount=459)

Chapter 52: Paid in full! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27768210&postcount=465)

Chapter 53: Trivia books and ADR changes (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27818958&postcount=471)

Chapter 54: Cannot. Resist. Disneystore.com (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27821904&postcount=477)

Chapter 55: RIP Paul Newman... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=27836011&postcount=483)

Chapter 56: 99 Day Celebration, revisited! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28246307&postcount=498)

Chapter 57: Cinderella's Castle immortalized in pumpkin! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28246696&postcount=502)

Chapter 58: Dinner without a movie, and the cheesecake... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28246930&postcount=505)

Chapter 59: Presenting ADR and Itinerary Changes! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28284801&postcount=532)

Chapter 60: 80 Days till Disney! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28306316&postcount=549)

Chapter 61: Birthday wishes and pre party planning. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28336328&postcount=555)

Chapter 62: Post Party Cool Down... and another trip in '09?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28369346&postcount=563)

Chapter 63: 75 days and ADD rears its ugly head! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28393178&postcount=572)

Chapter 64: First pics of the party (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28403664&postcount=580)

Chapter 65: Disney Surveys (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28424680&postcount=592)

Chapter 66: January AP discounts are out! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28425248&postcount=594)

Chapter 67: Update, UPGRADE... and a RESORT CHANGE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28442329&postcount=598)

Chapter 68: Happy Election Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28524159&postcount=616)

Chapter 69: MORE changes afloat and belated Halloween pics! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28592100&postcount=620)

Chapter 70: January becomes... ? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28595915&postcount=622)

Chapter 71: My box o' Disney goodness (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28658212&postcount=645)

Chapter 72: OH my aching back! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28730834&postcount=659)

Chapter 73: MORE Disney dollar store goodness! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28780412&postcount=668)

Chapter 74: Christmas has sprung... EARLY! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28780427&postcount=669)

Chapter 75: Change dates AGAIN? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28818579&postcount=682)

Chapter 76: Oh yes, I TOTALLY DID IT! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28831579&postcount=689)

Chapter 76: 70 days till Disney! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28837990&postcount=694)

Chapter 77: I shopped... this time for ME, too! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28839586&postcount=696)

Chapter 78: Happy Anniversary, ME! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28863834&postcount=697)

Chapter 79: My first Disneyland pics (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28881134&postcount=713)

Chapter 80: Black Friday shopping spree (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=28939923&postcount=720)

[willwriteforears]

Hi! :wave2:

Popping over from the Lapuette thread.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. :hug: It definitely does sound like your family deserves a real vacation.

I've never been to Dollywood, but I'm quite sure your assessment that it can't compare to Disney is accurate. Cleanliness (and safety) are high on Disney's priorities.

Here's to planning! :yay:

[Sarilas]

Thanks for coming over! (The Lapuette thread is fantastic and anybody just browsing this now should RUN, not walk and make some new friends.)

The other park couldn't hold a candle to Disney. Dollywood had their employees walking throughout all areas of the park, as opposed to the way Disney CM disappear as if by MAGIC. (You know the way you'd be hard pressed to see a Frontierland CM in Fantasyland? Yeah, that kind of cross-contamination for lack of a better word happened all over D-Wood.)

It just wasn't the same. :(

So I'm THRILLED at the anticipation of Disney again! :woohoo:

[Lady Lallie]

Hi! I am joining in. I can't wait to hear more about your planning.

I have heard that January is a great time to go. My brother went in 2006 and he has pictures of him and fiancee in an empty main street. They said they didn't wait more than 10 minutes for ANY ride. Someday I will get there in January.

Here's to Magical Planning! :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

[Sarilas]

I have a feeling that the week we're going (first week of January) will still yield a crowd held over from winter break, but I'm willing to risk it! (Though I DREAM of an empty Main Street!)

[Sarilas]

So I'm currently in the 'must print everything out' phase of planning. All my e-books and worksheets are begging to be printed, but I'm going to have to hand this one off to my husband - and I REALLY don't like to hand over control of anything! But our printer died a noble death at the hands of our two year old not long ago. Here's a tip for you: Printers don't like to be fed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They're just finicky that way!

So yeah, I'm trying to decide whether to buy an inkjet or laser printer (like I really know the difference but I keep hearing there is one). Luckily for me, my husband is a graphic designer who has a bajillion styles of printers and paper at his disposal! Tonight I'm burning the eBooks and necessarry papers on a disk for him, and tomorrow he'll format them for to the correct sized paper, front and back - free book binding, you can't beat it!

I'm definitely a tactile person; I like the information available on the net but I NEED to have a book in my hand to highlight and underline. I've already gone through the Birnbaum guides, and am waiting on the 2009 PassPorter for later this fall. The eBooks and worksheets will help get me through!

So the papers will soon be printed. Next step: gather clip art and inspirational designs for t-shirts, journals, etc!

[Lady Lallie]

Hi! I am joining in. I can't wait to hear more about your planning.

I have heard that January is a great time to go. My brother went in 2006 and he has pictures of him and fiancee in an empty main street. They said they didn't wait more than 10 minutes for ANY ride. Someday I will get there in January.

Here's to Magical Planning! :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:When my brother went, he left the 6th of January, so you may be in luck with the low crowds!

[TarzansKat]

Popping on over to support a fellow Lapuette!

So sorry to hear about your mom. :grouphug: Sounds like your family could really use some r&r.

January is a wonderful time to go to the World! I used to do that all the time on my college break, and even a "busy" day was so slooooow compared to the rest of the year. Read...walk on everything!:thumbsup2

[Charleston Princess]

I am here!!! Sorry about your mom :(.

I know what you mean about the difference in theme parks -- there is just no comparision between Disney and "the others."

Hurray for WDW in January!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:

The next six months will fly by I am sure!!!

[Sarilas]

Oooh... look at me with the multi-quotes! I learned that one on TK's PTR! :thumbsup2

I am here!!! Sorry about your mom :(.

I know what you mean about the difference in theme parks -- there is just no comparision between Disney and "the others."

Hurray for WDW in January!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:

The next six months will fly by I am sure!!!

Thank you; and I am sure you're right about the time flying by! Is it bad that I'm stressing over not having enough time in the 6 months I DO have?! :rotfl2:

Popping on over to support a fellow Lapuette!

So sorry to hear about your mom. :grouphug: Sounds like your family could really use some r&r.

January is a wonderful time to go to the World! I used to do that all the time on my college break, and even a "busy" day was so slooooow compared to the rest of the year. Read...walk on everything!:thumbsup2

Thank you; and yeah, R&R is definitely the order of the day. I'm PRAYING that January will be a good introductory month for our family, though in my heart I know any month will hook 'em!

When my brother went, he left the 6th of January, so you may be in luck with the low crowds!

We're talking about leaving on the 5th so I have my fingers crossed and :worship: to the crowd gods that you may be right!

[Sarilas]

O. M. G

I'm giddy as a schoolgirl right now, and I know it's the silliest and possibly the lamest thing to be giddy over (and if not, I know I have truly found my people, LOL) but I just got my FIRST EVER PIN CODE IN THE MAIL!

To see our family's name emblazoned across the opening of the folding postcard like that, and better yet to see a deal that I WISH we could take advantage of (sadly we cannot... THIS TIME) has me doing the happy dance!

The much coveted PIN code has become MINE! :dance3:

[TarzansKat]

O. M. G

I'm giddy as a schoolgirl right now, and I know it's the silliest and possibly the lamest thing to be giddy over (and if not, I know I have truly found my people, LOL) but I just got my FIRST EVER PIN CODE IN THE MAIL!

To see our family's name emblazoned across the opening of the folding postcard like that, and better yet to see a deal that I WISH we could take advantage of (sadly we cannot... THIS TIME) has me doing the happy dance!

The much coveted PIN code has become MINE! :dance3:

Do tell deary! How much is it for? Does it match your dates? Inquiring minds what to know!!!:hyper:

[Sarilas]

Do tell deary! How much is it for? Does it match your dates? Inquiring minds what to know!!!:hyper:

WELL! It apparently does NOT match our dates. (insert heavy hearted sigh here) :(

I called Disney Res. and the PIN says "be sure to book by 9/27/08" so I figured it would be for after that time, right? But Love Lindsey at the Res. office says no, it's for August through that date. Which would be GREAT for free dining, but not so much for January (she assures me they don't send PIN's out this far ahead for January, though I'm hoping that since she couldn't tell me how I got a PIN to begin with she may be wrong about that too?!)

But I digress - it's for a value resort (which we are staying in anyway) for $59 per night. What a deal that would have been WITH free dining! :eek:

[TarzansKat]

WELL! It apparently does NOT match our dates. (insert heavy hearted sigh here) :(

I called Disney Res. and the PIN says "be sure to book by 9/27/08" so I figured it would be for after that time, right? But Love Lindsey at the Res. office says no, it's for August through that date. Which would be GREAT for free dining, but not so much for January (she assures me they don't send PIN's out this far ahead for January, though I'm hoping that since she couldn't tell me how I got a PIN to begin with she may be wrong about that too?!)

But I digress - it's for a value resort (which we are staying in anyway) for $59 per night. What a deal that would have been WITH free dining! :eek:

Bummer! But if it makes you feel any better, you can't combine offers. As in pin code, and free dining. When you get free dining, you have to pay :scared1: rack rate for your hotel.

Which is why I swallow really hard when I think about our Wilderness Lodge room.

Then I remember we deserve it.

Just like your beautiful family deserves to go in January, which was the time you wanted to anyway! And don't worry, maybe if you've gotten this pin code, there'll be another one coming your way! :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

Oh the stress! The self imposed drama that is setting a firm date for Disney!

With my unused PIN code burning a hole through the top of my computer desk, I'm left to star at the calendar and wonder... all along I've wanted to go to WDW the week of January 12. I have read in numerous places that the second week of January is even lesser for crowds than the first week (the first week still be winter break for many kids). But hubby's work schedule didn't seem to allow for it. HOWEVER, after bitterly calling my husband to bemoan the details of the PIN code love that was not meant to be, I mentioned it to him again, he double checked and low and behold... he COULD get away the week of the 12! So what would any self respecting DIS addict do?

I called and changed my dates of course!

We're now arriving Monday the 12, checking out Saturday the 16. Here's what I'm realizing: The weekend of the 10 is the marathon weekend... I wonder if that'll impact crowds the following week or will everyone be too exhausted to par-tay? Also, the weekend of the 16 is the cheerleading nationals... probably not much crowd difference but definitely an impact in our value resort... wonder if I can talk my husband into one night at a Deluxe! :hyper:

But this question remains: Do I add Sunday night on to our plan? I keep seeing that the package deals are pretty cheap to add to once you get past 5 days - you're essentially just paying for the room for another night...

What to do, what to do...

[Lady Lallie]

I always say more days at Disney is better than less. What's one more night? ::yes::

[Charleston Princess]

More days is ALWAYS better -- because no matter how long you stay, it will never seem like enough. We went from six days last June, to 8 days this June and it still flew by with stuff left undone. I would add the extra day to your package.

[TarzansKat]

Hey hon! I always vote for an extra day!

Just wanted to let you know I have been during the marathon several times, and never noticed an impact of increased crowds at all. Just in the GF Spa, when mom and I used to go. A lot of those runners like a good massage after the marathon!:lmao:

[Sarilas]

I always say more days at Disney is better than less. What's one more night? ::yes::

I just emailed the husband (who is at school and I'm sure sick to death of me talking about these reservations) to get his take on it...

Bummer! But if it makes you feel any better, you can't combine offers. As in pin code, and free dining. When you get free dining, you have to pay :scared1: rack rate for your hotel.

Which is why I swallow really hard when I think about our Wilderness Lodge room.

Then I remember we deserve it.

Just like your beautiful family deserves to go in January, which was the time you wanted to anyway! And don't worry, maybe if you've gotten this pin code, there'll be another one coming your way! :thumbsup2

From your lips to Mickey's Marketing ears! :rotfl:

Yes, it does make me feel better. Man, what a deal that would have been! I think I can live with myself knowing I'm not passing up such a wicked deal.

More days is ALWAYS better -- because no matter how long you stay, it will never seem like enough. We went from six days last June, to 8 days this June and it still flew by with stuff left undone. I would add the extra day to your package.

That's right ladies... feed my Disney obsession! :rotfl2:

[Lady Lallie]

That's right ladies... feed my Disney obsession! :rotfl2:That is what we are here for. :goodvibes

[Sarilas]

Hey hon! I always vote for an extra day!

Just wanted to let you know I have been during the marathon several times, and never noticed an impact of increased crowds at all. Just in the GF Spa, when mom and I used to go. A lot of those runners like a good massage after the marathon!:lmao:

Gee I can't imagine WHY?! :yay: (Alright that's the closest emoticon I could find to a runner!)

The closest I'll get to running that week will be dragging my kids as fast as their little legs can carry them to the doors of Pirates and Haunted Mansion! And I'm STILL thinking I'm going to need a massage myself!

[TarzansKat]

Gee I can't imagine WHY?! :yay: (Alright that's the closest emoticon I could find to a runner!)

The closest I'll get to running that week will be dragging my kids as fast as their little legs can carry them to the doors of Pirates and Haunted Mansion! And I'm STILL thinking I'm going to need a massage myself!

Listen, can I just say that I find you amazing what with the four kids in Disney and everything? Now, I know that's part of your everyday life, and my DH is one of four, but I'm always in awe of mothers of big families. I :worship: to your skills!

[willwriteforears]

So I'm currently in the 'must print everything out' phase of planning. All my e-books and worksheets are begging to be printed, but I'm going to have to hand this one off to my husband - and I REALLY don't like to hand over control of anything! But our printer died a noble death at the hands of our two year old not long ago. Here's a tip for you: Printers don't like to be fed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They're just finicky that way!

So yeah, I'm trying to decide whether to buy an inkjet or laser printer (like I really know the difference but I keep hearing there is one). Luckily for me, my husband is a graphic designer who has a bajillion styles of printers and paper at his disposal! Tonight I'm burning the eBooks and necessarry papers on a disk for him, and tomorrow he'll format them for to the correct sized paper, front and back - free book binding, you can't beat it!

I'm definitely a tactile person; I like the information available on the net but I NEED to have a book in my hand to highlight and underline. I've already gone through the Birnbaum guides, and am waiting on the 2009 PassPorter for later this fall. The eBooks and worksheets will help get me through!

So the papers will soon be printed. Next step: gather clip art and inspirational designs for t-shirts, journals, etc!

Ooh, free binding is VERY cool!

I have a color laser printer and :lovestruc it. Prints so much faster than an inkjet. It's a lot larger than an inkjet, costs more to buy initially, but I think it's worth it for people who print a lot... as I will be when I get to the point where I'm shopping around my novel. :rolleyes1 And it costs less to print per page than an inkjet. :thumbsup2

Oh the stress! The self imposed drama that is setting a firm date for Disney!

With my unused PIN code burning a hole through the top of my computer desk, I'm left to star at the calendar and wonder... all along I've wanted to go to WDW the week of January 12. I have read in numerous places that the second week of January is even lesser for crowds than the first week (the first week still be winter break for many kids). But hubby's work schedule didn't seem to allow for it. HOWEVER, after bitterly calling my husband to bemoan the details of the PIN code love that was not meant to be, I mentioned it to him again, he double checked and low and behold... he COULD get away the week of the 12! So what would any self respecting DIS addict do?

I called and changed my dates of course!

We're now arriving Monday the 12, checking out Saturday the 16. Here's what I'm realizing: The weekend of the 10 is the marathon weekend... I wonder if that'll impact crowds the following week or will everyone be too exhausted to par-tay? Also, the weekend of the 16 is the cheerleading nationals... probably not much crowd difference but definitely an impact in our value resort... wonder if I can talk my husband into one night at a Deluxe! :hyper:

But this question remains: Do I add Sunday night on to our plan? I keep seeing that the package deals are pretty cheap to add to once you get past 5 days - you're essentially just paying for the room for another night...

