Fun Crazy: I made it - I can't believe it's really here!

[Alysa]

I have been a member of the DIS for ages but have never been brave enough to write a trip report. This one promises to be something funny and magical though so I thought I would share. I hope you enjoy.

Background: I was raised on Disney. My first trip was when I was 5 and the only park was the Magic Kingdom. I have memories of nearly knocking Mickey down when he used to roam the park. I remember the joy of going on the Pirates of the Caribbean with my Grandmother who was my kindred spirit. I remember the sinking thrill of walking down into the belly of the 20,000 leagues submarine and the creepy chill of going into the Haunted Mansion at night. I remember all I wanted on that trip was one of those fabulous huge rainbow suckers the size of your head – and it was as sweet as I had dreamed. I also remember diving for pennies at the pool (off-site!!). The smell of cheap plastic pool toys still to this day reminds me of that trip – good times!

To introduce the cast:

Me – wife and mum of DD5 and DS2. I am a freelance art director so I get to stay at home and take care of the chitlets, which is such a gift (most days!). If I were any princess I would be Belle: “I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can say!” Ahem, I shouldn’t sing but I do, all the time. I can bake with the best of them but can’t cook to save my life. The stove has two levels for me - off and burn. I love going camping in Algonquin Park so I can paint there but after sleeping in a tent and fishing bits of dirt that shall remain nameless out of my hot chocolate, I have to recover by booking myself a stay at a deluxe hotel.

DH – brilliant scientist, dead sexy. HE wants NOTHING to do with trip planning. He just shows up and has a good time. His best day is when experiments go well at work and he comes home to a happy family. He doesn’t care about mess but he learned early on that if he wanted nice meals and not soup from a can for dinner that he had better learn to cook, despite his wonderful Korean mum teaching him that boys stay out of the kitchen. Thank goodness we got that brain washing out of the way quickly. He loves camping and fly fishing but he goes to Disney because of the joy it gives the kids and me. He rocks, really – can you tell I am crazy about him?

DD5 – my sugar and spice girl. Gosh I love her. She is sweet and funny and smart and so pretty. She is the best big sister and she loves ballet, gymnastics, skating, riding her horse Joe and doing art. She has quite a fairy craze going on right now and we are reading everything about them that she can get her hands on. She’s a lot like me but happily seems to have missed out on my Irish temper.

DS2 – my boy. He’s a car maniac really. If it has wheels he adores it. He is going to Disney World for the “Cars. Speedway Racer.” He’s the one who got my temper but hopefully that is a bit of a terrible two thing. If I am annoyed with him he comes up to me and says “Mummy, you happy?” It gets a smile every time. It’s a good thing he is so cute. He is a lot like his Dad. When the ultrasound cardiologist (long story) told us it was a boy, I said “A boy?! I can’t have a boy! I don’t know boys. I don’t even have any books for a boy!”. I immediately went out and bought “Peter Pan” and “Treasure Island” but despite those excellent preparations, I am still miles out of my depth with him. I do my best though and he’ll get by if love has anything to do with it.

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/uploads/25105/n714891891_99708_5919.jpg

Oh! I remembered how to add photos! Excellent!

I’ll introduce others as they come up in the story and they will because we are all going to Disney! My DH and our kids, my parents, my sister and her family and my brother and his wife. It’s going to be “fun crazy” as my DS2 says. All lucky 13 of us will be there this October for a Canadian Thanksgiving/ Halloween/Birthday extravaganza! See ya real soon!

[Alysa]

I dragged my DH to Disney for the millennium and he surprised himself with having a blast. Great hotel, gourmet food, drinking your way around the world in Epcot, relaxing by the pool, nightclubs and a wicked New Year’s party – what’s not to love? All part of my evil plan: before we left we took a tour of DVC and he was hooked! We still think it was one of the best purchases we ever made.

We took three trips before our daughter came along but that first one with her at 14 months was wonderful. We spent a week at Vero beach and then had three heavenly days at the Animal Kingdom. I had just decided to leave my job and become a freelancer and I was so worried about it but the time we had together really reaffirmed my decision to give myself more time to spend with my family The kids have both grown so fast. I feel like just brought my DD home from the hospital yesterday and yet here she is going into senior kindergarten soon. And I know that it’s going to seem like tomorrow that she is going to be off to university. I just want to savour every fleeting moment – it’s one of the reasons we are so glad we bought into DVC.

My DH would not be thrilled to know I posted a picture of us but here is a little video of my daughter on her first trip.

DD meets prince charming. Our Favourite Disney Memomory YouTube Entry that ALMOST won (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGC66aKkHok)

[Diamondintheruff]

Yeah, I get to be the first poster. Hello fellow canuck. 13 of you on one vacation plan. Wow that's alot to plan. Are you all DVC members?

I so remember those round rainbow lollypops. I tried having one from goofy's candy factory last year but it just wasn't the same. I remember going into the candy store on main street and watching them make the lollypops there. My brother's favorite shop on main street was the magic shop. I of course hated it when he bought something from them because he always used to torment me with it. I think my parents still have the peanut brittle with the snaky things that jumped out of it somewhere.

Looking forward to reading the rest. It will give me something to read about when I have returned home from this years trip. Happy planning.

[Alysa]

My husband and I are the only DVC members. This is our third big family trip. We did one with 18 in 01 and one with 13 in 06 when my son was 6 weeks old so we are getting to be old hats at this...
I remember those peanut brittle snakes!

I just went and saw your report so far - cute! Your DH sounds just like mine.
Can I ask what is this CAA character greet you mentioned?
Congrats to you and your son on the National Ballet – how amazing!
Have a great trip!

[Alysa]

It’s all about the matriarch in our family. My Mum is the rock that holds us all together. I learned the importance of family from her, and I learned to celebrate the special occasions. She taught me that baked goods are a necessity at any party. She taught by example how to be a great mother, with unconditional love, and the rattle of the wooden spoon drawer. (Not that I can use that particular trick – we employ the naughty step and toy loss at our house). She introduced me to “Narnia” and “Magic by the Lake”, the Beatles and Disney. She is a planner too and she is the one who organized that first magical trip. Thanks Mum!

My Dad gave me my love of camping and Tom Thompson, “All Creatures Great and Small”, “Jeeves and Wooster”, “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” and Scrabble games with Sunday morning breakfast at the dining table listening to the Blackbirds in the fields behind our house. What does he love most about Disney? Not sure, but it might be the hats. He just likes it when everyone is one big happy family. We are going to be there during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and I am looking forward to seeing him in costume. I know he is having trouble deciding between his favourite (Goofy) and the Genie. I vote for Goofy (he’s just like that – a loveable, funny, goofy Dad).

My sister is my best friend. She has three beautiful kids and she graciously had her youngest two at the same time as my kids so I could always turn to her for advice. She is one of those capable people and always seems to know what she is doing and if she has a lot going on, she always does it with style. She is like Carrie from “Sex in the City” and she even married “Big”. We recently completed a Minnie Marathon together this past May on a girls trip with my Mum and daughter. But we missed our guys. Next time we’ll take them with us. I’m going to try for the full marathon, or maybe the Run For the Cure Triathalon next year, but only if I can get over my fear of alligators coming up out of the dark water and taking my legs off. Okay…must remember to breathe…slower than that…I’m okay.

Here’s a video of the trip:

Girls Minnie Marathon trip! Woo hoo! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYARhxa3HAU)


My sister’s husband is sarcastic, smart and funny. He’s my favourite brother-in-law. He’s an architect and “Star Wars”/Guitar Hero fiend. He’s a great Dad to my three adorable nephews and niece and he makes my sister very happy – so I guess he’ll do.

Nephew #1: He and his Dad came with us on our first big family DVC trip (18 people that time) in 2001. He loves Disney and the time he gets with his Dad to ride the roller coasters. We have planned a guys day for him with his Dad, brother, Grandad and two uncles to Universal. I have never been before but I understand that it is what pre-teen boys want heaven to be like. Who knows what they will do there. The only places I plan are Vero and Disney. I’m afraid Roller Coasters make me sick. I can only do the water rides at Disney and the one time I did the Tower of Terror it was one of those “We don’t know how many times you will plummet nearly to your death” things and I was holding on for dear life, wondering how I would ever apologise to the man in front of me for throwing up all over him. Happily, it never happened and they eventually stopped and let me off. Anyway, Universal? Not me, not until they get Hogwarts set up over there.

Nephew #2: Same age as my girl and twice the cheeky. But I’m crazy about him. He’s cute and smart and he’s the reason his Mum will be grey long before me. (At least three years anyway, until my son hits his age!) He is all excited about going to Universal too. He tells me that there is this fabulous ride where a shark jumps up out of the water and tries to eat you. Remember me and the fear of icky things in water I can’t see down into? I’ll pass. He is at that age where he hates hugs ‘cause he is all manly and 5 and everything. So what do I love to do? You bet! Hugs and Kisses!! But it’s okay because I am the Auntie with Disney!

Niece: My sweetie-pie. This girl is so adorable. She can talk better than most 4 year olds and let her tell you a thing or two! She is JUST like her Mom. She tells me we are sleeping in the palace and I tell her that oh no, we are not, we are staying at Saratoga Springs which is way better and that Cinderella needs her room, ‘cause otherwise, where would she sleep? Then she tells me that Alice in Wonderland lives there too. Did I mention she is two? Then I tell her that Auntie booked her breakfast with Cinderella and all the princesses and then she hugs me because I am her favourite Auntie ever! We went when she was 6 weeks old and I sewed her the most adorable little Cinderella onsie but I am so excited to show her Disney this time. We are also going to dinner with the step-sisters at the Grand Floridian, and dinner with Mickey at the Contemporary. Se is going to be turning three this trip and I am trying to organize something extra special. I found an old VHS copy of a very cheesy, very 80’s Disney Sing Along at Disneyland for her to get her ready. Her mum has called me to say thank you so much because my niece enjoys it so much she asks to watch it about once every hour or so. It’s amazing how long “Right Down the Middle of Main Street U.S.A.” will stay your head, isn’t it? I’m so glad to have found something the whole family will enjoy so much. He he he.

My grandmother was enthusiasm personified and gave me my love of Christmas, Earl Grey Tea, painting, classical music, and travel and adventure. She gave me Jane Eyre to read and I tore through it in her hammock in two sweet summer days. I think I am most like her of anyone in my family. She passed away on Christmas day, her favourite day of the year three years ago and I miss her terribly. To get a sense of her, picture a smart career woman (kind of like Auntie Mame) grabbing me and my brother by the hand and tearing down the exit ramp to the Pirates of the Caribbean dragging us behind her, calling over her shoulder to my parents: “The kids want to go again!!”. She won’t be there in person but every time we see a fireworks display, or ride on Mission: Space or the Pirates, she’ll be with us.

[Diamondintheruff]

Very sweet youtube. I'm having a hard time writing as my eyes have blurred up a bit. What is that song from? I'm not technologically that advanced yet so my hats off to you.

We have that VHS disney sing-a-long with "Main street USA" on it too. My kids all loved it when they were 2-4 years of age. It lives at my parents house. It is indeed a catchy tune and was their favorite song on it.

I hear you about the roller coaster ride thing. I too will only ride at Disney (although I can be persuaded to ride mindbuster at wonderland for nostalgic reasons only). For our family we skip the trill rides but adore all the shows. My youngest wants to be one of the monkeys in the lion king but the older two would be happy with any dancing role.

The CAA character interaction is called "Disney's Story time". I only know about it from the boards because my CAA agent never has any idea what I am talking about. For instance the day before free dinning this year I called her to get her to look into it for me and she didn't believe me. When I went to pay in full (luckily I opted to stay at her desk while she phone disney) the Disney CM wanted to varify my ADR's and tours I had booked. My CAA agent said she doesn't have any ADR's. I could have lost them all if I hadn't spoke up. But I digress... I don't know how to book the story time yet. I'm assuming once I get my package with my magic express luggage tags there will be information in there with it. CAA lists it on it's propeganda along with the mini golf voucher, the planet hollywood deal and the sea raycer. So I assumed it would arrive with my magic express tickets.

[Alysa]

We have late additions to the party

My brother and his wife: On our first big family trip in 2001 we reserved a BWV grand villa and two studios. Unfortunately, my brother got the shaft and ended up on the couch in the Villa. He was so uncomfortable on this pull-out couch from hell that he eventually dragged the mattress into the laundry room and slept in there. He hates Disney (which makes me wonder if he really is related to me) and needless to say he does not have the fondest memories ever of this trip. His wife shares his distain for everything related to the mouse, but she is really making an effort and so last minute she has talked him into going for 5 days so that they can be there with us for Thanksgiving. I remember the first time we meet, she asked me why I would choose to go there when I could spend a month backpacking in hostels in China for the same price. (She also told me she hated Jane Austen, but I am forced to overlook these character flaws in the face of the face that she makes my brother deliriously happy.) I have booked them a stay at Vero in an ocean-view Inn room and I am wait-listed for one day in a one-bedroom at AKL (Our SIL expressed interest in staying at “the place with the animals”). The big problem they seem to have with Disney World is the number of kids running around. I know they think that perhaps it might be bearable for them apart from that. I am nervous about whether they will like Vero (our favourite place to stay) because of it and really hope they don’t talk about how much they hate it – at least to my face. They are arriving on the Sunday, checking in at Vero, then driving over in the evening to join us for Thanksgiving dinner at Artist’s Point at the WL. They are also going to come by so my brother can go to Universal with the guys and so SIL can go outlet shopping with my Mum and sister on the Tuesday. It is the morning we are off to a girls breakfast at Cinderella’s Castle and my SIL said maybe she would come, but my sister, knowing how much she would loath it, said she didn’t think she would 1) enjoy herself, 2) be able to change the reservation at this point, and 3) make it for 8am. Whew! I do appreciate the effort she is making though and I am thrilled she is a part of our family because I know how happy she makes my brother. I am hoping they relax and enjoy several days, just the two of them, by the ocean, and maybe see a smidge of why we love it.

[Alysa]

What is that song from?
Hercules! Love that movie!

[Diamondintheruff]

Hercules! Of course. I didn't mind the movie but none of my kids really enjoyed it so it hasn't been played over and over and over and over (I could go on but I think you get the point) like the others.

How can your DSIL not like Jane Austen? Not only is it one of my favorite novels of all time but I can watch A&E's version of it over and over and over and over (opps got carried away again. Sorry).

Just drove past Oakville. Well, I tried to drive past it but the construction on the QEW had me stuck there for a while. I picked up friends from the buffalo airport today. Also threw in a quick trip to the niagara outlet mall for good measure.

[Alysa]

Well, we finially completed all our dining reservations. Is it me or does this take anyone else an insane amount of time to organize? Check them out and let me know what you think!

Dining plans:
Thursday October the 9th: We arrive nooninsh; we have dinner at Chef Mickey's that night (a family tradition now).

Friday the 10th at MK: We have breakfast at crystal palace. That night the kids have a pyjama party with Grandma while my sister eats at Jiko’s with her husband and my DH and I eat at Chef du France (where my DH proposed).

Saturday the 11th at Epcot: My kids, DH and I have breakfast at Ohanas (our little ones love Stitch). My sister and her family are having breakfast at 1900 Park Faire with Alice and Mary. Dinner is at the Rose and Crown (where I once ate the most amazing cheese plate! Pimms cup, patio, water lapping, mmmmm, heaven!)

Sunday the 12th at MGM: We have lunch at 50’s prime time café and then a big family Thanksgiving Dinner at Artist's Point for a party of 13!

Monday the 13th at AK: My sister and her family and my parents are having dinner for at the Turf Bar while my kids, DH and I are off to Le Cellier for our official Thanksgiving dinner, eh!

Tuesday the 14th at MK: The boys are off to Universal, while the girls (and my son) have breakfast at Cinderella's. We have booked diner for the guys at the Turf Bar while we are having dinner at 1900 Park Faire with the Stepsisters!

