Oh Readers!!! POR Pre-Trip Report ~ We're back...trip report link on page 8!

[michael's mom]

Hello everyone!
Thank you for tuning in to my pre-trip report. I have been reading several PTR's and TR's and thought, this could be my way to talk non-stop about my trip that is 6 months away without driving every single one of my family members and coworkers crazy. Who better than fellow Disney lovers to share my planning with.

A bit of background info on me, the trip planner. I have been to Disney many times as a child and several since college. My husband and I chose Disney for our Honeymoon and that was the first time I had gone to Disney with a group of less than 20 people. After leaving the CBR on our last day of our honeymoon, I told my husband we'd be back in spring of '06 because I was hooked once again on the magic of The World. Spring of 2006 didn't happen because we were blessed with our amazing son May 4. We pushed our return trip back a year and visited the world again in June of '07 with the second smallest traveling group; my DH, DS, DM, and DF. I will not take anything away from these two trips. They were both amazing in their own right, but I missed having a big party to share the laughs and magic with. So, it's time to recruit.

Why am I the one planning it? That's easy, because I am too impatient to wait for someone else to do it. Would they check the park schedule daily until the EMH hours are posted? Would they pay attention to the first day to call for ADR's? Would they agonize over which restaurants to dine at so that the little ones get the most out of the experience and all of the picky eaters will have something to eat? The answer is...NO! They are all hard working adults whose lives do not revolve around Disney. Don't get me wrong, they love Disney as much as I do...well almost. It's just, when I get that bee in my bonnet, I can't stop until everything is ready. I have been on the DIS nightly, sometimes too late, learning as much as I can. Needless to say, I am used to traveling to Disney with a large party, but I've never been the one in charge of planning it. Can I do it?


How did this trip start?

Just like the last. As we were driving back to the airport to return home in 2007 I decided we'd be returning in spring of '09. We couldn't go in June again because it was just too darn hot for us. If we went in April, our son would not yet be 3 and he would have free admission into the parks. So, it was determined...we'd be going in the spring of 2009. I believe I told my family that they didn't have a choice, we were all going because as much fun as I was having on my honeymoon and trip with my husband, son, and parents, I wanted the family trip again.

What's the plan?

Now, the plan. My husband and I had been thinking of adding to our family. How sick am I that I was planning my family around a trip to Disney? But wait, if I have a baby at the end of March or beginnin of April, I'd be on maternity leave from work and could travel mid-week to mid-week in May rather than pay the outrageous prices that teachers are forced to pay if they would like a full week's vacation. Oh, this plan was going to work perfectly fine. So, I'd have an infant in Disney. There'll be grandparents to watch the lil' ones while the big kids ride the rides. Ok, so I have to have a baby in March/April...that means that in July/August :ssst:

My aunt got wind of our planned trip and decided that she and my uncle wanted to join us with their two grandchildren. OOOHHH, now things are starting to get interesting. Three, possibly four children to play with in the land of Magic. Does it get any better than that? Plus, 4 more people to make this the trip I've been missing since I was a kid. So, we tell her the plan and now, I have my sisters, aunt, and mother all asking me when we're going to Disney..and I have a sneaking suspicion that they didn't care about the trip, but rather "was I having a baby?"

Ok, in summary:

I'm crazy.
I'm obsessed.
I'm planning my family around a vacation.
My parents and aunt and uncle know what my husband are doing at night.



So, when are we going? Is there a baby?


At this point, I can tell you that no, we are not expecting. In fact, we've left that to God at this point. We will be traveling to the World on April 17, 2009 and returning on April 26.

Let me interject at this point and say that right now, the cheapest airfare I can find for my family is almost $600.00/person/rt. INSANE! I am a first grade teacher and our contract doesn't allow us to take days before or after school breaks off. I guess this is true with most contracts.

So, we know when we are going. We hope it will cost us less to get there. Now, I am harrassing every family member that will listen to me...or at least be within earshot of me...WHEN ARE WE BOOKING THE TRIP?????? No answer. Except for "Maura, it's 8 months away. We have time."

Maura thinking..."ah, no we don't. Don't you all spend your free time on the Dis? Don't you realize that all of the standard view rooms are gone at ALL of the mod resorts? Don't you know that ALL of the king rooms are gone at CBR and POR, the two resorts you want to book?"

Noone realizes this. I tell them over and over. Now, by the time they'll listen, the only moderate resort rooms left are the suites at CSR. I can't afford that. So, my sis and I decide we will each get a room at AllStar. I've never stayed there before, but I will tell you, my mother raised value resort snobs...we were cringing at the thought of not staying moderate. :snooty: Crazy, I know. Like we would be at our rooms anyway. So, the new plan was in place. Mom and Dad would book the suite at CSR for them and my sister, and my other sis and I would stay at ASsp.


So, in my impatience, while I wait for my family to come to my side, I decide there is something I can do without them all and...I book our rental car.

I don't even have a hotel room, but I have a car!

Now, I sit down and begin to search for prices on the Disney site "when what to my wondering eyes should appear, but standard view rooms at POR my dears"

Ok, I begin to panic. We haven't finalized things with my aunt yet! These rooms were not available this morning! :worship:
What to do? "Mom, there are standard view rooms at POR and I'm booking NOW! Call Auntie Mary and ask her if they are definitely going and when? ...ah, forget the when, I'll book for the 12 days that you are going for all of you and if your plans change, you can cancel the days you don't need."

Mom: Mary, are you in?
Mary: Yup! (well, at least that's what I guess she said because I booked her a room)
Mom: Ok, Maura's booking us now.
Mom: Mary is coming
Me: Ok, I'm on it.

So, I now have to figure out how to book 4 rooms, for 4 families, all paying seperately. You can't do that on the website! Thank goodness because I always feel better talking to a CM on the phone. Besides, I love when they wish me to "Have a Magical Day" upon disconnecting.

I get the lovely Penny on the Grand Gathering line (after 45 minutes on hold) and we have our rooms. 12 days (I'm there for 8 days) staying at the POR with a 3 day park hopper and the DDP.

"I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it. I know, I know, I know, I know, I know..."
:woohoo:


hotel room: check
rental car: check
planning in full mode: check


What's next?

Do you remember that bee in my bonnet? Well, it's buzzing around full speed now. What can I do now? Aha, I can plan our ADRs. I cannot call for a few months, but I can plan them. I start making grids, plugging in park options and dining options. There are grids all over my house and on every computer I can get my hands on.

So
I
wait
and
wait
and
wait
for
October
17
to
make
our
ADRs

Wait, that's today! :cheer2:

[michael's mom]

Okay, I am on my way home from work today and I realize that I need to call for ADRs and I don't have any of the grids. I have to go pick up DS at Nana's and if I stop by my house first the dog will go nuts! Oh, no! When are we supposed to do what? But wait, I have created so many grids that it is etched into my brain and I can create it within seconds. My mother and I plugged in the last few dining choices before I call. Then I pick up the phone.

I call the Grand Gathering number. A very nice CM answered the phone and was more than happy to assist me with my reservations.

CM: Where would you like to dine?
Me: I'd like to make a reservation for Crystal Palace on Sunday the 19th.
CM: How many people?
Me: 18, 15 adults and 3 children.
CM: Oh, for parties of 13 or more, the group dining CMs will help you.
Me: (thinking) isn't a Grand Gathering for parties of 8 or more? Why can't the CMs help me?
Me: (I say) Ok, thank you very much. I'll hold.
CM: Have a magical day!

At this point, she tries to connect me to group gatherings and they never pick up. She gets back on the phone and tells me she will try once more, but in the case that I get disconnected, here is the number you can call. I say thank you again.
I am connected to the regular dining reservation number and speak to another CM. I tell her that I need group dining and she says to please hold, she'll connect me, and reminds me to have my Grand Gathering number available.

Let me say that at this point, I've been on the phone for nearly an hour.:hourglass

Finally, I am on the phone with a CM from the group dining line and the conversation goes a little something like this...

Me: I'd like to make some dining reservations for my upcoming grand gathering.
CM: Ok, when will you be visiting us?
Me: April 15-27 (my mom's dates)
CM: Well, we are only accepting ADRs through 2/22/09 because we are in the process of switching over our reservation system.
Me: Oh, I thought that would have already happened.
CM: The only restaurants we can book for now are Chef Mickey's and Cinderella's Royal Table.
Me: Ok, well, I'd like to book Chef Mickey's for Tuesday, 4/21. Party of 18.
CM: I have two tables for your family.
ME: Ok, we'll take it.

I get the information write it down, repeat it back to him. He asks if there is anything more he can help me with. I ask him about the other character meals that I want but he assures me that I can't book them and tells me to have a magical day.


Can I just remind you all that I was on the phone for nearly an hour with three different CMs before he picked up the line. Couldn't one of them have told me that I could only book 2 restaurants? I am a bit aggravated with this whole ressie system transfer. When I go to call, I will be fighting with the thousands of people who will be vacationing from 2/23-5/23. THREE MONTHS OF VACATIONS!!!!!

I can say with 99% certainty that I will be taking that day off from work to make all of my ressies!




Stay tuned...Do we get all of our reservations?

Cast of anticipated characters to come soon!

[michael's mom]

Well, I just read on another post that the ADR line has pushed back the date to make my dinner ressies...AGAIN! I am sure that there are plenty of you out there with the same frustrations. Now, the date is sometime in December of 2008 for all ressies after 3/22. Like I have nothing else to do that month, jeez. I guess it's a good thing that I didn't put in to have that day off yet.

Now, I will spend more of my time planning our Family Trip Book, stressing out over whether or not we'll get the ADR's we want, oh, yeah, and working of course. I just had to add a post to this PTR because my family doesn't want to hear it, yet.

Don't get me wrong. They all love Disney very much, as I had said in my initial post, but in their minds, our trip is 6 months away and that's a long time. To me, our trip is only 6 months away and I have to get to the planning.

Oh well. Everything will work out fine, I'm sure.

Thanks for reading!;)

[michael's mom]

Okay, now that I have some time, I'll start with the characters of this grand adventure.

First off, there's me: A complete Disney nut. If I could afford it, and my job allowed it, I'd travel to Disney at least twice a year. But, as a teacher, I cannot. So, I begin planning my next trip 2 years in advance. Basically, as I get off the plane from one trip, I am deciding on the next. I have put myself in charge of planning this Grand Gathering, because frankly, no one else in my family understands the importance of getting ADR's at 180 days out. Therefore, they don't understand the importance of deciding where you'll be on which days. Of course, it's crazy to be deciding what food I'll be eating 6 months from now (Mama Melrose's), but we do what we have to do to be in control of the situation.

DH: My husband is the sole reason that his family has only been to WDW once! He threw a giant tantrum over not getting to meet Donald, and his parents vowed to never take him back. Well, they didn't. I took him back after we'd been dating a little over a year. My family was traveling to WDW (my last real GG) and he had a pretty good time. It was he in fact, who decided that we should go to Disney for our Honeymoon. I was in heaven. I couldn't believe that he wanted to take me there! We have been back once since then, with our son. He was one and although he doesn't remember his first trip. We will never forget it.

DS: Our son will be weeks away from 3 when he gets his second trip to Disney. As I said before, he doesn't remember his trip, but I still tear up when I think of the look on his face when he watched Festival of the Lion King. He was awestruck. It was the single most memorable Disney moment in my lifetime. We will definitely be hitting up that spot at AK this time around.

My parents: Nana and Papa are frequent Disney travelers. So much so, that when they are in the area for Red Sox spring training games, they make sure to stay on property..."because nothing else compares". Seriously, the first time they were down for the games, they booked a room off property. They walked in, took one look at the room, and called me to find them a room in Disney! It is these two great people that have instilled a love of all things Disney in me (and my sisters to a point). They took their tax returns every year and brought us back to Disney. We had so much fun as kids in Disney. I still remember swimming to the volcano at the Poly pool. If only we could afford the Poly now..I'd be there in a heartbeat. But, I have to sacrifice the Poly if it means getting back every other year.

DSis & her DFi: My sister, like me, loves vacationing to Disney. She is one of the family members that doesn't understand the urgency of planning this far in advance. She loves thrill rides, so she usually tries to plan a day at Universal IoA when she's in Orlando. Her fiance is a new member of the Disney family. He's only been once (with my sis and two friends) so he's never experienced the large family vacation.

Dsis2: The youngest in the family, and probably has traveled there as much as me. She has been fortunate to be invited on a few long weekend trips. Oh, I only wish. She is not a big fan of the thrill rides (unlike her older siblings). She is more of a low-key rider, so MK is her kind of place.

More to come later...

[michael's mom]

JC: My lil' sisters best friend. He is my son's "uncle" and we love him like a brother. He is trying to get the time off from work so he can join us so he will be included in our cast of characters as well. We've traveled to Disney with JC many times. His family is close friends with my family, so in the past, when we were all little kids, we went to "The Land" together. In fact, he was my husbands counterpart back in 2000 (DH's first trip back since he was 8). They were the first to get everywhere, because like children, they were so excited that they ran. We really hope JC will be able to join us.

My aunt, uncle, and their two grandchildren: My aunt and uncle have been to WDW before, but not too many times. I don't think they have ever seen DHS before (but I could be mistaken). Their grandchildren however, DGD5 and DGS 3 have never been. As you can read in my signature, being witness to DGD5's first experience with the princesses is something I am looking forward to. My son and DGS3 will have a blast and I am looking forward to being part of their fun, but a little girl in the land of princesses is something special.

Last, certainly not least, but not committed either: My aunt, uncle, and their two daugthers (20 and 18). We're hoping that this great family comes to share in the fun because, as the saying goes, "The more the merrier". There are college breaks to contend with, as well as a planned trip to Italy. This family is still in the thinking process, but should be included because, just as JC, they will be a part of this Grand Gathering.

We still have some family members expressing interest, but not really talking about coming. I'll be sure to add more when the time comes.


As of March 4
Okay, so the cast of characters has diminished a bit. JC, my sisters friend will not be joining us. He was not granted the vacation time from work because 2 other people in his dept. are taking that week off.

My aunt, uncle, and 2 cousins are also not coming. Although, the younger of the two cousins will be in WDW that week with her high school lacrosse team. Hopefully we are able to make it to a game or two.