What to do, what to do...

Bwa ha ha ha ha! Disney planning has you within its firm grasp! :rotfl:

I always say more days at Disney is better than less. What's one more night? ::yes::

More days is ALWAYS better -- because no matter how long you stay, it will never seem like enough. We went from six days last June, to 8 days this June and it still flew by with stuff left undone. I would add the extra day to your package.

Yes, more days if you can do it! I was there 6 full days, and no, it wasn't enough. But I didn't have the option of staying longer since I used up all my vacation days for the trip. *pokes job with a spork for measly vacation accrual*

[Sarilas]

Listen, can I just say that I find you amazing what with the four kids in Disney and everything? Now, I know that's part of your everyday life, and my DH is one of four, but I'm always in awe of mothers of big families. I :worship: to your skills!

Awe, bless you... but it really is something you just become accustomed to. I never dreamed I'd have any children, much less FOUR ("count them, four!" to quote one of my best friends!) (I'm not the typical mommy type - but I love each and every one of the little munchkins!)

Ooh, free binding is VERY cool!

I have a color laser printer and :lovestruc it. Prints so much faster than an inkjet. It's a lot larger than an inkjet, costs more to buy initially, but I think it's worth it for people who print a lot... as I will be when I get to the point where I'm shopping around my novel. :rolleyes1 And it costs less to print per page than an inkjet. :thumbsup2


Yes, more days if you can do it! I was there 6 full days, and no, it wasn't enough. But I didn't have the option of staying longer since I used up all my vacation days for the trip. *pokes job with a spork for measly vacation accrual*

That's it - I've got to get a hold of my husband and call reservations back!

[Sarilas]

BREAKING NEWS! THIS JUST IN!

The husband has conceded to an extra night! I am on the phone with reservations as I type, because I'm all kinds of multitasking like that AND just a little bit obsessed, m'kay? :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

Awe, bless you... but it really is something you just become accustomed to. I never dreamed I'd have any children, much less FOUR ("count them, four!" to quote one of my best friends!) (I'm not the typical mommy type - but I love each and every one of the little munchkins!)
Awww! I can barely handle my one! Although I'm dying to add another...but sooo not in the cards for us as DH's job security is on the line and financially not a good idea...:::sigh:::...can I live vicariously through your big family?;)


BREAKING NEWS! THIS JUST IN!

The husband has conceded to an extra night! I am on the phone with reservations as I type, because I'm all kinds of multitasking like that AND just a little bit obsessed, m'kay? :thumbsup2

Go Lara! It's your DIS day! Go Lara, it's your DIS day!

[Lady Lallie]

BREAKING NEWS! THIS JUST IN!

The husband has conceded to an extra night! I am on the phone with reservations as I type, because I'm all kinds of multitasking like that AND just a little bit obsessed, m'kay? :thumbsup2 WOO HOO!! :banana:

Next we'll have you upgraded to a Deluxe! :rotfl:

[Sarilas]

Awww! I can barely handle my one! Although I'm dying to add another...but sooo not in the cards for us as DH's job security is on the line and financially not a good idea...:::sigh:::...can I live vicariously through your big family?;)


Yes, please! I've got friends with no children of their own who've been claiming one or more as their own for the future; you know, when they're out of those awkward puberty or potty training stages. :lmao:

Incidentally, none of my children were planned - ever! In fact when my husband and I were married he was under the impression that he was sterile! (Yeah, long story, ex wife who pulled a fast one on him.)

WOO HOO!! :banana:

Next we'll have you upgraded to a Deluxe! :rotfl:

I WISH! You never know... if the hubby's Christmas bonus is crazy good, it could still happen! :woohoo:

[Lady Lallie]

I WISH! You never know... if the hubby's Christmas bonus is crazy good, it could still happen! :woohoo:That is why we are doing a split stay, 4 nights at Pop, 3 at Wilderness Lodge, I am easing DF into a full blown deluxe trip. ::yes::

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for the extra night!!!

We are always here to feed your obsession and possibly make it all-consuming! :lmao:

[Sarilas]

That is why we are doing a split stay, 4 nights at Pop, 3 at Wilderness Lodge, I am easing DF into a full blown deluxe trip. ::yes::

I love that idea! And I may still work that into the schedule (some months from now) - our biggest dilemma is that with one room, six of us will feel those mighty tight quarters. Even though a Deluxe room will sleep all of us, we're not going to enjoy being in the room! (Or so I THINK?!)

Hurray for the extra night!!!

We are always here to feed your obsession and possibly make it all-consuming! :lmao:

What's this talk of POSSIBLY? I'm hooked! :wizard:

[Sarilas]

New day... new project!

I decided to make a coloring calendar for the kids to put on the fridge - each month from June to January will be its own page, and will have coloring book clip art images of Disney characters to amp up the excitement factor that much more. So I've spent forEVER finding images and trying to figure out how to make a calendar, and now's the FUN part... putting it all together.

I'll see if I can outsmart Photoshop later and post a pic of the finished product(s)! :badpc:

[TarzansKat]

New day... new project!

I decided to make a coloring calendar for the kids to put on the fridge - each month from June to January will be its own page, and will have coloring book clip art images of Disney characters to amp up the excitement factor that much more. So I've spent forEVER finding images and trying to figure out how to make a calendar, and now's the FUN part... putting it all together.

I'll see if I can outsmart Photoshop later and post a pic of the finished product(s)! :badpc:

Sounds like a great idea, I'd love to see it!:goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

I'd love to see it, too -- I am all about projects!

[Sarilas]

From what I've seen you are the QUEEN of projects, Jackie!

[Charleston Princess]

From what I've seen you are the QUEEN of projects, Jackie!

Ahhhh...I am a Queen! :goodvibes

And always looking for more projects!!! ;)

[willwriteforears]

BREAKING NEWS! THIS JUST IN!

The husband has conceded to an extra night! I am on the phone with reservations as I type, because I'm all kinds of multitasking like that AND just a little bit obsessed, m'kay? :thumbsup2

Hurray! This calls for dancing produce! :banana: :banana: :banana:

New day... new project!

I decided to make a coloring calendar for the kids to put on the fridge - each month from June to January will be its own page, and will have coloring book clip art images of Disney characters to amp up the excitement factor that much more. So I've spent forEVER finding images and trying to figure out how to make a calendar, and now's the FUN part... putting it all together.

I'll see if I can outsmart Photoshop later and post a pic of the finished product(s)! :badpc:

Ooh, very cool! I hope you can get it up for us to see! :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

I do believe I've completed my first trip project!

Behold... calendar pages ready to be printed and colored by little fingers. Days just waiting to be crossed off in hopeful anticipation of things to come!

I give you...

Our WDW countdown calendars!

The opaque numbers in the center of each date are our own little countdown to WDW Day!

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm316/Sarilas/Dis%20Stuff/Junesmall.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm316/Sarilas/Dis%20Stuff/July-small.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm316/Sarilas/Dis%20Stuff/Augustsmall.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm316/Sarilas/Dis%20Stuff/September-small.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm316/Sarilas/Dis%20Stuff/October-small.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm316/Sarilas/Dis%20Stuff/November-small.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm316/Sarilas/Dis%20Stuff/December-small.jpg
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm316/Sarilas/Dis%20Stuff/January-small.jpg

[Lady Lallie]

Those are adorable!! I can't wait to have kids so I can have excuse to make those kinds of things!! :lmao:

[Sarilas]

Yeah, I've gotta say I'm pretty tempted to print a second sheet out for myself! :rotfl:

[Lady Lallie]

Yeah, I've gotta say I'm pretty tempted to print a second sheet out for myself! :rotfl:You should, those are great! I love to color....still. :rotfl:

[Charleston Princess]

Those are way, way, way cool!!!

I think I may be "borrowing." ;)

[TarzansKat]

WOW!

Which one of you is the graphic designer, you or DH?

Those are awesome!:goodvibes

[Sarilas]

WOW!

Which one of you is the graphic designer, you or DH?

Those are awesome!:goodvibes

Thanks! DH is the graphic designer; I've played on photoshop a bit myself though, for purely impractical purposes!

Those are way, way, way cool!!!

I think I may be "borrowing." ;)

Let me know if you want a blank one in a .png (or some other format) - I saved it without all the 'stuff' as well!

You should, those are great! I love to color....still. :rotfl:

...I totally printed myself a copy as well. Now I need a corkboard (or magnetic board? Hhhmmm..) to put over the computer desk!



On a purely personal note, I just did a full-on forehead slap when I realized that if I clicked on that little arrow looking thing next to the thread title on my subscription page it would take me to the first new post of that thread. I've been searching the threads each time I opened one up to find where I'd left off! :lmao:

[TarzansKat]

Thanks! DH is the graphic designer; I've played on photoshop a bit myself though, for purely impractical purposes!

Again, wow. You're very artsy, I like!:thumbsup2


On a purely personal note, I just did a full-on forehead slap when I realized that if I clicked on that little arrow looking thing next to the thread title on my subscription page it would take me to the first new post of that thread. I've been searching the threads each time I opened one up to find where I'd left off! :lmao:

DOH!:headache:

I coudda hadda V-8!

I didn't know this. Do I feel sheepish.

Thanks for the tip.:worship:

[Charleston Princess]

Let me know if you want a blank one in a .png (or some other format) - I saved it without all the 'stuff' as well!

...I totally printed myself a copy as well. Now I need a corkboard (or magnetic board? Hhhmmm..) to put over the computer desk!

On a purely personal note, I just did a full-on forehead slap when I realized that if I clicked on that little arrow looking thing next to the thread title on my subscription page it would take me to the first new post of that thread. I've been searching the threads each time I opened one up to find where I'd left off! :lmao:

That would be great! I love the designs, but don't need the countdown numbers!

Okay, I totally didn't know that, and I have been on for months now.

Double forehead slap for me!

[Sarilas]

I didn't know this. Do I feel sheepish.

Thanks for the tip.:worship:

Seriously. So you understand how long it took me to search the Lapuette thread to find where I'd left off!

That would be great! I love the designs, but don't need the countdown numbers!

Okay, I totally didn't know that, and I have been on for months now.

Double forehead slap for me!

I'll get one sorted for you tonight and PM it to you, minus the countdown! You want me to leave the dates so you can insert your own or just get you blank dates altogether?

[TarzansKat]

Seriously. So you understand how long it took me to search the Lapuette thread to find where I'd left off!
I totally understand, I had to work today! Imagine my surprise when we were on page 40!:goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

Seriously. So you understand how long it took me to search the Lapuette thread to find where I'd left off!

I'll get one sorted for you tonight and PM it to you, minus the countdown! You want me to leave the dates so you can insert your own or just get you blank dates altogether?

You are awesome! Whichever is easiest for you!

[Lady Lallie]

I really feel like I need a forehead slap...again I am claiming wedding.

What arrow are you talking about? Explain slowly...wedding girl here.

[Sarilas]

O-tay wedding girl (the countdown is on, holy carp!):

I'm not sure how far into this made sense so I'll just spell it out Barney style so anyone else who might be reading but is confuzzuled can follow along...

If you click on "User CP" up at the left top corner of the DISboard page, it'll show you any threads you have subscribed to. (If you've subscribed to any.) IF there are new posts in any subscribed to threads, it'll show the name of the thread so you can click on it and go there. BUT it just takes you right to the thread if you click on the thread title, and then you have to search indefinitely for what's new. HOWEVER, to the left of the thread title in your subscription area is this little-bitty box (directly next to it) with a little chevron/arrow looking guy in it. It's clickable, and if you click it it will take you lickety-split to the very newest post in that subscribed to thread, no searching in vain required.

Savvy? (HA! I channeled TK with that one.)

[Lady Lallie]

O-tay wedding girl (the countdown is on, holy carp!):

I'm not sure how far into this made sense so I'll just spell it out Barney style so anyone else who might be reading but is confuzzuled can follow along...

If you click on "User CP" up at the left top corner of the DISboard page, it'll show you any threads you have subscribed to. (If you've subscribed to any.) IF there are new posts in any subscribed to threads, it'll show the name of the thread so you can click on it and go there. BUT it just takes you right to the thread if you click on the thread title, and then you have to search indefinitely for what's new. HOWEVER, to the left of the thread title in your subscription area is this little-bitty box (directly next to it) with a little chevron/arrow looking guy in it. It's clickable, and if you click it it will take you lickety-split to the very newest post in that subscribed to thread, no searching in vain required.

Savvy? (HA! I channeled TK with that one.)Okay! The lightbulb went off. :idea: I normally just click "last page" and then scroll up but the little arrow thing makes so much more sense.

:lmao: to channeling TK.

[willwriteforears]

I'm late, I'm late!

LOVE the calendars--they're such a clever idea! *filing away for the distant future when I'm making projects for my own kiddos to help blow their Disney anticipation to catastrophic proportions*

Thanks also for the arrow tip :thumbsup2 --like LL, I'd click "last page" and then scroll up.

[Sarilas]

Greetings and salutations fellow DISers!

I bring you birthday tidings: Today is the first day of my 34th year on this earth! Yeah, ME! :woohoo: In keeping with the 'it's all about me' celebrations, I got to call Disney reservations this morning and add ANOTHER night onto our package! For those trying to keep track, that means we'll arrive Sunday, January 11th and stay through Sunday, January 18th! Could I BE any happier? NOT LIKELY!

Not only that, but during an impromptu Target shopping spree I invested in a ginormous bulletin board to hang over my computer desk (I NEEDED someplace for my calendar and essentials!) AND... Jackie would be so proud of me here... :lmao: I bought a travel binder! Hot pink AND aqua! Two in one!

Now, the binder is disorganized, but hey - at least I accomplished step ONE! :rotfl2:

I'll take pictures in the next day or so, after we... OH I FORGOT!

:idea:

We got our WDW vacation planner DVD on Friday! The kids were SO excited to see their name on the inside of the folder, and they're downstairs watching it (again) with their Dad. Afterward we're going to start trying to figure out dining reservations, in an attempt to make some sense of it all for next month when we reach the 180 day mark! So as soon as we get that somewhat situated I'll take a picture of my sad, disorganized binder and near empty bulletin board. ;)

[willwriteforears]

Happy birthday!

Congrats on the purchase of the Trip Binder and bulletin board! Glad to hear the kids are enjoying watching the DVD. I still have mine, but now I'm not sure what to do with it. It seems [I]wrong/I] to just throw it away, but I think watching it now would just depress me since I'm not yet "officially" planning another trip (Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest I don't consider a done deal until I've booked something).

At least I have everyone's PTRs to keep me from spiraling too far into a Pit of Despair! :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

Congrats on the eight day trip!

I'm a big fan of it as well, since that's what we'll be doing!:thumbsup2

[Charleston Princess]

Happy Birthday!!! Hope it was a great one!

Can't wait to see pics of the bulletin board and trip binder -- you have a lot of time to fill both of them up! :banana:

[Sarilas]

Happy birthday!

Congrats on the purchase of the Trip Binder and bulletin board! Glad to hear the kids are enjoying watching the DVD. I still have mine, but now I'm not sure what to do with it. It seems [I]wrong/I] to just throw it away, but I think watching it now would just depress me since I'm not yet "officially" planning another trip (Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest I don't consider a done deal until I've booked something).

At least I have everyone's PTRs to keep me from spiraling too far into a Pit of Despair! :thumbsup2

Thank you! And, the first thing I thought of when I saw the little folder the DVD comes in was "hmmm... I could clip out some of that and use it for scrapbooking!". But I don't scrapbook! It's like an illness coming over me! :rotfl:

Congrats on the eight day trip!

I'm a big fan of it as well, since that's what we'll be doing!:thumbsup2

I can't believe we're going for eight days. I thought we'd be lucky to get in four or five! This will be the longest vacation in our little family history. (As well as the bestest!)

Happy Birthday!!! Hope it was a great one!