Wednesday the 15th at blizzard beach: My sister and her family and my parents are having dinner at the Luau while my kids, DH and I are having dinner at the Plaza. I've only been there once as a child and remember the most amazing ice cream. I hope they also have good real food!

Thursday the 16th at MK: Dinner at Whispering Canyon. We plan to dress at the WL pool after a swim and then head to Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween Party!!

Friday the 17th: Home.

[Alysa]

How can your DSIL not like Jane Austen? Not only is it one of my favorite novels of all time but I can watch A&E's version of it over and over and over and over (opps got carried away again. Sorry).

We must be kindered spirits. I read the complete volumes about once a year and my dog's name is Bingley (because he very refined and gentlemanly and just an all around nice dog).
:lovestruc Colin Firth - sigh!

[Alysa]

Ooo! Our MNSSHP tickets came in the mail!!!!!
They are so cute! Now all I have to do is find our annual passes...

Plus I added a photo of us to the first entry...

[irky416]

I'm in. Your plan sounds great so far. I think I would go crazy trying to organize that many people!

Very cute you tube videos!

[Diamondintheruff]

Nice touch adding the photo.

Plan sounds good. You've got a nice balance of time apart and together.

It's always thrilling to get mail from Disney. I haven't been to the MNSSHP but I'm assuming the tickets are credit card sized and shaped with disney images on them like the P&PP were. My DD kept swiping hers and dancing around the house with it. I was so scared she would lose it. Now that it's over she plays dress up with them like they are credit cards and "won't leave home without it". I just need to teach her the phrase "charge it" and she will be all set.

[Alysa]

Is P&PP Pride and Prejudice Party? "Cause I am there!!!!

[Diamondintheruff]

Saw the film Momma Mia this weekend. popcorn:: Great fun but it was difficult to watch Colin Firth sing (and Pierce Bronson).:rolleyes1

[Mom2Kate-Anna]

Loving your report so far. We are taking our first Grand Gathering trip October 09' but with only 9 people (which of course I will be planning but I wouldn't have it any other way). It sounds like you have a wonderful plan in place with something for everyone. Can't wait to hear about your trip.

[Alysa]

Saw the film Momma Mia this weekend. Great fun but it was difficult to watch Colin Firth sing (and Pierce Bronson).


I heard it was adorable! I too have trouble imagining Colin Firth singing. In fact it makes me a little embarrassed! ;)


Hi Mom2Kate-Anna
Fellow compulsive planner - excellent! Do they really know how difficult all the dining is to plan? I think not, we suffer in silence (kind of) and wouldn't let someone else do it for anything!
I love how in your trip report you admit to meeting your DH on spring break. My tale is worse. I was rescued at UWO from two frat boys at a Kegger! Shhhhhh!! Our best man at our wedding tells of how he spent the night of that party searching for me because he thought I was off with the other guys (as if!) and really I was off with DH. :rolleyes1 But we just talked in the moonlight. It was so romantic! Okay, one little kiss.
We were at the Boardwalk over Christmas. Disney is so lovely that time of year. We even shipped a tree from home. You'll love it! I really like you're dining choices - you've picked all my favourites! We did a package from Disney florists waiting at check in too but they didn't deliver it until late evening because I had champagne for DH in it. You'll love AKL - it's amazing. So beautiful! It's my sisters new favourite after we stayed there in May. What is Character connection at Epcot? Can't wait to hear more details about your trip! Cheers!

[Alysa]

DH is at the lab tonight so I updated my daughters autograph album so that the new characters are all in it (Remy and Emile, Captn Jack, the Step sisters and Lady Tremaine, Lightning and Mater) . I found colouring pages of all the characters, and placed them on a photo sized card, two to a page. You just print them on card stock, trim and hole punch to put in a small sized album with rings. The kids love them because they can colour the characters and they get a HUGE response from the characters. DD is hoping to get everyone's but we have 136 characters pages and about 41 autographs and photos so far. I have high hopes for the Halloween Party for her though. If anybody wants a copy, let me know and I can email you a pdf.

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/uploads/25105/DSC03374.JPG

So far we have met: Aladdin, Alice, Anastasia, Ariel, Aurora, Belle (she enchanted my daughter to speechlessness on her first trip - so wonderful, we were the last people at the story time grove and they had a lovely cuddle together) :sad1:
Buzz, Chip, Cinderella, Dale, Donald, Drizella, Eeyore, the Fairy Godmother, Friar Tuck, Genie, Goofy, Jack Sparrow (Gosh he was funny! DD was standing waiting for him to pick her during the pirate tutorial and he didn't but when all the other kids had melted away she was still there. He asked her if she would be joining them and she just shook her head in terror and scampered. He smiled and after the show was over he gave her a certificate anyway.)
Jasmine, Jessie, Jiminie, Lady Tremaine, the Mad Hatter (hysterical at 1900 Park Faire).
Mary Poppins and the Penguin, Mickey and Minnie, Mulan and Mushu (so sweet to my girl, I almost cry thinking about it: she wore the medal she won at the Minnie Marathon in the 200m and they told her it was a medal of honour. Okay, there I go!) :sad1:
Piglet, Pluto, Prince Charming (we meet a very wooden character the first time we ate at 1900 Park Faire so we were not expecting much but the Prince Charming in May was him to a "T". DD fell in love, he was so sweet to her and asked her what kingdom she was from and when she said "Canada" he said "And you flew? Do you know Peter Pan? You must have been thinking very happy thoughts". She raced up to watch him dance when they do that and he picked a rather unlovely little girl who just floated off the floor to be chosen. He saw DD at the end and asked her if they could have a little dance just the two of them with no music. And her face when they danced. Sniff! :sad1:
Queen of Hearts, Rafiki, Snow White, Perla and Suzy, Tigger (just watch the video - sniff sniff!), Timone, Winnie the Pooh, and Woody. Okay here I go...
:sad:

That is why we go to Disney. The wonderful characters and the laughter and the fireworks, the unforgettable sweet moments with your kids that you can carry around in your heart that make you cry tears of joy. :lovestruc Isn't Disney the BEST?!

[Diamondintheruff]

Okay here I go...:sad:



I guess you'd better make sure you add kleenex to your packing list.

[Disney Brat]

I just found you and I am along for the ride!! We are heading down right after you guys!! We leave on the 21 and return on Nov 3! We arrive in WDW ont he 22, and leave WDW on the 2, but we got flights that were about $400 cheaper per person out of Minneapolis, so we are driving there first! Going to spend the night there going down and comming back. Can't wait to read more of your plans!

[Alysa]

I guess you'd better make sure you add kleenex to your packing list.

I know, I'm terrible! DS always catches me at it and says "Is okay Mummy. Don be sad!

Hi Disney Brat! Thanks for stopping by. We are flying out of the states too - Buffalo. Crazy Air Canada! I heard on the CBC that we have the highest airport taxes in the world! Are you doing any of the Halloween parties? Where are you staying? Love to hear about your trip!

[Mom2Kate-Anna]

Fellow compulsive planner - excellent! Do they really know how difficult all the dining is to plan? I think not, we suffer in silence (kind of) and wouldn't let someone else do it for anything!

When I start planning these trips so early everyone just looks at me like I have three heads or something. After the trips are over and they realize just how much that planning was needed ( I have taken first timers I think 5 times now) they are oh so thankful. But the next trip starts to coming around and I start planning. And once again I must start growing those heads again, and they start asking why are you planning so early. How quickly they forget. Or maybe I just make it too easy for them!!!

Love your story of meeting your hubby. When things are meant to be who cares where you met. :)

Character Connection is by Innovations West I believe. As you walk to The Land it will be on your left. We usually always see Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Chip & Dale there. We have also seen Daisy,Pinocchio and Mary Poppins.

[Alysa]

Whew! That was a close one! I just read that the SSR pool slide is going to be closed for almost all of September. Does anyone know if rehab often goes past schedule? We are kind of nervous about staying there but everywhere else was booked and a DVC cast member told me that because of our party size there is no way we could get anything else on the waitlist. Plus, the cast member said that the reason DVC resorts seem so crowded lately is because even thought the AKV's are nearly sold out, Kidani Villiage is not done yet so all those guests are going to the other resorts. Don't know if that is true, it's just what she said. We drove by SSR when it was under construction and we were kind of worried about how out of the way it seemed. But AKL had some bus trouble in the past too and it was excellent when we were there in May. I'd love to hear feedback from anyone who has stayed here already.

I just found the collection of SSR wdwinfo photos and they make me feel better. Some of the photos look lovely. It doesn't seem to be landscaped as well as others and maybe it is missing that jaw dropping feel of the lobby like some of the others but the rooms look pretty and the pools look fun. Plus we get an extra night for the same number of points! Plus we are not sleeping in the lobby! I can just see my boy playing out there on the splash pad with Donald and going down the slide.

I realized I hadn't said too much about DS so far because I was trying to keep it to Disney anecdotes. But even though he has been twice before, this will be his first real trip because he is only now old enough to understand what is going on. He talks about it all the time and asks to go "today" after his bottle every morning. He knows we are going in October and he knows who is going with us on the plane. He mentions how my sister's dog will not be going because she is "Fraid of Spooky Trees" (Disney Sing Along Disneyland Video anyone?) He knows about the speedway, and that they have a train, that Lightning McQueen and Mater live there, and really, he doesn't need more than that. When we were there in May my daughter and I stayed away from all the stuff that he would love, like Mike and Sulley, the Incredibles, the new Nemo ride and Lightning and Mater. We both wanted to share those things with him. I just can't wait to show him everything: Donald's Boat, the Lion King and Finding Nemo shows, the Philharmagic, the new Nemo ride, the Kilimanjaro Safari, Dumbo, Toy Story Mania, and I hope he can go on Buzz's space ranger spin.

75 days tomorrow! When can I start packing?

[dreamin_disney]

Hi! I just loved reading your plans. I also enjoyed watching the utube video -so cool! I'll be back to read updates.

btw- cute autograph book idea

[Alysa]

Note to self: MUST remember to arrange magical express when DVC member services is NOT closed. Now that we have our flights!! $119 out of Buffalo!! Our flight leaves at 7am so we have to get up kind of early. No problem, I won't be sleeping anyway.
DH and I drove down for that first trip together at the Millennium. We were going to get a hotel half way down but I convinced him to drive through the night with me. I was so excited, we got there at 3 am and tried to sleep in the Port Orleans parking lot. DH says it was like trying to sleep beside a pop-tart. I never slept a wink. I was so excited and when the sprinklers turned off and the buses started rolling at 5:30 I said "that's it! It's open! Lets GOOOOOO!!!" Needless to say, DH won't let us drive down anymore.

My sister asked us if we would stay with them the night before at a hotel in Buffalo but I told her that I don't go to budget hotels ( :snooty: I was kidding!) and she told me I sucked.
:rotfl:

So here is my version of Stacey - my top ten "Must do's"
"Wham, wham, wham." My DD actually said that yesterday.
1. splash mountain
2. haunted mansion
3. jungle cruise
4. pirates of the caribbean
5. spaceship earth
6. Mission space
7. Kali River Rapids
8. Wishes and Illuminations
9. The Seas with Nemo and friends
10. Goofing around with my kids at the pool

Then, my top ten absolutely SO NOT doing:
1. Tower of Terror
2. Space Mountain (of Terror)
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (of Terror)
4. Rocking Roller Coaster (of Terror)
5. It's (Not) fun to be a bug
6. Astro Orbiter
7. Star Tours
8. The barfy virtual reality things at DisneyQuest
9. Test Track
10. I'd say the teacups but I may not have a choice. DH told DD that Mummy would take her and now she mistakenly believes that Mummy loves them and I feel like an ogre telling her that they should be renamed the vomit cups. Oh well, we did laugh and that's what half a chewable kids gravol (dramamine, for my American friends) is for.

My DD said she most wanted to do Snow White and that there was NO WAY she was going on the Haunted Barrels (in Centreville, on Centre Island on Lake Ontario). Okay sweetie, good to know, I promise, no barrels!

[Diamondintheruff]

Last year we stayed at Best Western the night before and it was fine but this year I convinced DH to stay at the millenium. I stay there every november with girlfriends for a shopping weekend. We hang out on the balcony and have a fashion show at night. Doubt if it will quite the same type of fun staying with the family but I'm sure DH will come around and thank me after.

We are sooooo NOT thrill riders either. I like to refer to us as "show people".

[Alysa]

So I sent out an email asking everyone going on the trip what they want to do most and least and here are three more entries:

Our sister-in-law replied and said she is most looking forward to reading in the sun, and seeing her cute nieces and nephews;
and that there is no way she is going on any roller coasters, or letting my brother wear an anti-disney t-shirt.

DH said he is most looking forward to getting up in the morning and the most he has to think about is which park he is going to. (He might be a bit burnt out at work) Then I told him he didn't even have to think about that!
;)
and that there is no way he is going on the vomit cups.
:crazy2:

DS said yes to meeting Lightning McQueen and Mater, and going on the Speedway racer; and a big no on the Scary Trees.
;)

Okay - so can I start packing NOW?

[irky416]

I love the autograph book. That's such a cute idea.

I enjoyed your Definitely Not Do List.

[Alysa]

I enjoyed your Definitely Not Do List.

Thanks irky416! You must have a similar list of "So not doing that!"

[Alysa]

I waas reading a cute trip report today hlrababy's report (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1774677) and she mentioned a great site for costumes.

I realized I had been remiss in my planning, and that I had start trying to figure out who was going to be what at MNSSHP. If I have to sew four costumes I have to start now!

I told DD that she had to pick one and that she couldn’t change her mind anymore. (No more "Jasmine, no, pocahontas, no, Mulan, no, Wendy, no, Marie from the aristocats…")
So she thought about it a long time and said “I want to be Mulan, but I don’t want to be alone.” So I asked her what if Daddy was Shang and her eyes lit up and she said "Oooohhhh!" I knew that one would be a tough sell so I pulled out the big guns. I called him up at work and checked that he wasn’t too busy, and then I put DD on.
“Daddy, if I dress up as Mulan will you go to Disney as Shang? … short pause… Yeah!!!! Kay, bye Daddy! I love you!”

When he got home that night:
DH “So, I am dressing up as Shang?”
Me “It’s so good of you. Thanks for doing that. Is it okay?”
DH: “ I’m not doing it for you. I’m doing it for her.” Glaring
Me: “I know. That’s why I got her to ask you!”
DH: More glaring. Big sigh.

Don’t let him fool you. She’s Daddy’s girl. He loves it and he would do anything for her. She has him wrapped around her little finger.

So that leaves DS and me. DS was waffling between Lightning and Prince Edward so he could go with my niece who was dressing up as Giselle. It would have been cute but now she is being Alice. I really would have loved it if he would go as Mushu but he said “No, too scary”. Maybe I’ll bring both costumes and hope he goes for the Mushu but I won’t pressure him in any way. It wouldn’t do any good if I did anyway. He is as stubborn as his Mum.

DH thinks it’s all fun and games to me but now I have to figure out how to make a Shang costume. From scratch. At least I can pick up the Lightning and Mulan from the Disney Store (I hope!)

Now me. I don’t know. I suggested that I could be Snow White to my sister and she said “That’s’ a lot of work to make a costume”. I said “I already have one.” and she replied “Of course you do.” I made it for my daughter’s second Halloween for a party we threw. It’s nice but I feel like maybe I should be something different. I would have liked to have matched the others with the Mulan theme but but my options are kind of limited: Ping, the Matchmaker, Mulan’s granny, Crickie, the Emperor and Shan Yu. All very beautiful – not so much.

Ooooh – If my niece was going to be Giselle, I could go as Queen Narissa. Now that would be fun!

Any Suggestions?

So far, my niece is confirmed as Alice and my younger nephew is going as Dash. The rest of the cast is still unknown…

Did I mention that I CAN'T WAIT??!?!?

[passthepixiedust]

Heck, your countdown is in the 70's? You can SO start packing now! I mean, it's just being well prepared, right? (this is where you agree with me so I feel slightly less insane for making packing lists 80+ days out....)

Hello, fellow Canuck!