However, another cousin of mine, who has been enlisted in the Army for 3 years and spent 15 months in Iraq, has decided to join us along with his girlfriend. His mom and dad are my aunt and uncle that are taking their two DGK's, so not only will he get to see his parents for the first time in months, but he'll be there for his niece and nephew's first trip to WDW. How cool is that?


Now, the plans so far!

We have (well, I have) made our itinerary for the trip. I just hope our ADR's fit into my plan. I have been spending the past 5 weeks checking the Disney website for the release of the EMH for the parks, checking this website for any other information I need, as well as all of the menus to find restaurants that have meals that the picky eathers of our bunch will eat.

I finally figured out where we are going, but, with the delay with the ADR system, I hope I can keep it this way.

Some of our party is arriving on 4/15 which is a Wednesday, others will be checking in on Friday. My DH, DS, and possibly youngest sister and JC will be checking in on Saturday, so, this is when I will begin planning...when the whole GG is present.

Saturday, 4/18:

Day at pool, checking in, unpacking, shopping for groceries (snack food and breakfast food). Then, our first Disney experience: Cinderella's Gala Feast at 1900 Park Fare. We are hoping to get the earliest ADR so we can do some shopping at Downtown Disney that evening.

Sunday, 4/19:

Breakfast at CP (we hope earliest ADR) and then the day at Magic Kingdom. We are looking forward to taking our time traveling the park, having lunch at Cosmic Rays (great bang for your buck that's for sure). We will probably take a break from the park, head back to the resort for some naps and downtime at the pool, and then back to the park for those interested in viewing Wishes. This will definitely include me, DH, and DS because we missed it on our last trip (it was so dang hot we just were tuckered out) and I love that show.

Monday, 4/20:

Animal Kingdom at opening to whenever we finish or decide to take off. I am looking forward to a yummy, hot cinnamon roll at Kusafiri's for breakfast. Perhaps, this day is the day I am waiting for the most. When we last visited WDW, DS had just turned one the month before. We took him to Festival of the Lion King and the whole experience was a very emotional for me (and my DD actually). I guess I never expected my son to really get Disney at such a young age. Do you know that moment, when your child sees something in Disney for the first time (like the little girl who sees Cinderella for the first time) and his face just lights up with sheer amazement? Well, I will never forget the look of awe and excitement that my son shared with us that day. He had is "Wow" Disney experience at 1 year old, and even now, thinking back to that moment, I get a bit choked up. I cannot wait to get him back to FLK because I just know that he will love it still. I can't wait to hear him this time around.

Tonight, we are off to the Hoop De Doo Revue. It will be the first time for all of the kids, and the first time back in 20 years for everyone but DH and myself. I am psyched!

[michael's mom]

I double posted accidentally!

[michael's mom]

Okay, I left off on Monday (after double posting OOPS).

Tuesday, April 21:

We plan to use this as a day off. Spend some time at the pool. Recuperate from all of the walking that we did in the previous days. I know the kids will love hanging at the pool, with the slide and all. I will probably try to get some laundry done today because I hate spending my last night on vacation in the steamy laundry room, and if there's one thing my mom taught me, it's not to go home with dirty laundry. Besides, we leave Disney on Sunday and it's back to work on Monday for both me and my husband. We'd never get the laundry done. :laundy:

It is this night that leaves me with the least stress... because I was able to book my CHEF MICKEY'S dinner. There are 18 of us going, we got the first seating. I'm psyched...not only will the food be fresh, but so won't the characters. And, with young children, and a diabetic on for the ride, it'll be nice to get dinner in at a decent time. We'll go back after dinner, let the kids play in the pool some more, and then get to bed for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day!

As of 3/15, there are 14 of us, and after much stress, it's all worked out

Wednesday, April 22:

This is the last day for my aunt, uncle and their two GK's. They are leaving tomorrow. We however, are on for another 4 days! Yippee!!!! :banana:

We are going to go to Epcot for the rope drop (hopefully) and take on a few rides. You know, the kiddie ones. None of us have seen Turtle Talk with Crush or Nemo and Friends. I am really looking forward to these both. I'm sure the older crowd (well, the twenty-somethings) will head over to the thrill rides, but we plan to just do the few kid rides, grab some breakfast over in the Land and then head to DHS for the rest of the day.

The plan is to get ressie's at Mama Melrose's, maybe hit another round of Tower of Terror, and then head on into Fantasmic. We are not doing a dinner package because my mom (and I agree) hate where they sit the package guests. We have always had great seats, dead center, and usually down low too. We'll get or bring in some flashy toys for the kids to play with, maybe get some ice cream and relax.


You may notice that we have crammed 4 parks into 3 days (and all at the beginning). The reason behind this is to get my aunt and uncle to all of the parks. They haven't been in so long, and like I said, they haven't seen DHS yet. Not even as MGM. But, we all only purchaed 3 day hoppers so we have to hop from Epcot to DHS.

The rest of our trip is going to be spent hanging out poolside, doing some shopping, TURNING 30 :scared1: That one's me. I'm not looking forward to it, but what the heck, I'm going all out and at least I'll be in my magic place!

As of 3/15, we are going to Animal Kingdom today and most will be dining at Teppan Edo, one couple at Tutto Italia
Thursday, April 23:

Like I mentioned previously, we are going to be spending the next three days just chilling out, but I'll give you my dining plans at least.

The plan is to dine at the Maya Grill tonight. My sis's DFi is Guatemalan and they loved this restaurant on his first trip. We tried to get everyone at least one TS that they loved.

...Well, at least the plan is to get everyone a TS that they'll love...as you all know, the Ressie System is in major upgrade and not booking our reservations yet.

Friday, April 24:

My last day as a twenty-something :sad1:

The plan today is some major shopping at DTD and then dinner at Kona Cafe. This is the day that we'll go to another park if anyone feels up to it. DH and I have two park hoppers from years back after a medical situation at AK. (DH poured two large black hot cups of coffee on him...no lids and all allowed!) We've never used them because each time we were back, we've been on a park pass plan. The first time back we had some tickets for our honeymoon, they were unlimited hopper access to ALL DISNEY PLACES. Including DisneyQuest. DH Loved that! Then, last year we were on DDP and had the passes we needed. Actually, we planned on using these freebies then, but because of the heat, we cut our park visits down and never made it to DHS or EPCOT. MK and then AK were enough for us.

So, maybe we'll bring DS back to MK or AK (I know those will be his fave's). Ya never know.

Saturday, April 25, DOOMSDAY!

So, this is the day I've been dreading for quite some time now. Probably since I turned 25. But, I know it won't be so bad. I have lots to look forward to as a thirty-something. (i.e. more children, raises at work, the secret Disney trip I'm planning...more later).

The one place that I have wanted to dine, and have yet to get a ressie, is Whispering Canyon Cafe. I am determined to eat there on my birthday. I'm going to live it up, let a room full of people embarass me, and have a blast. Who knows when I'll get back to Disney again (before that secret trip:ssst: ).

It's funny how things work out sometimes. Let's just hope we get our ressie when we want them.

Sunday April 26:

Time to go home~ :sad: :sad: :sad:

[michael's mom]

Hey all,
Okay, you all know that my thread title is party of 18 and growing right? Well, the latest possible addition is my grandfather. My mother asked him to come with us and that is really exciting. He hasn't been in 10 years, I haven't been down there with him in at least 14 years. Is this why I'm so excited? Partly, but more importantly, my grandfather will be celebrating his 80th birthday while we are down there. So many of my favorite memories, both in and out of Disney, include my grandfather. I really hope he decides to join us because we will be able to celebrate our two big birthdays together. This would be yet another terrific memory to add to my collection.

:woohoo:

So, back to that special trip I've been telling you about.

For some reason, I am pretty good at calendars, and figuring out when days will be in the future. I guess it's a grid thing, but I am able to figure wierd things out. On top of this, it has always been a dream of mine to make it to the World at Christmas time, but, I'm a teacher and cannot take time off whenever I choose. My husband works in retail and for the past 8 years he has worked the days before and after Christmas. In fact, his company had a blackout time from Thanksgiving through January. Well, my skill at figuring out calendars and my husbands new job has changed my time frame on getting to Disney in the wintertime.

You see, for optimal Christmas vacation time, Christmas needs to be on a Wednesday or a Thursday. The reason being, school is closed on Christmas Eve, the latest possible day of school will be Dec. 23. If Xmas is on a Wednesday, then the 23 would be a Monday. School systems don't open up just for a Monday. So, when Xmas is on a Wed, school ends on the 20th and resumes on Jan.2. That's almost 2 full weeks. Now, if Xmas is on a Thursday, school will end on the 23, but won't resume until Jan. 5, almost 2 full weeks. These are the best days for teachers because we get the longest amount of time off.

So, you're asking where does Disney fit in. Well, Xmas is on a Thursday this year. This means, that in 6 more years, Xmas will be on a Thursday again. Now, in 6 years, my husband and I will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary and my son will be 8 1/2. What a great time to take a magical long trip to the World for Christmas. The best part, with a school aged child, who better than Santa to give you a gift.
:santa:
So, while on sebatical from planning this vacation, I started to think about how I could do this "secret trip". My plan is for my son (and any subsequent children that we don't have yet) to open his Santa gifts on Christmas morning and for one of them to say, Surprise, You're going to Disneyworld today! And then, take off for a magical 10 day trip to the Happiest Place on Earth.

So, my family thinks I'm crazy for planning our trip this April so soon. You can only imagine what they're thinking about my 6 year plan. But hey, half the fun is planning ;) Okay, maybe not half the fun, but it is fun!

My husband thinks I'm crazy too...planning a trip 6 years out, but it'll cost a bit of dough and as soon as we return from this upcoming trip I'm going to start saving. I want to do it bigtime, maybe even the Poly.

Surprisingly, he's all for it! He knows it will cost more money than we normally spend. But, he also knows how cool it'll be. :cheer2:

Okay, well, until we are able to get ADR's, don't know when that'll be :sad: I probably won't be updating the PTR.

Until next time...Have a Magical Day!

[michael's mom]

Hello, is anyone out there?

[michael's mom]

Okay, now I am bragging on this in practically every discussion thread I've been on. I heard on Wednesday that Disney was announcing a new offer yesterday, 11/6 at 5pm. Well, I worried a bit because I was on my way to a concert...that's right, the NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK! They were awesome by the way.

Anyway, back to topic. When I got home from the awesome concert with The Block I checked mousesavers.com and got psyched because my vacation fit in the deal offer. (I'm never that lucky). So, I called today to change my entire Grand Gathering's reservations to get the discount. I was on the phone for 2 hours almost with AnnaBeth (the greatest CM of all time I believe).

By the time we were finished, I had gained 4 more park hopper passes no expiration and saved $560. STEAL! Some of the other members in the party saved big too, but others will only save about $200, but, get an additional 5 days park hopper no expiration.

As I may have mentioned in a previous post, being a teacher, I have to travel after school ends before vacations. Thus, airfare is outrageous. This extra savings will help the airfare become a bit more affordable.

:thumbsup2

[michael's mom]

Well, I mentioned AnnaBeth in my previous post about my savings, but IMHO she deserves her own post.

The phone call started the traditional way..you know, automated answering. I was on hold for about 15 minutes because, according to AnnaBeth, everyone with existing reservations was calling to make the necessary adjustments.

Once AnnaBeth answered the phone, the fun began. She was very friendly and informative. She provided me with some great tips and advice and was very patient with me as I tried to make changes to three different reservations. She provided me with different pricing scenarios and while she was waiting for her computer to cooperate we had a lovely conversation. Anna kept telling me that her computer thought it was Friday, and was being a bit lazy. She had me in stitches.

Throughout the call, all necessary changes were made. When she initially told me how much $ I'd save my first response was ":disrocks: " I told her that my family was making fun of me for spending so much time on the Disboards...but, I was now about to save each of them over $500. She was laughing a bit too and told me that I need to milk this and tell them I deserve a really good Xmas present.


The savings is not even the greatest part though. As I said, Anna's computer was being a bit temperamental and we were on the phone waiting for quite some time. While we were waiting, my son came to me and I told him I was on the phone with Mickey. He said "I want to talk to Mickey". Uhoh...I told him Mickey had to go to work and I was going to talk to Minnie. "I want to talk to Minnie". I said, no honey, Minnie's busy.

Anna asked me if I had speakerphone and when I said yes, she said she would talk to Michael while she was waiting for the computer to get her page. He took the phone and the convesation went a bit like this:

Michael: Hi Minnie!
Anna: Hi Michael. This Minnie Mouse. Are you being a good boy?
Michael: Yes (emphatically).
Anna: Oh, thats good. Are you coming to see me soon?
Michael: Yes. The kids are all gone now. (my mom run's a daycare and she watches him too. All the kids had just left before he got on the phone).
Anna: Oh, that's nice Michael. Can you tell Mommy that you love her?
Michael: Oh, Yeah. I love you Mommy!
Anna: Okay Michael, Minnie is going to talk to Mommy now. Bye bye Michael.
Michael: Bye Minnie. I love you Minnie!

This is why I love Disney so much. Anna made what could have been a painstaking experience (being on the phone for 2 hours) a truly magical one. To watch my son talking to "Minnie" is something I'll never forget.

So, to all of you out there, if you're fortunate enough to speak to AnnaBeth, tell her I said hello.

Enjoy your Magical Moments!
:wizard:

[MousekaMaddi]

awesome post, really made me smile.......:goodvibes

[michael's mom]

awesome post, really made me smile.......:goodvibes

Yay, a reader! Welcome aboard, and Thank you!

[ToddyLu]

:lmao: I am reading your thread. (Imagine the music from X Files) You are not alone!! I really like the internal and external dialogue though...keep it up popcorn::

[michael's mom]

:lmao: I am reading your thread. (Imagine the music from X Files) You are not alone!! I really like the internal and external dialogue though...keep it up popcorn::

:woohoo: I have some friends out there...welcome aboard Toddylu. As I get more and more, I'll add more and more.

[parkers*momma]

Love the report!

Isn't Disney CMs the BEST! I love it when they help add the excitement to our lil ones.

Can't wait to read more!

[gellybean]

Our son will be weeks away from 3 when he gets his second trip to Disney. As I said before, he doesn't remember his trip, but I still tear up when I think of the look on his face when he watched Festival of the Lion King. He was awestruck. It was the single most memorable Disney moment in my lifetime. We will definitely be hitting up that spot at AK this time around.