Can't wait to see pics of the bulletin board and trip binder -- you have a lot of time to fill both of them up! :banana:

Thank you! It were! ;)

I'm so lazy from lounging about the house yesterday- I did get so far as to make a Mickey head out of thumb tacks on the bulletin board! :lmao:

[Charleston Princess]

Thank you! It were! ;)

I'm so lazy from lounging about the house yesterday- I did get so far as to make a Mickey head out of thumb tacks on the bulletin board! :lmao:

That's the best way to spend a birthday!!! :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

Thank you! And, the first thing I thought of when I saw the little folder the DVD comes in was "hmmm... I could clip out some of that and use it for scrapbooking!". But I don't scrapbook! It's like an illness coming over me! :rotfl:
I scrapbook, but my style of scrapbooking is very simple, and very quick. I don't use a ton of stickers or embellishments. I do like color coordinating the paper I use as photo mats, but other than that, I'm a very get it in the book, record my writing for posterity kind of gal. And I love my books!:goodvibes If you want to jump in, it's very easy to do this style and be happy with it.


I can't believe we're going for eight days. I thought we'd be lucky to get in four or five! This will be the longest vacation in our little family history. (As well as the bestest!)
The last time I went on a vacation even remotely this long was my honeymoon, and that was 10 days. :::sigh::: That was a really, really nice Disneymoon.:goodvibes Usually we go for 6 or 7, but I thought, hey, if I'm spending this much, let me just take on that extra day.:rotfl2:

[Charleston Princess]

The last time I went on a vacation even remotely this long was my honeymoon, and that was 10 days. :::sigh::: That was a really, really nice Disneymoon.:goodvibes Usually we go for 6 or 7, but I thought, hey, if I'm spending this much, let me just take on that extra day.:rotfl2:

My ideal Disney vacation would be 10 days, but Charles starts twitching everytime I mention it -- I think seven or eight days is his max.

[TarzansKat]

My ideal Disney vacation would be 10 days, but Charles starts twitching everytime I mention it -- I think seven or eight days is his max.

Truthfully, I don't know if I would do that until my son is older...like, around your kids' ages. I wouldn't want to take a toddler/kindergartner for that long. Although I think it'd be okay, you should see the look on his face when we get home and he "finds" all his toys again. It's priceless.:goodvibes

[willwriteforears]

Truthfully, I don't know if I would do that until my son is older...like, around your kids' ages. I wouldn't want to take a toddler/kindergartner for that long. Although I think it'd be okay, you should see the look on his face when we get home and he "finds" all his toys again. It's priceless.:goodvibes

:rotfl: That sounds too cute!

[Sarilas]

I scrapbook, but my style of scrapbooking is very simple, and very quick. I don't use a ton of stickers or embellishments. I do like color coordinating the paper I use as photo mats, but other than that, I'm a very get it in the book, record my writing for posterity kind of gal. And I love my books!:goodvibes If you want to jump in, it's very easy to do this style and be happy with it.


The last time I went on a vacation even remotely this long was my honeymoon, and that was 10 days. :::sigh::: That was a really, really nice Disneymoon.:goodvibes Usually we go for 6 or 7, but I thought, hey, if I'm spending this much, let me just take on that extra day.:rotfl2:

I've never successfully scrapbooked anything but I love seeing other people's creations! I may have to pick it back up with all that's running through my head.

We DID have a 5 day vacation once... but it totally doesn't count since it was us driving a UHaul cross country! :rotfl:

[Sarilas]

My ideal Disney vacation would be 10 days, but Charles starts twitching everytime I mention it -- I think seven or eight days is his max.

Ten days! That sounds like heaven!

The bonus thing about a long trip is not having to sorry about rushing from ride to ride... we'll have plenty of time to see everything and I really do want to be able to poke into all the shops and stands.

[TarzansKat]

Ten days! That sounds like heaven!

The bonus thing about a long trip is not having to sorry about rushing from ride to ride... we'll have plenty of time to see everything and I really do want to be able to poke into all the shops and stands.

Eight days will definitely afford you a much more relaxed approach to your vacation, and that in my opinion, is totally priceless. It's one of the reaons I'm soooo looking forward to ours this year. And even though my sensible side would have stayed at Pop, I'm so glad I booked a deluxe so we can truly enjoy this splurge vacation.

[Lady Lallie]

I am really looking forward to my 8 days. :cloud9:

[willwriteforears]

Ten days! That sounds like heaven!

The bonus thing about a long trip is not having to sorry about rushing from ride to ride... we'll have plenty of time to see everything and I really do want to be able to poke into all the shops and stands.

::yes:: With six days, we got in all our "main" stuff, but I would've loved to have been able to go back and look at some of the queue lines, and also search for hidden mickeys. I would've loved to manage a longer trip. *sigh*

[Lady Lallie]

::yes:: With six days, we got in all our "main" stuff, but I would've loved to have been able to go back and look at some of the queue lines, and also search for hidden mickeys. I would've loved to manage a longer trip. *sigh*.....coughcoughlapulapufabbyfest2009coughcou gh....

[Charleston Princess]

Ten days! That sounds like heaven!

The bonus thing about a long trip is not having to sorry about rushing from ride to ride... we'll have plenty of time to see everything and I really do want to be able to poke into all the shops and stands.

Well, I don't think I am going to convince Charles on the 10 days -- he really had a panicked look in his eyes when I mentioned it. 8 days is probably ideal for all of us!

Eight days will definitely afford you a much more relaxed approach to your vacation, and that in my opinion, is totally priceless. It's one of the reaons I'm soooo looking forward to ours this year. And even though my sensible side would have stayed at Pop, I'm so glad I booked a deluxe so we can truly enjoy this splurge vacation.

I am really looking forward to my 8 days. :cloud9:

8 days was long enough to slow down and relax -- I just always leave Disney feeling like I missed stuff.

[TarzansKat]

.....coughcoughlapulapufabbyfest2009coughcough....

ahemcoughcoughLL'sRIGHTahemcoughcough...

[Sarilas]

Happy happy update day!

So, I had originally taken a picture of the new bulletin board and yet to be filled trip binder for you. I felt SO accomplished just remembering that I needed to be organized, whether I fulfilled the actual organization task or not! :rotfl2:

Board:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Disney/bulletinboard.jpg

Binder:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Disney/binder.jpg

Cute, right? But could I leave well enough alone?

NO.

The bulletin board today:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Disney/bboard2.jpg

That sucker has been rhinestoned by my oldest daughter and myself - not an un-sparkly spot in sight! She even rhinestoned the thumbtacks! :lmao:

Now I have to organize some interior sections of the folder, and put together a cover and spine for it... maybe I'll let the husband do those things! Let him feel involved, like he actually has a say in any of this. :rotfl:

[Lady Lallie]

I want a sparkly bulletin board!! That is adorable!! :goodvibes

[willwriteforears]

.....coughcoughlapulapufabbyfest2009coughcough....

ahemcoughcoughLL'sRIGHTahemcoughcough...

What? I can't make out what you're saying with all that coughing. ;)

Current plan is to attend LLFF, of course, but it's kinda unlikely that I'd be able to make it into even a week-long trip. :( Still, some World is better than no World, and of course it's even better with the Lapuettes. :hug:

OOH, sparkly bulletin board! Everything's better with sparklies. :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

Lara thanks for the update and the sparkles! There's a serious lack of estrogen in my house...it's overwhelmed by all the testosterone...so I'm lovin' the pretty things!:thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

Oh my God, oh my God you guys. (Channeling Elle Woods.)

I'm debating on changing resorts. :laughing:

I know! I know you all warned me this would happen and I can't believe it is! But here's the deali-o: The family suites at ASM are (based on 08 value rates) $184 (pre tax). Both Port Orleans Riverside and Coronado Springs have rooms that sleep 5 (and of course the babe in her crib), at $149 a night. A $30 difference is nothing to shake a stick at when I'm looking at 7 nights, especially since that's about the difference between the regular dining plan and the deluxe plan... ACK! :eek:

The only difference is less square footage in the room, no kitchenette and only one bathroom. But how much time are we going to spend in the room, REALLY?!

[Lady Lallie]

Oh my God, oh my God you guys. (Channeling Elle Woods.)

I'm debating on changing resorts. :laughing:

I know! I know you all warned me this would happen and I can't believe it is! But here's the deali-o: The family suites at ASM are (based on 08 value rates) $184 (pre tax). Both Port Orleans Riverside and Coronado Springs have rooms that sleep 5 (and of course the babe in her crib), at $149 a night. A $30 difference is nothing to shake a stick at when I'm looking at 7 nights, especially since that's about the difference between the regular dining plan and the deluxe plan... ACK! :eek:

The only difference is less square footage in the room, no kitchenette and only one bathroom. But how much time are we going to spend in the room, REALLY?!Welcome to the DIS. Your welcome packet includes, doubting your ADR's, compulsive checking of Trip Reports, lime green mickey heads and changing your resort 50 bazillion times. :goodvibes

I think you should book whatever room will make you feel better. You know how much space your family needs to be comfy. :thumbsup2

[TarzansKat]

Welcome to the DIS. Your welcome packet includes, doubting your ADR's, compulsive checking of Trip Reports, lime green mickey heads and changing your resort 50 bazillion times. :goodvibes


:rotfl2: :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl: :lmao:


I think you should book whatever room will make you feel better. You know how much space your family needs to be comfy. :thumbsup2

I second LL. Think long and hard about what that means for you guys. Are you on the dining plan? Is it easier to have a kitchenette with so many little ones? Do you plan on doing breakfast in the room? I could come up with lots of questions, but you're so savvy, I'm sure they're all runnin' through your brain right now, too.:goodvibes Good luck with your decision, and if you need to hash it out, we're here.:thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

So, based on number crunching and the old "will we REALLY need this?" discussions, we decided to get two rooms at ASMusic instead of the family suite. We didn't want to cram into one room (my idea of hell) but we really didn't need the kitchenette either (we have a cooler that plugs into the wall and we ARE driving down!). The final seal in the deal was that it's going to save us a couple of hundred dollars in room cost, even before I find out about next year's AAA discounts. Sign me up!

I went ahead and put in for the preferred rooms up front, but I may back out of that one. I don't really care WHERE we are - I know it's a longer walk and all, but for an extra $16 a day per room, hardly worth it since we'll never be IN the room long enough for it to matter. (Plus the further from the pool we are the quieter it'll be!)

OH! Something else that must be discussed!

Why have I never heard of the 180 days PLUS 10 rule for ADRs before! WHY, PEOPLE! My lovely reservationist just told me that because we're staying on property, we get a 10 day jump on everyone else to make our ADRs! But she had me way confused beyond that - she said my 190 mark was June 26th?! I'm SO CONFUSED! According to my handy dandy coloring calendar, my 190 mark would be July 5th...

Oh, I'm going to have to call Disney Dining, aren't I. :faint:

[TarzansKat]

Good for you!

You knew what was best for the fam and made a great choice!

As far as the whole dining, thing...I don't get it myself...I think one of these sites has the 180+10 calculator on it...maybe someone can point the direction?

[Lady Lallie]

Just got with your 180 day mark on your first day. Then you can book for your whole trip without having to call each day. Do I have that right?

[Sarilas]

YES! After calling Disney dining and getting clarification, it now makes perfect sense (perfect sense that the reservationist I'd been talking to was smoking crack before picking up my call!).

The 180+10 thing doesn't mean I can call 190 days before my arrival and book my ADR's, it means that I can call 180 days before and book up to ten days of my stay at once, as opposed to those staying off site who would, for instance, have to call once a day every day for 8 days if that was the length of their stay.

She did give me a good tip though, in addition to clarifying the 180 day thing: She said that sometimes, if you get a reservationist like herself, if you call at say, 184 days prior you can book all your ADR's! She said sometimes the computer will let you book three or four days before the 180 day mark- which would explain WHY Cindy's Table or Chef Mickey's seem to book in 6 minutes flat - people can book them a few days before if they have a willing reservationist! THAT'S A HOT TIP FOR US ALL, LADIES!

My 180 day mark is July 15; she suggested I try calling the Friday or Saturday before (the 15th is a Tuesday) and try booking. She actually told me HOW to word it! Got your pencils ready?!

"I know that people can call on the 180th day and the reservations are already gone, and I know I'm still a couple of days out but if you could please try and book my reservations for me, I was told that sometimes the computer will allow it..."

I'm dying to see if it'll work. She did say some of the reservationists are less helpful than others, but hell - I'll hang up and try to get someone else if it means getting all my ADR's a couple of days early!

[Lady Lallie]

YES! After calling Disney dining and getting clarification, it now makes perfect sense (perfect sense that the reservationist I'd been talking to was smoking crack before picking up my call!).

The 180+10 thing doesn't mean I can call 190 days before my arrival and book my ADR's, it means that I can call 180 days before and book up to ten days of my stay at once, as opposed to those staying off site who would, for instance, have to call once a day every day for 8 days if that was the length of their stay.

She did give me a good tip though, in addition to clarifying the 180 day thing: She said that sometimes, if you get a reservationist like herself, if you call at say, 184 days prior you can book all your ADR's! She said sometimes the computer will let you book three or four days before the 180 day mark- which would explain WHY Cindy's Table or Chef Mickey's seem to book in 6 minutes flat - people can book them a few days before if they have a willing reservationist! THAT'S A HOT TIP FOR US ALL, LADIES!

My 180 day mark is July 15; she suggested I try calling the Friday or Saturday before (the 15th is a Tuesday) and try booking. She actually told me HOW to word it! Got your pencils ready?!

"I know that people can call on the 180th day and the reservations are already gone, and I know I'm still a couple of days out but if you could please try and book my reservations for me, I was told that sometimes the computer will allow it..."

I'm dying to see if it'll work. She did say some of the reservationists are less helpful than others, but hell - I'll hang up and try to get someone else if it means getting all my ADR's a couple of days early!Wow! Sounds like you got a great CM! I love those ones. :worship: I think you should try it and see if it works, you can always try a couple of times to get a willing CM. ::yes::

[TarzansKat]

Awesome! I hope this works for you.:goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

I don't think I commented on the newest pics of the blinged out bulletin board yet -- very cool!

What kind of rhinestones did you use?

Good call on getting two rooms at All Stars! :thumbsup2

Thanks for the info. about the ADRs -- I had no idea and will certainly remember it for the next time!!!

[Sarilas]

The rhinestones are just a loose pack that we always seem to have here at the house - we've blinged out my daughter's Nintendo DS, her backpack... she's a very sparkly girl. I use Aileene's Tacky Glue (I'm sure I spelled that wrong, but oh well) because it dries clear and holds on well. Good stuff!

[Lady Lallie]

The rhinestones are just a loose pack that we always seem to have here at the house - we've blinged out my daughter's Nintendo DS, her backpack... she's a very sparkly girl. I use Aileene's Tacky Glue (I'm sure I spelled that wrong, but oh well) because it dries clear and holds on well. Good stuff!I love that stuff, it works great!! :thumbsup2

[willwriteforears]

Awesome tip about the ADRs! Let us know how your call goes (but of course I'm sure you were planning to anyway). :goodvibes

[Sarilas]

Happy almost last day of June!

So, yeah. I um, changed our room res. back to the Family Suite at ASMusic. :rolleyes: Truthfully what did it for me was discovering (after my own fuzzy Disney math!) that with the preferred room price and possible need for a fridge (I was caving on that one), the Family Suite was obviously the better deal. Not to mention that something just struck me as not Kosher when our original one reservation was split into two separate ones to allow for two rooms... that just left me wondering what horrible accidental charges and such might transpire! But nonetheless, we're back to one room, one res. number and I'm generally a happy girl. Still hoping I can be a happy girl with a AAA discount, but that'll have to wait till October apparently. :rotfl:

I DID get some DIS creativity done today though! I present to you... Our vacation travel binder!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Disney/WDWcover4small.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Disney/WDWSpinesmall.jpg

Thanks to some scrapbooking paper pieced Disney characters and a fun travel sticker set (Are we there yet?), I think it turned out pretty darn cute! I bought dividers for the inside paperwork as well... though that whole thing about ACTUALLY organizing the papers still eludes me. ;)

[TarzansKat]

It's adorable! I love your trip binder! And congrats on the move back to the suite since you're more comfortable with it. Remember, what makes mama happy makes everyone happy.:thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

Yes; my husband has stolen a quote he heard from Seal and Heidi Klum: Happy wife, happy life. LOL

[TarzansKat]

Yes; my husband has stolen a quote he heard from Seal and Heidi Klum: Happy wife, happy life. LOL

Oh I love it!:lmao: So true!