[Alysa]

Hello PassthePixieDust!
You lovely Canadians are making it feel so homey around here!

Heck, your countdown is in the 70's? You can SO start packing now! I mean, it's just being well prepared, right? (this is where you agree with me so I feel slightly less insane for making packing lists 80+ days out....)

THANK YOU! In honour (no that is not spelled incorrectly!) of you I went out to the Disney Store to check up on the costume status. If I have to make either of the kids costumes, I need to know now! Well the CM there said nothing until well into September. :guilty:

The kids summer stuff looks great but my DH needs some cargo shorts and I need to pick up some cute sun dresses, sandals, pajamas and a sun hat and bathing suit. I didn't get much new stuff this year and my summer wardrobe is getting a bit dull.

I saw a cute post that was talking about their shopping wish list for Disney. I love it - planning your Disney shopping! I am going to try to pick up:
1. A Mulan polly pocket type dress up set for DD.
2. Wilderness Lodge Lincoln Logs for DS
3. A really nice Omega style Mickey watch for DH (if it is too expensive I may have to hold off and save for his birthday trips if we can make it)
4. For me? Not sure but I will know it when I see it! I'd love to get some cute polo shirts and a new tennis skirt from the GF. They have some CUTE outfits there!

Anyone else have any shopping list must haves?

[Alice BlueBonnet]

Hey! I just wanted to say I'm really enjoying reading your pre-trip report. I'm with you on the costume conundrum, it's always a big deal for my friends and I as well. This year we're doing a Peter Pan theme, which should be cool. I think if you want something fun that matches someone in the group, you could always be the Queen of Hearts to match your niece as Alice, and Disney has a great adult costume for that. But considering the variety of costumes in your group, I'd just go as Belle!! She's your favourite, after all. And think of all the legitimate singing you could do....:goodvibes

[AZMickeyfans]

Hi, I'm enjoying reading your PTR. We are having a costume crisis as well. No one can decide here either! ARGH.

Anyway, great start so far. Cannot wait to read more.

[hlrababy]

I really, really think you need to go as Queen Narissa!! Her makeup is awesome!!

[passthepixiedust]

Hello PassthePixieDust!
You lovely Canadians are making it feel so homey around here! Are you not Canadian? I assumed you were because of your location, lol!

THANK YOU! In honour (no that is not spelled incorrectly!) of you I went out to the Disney Store to check up on the costume status. If I have to make either of the kids costumes, I need to know now! Well the CM there said nothing until well into September. :guilty: Lol! That is exactly the kind of thing I like to see done in my honour! (Everyone tries to correct me too!)


This year we're doing a Peter Pan theme, which should be cool. I tried to convince my children to dress up as Wendy, John and Michael Darling, although I had talked the boys (10 and 8) into nightshirts, my 15 y/o daughter is NOT digging the idea... We will be there on Halloween night and I so far have NO idea for myself!

[Alysa]

Alice BlueBonnet
you could always be the Queen of Hearts to match your niece as Alice
LOVE IT!! Although this is more my style...
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/uploads/25105/Picture_9.png

AZMickeyfans
Hi! Thanks so much for stopping by! How many of you are going?

hlrababyI really, really think you need to go as Queen Narissa!!
Wouldn't that be soooo fun?!

passthepixiedust
No, no! I am a Canadian too!! Sorry I made it sound like I wasn't!

10 great things about Canada, in no particular order, eh!

1. The group of seven and Emily Carr
2. Super nice people
3. Anne of Green Gables
4. Strong native community - I'm a smidge Cree!
5. We invented hockey, duct tape, superman, basketball, insulin, and Tim Hortons coffee
6. Beaver's tails on the Canal, Carnaval, and Algonquin Park (sorry, that's as far as I have travelled)
7. Bob and Doug (Coo-ooh-coocoo-coo-ooh-coocoo), Terry Fox, David Suzuki, Wayne Gretzky, Rick Mercer, Mike Meyers, Lenord Cohen, Bryan Adams, Farley Mowat
8. Cute Mounties and peacekeepers
9. Bilingualism
10. Our Queen

I so far have NO idea for myself! Would you not be Tink? Good luck with the nightshirts! Actually my DS was Peter and my DH was Hook last year. They were so cute together. DD wanted to be Wendy but Cinderella won out in the end. DD is a bit indecisive (like her mother)
;)

[Diamondintheruff]

They had a booth at the Toronto Zoo. I was there earlier this week and had the kids all pysched up for one. We were for sure going to see the Polar Bears and have beaver tails (the booth is right near them). Didn't end up with either. They are building the Polar Bears a new home and had that area closed off so no beaver tails for us.

[Alysa]

Mmmmmm Beaver tails! But really, they are the best when you are so cold you can't feel your body. And then that first bite and the sugar and cinnamon and hot lemon and you can feel it warm you up all the way to your skates!
Heaven!

[passthepixiedust]

Ooooh! I like the hot version of the Queen of Hearts WAY more than the Disney one...

I haven't gotten to try the Beaver's tails at any of the places you listed (I am in Vancouver) but :thumbsup2 on the rest of the list! I was trying to explain the Canadian "vibe" to an American once and the best visual I could come up with was the old Molson beer commercial... you know, My name is Joe and I am Canadian.

I know, I was blown away when my 10 year old consented to wear a nightdress and a top hat! I don't think that it would have the same effect without a "Wendy" though.... apparently, 16 is so cool that wearing a costume is almost unspeakable. Now I am thinking the guys could be Lost Boys. (Can you tell Peter Pan is my favourite?). I love that your DH consented to be Shang! That is so sweet!

[Tosha]

Hi Alysa! I'm here and I'm SO in!

You have a beautiful family! Just so sweet! I want to thank you again for all your kind words in my PTR especially during this trying time right now:hug:

That video of your daughter meeting tig had me BAWLING with tears of joy. BOY I hope I can keep my composure in Disney or else I'm in for some embarrasment!:rotfl:

But the way she was so excited....:love: She kept showring tigger with kissies and huggies and then just so excited. Can I show the video to my dh and children? They would love it!

[Alysa]

Tosha!
I am so excited you come by! I have been thinking of you a lot lately. You and Kendyl are still in my prayers.
I cry over that video too - all the time! If you are a crier like me, look out. You'll never make it at Disney! My son comes over all the time and says "Mummy, what wrong, Mummy, you crying?" "They are happy tears baby boy". I cry when I have to put away clothes for them that are too small, when my daughter goes to kindergarten, Christmas, birthdays, when my son hits a ball with his bat, when he got his big boy bed, when the Prince danced with my girl at 1900 Park Faire, any time I see the Castle. I'm just a big baby. God has blessed me so!

I'd love it if you showed your kids! I'll post my slide show from the same trip. It was her first trip and I am SOOOO excited for you! I wish I could come and see you guys all see the castle for the first time. I think you sound like a wonderful family. Sending more prayers for Kendyl. Less than two weeks left - you are going to have the BEST time!

[Alysa]

So here is a little slide show of our girl's first trip. We went to Vero for a week for Mother's day, then spent three wonderful days at the Animal Kingdom. We just lazed around and took it easy. It was a wonderful relaxing and happy trip. My tips for moms with babies? Return to the room for naps, get a kitchenette stocked with groceries so you don't have to take a hot tired baby to restaurants, spend lots of time cooling down at the pool, rent a crib from ABBF.com and bring baby's bumper, sheet and quilt from home.
This is a sniffy one for me. I think it is the song which always makes me ball.

Our DD's first trip - She was such a sweet little bunny. Still is! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2oPhGycScA)

[AZMickeyfans]

AZMickeyfans
Hi! Thanks so much for stopping by! How many of you are going?

;)

We've got just the 4 of us going.

And I did not know Canada invented Duct Tape. If I tell dh this he will move north. :lmao:

[Alysa]

So on DD's second trip we went to the Beach Club for a week and it was so much fun! She was so much more aware of what was going one. That first trip with her was really for us to enjoy watching her be a baby, but this one she really got a kick out of experiencing everything and she ADORED the characters. She thought it was so nice of them to show up to give her some loving. First trip her favourite was Tigger, this time it was Belle at story time, hands down. Sorry it is so rushed. I tried to fit too many pictures in.
I've got our marathon video done. Now I feel like I need to go and get our other two trips with DS done so that he doesn't feel left out. Bad Mummy, neglecting the second child's photos! Two kids are definitely busier than one!

Our DD's Second Trip - our first stay at the Beach Club, sniff! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olS57WgTtN0)

[AZMickeyfans]

GREAT slideshows!

You'll be in my heart was my daughters lyrical song for dance this year. I bawled each time those girls danced to it so I understand and wanted to cry during your slideshow too!

I love the second one. how much she had grown!

[Diamondintheruff]

I cry when I have to put away clothes for them that are too small,

How I hate going through their closets each season to sort through clothes that are too small. Each piece of clothing reminds me of something they did, or said and it takes a good wad of tissues for me to make it through it.

[Alysa]

Okay, so I'm catching up! Here is my son's first trip in March 2006. We had been planning a big family trip with my parents, my sister and her family, and my aunt and her family for about a year. Then, my sister comes to me and says "I'm pregnant!". Her baby would be 4 months and she and her family didn't want to cancel the trip. My niece would be bit younger than we would ordinarily go but the trip was still do-able.

Then, da, da, da, da! I found out that we were going to have a big surprise too! And if this baby was as late as his sister I didn't think I could go. I talked to my doctor and she said "You're going to a luxury resort? So sit back and let everyone pamper you. Breast feed a LOT to keep the baby hydrated, drink water all the time. Keep cool, stay out of the sun and don't overdo it. Have lots of naps and go with blessings!"

I hated to disappoint everyone by cancelling the trip, so we went. I was nervous about everything, I even worried about being able to find summer clothes for him in January, and I did not want to go shopping with a newborn, so I bought him 7 little gymboree 0-3 month outfits in the fall before he was born. When he was born he was so small he wore premie clothes for a while, and when we tried these adorable little outfits on him right before we left, of course they were miles too big. I remember putting the sandals and swimsuit on him and when I lifted him up the swimsuit dropped right down to the huge boats on the end of his feet. These massive sandals that had looked so tiny before he was born were twice the size of his feet and were the only thing holding the swimsuit on. My sister laughed when I told her and said "You thought you would take him SWIMMING?!":rotfl:

Of course she was right, to keep cool he was always either in a onsie or just a diaper and we drapped thin white blankets over his car seat to reflect the sun so we didn't need to put sunscreen on him. I guess I forgot that 6 week old babies aren't going to be doing a lot of walking so they don't really need SHOES! They were super cute outfits though. He would have been styling! I think I was nervous about going so I focused on silly things I could do beforehand. But the trip was great!

I spent a LOT of time in the baby centres breastfeeding. I went into the one at Epcot and fell asleep one afternoon and came out an HOUR later. :rolleyes:
I really do feel like if you are recovering from childbirth, a deluxe resort at Disney is a great place to do it. We ordered a bassinet, baby bath and a toddler bead for my DD from ABBF.com, and we had a full kitchen this time stocked with lots of juice, water and healthy groceries so we never had to go out to eat if we were too tired. DH took lots of photos of DD enjoying the parks for me so I wouldn't feel like I was missing out on too much and every evening at the hotel we watched little slide shows of her. I went to the parks for maybe two hours a day and skipped them entirely a couple of days.

We used Garden Grocer to deliver the food and they were great! However, when the delivery guy from there knocked to deliver the groceries I was breastfeeding on the living room couch. I was all covered up but he was an older guy and seemed so embarrassed. You never saw someone bring in a weeks worth of groceries so fast! Anyway, I guess he had a lot of deliveries for the hotel because I went over to my parents and sister's two bedroom suite on another floor about an hour later and my DS was still hungry so I covered up and started feeding him again. Then there was a knock at the door and you guessed it, it was the Garden Grocer man with my parent's order! He looked over and saw me on the sofa again and I thought he was going to pass out right there. :o

All in all it was a wonderful trip. While we were at Chef Mickey's we caught my DS's first smile on film and I'll treasure that memory forever. Sure it was a different and much slower trip than any of the others have been, but I wouldn't have missed it for anything. I think as long as you listen to your doctor, take it easy, drink at least 3 liters of water a day and be good to yourself, that a trip with a baby can be magical!

DS's first trip - I still can't believe how little he was! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QxEkM7p-1Q)

[Tosha]

Tosha!
I am so excited you come by! I have been thinking of you a lot lately. You and Kendyl are still in my prayers.
I cry over that video too - all the time! If you are a crier like me, look out. You'll never make it at Disney! My son comes over all the time and says "Mummy, what wrong, Mummy, you crying?" "They are happy tears baby boy". I cry when I have to put away clothes for them that are too small, when my daughter goes to kindergarten, Christmas, birthdays, when my son hits a ball with his bat, when he got his big boy bed, when the Prince danced with my girl at 1900 Park Faire, any time I see the Castle. I'm just a big baby. God has blessed me so!

I'd love it if you showed your kids! I'll post my slide show from the same trip. It was her first trip and I am SOOOO excited for you! I wish I could come and see you guys all see the castle for the first time. I think you sound like a wonderful family. Sending more prayers for Kendyl. Less than two weeks left - you are going to have the BEST time!

Thank you SO much! Thank you for keeping us in your prayers:hug:

OMGoodness! I showed the family and my girls are totally in love with the baby. I told them the baby is now a big girl :laughing:

My dh said " Awww that's SO sweet. How was she not afraid of him?"

That's because Dominique, yeah the same dd of ours who will be TEN in October, is still afraid of Chuck E Cheese:laughing: I told her on this trip she will NOT deprive the others from enjoying the characters, so if she's afraid she will have to close her eyes:lmao: She is SURE she will love all the Dis characters and said Chuck E Cheese is different because he's a rat :rolleyes: But we shall see.


Oh and I have to make a mental note to self....want to have a good cry? View Alysas slideshows and videos :love: So cute!

[Diamondintheruff]

Very sweet videos. I've got to start playing around and making some of those. I'm going to add it to my list. You know that list of things that you really do want to get around to doing as soon as you have some free time.

Noticing from the times on your posts that you are quite the night owl.

[Alysa]

OMGoodness! I showed the family and my girls are totally in love with the baby. I told them the baby is now a big girl
I know - sniff!

My dh said " Awww that's SO sweet. How was she not afraid of him?"
That's because Dominique, yeah the same dd of ours who will be TEN in October, is still afraid of Chuck E Cheese I told her on this trip she will NOT deprive the others from enjoying the characters, so if she's afraid she will have to close her eyes She is SURE she will love all the Dis characters and said Chuck E Cheese is different because he's a rat But we shall see.

It's funny and it might be because they have seen them all along growing up but the kids have no fear of them. They were afraid of other non-disney characters thought. It may be because the Disney ones look so much more non-menacing? Not sure but Dominique may be right. Plus she knows them and their stories, right? Whereas with Chuck E she might have been thinking "Who is this freaky rat and what is he going to do to me?" She just has good taste, that's all!

Hi Diamondinthefuff. I do know that list - I still have to finish updating my son's memory book, put his second trip video together and I bought albums for the kids baby pictures but have yet to select, print and assemble them. I'm not really a night owl, I just work freelance so I do most of my work after the kids have gone to bed and to reward myself I tell myself I can go do some DIS-ing after I am finished.

Thanks for reading!

[Diamondintheruff]

I totally agree-Chuck E Cheese IS scary and a RAT!

So as long as we can avoid the rats from ratatouille all should be well. Where are they anyway? France in Epcot? Or have they disapeared?

[Alysa]

Oh, my goodness - I had to edit this out - too whiney! Ignore me, I'm just a bit sleep deprived that's all. Instead I'm posting something to cheer me up: a link to some clips from my FAVOURITE B&W series. Hope you like!

Nick and Nora (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG3NZjRv2nM&feature=related)

I went shopping on the weekend at Gymboree and I got DD some summer clothes on sale and the cutest little dresses for the trip ; the shop girl told me that DD will stop wanting to wear them in a year or two which made me buy 3. :eek:
DS has lots of cute hand me downs from my nephew so I just have to pick up some white polos for him and find some sandals in a size 8 and he is pretty good to go. I feel a bit guilty because I don't get him very much.