I love that your 1 yo loved it!! I'm about to take my boys in Jan and our youngest will have just turned one. I can't wait to have a magical moment like that with him!! :cloud9:

Love your pre trippie. Keep it coming!

[xoktenox]

Hey, I just got all caught up! Great report so far, that's great about watching your DS during FotLK during your last trip :cutie: Cool that we're gonna be at the world the same time too! If they would just let us make our darn ADR's life would be perfect :lmao:

[michael's mom]

If they would just let us make our darn ADR's life would be perfect :lmao:

My sentiments exactly! I know exactly what I want and when I want and the fact that I have to try to call with 3 months worth of callers to make my ADRs. Planning for so many makes it a bit worrisome to make sure each gets at least one ADR that they wanted to go to.

Oh well, it is what it is! We're at least getting to go to WDW right?

[michael's mom]

Okay, well, the past 24 hours have been a day of savings for me. I was just entered into a stroller swap which will save me quite a bit of dough as well as the hassle of my stroller on the airplane. Last year when we flew down with our DS (1 at the time) we had our 2 suitcases, 2 carry-ons (my husband just had to bring his portable DVD onto the plane), a stroller, a car-seat (both being stored from the gate), and the baby. Such a pain, especially since our carseat storage bag broke and didn't wheel correctly.

So now, I don't have to deal with the stroller at least. And, for $10 I get a stroller for the entire week. Best part, it's a double stroller and only 1 child so lugging the camera and "diaper bag" (Please God, let him be potty trained) won't be an issue either. It's cheaper than renting a single.

My only concern was that we will be flying out of Boston (or Providence) later at night and that DS would need a stroller once we landed in Orlando. I've decided that if that's the case, DH can carry him or, we can bring our $10 umbrella stroller that is definitely not good enough for the parks, but will suffice for the airport.

It's just so strange, one minute, I only have my car reservations (I know, book your room first huh!), then, what seems like moments later, all I have left to do is book my ADRs and pack.

All I have to do is book my ADRs...I say that like it's a piece of cake! What was I thinking?

So now, I will be surfing the boards, waiting for signs that dinining reservations can be booked. If you hear the strumming of impatient fingers, it's coming from way over here on the South Shore of Massachusetts! :surfweb:

[michael's mom]

Well, not too much has changed in the world of ADR's! Bummer...AnnaBeth told me to call back this week though because you never know. I'll call on Friday, which was the initial day that I could call to make ADR's due to the upgrade. Friday is 11/21, the day that I was going to take off to make my ressies and then didn't put in for it. Turns out, I needed the day off because my sister is having surgery and the 21st is her pre-op day. My mom watches my son while I am working and will be with her at the hospital so, I have a long weekend coming up...I'll just have to make a phone call to be sure.

Friday night DH and I are going to Foxwoods for a secret surprise party for him. For those of you who aren't New Englanders, Foxwoods is a casino in CT. Only about 1 1/2 hours from home. He thinks that I am just taking him for his 30th birthday that was last month, and for our anniversary that was 2 weeks ago. What he doesn't know is that we have at least 10 of his friends/family members meeting us down there to surprise him and spend the day. Should be a good time!

Okay, well, after completely going off topic, I have to read to see where I left off...oh, I'll be checking with Disney dining on Friday. Any good news I'll be sure to share with the DIS.

Other than that, the only excitement was the email to save even more money on the trip, but it is definitely not a better offer than the buy 4 get 3. I'm psyched about the stroller swap. It looks as though I'll at least have one face to face swap.

The sad news is the swappers lost a stroller. If anyone sees a blue double jogger with Royal Carriage 3 embroidered on it, it belongs to us swappers and we would greatly appreciate it being returned to the All Star Resort.

Okay, well, I wish you all a happy Friday tomorrow. I'll update again when there's news to share.

[xoktenox]

Have fun in Foxwoods! Win lots of $$...then you can use it in Disney! :rotfl2: :goodvibes

[michael's mom]

Have fun in Foxwoods! Win lots of $$...then you can use it in Disney! :rotfl2: :goodvibes

Thanks! That'd be awesome if I did...but sadly, I'm lucky if I leave even...:cool1:

[NaplesRI]

I am enjoying it too~~

[michael's mom]

Thanks! As soon as I get those darn ADR's I'll be really excited...now to break the news to the inlaws who think we spend too much money... :ssst:

Really, they are just looking out for us because my husband was out of work for 4 months. Oh well, he was able to collect unemployment while he was looking for a job and now he has one. Our finances are in order and our tax refund (thanks to the influence of my parents ;) )will pay for Disney twofold so I say..."Why Not?"

[lilyfrog73]

Great PTR so far. I've been considering doing one myself for the same reason as you. My DH is excited about going but he thinks I'm nuts with all the research I do and doesn't understand why so much needs to be done ahead of time. Keep it coming!!!

[michael's mom]

Definitely do one! I think my family thinks I forgot we were going because I rarely talk about it now. The last conversation I had with anyone regarding Disney was last Tuesday and it was telling my aunt I got her into a stroller swap. Besides, it's fun chatting with other people who are as excited as you!

[stitcharoo]

haha
i love the way you write, you have a good sense of humor.
=]
love it, i'mma keep reading!!
:surfweb:

[michael's mom]

Thanks! :thumbsup2

[michael's mom]

Well, we just got in from our night at Foxwoods. It was nice to get away, even if only for a night. I don't know if I could've handled more than that away from my son. But, it was a good time. DH had no clue that people were meeting us there. I almost blew it last night, but he wasn't paying too close attention and I covered pretty well. Before we left, he said "maybe I should call Eddie (his BF), he'd be in his car in 20 seconds to meet us down there" well, I had to play the hurt wife and say "But this was supposed to be a nice getaway for the two of us, what, am I not good enough company?" He agreed to not call his buddy and we were off.

Got stuck in some pretty nasty trafic down by 495 in MA, but then, smooth sailing. Got to the casino at 8:30, checked into our room, and had a very late dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. Then we took a loooooooong walk to the MGM Grand and I have to say, I hope the Vegas one is worth all the hype because I didn't see anything special about the one in CT.

We slept in this morning (well, DH did, I couldn't sleep with all the snoring and all...) but I knew we couldn't go to bfast until 10 because everyone was meeting us at 11. So, we eat a decent bfast, walk around for a few minutes...

Boy, was I trying to stall him! I bent down to tie my shoe, said I needed to find chapstick, and then said, lets go get some fresh air in the smoke-free casino before we head off to lose all our money. I will say it was the perfect amount of time to waste because as we headed towards the casino we wanted to get to, there was my sister, her friend JC (he's supposed to be going to WDW with us) and her friend Candace. What was DH's first words to me?

DH: Oh sure, I can't invite Eddie but you invited these guys
Me: Aah, actually... (Insert Eddie jumping on Matt and doing an oh so inappropriate n**ple assault)...
Me (cont): and your brothers will be here and your aunts and your uncle later this afternoon.

Hahaha, he was so surprised.

All in all, we had a great day, however as the title of this post hints, we didn't win any money. I was proud of the fact that I sat at a slot machine for 1 1/2 hours on $9.00. We met up with everyone again (15 people in all) and had a great dinner at California Pizza Kitchen, and then, we headed home.

Leaving Foxwoods is definitely not like leaving Disney. Esp. if you are a non-smoker. I couldn't wait to get out of there...I still have a sore throat and nose from all the smoke, and I was in the smoke-free room for most of the day. There were no tears from me today...I can guarantee you I'll be crying like a naked baby when I leave Disney in April.

So, this is totally off the topic of my trip to Disney, but seeing as though NOTHING HAS CHANGED WITH ADR'S :scared1: I'd let you hear how I spent my day.

I am actually glad that nothing has changed yet with the ADR's because I would have been upset if they opened a new window and I couldn't get to a phone.

Okay folks, have a great Saturday night and Sunday. I'm sure you'll be hearing from me soon, because rumor has it, a new window is opening up this week. Fingers crossed it includes some late April dates!

[xoktenox]

Sounds like you had a great time at Foxwoods, even if you didn't win any money. Thats pretty impressive to sit at a slot machine for and hr and a 1/2 on $9! :thumbsup2

I totally know what you mean about the smoking at the casinos. In Sept., me, BF and 2 of our friends went to Mohegan Sun and while the place itself was beautiful, the smoke was insane. Even in the non-smoking areas of the casino you could smell it. I ended up on antibiotics a few days after we got home because it actually made me sick!

Glad to hear you had such a good time :goodvibes

[michael's mom]

I am pretty sick today...my lungs are still trying to clean up...I haven't stopped coughing all day...:sick:

I hope a good night's sleep will be the trick, I have a big day at work tomorrow. 20 six year olds don't stay home because their teacher doesnt feel well...Ugh. :teacher:

Anyway, thanks for staying tuned. Did you hear the rumor that on Dec. 1 they are opening up the window for ADR's through May 10? DisneyDine hasnt confirmed it yet, but the rumors are on other sites and coming from TA's too.

I have my fingers crossed! :cutie:

[michael's mom]

Well, while sitting on the Dis early this Thanksgiving morning, I was reading the posts in the ADR thread and noticed the comment that Fantasmic doesn't run every night. Well, of course I had planned DHS for Wednesday because that is the day for the EMH evening hours and we are doing Epcot and DHS in the same day (only a few attractions at EC) so we wanted more time at DHS. Now, just three days before the dining system is rumored to be opening up the April dates, I am scrambling to figure out how to fix our schedule because Fantasmic is a MUST DO for our crowd!


I think I'll have to buck up and pay for TGM to offer some helpful advice!

Any suggestions?


Oh well, just another reason that I am partly glad that I haven't been able to make my ADR's yet.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[Teaching in NV]

Have you looked at airfare yet? Southwest just posted sale prices - we booked and saved over $300 on 4 tickets - it might be too early yet, but keep watching their site for air deals.

[wisegal]

I am enjoying your report. I had tears in my eyes as I read about the conversation your son had with Minnie. I am such a sap.

You are not the only one who plans years in advance. I am hope do do a trip to the World when my DD is about nine (she is 2 now). There will be many trips to DL between now & then. The first on beeing next Oct. :yay:

Hope you get your ADRs & can not wait to read more

[michael's mom]

Have you looked at airfare yet? Southwest just posted sale prices - we booked and saved over $300 on 4 tickets - it might be too early yet, but keep watching their site for air deals.

I have been looking at airfare probably every other day. Southwest is still over $500 for us to fly when we need to. Ugh!

[michael's mom]

Okay, so the Mom's panel reported that ADR's would open up yesterday. So, like everyone else on the DIS waiting for their ressies, I got up early and called Disney at 7 am sharp. I began to get very excited (but still cautious) because when I told the CM I wanted to make ressies for our upcoming trip in April she said "OK, when do you want to start?" She tried to put me in for WCC on 4/25 and now I'm breathing slowly because I am thinking "Is this really happening?"

and....
then....

I hear this...

"Oh, I'm sorry. I can't book that yet. For some reason I was thinking March when you said April. I don't have an ETA on when you can book your dining, but call back in a week or so to check in."

BUMMER!!!!

Oh well, I half expected it anyway. So now, I am in the process of finishing my final project for Grad School! Yippee! I have a meeting tomorrow with my supervisor and once that's over I am one more 3 page paper away from holding a Master's degree in Teaching.

Then the real fun begins! Finding airfare, booking ADR's, finding the money to pay for the airfare and the trip. I don't know if I mentioned it previously or not and frankly, I'm way to tired to go back and read my previous posts, but I am traveling to the World during my school vacation this April. It is written in to my contract that I cannot take any days off immediately preceeding or following a school break (even long weekends). So, I have to fly out at the earliest on a Friday night and return on a Sunday. Airfare has been through the roof (well over $500/pp).

My sis calls me this morning to tell me that Airtran has advertised fares for my travel dates and for the 3 of us it will be $1155. This is in actuality not a bad price for these travel dates but my husband and I are not too comfortable taking Airtran. We know they have a tendency to change flight times on people (and I cannot leave any earlier than 5:30 Friday night) and, at least at Logan Airport in Boston, they are low priority and are the first to be delayed/cancelled in the event of even minor weather problems.

We are still waiting to find a decent flight price, still waiting on ADR's! Maybe Santa will wrap them both in a pretty box with a pretty bow.

Hey, I can hope can't I? ;)

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great holiday season. Keep your fingers crossed that I can finally start making more plans for this trip!

[michael's mom]

Well, I just looked at the date of my last post and can't believe it's been that long since I've written. Basically, that's because airfare is still way too much (please don't make me drive!), I can't make ressies yet for dining, and let's face it, December is a crazy month...especially this one.

Since my last post I finished Graduate School and should be receiving my M.Ed. in the mail shortly. And, two days ago I had the best Christmas of my life I think. Watching my son open his gifts was so incredible. This was the first year that he really got what was going on. He knew that Santa brought him presents. He announced "Menny Chritma" (trouble with r's and s's) to everyone he saw, gave hugs and said "thank you for my pesen" to the entire family. He is a Thomas the Tank Engine fanatic and basically, his entire holiday was filled with differnet types of Thomas toys. Santa brought him a train table and some tracks and he got tons of new trains to play with, along with Thomas toothpaste and a Thomas toothbrush that sings the theme song to the show.

It was just a terrific day and I guess I'm a little sad that it's over (although I can certainly wait more than a year for the hectic day of traveling from one house to another and trying to make our families {INLAWS} happy).

I did just hear that we can book our ressies 90 days in advance (which is Jan. 15) so I'm getting excited!

[michael's mom]

Okay, so today was THE DAY! You know, the day that I could book all of my ADR's. The ones that I've been waiting to make...(stay tuned)

Let me rewind to the past few days and update you all on the necessary changes that we have had to make to our itinerary.

Last Friday, my youngest sister received an email from her friend's mother that her friend's bridal shower was on April 18th. My sister is the Maid of Honor in this wedding. Well, about a month ago my sister emailed the mom and asked her when the shower would be and she told her March, so, she went ahead and booked her flight to leave Boston with our other sister on 4/16. So, when she received the email she was a little upset because now she has to switch her flights. She emailed the mom and told her that she had a family vacation planned but she'd switch her flights if she needed to and the response she got was "Ok, that works for me". This woman will expect things to be perfect for her daughter (as any mother I suppose) and would not tolerate Ali not being there. So, that being said, we needed to make changes because Ali really wants to be there when the 5 year old princess goes to the Kingdom and meets those princesses...so we did some switching around to accommodate and...