[willwriteforears]

Your Trip Binder is adorable! :goodvibes And yay for rebooking--it sounds like you'll be more satisfied with the suite. :thumbsup2

[Charleston Princess]

The binder is sensational!!! :worship:

Congrats on regaining your peace of mind by rebooking your suite. I swear I could hear your sigh of relief in that last post! :rotfl:

[Sarilas]

The sigh was that audible, huh? LOL I really agonized over that reservation... my DH thinks I'm off my rocker at this point, but sadly he's following RIGHT behind me!

We went to Tarjay yesterday to scope out portable DVD players for the car. I figure if we're going to subject the kids to a 12+ hour road trip we might as well give them something to keep them entertained! I was looking at a player from Panasonic or Polaroid, when he spots a DISNEY set- Mickey head for the controls and removable skins and everything. Guess which set we'll end up with!

[Charleston Princess]

The sigh was that audible, huh? LOL I really agonized over that reservation... my DH thinks I'm off my rocker at this point, but sadly he's following RIGHT behind me!

We went to Tarjay yesterday to scope out portable DVD players for the car. I figure if we're going to subject the kids to a 12+ hour road trip we might as well give them something to keep them entertained! I was looking at a player from Panasonic or Polaroid, when he spots a DISNEY set- Mickey head for the controls and removable skins and everything. Guess which set we'll end up with!

How cute!!! I have never seen the Disney portable DVD playey -- you will have to get it!!! It's meant to be!

[Sarilas]

So, I'm kind of stressing over our ADR's. (There's a shocker, eh?) I'm in a quandry about how to organize them. The schedule of hours for next year isn't out for a while, so I can't use it to choose parks by Magic Hours or anything. How on earth do you schedule your ADR's to something reasonably attainable? I mean, I know I'll call and try to get Cinderella's Table and Le Cellier first thing, but let's ASSUME (work with me here) that they have openings on different days; do I try to keep all the MK restaurants in one day, and the Epcot restaurants on another? Or do I get bold and crazy and just schedule as it comes, hopping on buses all around the World? Decisions, decisions...

Which leads me to today's lessons, girls and girls. (I don't think I have any boys reading, but if you're out there let yourself be known!) I stumbled across a blog today as I was searching for other people's experiences at DW recently. Only this was NOT what I'd expected. Now, I want to preface this by chicken-heartedly saying I hope this young woman isn't on the DIS, and in fact I'd wager she isn't based on the mistakes she made that even I as a first time visitor would know better than just by reading here...

That being said, I give you this poor woman's Disney World saga. (http://www.theindependentmom.com/2008/05/walt-disney-world-vacation-saga.html) Prepare to do the following, often: :sad2: and :scared1: and :eek: and :confused: and :confused3 and :scared:

It's pretty much my idea of how NOT to visit WDW. She could have SO benefited from the DIS.

[Sarilas]

How cute!!! I have never seen the Disney portable DVD playey -- you will have to get it!!! It's meant to be!

They were WAY cute. About $170 for two Disney themed 7" DVD players that'll strap to the back of a headrest in the mini van? SOLD!

[TarzansKat]

So, I'm kind of stressing over our ADR's. (There's a shocker, eh?) I'm in a quandry about how to organize them. The schedule of hours for next year isn't out for a while, so I can't use it to choose parks by Magic Hours or anything. How on earth do you schedule your ADR's to something reasonably attainable? I mean, I know I'll call and try to get Cinderella's Table and Le Cellier first thing, but let's ASSUME (work with me here) that they have openings on different days; do I try to keep all the MK restaurants in one day, and the Epcot restaurants on another? Or do I get bold and crazy and just schedule as it comes, hopping on buses all around the World? Decisions, decisions...


Are you doing the dining plan? Do you plan to do more than one table service per day? I'm sorry, I don't remember. I'd love to help you, but the memory is faulty what with the potty training and the laundry and oy...;)

[Charleston Princess]

As TK asked, are you doing the dining plan? Planning on one table service a day?

Also, is there any way to find the hours from last January? I don't think they change too much from year to year, and that might help a little.

[Sarilas]

Yes yes yes, to dining plan. We're 90% sure we're even going to go so far as to do the DELUXE dining plan. We know it's a lot of food and what not, but with two kids aged 3 and 1, we're going to need cool, calm places to stuff them to their gills before setting them loose on the parks again. (And nobody said we had to eat ALL of it!) So we're figuring that if we have TS ADR's at least two times a day (most will be three), we'll be forced to maintain a sense of calmness and structure... We hope. We'll use a couple of ADR's for Cindy's Table and maybe California Grill... that'll open up some leisurely breakfast times we hope.

But damn I wish I knew when the EMH were!

[Sarilas]

Also, is there any way to find the hours from last January? I don't think they change too much from year to year, and that might help a little.

I wondered about that; I figured there was some method to their EMH madness but I didn't know if it was worth researching this year's hours to go by...

[Charleston Princess]

What dates are you going in January? When is your 180 day call date? July 1st (which I guess is tomorrow) or a couple of days after that, they should post their January hours and EMHs.

In the meantime this is what I would do...decide how many days you want to spend in each park and make a list of where you want to eat each day in the parks. For example:

Magic Kingdom: Breakfast, Cinderella's Castle; lunch, Crystal Palace; dinner, Liberty Tree Tavern.

Then, when hours are released, you can just plug in everything to the appropriate day.

Does that make sense?

[TarzansKat]

Okay. Let me preface this with you know what's best for your family, and if they need a nice place to recharge the batteries, then by all means...the only thing I worry about is that the deluxe plan is sooooooo much food. I wouldn't worry about missing things because you have to make it to a particular ADR because January is generally a slow time of year, very easy to walk on to things...at least it was the last time I was there in January.:goodvibes

I know for me, even with free dining, I had a really hard time scheduling us this year. With a larger family, you may want more structure, but our style of touring when we're not with my mom, nana, and father in law, is fly by the seat of our pants. Part of me wishes I didn't have those ADRs to contend with, but I'm glad I get to enjoy some restaurants I wouldn't normally plan.

[Sarilas]

What dates are you going in January? When is your 180 day call date? July 1st (which I guess is tomorrow) or a couple of days after that, they should post their January hours and EMHs.

In the meantime this is what I would do...decide how many days you want to spend in each park and make a list of where you want to eat each day in the parks. For example:

Magic Kingdom: Breakfast, Cinderella's Castle; lunch, Crystal Palace; dinner, Liberty Tree Tavern.

Then, when hours are released, you can just plug in everything to the appropriate day.

Does that make sense?

Oh wait - the hours come out in JULY? I was under the impression they wouldn't be out till August! Holy carp, if they're out in July I can get it figured out no problem! (I say no problem but that just means only six or seven ADR changes between now and then.) ;)

We're going to be there 7 days (8 nights) and most of our time will be at MK and Epcot. I'm going to cross my fingers that they do release the hours before our 180 day mark (which is July 15!)... that would be FAB.

[Sarilas]

Okay. Let me preface this with you know what's best for your family, and if they need a nice place to recharge the batteries, then by all means...the only thing I worry about is that the deluxe plan is sooooooo much food. I wouldn't worry about missing things because you have to make it to a particular ADR because January is generally a slow time of year, very easy to walk on to things...at least it was the last time I was there in January.:goodvibes

I know for me, even with free dining, I had a really hard time scheduling us this year. With a larger family, you may want more structure, but our style of touring when we're not with my mom, nana, and father in law, is fly by the seat of our pants. Part of me wishes I didn't have those ADRs to contend with, but I'm glad I get to enjoy some restaurants I wouldn't normally plan.

I worry about the time constraints too. I love the idea of all the TS restaurants, but I struggle with wondering if we'll feel rushed, even though we're going at the slowest time of year and with 7 days to see everything... I'm usually VERY fly by the seat of my pants. :confused3

[trixiequilts]

We're going in January, too! And I might just be even more excited than you:woohoo: . Our dates are the 21st-28th (after MLK weekend but before the Super Bowl). I DON'T HAVE A TRIP BINDER OR A BULLETIN BOARD YET!!! I have been wondering if they'll have January's hours out tomorrow or not as well, I need to get my itinerary going for ADR day...or 3-4 days before my ADR day;) . I, too, went back and forth about resorts about 16 times, but finalized AKV through DVC, so no more changing, period. I did really good with our flights, too. My DH thought I was crazy to be looking at airfare 8 months early, but it paid off. I checked the price today and it's gone up $80 per person and were still 7 months out!:scared1: BTW-my DH is a graphic designer, too! Looking forward to trying to keep up with your planning!

[TarzansKat]

I worry about the time constraints too. I love the idea of all the TS restaurants, but I struggle with wondering if we'll feel rushed, even though we're going at the slowest time of year and with 7 days to see everything... I'm usually VERY fly by the seat of my pants. :confused3

My suggestion would be to make a list of restaurants you'd really, really like to try. Try to go with your gut first. Then you can put them in order, maybe run them by hubby or kids if you're feeling generous.;)

I think making a list, as LL would say, will help!:goodvibes

[Sarilas]

We're going in January, too! And I might just be even more excited than you:woohoo: . Our dates are the 21st-28th (after MLK weekend but before the Super Bowl). I DON'T HAVE A TRIP BINDER OR A BULLETIN BOARD YET!!!

Dude, we're going to miss you by just a couple of days! We'll be there the 11th through the 18th! (We'll be using MLK Day as our recovery and get back to reality day, LOL)

And get thee to an office supply store, stat, woman! :rotfl:

I have been wondering if they'll have January's hours out tomorrow or not as well, I need to get my itinerary going for ADR day...or 3-4 days before my ADR day;) . I, too, went back and forth about resorts about 16 times, but finalized AKV through DVC, so no more changing, period. I did really good with our flights, too. My DH thought I was crazy to be looking at airfare 8 months early, but it paid off. I checked the price today and it's gone up $80 per person and were still 7 months out!:scared1: BTW-my DH is a graphic designer, too! Looking forward to trying to keep up with your planning!

I'm glad you found good flights - everything from Nashville is CRAZY expensive for this many people, so we're planning on driving BUT, if Southwest or someone has a fantabulous fare surprise for last minute flyers we may go for it! And how cool that your DH is a graphic designer too! I'm glad you found my PTR!

My suggestion would be to make a list of restaurants you'd really, really like to try. Try to go with your gut first. Then you can put them in order, maybe run them by hubby or kids if you're feeling generous.;)

I think making a list, as LL would say, will help!:goodvibes

In honor of the blissfully wedded LL, I will do the unheard of and make a... <gasp> ...LIST. :scared1:

[trixiequilts]

Oh yeah, thanks for the tip about the arrow on the subscribed threads list, too. I had been thinking just today that there must be a way...:thumbsup2

[Charleston Princess]

Oh wait - the hours come out in JULY? I was under the impression they wouldn't be out till August! Holy carp, if they're out in July I can get it figured out no problem! (I say no problem but that just means only six or seven ADR changes between now and then.) ;)

We're going to be there 7 days (8 nights) and most of our time will be at MK and Epcot. I'm going to cross my fingers that they do release the hours before our 180 day mark (which is July 15!)... that would be FAB.

They typically put out the hours six months in advance so that people can schedule their ADRs.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

[TarzansKat]

In honor of the blissfully wedded LL, I will do the unheard of and make a... <gasp> ...LIST. :scared1:

She would be SO proud.:thumbsup2

[Moonstorm]

So, I'm kind of stressing over our ADR's. (There's a shocker, eh?) I'm in a quandry about how to organize them. The schedule of hours for next year isn't out for a while, so I can't use it to choose parks by Magic Hours or anything. How on earth do you schedule your ADR's to something reasonably attainable? I mean, I know I'll call and try to get Cinderella's Table and Le Cellier first thing, but let's ASSUME (work with me here) that they have openings on different days; do I try to keep all the MK restaurants in one day, and the Epcot restaurants on another? Or do I get bold and crazy and just schedule as it comes, hopping on buses all around the World? Decisions, decisions...

Which leads me to today's lessons, girls and girls. (I don't think I have any boys reading, but if you're out there let yourself be known!) I stumbled across a blog today as I was searching for other people's experiences at DW recently. Only this was NOT what I'd expected. Now, I want to preface this by chicken-heartedly saying I hope this young woman isn't on the DIS, and in fact I'd wager she isn't based on the mistakes she made that even I as a first time visitor would know better than just by reading here...

That being said, I give you this poor woman's Disney World saga. (http://www.theindependentmom.com/2008/05/walt-disney-world-vacation-saga.html) Prepare to do the following, often: :sad2: and :scared1: and :eek: and :confused: and :confused3 and :scared:

It's pretty much my idea of how NOT to visit WDW. She could have SO benefited from the DIS.
Well hello and yes I read here and yes I still made mistakes on the vacation, as you clearly read.
Until you travel with an 18 month old, a 2 year old, a 5 year old and an 86 year old, who winds up with congestive heart failure and spends the last days of vacation in the hospital, making an already stressful situation even more stressful, don't figure all should go just perfect!
It was very difficult to organize a trip for 5 adults and 3 children when I was the only one doing any planning/research/etc. Yes, I made my share of mistakes but I think those mistakes would not have been so bad if the stress level hadn't been so high and that just could not have been foreseen.

Now, all this being said, no I'm not upset or mad about having people being pointed in the direction of my blog. I blog to share experiences and so the more who read, the merrier.

[Sarilas]

Now, all this being said, no I'm not upset or mad about having people being pointed in the direction of my blog. I blog to share experiences and so the more who read, the merrier.

Well hi to you, too! I DO know the stress of planning for that many - in fact I have myself, my husband, our four children (12, 9, 2 and 1) and my 74 year old disabled father who all live with us. Up until last year I also had my sainted mother who passed from pancreatic cancer just after my youngest was born. And I'm the only planner as well. Which is WHY your blog was so interesting to me to begin with! The things you wrote in all your honesty helped to reinforce what I want to over-organize for this trip - God knows they're never perfect but your trip sounds like what our trip to Dollywood was in May! NOT fun. That's why this is our "vacation, take two". After all that happened to us then we wanted to go another route and reading your blog reminded me SO much of that trip!

[Moonstorm]

Well hi to you, too! I DO know the stress of planning for that many - in fact I have myself, my husband, our four children (12, 9, 2 and 1) and my 74 year old disabled father who all live with us. Up until last year I also had my sainted mother who passed from pancreatic cancer just after my youngest was born. And I'm the only planner as well. Which is WHY your blog was so interesting to me to begin with! The things you wrote in all your honesty helped to reinforce what I want to over-organize for this trip - God knows they're never perfect but your trip sounds like what our trip to Dollywood was in May! NOT fun. That's why this is our "vacation, take two". After all that happened to us then we wanted to go another route and reading your blog reminded me SO much of that trip!

It was a very expensive lesson learned. Heck, I had been to WDW 3 times prior but I went with a group who either were never there or hadn't been there in over 25 years (my mom and grandma)
I didn't want to over plan because there was NO WAY I wanted to have to constantly try and keep everyone on a strict schedule! I so want a do-over

[Sarilas]

It was a very expensive lesson learned. Heck, I had been to WDW 3 times prior but I went with a group who either were never there or hadn't been there in over 25 years (my mom and grandma)
I didn't want to over plan because there was NO WAY I wanted to have to constantly try and keep everyone on a strict schedule! I so want a do-over

You should have one! But I'd agree with your last blog post... just take your husband and your kids this time! LOL And put Le Cellier back at the top of your ADR list - you need a do-over on that meal, too!