I am so excited about the things I bought for a craft I am going to do with DD. I planned out a pattern and now all I have to do is cut it out and assemble. It's an advent calendar for Disney! Each day the kids open a new pocket (the little black mickey head) where there will be a special Disney themed treat inside. Here is a jpg of what it is supposed to look like (about 80 cm?), I hope to post soon with an actual photo. I'm going to glue the pieces on first then sew with a really wide stitch "for extra beauty", to quote Lilo. I've got a dowel I can hang it on. I'm so keen to do this with DD. I can't wait until I have the time to do it. Maybe over the weekend? It will be a 25 days out countdown - right now we are at 62!

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/uploads/25105/advent.jpg

Have a great night everyone!

[Tosha]

Tell the gymbo lady that's NOT true! My daughter Dominique will be 10 in October and and when I post pics from my trip report, you will see that she LOVES her gymbo.....in fact I have had to stop buying anything else because she loves gymbo so much.


Ms. Ice Cream Social herself......
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/all7ofus5kids/039.jpg

[Alysa]

Oh my goodness! Another Gymboree fan! Did you go to the sale this week? I love the ice cream social! Your daughter looks sooo pretty!
We stopped going anywhere else either. They just look so nice in the clothes, then my niece will re-wear all DD's things so I want them to last. I'm so glad to hear you say DD will keep wearing them. DD's a girly girl so I have some hope. We got DD the prep school line for school plus some petite Mademoiselle dresses. Plus some extreme animals bear shirts for DS. I couldn't resist - so cute!

[Tosha]

Oh my goodness! Another Gymboree fan! Did you go to the sale this week? I love the ice cream social! Your daughter looks sooo pretty!
We stopped going anywhere else either. They just look so nice in the clothes, then my niece will re-wear all DD's things so I want them to last. I'm so glad to hear you say DD will keep wearing them. DD's a girly girl so I have some hope. We got DD the prep school line for school plus some petite Mademoiselle dresses. Plus some extreme animals bear shirts for DS. I couldn't resist - so cute!

No I purposely skipped the sale. The Petite Mademoiselle will be marked down realllllly nicely wthin the next couple weeks, so I'll place an online order. I tend to do alot of damage at Gymboree and even MORE damage at Janie and Jack ( gymboree's boutique type stores). But the sad thing is we only get to really enjoy gymbo in the summer as they wear uniforms to school :( But we still get to getcutesy for church:thumbsup2 I just don't buy as much for the fall. But I MUST have some of that PM....if not the whole line.

What has been your favorite lines? For me it has been Bon Voyage, followed by Cupcake cutie then Candy Apple:thumbsup2

[Alysa]

I'll try to find some pics. I have a beautiful black velvet dress with a sash and a matching wool coat for her. I noticed going through her stuff recently that it is a size 4 so I'll have to pack it up this winter. :sad1: Then there is this dear little white dress with lavender flowers we got at Easter. I really love their school lines - we got the set last year as well. And we have a Bon voyage dress! Was there one called Ice Princess - the pink and pale blue skating/snowflake line? Lots of that too. And really any raincoat with matching boots that they sell at all. ;)
And for DS I LOVE the whale watching line, and anything with a bear on it. He has a wilderness lodge type room theme so anything like that just makes me want to cuddle him.
It's a big day for you guys today. Kendyl is in my prayers!

[Diamondintheruff]

While my DD7 (almost 8) doesn't wear everything out of gymboree anymore there are some things she will still wear. She still loves to wear dresses. At one point in her life (JK I think) she would only wear dresses with patterned tights. But now she wears it all. I think it depends on your daughters personality.

I haven't had time to check out Nick and Nora yet. But I'm looking forward to it.

[Alysa]

At one point in her life (JK I think) she would only wear dresses with patterned tights.

DD is just going into senior kindergarten. I got her the cutest little tights from gymboree, white with little black kittens on them - she LOVES them! Now I just have to find a skirt that matches!

[hlrababy]

Hey, just checking in with you! Did you finally decide on a costume yet?

[hlrababy]

I love your slide shows! Of course, they made me teary eyed!! :goodvibes

[Alysa]

Thanks Hlrababy!
I still have not decided. I wanted to pick up the kids costumes first at the Disney store and see if they had any good adult ones first. But I may run out of time...I'll do DH's Shang costume first (heh heh) and then decide...
I have one more video of DS on our homeless trip (we were moving and had no house for a month so we went to Vero beach and Disney for two of those weeks) and it is my sons last trip were he was a baby at 8 months. :sad1: ;)
I hope to finish and post it soon!

[Alysa]

OH MY GOSH!

I entered the Share Your Favourite Disney Parks YouTube contest with that video of DD and Tigger and I have been contacted as one of the possible ten finalists!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are going to let me know on the 11th, how exciting!!!!

I'll let you know if we make it!

[Alysa]

I am soooooo sad!!!!!!

They sent me the rules and regs and I saw that you have to be a legal resident of the US. WHICH I AM NOT!!!!:sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad:

I called them and said a friend at MIT in Boston would submit it for us and the fellow I talked to said that we would not be able to because the official deadline date was over and that he was so disappointed because it was his favourite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am SOO depressed! It's official. I never win ANYTHING! Not once. In my whole entire life! MY sister on the other hand wins everything. She has never not won something from the Princess Margaret Lottery.

Oh well. I get lucky because it was my memory, right? I always say I'm unlucky in contests but lucky in life.

PS. The prize was an all inclusive trip to Disneyland. Where I have never been. Ever. And they have 10 000 league ride there again. Which I loved.
Oh well. :sad1:

[hlrababy]

I am soooooo sad!!!!!!

They sent me the rules and regs and I saw that you have to be a legal resident of the US. WHICH I AM NOT!!!!:sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad:

I called them and said a friend at MIT in Boston would submit it for us and the fellow I talked to said that we would not be able to because the official deadline date was over and that he was so disappointed because it was his favourite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am SOO depressed! It's official. I never win ANYTHING! Not once. In my whole entire life! MY sister on the other hand wins everything. She has never not won something from the Princess Margaret Lottery.

Oh well. I get lucky because it was my memory, right? I always say I'm unlucky in contests but lucky in life.

PS. The prize was an all inclusive trip to Disneyland. Where I have never been. Ever. And they have 10 000 league ride there again. Which I loved.
Oh well. :sad1:

Awww, I am sorry!!!! That really stinks!

[Alysa]

Awww, I am sorry!!!! That really stinks!


Thanks hon'!
I'm okay now. And I really don't mind. I am lucky in life! DH is at the lab again tonight so to make myself feel better I created our final family trip video!

Here it is - so background: We were homeless for a month while our house was being sold and our new one was not ready yet. What to do...hmmm...Disney!!
So after two weeks at my grandfathers condo while he was on a golf walkabout, we took off for 10 days at vero and 4 at Wilderness Lodge. Our absolute favourite resort. DD liked it for the pool and the "free" hot chocolate she could take her mug and go get any time she liked. I guess because we don't have a lot of sweets at home, that is her favourite special treat when we are out. And isn't DS so ridiculously chubbers?! Anyway, it was heaven and making the slide show really made me want to go back again. And the song is apt because it is:
1. About going home, which we did.
2. My son's favourite movie song to sing to, and it was his first trip that he didn't sleep though 99.9% of.
3. Very wilderness lodge-ish, where we stayed. I guess I could have put some Copeland to it too but I felt like I had to stick to the Disney music theme.
Now the only question is what music to use for our next trip. In 60 days!!!!!

Our most recent trip to Disney - too long ago! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eZGIH6I4cI)

[Diamondintheruff]

WOW!!!

Loved the video. That must have taken alot of time to put it together. I love how you matched some of the lyrics with the pictures (moon, sun, wind etc).

[Alysa]

Thanks Diamondintheruff!
Not too long - imovie is really easy. The most time consuming part is taking out the zooms it puts in automatically. Anyone know how to do that witha ll the shots at once?
It is so worth spending the time making the video because DS and DD love watching it. (And I do too!)

I finally watched the Disney World Planning Video that Disney sent me. It was ridiculous. I sat there beside DS with DD on my lap and she and I had a good little happy cry together. DS is SO excited!

Plus we finally made our advent calendar. It has 25 pockets so we are going to run through it twice, starting in 8 days! I want to go by the Dollarama and get some fun treats for it. DD sewed for the first time, I'm so proud of her!). She did ten of the mickey heads (you can see one or two in the photo). I told her I wanted to take a photo so she HAD to go upstairs and put on her Cinderella outfit on first. I can't believe how different DS looks in the photo compared to the video. My babies are growing up so fast! :sad1:

Okay the photos are not loading onto the site very well. I'll update this post with those as soon as they go up! Now it's back to work for me. Hope you all had a great weekend, cheers!

[Alysa]

Hi Alysa,

I just double checked with our legal team. Unfortunately this YouTube contest is only open to U.S. citizens, so we won't be able to include you as a finalist. We're very sorry that you're not eligible, we just loved your video! But please keep coming back to our YouTube page, we plan on creating new contests over the year and we will try to open up other contests to Canadian residents as well.

Thanks,
Scott

If you can picture me my head is down onmy desk and I am sobbing.
Well, not really that bad. But it sucks! :guilty: ;)

[Diamondintheruff]

I guess you'd better start practising the phrase "It was such an honour to even be nominated" with the glazed look in your eyes and the static smile on your face.

[Alysa]

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/uploads/25105/advent.jpg

I finally figured out the images!

[Diamondintheruff]

The kids look so big now!

That countdown is quite a project. I'm impressed.

[Alysa]

Thanks Diamond!
The countdown was worth it - the kids come tearing down every morning asking - "Is today the day we start the countdown?!!??!"
Well DD does, DS just asks "Okay?"

Don't they look big there? Sniff!

[Alysa]

DD is mad over fairies lately so we have been reading all the books we can find on them but at the end of "The Fairy Chronicles", there are big huge fat scary Gremlins. :scared1: Well DD has come downstairs twice now. I just marched her back upstairs and have handed her "The Girls Book of Flower Fairies" instead. Much better. So she clutches at her book and says. "It's okay Mummy, I'll just think about nice things like Fairies and Disney and what I am going to wear and how handsome Daddy will look when he turns into Chang."
I kid you not, word for word. That girl! I don't know where she gets it from! ;)

[Diamondintheruff]

We've read a few of the Disney fairy books over the last year. Haven't seen any Gremlins yet. Although DD gave up "princess" stuff she still thinks Tink is cool. DD really liked those books last year but now that her reading level has improved and she reads on her own she's been reading the High School Musical novels. I guess the pre-teens are heading my way. Both her and DS9 went ga-ga over a tiger beat magazine (can you believe they still have them?) last month and now Miley and Jonas brothers plus numerous other Disney channel stars are plastered all over their bedroom walls.

Don't forget to take pictures of your DH dressed up as Chang for us too!

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Alysa,
Have just started on your PTR - will need to read through it all! Your kids look so cute! :cutie:

Di x :flower3:

[Alysa]

Hi Di!!
How lovely, thanks for coming by! You'll have to pass along any Universal tips you have. Even though I told the guys I don't know anything about it, they still aren't doing any of their own planning. Is there anything that is "must do" before they show up?
Slainte!

[Alysa]

Hi Diamond
Don't forget to take pictures of your DH dressed up as Chang for us too!

Oh, I'll take lots, not to worry! Heh heh heh.

[Alysa]

I LOVE Dollarama!
I went there today and picked up a bunch of stuff for the advent calendar. Just goofy little treats. Everything was a loonie! Excellent!
Here is a shot of the loot, plus our dog Bingley came by to make sure I was using the camera correctly (he's just like DH!) ;) He HATES having his photo taken, can you tell?

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/uploads/25105/DSC00580.JPG
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/uploads/25105/DSC00578.JPG

I'm worried about DS though. He does not understand the finer points of waiting until tomorrow for the next treat and keeps trying to open all the pockets. It think I will have to fill each pocket the night before...
;)

[Diamondintheruff]

Thats a whole lot of loot!

I can only imagine what Christmas must be like at your house!

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Alysa,
Have finally caught up with your PTR - you have done so much work planning for so many!!:worship:
Your ADRs sound great - some of them the same as us!
We're going back to 1900 Park Faire for breakfast, but I didn't know they did a dinner with the step-sisters!! That will be really cool. We've got dinner ADRs for Chef Mickeys and WCC, as well as lunch at CRT - have never been to any of them so are really looking forward to them!
I tried to get dinner at Ohanas but no joy :sad2:
You'll love US, are you going to IOA as well? The kids will like Shrek, The Simpsons, ET, Barney and the playgrounds at Curious George and Fievel. Seuss Landing is great for kids at IOA.
Keep posting!
Di x :donald:

[Alysa]

Hi Diamond!
I know it looks crazy but as I explained to DH ;)
The kids will use the supplies for school and that whole tableful was only $20!
Things have been kind of tough around here lately with DH and me doing a lot of extra work and the house having tons of renovations so I was trying to do something a little extra fun for the kids who have been so good and patient for us. Justify much?
But yes, Christmas is quite the thing here. :rolleyes1

Hi Di,
I can't wait to hear about your WCC! We are so excited to eating there for the first time. And I know you will have a blast at CRT and Chef Mickeys.
I think the guys are all going to go to universal and the girls are going to breakfast with cinderella, then my sis, mum and sister in law are going outlet shopping. I thought I would maybe take DD, DS and my niece to the pool or something...
I didn't even realize that they had more than one park at Universal. Now you see why we need your expertise. I thought I would wait to go until they have Hogwarts set up. Any advice for the men that you have would be very much appreciated!

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Di,
I can't wait to hear about your WCC! We are so excited to eating there for the first time. And I know you will have a blast at CRT and Chef Mickeys.
I think the guys are all going to go to universal and the girls are going to breakfast with cinderella, then my sis, mum and sister in law are going outlet shopping. I thought I would maybe take DD, DS and my niece to the pool or something...
I didn't even realize that they had more than one park at Universal. Now you see why we need your expertise. I thought I would wait to go until they have Hogwarts set up. Any advice for the men that you have would be very much appreciated!

The guys will love US, both parks are good, but IOA is slightly more grown-up in that it has more rollercoasters and thrill rides. US is more like DHS in that it is all movie related rides. So it depends what they want to go for.
You should go onto their website: universalorlando.com (I think, something like that anyway). It has small clips of all the rides in both parks. :thumbsup2
Catch up later,
Di x :flower3:

[earthfaries]

Hi :)

I saw your post on Dr_Finkelstein's PTR and thought I'd hop over and check it out! It helps the time pass until it's time to go back to WDW:rotfl:

I have subscribed, now I'm going back to read ;) Just wanted to say Hi!

[Alysa]

Hi Earthfaries!
Thanks for stopping by! What a gorgeous family you have. Looking forward to reading your original trip report after the kids go to bed and stop playing the FLUTE! :headache: Gotta dash and mysteriously lose that lovely instrument!
"I don't know where the flute went honey! Maybe it melted?" :confused3
Cheers!

[AZMickeyfans]

I went shopping on the weekend at Gymboree and I got DD some summer clothes on sale and the cutest little dresses for the trip ; the shop girl told me that DD will stop wanting to wear them in a year or two which made me buy 3. :eek:


I am so excited about the things I bought for a craft I am going to do with DD. I planned out a pattern and now all I have to do is cut it out and assemble. It's an advent calendar for Disney! Each day the kids open a new pocket (the little black mickey head) where there will be a special Disney themed treat inside. Here is a jpg of what it is supposed to look like (about 80 cm?), I hope to post soon with an actual photo. I'm going to glue the pieces on first then sew with a really wide stitch "for extra beauty", to quote Lilo. I've got a dowel I can hang it on. I'm so keen to do this with DD. I can't wait until I have the time to do it. Maybe over the weekend? It will be a 25 days out countdown - right now we are at 62!


Have a great night everyone!

