Recovering Commando's Christmas- 14 Texans Grand Gathering @ WL

[exwdwcm]

By the time we take this trip in December 2009- it will have been almost 2 years in the making. How did it all start? It all started with a mouse……well not really, but it is fun to say, right? It all started with a Grandpa. Not all trips necessarily have a happy beginning, as is the case in many fairy tales, Briar Rose pricks her finger, Snow White takes a bit of that nasty apple and Nemo is lost! But we all know how these cherished stories end………each of them has a happy ending, and so will our story. :goodvibes

So stick with us, hear our story, share our quirks and journey with us on our amazing and once in a lifetime adventure. And…..I dare you, to keep all 15 of us straight! I won't bore you with daily details of our lives (unless you want to be bored), but I will share the intimate details of our plans for our trip. So this post is just a lengthy back story- so hang in there!:confused3 :rotfl: :banana:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRE TRIP PLANNING
Why are we taking this trip? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30620952&postcount=2)
The Down and Dirty Basics (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30621000&postcount=3)
Flights Booked and Coming in Day Earlier- do you do that too? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31945353&postcount=17)
The Package (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31945618&postcount=18)
Transportation Decisions- DME it is! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32111115&postcount=24)
Cha-Cha-Changes! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32413403&postcount=30)
DIS-A-PALOOZA- DIS/DREAMS PRIVATE PARTY at TOY STORY MANIA on 12/12~! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33147038&postcount=40)
DAY ONE ITENERARY (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33747553&postcount=70)
DAY TWO ITENERARY (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33838783&postcount=78)
DAY THREE ITENERARY (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33877009&postcount=81)
DAY FOUR ITENERARY (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33920281&postcount=89)
DAY FIVE ITENERARY (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34128342&postcount=110)
DAY SIX ITENERARY (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34128342&postcount=110)
DAY SEVEN ITENERARY (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34264212&postcount=124)

THE CAST
The Cast Part I (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30666631&postcount=6)
The Cast Part II (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31944259&postcount=15)

MISCELLANEOUS
VEGAS Anyone? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32806927&postcount=38)
TX State Fair- fried food and carnies! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33920281&postcount=89)

[exwdwcm]

This story did in fact start with a wonderful, loving and adored Grandpa. :cloud9: My Grandpa. Although we lived states apart all our lives, he was a special part of our lives, even more so in recent years. After losing our amazing Grandmother a few years ago, we became even closer with our Grandpa, who lived near Columbia, SC. We made many visits to SC and Grandpa came to see us in Texas as well. Unfortunately, Grandpa fell ill in early 2008. I made the decision to use my miles and jump on a plane with my 4 month old son to see Grandpa, as we felt this might be the end. Wow, was that the best decision I ever made. No matter what else was going on in my life, a new baby, demanding job or lacking funds, jumping on that plane for family was the only thing that mattered.

Now why jump on a plane with a baby all by myself? Well Grandpa was the reason my son exists. You see, after struggling for a year with trying to conceive on our own and then another dreadful year of fertility drugs (clomid- 6 months), shots (follistim- 2 months), artificial insemination (4 tries) and countless other tests, poking and prodding……..we finally took the big step and did IVF, or in vitro fertilization, or otherwise known in the old days as a ‘test tube baby’. Insurance doesn’t cover many fertility treatments and the drugs alone can run $1500 a month, not counting the 8-10 ultrasounds each month and accompanying copays for doctor visits, lab tests etc. Oh and don’t forget the pregnancy tests. I should have bought stock in those. Or at least a jumbo pack at Sam’s or Costco! Regardless, we were weary, tired, emotionally wrecked and low on funds. Our options were nearly exhausted. We didn’t have the $10,000 handy to pursue a cycle of IVF.
I spoke with my grandpa and he offered to pay for our treatment. He went above and beyond anything we ever expected. Fertility treatments in general are very tough- financially, emotionally and physically. So knowing we didn’t have to worry about the financial part took a huge burden off our shoulders. It was a rough time for me. My family and friends were extremely supportive . And on March 1, 2007, we got the news we had waited for, I was pregnant! One of the two embryos we transferred had ‘taken’ and our little guy was growing! We were so relieved and thankful it had worked the first time. I know many do multiple IVF treatments and beyond and I count my blessings everyday that it worked for us.:hug: :cheer2:

So because Grandpa helped fund our treatment, we are now proud parents to a healthy and happy 16 month old little boy. My grandpa was so excited for us. It made it all the more special, that given his strict religious views, he still helped us. I know IVF can be considered an ethical mine field for some. I couldn’t wait to take my son to meet my Grandpa, what I knew might be for the first and last time.

At 4 months old, my son William was a trooper flying with me solo. We arrived that afternoon and immediately went to the hospital to see my Grandpa. He had always been a very tall, strong figure. I wasn’t prepared to see him so frail looking in his final days. However, my parents told me he had rallied the night before and so their hopes were up. He had been taken off the ventilator, but looked in bad shape. He acknowledged we were there, but could not really speak. I put William close to him to he could have a good look at his Great Grandson. I said hello, hugged and kissed him. A few hours later, Grandpa became completely unresponsive, no longer reacting to anything. By 11pm that night, Grandpa was on his way to meet his great maker. We all gathered around his bed, friends and family alike to say our good byes and share our final thoughts of love and gratitude. My son slept soundly in his stroller in the corner of the room as my Grandpa took his last breath. :angel: :grouphug: :sad1: It was almost though as Grandpa had held on those few hours though that day for me to arrive. It was just 2 hours after I got there and introduced him to William that he became unresponsive. Grandpa knew we were on the way, and I think he found the strength to hold on a little longer to meet William.