[Sarilas]

Okay, not that I'm ANXIOUS or anything... but I checked Disney this morning and while the hours aren't posted yet, you CAN at least click into the January 2009 calendar! Sure it's blank, but you can GET THERE. That's progress!

[Charleston Princess]

Okay, not that I'm ANXIOUS or anything... but I checked Disney this morning and while the hours aren't posted yet, you CAN at least click into the January 2009 calendar! Sure it's blank, but you can GET THERE. That's progress!

Anytime now!!! They should definitely have them posted in plenty of time for you to plan your ADRs! :woohoo:

[Sarilas]

Anytime now!!! They should definitely have them posted in plenty of time for you to plan your ADRs! :woohoo:

I'm really NOT anxious or anything. :rolleyes1

I did as you suggested and found historical magic hours, and it looks pretty consistent. So unless they go crazy in '09 I have a pretty good idea of where we'll be each day, which is a relief!

[willwriteforears]

In honor of the blissfully wedded LL, I will do the unheard of and make a... <gasp> ...LIST. :scared1:

:rotfl: She's rubbing off on us, LL is!

Well hello and yes I read here and yes I still made mistakes on the vacation, as you clearly read.
Until you travel with an 18 month old, a 2 year old, a 5 year old and an 86 year old, who winds up with congestive heart failure and spends the last days of vacation in the hospital, making an already stressful situation even more stressful, don't figure all should go just perfect!
It was very difficult to organize a trip for 5 adults and 3 children when I was the only one doing any planning/research/etc. Yes, I made my share of mistakes but I think those mistakes would not have been so bad if the stress level hadn't been so high and that just could not have been foreseen.

Now, all this being said, no I'm not upset or mad about having people being pointed in the direction of my blog. I blog to share experiences and so the more who read, the merrier.

Haven't been able to read your blog post yet, but from the bit Sarilas mentioned, and your snippet here, I'm kinda intrigued. But I'm sorry that your trip wasn't, it seems, magical. :sad2:

[trixiequilts]

Okay, not that I'm ANXIOUS or anything... but I checked Disney this morning and while the hours aren't posted yet, you CAN at least click into the January 2009 calendar! Sure it's blank, but you can GET THERE. That's progress!

I checked at midnight to see if they were there:rolleyes1 and about six times already today!!! I want those hours so I can put them in my new BINDER that I'm going to make this weekend. We'll be at our cabin from Wednesday night until Monday afternoon with no TV, no shower, and worse yet...no internet!!:scared1: I have to get something productive done! If you see the hours before me, pm me. I won't be DISing much tomorrow (need to pack). I keep thinking, "In six months I'll be packing for Disney!" I'm not anxious or anything, either.:laughing:

[Sarilas]

Well still no hours (I'll PM you if they suddenly appear!).

I hope you enjoy putting your binder together, with or without hours!

[Sarilas]

So... ahem...

You know how I'm just a WEE bit riled up about the January EMH, right? :lmao: Well I decided to try looking on the Disney World Moms Panel site to see if anyone else was trying to find out when they'd be released. Apparently I was the only basket case worrying about it, because nobody else had asked! :idea: So I KIND OF wrote and asked the Moms if anyone had an inkling...

And Kimberly chose to answer my question. (Thank you, Kimberlyyyyyyyyyy!)

My hyperventilation over January's EMH is now immortalized for all to read! :lmao: But WHERE'VE the hours gone? (http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com/questions.aspx?where=home&sort=&page=4&qid=15997&pid=43&cid=103)

And yeah. She told me to do exactly what Jackie said. Jackie, you should be on the Moms Panel!

[Charleston Princess]

Sigh. I tried. I applied to be on the Mom's Panel, but Disney didn't want me. Sniff. Sniff.

I really think they will probably post them by the beginning of next week! :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

I'm trying to get back in the swing of things after the 4th of July weekend and mini-drama with family. Oy. (Suffice it to say my older brother has some bitter feelings toward the maternal side of our family, who I'm extremely close to. They're Russian, and old school Eastern European means they're very set in their ways. D-R-A-M-A)

ANYWAY... Tomorrow DH receives a small bonus check, and you bet your sweet bippy I'm going to utilize that check when I attempt to make our ADR's a couple of days early as suggested by the Disney Dining reservatinist I spoke to a while back! I want to get Cindy's Table for the girls, if at all possible but it's my understanding that they charge the meal to your card if you don't have the dining package yet. And I won't be able to add the dining package till sometime mid-August when the rates come out! We're thinking of just leaving the meal paid for rather than using 2 TS credits each- it just seems to make sense to have extra TS credits at our disposal if we can afford to pay it off in advance (which we will be able to, thanks to DH's check!)...

So today I'm checking out food porn on the DIS, trying to help get me set for making ADR's! Not having been to WDW before, I feel like I'm kind of at a loss, only because I don't already have any favorites, or likes and dislikes.

My goal today though is to have an ACTUAL list of ADR's I'd like to make for this weekend... and perhaps call on Friday to see if I get a happy go-lucky reservationist like I did last time!

[Lady Lallie]

My suggestion would be to make a list of restaurants you'd really, really like to try. Try to go with your gut first. Then you can put them in order, maybe run them by hubby or kids if you're feeling generous.;)

I think making a list, as LL would say, will help!:goodvibesListing has never steered me wrong!

In honor of the blissfully wedded LL, I will do the unheard of and make a... <gasp> ...LIST. :scared1:Good! Where is it?

She would be SO proud.:thumbsup2I am proud. My listing ways are spreading!

:rotfl: She's rubbing off on us, LL is! I think we all rub off on each other.


My goal today though is to have an ACTUAL list of ADR's I'd like to make for this weekend... and perhaps call on Friday to see if I get a happy go-lucky reservationist like I did last time!Where's the list? I need to see it. I have a craving for your ADR list. List. List. List. List. :rolleyes1

I swear I am not crazy. :scared:

[Charleston Princess]

I can think of worse ways to spend the day then looking at food porn and listing possible ADRs! ;)

[willwriteforears]

Yes, we would love to see a list of the ADRs! Since I won't be back to the World till Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest '09, I must have my vicarious foodage. :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

Alright, I have a SORT OF list, but I'm having trouble organizing said list because I've never made ADR's before and I really don't know how it works!

I know I'll call and blurt out that I want Cindy's, followed by Le Cellier and Chef Mickeys... but then I have to figure out how to plug the rest of our choices in without ending up running from one park to another three times a day!

Oh, and we're talking about doing the Deluxe Dining Plan, once again. I know, it's a lot of food BUT we can use some of those TS credits as CS, and frankly the idea of having everything pre-paid is the biggest draw for me. I hate the thought of having to balance out our dining budget and souvenir budget while we're on the actual vacation!

That being said, I have our top dining choices (thus far):

1. Cinderella's Table (hopefully lunch, otherwise breakfast)
2. Le Cellier (dinner)
3. Chef Mickey's (dinner)
4. Boma (dinner)
5. Kona (dinner)
6. Liberty Tree Tavern (dinner? probably lunch.)
7. Sci Fi Dine in (dinner)
8. O'Hana (Dinner)
9. Crystal Palace (lunch)
10. Jiko (dinner)
11.Akershus (breakfast)


This is SO not enough places yet. We have 8 days of meals to make ADR's for!

The list we're iffy about:
California Grill
Tusker House
Yak & Yeti
Coral Reef
Marrakesh

I think I'm WAY over-thinking things and just need to trust that it doesn't have to be (gulp)... PERFECT. :scared:

[Sarilas]

I forgot to mention that I'm thinking of making Liberty Tree Tavern from dinner to lunch because as of January 5th dinner will NO LONGER BE A CHARACTER DINING EXPERIENCE.

Fart monkeys.

[Lady Lallie]

Alright, I have a SORT OF list, but I'm having trouble organizing said list because I've never made ADR's before and I really don't know how it works!

I know I'll call and blurt out that I want Cindy's, followed by Le Cellier and Chef Mickeys... but then I have to figure out how to plug the rest of our choices in without ending up running from one park to another three times a day!

Oh, and we're talking about doing the Deluxe Dining Plan, once again. I know, it's a lot of food BUT we can use some of those TS credits as CS, and frankly the idea of having everything pre-paid is the biggest draw for me. I hate the thought of having to balance out our dining budget and souvenir budget while we're on the actual vacation!

That being said, I have our top dining choices (thus far):

1. Cinderella's Table (hopefully lunch, otherwise breakfast)
2. Le Cellier (dinner)
3. Chef Mickey's (dinner)
4. Boma (dinner)
5. Kona (dinner)
6. Liberty Tree Tavern (dinner? probably lunch.)
7. Sci Fi Dine in (dinner)
8. O'Hana (Dinner)
9. Crystal Palace (lunch)
10. Jiko (dinner)
11.Akershus (breakfast)


This is SO not enough places yet. We have 8 days of meals to make ADR's for!

The list we're iffy about:
California Grill
Tusker House
Yak & Yeti
Coral Reef
Marrakesh

I think I'm WAY over-thinking things and just need to trust that it doesn't have to be (gulp)... PERFECT. :scared:
Speaking from someone who made the bulk of her ADR's before she found the DIS and before she had a daily itinerary...I think it would be helpful if you made a tentative plan for your days. You don't want to be stressed about making your ADR's and park hopping all over the place.
If you did coral reef you could try to get them to personalize a menu for you and the diver with the sign...I bet your kids would really like that.

I forgot to mention that I'm thinking of making Liberty Tree Tavern from dinner to lunch because as of January 5th dinner will NO LONGER BE A CHARACTER DINING EXPERIENCE.

Fart monkeys.
:lmao: Fart Monkeys! That saddens me because I really wanted to eat there....I wonder if I can try to fit it in. For some reason Minnie Mouse in Colonial finery makes me smile. It must be the History buff in me. :goodvibes

Have you read dining reviews from people with kids? It might give you some insight. You also could do a early breakfast at a park, that way you can get in the almost empty park for pictures. :thumbsup2

[trixiequilts]

Fart monkeys.


My sentiments exactly (about lots more than just LTT characters)!

[willwriteforears]

You also could do a early breakfast at a park, that way you can get in the almost empty park for pictures. :thumbsup2

This is one thing I would love, love, love to do! I was very envious when my friends and I were outside of whatever park, waiting for the opening, and we were watching families head in for an early breakfast. Just think of all the pix I could've taken without decapitated heads at the bottom! :rotfl:

[Lady Lallie]

This is one thing I would love, love, love to do! I was very envious when my friends and I were outside of whatever park, waiting for the opening, and we were watching families head in for an early breakfast. Just think of all the pix I could've taken without decapitated heads at the bottom! :rotfl:I can't wait! We are doing Crystal Palace breakfast at MK for that very reason. :lovestruc

[Sarilas]

I should warn you; I have an obscure vocabulary that will rear it's ugly head as I become more comfortable with the DIS. :rotfl:

A schedule... funny you should mention that! Have I mentioned that Disney hasn't released the hours for next January yet even though it's past the 6 month date?! Because it's putting a hitch in my giddy-up!

I did do as suggested and compile a guesstimate of what EMH will be available when so I know when I want to be at a park or not at a park, accordingly. So only if Disney does exactly as history dictates they might will my plans be secure! From what I'm reading though I'll probably take advantage of early hours and avoid the later hours, at least most of the time.

Here's the gist:

Saturday, Jan. 10th:
Our arrival day. We're guesstimating we'll arrive late that afternoon, in time for an early dinner and shopping spree at DTD. Where we'll eat? Maybe Raglan Road or Earl of Sandwich...

Sunday the 11th:
Early opening: ?
Late closing: Magic Kingdom


Monday the 12th:
Early opening: Animal Kingdom
Late closing: (DHS?)

Tuesday the 13th:
Early opening: Epcot
Late closing: (DHS?)

Wednesday the 14th:
Early opening: ?
Late closing: Animal Kingdom

Thursday the 15th:
Early opening: Magic Kingdom
Late closing: ?

Friday the 16th:
Early opening: ?
Late closing: Epcot

Saturday the 17th:
Early opening: DHS
Late closing: ?

Sunday the 18th:
Grab a bite at Intermissions in ASMusic and head home.

So based on that and the fact that we will do some park hopping, our park attendance schedule would look something like:

Sunday: Magic Kingdom (doesn't matter if they're open late or not - HAVE to do it the first day.)

Monday: Animal Kingdom, perhaps MK again that evening (we're all about MK!)

Tuesday: Epcot

Wednesday: DHS?

Thursday: Magic Kingdom, maybe some hopping in the evening.

Friday: Epcot in the morning... who knows in the evening.

Saturday: MK and Epcot again?

Oy. :scratchin

Take into consideration that we'll probably go back to the hotel for naps and such, as needed. Probably after our lunches. If we DO go with the Deluxe Dining Plan, that's 8 days x's 3 TS per day for a total of 24 TS credits each and 2 snack credits per day x's 8 days to equal 16 snack credits each. We won't have to shell out a penny for food the whole trip, for sure!

I hadn't thought about breakfasts in the park! I figured we'd just grab something at ASMusic BUT I love the idea of getting there early and eating. We're all early risers anyway, and we could us some of our lunch TS credits as CS meals in the park...

Decisions, decisions...

[Lady Lallie]

You are off to a good start. I think it would be helpful for you to just start plugging in ADR's to your tentative schedule. I don't think the hours will change so much that you will have to completely revamp your schedule.

Advice for calling for ADR's.
I would write down your first choice date and time for each ADR. Especially for Cindy' Royal Table and Le Cellier...make sure you have a few other days/times that you are willing to do it. I say this because I have a certain day/time in mind and then when they don't have it, I have to call back because I am flustered. :lmao:

I would also make earlier lunch ADR and later dinner ADR's that way you have time for the break/naps/pool time. You can always use your snack credits inbetween if you are feeling hungry.

[TarzansKat]

Wow, somebody has been a busy little bee! I'm so tired from work today, I can't even process it all!:lmao:

Seriously, LL's suggestion about plugging in times is good. At least give yourself an idea of which you want at which time, and try to see if some of your same park ADRs are interchangeable, which could help you get what you want, kwim?:thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

Alright, well having returned to the computer from the confines of my freshly bathed babies (ah, lavender!) I made a faux calendar for the week we'll be there and did some plugging in. (Jackie and LL, if I become an organized person it is ALL YOUR FAULT.)

What I realized is I am A) not a breakfast person, and B) even if I get into the parks early to eat, we'll end up being in the restaurant when the rope drops (with the 6 of us eating at that early hour, and 4 of us being children we're looking at a long ordeal) which will defeat the purpose. SO. After a brief email flirtation - er, discussion ;) with my husband, we decided to eat breakfast at ASMusic in the mornings OR, because we'll have the kitchenette, to have some things on hand in our room so we can leave the room for the EMH each morning, bright eyed, bushy tailed and fully bellied. This will allow us to have early lunches (FANTASTIC), use a credit for a meal wherever we are mid-day (rather than using it for a breakfast) then have a late-ish dinner right before returning to the hotel.

I think this just might do the trick, even if THEY HAVEN'T RELEASED JANUARY'S HOURS YET. (I don't know if you'd heard that or not...) :laughing:

[Lady Lallie]

Alright, well having returned to the computer from the confines of my freshly bathed babies (ah, lavender!) I made a faux calendar for the week we'll be there and did some plugging in. (Jackie and LL, if I become an organized person it is ALL YOUR FAULT.)