I was all set.

I woke up at 6:45 and turned on my computer to have access to my itinerary.

I called my mom to finalize the last few "question days" that we had.

Then...

I dialed!

I was on hold for about 30-45 seconds when I heard those magical words!

"Disney dining, how may I help you?" (or at least that's what I think she said! It was too early to be awake and I was so excited that this day finally came).

I said oh, hi, I'd like to make reservations for my upcoming trip in April and then proceeded to book one reservation after the other. Each time getting pretty much exactly what I wanted within 10-15 minutes of my ideal time.

So, my car is rented, my rooms (offsite first night because I am not paying $200 to sleep) are booked, my dining reservations are made...FINALLY! But still no flight plans. I just cannot believe that I may have to pay $400/ticket (including my son) to get down there. The strangest part is that my parents have offered to pay for my son to fly down and back and take him with them. This saves DH and I a difficult day on the 16th and 17th with daycare issues, a lot of money, and I just can't do it. It's not my son's first time on a plane because he was on one 6/07 but this is the first time he'll know he's going on a plane and I just can't bring myself to missing it. I just know how excited he will be and act and I want to be there. There are plenty of firsts that I will probably miss in his life but I've been there for all of them so far and I can't let go. So, I'll spend the money and realize afterwards that it was silly and I should have let him go with my parents but I just can't do it.

Am I crazy???

Anyway, here are my plans:

Saturday, 4/18 Hoop De Doo Revue at 5:00
Sunday, 4/19 Mama Melrose's at 5:45
Monday, 4/20 Crystal Palace breakfast 8:05
Tuesday, 4/21 Chef Mickey's 5:00
Wednesday, 4/22 Cinderella's Gala Feast 6:10
Thursday, 4/23 Maya Grille
Friday, 4/24 no plans
Saturday, 4/25 (My 30th birthday) WHISPERING CANYON CAFE...YIPPEE!!! Have I mentioned that I have tried to get reservations here the last few times I have been to the World and they were booked solid?


It's sort of funny that I panicked about not getting my reservations because my wait time was so minimal and I got everything I wanted. The only "concern" that I have is the time for the Gala Feast because we plan on being at Animal Kingdom that day and the park closes at 6, but, I doubt that we'll stay until closing and even if we decide to stay late at the park, we can just go straight to dinner rather than going back to the resort first. And, all in all, it's really nothing to be concerned about because....

I GOT ALL THE RESERVATIONS I WANTED WHEN I WANTED THEM!!!!!!! :woohoo:

[michael's mom]

Okay, so if you've been reading my PTR you know that getting reasonably priced airfare as a teacher traveling on school break is like trying to get tickets to the Red Sox game. Nearly impossible!!!

So, I booked my car rental when I was thinking about going to Disney. I got a really great deal. (Most recently I changed that car rental, saved another $10 and now I dont' need a shuttle to take me to the rental desk so I've had some pretty good luck lately)

Then, I book my hotel reservations, and re-booked them because of a better offer.

Here begins the waiting game for our ADR's.


You all know that situation...we waited,and waited, and waited, and waited some more. But I finally got those reservations just as I planned.

So the final step in this process was to actually get down to Disney. Was I going to have to drive? That would really kill my trip. Last Friday my sister found a round-trip ticket on Continental for $287. I could get my family down for less than $1000 which was my goal. The downside...there was only 37 minutes between flights and only a 30% on-time rate. I decided that I couldn't take the chance that I would be stuck in Newark without accommodations and a 2 year old. I passed up those tickets and that night they were over $400 again.

I sign onto Southwest last night and the cheapest trip down was $400. Today, I find the web specials on Southwest. 2 nonstop flights, almost perfect times, no baggage fees. I booked it. It cost about $100 more than we hoped to pay, but like I said, nonstop flights and no fees, plus times that would allow my little guy to sleep on the plane!

Bottom line, I am finally able to get to Disney!

What I am so happy about is that now I get to do the fun stuff. I am preparing a trip journal for the families up to date with our schedule for the week and ADR times. I am trying to convince my family to wear matchin t's one day but I don't know if they'll go for it. But, I can at least make them for my husband, son and me. And, I am going to figure out how to print the mousekeeping envelopes too! Yippee!!!:cheer2: I get to just think about how much fun I'll be having with my family rather than worry about getting this ADR or that plane ticket.

[michael's mom]

Okay, first off, I feel like I am writing to myself...which is okay because I can just print this out and save it for a journal...but, I hope there are some others out there.

My plans for this trip included booking quite a few things: hotel, hotel, airfare, car rental, stroller swap, ADR'S, etc. As I said in the previous post, I booked the car rental, hotel, stroller swap, ADR's, then airfare...in that order. But, I still needed an offsite room for the night we land because we are getting in so late.

I have spent days reading reviews online of the area hotels outside of Disney and close to the airport. It's scary what some people write about hotels. This one has cockroaches, this one smells like mold, that one has noisy elevators. Then, I finally found a hotel with all positive reviews, 100% recommendation rate, under $90, and 2 miles from Disney. So I go to book it and discover that they charge an additional $10 for a second adult in the room. Now, I know that most hotels charge for the 3rd/4th adult in a room, but the second? When I inquired about it, they said it was because they offerend a free breakfast.

That's right, they charge $10 for us to have the free breakfast! Does that sound strange to anyone else?

Anyway, my sis had to find an offsite place to for 2 nights and my dad, who researches this stuff all the time, found a decent place on the same street. So, I checked the reviews and they were pretty good. Most people that didn't like it, didn't think that it was a great place to stay longterm, but it's clean and close to Disney, so I booked it.

Now, I am finished with the planning that involves a phone call to Florida or typing away on the keys!

Anyway, I hope you are happy and excited about your upcoming trips! Be them in a few weeks or a few years, Disney is always something fun to look forward to!

[michael's mom]

Okay, so I just posted my final itinerary the other day...I know. Then, I realized that I made a major mistake when booking and had to make some changes.

The mistake that I made was booking the Hoop De Doo for the only day I am not on a dining plan. I love the Hoop De Doo, but I do not want to pay $55 for fried chicken. I'd much rather use 2 TS instead. And I knew that the rest of my family would agree, so I had to cancel it.

So, I cancelled that reservation and booked 1900 Park Fare there instead (which if you recall was the original plan). That left me with the night I had 1900 PF booked (4/22) and because we weren't using 2TS on one dinner, I also needed ressies for 4/24.

Not only did I make this error, but one family that was coming with us decided not to go so I had to change EVERY SINGLE ADR to take them off the reservation. Some stayed the same and they just took one table of 4 off, but I actually had to change some as well. I was really worried that we'd lose our Chef Mickey's reservation. But, all was okay. Even the ones that I had to change stayed within 10 minutes of the original time.

We will be in AK all day on 4/22 and we have park hopper passes. I have been dying to try Teppan Edo in Japan and didn't originally book there because we weren't planning on being in Epcot at night. But because of the changes and the park hoppers I thought I'd give it a shot. He had ressies!!!!! So now we will leave AK and head to Epcot, have a nice dinner and then watch Illuminations. I booked Kona Cafe for dinner on 4/24 because my friend told me that their sticky wings were out of this world!!!!

So, my new schedule looks like this:

Friday, April 17, 2009: Land at MCO at approx. 11:30 p.m., get luggage, get rental car at Budget, and head to the Comfort Inn in Lake Buena Vista.


Saturday, April 18, 2009: Check out of Comfort Inn, head to Walmart to buy some necessities for our room at POR, and then head to POR to check in and finally relax by a pool!

Dinner reservations at 1900 Park Fare



Sunday, April 19, 2009: Get up early and head to Epcot at opening to ride Nemo and Friends and see Turtle Talk with Crush. We'll get breakfast at the foodcourt by The Land.

Head over to DHS (hopefully by 11:30 ish) to spend the rest of the day there.

Dinner reservations at Mama Melrose's

End the night with Fantasmic!



Monday, April 20, 2009: Get up very early to head to MK.
8:05 reservations at Crystal Palace for breakfast with Winnie
Then spend all day at MK. Hopefully have a late lunch at Cosmic Rays!



Tuesday, April 21, 2009: Day to rest! We are planning on recovering from 2 long park days and hang out at our pool for the day.

Dinner reservations at Chef Mickey's


Wednesday, April 22, 2009: Get to Animal Kingdom for rope drop and spend as much of the day as we can handle here! Then, we will head over to Epcot after AK closes.

Dinner reservations at Teppan Edo Totally psyched that we get to do this.

Watch Illuminations and then head back to POR for a good night sleep!



Thursday, April 23, 2009: Part of our party is leaving today and the rest of us will probably sleep in and head to the pool for the day. In fact, for the rest of our trip we aren't planning on any parks so we will plan on sleeping in and hanging out at the pool or shopping at DTD before/after our dinner reservations.

Dinner at Maya Grill



Friday, April 24, 2009:

As stated above we will relax at a pool or shop in DTD.

Dinner at Kona Cafe I am really excited about this one too!




Saturday, April 25, 2009: The day I've been dreading...my 30th birthday! :sad: That's okay, at least I am in Disney right? Again, we plan on just hanging out, maybe resort hop.

Now, I have said before how much I have tried to get into Whispering Canyon Cafe right? Well, we now get to go!

Birthday dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe.

Back to POR to pack our things and get to bed early because....



Sunday, April 26, 2008: at 4:30 a.m. we have to leave for the airport for a 6:15 flight out of MCO :sad: :sad: :sad::sad:


The only good thing about this flight time is that we will be home with plenty of time to get unpacked, rest, and for me to get ready to teach 20 first graders on April 27th!


Okay, so that is it...I am not changing any more. If anyone else decides to meet us down there, they will not be eating with us! Is that cruel? I just stressed out over this way too much!

I am looking for suggestions for Counter Service restaurants. I am pretty sure we will eat at Cosmic Ray's in MK, but the rest is up in the air.


Thanks for reading!!!!!

[parkers*momma]

All I can say is OMH you are makig me hungry for WDW food!

You're ADR's sound wonderful!

A small hint...you might want to call WCC and request to be seated in the main diningroom. The last time we were there (I forgot to request the main room) we were seated out back and missed all the fun! There was, if I remember correctly, only 4 tables and to be honest, it stunk being way way WAY in the back.

[michael's mom]

All I can say is OMH you are makig me hungry for WDW food!

You're ADR's sound wonderful!

A small hint...you might want to call WCC and request to be seated in the main diningroom. The last time we were there (I forgot to request the main room) we were seated out back and missed all the fun! There was, if I remember correctly, only 4 tables and to be honest, it stunk being way way WAY in the back.

Thanks, I will definitely do that. I am hoping that since we have one of the first ADR's we'll be lucky but I am going to do that tonight!

[michael's mom]

Well, it's been a crazy week for me. This past week I developed a slight kidney infection and while I caught it very early and was not uncomfortable for too long, I have been dragging. We had a snow day on Wednesday so I was able to rest up a bit then, but things have been super busy at work, I have report cards due next week and still have much to do to be ready for those!

But, last night DS, DM and I went to my aunts house for my lil' cousins birthday party. He'll be 3 tomorrow (this is one of the other two kids that will be with us in WDW). As soon as we got there my uncle started asking all sorts of questions about the trip and I realized, there might just be someone just as excited as I am about going!!!!! And, according to my aunt, he likes to have things organized, so, while the rest of my DFamily will be rollign their eyes at me :rolleyes2 , he'll be psyched!

We had a really great time at the party. My DS picked out a pair of Lightening McQueen pajamas for his cousin (and of course I got a pair for him so they could match) and DM got him some clothes to get him ready for the trip with a cool pair of sunglasses. She is planning on getting them some cool things to keep them busy in the airport/on the plane.

Any suggestions?

We are flying out at 8:30 p.m. and returning on a 6:55 a.m. flight so I am hoping we don't need too much for our DS. We will be bringing portable DVD player or laptop to play a movie for him or some episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse to get him excited.

I am really starting to get excited now that we are edging closer and closer. Only 2 more weeks until my February break...and then the countdown is ON!

I am starting to think about putting together a journal for the 5yo princess that will be coming and found some cool journal pages for adults too! I'll just have to partake in that! I figure, I ask all of my students to keep a journal of their vacations while they are away...I could do the same and share with them right? Plus, what a great keepsake to share with DS when he's older.

I also want to have t'shirts made for the trip. I'd love it if at least one day we all wore matching t'shirts...but talk about the eyes rolling...if we were in a bowling alley pins would be everywhere!!!! I am hoping to make some for the kids, DH and I that say "We're going to Disneyworld today!"

Has anyone ever made these t's? Do I need special ink for my printer or does regular ink work to make the transfers?

Anyway, those are my thoughts and plans...I just hope that I start early enough to get it all done.

[michael's mom]

Has anyone ever done a photopass share? It sounds like something that would be pretty cool...but does it work?

[michael's mom]

Well, I'm freezing cold, more snow today and of course, the one day I don't wear my boots to work...I can't get my poor feet to warm up.

On a more Disney note, today I did something I never thought possible...I didn't put new Disney checks into my purse. Nope. For as long as I can remember my checks have had some type of Disney design on them. While getting ready to re-order I discovered that they had a new breast cancer design where some of the money that I paid for the checks goes to cancer research. Well, with my sister living with breast cancer I decided that was the way to go. Plus, they are adorable...they are light pink with darker pink and daisies...have I ever mentioned that I love daisies? So, I did it. I did what I once considered the unthinkable. But, it's for a great and personally meaningful cause.

Well, that's it. I have sooooooooo much work to do to get my report cards finished and I can't get motivated!!! Aaah.

[michael's mom]

Well, as the new title of the thread suggests, we let the secret out. We have been keeping this trip under our hats from DH's parents because they don't always approve of our taking vacations. I may or may not have mentioned this, but DH was unemployed for several months last year, and while this trip was planned long in advance, we weren't sure we'd be able to go because of his non-working status. Thankfully, he got a job and the trip was on.