Why do people say such strange things!:confused3 Very odd.

anyway I love the advent calendar idea and all of the loot you got for it. They will score with that one!

Tell the gymbo lady that's NOT true! My daughter Dominique will be 10 in October and and when I post pics from my trip report, you will see that she LOVES her gymbo.....in fact I have had to stop buying anything else because she loves gymbo so much.


Ms. Ice Cream Social herself......
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c243/all7ofus5kids/039.jpg

Oh, look how GORGEOUS your daughter is!!:love: Shes so cute I had to quote it.

I am soooooo sad!!!!!!

They sent me the rules and regs and I saw that you have to be a legal resident of the US. WHICH I AM NOT!!!!:sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad:

I called them and said a friend at MIT in Boston would submit it for us and the fellow I talked to said that we would not be able to because the official deadline date was over and that he was so disappointed because it was his favourite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am SOO depressed! It's official. I never win ANYTHING! Not once. In my whole entire life! MY sister on the other hand wins everything. She has never not won something from the Princess Margaret Lottery.

Oh well. I get lucky because it was my memory, right? I always say I'm unlucky in contests but lucky in life.

PS. The prize was an all inclusive trip to Disneyland. Where I have never been. Ever. And they have 10 000 league ride there again. Which I loved.
Oh well. :sad1:

Shoot. I was all excited for you until I read this too!

DD is mad over fairies lately so we have been reading all the books we can find on them but at the end of "The Fairy Chronicles", there are big huge fat scary Gremlins. :scared1: Well DD has come downstairs twice now. I just marched her back upstairs and have handed her "The Girls Book of Flower Fairies" instead. Much better. So she clutches at her book and says. "It's okay Mummy, I'll just think about nice things like Fairies and Disney and what I am going to wear and how handsome Daddy will look when he turns into Chang."
I kid you not, word for word. That girl! I don't know where she gets it from! ;)

I've heard of kids refering to the fairies books but Im not sure exactly which ones they are? We only have Tinkerbell stories in our house but I would love for dd to branch out a little. Scary Gremlins might not be a good idea though!!:scared1:

I love your dog, Like "not now, this is not my best angle":rotfl:

[Alysa]

Hi AZMickeyfans!

Isn't Tosha's daughter Dominique beautiful?! Actually, all her children are gorgeous. You should go read her trip report, it is so fun. She gets back from Disney next week!!

DD started with the Tinkerbell book too. There are two other series out right now that are excellent fairy stories.

The Rainbow Fairies series are quite popular, these are probably the ones you have heard of. (http://www.amazon.ca/Rainbow-Magic-Ruby-Red-Fairy/dp/043973861X/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218834208&sr=8-12)

The Flower Fairy ones are the most well written, they are our favourites (http://www.amazon.ca/Flower-Fairies-Friends-Lavenders-Midsummer/dp/0723257965/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218834324&sr=1-21)

I'd recommend either.

I love your dog, Like "not now, this is not my best angle
Wow! It's like you know him! :rotfl:

Thanks for stopping by!

[AZMickeyfans]

Hi AZMickeyfans!

Isn't Tosha's daughter Dominique beautiful?! Actually, all her children are gorgeous. You should go read her trip report, it is so fun. She gets back from Disney next week!!

DD started with the Tinkerbell book too. There are two other series out right now that are excellent fairy stories.

The Rainbow Fairies series are quite popular, these are probably the ones you have heard of. (http://www.amazon.ca/Rainbow-Magic-Ruby-Red-Fairy/dp/043973861X/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218834208&sr=8-12)

The Flower Fairy ones are the most well written, they are our favourites (http://www.amazon.ca/Flower-Fairies-Friends-Lavenders-Midsummer/dp/0723257965/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218834324&sr=1-21)

I'd recommend either.


Wow! It's like you know him! :rotfl:

Thanks for stopping by!


I'll check those out thanks! And I got the dog vibe through the picture. Mine is the SAME WAY!:lmao: :lmao:

I'll be around more often now. My kids started school 2 weeks ago and I've been filling my days with shopping to ease the sorrow of my youngest baby going to all day kindergarten. I think I'll enjoy the quiet now but at first it was too quiet at home and I cried. So I grabbed my purse and headed out the door like any good woman should! :thumbsup2

With my trip within 2 months though I need to slow it DOWN1:lmao: :lmao:

So I'll be back to DISsing!

And I'll check out her TR:thumbsup2

[Alysa]

AZMickeyfans, YOU should write a TR - very helpful when you are too excited!

to ease the sorrow of my youngest baby going to all day kindergarten :sad:
DS will start preschool in September - that will be bad enough! I feel for you my dear!

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Alysa - I haven't had time to read any of your PTR yet, but I wanted to come over and subscribe! Amy

[Alysa]

Hi Amy!
Thanks for stopping by, and for the info about the MNSSHP as well. What did your boys dress up as last year? So far DD is still on for Mulan which is amazing for her - up to a month ago she changed her mind about every two days. And DS will definitely be going as Lightning - no more Mushu nonsense. I thought about it and I can just imagine the look he would give me if I handed him a Mushu costume. Kind of like DH's look when I hand him his Shang costume - heh, heh.
Cheers!

[Diamondintheruff]

Poppin in to say :wave2: I'm off today!:cheer2:

[Alysa]

We'll miss you! Have a WONDERFUL time!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to hear about the new trip!

[askelton]

That night the kids have a pyjama party with Grandma while my sister eats at Jiko’s with her husband and my DH and I eat at Chef du France (where my DH proposed).

Sounds like you all have good plans! :thumbsup2 DH and I had a lovely time at Jiko but haven't been to Chef yet.

Dinner is at the Rose and Crown (where I once ate the most amazing cheese plate! Pimms cup, patio, water lapping, mmmmm, heaven!)R & C is one of out favorites! ;)

then a big family Thanksgiving Dinner at Artist's Point for a party of 13! We ate at AP a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. It wasn't very crowded and we were not rushed at all. Lovely CM's. :goodvibes

Tuesday the 14th at MK: The boys are off to Universal, while the girls (and my son) have breakfast at Cinderella's. The boys will love Universal. On the way back to the car they should have a drink on the Porch of Indecision. (Jimmy Buffet's) :love:

then head to Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween Party!! For some reason DH doesn't want to go to MNSSHP :confused3 so I think I'll go with a girlfriend.

[Tosha]

AZMickeyfans and Alysa you two are too sweet! Thank you so much

She may be cute, but these days she is FULL of attiTUDE.....and I'm NOT liking it :mad: But what can I do? Deal with it or ship her on a one way flight to Never never land!

Alysa...WOOHOO everything is looking good! Yeah it's a MUST that you post pics of your dh in his costume....we won't tell!

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Gotta dash and mysteriously lose that lovely instrument!
"I don't know where the flute went honey! Maybe it melted?"

:lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl: I love it!! If you don't mind I'll need to keep that one for future reference! ;)

BTW, what are you dressing up as for the MNSSHP? I'm trying to look for an outfit, but have had no luck so far finding one that won't have me escorted of the premises! "Does nobody sell outfits for adults that have knee length skirts?"
Will need to look while I'm over there!

[Alysa]

Hi askelton!
Thanks for stopping by and for the info! You have to try Chef - not everyone likes it there but we love it (see, it IS like France!) ;)
We went to France for our honeymoon. One week in Paris, then one week in Bazas (near Bordeaux) and St.Malo (near Brittany). It was so amazing. I need to go back soon!
I will tell the guys about the Porch of Indecision.
When are you going to MNSSHP?

Hi Tosha!
But what can I do?
Don't forget to take notes on what you are doing. We already call DD "Miss Cheek".;) I know my time is coming and I'll need all the help I can get!

Hi Di,
what are you dressing up as for the MNSSHP?
I think I am probably going to go as Snow White. I have a great costume I made and things have been so crazy here lately that I probably will have my hands full with making the kids and DH's costume. I would love to do Narcissa or the Queen of Hearts though. Stay tuned - I'll confirm when the costumes come out at the Disney store! ;)

Thanks for reading everyone! You guys are the best!

[askelton]

Hi askelton!
Thanks for stopping by and for the info! You have to try Chef - not everyone likes it there but we love it (see, it IS like France!) ;)
We went to France for our honeymoon. One week in Paris, then one week in Bazas (near Bordeaux) and St.Malo (near Brittany). It was so amazing. I need to go back soon!
I will tell the guys about the Porch of Indecision.
When are you going to MNSSHP?

I went to France about 10 years ago and absolutely loved it! :lovestruc Started in Paris and went south ending in Nice. We weren't married then and DH refuses to go. "It's France" Although he loves F1 racing, so I have been trying to talk him into going to the race in Monaco. I haven't decided when to go to MNSSHP. Since we have AP's, I'll check the discount days and pick one of them. :thumbsup2

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Amy!
Thanks for stopping by, and for the info about the MNSSHP as well. What did your boys dress up as last year? So far DD is still on for Mulan which is amazing for her - up to a month ago she changed her mind about every two days. And DS will definitely be going as Lightning - no more Mushu nonsense. I thought about it and I can just imagine the look he would give me if I handed him a Mushu costume. Kind of like DH's look when I hand him his Shang costume - heh, heh.
Cheers!


Hi Alysa - Finally got all caught up - sorry to hear abouty the YouTube contest. :sad2:

Last year DS4 was Nemo - bought from Disneyshopping and DS7 was Leo from the Little Einsteins. I picked up orange shorts and black t-shirt at Walmart. I bought some wide orange ribbon and attached it to the shirt for the stripe. My hairdresser gave me some red hair gel and we used it to spike his hair up. The hardest part was the glasses. I bought some Harry Potter round glasses and had to spray paint them green. People "got it" at Disney, but nobody could figure out what he was supposed to be outside of the world. We went to a Halloween themed birthday party and I wore a Little Einsteins shirt so we could point out Leo. :rotfl: He had a dance at school after our trip and he decided to wear his red "king" cape along with his Mickey sorcerer's hat that he got on the trip. People seemed to like that costume better. :confused3

[vettechick99]

Hey! You know I had to come read your pre-TR and I'm excited we are going to be there at the same time. What an adorable family you have!! I'll look for your brood and you keep an eye out for mine. :banana:

[Alysa]

Vettechick!
I had an actual DISboards celebrity visit my trip report!
:smooth:

Thanks for stopping by! I hope we'll run into you! I'm pretty sure I'll be the one being dragged on the "Cars. Speedway racers!" Again. And again! Just a guess but that is all DS has been talking about for days. "At Disney. In October."

Cheers!

[Bev1016]

Alysa,
I love your PTR! I'm so excited to hear all about the fun that you have and see the cute costumes. We're taking our DS (who will be 8 months old) for his first WDW trip, so I might have to get some tips from you for taking babies!

I'm excited to read more! :cool1:

[hlrababy]

Hey Alysa!!:wave2: Just checking in with you!!!

I hope your costume's are going good! Of course, I think ours is changing once again...:rolleyes1

[Alysa]

Hi Bev,
I might have to get some tips from you for taking babies!
Taking little ones is so nice. I know THEY won't remember but it is a great family getaway. We were in Korea last summer for two weeks and it was nice but really hard on us. (Plus the flights were HELL! Never fly
United!) Disney is just a great place to vacation with a young family because it is so easy. If you do it right they have a great time too and my kids LOVE watching the slide shows of the trip as they get older. I remember when my son was 7-1/2 months he loved just sitting in the splash pads. He also loved cuddling with the characters and "It's a small world". His sister wanted to do a princess breakfast and the characters fussed as much over him as they did with her and just COVERED him with lipstick kisses! To funny. Biggest piece of advice: go SLOW! Return to the rooms often for naps, have short days and take a comfy stroller in case he falls asleep before you get back.
If you have any questions, ask away!

Hi hlrababy!
What are you changing to?
Costume updates for us: The Disney store Mulan and Lightning McQueen costumes are not nice at all this year. The Mulan one is too frilly and the Lightning one is just a jump-suit. So I am currently bidding on a nice plain ebay Mulan one ($18 plus $5 shipping) and hoping a friend who owns a shop that stocks costumes at Halloween will get the actual Lightning car that you wear. Otherwise it is back to ebay for me. Those ones are pricier at about $60 with shipping. And so far I can't find a Narcissa costume anywhere. Keep your eye out for me! There is still a bit of time but I don't want to leave it much longer. Still have to go out and get the stuff for poor DH too. ;)

[AZMickeyfans]

Good luck with the costume bids! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[Bev1016]

Biggest piece of advice: go SLOW! Return to the rooms often for naps, have short days and take a comfy stroller in case he falls asleep before you get back.
If you have any questions, ask away!

Thanks! I think we're definitely going to go slow--good suggestion. I'm so excited to hear all about your big trip. It's going to be a blast!

[Alysa]

So we won the Mulan costume $61 CAN. Ouch! But that is one down. Now just trying to decide if I should go for bidding on the cute plush lightning costume which is starting at $25 and is not done for a week, or if I should just go ahead and get a regular one for $50 so that there is time for it to arrive... decisions, decisions!
PLUS! Our magical express tickets arrived today! Woo hoo!
Now I must go and finish laundry. We are off to Algonqin this weekend and when I return I will DEFINITELY be ready for some deluxe hotel action!
Have a great long weekend everyone!

[AZMickeyfans]

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: on the Magical Express tags arriving and the costume score! Mulan will be so cute.

[javaj]

Great PTR! I'll be waiting for your Plaza review, we're thinking of adding a Plaza ADR.

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Alysa,
The costumes sound cute! Hope you get the Lightning McQueen :thumbsup2
DD has (for the moment) narrowed down her outfits to take to her Princess Jasmine and her reversible Ariel (mermaid/bridal outfit). That may change - again - she keeps mentioning her Elizabeth Swan and her Aurora outfit ;) She also has Snow White, Mulan, Belle (red and gold outfits), reversible Cinderella!. :goodvibes
We're planning to get her a HSM cheerleader outfit to take as well - our local Asda (UK Wall Mart) sells a good range of dress up! I try not to spend too much on them as she wears them to death! :rotfl:
DS says he's not taking any - not his Jack Sparrow or Harry Potter. He now wants a Batman costume! :confused3 Agian, that may change - what am I saying - of course it will change! :laughing:
Keep posting
Di x

[Alysa]

Mulan will be so cute.
Thanks AZMickeyfans! Here is a picture - I can't wait for it to arrive!
Here is a shot of it:
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/uploads/25105/7ecb_1.JPG

Hi javaj!
Thanks for stopping by! I'll definitely let you know about the plaza! I can't wait - only 35 days now!!! Oh My Goodness! I should start packing! ;)

Hi Di - I went ahead and bid on the lightning - $39 plus $18 shipping so far and 3 days to go. I have a sickness...
Agian, that may change - what am I saying - of course it will change!
We are all about the changing costume choices here - so far so good though! Can't wait to see pics of your kids in their costumes! :goodvibes

[Alysa]

Well, we had the BEST time at Algonquin! We have finally figured out the art of camping. We were in the interior on Tim Lake but we didn't do any portages which was nice. DH broke down and finally relaxed his ideas about how little we needed to pack (one year he didn't even want to let me bring a towel! :scared1: )
This year we took a huge new tent, TWO air matresses, a small heater, a small 2 burner stove and something called a sunshower where you let the water in it heat up all day and then you have a HOT shower before bed. It was heaven!
One evening, DD woke up in the middle of the night so I took her out to the beach at our site and there were so many stars you could almost read by the light. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the lake was perfectly calm so it reflected all the stars. DD looked up then down and said "Ohhh Mummy, it looks like I could dive down into the sky!"
Between that and a chipmunk who ate all our dogs food whom DS called "Cheeky Chickie" and called for him at the top of his lungs when he wasn't around, we had the best time!
We got back to a mountian of work for me and I have not really slept more than three hours a night since Sunday. Being a freelancer is great but busy times are sometimes really hard. I never turn away work because there are times when you don't have any jobs for a few weeks but other times (like now) you are so busy you can't even see straight! I actually shouldn't even be writting this right now but I really needed a little mental break with some DIS friends! :goodvibes

Plus, yesterday was DD's first day of senior kindergarten and today was DS's first day of preschool. I have been a mess and almost too emotional to write about it. :sad: I think two is all I am going to have and this time is so precious and it is fleeting so fast. My babies are growing up before my eyes. I just wish I had more time to sit back a bit more and just enjoy this magical time with them.