What I realized is I am A) not a breakfast person, and B) even if I get into the parks early to eat, we'll end up being in the restaurant when the rope drops (with the 6 of us eating at that early hour, and 4 of us being children we're looking at a long ordeal) which will defeat the purpose. SO. After a brief email flirtation - er, discussion ;) with my husband, we decided to eat breakfast at ASMusic in the mornings OR, because we'll have the kitchenette, to have some things on hand in our room so we can leave the room for the EMH each morning, bright eyed, bushy tailed and fully bellied. This will allow us to have early lunches (FANTASTIC), use a credit for a meal wherever we are mid-day (rather than using it for a breakfast) then have a late-ish dinner right before returning to the hotel.

I think this just might do the trick, even if THEY HAVEN'T RELEASED JANUARY'S HOURS YET. (I don't know if you'd heard that or not...) :laughing: That sounds perfect for your family! :goodvibes
By the way...I am blaming you for my impulsive call to disney dining today! :rotfl:

[TarzansKat]

Oh, Lara, that sounds like a great plan! I totally forgot about you having the kitchenette! Plus, you'll really be able to maximize your time by getting the kiddos fed before you head off. Full bellies are a good thing!:goodvibes

[willwriteforears]

That does sound like an excellent solution for your family! :thumbsup:

And OK, this has nothing to do with your PTR, but I am seriously starting to get PO'd. When I click on the smileys, nothing happens[I]. When I try to do some sort of formatting, [I]nothing happens. I have been relegated to typing all the codes in and hoping I remember them correctly. :mad: Or is it :furious:?

Anyone else having this problem?

[Charleston Princess]

Organization can be your friend, too! :laughing:

I like your breakfast plan coupled with your other meals (lunch, dinner, stuff). I think it sounds perfect for your family.

I can't believe that Disney is dragging their feet about releasing park hours -- that would drive me CRAZY!!!

[Sarilas]

That sounds perfect for your family! :goodvibes
By the way...I am blaming you for my impulsive call to disney dining today! :rotfl:

And just what did LL impulsively call Disney Dining about?! Inquiring minds want to know!

Oh, Lara, that sounds like a great plan! I totally forgot about you having the kitchenette! Plus, you'll really be able to maximize your time by getting the kiddos fed before you head off. Full bellies are a good thing!:goodvibes

I totally forgot too! Till I was saying something to my son about keeping some milk in the mini-fridge for Lexi and this little lightbulb went off! :idea:

That does sound like an excellent solution for your family! :thumbsup:

And OK, this has nothing to do with your PTR, but I am seriously starting to get PO'd. When I click on the smileys, nothing happens[I]. When I try to do some sort of formatting, [I]nothing happens. I have been relegated to typing all the codes in and hoping I remember them correctly. :mad: Or is it :furious:?

Anyone else having this problem?

No, I'm sorry! Is it still happening for you??

Organization can be your friend, too! :laughing:

I like your breakfast plan coupled with your other meals (lunch, dinner, stuff). I think it sounds perfect for your family.

I can't believe that Disney is dragging their feet about releasing park hours -- that would drive me CRAZY!!!

Oh, so you've heard about the hours hot being released yet?! :rotfl:

[Lady Lallie]

And just what did LL impulsively call Disney Dining about?! Inquiring minds want to know!It's on my trip report. Hehehe. I made TWO new reservations! :eek:

[Sarilas]

Oooooh! Then I'll read it in just a minute! (I'm going through all the subscribed threads I didn't read while in my food porn haze yesterday!)

[Lady Lallie]

Oooooh! Then I'll read it in just a minute! (I'm going through all the subscribed threads I didn't read while in my food porn haze yesterday!):lmao: I have had those days! Right now I am zoned out on tshirt designs.

[Sarilas]

A newlywed friend of ours got a surprise weekend trip to Disney World as a gift from his new FIL. They found out last week, went this past weekend and so have returned this week. They went to Epcot, then one of the water parks, then MK on their last day. My husband got the low-down from the guy who went (who has never been there before), and he said that while they had a good time, they couldn't see themselves spending more than three days there.

Well I'm not surprised! My DH was CRACKING UP as I got all in a huff and defended WDW - How COULD they enjoy it properly when they did no research? Had no travel guide? NO ADR'S! For heaven's sake it's BARBARIC!

:teeth:

[Lady Lallie]

A newlywed friend of ours got a surprise weekend trip to Disney World as a gift from his new FIL. They found out last week, went this past weekend and so have returned this week. They went to Epcot, then one of the water parks, then MK on their last day. My husband got the low-down from the guy who went (who has never been there before), and he said that while they had a good time, they couldn't see themselves spending more than three days there.

Well I'm not surprised! My DH was CRACKING UP as I got all in a huff and defended WDW - How COULD they enjoy it properly when they did no research? Had no travel guide? NO ADR'S! For heaven's sake it's BARBARIC!

:teeth: You tell them! They did not experience it the "right" way. :rotfl:

[Charleston Princess]

They didn't even go to two out of the four parks!!! :eek:

[willwriteforears]

No, I'm sorry! Is it still happening for you??


I had issues all last night, but everything's fine this morning. *shrug* Maybe the DIS wanted me to work on my budget to ensure I'll be able to go to Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest '09. :rotfl:

A newlywed friend of ours got a surprise weekend trip to Disney World as a gift from his new FIL. They found out last week, went this past weekend and so have returned this week. They went to Epcot, then one of the water parks, then MK on their last day. My husband got the low-down from the guy who went (who has never been there before), and he said that while they had a good time, they couldn't see themselves spending more than three days there.

Well I'm not surprised! My DH was CRACKING UP as I got all in a huff and defended WDW - How COULD they enjoy it properly when they did no research? Had no travel guide? NO ADR'S! For heaven's sake it's BARBARIC!

:teeth:

:scared1: My dad thought my friends and I would get bored with six full days. Inconceivable! Six days wasn't enough!

And to miss two parks entirely--those people are insane!

[Lady Lallie]

I had issues all last night, but everything's fine this morning. *shrug* Maybe the DIS wanted me to work on my budget to ensure I'll be able to go to Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest '09. :rotfl:See, the DIS IS a complex creature. It knows what you need to get maximum Disney enjoyment. :lmao:

[Sarilas]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!

There aren't appropriate emoticons for my anxiety right now! But :mickeyjum :ccat: :goofy: :maleficen comes pretty close...

My husband just called after depositing THE CHECK in the bank - the money is available to make our ADR's and deposit into our vacation account for about 1/3 of our trip!

Must... settle... ADR's!

[Lady Lallie]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!

There aren't appropriate emoticons for my anxiety right now! But :mickeyjum :ccat: :goofy: :maleficen comes pretty close...

My husband just called after depositing THE CHECK in the bank - the money is available to make our ADR's and deposit into our vacation account for about 1/3 of our trip!

Must... settle... ADR's!

When can you call for your ADR's O-fficially?

[Sarilas]

O-fficially it would be Monday the 14th (I believe, I'll have to double check). I'm going to attempt (key word) to make them tomorrow though and see if the reservationist was right about the computer letting some people make them earlier...

[Lady Lallie]

O-fficially it would be Monday the 14th (I believe, I'll have to double check). I'm going to attempt (key word) to make them tomorrow though and see if the reservationist was right about the computer letting some people make them earlier...I wish you lots of luck. Have you gotten your list with times & days yet?

[willwriteforears]

O-fficially it would be Monday the 14th (I believe, I'll have to double check). I'm going to attempt (key word) to make them tomorrow though and see if the reservationist was right about the computer letting some people make them earlier...

Good luck! :goodvibes

[Sarilas]

I've been making different drafts on paper, but I keep confusing myself - I'm a very visual person and I need to see it written out, calendar style... which led to the birth of THIS:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/ADR2.jpg

Oh yeah. Clear as MUD! But it's helping me visualize where we'll be and where we'll need to be eating.

This will change about 50 times tonight. I'll tell you this; I'm having a hell of a time with Epcot. Now I know there are a bajillion places to eat there, BUT we're wanting to taste things from every country via CS counters, bakeries, etc. So deciding where to actually sit down is turning out to be a real headache! (Who knew?!)

Did I read that you can get from Epcot to some hotels via launch? I'm considering leaving the park for some of our dinners... And yeah, we're only planning on touching on AK and DHS. It's MK and Epcot that tickle our fancy but we can always park hop around if the mood strikes! (ADR's were made to be changed, right?! Except those tough ones... those will be in STONE!)

[Lady Lallie]

I, LL, Lady Listy, am bowing down to your beautiful chart.

:worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:

You are off to a great start!

If you are looking for suggestions, what about O'hana or Kona Cafe. I am obsessed with them for some reason. Or Whispering Canyon might be fun with your family.

[Sarilas]

I, LL, Lady Listy, am bowing down to your beautiful chart.

:worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:

You are off to a great start!

If you are looking for suggestions, what about O'hana or Kona Cafe. I am obsessed with them for some reason. Or Whispering Canyon might be fun with your family.

You were totally right. I plugged 'Ohana in fo sho. I forgot about that one! Whispering Canyon is SOOOOOOOOOO not going to happen. I'm pushing the boundaries with Chef Mickey's! The fam is really not into dining participation... that's why there's no Primetime Cafe on there. My husband would freak OUT. :lmao:

I think everyone would really like Cali Grill, but I'm hesitant about the little girls. I went ahead and plugged in a lunch ressie because I figure that if the girls are cranky or what not I can arrange for in-room babysitting for a couple of hours and take the big kids with us for a 'grown up' lunch. I think they'd love that. As I think about it though I may move that to a sunset dinner during which we might catch the fireworks... :idea:

[TarzansKat]

Hi, hon!

You can take the boat launch from Epcot to the Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk, and the Swan & Dolphin resorts.

Lovin' the planning ADR sheet, it looks great!:goodvibes

[Lady Lallie]

You were totally right. I plugged 'Ohana in fo sho. I forgot about that one! Whispering Canyon is SOOOOOOOOOO not going to happen. I'm pushing the boundaries with Chef Mickey's! The fam is really not into dining participation... that's why there's no Primetime Cafe on there. My husband would freak OUT. :lmao:

I think everyone would really like Cali Grill, but I'm hesitant about the little girls. I went ahead and plugged in a lunch ressie because I figure that if the girls are cranky or what not I can arrange for in-room babysitting for a couple of hours and take the big kids with us for a 'grown up' lunch. I think they'd love that. As I think about it though I may move that to a sunset dinner during which we might catch the fireworks... :idea:
Glad to be of help! I have to pay back the favor for getting to dine with the colonials at LTT!

I have heard good things about Cali Grill but we just couldn't fit it in this time.

I hear ya about the dining participation, DH refused Whispering Canyon as well.

[Sarilas]

Hi, hon!

You can take the boat launch from Epcot to the Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk, and the Swan & Dolphin resorts.

Lovin' the planning ADR sheet, it looks great!:goodvibes

Thank you! I was trying to find something that showed alternate methods of transportation but to no avail.

Glad to be of help! I have to pay back the favor for getting to dine with the colonials at LTT!

I have heard good things about Cali Grill but we just couldn't fit it in this time.

I hear ya about the dining participation, DH refused Whispering Canyon as well.

We saw Primetime on one of the Travel Channel shows, and thought it looked fantastic... until we started reading more about how much participation they like to have. DH was so not having it... and since he hasn't asked for much this vacation I couldn't see torturing him through lunch or dinner like that!

[Lady Lallie]

We saw Primetime on one of the Travel Channel shows, and thought it looked fantastic... until we started reading more about how much participation they like to have. DH was so not having it... and since he hasn't asked for much this vacation I couldn't see torturing him through lunch or dinner like that!You are a stand up wife! :thumbsup2

[willwriteforears]

That is an excellent chart! :thumbsup2

Sorry I can't offer much help in the way of ADR planning. I haven't been to many of the Disney restaurants, TS or counter. :sad2:

I will have to rectify during Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest '09.

[TarzansKat]

Thank you! I was trying to find something that showed alternate methods of transportation but to no avail.
:thumbsup2


I will have to rectify during Lapu Lapu Fabby Fest '09.

Hear, hear!:goodvibes

[Sarilas]

Guess... who... has... DINING RESERVATIONS! :woohoo:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/ADR3.jpg

I had to shuffle a few things around, and I'm still not pleased with a couple of things (namely Boma and Ohana for breakfast) but it's a great first draft!

AND I got Cinderella's Table.. AND Chef Mickey's.. AND Le Cellier... and I'm SOOOOOOO stoked!

[Charleston Princess]

Woo hoo!!! :woohoo:

I am surprised that the Boma and O'Hana's are such late times! That was the earliest they had?

[willwriteforears]

Guess... who... has... DINING RESERVATIONS! :woohoo:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/ADR3.jpg

I had to shuffle a few things around, and I'm still not pleased with a couple of things (namely Boma and Ohana for breakfast) but it's a great first draft!

AND I got Cinderella's Table.. AND Chef Mickey's.. AND Le Cellier... and I'm SOOOOOOO stoked!


:woohoo: You've got your biggies in, and that's the most important thing! It looks like the call with the CM went well. Did you use the "I know I'm not at 180 days yet, but..." line that the other CM (sorry, forgot her name) said you should use? Was this new CM nice?

[Sarilas]

Woo hoo!!! :woohoo:

I am surprised that the Boma and O'Hana's are such late times! That was the earliest they had?

I'll tell you what happened there; I didn't realize those places didn't have LUNCH MENUS! That threw me totally off course so we plugged in brunches. I'll probably keep the 'Ohana breakfast/brunch where it is so we can still have a late meal (we'll have been up pretty early, this will work well) and the kids can experience the Lilo and Stitch thing. But I think Boma and Crystal Palace are going to do some swapping... (I'm just working that out on paper now.)

:woohoo: You've got your biggies in, and that's the most important thing! It looks like the call with the CM went well. Did you use the "I know I'm not at 180 days yet, but..." line that the other CM (sorry, forgot her name) said you should use? Was this new CM nice?

TWO TRIES! First CM was not having it. She was nice enough in that Stepford Wife "yes dear" kind of way. I swear I don't think she listened to half of what I said. I hung up, gathered my composure and tried again. This time I lucked out (as I would need to have!) The CM I got was AWESOME and yes, brute force honesty saved the day!

[Sarilas]

Let me pose this question to you all... If you were going to choose ONE restaurant to have your FINAL dinner in at Disney World, where would you choose?

I'm having a heck of a time deciding this. I want to choose something memorable for everyone since it'll be our last full day (we'll be up early to drive home the next morning)...

[Lady Lallie]

I am so happy for you that you got your ADR's! What a relief!! :goodvibes

What about switching Boma and Crystal Palce. That way after a day at the parks, you could go to Boma for dinner....?? Then explore the AK Lodge afterwards....?? Just a suggestion!

[Lady Lallie]

Let me pose this question to you all... If you were going to choose ONE restaurant to have your FINAL dinner in at Disney World, where would you choose?

I'm having a heck of a time deciding this. I want to choose something memorable for everyone since it'll be our last full day (we'll be up early to drive home the next morning)... That is a very good question and I am not sure I have an answer! :rotfl:

[willwriteforears]

Let me pose this question to you all... If you were going to choose ONE restaurant to have your FINAL dinner in at Disney World, where would you choose?

I'm having a heck of a time deciding this. I want to choose something memorable for everyone since it'll be our last full day (we'll be up early to drive home the next morning)...

:scratchin: Boy, that's a toughie. When I think "memorable," I think ambiance as well as tasty food. Are you interested in some of the nighttime fireworks? If so, and you're willing to be out a bit late, you might choose a restaurant where you could watch one of the shows. Looks like you have MK scheduled for the last day in the evening. I'm honestly not sure what/if any of the restaurants there are good for the MK fireworks...

[Lady Lallie]

:scratchin: Boy, that's a toughie. When I think "memorable," I think ambiance as well as tasty food. Are you interested in some of the nighttime fireworks? If so, and you're willing to be out a bit late, you might choose a restaurant where you could watch one of the shows. Looks like you have MK scheduled for the last day in the evening. I'm honestly not sure what/if any of the restaurants there are good for the MK fireworks...
I think that one is tough at MK. What about eating in the MK area (resorts included) and watch the electrical water pagent and catch wishes from the GF or Poly beach...??