Now, his final month of unemployment things got tight. His previous employer tried saying that he quit and contested his unemployment so we were using only savings as I was out of work as well. When he had called his parents to get his savings bonds from childhood, they wouldn't give them to him and gave us money for our bills instead. Very generous of them, but we didn't want the money...we really wanted to get through this on our own. So, we owe them quite a bit of money. The reason we didn't want their help was because of Disney, but they are pretty persistent and really just want to help.

Now, along with being kind, generous, and persistent, his parents aren't the type to vacation. His dad worked for a company as Vice-president of something in offices in Costa Rica and Hong Kong and was out of the country a lot (also making a lot of $$). The only vacations DH has told me about were occasional trips to visit dad (1 or 2 to each place) and one family boat trip. Yes, these are vacations, but to me, going to HK because Dad is working isn't a vacation and I only mentioned 5 trips in 30 years!!! His parents own a house in NH and MA so they use the NH house as their "vacation home" but there's nothing to do there. They live on a mountain and don't ski. I've known them for over 10 years and in that time, they have taken 1 vacation.

Needless to say, they still have $$ because they save their $$. But, I thouroughly enjoy my trips to Disney with my family, as does my husband. Each and every time we've gone his parents have commented on the $$ it costs to go on vacation. Our priorities are just different.

That being said, we knew we couldn't just go away for over a week and not tell them. Today, we learned that DBil's future SIL was planning a shower for his Fiance while we were gone and DH's mom wanted to have a small birthday party for me (I'll be 30 as you all know) so we had to tell her.

We were at a family member's birthday party today and DH broke the news but only told a half truth. We have more than enough $$ from our tax return to pay for Disney and give his parents the money we owe them but decided that to prevent any comments we'd tell them that my parents were paying for the trip as part of a birthday present but also to have a family vacation again and that we were paying for airfare. What did DMIL ask first you ask? How are you paying for it?

DH insists that they dont' care that we are going away, but I know that they do. I just don't think I should feel bad going away after the year we had last year...for two reasons, 1.) we're paying them back in full before we go, and 2.) we didn't ask for the $$ in the first place.

Anyway, I can finally breath easily because we can talk about it without worrying that someone will overhear.


So, if I still have any readers...thanks for sticking with me!

[accountingbabe08]

Your trip sounds so exciting with that many people. I think it would be fun to plan a GG one day. You must be getting excited it will be here before you know it.

[michael's mom]

I can't wait. I remember being a little girl and my WHOLE FAMILY would be there...aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, EVERYBODY. Now, all being adults with different schedules and desires, it's hard to get everyone together. This will be the first time in 10 years that I've been with a large group, and while it's smaller than we had originally hoped, it will still be a lot of fun with great family memories and pictures! I just hope they don't all hate me and my "way too organized" plans because I am far from organized normally, I am just so excited I can't help it.

Although, my obsession is saving them all money left and right so I think they'll be okay!

Welcome and thanks for reading!

[michael's mom]

Okay, I had no idea I'd be posting again or I would have saved it for my post earlier tonight.

I just bought Crocs for the family from their outlet and got a great deal. I wanted to buy DS a new pair because he's grown into the next size and got him the blue Mickey crocs with the green strap. His pair last year were the red with black strap. Then, I looked in the Women's outlet and they had the cutest pair of flip flops. A black and white croc material sole, but canvas straps. Really cute. Then, in the men's outlet I found a decent pair of slip-on black sandals for DH to wear to the pool (they sort of look like the adidas sandals that were sooo cool about 15 years ago).

DS's new Crocs:

http://shop.crocs.com/images/product/medium/60_1_seabluelime.jpg

My new Crocs:

http://shop.crocs.com/images/product/medium/939_1_whiteblackpri.jpg

DH's new Crocs:

http://shop.crocs.com/images/product/medium/73_1_blackblack.jpg




Anyway, I also searched google and got a free shipping coupon without spending $100 so that was double great!

And to make it all even better, I now know how to post images!!! Yay!

[michael's mom]

Okay, so now that DH broke the news to the inlaws, the question is, How do we get to the airport? Do we ask Dh's DD to drive us? Providence is a longer drive than Logan in Boston. or, Do we drive ourself and just leave our park in the long-term parking lot? But, what if the lot fills up? On the website it has a disclaimer that while they have many parking spaces, occasionally the lots fill during holidays and school vacation. If you are keeping up with the PTR you'll know that I am traveling a school vacation so what are we to do?

We decided that we didn't want to as DFiL because he always helps us out with stuff like this and it's a much further drive during rush hour and then early a.m. So, I started looking into transportation services like a towncar. Well, I knew it would be a bit of $$ but I never expected $125-$175 one way, no gratuity or toll fees. AAAAAHHHHHHH, what are we to do?

Then, I email the parking lot people at T.F. Green to ask what the chances are that the lot will fill up.

WHY DID I PANIC????? His response was kind of funny....none of the lots have filled up since 9/11! I certainly doubt in times of economic crisis that they'll start filling up now! So, it's settled, we are driving down on our own, it'll cost $88, but worth not sticking his dad with the hassle.

Then, second panic sets in. My mom asked me if we booked our dog Louie at the kennel for the week. I brushed it off as just a simple, no, not yet! Then, as I began to think about it...school vacation week...popular travel time....surrounded by tons of wealthy communities that economy not effecting...WILL THERE BE ROOM FOR HIM???????


As a background on our dog...he'll be 4 1/2 when we go and he's an eternal puppy. He is a black and tan/bluetick coonhound mix...yes, I said hound. He barks ALL THE TIME and is LOUDER THAN ANY DOG I'VE EVER KNOWN!!! We have used up all of our family sitters because each one had a "not so nice visit with him for one reason or another." DSiL had to bring her dog to DBiL's because my dog bullied hers (which is a pitbull). Then my cousin watched him while we were on a long weekend and he barked all night to the point that the police showed up to see if everything was okay! Needless to say, she wasn't too excited about coming back. So, when we went away for Columbus Day weekend we tested out this kennel in the town over and it went great! They offer playgroups and walks daily (for fees of course), and they didn't mind the barking!

So, back to the WILL THEY HAVE ROOM FOR HIM? I emailed them last night at 11:30 (I told you I was panicking) and she got back to me today with "We'd be happy to have Louie back with us!"

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

Now, the next challenge was to find someone to feed my cat. She really enjoys not having the dog around so we make sure someone comes in to feed her and play with her a bit. Now, normally I'd ask my younger cousin to stay here with her...but...she'll be in Disney with her lacrosse team the same time so I was stuck. Thankfully, my mom remembered that my other cousin and his girlfriend would probably be around and she offered to feed Chloe for us.

Everything is all starting to feel real...my ticker is counting down...we're starting to make purchases and I think most plans are in place...now it just have to get here!


Thanks for reading!:banana:

[miprender]

Hello Michaels Mom... we must be related indirectly because we have alot in common. My DS3 picked out those exact crocs, DD5 got the red ones and I got the black for me and DS1. DH didn't want any.

So you will be leaving out of PVD. We live about 5 min from the airport and probably will have my FIL drop us off. We aren't going with as many people that you are going with but my mom and brother are coming too.

We also have a late flight down 7:30pm and an early flight out 7am. I hate lingering around on our last day, I rather just leave quickly :sad1: I am hoping DH can get Wed off from school so we can take the 3pm flight but the schools get funny about taking time off before vacation and he is already using a personal day for Thurs.

PS another thing in common was we honeymooned in Disney 1996 at the WL. That was DH's first time and since then we have been back several times.:wizard:

[miprender]

I also want to have t'shirts made for the trip. I'd love it if at least one day we all wore matching t'shirts...but talk about the eyes rolling...if we were in a bowling alley pins would be everywhere!!!! I am hoping to make some for the kids, DH and I that say "We're going to Disneyworld today!"

Has anyone ever made these t's? Do I need special ink for my printer or does regular ink work to make the transfers?

Anyway, those are my thoughts and plans...I just hope that I start early enough to get it all done.

You should check on the DISigns thread and they can make you what ever you want. I have been practicing and I bought some Iron transfer paper at Walmart and it seems ok. I am not sure how long it will hold up after many washings but you just put it into your inkjet printer and I had to wait 30 min for it to dry before I could iron it on.

[michael's mom]

Hello Michaels Mom... we must be related indirectly because we have alot in common. My DS3 picked out those exact crocs, DD5 got the red ones and I got the black for me and DS1. DH didn't want any.

So you will be leaving out of PVD. We live about 5 min from the airport and probably will have my FIL drop us off. We aren't going with as many people that you are going with but my mom and brother are coming too.

We also have a late flight down 7:30pm and an early flight out 7am. I hate lingering around on our last day, I rather just leave quickly :sad1: I am hoping DH can get Wed off from school so we can take the 3pm flight but the schools get funny about taking time off before vacation and he is already using a personal day for Thurs.

PS another thing in common was we honeymooned in Disney 1996 at the WL. That was DH's first time and since then we have been back several times.:wizard:

You should check on the DISigns thread and they can make you what ever you want. I have been practicing and I bought some Iron transfer paper at Walmart and it seems ok. I am not sure how long it will hold up after many washings but you just put it into your inkjet printer and I had to wait 30 min for it to dry before I could iron it on.

Your DH is a teacher? I am as well, but I cannot take any time off directly before/after a vacation so we have to fly out on Friday and home on Sunday to get the most. I'd rather not have a flight SO early on Sunday, but I figure it will give me plenty of time to get unpacked and ready for work the next day.

We are flying out of Providence...it was the best flight deal we could get. I am super excited about flying Southwest...and nonstop flights.


I have been on the Disigns page and will be asking soon for some designs...how do I do it? Do I post a request or pick a specific Disigner and ask them? I know that my fam won't wear the tshirts, but I at least want one that says "We're going to Disneyworld" for DS, and the other two kids coming (along with DH and myself of course!)
Thanks for reading my PTR:thumbsup2

[miprender]

DH is a 7th grade math teacher.:teacher:

As for the DISign page I found a design I liked and I had that person put the names on it for me. My brother wasnt too keen on wearing a shirt but I am only doing one. I bought matching shirts on Disney Shopping for the kids. My DD gets upset if my two sons match and she doesnt.:lmao:

[michael's mom]

DH is a 7th grade math teacher.:teacher:

As for the DISign page I found a design I liked and I had that person put the names on it for me. My brother wasnt too keen on wearing a shirt but I am only doing one. I bought matching shirts on Disney Shopping for the kids. My DD gets upset if my two sons match and she doesnt.:lmao:

That's what I figured I'd do. How much does the printer paper cost? I would really love to do matching shirts for our first day there but I'd hate to spend the money on the t's and then have my family (parents and sisters) not wear them. I think my aunt and uncle would because they are super excited like I am to be going back.

[michael's mom]

Okay, so, in one of my previous posts, I wrote about how I had ADR's for too many people and then, when everyone confirmed they weren't going, I called and changed ALL OF MY ADR's down to the 12 that will be with us right? Well, yesterday, I bring DS to my parent's house and my aunt is visiting with my two little cousins. Everything is great, we're talking about Disney and getting very excited when...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...

my aunt tells me that her DS (my cousin) is waiting to hear whether or not his leave has been approved and he's going to join us with his girlfriend :scared1:


I honestly hope that my cousin can join us, but, I also hope I can just add them to my ADR's and I'm not sure they will. I do plan on playing the "the army took a while to approve his leave...can't we just put chairs at the ends of the tables?" speech!

We'll see. The Army may not approve his leave (which would stink) and this won't be a problem. But, I am torn because I REALLY want my cousin to join us and hope I don't lose the ADR's.

What to do, what to do, what to do?

[miprender]

The transfer paper at Walmart is $10 for a package of 10. It was transfer paper for light colored TShirts. Also I found this place on line that you can order Tshirts for cheap at www.jiffyshirts.com and if you have little ones under 2 they carry those sizes too. I ordered them and got them delivered the next day and with shipping they were still cheaper than Michaels or ACMoore.

In regards to your cousin, that would be nice if he could come. My SIL keeps saying they want to come but cant really afford it right now. I told DH that they shouldnt come anyway since I already made our ADRs and I dont want to change them:laughing: , however I told SIL we can all go to StoryLand this summer with them instead.

[michael's mom]

The transfer paper at Walmart is $10 for a package of 10. It was transfer paper for light colored TShirts. Also I found this place on line that you can order Tshirts for cheap at www.jiffyshirts.com and if you have little ones under 2 they carry those sizes too. I ordered them and got them delivered the next day and with shipping they were still cheaper than Michaels or ACMoore.

In regards to your cousin, that would be nice if he could come. My SIL keeps saying they want to come but cant really afford it right now. I told DH that they shouldnt come anyway since I already made our ADRs and I dont want to change them:laughing: , however I told SIL we can all go to StoryLand this summer with them instead.


Thanks for that info...I will definitely be getting some. My sis informed me again today that in no way, shape or form would she wear a matching t-shirt...besides "I don't wear t-shirts because I don't like the tanline!" When I offered to make her a matching tank she laughed at me!

As for my cousin, I do mean whole-heartedly that I'd love to have him there. But, my aunt told me 2 weeks ago that he was being wishy washy and to just go ahead with plans because she didn't know if he was joining us. I am just frustrated because I had extra people on our ADR's and then removed them. Ugh! If worse comes to worse, I'll change what I can and then offer to make him some without us...heck, he may want a nice quiet meal with his girlfriend once or twice :o)

I failed to mention though that when my cousin got info about Shades of Green that someone told him to have me call Disney because as family members of military personnel, there are all sorts of great perks....I wonder what they are? I'll be sure to give him a call this week.

[michael's mom]

Miprender..I just saw in your siggy that you are there the week before...how funny is that. I guess I knew that because we talked about when RI had school break...but it never dawned on me that you'll be leaving the same day I check in! And, you're staying at Port Orleans too! another similarity :o)

[miprender]

Miprender..I just saw in your siggy that you are there the week before...how funny is that. I guess I knew that because we talked about when RI had school break...but it never dawned on me that you'll be leaving the same day I check in! And, you're staying at Port Orleans too! another similarity :o)

I know:sad1: My trip will be all over when yours is just starting.