Anyway, time to get back to the mountain of work (and the mountain of laundry too!) ;)
Thanks for reading!

[AZMickeyfans]

Thanks AZMickeyfans! Here is a picture - I can't wait for it to arrive!
Here is a shot of it:
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/uploads/25105/7ecb_1.JPG



Such a cute costume!!! I'm sure it will look Fabulous on!


:cool1:

Sounds like a fun camping trip! We added the sunshower this year too and boy did that make a difference for us as well. It was so nice to be clean! Darned chipmunks! :lmao:

[Alysa]

We added the sunshower this year too and boy did that make a difference for us as well. It was so nice to be clean! Darned chipmunks!

Isn't that thing awesome?!?!?

When we left the site, DS shouted (at the top of his lungs) "Bye Cheeky Chickie! I love you!"
:lmao:

[askelton]

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/uploads/25105/7ecb_1.JPG


I love it! :thumbsup2

DH broke down and finally relaxed his ideas about how little we needed to pack (one year he didn't even want to let me bring a towel! :scared1: )

Oh my! :eek:


a small heaterIt's that cold already?:confused3

One evening, DD woke up in the middle of the night so I took her out to the beach at our site and there were so many stars you could almost read by the light. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the lake was perfectly calm so it reflected all the stars. DD looked up then down and said "Ohhh Mummy, it looks like I could dive down into the sky!"
How sweet! :)


Plus, yesterday was DD's first day of senior kindergarten and today was DS's first day of preschool. I have been a mess and almost too emotional to write about it. :sad: I think two is all I am going to have and this time is so precious and it is fleeting so fast. My babies are growing up before my eyes. I just wish I had more time to sit back a bit more and just enjoy this magical time with them. :hug:

[AZMickeyfans]

Isn't that thing awesome?!?!?

When we left the site, DS shouted (at the top of his lungs) "Bye Cheeky Chickie! I love you!"
:lmao:

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Plus, yesterday was DD's first day of senior kindergarten and today was DS's first day of preschool. I have been a mess and almost too emotional to write about it. I think two is all I am going to have and this time is so precious and it is fleeting so fast. My babies are growing up before my eyes. I just wish I had more time to sit back a bit more and just enjoy this magical time with them.

I don't think you ever have enough time to sit back and enjoy them - it just flashes by before you know it. Just make the most of it when you can.

The camping trip sounds great - at least your DH has lightened up a bit about what you need to take. No towel???:scared1:

[Alysa]

Hi askelton It's that cold already?
It's only a bit chilly at night. DH really just brought it for me because he knows I always get cold. And if mummy isn't happy, no one is! ;)

Hi Di No towel??? I know!!!!! He did say I could bring a hand towel :eek: and I told him a thing or two a well but they are not suitable for a family friendly trip report and would probably be filtered out by the DIS. ;)

33 days!

Okay, so after having STILL not lost the 30 pounds that I gained with the kids, I have made a vow that while they are off at school, that I will start running and eating better - well, no running this week so far but it was a crazy week and I have lost 5 pounds since Monday! I did eat a bagel today though at a playdate today with the kids though so that may go up a bit. Anyway, this may become a dual pre-trip/keep me accountable thread but it is for Disney so that I can go buy a new bathing suit last minute and look (hopefully) okay in it, so it still has relevance.

Some evil person has increased the bidding on the Lightning McQueen to $57(plus$18)... :mad: I want to keep bidding (I know, I have a sickness) but the "frugal" Scottish bit of me (hi Di and Grumpy!) is tell me that I am insane!

Thanks for visiting!!

[kaysmommie]

Hi Alysa,
I just found your link when you posted on my report. What a gorgeous family! Your trip sounds amazing. Is it going to be a grand gathering? I know if your all staying onsite at Disney (parties of 8 people & up) then you can link your reservations to be a Grand gathering. My friend owns DVC like you and that was no problem. The grand Gathering events sounds really fun. Anyway just thought i'd mention it in case. Your trip plans look great! Our trips overlap a little too. Looks like we will be in different parks so far. Good luck on the McQueen costume. The Mulan costume is cute, my DD has that one and I think she has grown out of it since it's a 5. Have you talked DS into being Mushu yet?

You know I'm trying to lose weight also but it's a challenge with my thyroid issues. I would be so thrilled with 15 lbs. but would be happy to lose 5 lbs. before the trip in 28 days :eek: . That is about the amount I gain every year on the dining plan. I don't even pig out :confused3 and it takes me forever to get that weight back off after the trip. Anyway maybe you will inspire me. I try to walk 2 miles at least 4 times a week. It's so hard to find time though KWIM? Congrats on losing 5 lbs!!

[Alysa]

Hi Nichole! Is it going to be a grand gathering?
I was sad about the grand gathering. I feel like I dropped the ball a bit. I didn't find out about what you could do with it until too late and everything I tried to book was full. Plus I tried to book something special for my niece's birthday but all the kid things like the tea parties all served peanut butter and my daughter has an anaphylactic allergy to all nuts and I couldn't send her to something like that. Not worth the risk. But I do have a surprise planned for my niece anyway and I hope that we are doing enough fun things together that we won't miss the grand gathering stuff too much. You'll have to tell me all about it - then we will have to book another trip to experience it! ;)

Our trips overlap a little too.
I'll keep an eye out for you on the monorail!

Have you talked DS into being Mushu yet?
No way DS will do Mushu - sniff! - he now tells everyone that he is being Lightning for Halloween. In Disney. In October. ;)
Oh well, it would have been cute! But he's pretty cute anyway so it will be alright...I'm not biased though or anything! :rolleyes1

I'm trying to lose weight also but it's a challenge with my thyroid issues.

You look GREAT in your photos! Beautiful!
My mum has a thyroid thing too, plus diabetes. Isn't it hard? DD and I went horseback riding today and I have lost 2 more pounds but it all seems to just creep right back plus 2 more pounds every time I do this. I'm Nervous!! I read on the BBC news that the only people who really have any luck with weight loss exercise for an hour a day 5 times a week. :eek: I am so far from that and I kind of hate exercising (and I would kill for a piece of toast with my tea right now! :rotfl: )
We can cheer each other on - I know I'll need it soon!

[AZMickeyfans]

Hey Alysa,

Just checking in.

I hear you on the needing to lose weight thing. I'm always up and down. UGH I hate that. Its kind of a family joke as to they never know what size I'll be next time they see me. :sad2: :sad2: :sad2: Oh well.

Good luck. Maybe we can do this together. :hug: :thumbsup2

sorry about the bidding nut. Thats my problem with ebay. its probably the persons roommate! :sad2:

How is everything else going?

[Alysa]

Hi Shawna!

You look great in your photos! I gained a pound today after eating nothing but oatmeal for breakfast and salad. Grrrr. Oh well, I guess this mean that running starts tomorrow! I'd love to encourage each other!

I forgot about the Lightning and it went to $100 with shipping. :scared1: It is just as well, I probably would have bid on it and broke DH's heart! Plus there is one going for $30 that is up tomorrow - maybe I'll have better luck with that one...

I am procrastinating right now to avoid work. I even went through everyone's closets today to figure out what we needed for the trip just to avoid it. Late night tonight. Oh well.

Thanks for visiting!!

[AZMickeyfans]

Hi Shawna!

You look great in your photos! I gained a pound today after eating nothing but oatmeal for breakfast and salad. Grrrr. Oh well, I guess this mean that running starts tomorrow! I'd love to encourage each other!

I forgot about the Lightning and it went to $100 with shipping. :scared1: It is just as well, I probably would have bid on it and broke DH's heart! Plus there is one going for $30 that is up tomorrow - maybe I'll have better luck with that one...

I am procrastinating right now to avoid work. I even went through everyone's closets today to figure out what we needed for the trip just to avoid it. Late night tonight. Oh well.

Thanks for visiting!!

I'll keep my fingers crossed on the new lightning costume!

:rotfl2: Dh tells me we should have a garage sale now before we go to Disney. Within 3 weeks? :scared1: He said he wants to clear the garage before we leave. :confused3 Why do men do these things, I have last minute planning to do. At least I'll have extra spending money I guess!! :lmao:

[Alysa]

My sister and I do a garage sale every year, and every year we ask why we do it. We barely clear the price of the cookie and lemonade stand our kids set up and then inhale. :lmao:
It's fun as a social thing but I definitely make more selling our things on craigslist...
When I had gone through an ocean of size 7 Gymboree shoes that my DS no longer fits into today (sniff - why do they have to grow so fast? I actually did cry - what kind of a goose am I? :rolleyes: ) I just took them to the Goodwill. At least my niece gets to wear DD's things!

[AZMickeyfans]

My sister and I do a garage sale every year, and every year we ask why we do it. We barely clear the price of the cookie and lemonade stand our kids set up and then inhale. :lmao:
It's fun as a social thing but I definitely make more selling our things on craigslist...
When I had gone through an ocean of size 7 Gymboree shoes that my DS no longer fits into today (sniff - why do they have to grow so fast? I actually did cry - what kind of a goose am I? :rolleyes: ) I just took them to the Goodwill. At least my niece gets to wear DD's things!

I feel for you. We are kind of the joke. Like how much #$@#% doi you guys have that you keep having garage sales. I keep saying lets just drop it off somewhere and then it piles up and dh is like lets see what we can sell. :lmao: Well, umm Ok. Now he told me he wants to do it next weekend since my son does not have a football game that weekend. :scared1: Guess what I will be doing all weekend. :lmao:

sorry to hijack your thread. :lmao:

how is the shang costume coming? I cant believe I forgot that. DOH!

[Alysa]

sorry to hijack your thread.
I hijack every conversation I have ever taken part in! I'd describe it really as more of a ramble.

how is the shang costume coming? I cant believe I forgot that. DOH!

Yeahhhh, I kind of have to get started on that, right?

[Tosha]

Hi Alysa!!!!

I came over to check on everything. I am getting so lost in uploading pics and doing my report that I barely had time to check in anywhere on the boards.

[Chelley00]

I followed your link from when you posted in my pre-trip report. Looks like you will be there the week before we are.

My youngest went through the car phase, and I thought for sure he'd want to be Lightening McQueen for Halloween, but now he's found dinosaurs. I'm so SICK of dinosaurs!!!

[Alysa]

Hi Tosha - can't wait to hear more details about your trip. It's too bad when work and life get in the way of important things like Disney, eh?

Hi Chelley, thanks for coming by! I have some dinosaur books and toys here at our house if you need more! :rotfl:

[Alysa]

"I got it, I got it, yeah, yeah, yeah!
There's costumes here tonight, there's costumes here tonight! (I'm on a diet!)"

Come on - I told you I sing and I shouldn't!

So the Mulan costume came in the mail and the sweet woman who sent it threw in a free fan made from feathers. The costume fits DD like a glove and she is ecstatic! Plus there are feathers everywhere! :rolleyes:
Love it!

AND, I told DH I kept losing out on Lightning costumes so he took over and won one, just like that, $70 CAN. He rocks! Now it is time to start on DH's Shang...

So many of you all are going to be in Disney soon - CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?!?!

Oh! I need to go get a suitcase out! Have a great night!!!

[AZMickeyfans]

"I got it, I got it, yeah, yeah, yeah!
There's costumes here tonight, there's costumes here tonight! (I'm on a diet!)"

Come on - I told you I sing and I shouldn't!

So the Mulan costume came in the mail and the sweet woman who sent it threw in a free fan made from feathers. The costume fits DD like a glove and she is ecstatic! Plus there are feathers everywhere! :rolleyes:
Love it!

AND, I told DH I kept losing out on Lightning costumes so he took over and won one, just like that, $70 CAN. He rocks! Now it is time to start on DH's Shang...

So many of you all are going to be in Disney soon - CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!?!?!

Oh! I need to go get a suitcase out! Have a great night!!!

YEAH for the costumes coming!!! I'm so happy you won the lightning costume finally! :lmao: :woohoo:

Our dates overlap. I hope we run into you sometime. I'm not sure what we are doing the 2nd half of the trip. Well, we will be on Disney property but I'm not sure exactly WHERE on Disney. I stink at faces but if dh takes 1 look at your picture he could pick you out of a crowd so I'm going to be sure to show him everyones pictures and he'll say 'Thats so and so from the DISBOARDS!!! :lmao: So if I come up to you and I'm like Hi I'm Shawna and dh recognized you but you have to tell me who you are dont be offended ok! :lmao: :lmao:

I'm getting SO excited!

[AZMickeyfans]

Hey Alysa,

In case you didnt see it on my PTR I responded to you about pre ordering the photopass. Didnt want you to miss out so I copied and pasted it to this one to be sure you saw it!


Alysa if you go to this website you can preorder your photopass CD and save $25. So I got mine for $99!!! Then you keep your email SAFE and after you get back it gives you instructions on how to order the CD. If you dont like any of your pictures you can get a refund if you dont want the CD. Win Win situation in my book!

Photopass Pre-Order (http://www.disneyphotopass.com/previsitcdplan.aspx)

[askelton]

Awesome about the costumes! :banana: You're getting closer.

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Alysa,
Just catching up, been busy busy here!
:woohoo: For getting the costume!!!!! Just need to finish DHs now! ;) ;
And you're not being frugal - I call it 'thrifty'. As my gran used to say "Take care of the pennies and the pounds look after themselves".
You should definately go for the Photopass - we've pre ordered ours. Us Scots need to be thrifty! :thumbsup2
I've started packing here!!!:yay:
Di x

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi alysa,
just popped into to say Hi! And thank you for all the support! feeling bit better today - still feel a bit shell shocked though! Not a pleasant experience to go through!
Will catch up properly tonight!
Di x

[Alysa]

Di, I read about you losing out on the dining. I'm so sorry things are going so badly for you. If we were going at the same time I would give you our CRT reservation! I wish there was something I could do. I am a firm believer that everything always works out for the best though and I know that despite these many hassles for you that you are going to have a wonderful trip.

[Alysa]

So tonight I finished the cloak, chest armor, hair tie and shoulder armor for DH's Shang costume.
I still have to do boots, pants, tunic, gauntlets, waist sash and tie.
Pretty good considering I don't have a pattern to work from. It actually looks REALLY good!
DD is so excited she kept getting up out of bed to offer to help with sewing. And she said before I sent her off for the last time "Mummy, If I forget that we are going to Disney, will you please remind me?"
Yeah, not really a worry of mine...
;)
Tired now, this diet is making me a bit grumpy and have been up since six for riding lessons. Time for bed!
Hugs going out to you Di!
:hug:

[FairyGodmotherJen]

I just caught up completely - I'm loving your report!! :goodvibes

I laughed when you talked about the Disneyland Sing-Along! We have it on DVD and my kids started watching it about a month before we went. I completely sympathize with the whole "Walkin' Down the Middle of Main St. USA." My DS went nuts during the MNSSHP parade because they actually have a float with the Country Bears singing "In the Great Outdoors." :rotfl2:

I also have a picture of the same DS with a face full of kisses from our Akershus breakfast last summer. He says he doesn't want to do a princess meal anymore because he doesn't want anymore kisses!! We didn't do one on our recent trip, and DD wasn't bothered by it. Now, I don't know if I'm bothered by the fact that she WASN'T bothered, or not. :upsidedow

Keep it coming - I'm really enjoying it. Oh - I was watching the slideshow "Son's Second Trip..." I like the song that was playing (DH actually asked me what I was listening to, also). I know it's Phil Collins - was it from Brother Bear? That's one I haven't seen, but I thought he did the music for that. I'll have to look into getting the soundtrack if that's the case.