[Sarilas]

...guess who's already made her first ADR changes? :lmao:

After more flirtation... er, "discussion" :rolleyes1 with my DH, we're going to plan on 'Ohana for our last meal. Yeah, we've already got a breakfast scheduled there, but everyone wants to try dinner there as well (I think he just wants to have meat brought to him continuously till he bursts).

The little girls are pretty freaked out by fireworks still, so if we see any it'll be from a distance. But that's okay, nobody's heart broken by it (that'll change as they become familiar with everything!)

So...

Here's the NEW plan:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/ADRList.jpg

So we moved Akershus (which I will NEVER learn to spell correctly) to lunch from breakfast, moved Crystal Palace to lunch on Wednesday making room for Boma for dinner on Thursday and took out Whispering Canyon altogether for the 'Ohana 'goodbye' dinner on Saturday...

I'm probably still going to plug Raglan Road in for our first dinner at Downtown Disney, but I need to show DH and the kids the menu and see if they get the Irish menu... I'm sure they will. They love the idea of trying new things!

[Lady Lallie]

...guess who's already made her first ADR changes? :lmao:

After more flirtation... er, "discussion" :rolleyes1 with my DH, we're going to plan on 'Ohana for our last meal. Yeah, we've already got a breakfast scheduled there, but everyone wants to try dinner there as well (I think he just wants to have meat brought to him continuously till he bursts).

The little girls are pretty freaked out by fireworks still, so if we see any it'll be from a distance. But that's okay, nobody's heart broken by it (that'll change as they become familiar with everything!)

So...

Here's the NEW plan:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/ADRList.jpg

So we moved Akershus (which I will NEVER learn to spell correctly) to lunch from breakfast, moved Crystal Palace to lunch on Wednesday making room for Boma for dinner on Thursday and took out Whispering Canyon altogether for the 'Ohana 'goodbye' dinner on Saturday...

I'm probably still going to plug Raglan Road in for our first dinner at Downtown Disney, but I need to show DH and the kids the menu and see if they get the Irish menu... I'm sure they will. They love the idea of trying new things!
I love it! I think O'hana is a great alternative and you can catch the Electrical Water Pageant from the Poly Beach if you so desire. I bet your kiddos would like that! You are trying some great places!

[willwriteforears]

:thumbsup2 Lovely plan! 'Ohana for the last dinner sounds like an excellent choice. I hope you will remember to take lots and lots of pictures for food porn! :rotfl:

[Charleston Princess]

Looks great! I get hungry just looking at it!!! :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

I'll tell ya, the Deluxe Dining Plan is kind of great for us- if it weren't for ADR's and knowing we have somewhere to be at a specific time we'd probably run the kids ragged. This way we're forced to stop, sit down, relax and refuel.

And there WILL BE food porn! I'm looking at a fantabulous new camera... If I can talk DH into it. I do believe I deserve a $500 camera for Christmas. :rotfl:

[TarzansKat]

Congratulations on your ADRs, hon! What a feeling of accomplishment, huh?:goodvibes

[willwriteforears]

And there WILL BE food porn! I'm looking at a fantabulous new camera... If I can talk DH into it. I do believe I deserve a $500 camera for Christmas. :rotfl:

Excellent! You can make up for me and my total lack of it. :lmao:

[Charleston Princess]

Excellent! You can make up for me and my total lack of it. :lmao:

And mine! ;)

[Lady Lallie]

Excellent! You can make up for me and my total lack of it. :lmao:

And mine! ;)I'm scared to do food porn even though I want too! I don't want odd looks.

[Sarilas]

I hereby promise to do my duty as Food Pornologist for the LapuLapuettes and photograph as much of the edible delights we come across as humanly possible!

LL - I'm so not worried about the odd looks. Seriously. With four kids I'm just happy if nobody's spilling drinks or picking on one another! Odd looks will last a meal... food porn lasts a lifetime! LOL

[Lady Lallie]

I hereby promise to do my duty as Food Pornologist for the LapuLapuettes and photograph as much of the edible delights we come across as humanly possible!

LL - I'm so not worried about the odd looks. Seriously. With four kids I'm just happy if nobody's spilling drinks or picking on one another! Odd looks will last a meal... food porn lasts a lifetime! LOL
Now THAT is a tshirt. You should request someone make you a pretty design for that tshirt. :lmao:

[willwriteforears]

I hereby promise to do my duty as Food Pornologist for the LapuLapuettes and photograph as much of the edible delights we come across as humanly possible!


:thumbsup2

Now THAT is a tshirt.

Or a tag! Where is that tag fairy, anyway?

[Sarilas]

Now THAT is a tshirt. You should request someone make you a pretty design for that tshirt. :lmao:

Can you imagine me walking around Disney with the words 'food porn' emblazoned across my chest?! :lmao:

QUOTE=Sarilas;26198772]I hereby promise to do my duty as Food Pornologist for the LapuLapuettes and photograph as much of the edible delights we come across as humanly possible!
/QUOTE]

:thumbsup2

Or a tag! Where is that tag fairy, anyway?

If ever I were to have a tag, THAT would HAVE to be it!

[Native NYer]

Started reading your ptr. Loving it!

[Sarilas]

So, it's been a busy weekend in these parts and I've got a couple of updates!

First of which is, we had to take my Dad to the hospital Friday and he'll be there till at least Monday or Tuesday. Now I should warn you that this is a pretty regular occurrence; Dad lives with us now and he's a pretty sick guy. (Colon cancer in remission, missing a leg at the knee, diabetes, kidney failure... he's a hot mess.) This particular hospitalization is kidney related; he's about thisfar from dialysis and needed some treatment. But I digress.

Friday was stressful with the whole "convince Dad that going to the hospital for such a long period of time is a GOOD thing" (he hates it), so I did a little online retail therapy that evening. How could I NOT with another big ol' Disneyshopping.com coupon code?!

Wanna see?

Okay, so this first purchase is for the Alice in Wonderland party DH and I are planning. It's a necessity!
http://img.dsi.go.com/Images/I-Catalog/DS/Products/005181/57168/57168_P.jpg

These are for Christmas gifts for the little girls, Lexi and Stasia...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T1260X0029.jpghttp://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T1260X0026.jpg

This is a birthday gift for Stasia (August 10!) to familiarize her more with the princesses... some of them still kind of freak her out a bit.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/B1156G0020.jpg

Both of the little girls will have matching shrugs for those cool Florida winter mornings...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/S2315G0003M.jpg

This top for Lexi... http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T2301G0006-QBM.jpg
And this one for Stasia... http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T2301G0006-Q9M.jpg

PJ's for Stasia... http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T4916G0045M.jpg

And for Lexi! http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T4916G0049M.jpg

Both of the girls will get one of these: It says "Magical Moments" with the princesses (and we'll alter it with their names or something on the back):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T5601G0061M.jpg

And last, but certainly not least, this will be for Tatiana (a similar color to the little girls' shirts!): http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T5701F0063M.jpg

A good start for our ever growing Disney box!

[Sarilas]

Started reading your ptr. Loving it!

Thank you and welcome!

[Lady Lallie]

:thumbsup2

Or a tag! Where is that tag fairy, anyway?

Can you imagine me walking around Disney with the words 'food porn' emblazoned across my chest?! :lmao:

If ever I were to have a tag, THAT would HAVE to be it!I don't think the tag fairy likes LapuLapuettes because we are a clever bunch. Though she does like Tink, but that was pre-LapuLapuette. :::SIGH:::

So, it's been a busy weekend in these parts and I've got a couple of updates!

First of which is, we had to take my Dad to the hospital Friday and he'll be there till at least Monday or Tuesday. Now I should warn you that this is a pretty regular occurrence; Dad lives with us now and he's a pretty sick guy. (Colon cancer in remission, missing a leg at the knee, diabetes, kidney failure... he's a hot mess.) This particular hospitalization is kidney related; he's about thisfar from dialysis and needed some treatment. But I digress.

Friday was stressful with the whole "convince Dad that going to the hospital for such a long period of time is a GOOD thing" (he hates it), so I did a little online retail therapy that evening. How could I NOT with another big ol' Disneyshopping.com coupon code?!

Wanna see?

Okay, so this first purchase is for the Alice in Wonderland party DH and I are planning. It's a necessity!
http://img.dsi.go.com/Images/I-Catalog/DS/Products/005181/57168/57168_P.jpg

These are for Christmas gifts for the little girls, Lexi and Stasia...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T1260X0029.jpghttp://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T1260X0026.jpg

This is a birthday gift for Stasia (August 10!) to familiarize her more with the princesses... some of them still kind of freak her out a bit.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/B1156G0020.jpg

Both of the little girls will have matching shrugs for those cool Florida winter mornings...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/S2315G0003M.jpg

This top for Lexi... http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T2301G0006-QBM.jpg
And this one for Stasia... http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T2301G0006-Q9M.jpg

PJ's for Stasia... http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T4916G0045M.jpg

And for Lexi! http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T4916G0049M.jpg

Both of the girls will get one of these: It says "Magical Moments" with the princesses (and we'll alter it with their names or something on the back):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T5601G0061M.jpg

And last, but certainly not least, this will be for Tatiana (a similar color to the little girls' shirts!): http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T5701F0063M.jpg

A good start for our ever growing Disney box!

I adore your disney purchases. What Alice in Wonderland party are you planning? Have I forgotten or have you not mentioned it? I love Tatiana's shirt! :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

I adore your disney purchases. What Alice in Wonderland party are you planning? Have I forgotten or have you not mentioned it? I love Tatiana's shirt! :thumbsup2

No, I don't think I've mentioned it here before now. We throw a lot of parties. The last one was just a few weeks ago; gladiator themed. Everyone came in costume (well not me, but it's not really my 'thing'), ate Roman-esque food and faux fought with foam covered plastic-pipe 'swords'. Hysterical.

There are a few more in the works, but one of them is the Mad Tea Party. We'll build a looooong table in the back yard (we live on an acre just outside Nashville), decorated mis-matched style, silly deserts that say 'eat me', beverages declaring 'drink me', and everyone must wear a funny hat.

But we HAD to have a flamingo croquet mallet!

[Charleston Princess]

Love the purchases -- too cute!!!

The Mad Tea Party is such a great idea!!! You will have to take lots of pics!

[TarzansKat]

My goodness, you are just the creative entertaining bunch! I want to come to one of your parties!

I love the purchases, they're adorable.

I was so thrilled when my SILs had girls! I finally get to buy pinks, purples, and girly things. So I'm sort of coveting your purchases, but I know I'll be able to make some like that eventually.:thumbsup2

[Lady Lallie]

No, I don't think I've mentioned it here before now. We throw a lot of parties. The last one was just a few weeks ago; gladiator themed. Everyone came in costume (well not me, but it's not really my 'thing'), ate Roman-esque food and faux fought with foam covered plastic-pipe 'swords'. Hysterical.

There are a few more in the works, but one of them is the Mad Tea Party. We'll build a looooong table in the back yard (we live on an acre just outside Nashville), decorated mis-matched style, silly deserts that say 'eat me', beverages declaring 'drink me', and everyone must wear a funny hat.

But we HAD to have a flamingo croquet mallet!
That is so awesome! That would be an adorable idea for a little girls birthday party too. Must put away in brain for future use. The flamingo mallets are my favorite part of Alice in Wonderland!

[Sarilas]

I absolutely promise lots of pictures... in between snickering and laughing at the hysteria that always takes place! Everyone's invited! Bring your flamingoes! LOL

[Sarilas]

Oh man... DH and I ran out to get diapers and run a few errands this morning and ended up with new cell phones! I should preface this with saying neither of us have had cell phones for ever... We never used them when we did had them, or we OVER used them. But we went looking today and not only ended up with new phones but they are AWESOME phones! LG Dare is the name... they operate like the iPhone, all touch screen and groovy. Talk about jumping into the current millennium! :rotfl2: We got unlimited texting... this phone was SO born to text. Oh, and when we go to Disney we can add GPS service for like $10 for the month! It's PERFECT-O!
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/04GpgNU1GY51M/340x.jpg

It has a 3.2 megapixel camera, you can draw on it and if I turn it sideways when texting, it knows I've turned it and the screen turns into a keyboard.

Oh, how I heart thee new cell phone... (Did I mention I have unlimited monthly texting! Let the typing BEGIN!)

But I have phone guilt. Why is it I can spend money on the kids and feel like :banana: but when I spend money on myself I feel like :scared:

Oh, parent drama. :rolleyes:

[Charleston Princess]

Very cool phones!!! :thumbsup2 Remember, even parents need treats sometimes! ;)

[willwriteforears]

Friday was stressful with the whole "convince Dad that going to the hospital for such a long period of time is a GOOD thing" (he hates it), so I did a little online retail therapy that evening. How could I NOT with another big ol' Disneyshopping.com coupon code?!

Wanna see?

Okay, so this first purchase is for the Alice in Wonderland party DH and I are planning. It's a necessity!
http://img.dsi.go.com/Images/I-Catalog/DS/Products/005181/57168/57168_P.jpg

These are for Christmas gifts for the little girls, Lexi and Stasia...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T1260X0029.jpghttp://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T1260X0026.jpg

This is a birthday gift for Stasia (August 10!) to familiarize her more with the princesses... some of them still kind of freak her out a bit.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/B1156G0020.jpg

Both of the little girls will have matching shrugs for those cool Florida winter mornings...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/S2315G0003M.jpg

This top for Lexi... http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T2301G0006-QBM.jpg
And this one for Stasia... http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T2301G0006-Q9M.jpg

PJ's for Stasia... http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T4916G0045M.jpg

And for Lexi! http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T4916G0049M.jpg

Both of the girls will get one of these: It says "Magical Moments" with the princesses (and we'll alter it with their names or something on the back):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T5601G0061M.jpg

And last, but certainly not least, this will be for Tatiana (a similar color to the little girls' shirts!): http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Misc/T5701F0063M.jpg

A good start for our ever growing Disney box!


I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I hope he does okay in the hospital!

Those clothes are all tres cute! Your girls are going to be totally set for the trip. :thumbsup2

I don't think the tag fairy likes LapuLapuettes because we are a clever bunch. Though she does like Tink, but that was pre-LapuLapuette. :::SIGH:::

Ah, so the only way for a Lapuette to get a tag now would be to time travel back to the pre-Lapuette days, hunt 'er down, and say something clever. Normally I'd get cracking on my time machine right away, but who wants to travel back to pre-Lapuette days?


No, I don't think I've mentioned it here before now. We throw a lot of parties. The last one was just a few weeks ago; gladiator themed. Everyone came in costume (well not me, but it's not really my 'thing'), ate Roman-esque food and faux fought with foam covered plastic-pipe 'swords'. Hysterical.

There are a few more in the works, but one of them is the Mad Tea Party. We'll build a looooong table in the back yard (we live on an acre just outside Nashville), decorated mis-matched style, silly deserts that say 'eat me', beverages declaring 'drink me', and everyone must wear a funny hat.

But we HAD to have a flamingo croquet mallet!

Oh, you're super cool party people! Those parties sound like so much fun--and I bet they're great memories for your girls. :goodvibes

Oh man... DH and I ran out to get diapers and run a few errands this morning and ended up with new cell phones! I should preface this with saying neither of us have had cell phones for ever... We never used them when we did had them, or we OVER used them. But we went looking today and not only ended up with new phones but they are AWESOME phones! LG Dare is the name... they operate like the iPhone, all touch screen and groovy. Talk about jumping into the current millennium! :rotfl2: We got unlimited texting... this phone was SO born to text. Oh, and when we go to Disney we can add GPS service for like $10 for the month! It's PERFECT-O!
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/04GpgNU1GY51M/340x.jpg

It has a 3.2 megapixel camera, you can draw on it and if I turn it sideways when texting, it knows I've turned it and the screen turns into a keyboard.