[michael's mom]

Well, still no word for my cousin as to whether or not he's coming with us...UGH! But, the post office has been busy bringing stuff my way. Our crocs came on Wednesday (DS hasn't taken them off). Mine were way too big...I am so bummed. My feet were slipping and sliding way too much at the top of the flip-flops so I ordered a new pair and I am waiting for the new ones to know if I return 1 or 2 pair :sad2:

My bathing suit just came from Lands End yesterday ( I hate wearing a bathing suit).

My mom bought DS tons of clothes from Childrens Place.com. 11 shirts and 6 pair of shorts for $120! Then, I signed on to disneyshopping.com because I got a mailing from Disney Visa with a coupon. I found some awesome t-shirts for DS as well as a classic Mickey sweatshirt for him. All in all, I bought 4 tshirts (1 for each of his cousins), a sweatshirt, and 2 pair of flipflops for me (definitely not touring flipflops, but good for pool) and I spent $38 after shipping!

I have mentioned this in other posts, but we are right now hoping that DS potty trains before our trip, with every understanding that this could possibly not happen. He's funny...always telling me "Mommy, no diapers with Mickey, I wear underpants" but I know he has no clue that Mickey's is in a few weeks.

The other day I was showing my aunt pictures of Riverside on www.wdwinfo.com and I can't believe how excited I am to be staying at a new place! I just think it looks beautiful, can't wait to be able to ride the ferry to DTD because that parking lot is horrendous! Disney may even get more money out of me this trip because of the ease of the ferry :cool1:

I finally got to "1 month" on my ticker. As excited as I am, I am getting anxious because I still have so much to do, including losing weight. I just have to get down to business because that bathing suit I mentioned, just doesn't fit quite right..but I also believe that the size above would hang.

My goal is to lose 20lbs, but I'd love it if it were more. I know that I can do this because at my weight, it falls off quickly at the beginning...usually 4lbs/week for 2 or 3 weeks then slows to 2lbs.

I just need some positive thoughts because I get sidetracked easily by "just one piece of chocolate." You know the rest of the story I'm sure.


Well, that's all for now. I'm sure I'll be back soon when my disneyshopping.com stuff comes!

[michael's mom]

So, I said I'd be back when everything came....my new disney gear showed up today...and my new crocs. I am not sure if I mentioned that the first pair were too big so I reordered and got the size down. THEY ARE AWESOME! The sweatshirt and 2 t'shirts for DS are adorable. I bought him the gray classic mickey sweatshirt and I bought it a size bigger (I don't think they had his size) but I'll get 2 years out of a $6.50 sweatshirt! :cool1: The flip-flops that I bought myself for the pool are cute too!


Today afterwork I went shopping for some things. DH washed my jeans with his work clothes and didn't realize that he had a Sharpie marker in one pair of his pants...well, needless to say it looks like DS scribbled all over my jeans so I went to buy some more. I bought a few things to wear to work but nothing for Disney. They didn't have their summer stuff out yet. But, I went to Old Navy and found a windbreaker jacket for DS marked down to $13.50 with an additional 50% off...so, it was only $6.75, and I bought him one more bathing suit and rashguard shirt so he should be all set. Here is DS's new suit! (it actually matches...the colors are off on these pics)

http://oldnavy.gap.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/631/631085/category/on631085-01viv01.jpghttp://oldnavy.gap.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/631/631942/category/on631942-00viv01.jpg

His other suits look like this:

http://content.childrensplace.com/www/b/TCP/images/styles/917867_s.jpghttp://content.childrensplace.com/www/b/TCP/images/styles/917619_s.jpghttp://content.childrensplace.com/www/b/TCP/images/styles/897100_s.jpg

Now, who doesn't think he'll look adorable! I guess orange/blue/white are a colorscheme this year!

We'll be paying the balance on our trip very soon and I am so excited. Then, it will be official.

I've decided that I am going to have to take a day off in the week that we leave. I found out the other day that I will have report cards due to my students on the very day that I leave. Now, this takes me forever to do normally, can you imagine what it will be like when I am not only completely and totally excited to be leaving within the week, but to also be packing for the trip and cleaning my house so the cat-sitter will be comfortable (we're putting the dog in a kennel, but the cat loves her quiet time here w/o him)?

Horrible...I work very well under pressure, but that just may be too much. So, I'll take one of those days off during the week to work on the report cards and shop for last minute needs. Then, hopefully I'll be able to spend my Thursday night making sure I have everything packed that I need so Friday after work, we can just take off! Hahaha, pardon my pun!


Thanks for reading!

[miprender]

Last summer I went to the Disney store and bought a whole bunch of bathing suits and Tshirts for DD and DSs at 75% off:woohoo:

As for potty training... like I posted on the stroller thread I feel your pain since DS3 is still having accidents so we will definately be bringing the pullups.

And we just paid for our trip last week:woohoo:

Only 42 days OMG!!:scared1:

[michael's mom]

Last summer I went to the Disney store and bought a whole bunch of bathing suits and Tshirts for DD and DSs at 75% off:woohoo:

As for potty training... like I posted on the stroller thread I feel your pain since DS3 is still having accidents so we will definately be bringing the pullups.

And we just paid for our trip last week:woohoo:

Only 42 days OMG!!:scared1:

That's awesome...75% off! The stuff is so cute, and now he has an "Easter" gift to give his cousins for less than $4 each. I think my potty training goal is more of a hope than a goal. He's working on it, but, we'll see! Whenever he trains, it will be SO AWESOME to not have to carry diapers (until we have another). If not by Disney, he sort of needs to be trained by the end of the summer because he's supposed to start preschool in September and he "MUST BE FULLY TOILET TRAINED" according to the school.


Only 50 days for me :woohoo:

[michael's mom]

Okay, so you all know (well, I guess just you Miprender, you seem to be my only reader, Thank!) how much I love calling up Disney right? I just found out today that my cousin and his fiance are coming to Disney. Great right...yes, but that means that all of my hard work and countless hours in front of a computer and on the phone are slowly going into the toilet.


I tried to make changes to ADR's today with very little luck. I was able to get a table for 2 at 2 of the restaurants, but not 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey's or Teppan Edo. I am so upset, frustrated, and feeling guilty. I should be thrilled to pieces that my cousins coming. He has spent way too much time in Iraq, and before/after that deployment, was across the country at his base.

But, I just wanted this trip to be perfect, with the perfect ADR's and everyone having a good time. Now, at two of our meals, 2 people will have to sit alone and eat 10 minutes after the rest of us. And, I don't have a spot for 2 at the other 3 restaurants. Now, I have to call back every few days to see if they can help me.

And, to top it all off...for the first time, I believe I was dealing with a complete idiot on the phone. Seriously, he almost messed up 3 of the reservations by doing wrong time/wrong restaurant.

Hopefully a CM working the morning will be better to deal with. I'll probably call back Wednesday to see what I can do.


Oh well, we'll have fun anyway! That much I know. I'm almost all set to cancel out of the dining plan and just pay out of pocket for a few meals. This is just way to stressful!

[tiggersam00]

I just found your PTR today! I love that you are trying to make the trip perfect for everyone. It really shows how much you care for your family:flower3:

Here's a thought about your cousin and his fiance... and maybe I am way off but it might work... I recently got engaged at WDW to my wonderful DF, we were on a trip with 9 people (DF's parents, brothes, SIL, 2 kids and sister). It was a great trip.... BUT... as a newly engaged lady I would have LOVED to have some time for just the 2 of us... I wanted to go out to eat with just the 2 of us many times on that trip because WDW is such a romantic place (yes, even with all the kids around you lol)... So, what if you spoke to his fiance and said that since this is a special time in there lives (being engaged) that maybe they would like to have a few meals on their own and meet up with the family after??

For Tepen Edo, maybe another restaurant in the WS?? Le Celier, or France perhaps??

At 1900 Park Fair what about a signature restaurant like Citricos?? Nice and romantic and gives them a little alone time??

At Chef Mickeys maybe you will luck out and find a cancelation, if not, what about the Wave?? It is right next to it Cehf Mickeys and you could ammet up after??

I hope it all works out!! :goodvibes

[michael's mom]

Those are some great suggestions! They are actually not engaged...I am so used to typing fiance for my sister that I do it habitually! My mom and I were talking tonight and I think if we can't get 2 more for 1900 PF, or Teppan Edo, we'll each skip out on it. I don't really care either way about 1900 PF. We're not on the dining plan that night so I could save some $$. And, my father would be tickled pink if he didn't have to eat at Teppan Edo so they will find another place that night.

Normally, I would just tell my cousin that I made ressies for 2 for them to enjoy a romatic night...but where he's been across the country (or in Iraq) away from his parents and niece and nephew for 3 years (before nephew was born), I know he'd rather see them so we'll adjust differently. He may just have to miss Chef Mickey's because I will not miss that one :) That was the first ressie I made and I am so excited to see DS when the gang comes to his table!

Thanks for joining the report. As we get closer to the day, I'll be posting more, and then it'll change to a trip report!

I see you are getting married in Disney! Oh my...how beautiful and romantic. We had our honeymoon in Disney and it was great!

[seashell724]

Great Report so far! Keep it up.

[michael's mom]

Okay, so not really...but at least I don't owe Disney any more money! I just this minute submitted my final payment for my trip. I couldn't believe how instantaneous the reply was declaring that I didn't owe anything!

So, now we will be saving our $$ for extra meals (incl. DS's), the tips on our meals, and of course, souvies! But with the "smart shopping" that I have been doing, using my Disney Visa for everything, I will have over $200 in rewards on my Disney Rewards card! Plus, I get the $75 birthday present because we have a multi-day ticket.

You must think I'm a crazy shopper. Let me back up and say that I put my grad school tuition on the visa because the student loan I applied for sent checks right to the student, not the school. So, they sent me the $$, I banked it, payed my tuition using the visa, and then paid of the visa. We also put the down payment for our car on it (with the cash in the bank). Just smart use of the card...I'm not a shop-a-holic :)

We still haven't figured out what we're going to do about the dining. I'm going to try to call back on Friday a.m. and see if anything has opened up...esp. for Chef Mickeys on 4/21. If that doesn't work, DH and I have opted to miss 1900 Park Fare and do something else with DS. My thoughts are the Rainforest Cafe, but, as much as he loves animals, he may be a little scared. Heck, we could just hang at POR at the pool. I'm sure he'd be thrilled with that too.

I think I mentioned it before, but we're not on the DDP until Sunday so we won't even need a place with ressies for this meal if we skip 1900PF.

Okay, I really need to go to bed now!

Oh, I almost forgot. There is a possibility that I'll be in a single stroller swap rather than the double that I am currently committed too. We don't need the double, I'm worried about it's size when going through DTD, and if there's someone who needs the double for their trip, I'd rather let them have it. I am only doing this switch though because the double swap leader may be opening a single. She is awesome, so great to work with. Things are getting more and more real each day.


I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!

[ChefMickey123]

What a great pre-trip.

I will be at POR (as will a bunch of DISers) the week after Easter as well.

Check out my pre-trippie if you like:)


Have fun with the fam.

It is a great feeling to be paid-off and only have to worry about money for souvies, booze, and tips.

[tiggersam00]

woohoo!! Being Paid in Full is a great feeling of relief for sure!!:woohoo:

[michael's mom]

woohoo!! Being Paid in Full is a great feeling of relief for sure!!:woohoo:

It sure is! I loved getting that email today from Disney saying there was a zero balance! But, now I have to pay off the Disney visa so theres still more payin' to do :(

Oh well, 6 weeks from tomorrow and I'll be flying down to Disney for what could only be a great time.

[miprender]

I just got my magical express packet in the mail:cool1: I cant wait only 33 more days:cool1: Since we are a week earlier than you, you should probably be getting yours this week.

[michael's mom]

I just got my magical express packet in the mail:cool1: I cant wait only 33 more days:cool1: Since we are a week earlier than you, you should probably be getting yours this week.

I can't wait to get it. Once I have it, I'll be able to start organizing the rest of my trip details (like swap info) and keep it all together. I haven't done it yet because I know I'll just lose it all.

You must be psyched! I hope everyone's feeling better.

[michael's mom]

So, still nothing from Disney about my reservations, still no free tickets from Universal. And, it's definite that my cousin is joining us in Disney.

I spoke with him last night and he told me that they would like to have some meals alone but all they really care about are: Eating with Mickey :scared: and the Japanese Steakhouse.

Well, I have probably mentioned that the CM was far from helpful and along with what I would consider serious insufficiencies for a CM, he couldn't help with 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey's, or Teppan Edo.

(sigh)

So, I had fixed what I could but have been stressing over this since I learned Dcousin would be joining us.

Okay, once again, I have been showered with Pixie Dust! The CM that I was so fortunate to speak with this morning on the Dining Line, Owena was her name, was amazing.

She answered as they usually do, in a very cheerful way, and the conversation went a little like this:

Owena: Thank you for calling Disney Dining, how can I help you?
Me: Hi, I am hoping you can help me, but it may take a Disney miracle. You see, my cousin just found out his leave was approved from the Army and he's decided to join us in WDW for our vacation. When I spoke to him about dining, he said he only cares about meeting Mickey. And, of course, this is the one reservation that seems impossible to get.

Owena: Okay, well, let me see if I can help. What's your telephone #.
Me: xxx-xxx-xxxx
Owena: name on reservation
Me: Michael's mom
Owena: Okay, let me put you on hold and I'll see what I can do
Me: (humming away, strumming my fingers, patiently on hold waiting)
Owena: I'm still on hold waiting, do you want to stay on hold?
Me: Oh, yes, I'll wait (hum, strum, patience)
Owena: Okay, you're all set. They added 2 people to your party, you're now a party of 14!
Me: ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I THINK I'M GOING TO CRY! ALL I'VE WANTED WAS FOR THIS TO WORK OUT! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
Owena: Not a problem.


Then I proceeded to tell her about the other reservations that we needed to make because my sweet parents gave up their seats at 1900 Park Fare and Teppan Edo so my cousin could eat with his parents. I needed a reservation at Grand Floridian Cafe the night we were at 1900 PF.
Owena: Wait a minute, how many will there be?
Me: 13...
Owena: Well, I can give you a table for 6 at 4:40 and change your 4:50 down to a party of 7. You'll be there when it opens so just tell them you're together and they'll probably be able to seat you near eachother.
Me: (again) ARE YOU SERIOUS? You are awesome!
Owena: chuckling...okay, so what else can I help you with.