[Alysa]

Hi Jen! Thanks for coming by! I was so excited about MNSSHP thanks to your photos! And Pooh is so cute - DS was like that - you just want to chew on them! I'm glad you liked the video. That one is Brother Bear - quite cute actually...I like it for the moose, but then I am a big "Bob and Doug" fan... do Americans or British even know who they are or is it just a Canadian thing?

I have lots of work to do tonight so obviously I am procrastinating. We have had no water here all day. DH is doing the plumbing in the basement and is having trouble with a leaky pipe (or two). There is lots of quiet swearing going on so I am staying out of the way. I can't sew because I am out of thread and grey ribbon for the armor for the costume so I just watched "Ms. Pettigrew Lives for a Day". Has anyone seen this? I loved it! It even has "Captain Wentworth" from "Persuasion" in it as a bonus...

And "da-da"!
Oooooooooo.
I just went to weigh myself and check on my progress and after two weeks, I seemed to have gained 5 pounds and am back at 5 lost. :headache: I was so happy - I have been so good and I had lost 9 two days ago. But no running this week. Just the one time. Maybe I should just go and eat the chocolate cake in the fridge that I didn't have any of. Yet. Or I could be good and go and finish my work and go to bed and go running tomorrow and hopefully things will sort themselves.

Long post - thanks for reading everyone. Hope you had a great weekend - have a great night!

[AZMickeyfans]

Hi Alysa,

I'm catching up on what i missed over the weekend!

Dont beat yourself up about the weight. I did the same thing over this weekend. I think I gained 10 though. :rolleyes1 You'll get there! :hug:

The Shang costume is sounding really awesome. I cant believe you are doing all of that without a pattern. :worship: We MUST see pictures!!!

[Diamondintheruff]

Just popping up to remind you that you PROMISED us all pictures of Shang! I'm holding you to your promise and fully expect to see your DH decked out in all his "Shanglike" glory.

I've managed to lose 7 pounds this past week or so but as I sit here eating brownie mix (yes, I'm too lazy to even cook it) out of the package I guess that will be packing right back on my hips again.

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Alysa,

I'm catching up on what i missed over the weekend!

Dont beat yourself up about the weight. I did the same thing over this weekend. I think I gained 10 though. :rolleyes1 You'll get there! :hug:

The Shang costume is sounding really awesome. I cant believe you are doing all of that without a pattern. :worship: We MUST see pictures!!!

I'm not going to keep going on about this (I promise), but I have a great way to lose weight!.......have your holiday plans implode 3 days before your trip.....I didn't eat for nearly 3 days!
OK, no more moans! Won't mention it again.
Good news on the costume!
I got the refund for MNSSHP no problem from Disney, the agent said there had been a lot of calls from the UK!
We thought about going to MVMCP instead, but the dates just weren't suitable, but the F&W festival is on at Epcot! :banana: Free wine tasting! As a Scot I feel it's only right I partake of a few 'nips', just out of politeness of course.:rolleyes1
Di x

[Alysa]

Hi Everyone - 17 days to go!
I still have to order the photopass, but guess what? I finished the Shang costume this weekend with my Mum and it looks awesome! I'm so pleased about it. DH looks dead sexy! The only problem with the costume is that I said to my Mum "If I am warm in it in 13˚C weather, do you think DH will be a trifle warmish in Florida? In October?" I liken it to wearing a light sleeping bag.
But still - he looks great! :rolleyes1

Still working on the weight thing - I seem to have leveled out at 9 pounds. But I am going to keep working at it and try to run more this week than last which was a bust. I did discover an evil culprit - tomato soup! Here I was avoiding all theses carbs but having tomato soup for dinner and a tin of tomato soup is like eating 4 slices of bread! I am getting really tired of oatmeal, yogurt, salad and soups though I can tell you. And this weekend my Mum had lemon cake at her place. My favourite! It was torture!
Thanks for all the support everyone! And Di - you can go on all you want about your trip. I can't even imagine how badly I would have taken it!

Must dash - DH tookt he kids out to a birthday party so I could work and they went to pick up DS's lightning costume at the post office. I can't wait to see it!

I just have to pick up some shoes and sandals for DD, do some final adjustments to my costume, replace some velcro on DH's costume with black ribbon ties and we are all set. I'd love to find some extra shorts for the guys too but I am not sure how realistic that is now that it is October. Plus I still have to find our annual passes. Well, back to work. I am SOOOOOO looking forward to this holiday!

[Diamondintheruff]

Woo Hoo! The DS costume is arriving! Can't wait to see it.

I'm guessing you can still find shorts at sports stores. The sears cataloge from the summer will still have some too. Good luck on your search.

[Alysa]

So DS's costume is magnificent. And massive. As in, guess who is going to be carrying it around for 9/10ths of the MNSSHP massive. He loves it. And mentions how it is hot. In Toronto. In late September. At 19˚C.
It's like one of those huge crazy carival stuffed animals you win at the boardwalk. Did I mention it is big?
:rolleyes:

[Diamondintheruff]

guess who is going to be carrying it around for 9/10ths of the MNSSHP
That's what the stroller is for.

[Alysa]

That's what the stroller is for.

I think I am going to take our old beater Peg Perego folding stroller and then leave it there when we go...I was actually not going to take one at all but my sister told me I was nuts. It is just that DS doesn't care for one much. I also got him a cute little monkey harness for when he wants to take off into the crowd. (Bad Mummy I know).

[AZMickeyfans]

I think I am going to take our old beater Peg Perego folding stroller and then leave it there when we go...I was actually not going to take one at all but my sister told me I was nuts. It is just that DS doesn't care for one much. I also got him a cute little monkey harness for when he wants to take off into the crowd. (Bad Mummy I know).

Sounds like a good plan! You could give it to a family that is waiting in line to get a stroller! Pass the magic on!! :pixiedust:

Not much longer now!! :woohoo:

[AZMickeyfans]

Wait I just saw dead sexy husband up above. Or was that Sexy dead husband? :lmao: Either way congrats on finishing up the Shang costume.

[Alysa]

Or was that Sexy dead husband?

Only when he puts the glasswear in the sink instead of the dishwasher...
Or when he shrinks my new wool pants in the dryer. Again.

;)

I can't wait to post pics!

[AZMickeyfans]

Only when he puts the glasswear in the sink instead of the dishwasher...
Or when he shrinks my new wool pants in the dryer. Again.

;)

I can't wait to post pics!

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Yes we must see pictures!

[Diamondintheruff]

Less than two weeks to go :cool1: :banana: :cool1: :banana: :cool1:

[Dr_Finkelstein]

I need to see some pics of that sexy dead husband. :surfweb: I'm waiting.....:lmao:
I'm starting to feel a bit inadequate now, so many people are making costumes...I on the other hand, take the lazy way and buy them.:guilty:
The shame, the shame!
Di x

[AZMickeyfans]

I need to see some pics of that sexy dead husband. :surfweb: I'm waiting.....:lmao:
I'm starting to feel a bit inadequate now, so many people are making costumes...I on the other hand, take the lazy way and buy them.:guilty:
The shame, the shame!
Di x

dont feel so bad Di, this is the first year I'm making a costume. I'm anticipating Jake's will fall off and he will run around naked for the rest of the evening. Why do you think I made the youngest one his costume and not the others? Cheap if I have to buy replacement clothes that night. :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:


But I agree, we need pictures Alysa!!!!

[luvthattink]

Where to start.....

Your kids are gorgeous! You're planning sounds awesome, must be difficult with getting everyone going in all different directions. We usually always do Chef Mickey's the first evening we are there but decided not to this time because we didn't want to make it to early and be rushed or make it too late because we wanted the kiddos in bed at a decent time since we have breakfast ressies on Monday. I'm beginning to regret that decision and may have to call and see if there is an off chance that they might have something available...guess we'll see! Hoping maybe to see you there, that would be fun and a little added magic for me to run into a fellow DISer!:wizard:

[Alysa]

I need to see some pics of that sexy dead husband. I'm waiting.....
I'm starting to feel a bit inadequate now, so many people are making costumes...I on the other hand, take the lazy way and buy them.
The shame, the shame!

DH informs me that he is NOT putting the costume on just so I can take photos before he has to at Disney. Spoil sport! I went to Chinatown to look for chinese style slippers for him to wear with the costume too but no luck. Looks like I will have to do a bit more sewing after all. I did however see fabulous black dress socks with a little bit of extra fabric for between the big toe so men can wear flip-flops with their suits. Nice. :crazy2: I am pretty sure that that would be a fashion faux pas, non? :rotfl:
And the ONLY reason I made the Shang costume is because they don't sell them for anyone older than 7. Ebay is our friend around here.

But I agree, we need pictures Alysa!!!!
I think his exact words were: No.
:lmao:
But the minute we get back... :thumbsup2

Your kids are gorgeous! You're planning sounds awesome, must be difficult with getting everyone going in all different directions. We usually always do Chef Mickey's the first evening we are there but decided not to this time because we didn't want to make it to early and be rushed or make it too late because we wanted the kiddos in bed at a decent time since we have breakfast ressies on Monday. I'm beginning to regret that decision and may have to call and see if there is an off chance that they might have something available...guess we'll see! Hoping maybe to see you there, that would be fun and a little added magic for me to run into a fellow DISer!
Thanks for coming by!
You may be able to get Di's old reservation - you should check out her pre-trip! :sad1:
I think all the DIS moms should make plans to head over to the SSR for a mini mani-pedi one nap time! Or maybe a girly drink down t'pub with the cute english bartender. ;)

[Dr_Finkelstein]

dont feel so bad Di, this is the first year I'm making a costume. I'm anticipating Jake's will fall off and he will run around naked for the rest of the evening. Why do you think I made the youngest one his costume and not the others? Cheap if I have to buy replacement clothes that night. :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:


But I agree, we need pictures Alysa!!!!

I like the way your mind works Shawna. :thumbsup2
:rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl: :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl:

DH informs me that he is NOT putting the costume on just so I can take photos before he has to at Disney. Spoil sport! I went to Chinatown to look for chinese style slippers for him to wear with the costume too but no luck. Looks like I will have to do a bit more sewing after all. I did however see fabulous black dress socks with a little bit of extra fabric for between the big toe so men can wear flip-flops with their suits. Nice. I am pretty sure that that would be a fashion faux pas, non?
And the ONLY reason I made the Shang costume is because they don't sell them for anyone older than 7. Ebay is our friend around here.

Oooh, those socks sound so cool! :thumbsup2 That's SO this season!
And your DH is a big spoilsport, tell him to get with the programme! :laughing:

[shellywalker]

So I followed you over from my trip report, and I was reading through quick before leaving for school. Not only are you obsessed with planning for Disney...you LOVE Gymboree! We could be long lost sisters I think! :woohoo: My DD who is 5, will have no choice but to wear Gymbo, until she no longer fits in it. She actually loves the store too though!!!

[Alysa]

Hi Shelly, So glad you came by!!
:)
You mean that one day DD won't fit into Gymboree anymore?!?
:sad:
I have to tell you - I am starting to pack her things for Disney, guess how many dresses she has? Not her school jumpers, but dresses. Eight. :scared1:
Don't tell DH! I am ashamed.
:eek:
But 4 are size 7 so they are big on her. Justify much?

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Ten days!! You're so close! :banana:

I'm going to be living through all of you on these boards that are taking trips until it's a reasonable-enough date to start planning our 2010 trip. Of course, to DSIL and I, that's in about Jan. or Feb. of 200.... ;)

Have fun packing!

[shellywalker]

Hi Shelly, So glad you came by!!
:)
You mean that one day DD won't fit into Gymboree anymore?!?
:sad:
I have to tell you - I am starting to pack her things for Disney, guess how many dresses she has? Not her school jumpers, but dresses. Eight. :scared1:
Don't tell DH! I am ashamed.
:eek:
But 4 are size 7 so they are big on her. Justify much?

I'll have to be checked into some sort of facility when the day comes that Gymbo no longer fits. I might just have to have another baby to fulfill the crave! And YES, it does justify. Because not only can she wear them now, even though they are a little big, she can wear them AGAIN next year. Four less dresses you have to buy then! I'll find a justification for anything if you want me to :lmao:

Have you checked out Crazy 8? It's like what Old Navy is to the Gap...but to Gymboree! It's a ton cheaper, a little less cute...but still nice. I'm a huge fan of their jeans!

[Diamondintheruff]

Enjoy these times while your DD still wears Gymboree. My DD7 (who will be 8 in 12 days) will only wear the dresses to church. She wants to dress more like Hannah Montana now. Sigh!

[shellywalker]

I'm so incredibly thankful my DD doesn't like Hannah Montana, or The Jonas Brothers...or any of those kid groups! She's still into the cartoons of Disney!!! I'm not holding my breath for how much longer that will last though!

Are you getting soooo excited? Only like a week to go!!! :banana:

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Alysa,
Just checking in! Not long to go - are you packed and ready?
BTW, hate to say it, but before you know it, the kids are all grown up - and scarily, they want to choose their own clothes!!! :scared1: :scared1: :scared1:
Di x

[AZMickeyfans]

I'm following Di around :lmao: :cool2: :rolleyes1

Alysa, are you ready yet? :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: I cant wait to see these Halloween costume pictures when you come back. You MUST post them!!! :thumbsup2

[Dr_Finkelstein]

I'm following Di around :lmao: :cool2: :rolleyes1

Alysa, are you ready yet? :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: I cant wait to see these Halloween costume pictures when you come back. You MUST post them!!! :thumbsup2

I knew you were stalking me Shawna!!! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[AZMickeyfans]

I knew you were stalking me Shawna!!! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

:cool2:

[Alysa]

Alysa, are you ready yet?

NOT EVEN CLOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My to do list has NOTHING crossed off this week!
Work work work work work! But watch out Saturday!

[Diamondintheruff]

NOT EVEN CLOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My to do list has NOTHING crossed off this week!
Work work work work work! But watch out Saturday!

Don't they know you have a Disney trip to plan? How dare they expect you to work.

[Dr_Finkelstein]

NOT EVEN CLOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My to do list has NOTHING crossed off this week!
Work work work work work! But watch out Saturday!

WORK?????????? At a time like this??????............prioritise woman, prioritise!!!!
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Di x

[Alysa]

SO MUCH TO DO!!!!!!!!!!!
:scared1:

DD and I were riding this morning and I stopped on the way home and picked up some Disney dolls for my niece's birthday gift and one each for the girls to play with on the plane.

My ebay order of shoes for DD just shipped Thursday :mad: so I am never going to get it in time. I don't know what to do. She does not fit into any of her old ones and she cannot wear crocs for 9 days. I went to gymboree, gap, and two second hand clothing stores but no luck. Does anyone know if I can buy nice white sandals anywhere for DD on the property?

Then, Mum came over today and we worked on fixing up my costume and removing all the velcro from DH's costume and replacing with black ties... :rolleyes:
She is the best.

DD had such a fun time sewing with her. She brought down all her disney dolls and was tring to mend their outfits. Why do they all tear so easily?

We have been invited to a cocktail party on Wednesday which I stupidly said yes to so now my in-laws are coming over Wednesday at 5 which means we have to be packed and the house has to be spotless by then (well as spotless as it can be during a reno).

So here is my to-do list for now until Wed.

Tonight
finish fixing costumes - done!

Sunday
laundry - done
3 work jobs - done baby!
get and register iphone - done, so cool! I love the lightsaber app!

Monday
do invoicing
pack - half done
wrap niece's gift
bring in stroller and clean
make tags up for DS's pre-school
bank
call safe arrivals to let them know DD will be away
send out email about holiday - done
talk to DD's teacher about homework for her
talk to Jack's mom about taking our co-op daycare day
3 more work jobs
Claire's for hair stuff
book photodisk, car rental, cake for paigie and pumpkin pie for thanksgiving
DD to ballet
VOTE!!!
put movies on iphone

Tuesday
Pick up book for nephew 1, and a pair of new CARS for DS and nephew 2
Clean the guts out of the house
Call inlaws and tell them 5:30

Wednesday
9am kids to school
11:30 pick up kids and take Bingley to the dog sitters :sad1:
4:30 take DD swimming
5:30 inlaws over
7:30 cocktail party

When we get there
find sandals and mulan shoes for DD - if anybody has any ideas about where we can find the sandals quickly I would be so appreciative!! GF maybe?