Oh, how I heart thee new cell phone... (Did I mention I have unlimited monthly texting! Let the typing BEGIN!)

But I have phone guilt. Why is it I can spend money on the kids and feel like :banana: but when I spend money on myself I feel like :scared:

Oh, parent drama. :rolleyes:

Hey, cell phones will come in very handy if you decide to split up at the World! You and DH can just call each other and say "We're at so-and-so" and arrange meeting places and whatnot. It's a practical purchase. :thumbsup2

[Native NYer]

Love your new phone!

[Lady Lallie]

Ah, so the only way for a Lapuette to get a tag now would be to time travel back to the pre-Lapuette days, hunt 'er down, and say something clever. Normally I'd get cracking on my time machine right away, but who wants to travel back to pre-Lapuette days?Certainly not this LapuLapuette.


Great new phone Lara!

[Sarilas]

Thanks, all! I can't believe the learning curve associated with this thing! I'm STILL figuring stuff out! LOL

[Sarilas]

Today is day 180 till our trip to Disney World! Our FIRST trip! It's so exciting to be taking the whole family... the last Disney trip we had was just Kyle, Tatiana and myself at Disneyland in 2004, right before I married my DH... it seems like a lifetime ago!

[Lady Lallie]

Today is day 180 till our trip to Disney World! Our FIRST trip! It's so exciting to be taking the whole family... the last Disney trip we had was just Kyle, Tatiana and myself at Disneyland in 2004, right before I married my DH... it seems like a lifetime ago!

WOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

:banana: :dance3: :banana: :dance3: :banana: :dance3: :banana:

[Charleston Princess]

180 Day Mark Dance!!!

pixiedust: party: pixiedust:

Congratulations!!!

[willwriteforears]

180 days! :dance3: :yay: :banana: :cheer2: :banana: :yay: :dance3:

[TarzansKat]

Yeah for 180!!!

:banana: :banana: :banana: :yay: :yay: :yay: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

[Sarilas]

Okay, I should be able to be online more regularly now; we've had HughesNet satellite internet for ages, and while it's a good option for those who truly can't get any other internet service, we're finally able to get Comcast cable and today they came out and hooked us up! The speeds are so much better, AND, the big clincher... if you downloaded over some magical speed number with HughesNet they would penalize you with this "Fair Access" policy thing meaning they'd drop our speed down to almost nothing (much less than dial up) to punish you. So, for instance, if my computer automatically downloads updates AND I try to download a podcast at the same time, I'd be punished. It's ludicrous! But now I'm downloading and singing "neener, needer, NEENER" to my heart's content.

[Charleston Princess]

Comcast is what we have here at the house. It's one of my bestest friends in the whole world! :laughing:

[Lady Lallie]

Comcast is what we have here at the house. It's one of my bestest friends in the whole world! :laughing:We have Comcast too. :thumbsup2

[willwriteforears]

I hope all you Comcasters get better customer service than what I had in Chicago and better than what's out here! :goodvibes (I'm on Qwest high-speed DSL that used to be faster than cable before all the upgrades.) I had very, very bad experiences with the Comcast customer service in Chicago. Haven't used them here, but while I've had issues with Qwest, too, they're still more highly rated than Comcast.

DirecTV, by contrast, has been wonderful. Too bad I can't use them for all my issues. :rotfl:

[Native NYer]

Congrats on better service with Comcast.
No Comcast here in Gotham. We have TimeWarner.

[Sarilas]

HughesNet was contracted to India... very nice people but not the best for solving a dilemma when you can't understand one another!

I have a hook-up in the Comcast customer service game...

[Sarilas]

January Hours are up! January hours are up! :dance3: :yay: :woohoo: :worship: :cool1: :cheer2:

I still can't find the EMH, but the hours themselves EXIST. It's a start!

[Charleston Princess]

It's about time! Only took them three weeks to do it! But they are up and that is definitely worth celebrating! :banana:

[Sarilas]

It's about time! Only took them three weeks to do it! But they are up and that is definitely worth celebrating! :banana:

Shoot, I wasn't worried at all. I was just chillin', waiting patiently and idly by for someone to GET OFF THEIR BUTT AND POST THE DANG HOURS!

I don't think they're finished with what their doing though. Only Sunday's and Thursdays are listed for EMH - and historically speaking (thanks Jackie for suggesting I look it up on Intercot.com!) those are Magic Kingdom's EMH dates. Late Sundays, Early Thursdays. So I can go with that till the other park EMH's are happily released and I can GET SOME SCHEDULING DONE!

But I'm not anxious. Cooooooool as a cucumber. :rolleyes1

[Charleston Princess]

Shoot, I wasn't worried at all. I was just chillin', waiting patiently and idly by for someone to GET OFF THEIR BUTT AND POST THE DANG HOURS!

I don't think they're finished with what their doing though. Only Sunday's and Thursdays are listed for EMH - and historically speaking (thanks Jackie for suggesting I look it up on Intercot.com!) those are Magic Kingdom's EMH dates. Late Sundays, Early Thursdays. So I can go with that till the other park EMH's are happily released and I can GET SOME SCHEDULING DONE!

But I'm not anxious. Cooooooool as a cucumber. :rolleyes1

:lmao: :rotfl: :rotfl2: I don't believe you for a second! But, like you said, you can get some scheduling done!

[willwriteforears]

Yay! At least you have a base to start with, even if EMH isn't listed yet. :goodvibes

[Lady Lallie]

WOO HOO!!!!









...........finally.

[TarzansKat]

Awesome!:thumbsup2

[Native NYer]

Yay!!! Now you can plan some more :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

I think today I'm going to create something with our week's worth of park hours on it... just something for my trip binder for a quick reference.

Here we go!

[Sarilas]

So my plans to DIS were interrupted a bit when my husband and youngest child ended up flying to Puerto Rico (where he's from) for the funeral of one of his dearest friends. This friend was living in Ohio (for more than a decade) and was tragically killed by a stray bullet in his own home. They buried him in their hometown, and my husband went and served as pall bearer. Tragic truly is the operative word.

But everyone is now home and I'm back to working on a sort-of-itinerary-thing and made some changes to our ADR's... all that hopefully coming up today!

[Charleston Princess]

Glad everyone is home safe and sound! :hug:

Looking forward to reading about your itinerary and ADR changes!

[TarzansKat]

Lara, I hope you're all doing okay.

My thoughts are truly with your husband right now, what an emotional experience that must have been for him.

I hope that maybe the planning will help you guys to have some fun thing to talk about.:goodvibes

[Lady Lallie]

I can't wait to hear more about the plans.

:hug: to your family and DH.

[willwriteforears]

As with everyone else, I'm glad your husband and daughter are back safely, and continued :hug: for DH as he continues to grieve over the loss of his friend.

I second TK in hoping that planning the trip will give you both something fun to think/talk about. :goodvibes

[Sarilas]

Glad everyone is home safe and sound! :hug:

Looking forward to reading about your itinerary and ADR changes!

Lara, I hope you're all doing okay.

My thoughts are truly with your husband right now, what an emotional experience that must have been for him.

I hope that maybe the planning will help you guys to have some fun thing to talk about.:goodvibes

I can't wait to hear more about the plans.

:hug: to your family and DH.

As with everyone else, I'm glad your husband and daughter are back safely, and continued :hug: for DH as he continues to grieve over the loss of his friend.

I second TK in hoping that planning the trip will give you both something fun to think/talk about. :goodvibes

Thank you all. He's doing quite well - I on the other hand bawled like a baby watching the video tape that my sister in law took of my husband carrying the casket through the cemetery. It's unlike what I'm used to here in the states; more like what you'd find in New Orleans. All white metal and stone and above ground. The paths were so narrow that some of the pall bearers had to climb over sections of mausoleums, etc. in their path. (Jose, DH, tells me that normally a caretaker does the carrying, but the guys refused to let anyone carry their friend other than themselves.) It was heart breaking.

But moving on. (I'm such a cry baby, seriously.)

I've got a couple of pictures of things I've been working on to show you. I haven't even had time to show them to DH, but at this stage of the game he's pretty willing to go with the flow!

[Sarilas]

So with the release of January's hours and my husband gone all weekend, I tried to kept myself occupied making a mini-itinerary and making some ADR changes!

First to the ADR changes... Here's a pic of what's new!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Disney/ADRListJul21.jpg

I made an ADR for Raglan Road on the night we get to town; we figure some shopping and walking around Downtown Disney is a good way to stretch the legs after a long car ride AND to get into the Disney spirit!

I canceled The Plaza on Sunday night; the latest ADR they had was at 4:40 and that's just TOO early for dinner for us on our first night in the parks. (Nobody wants to leave MK to eat that day either.) I'll leave it open for now but if anyone has suggestions I'd love to hear them!

We changed the time for California Grill on Wednesday night; again, it was a bit early for us. The reservationist mentioned the fireworks and looked up the times for me and suggested if we were going to push the dinner back that we do so with the idea of (hopefully) having a window side view for our first trip! (Only the older kids are coming to that dinner and they will never forget it.)

I moved The Plaza to Friday evening, because even though it's an early res. we're planning on staying out late for evening EMH at MK (probably just DH and me later in the evening so the kids can get some sleep) and everyone will just want pizza or CS late in the evening anyway!

I'll upload the pic of the mini-itinerary in a minute... man do I have issues with time commitment! :rotfl:

[Native NYer]

Everything looks great!!!

[TarzansKat]

:::sigh:::

I can't wait to see all that food porn.

double :::sigh::::

:goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

Okay, the fact that your DH and his friends insisted on being pallbearers made me weepy, too! :hug:

Raglan Road is on my "almost definite" list for the next trip so I am looking forward to your food porn and review!!!

[willwriteforears]

Add me to the list of those eagerly awaiting food porn! :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

Oh, the food porn! I'm actually looking at buying a new camera JUST because I want to be able to take ridiculously good photos of the food. Yeah and pictures of the kids too (whatever). :rolleyes1

I'm thinking Santa is going to bring me a schnazzy new camera to test out at Disney World! :cool1:

[Lady Lallie]

I second the food porn. I can't wait to see it all. I am still deciding if I am going to attempt to take pics of my own food. I might be too self conscious.

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, the food porn! I'm actually looking at buying a new camera JUST because I want to be able to take ridiculously good photos of the food. Yeah and pictures of the kids too (whatever). :rolleyes1

:rotfl:

I'm thinking Santa is going to bring me a schnazzy new camera to test out at Disney World! :cool1:

I'm asking Santa for a new digital camera, also -- I already have it picked out and everything!

[trixiequilts]

Hi Lara! Thought I'd pop in and say that although I was happy for you making your ADRs, I just didn't understand the amount of joy and relief you felt until I did mine (through the 25th only of course, and Chef Mickey's on the 27th)! So much stress gone! Since then, I've had time to work on my binder (thanks again MRYPPNS) and have made 3 spreadsheets so far. One of them is based on your plan, :worship: although I'm not nearly as creative. And I'm stilll coveting your bulletin board. Thanks for keeping me on track!

[GeminiAngel]

I'm only on page 3. Great so far.

[Sarilas]

Hi Lara! Thought I'd pop in and say that although I was happy for you making your ADRs, I just didn't understand the amount of joy and relief you felt until I did mine (through the 25th only of course, and Chef Mickey's on the 27th)! So much stress gone! Since then, I've had time to work on my binder (thanks again MRYPPNS) and have made 3 spreadsheets so far. One of them is based on your plan, :worship: although I'm not nearly as creative. And I'm stilll coveting your bulletin board. Thanks for keeping me on track!

Awe, I'm glad you're having fun planning too! And I'm not sure I'm very creative, but I AM a very visual person... I like to see what I'm working on. ;)

I'm only on page 3. Great so far.

Welcome aboard and hang on... it's a bumpy ride!

[Sarilas]

So I need to start by apologizing for my absence from my own PTR- I don't want to get into it here as this place is meant for fun and entertainment but it's been a tough couple of weeks. Hopefully all is settled down now though and we can move onward and upward and into the positive new future!

So, before life got in the way I'd intended to post this for you all to see the first incarnation of our trip itinerary! I'm sure it'll change, in fact I know it will as I'm already contemplating an ADR change! (Shocked? I thought not.)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/January09calendar-1weekcopy.jpg

More to come!

[Charleston Princess]

That's gorgeous!!! Can I hire you to do that for our June trip next year??? :flower3:

[Lady Lallie]

I want one!! That is so great, how do you find the time and patience to do that? I am very impressed! :goodvibes

[TarzansKat]

Lara, that's awesome! You're so creative.:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

That's gorgeous!!! Can I hire you to do that for our June trip next year??? :flower3:

I'll make you a blank one you can fill in if you want! Just tell me which days you'll be there!

I want one!! That is so great, how do you find the time and patience to do that? I am very impressed! :goodvibes

I do a little here and a little there; in the morning before the girls get up, in the afternoon when they're napping, at night while my DH is in school... it really doesn't take that long! (I had it all pictured in my noggin.)

Lara, that's awesome! You're so creative.:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

Awe, spanks. ;)

[Charleston Princess]

I'll make you a blank one you can fill in if you want! Just tell me which days you'll be there!


You're the best!!! :goodvibes

Hopefully, I will have exact dates as soon as packages are released (Sunday?).

[willwriteforears]

Very cool planner! I think your DH's graphics abilities have rubbed off on you!

[Native NYer]

Cute itinerary!

[Sarilas]

You're the best!!! :goodvibes

Hopefully, I will have exact dates as soon as packages are released (Sunday?).

Okay I'm dying to know if you've been obsessing over the packages like I have been! Changes are afoot!

Very cool planner! I think your DH's graphics abilities have rubbed off on you!

We're two peas in a pod... both Cancer signs, both visual, artsy people... it's like our kids are being raised by the Mad Hatter and the Fairy Godmother!

Cute itinerary!

Thank you!

[Sarilas]

Happy 2009 Package Price release day! Cupcakes and root beer floats for all!

I've been completely entranced by planning today. I've got more notes written all over my desk than you could shake a stick at. I've emailed two travel agents and made a call to Disney reservations, I've priced things out on AAA and had discussions with the spousal unit. Here's where we are thus far:

1. We're going to down-grade to the regular dining plan. We're both just really on the fence about paying the extra $1000 for all of us to be on the deluxe when we know the kids are going to just be begging for burgers and fries most of the time. That'll mean changes to the ADR's in the coming days!

2. There is a VERY good possibility that we may end up back at WDW in November(ish) of '09 as an anniversary celebration... this would, however, be a surprise trip from the kids, which is what DH wanted to do with this first trip in the first place but SOMEBODY can't keep her trap shut. :rolleyes1

3. Because we may go back at the end of the year I may indulge in an annual pass! I've been pricing it out and we may very well come out ahead on this trip alone, much less the second trip as well...

Here's how my math is looking.

Our 7 days, 8 nights trip with 7 days of park hopper tickets and the regular dining plan at ASMusic Family Suites would come to $4389.52 (with insurance). That's about what we were planning on based on '08 prices. Now, according to the Disney reservationist I talked to this afternoon, it would be $2,983.81 (w/insurance) for the AP rate at ASMusic Family Suites with the regular dining plan for all of us. I priced out tickets at AAA.com (I'll price them elsewhere as well) and for DH and the kids it'll come to $942 for the 7 day park hoppers. My AP is $425 at AAA.com.

Here's where I'm trying not to confuse myself.

$2,983.81 (room/dining)
$1,368.65 (Annual Pass + tickets for everyone else)
= $4,352.46

So based on this quick calculations we'd actually be saving $37.06 by getting the AP and buying tickets separately... How is this possible?! What am I leaving out of my calculations? There must be SOMETHING...

[Lady Lallie]

I have no idea about the calculations, they make my head hurt. By all means if it saves you money and you have an excuse to go next year do it! May I suggest the lovely time in the beginning/middle of October, as A LOT of LapuLapuettes will be gathering at the world. ;)