I told her about Teppan Edo and that we were fine with any reservation available in Epcot at about 7:15 (same time as our Teppan Edo). She couldn't do Le Cellier (surprise surprise) or Coral Reef, but could get my parents into Tutto Italia. So, at least they have a place to eat. My sis may actually want to go to Mexico for dinner instead of TE anyway but now, I can say once more, my reservations are final!!!!!


It's funny, I know that about a month ago when I adjusted my reservations down to the 12 I said that if anyone else decided to join us they were on their own...and here I am, going crazy! I guess it's because it's my cousin and his late decision was beyond his control.

I have decided that my absolute need for this trip to be perfect for everyone is because of some of the travelers involved. My cousin, for instance, has a very dangerous job right now (Lt. in the Army) and he's been away for so long that for this trip to be perfect for him and his parents would be great. But, also for my family. With my little sister (24) receiving an incurable breast cancer diagnosis, I think part of me wants this vacation to be perfect for her too. And the rest of us of course.

Now, I know that in WDW, happiness is all around, and dining reservations do not make or break the happiness factor, but I just wanted everything to be perfect and now, we're pretty close to that.

Now, off to the showers to get ready for our day out!

Thanks for reading :)

[michael's mom]

You will not believe the text message I received from my cousin this afternoon!

Hi Maura, we are going to do all the meals with you guys except the 21st. We'll do something romantic and alone that night.

DO YOU ALL KNOW WHAT NIGHT THE 21ST IS?


Go ahead, take a guess...
~
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~


That's right....CHEF MICKEYS!!!!!!!


I could've just screamed. But, oh well. What am I to do? My aunt and uncle whose daughter is playing in a lacrosee tourney at Wide World of Sports are trying to get down to Disney, and won't be trying to dine with us. Maybe we'll invite them.

[miprender]

Dont you just love family :headache:

And wasnt this weekend so nice? I cant wait for this weather to stay.:goodvibes

[michael's mom]

I know...I was upset for a little bit, but then I decided, hey, it's his vacation too! If he doesn't know how hard it was to get the ressie, I can't be upset for him thinking it's okay to skip out on it.

Yes, the weather was awesome! Any opportunity I have to put my flipflops on I take...THEY WERE ON ALL WEEKEND!!!!!

[michael's mom]

Okay, so the title says it all. But, I am so excited because it means my trip is on its way!!!

One month tomorrow!


My ticker is going to read One month tomorrow and then 30 days, 29 days, 28 days, etc. etc.


CAN I TELL YOU HOW EXCITED I AM?

[wdwmom0f3]

I'm getting in here a little late but I had to comment you on the phone conversation with Disney. I love reading how they really do all that they can to accommodate your every need. I just love the service there. :goodvibes

I hope you have a wonderful trip! We still have until Oct, but I think I can make it. :rotfl2:

Carla

[michael's mom]

It was after that phone call (well, each of the magical ones) that I reconfirmed that I don't know if I'd be able to vacation somewhere else and feel just as satisfied because they do as much as they can to give you the magical experience you are hoping for.

My favorite was when the CM talked to my son on the phone while we were waiting for the computers to speed up.

Thanks for joining! I've been to Disney in Oct./Nov and it was gorgeous there. Are you going to MNSSHP?

[parkers*momma]

Okay, so the title says it all. But, I am so excited because it means my trip is on its way!!!

One month tomorrow!


My ticker is going to read One month tomorrow and then 30 days, 29 days, 28 days, etc. etc.


CAN I TELL YOU HOW EXCITED I AM?

WAHOOOOOOO :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2: I'm so excited for you!

[michael's mom]

WAHOOOOOOO :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2: I'm so excited for you!

Thanks! I'm getting jittery that I'm running out of time to get things.


I think I'm just a nut!

[miprender]

Its getting closer....:cool1:

Only 18 days for you:cool1:

[michael's mom]

ONLY 9 DAYS FOR YOU!!! Can you believe our trips are upon us? I have had some snafu's in my pre-trip plans, but hopefully I can fix them. I'll update tomorrow...but my big problem is my computer is broken (totally my big fat temper) so I only have the desktop and the chair kills my back...so, I'll update from work tomorrow after the kids go home probably.

[michael's mom]

Okay, so I now officially have 2 weeks left and still no computer to do these updates. My students are eating snack right now so I'm stealing a minute to post this. I am supposed to get my computer back tonight (cross your fingers everyone) and while I know that all of my info is lost in the hard drive cemetary, at least I can get back on the Dis in the comfort of my living room and give you all my 2 week update!

[miprender]

:cool1: 2 weeks.... but sad for me because my vacation will be over in two weeks :sad1:

[michael's mom]

Have a great time though!!! I'll be thinking of you next week while it's probably still pouring up here and in the 40's!

[michael's mom]

Hey fellow Disers,
I am sitting in our "office" using the desktop in the oh so comfortable chair (sense the sarcasm) because my DBil was not able to fix our laptop yet. But, it is definitely time for an update seeing as though 2 weeks from now we will be driving down a Florida highway towards our Comfort Inn for the night. I have been doing tons to get ready for the trip, had a little disappointment that may or may not be fixable given the time I have left, but nonetheless, I am so super excited to be in the home stretch for my trip. In a weird way, and all of you Disney nuts will probably understand, I am already getting sad that in a little over 3 weeks my vacation will be over :sad: I guess it's because I have put so much time into planning this trip that I can't believe it's almost here...and for those glass half empty parts of me...almost over!

In the past 2 weeks, I have done tons of shopping. I went into The Children's Place probably 300 times waiting for their "matchables" to show up. My mom bought DS a whole bunch of t'shirts and shorts, but she bought him cargos and I wanted a few pair of cotton ones for the real hot days (also this summer). It took forever for them to come in, but when they did, I bought them for him. I was probably in Walmart 300 times as well, buying new socks and underwear for myself, new socks for DS (I still have to get some for DH but he wanted to see what he had first), all of the toiletries that we need too!

Did I mention at anypoint in this thread about my last trip to Disney and the toiletry dilemma? Okay, well, I dont' remember so maybe you wont either and I'll repeat myself.

We took DS when he was 14 months...you all know that. But, do you know I am a chronic overpacker? Yup, I pack so many things, never wear half of them, and now as a married woman with a child, you can imagine the luggage. Okay, so not that bad. 3 suitcases right? Yup, one really big one, one regular big one, and one that would fit in the overhead if we chose. Now, we were so nervous traveling with DS (okay, really just me) and we had so many things to take through the airport. The 3 suitcases, his carseat, his stroller, our carry-ons, including a diaper bag, & the camera bag. You would think we were traveling across the Atlantic with what we put in a carry-on!

So, DH, DS, my Mom, and I all take the ferry to the airport, my Dad had a lot of the luggage in his car and a friend of his from work was driving him to the airport. So, he pulls up to the curb and we start to unload it all. I have to give my son Dimeatap (I know, all you pediatricians can flame me now) to help him relax a little but the bottle is more than 3 ounces so I have to give it to him on the curb and then stuff it in a suitcase on the sidewalk in front of the curbside check-in. We put all of our stuff to be weighed and checked and wouldn't you know it...one of my bags was 57 pounds. I am now sweating bullets because a.) it's hot, and b.) I was so freaking nervous to begin with, this just added to it.

So, I open my suitcases right there on the sidewalk, pull out my toiletry bag and put it in the other case. 10 freaking pounds of shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, etc.

So, I have decided that travel size toiletries will have to do and buying some stuff down there too! I am definitely buying diapers (yup, no potty training yet :sad: ) so why not some other things if I need to?

Okay, so now we go into the airport and proceed to security. Yes, just one more thing that makes me completely nervous. And, to do it with a baby was just a nightmare. We checked our luggage so now we have the baby in the stroller, his carseat in one of those great storage bags from One Step Ahead (it broke by the way) and the carry-on stuff. So we do what we know we have to do, put the carseat on the security belt, put our carry-on's on the belt, take our shoes off put them on the belt, and starting to relax when I hear:

"Excuse me sir, you have to take the carseat out of the bag"

followed by:

"Excuse me ma'am, you have to take the baby out of the stroller, put the stroller on the belt, and take the baby's shoes off"

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

I am totally drenched with sweat now and shaking because I'm so nervous. There are 50+ people in line behind us...remember, this is the day school lets out and we're on our way to Disney. We finally get through security, get ourselves situated and proceed to our gate which had to be 1 mile away...down stairs, upstairs, down this tremendously long hallway, back downstairs, and then upstairs again.

We get on the plane, (oh yeah, the dimeatapp worked, but too early, he slept in the terminal and was awake for the whole flight!) and we are on our way without a hitch.

Can you tell why I am already getting knots in my stomach thinking of doing that whole airport thing without the assistance of 2 extra adults? Anyway, back to the last 2 weeks.

In addition to shopping for all those things, I ordered myself a new bathing suit from Land's End, some clothes from Old Navy, and shopped at Kohl's a few times and bought some new capri's and tops. They are all pretty boring...v-neck t'shirts, but springy colors.

I packed our bags 3 nights ago (no Dis...I had to do something). Basically, I am all packed, DS is actually all packed, and DH has nothing in those 3 suitcases yet. I tried not to overpack too much (I didn't pack 10 pairs of shorts :) ). I have post-it's all over my bedroom with lists here, lists there, lists, lists, everywhere!

Tonight, DH gave me some of the things he wants to take (shorts and bathingsuit and underwear) and he'll be choosing his tops soon. Now, he's on the "find as much change in the house as I can" kick. So far, we are over $60. It's raining, 1:00 a.m., and he was just out digging through his car. Obsess much! It's kind of fun seeing him excited about something to do with this trip.

I am really bummed about my laptop that I broke. I was mad at DH last week and "accidentally" dropped the laptop and it broke~ which means that all of my Disney files are gone. The hard drive is completely ruined. My DBil who is the head of the IT department for his company tried all the tricks to no avail. I was working on a cool little journal/itinerary/play bill for my family and was going to go to Staples to have it bound. Yup, that's gone too!

I have the initial pages, but it was completely finished! Oh well, what am I to do!

Okay, I have written forever and ever. I need to go to bed now! Have a great night all, and thanks for reading!

:wave:

[miprender]

I totally know how you feel. This week with my vacation only days away I already am feeling sad:sad1: I really need therapy. DH was like why are you stressing so... we are going to Disney!!

As for the airport I am so stressing that too! I hate flying when it was just me and I remember the fiasco we had at the Green. Poor DD got her finger stuck in the stroller as they were unfolding it and I was already on the other side of security with DS and I am yelling to my DH that her finger is stuck.:headache: Still not sure why DD decided to put her finger there in the first place:confused3 Now I am worried how DS1 will be. We bought a seat for him (thank the Lord:worship:) but he is a squirmy little guy and I hope he will stay in his carseat for the whole trip.

So we should start an New England Chapter for the OCD:lmao:

[michael's mom]

LOL! I think I could use some Dis therapy! I am so happy DS will be in his carseat. I'm hoping that he'll sleep the whole way down (we are leaving at 8:30 pm) because he'll be in a familiar seat.

[nelep]

Hey! Just reading your PTR. You are soo close to going! Woohooo!

Your stressing about how your little ones will be on the plane made me chuckle.... I have to tell you about DD2 on the trip home. Granted, DD2 is the happiest child I have ever met. She is so laid back and just goes with the flow. She was great during our entire week at WDW. Except when the plane was landing on the way home....

We were all buckled in and the plane had gotten quiet, as it does when you are coming in for a landing. That is when DD2 decided to FREAK OUT! She did not want to be buckled in her seat. My DH was sitting with her and DD4 in the row in front of me and DD7. DD2 would not stay in her seat and I could literally see the ground approaching fast! So DH grabbed her and restrained her while we landed. What's so funny about that? Well... during the entire time DH was holding her, she is yelling at the top of her lungs to my DH (she was pissed at him) "YOU'RE A BAD BAD BABY!!! YOU'RE A BAD BAD BABY!!!"

At first I was mortified, thinking that everyone was going to think that we call her a bad bad baby (we don't, but DD4 does on occasion :laughing:). Then I just started giggling. DH was cracking up too. I looked around and apparently we were the landing entertainment!

So, why am I telling you this? My biggest concern is always whether my kids will behave and if they will bother other people with their antics. I learned that most travellers understand how kids can be. Even those business folks cuz many are parents too! So don't stress. It is what it is. For us, it was a hillarious ending to a fabulous week!

Have soooo much fun! Can't wait to read your trip report!

[michael's mom]

That's a great story! DS was pretty good once on the plane. Actually,he's a pretty happy kid too! I tell people all the time he's the happiest kid I've ever met so that's funny that that's how you describe your daughter. I agree that most understand kids...I would hope especially those that have put themselves on a flight bound for Orlando!

Funny though, we did have a guy sitting in front of us last time when DS was 14 months. DS was just climbing back and forth between DH, me, an my mom. This guy was in front of my mom with $400 shoes, reading the Wall Street Journal and behaving oh so annoyed with the children on the plane, especially mine who bumped his seat a few times. I was getting worried and then I relaxed because it was him who put himself in coach on a flight to Orlando when he could clearly have managed those business class seats! After that, we just went with the flow and had a great time. I am so excited to go, but still have so much to do that I am glad there's still almost 2 weeks. What makes me "worried" (and not so much) is that I only have 1 weekend to get stuff done...looks like some mid-week shopping!

[nelep]

Funny though, we did have a guy sitting in front of us last time when DS was 14 months. DS was just climbing back and forth between DH, me, an my mom. This guy was in front of my mom with $400 shoes, reading the Wall Street Journal and behaving oh so annoyed with the children on the plane, especially mine who bumped his seat a few times.

On the flight out we had a business-type looking guy sit down next to us. I was worried about him being the guy you described above. But, this guy was awesome! He was younger and I don't think he was married. I joked with him that I hope he knew what he was getting into by sitting in our row. He laughed and said not to worry about it. He closed his eyes and went to sleep! Seriously, I don't know how he slept through my three DDs on a 3 hour flight. Wish I could do that! :laughing:

Get shopping girl! That's one of the best things about getting ready for a vacation!

[michael's mom]

On the flight out we had a business-type looking guy sit down next to us. I was worried about him being the guy you described above. But, this guy was awesome! He was younger and I don't think he was married. I joked with him that I hope he knew what he was getting into by sitting in our row. He laughed and said not to worry about it. He closed his eyes and went to sleep! Seriously, I don't know how he slept through my three DDs on a 3 hour flight. Wish I could do that! :laughing:

Get shopping girl! That's one of the best things about getting ready for a vacation!