[Alysa]

Well - check off one thing - the costumes are done!
:thumbsup2
I can't wait for the party!!!
When DS saw me in the costume he started to cry. To quote Hans Solo, "I've got a bad feeling about this!". Maybe he didn't like that I looked like someone else? Then he said "I don't want to be Lightning". Eek! Ah well, even if he does not want to dress up, he'll still have fun - I hope! That reminds me, I have to add bring in and clean the stroller for him to my list.!

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Alysa,
You sound as if you've been busy!
When DS saw me in the costume he started to cry. To quote Hans Solo, "I've got a bad feeling about this!".
Tears of joy maybe.....? :rolleyes1

I'm pretty sure you can get shoes on site - I remember seeing lots of shoes in the 'girlie' section of the shops. I know most of them were 'dress up' kind, but I'm pretty sure (though don't quote me on this), that there were a few 'just plain sandal' types as well. I'm pretty sure World of Disney had them at DTD.

You may have noticed I'm staying deliberately vague about this.....believable deniability and all that....;)

If not onsite, you'll definately pick some up at the outlet malls nearby.

Then he said "I don't want to be Lightning". Eek!
Oh dear.....I think this definately rates among those "Dear God, give me strength" moments we parents have to deal with! If he's anything like my kids, he'll change his mind at least another 20 times before the party, and then end up deciding to wear it anyway! :sad2:

Di x

[Diamondintheruff]

When I looked at the girls shoes in WDW they were all dress up shoes and they looked like they would cause blisters. My daughter bought a pair covered in sequins that looke like ballet flats. She wore them once and they hurt her feet. They sit in the closet now.

I vote for wearing the crocs for nine days straight.

[Alysa]

Why is my list getting so much longer!?!?
Argghhh!
Plus the dryer "ate" DD's sun hat - so now I have to find a replacement for that too.
:laundy: :sad1:
But the iphone is fabulous. I love it! My favourite part (aside from being able to get work emails while I wait to pick up the kids at school) is the lightsaber app!

Monday
make tags up for DS's pre-school - half done
do invoicing
pack - half done
wrap niece's gift
bring in stroller and clean
2 jobs - still to be sent by rep
Make bow for snow white costume
Shoppers Drug Mart for conditioner
Book photodisk, cake for niece and pumpkin pie for thanksgiving
put movies on phone

Tuesday
Clean the guts out of the house - half done
Call inlaws and tell them 5:30
gifts for birthday parties we care going to miss
computer cord
library

Wednesday
9am kids to school, return shoes
11:30 pick up kids and take Bingley to the dog sitters
4:30 take DD swimming
5:30 inlaws over
7:30 cocktail party

When we are there - shoes and hat for DD, floaties for DS

[Alysa]

Humerous aside:
When we were trying his costume on, which is form fitting once you tie it all on. I told DH to throw out his chest a bit and stand like a soldier. He then got the most horrified look on his face and said "When is this party?"
"Oh well, it's kind of the last day after 8 days on the dining plan."
"Right, great."
;)

[Diamondintheruff]

So you're saying that after 8 days on the dinning plan that DH is gonna wish his costume had more elastic in it?

[Alysa]

So you're saying that after 8 days on the dinning plan that DH is gonna wish his costume had more elastic in it?


Don't tell him I told you! ;)

[Diamondintheruff]

It'll be our little secret:ssst:

[Alysa]

Oh. My. Heavens.
One more day! Well, 1 day and 6 hours. :scared1:
But I refuse to update before I have had a couple of hours to work on the list tonight. Work work work - don't these people know I am going to Disney?!?!
:headache:
Plus DH is out playing volleyball and finishing up an experiment at work. He said, "What? I just show up!"

[Diamondintheruff]

I wish you lots of extra energy in the next 30 hours. I have an idea of what it is going to take to finish packing for the four of you, finish up assignments for work, tidy up the house, keep up with laundry, continue to feed your family and do the dishes all while trying to contain the kaos that is children playing around you. I hope you took your vitamins!

I know and you know that the men just show up but do they have to admit it like that? :rotfl:

Have a super fantastic totally terrific expecially magical trip.

Take the time to take a break from all the stuff that goes on in your everyday hectic life (anyone who keeps the hours you do-has a hectic life IMO) to stop and smell the roses.

I wish you tears of joy and belly laughs every single day of your trip.

Bon Vacances!

[Alysa]

I wish you tears of joy and belly laughs every single day of your trip.

Thanks Diamond!
:goodvibes

Getting closer! This time tomorrow we will be in Burlington!

Tuesday
do invoicing - may not get done
pack - half done
6 bloody jobs - all but one still to be sent by reps
Make bow for snow white costume
Book photodisk, cake for niece and pumpkin pie for thanksgiving
put movies on phone

Wednesday
9am kids to school, return shoes, Shoppers Drug Mart for conditioner & scrubby, gifts for birthday parties we are going to miss, computer cord, library, snacks for kids for plane, videos back
11:30 pick up kids and take Bingley to the dog sitters
4:30 take DD swimming
5:30 inlaws over
7:30 cocktail party
9:30 finish packing
3:00am leave!!

No problem! :scared:

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Thanks Diamond!
:goodvibes

Getting closer! This time tomorrow we will be in Burlington!

Tuesday
do invoicing - may not get done
pack - half done
6 bloody jobs - all but one still to be sent by reps
Make bow for snow white costume
Book photodisk, cake for niece and pumpkin pie for thanksgiving
put movies on phone

Wednesday
9am kids to school, return shoes, Shoppers Drug Mart for conditioner & scrubby, gifts for birthday parties we are going to miss, computer cord, library, snacks for kids for plane, videos back
11:30 pick up kids and take Bingley to the dog sitters
4:30 take DD swimming
5:30 inlaws over
7:30 cocktail party
9:30 finish packing
3:00am leave!!

No problem! :scared:

I don't think you have enough to do.....I'm sure you could fit in some more housework or laundry! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Have a great holiday, hope you have lots of laughs and magic! pixiedust: pixiedust:
PS., tell DH you'll save him from his costume being too tight.....YOU'LL have all the Dole Whips, ice cream cookie sandwiches and chocolate mousse....you truly are that selfless :angel:

Di x

[Alysa]

You'll never believe it - I did it!
Except for the invoicing. And some reps may send me a few quick things. But I am DONE!
It was a heck of a day though! And DS was so over-excited, he didn't fall asleep until 11. :scared1: Hopefully that means he will sleep in the car and on the plane. Yeah, right!
We are out of here! DH just has to run and get his power cord from work while I have a quick snooze. I am so excited and exhausted I could almost cry. Thanks for reading along my friends! It's been fun sharing! I'm honoured to know you! :grouphug:

[Alysa]

Di - when I get back you will be almost ready to leave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS. I just went and checked and I lost 11 pounds. That is the lightest I have been since DS was born. Not as good as I had hoped but a lot better than it could have been when you think about how stressful it has been here the last month or so (I tend to eat when I am unhappy or stressed). :upsidedow
Plus at the party this evening I had a glass of punch, a shortbread cookie, a "healthy brownie" and a cracker with some brie on it. It was to celebrate! (Justify much?) Plus in my rush to get my list done I kind of forgot to eat all day! :rolleyes:
Cheers everyone! :wave: Thanks for being there with me!

[Diamondintheruff]

You should be at the airport now.

I wish I was too!

Can't wait to hear all about it.

[Dr_Finkelstein]

:welcome: back!!!

You should be all unpacked, clothes washed, so where's the TR?????
Can't wait to hear all about it!!!
Di c

[Diamondintheruff]

Just checking in to see why you haven't checked in yet.

[Alysa]

Hi Everyone!
The trip was good. Except for the fight with my dad and brother-in-law. And except for the paramedics at the halloween party (I was so looking forward to that night!). I can't wait to tell you all the details. But massive piles of work call to me and I need to get a big project finished tonight. It's funny, it was the first trip where I didn't take notes but I hope the good parts will stay with me. I tried so hard but it felt like so often I couldn't catch up with the magic. I only saw it after it had floated away. My sisters kids were older and it wasn't as magical for them and they didn't react well to being over-stimulated. I think it will probably be our last big family trip which makes me sad - I loved sharing Disney with my mum and sister and niece, and with my grandmother. Okay, now I am going to cry again.
I'm going to start a trip report soon - promise! Maybe that is why I have been slow on the report. I only want to remember the good but the bad persists in coming to mind and I think it is colouring the whole trip for me.

Thanks for checking up on me Diamond and Di! One week left for you Di!

[askelton]

The trip was good. Except for the fight with my dad and brother-in-law. And except for the paramedics at the halloween party (I was so looking forward to that night!).

So you've been practicing your cliffhangers? :rolleyes1

[Dr_Finkelstein]

:scared1: :eek:
:confused:
Di x

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Alysa,
Hope you are all well - where's the TR?
I'll need to catch up when I get back - we head off TOMORROW!!!!!
WDW here we come - eventually! :cool1: :cool1:
You know, talking it over with friends helps you know..:hug:
Di x

[Alysa]

Di, thanks for the hugs! You are right - what I need is a good laugh about the trip with kindred spirits.
Have a WONDERFUL time!!!! I will try to get my report started up for when you get back... I can't wait to hear about yours! I wish you every happy memory!
:goodvibes

[Diamondintheruff]

It took me a month to start posting my trip so I can't really harrass you about starting.

Since you catch more flies with honey I can tell you I've missed you on the boards.

[hlrababy]

hey Alysa!!! I can't wait to hear all about it!!

[loonytoony]

nice report

[Alysa]

Well, after a mini holiday from the DIS, I'm back - thanks for your patience and well wishes everyone. I finally created the slide show and it made me recall so many memories (good and bad). Although looking at the finished product with all the "stuff" edited out, it looks like it was roses from beginning to end. I won't go into the details (I'm trying to forget the bad myself and focus and remember the positive) but I do have some tips for other people planning large gatherings.
1. Most important - DON"T LOSE YOUR TEMPER! No matter how ungrateful anyone seems or how crazy they drive you, this is your holiday too - do not wreck it by letting them get to you and having a fight in the happiest place on earth. Trust me on this one - you'll remember it forever if you do.
PS: If you think that they are going with you to get a free trip out of you, you are probably right - try to get out of it. Or do nothing together. Not even meals.
2. If you are taking teenagers (or preteens) who are too cool for Disney or little kid stuff - make sure their parents schedule lots of time for them to be on their own, even off at Universal, or with another kid their own age. This one is important too, especially for the first few days when they are raring to go.
3. If you have a child who is anaphylactic to nuts DO NOT TAKE THEM TO THE HALLOWEEN PARTY! There are peanut treats everywhere and kids eating them and smudging their hands on EVERYTHING! I have written a couple of letters to Disney asking them to consider making it a nut-free event but no word so far. I'd love to do a "Re-do" of this night (I was SO looking forward to it!) but we won't be back until they make it nut-free.
4. If your husband is your rock - do not let him leave you on your own with the kids for two days to go fly-fishing - help one another and save that stuff for regular trips. I really missed him.
5. If little ones get sick, encourage their parents to take the whole day and spend it at the hotel - relax and let them rest and get better.

Now - about the good stuff:
I had the best time with my sister, my mum and her little ones. If you are at Artist's Point, get the palette cookies - huge hit! At MK - things that were a blast: the speedway racers with my boy, the honey pots, buzz, the barnstormer, the jungle cruise and pirates, Aladdin's carpet, Splash mountain, the railroad (again with my boy). The kids loved it here so we spent most of our time at this park. Characters as usual were 5-star - the step sisters at Park Faire are hysterical!
We saw the Lion King and the Finding Nemo shows this year - both were new for us and just great. My girl was in the parade! The Boneyard is fun too, the kids loved it, but if you are playing there make sure it is sunny - we were soaked to the bone almost instantly when we got stuck there during a sudden storm. The kids had fun dancing in the rain though! Once it was obvious that there was no saving the situation and that they could not get any wetter even though we were under a "shelter" I just set them loose!
The wonder and imagination lighting up the kids eyes was magical as always. It's why we will be back this fall sometime. On our own!
;)

Here it is! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FV6p0k-Kck)

[irky416]

Cute video! I like your costumes!

Sorry to hear you had some problems. I'm glad you're going back to try it again, though!

[Diamondintheruff]

If that's what you call a "short vacation" then sign me up for a two week tour!:lmao:

Good to hear from you again. I thought we had lost you.

Enjoyed the video. Finally the promised costume pics. You all looked great in them.

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Well, after a mini holiday from the DIS, I'm back - thanks for your patience and well wishes everyone. I finally created the slide show and it made me recall so many memories (good and bad). Although looking at the finished product with all the "stuff" edited out, it looks like it was roses from beginning to end. I won't go into the details (I'm trying to forget the bad myself and focus and remember the positive) but I do have some tips for other people planning large gatherings.
1. Most important - DON"T LOSE YOUR TEMPER! No matter how ungrateful anyone seems or how crazy they drive you, this is your holiday too - do not wreck it by letting them get to you and having a fight in the happiest place on earth. Trust me on this one - you'll remember it forever if you do. Uh oh! Sounds a difficult situation.
PS: If you think that they are going with you to get a free trip out of you, you are probably right - try to get out of it. Or do nothing together. Not even meals. Double uh oh!!!! Nightmare!
2. If you are taking teenagers (or preteens) who are too cool for Disney or little kid stuff - make sure their parents schedule lots of time for them to be on their own, even off at Universal, or with another kid their own age. This one is important too, especially for the first few days when they are raring to go. Sounds very sensible.
3. If you have a child who is anaphylactic to nuts DO NOT TAKE THEM TO THE HALLOWEEN PARTY! There are peanut treats everywhere and kids eating them and smudging their hands on EVERYTHING! I have written a couple of letters to Disney asking them to consider making it a nut-free event but no word so far. I'd love to do a "Re-do" of this night (I was SO looking forward to it!) but we won't be back until they make it nut-free. Oh No!!!! What a shame!
4. If your husband is your rock - do not let him leave you on your own with the kids for two days to go fly-fishing - help one another and save that stuff for regular trips. I really missed him. Men!!!:headache:
5. If little ones get sick, encourage their parents to take the whole day and spend it at the hotel - relax and let them rest and get better. Again, uh oh!!

Now - about the good stuff:
I had the best time with my sister, my mum and her little ones. If you are at Artist's Point, get the palette cookies - huge hit! At MK - things that were a blast: the speedway racers with my boy, the honey pots, buzz, the barnstormer, the jungle cruise and pirates, Aladdin's carpet, Splash mountain, the railroad (again with my boy). The kids loved it here so we spent most of our time at this park. Characters as usual were 5-star - the step sisters at Park Faire are hysterical!
We saw the Lion King and the Finding Nemo shows this year - both were new for us and just great. My girl was in the parade! The Boneyard is fun too, the kids loved it, but if you are playing there make sure it is sunny - we were soaked to the bone almost instantly when we got stuck there during a sudden storm. The kids had fun dancing in the rain though! Once it was obvious that there was no saving the situation and that they could not get any wetter even though we were under a "shelter" I just set them loose!
The wonder and imagination lighting up the kids eyes was magical as always. It's why we will be back this fall sometime. On our own!
;)

Here it is! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FV6p0k-Kck)

Hi Alysa!

It sounds as if you had a really difficult holiday! What an awkward situation to be in, such a shame!!!

Definately go again, just you!!! Me and DH have talked about going on holiday with family/friends etc before. But we've come to the conclusion there is really only 1 couple we would go to WDW with (the couple we have been away with previously). Being together in 'confined quarters' for a prolonged period can bring out the worst in everyone! :hug:

Was it SSR/OKW or BCV you stayed at? - have forgotten, sorry! :guilty: It looked lovely anyway and your photos were great!

HANG ONTO THE GOOD MEMORIES!!!!!!!!

Di x