I feel that I've done nothing but shop! I am pretty sure we have everything we need except for some very minor toiletry items but we'll see. I still have some Easter stuff to take care of and I'd like new sneakers, but I'm running out of time on that one!

[michael's mom]

Okay, so a real quick update! It looks like I may be able to give a live trip report because DH just got a blackberry to use as a modem and...wait for it....MY COMPUTER IS FIXED!!!!! I am using my laptop right now.

I am really done shopping. I may need some razor blades for DH but I am pretty sure that I have everything else I need. I am actually going to sign off right now and go through my checklist to see what else I need to toss in the suitcases. That way, when I hit Walmart and some other stores on Saturday with my mom and sisters I'll know just what to get.

I still have so much other non-Disney stuff to get done. Can you believe life has to interfere with my trip to Disney? I have 20 report cards to do (75 grades/student), and a project for a graduate course that I took, all due the week I am supposed to leave for Disney! So, you may not see too much of me this week (yeah right, I'll get distracted and come to see my friends!)

Thanks for reading!

[miprender]

DH :teacher:would totally understand. His grades are due on Thursday, but since we will be in Disney he has been scrambling to get them all entered into the school's computer system.

Good luck packing and have a safe trip and we will have to catch up when we all get back. Hopefully we both have nice weather:worship:

Nelep that is too funny about your DD:rotfl: My two older ones are so excited that they are going to watch "Hellboy 2" on the plane. Dont ask! My DH let them watch the first one and now my kids are hooked on that movie because I guess he is some kind of superhero who likes kitties and not a bad person.:confused3

[michael's mom]

DH :teacher:would totally understand. His grades are due on Thursday, but since we will be in Disney he has been scrambling to get them all entered into the school's computer system. He's so lucky he can take off early like that, we're not allowed too!

Good luck packing and have a safe trip and we will have to catch up when we all get back. Hopefully we both have nice weather:worship: I will be hoping for good weather for you if you return the favor on your flight home!

Nelep that is too funny about your DD:rotfl: My two older ones are so excited that they are going to watch "Hellboy 2" on the plane. Dont ask! My DH let them watch the first one and now my kids are hooked on that movie because I guess he is some kind of superhero who likes kitties and not a bad person.:confused3 I suppose if he's a superhero that's cool, but the name is just "so not Disney"...

Only 1 day to go! Have an awesome time!!!!!!!!

[michael's mom]

Well, I have to say that 6 months ago, I never thought this week would come. I can't believe my ticker is in single digits! I can't believe I have one more weekend left to get all of my things ready before we leave on Friday.

Here's a brief update:

I ordered my Photopass CD last night...now, to make sure I get my $$'s worth. I am thinking that my sister and aunt (and maybe my mom) will split the cost with me. Then, if we purchase 2 photos each, we've come out on top.

I finally finished my project (for the second time). I don't think it's as great as the first one, but it is still pretty cool. I wrote a little "itinerary" for our entire trip, complete with abbreviated menus for each restaurant we'll be dining at, photos from the parks and resorts, featured attraction lists, the 2009 confirmed snack list (Thanks Disers!), and some journal pages from www.themouseforless.com for anyone interested to write in. Then, DH printed them all out last night and I bought book binders and used the binding machine in school today to make them. I stopped by Staples this afternoon and purchased size A2 (invitation size) envelopes to make my mousekeeping envelopes, (thanks Mrs. Heg, fellow Diser), and put the packets together for the familiy, addressed my cousin's and I'm mailing it out to Fort Lewis overnight tomorrow! I'll give everyone else their's this weekend during our Easter dinner.

I also counted up DS's $$ in one of his banks (he call's it a truck bank, but it's really a Boston Bruin's zamboni bank from his uncle) and my aunt (not the one coming on this trip, the one taking care of my cat) went out to the nearest Disney store and bought him his very own Disney Dollars! Now, I just have to remember to pack them. I think I'll go do that right now.

I am sure I mentioned that we are all packed. I have to pick up a few things for our carry-ons but everything that we will desperately need in Disney is all packed!

The worrisome part of the upcoming week for me is that I have 20 report cards to send home on Friday and I left school in such a hurry today to get DS to his and my haircut appointments that I forgot them all at work, and, due to Good Friday, we don't have school tomorrow so I REALLY need to have my suitcases and carry-on's plane ready by Sunday night because M-Th will be serious, stay-at-work-late, up into the wee hours, report card time. you wouldnt mind, but these report cards take FOREVER to do because they are 'standards based' and each student has 75 marks, plus a comment, and I have to update attendance, and the kicker....









...it all has to be handwritten because my district ran out of money and never purchased the technology for these to be done electronically :scared1:

Anyway, thankfully I'm one of those people who works great under pressure, gets tons finished and done pretty well too.

Tomorrow DS has his appointment with his doctor to finally formally diagnose him with asthma and probably put him on preventative medication after last weeks "almost going to the ER at 2am" experience. Then, we'll run a few errands with my mom. She needs to food shop for Easter, I need to turn in my rolled coins and get some $1 for my Mousekeeping envelopes, and come home and do laundry.

Then, on Saturday, DS and I are going shopping with my mom, sisters, and maybe my aunt for those last minute things that we need. Then, out to lunch at my new favorite "chain" restaurant, Red Robin. I love, love, love their Whiskey River Burger (and I'm not a huge burger eater). I converted my sister too! We were there a few weeks ago and she called my mom on the way home and told her that if she wasn't so full from the first one she'd get a second because it was that good. Thank God the closest one is 45 minutes away because we only go there when we are down in the area shopping.

Okay, off to see if I can catch Monday night's episode of House online.

I'll update again this weekend I'm sure!

[nelep]

Anyway, thankfully I'm one of those people who works great under pressure, gets tons finished and done pretty well too.



Just want to let you know I'm still reading! Little comments like the one above makes me crack up because I realize how much alike we all are!

[michael's mom]

glad to still have you here! I have to keep telling myself that I'm great under pressure so I don't start to panic that my report cards are locked in a file drawer and not on my kitchen table. But, I'll let you in on a little secret...I'm freaking out a bit!!!

[michael's mom]

Happy Easter everyone!

I promised an update after my shopping adventure yesterday so here it goes.

I didn't have to work on Friday in observance of Good Friday so I used the day to run some errands. DS had a doctor's appoinment in the morning, then I took my mom food shopping. DS fell asleep in the car so she stayed home with him and I went to get an inspection sticker on the car, I had to go to the bank to get our coins cashed in, and hit up the post office to mail my cousin that special project of mine. Friday evening, DS and I drove to DH's work (Petco), bought the dog's food for the kennel and some things to keep the cat busy while we're gone. Then, we went into the mall there and I bought DS a new Red Sox cap (his is missing) and DH a new hat because his is just gross. Then, we accidentally stole a different Red Sox hat so had to bring that back before we left the mall (I think DS grabbed it as I walked by, but I'm not sure).

Then, on Saturday, we shopped some more!

I left the house at about 11:30 and picked my mom up at her house 5 minutes away. My mom and I decided that before we hit the mall, we'd stop by a jewelry store on the way and finally sell off those old, broken gold chains or earrings that are without a mate. I had a ring from an old boyfriend to get rid of. So I pull into the parking lot and it's pouring and DS is sleeping so my mom hands me her bag and offers to stay with DS (out of the rain of course) while I went in and had the jewerly purchased.

My little quarter sized pile of gold landed me with $61 in my hand, and my mom, who called me before I left to say she wasn't coming because my sister was whining about driving alone after her haircut (I told her to tell my sister to grow up and that I'd be there in 5 minutes) ended up with $311 in her hand. Not too bad to end up with that kind of spending money 4 days before your trip to Disney!

After the jewelry store, I hit up a Christmas Tree Shop (awesome store for those of you not in New England) because I read a cool autograph idea on another thread. I bought a picture mat and some bright colored sharpies. I'm going to have the mat autographed and then we will put a picture of either the 3 of us or just DS in it to hang with our 1st trip picture. I wanted an 11x14 mat for a 5x7 picture and they didnt' have any. I did buy some others just in case I didnt' find what I wanted at the mall.

We get to the mall...sidenote: my uncle just bought my aunt a brand new Ford Explorer...my favorite car, and I wanted to cry when I saw it because it's my fave color Explorer to boot...but, envy doesn't suit me so moving on:

We walked around Macy's for a bit but I really only needed a shoe store and Target. I got to Target and found all the rest of the toiletry type items, a luggage rack if DH thinks he'll need it for the luggage, some new headphones for DH and I, and a gorgeous 11x14 matted picture frame for a 5x7 picture JACKPOT!!!

We left Target and went to lunch at Red Robin (awesome burgers), then went over to DSW where I found a new pair of running shoes (I don't run, but I prefer these to walk in).

Do you all remember my plan to do the parks in my Croc flip-flops? Well, on Friday it was so beautiful out that when I went to get my Edge inspected to get a new sticker, I decided to walk to the CVS (about 1/2 mile away) because the car would be 45 mins-an hour. Well, I am so glad that I did because my ankles were killing me...my feet were fine, but my ankles need more support, so my job this week is to break in my new sneakers!

We left the shoe store (others had shopped elsewhere) and I made my sisters come with me to pick out a pair of sunglasses. My dad is always yelling at me for having the $10 cheapies from the pharmacy so I used a gift card from Christmas to buy them. My sisters had to come with me to make sure my fashion sense was correct. I bought new glasses...pretty cool, went next door and returned the sandals that I bought my son at Stride Rite and put another $50 in my hand (I know, lots of money on sandals, that's why I returned them).

If your keeping track, I have been handed $110 in the last 4 hours. True, my money, but still...right in the vault for Disney.

When we got home last night after a long day of shopping and visiting with the in-laws, I completed the packing as much as can be done until the day we leave. I have to put our sneakers in the suitcase and pack our toothbrushes. DH is taking care of the cameras and such. But, my carry-on bag is packed (the mat for the autographs is in there) and we're ready to go!!

DS is really getting excited too! I told him a few weeks ago that it was time for Mickey's house when the plane came to get us. This is because he asked every time I put his coat on if we were going to Mickey's house now. Well, the plane coming to get us thing didn't help much, and I should have know, because the planes for Logan airport fly right over our house during both landing and take-off flight patterns, and we're close enought that the planes are still low enough to hear.

About a week ago he heard the plane fly overhead and this one was particularly loud. he jumped up and ran around the house yelling "my planes here, my planes here, we're going to Mickey's house". If I could have thrown a lasso around that darn plane and flown it to Disney for him I would have.

I just can't believe that I can finally say, "I'm leaving for Disney World this week!"

I'll definitely do some updates while I'm there, but I don't know if I'll be back on before hand because I have those pesky report cards to deal with!

[jenbug1]

wooohooo!! you must be so excited! we leave on the 26th ... I would love to hear some live trips reports if you get the chance! I have enjoyed reading yours so far! HAVE AN AMAZING TIME!

[michael's mom]

wooohooo!! you must be so excited! we leave on the 26th ... I would love to hear some live trips reports if you get the chance! I have enjoyed reading yours so far! HAVE AN AMAZING TIME!

Thanks, I'm really looking forward to it. I'll definitely be on a few times during the week.

[michael's mom]

So that special project that I was working on was sort of a hit! My dad told me I was sick, but he was joking. My sisters both thought it was cute, my aunt and uncle liked it, and best of all no one made fun of me!

I think that they didn't make fun of me because I explained that it was meant initially to be a momento for DS and I just made extra copies for them all.

We had a terrific Easter yesterday. DS was really cute when he saw his Easter basket. I may or may not have mentioned that DS has a very severe peanut allergy (hospitalized at 16 months) so his basket looked a little boring. Hershey's kisses, Hershey's eggs, Hershey's bunny. He is still only 2 so he doesn't need a whole bunch of chocolate anyway so we put some little toys/books in it. There was Stanley the steam engine (newest member of the Thomas cast), a Radiator Springs DieCast Lightening McQueen, a Thomas whistle that blows bubbles, a few books, coloring and reading, crayons, a water ball, and we had an egg hunt and hid some kisses and coins in the eggs. He LOVED getting $$$.

Okay, I'm fighting a cold and need to get some sleep. I'll check in tomorrow maybe!

4 MORE DAYS!!!!!

[michael's mom]

Hello readers!

I just had to check in to let you all know that I am finished with everything that I have to do at work (aside from teach for 3 more days) and I can enjoy my afternoons/evenings before I head to Providence for my flight.

In the 8 years I've been teaching I have NEVER had my report cards finished completely 3 days early. I want to photocopy the comment pages before I put them in envelopes, but they are done! I'm so excited.

I went to the supermarket today and got some snacks for the plane and some Sudafed to help with the ear popping.

I have to pick up a gift certificate to a local restaurant to thank my aunt for taking care of my cat and Friday morning after we brush and shave, throw the razors and toothbrushes into the bags. I can actually pack up my car tomorrow if you can believe it!

Okay, the dog's scratching at the door and DS is calling me to play with him so I'm off!

[miprender]

We are back, :sad1:but have a wonderful time and cant wait to hear how everything went.:goodvibes

[michael's mom]

Hi All!!! I finally made it online to post to you all. I'll be starting my Trip Report this weekend probably but wanted to give you all a quick hello...thanks for reading along with me and to tell you WE HAD A GREAT TIME!!!!! The weather and crowds were great and DS was even more fun to experience Disney with than we anticipated...we're thinking of going back next year!!!!!

[miprender]

:cool1: The weather in April was just so great:thumbsup2 I dont think I ever want to go back again in the summer heat:sick:

[michael's mom]

Thats funny because DH and I were talking about taking DS in the summer because we can afford the airfare a bit better...but after Friday with I think we've decided against that. As a kid, we always went April vacation and had a great time. The best part, when you come home, it's pretty nice out! It was 84 when we landed in Providence, high 60's yesterday, but a sweltering 88 this afternoon. Just like my beloved Disney...only not nearly as pretty!

[michael's mom]

Okay, I started my Trip Report thread...only the first thread and nothing you readers don't already know but the link is: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31588019#post31588019

I hope you can join in!