So what on earth does this awfully sad story have to do with Disney? Well Grandpa left a generous inheritance to my parents. Grandpa had talked about us all doing a family vacation in the mountains and was always talking about vacationing together. My parents have always been huge Disney fans, taking us on our first trip when us three girls were just little ones, even though money was scarce. Now, my parents finally had the means to take a Disney trip with the entire family again and go in style! While we’ve been many times as a family, the last time in 2005, we’ve always budgeted somewhat carefully and saved prudently to make our dreams of magic come true and then, only every few years. My parents have always dreamed of staying at the Wilderness Lodge. We’ve toured it many times, but they didn’t ever think it would be within their means. Now that it is, they are treating all of us to a 10 day/9 night courtyard room stay at the Wilderness Lodge, with dining plan. For 15 people. Yes 15!!! :tinker:

Family is very important to us. So it only made sense in my parents eyes that they would share my Grandpa’s legacy with us in this way. And I bet my Grandpa will be smiling down on us, especially as my son sets his eyes on Mickey Mouse or the castle for the first time. :santa: :mickeyjum

So in May 2007, the trip became a reality. We discussed details and booked at the 500 day mark with Dreams Unlimited, who I highly recommend. We are all so thrilled to experience this great trip together and I almost worry it won’t live up to the great expectations we have built up for it! Anyone else ever do that? LOL Sometimes the planning and anticipation is half the fun.

So here we are- how our trip came to be. Started off a little sad, but Prince Charming will ensure we have a happy ending!

Stay tuned to learn about the details of our trip and the wild, and I mean WILD cast of characters. :cheer2: :earboy2: :earseek:http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b4d726b3127ccec95ba83360ee00000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Grandpa, my sister Wendy, her daughter Ally and my dad

and my wonderful parents- making this trip possible and all the more magical!!! They are the most generous people I know and we can't wait to experience the trip together.
Thanks guys!!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc38b3127cceccb242a43b7c00000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[exwdwcm]

And the very down and dirty basics:

WHAT- Grand Gathering for 15 please! 9 nights, dining plan, park hoppers

WHEN- December 10 through December 20, 2009

WHERE- first night off site, remaining 9 nights at Wilderness Lodge, Courtyard views! 5 rooms between all of us.

HOW- through the generosity of our loving parents! :) :thumbsup2

WHO- that will come in the next post- gotta keep some suspense, right? :laughing: there are 15 of us though, in all age ranges- toddlers, 20 something, young moms, businessmen, retirees and more! I think we have just about every age group covered.

WHY? because I said so! :lmao:

[kellyf2626]

Great start Michelle! :goodvibes Your grandfather sounds like a truly amazing man...as do your parents and entire family. Your trip will be AWESOME!!!! Can't wait to read more details....ADR's, schedule, cast of characters, etc... It will be so much fun being down in the World with such a great family group!! :grouphug:

[BbearRosenfeld]

What a great start to our trip Michelle! Grandpa truly was a great man!
Can't wait to read the rest, is it time to go yet? I'm ready and so are the kids!:banana:

[exwdwcm]

Our trip is a long ways off, so i probably won't have very many readers, but I'll continue anyhow, as this is just as much for our memories as for anyone reading along.

Our cast of 15 is loud, crazy and fun! I'll start off with our fearless leaders...

THE WILD CREW OF CHARACTERS

“PawPaw” :goofy:
Pawpaw or my dad, long time family man, hard worker, dependable, quiet and fun! He is the handy man in our family- with 3 daughters, he has done countless late night runs to fix a flat tire for us, work on our broken down cars, install ceiling fans, you get the drift. He was thrilled when we were married off and our husbands can take over some of those ‘chores’. LOL
He is sort of a quiet guy, but speaks up when it matters. He is very giving and loves spending time with his crazy family. As the only man in a family of 4 women, he has come through raising 3 teenage daughters with flying colors. He loves going on vacation and deserves it- he works very hard. He retired a few years back, but went back to work when my mom fell into ill health. So he let her retire and he went back to work. That is the kind of guy he is. Family first. He turns 60 this year. He loves sci-fi stuff and history. He was in the Air Force. He does enjoy Disney very much- his favorite ride is Pirates. He likes to hit the curb on the way out of the resort every day in the rental car, it is a little joke we have. He is generously paying for all of us to go on this trip (along with my mother). It was his father that passed away last year.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb56ecbd57d00000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb54239d59900000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Mom and Dad with the 3 grandkidshttp://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9dd27b3127ccec6d904871d6600000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Mom & Dad with grandkids, daughters and son in lawshttp://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9dd27b3127ccec6d912a21d4800000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
“MawMaw” ::MinnieMo
My mom, much like my dad is one of the most generous people I know. Even when they couldn’t afford to give much, they still found a way to make sure we had a fancy dress for every homecoming, prom etc. She is still helping people all the time. She makes friends fast, even people in the line at the grocery store! We joke that she might bring home a stranger from the store one day or get their number. She talks a lot, loves her friends and family and her grandkids especially. She spent more than 25 years working in and managing one of the largest day cares in the Dallas area before she retired.
She likes to just go shopping, watch movies and spend time with all of us- whether it is just dinner or hanging out and chatting over a drink. She is funny, caring, giving, sweet, thoughtful and spoils her grandkids rotten! She is also very crafty! She also loves Pirates, and her favorite character is Minnie! She loves pink. She is now retired and turns 60 next year. She is best friends with her cousin Nancy- they grew up together like sisters. My mom managed to raise 3 successful daughters (all close in age) and I think that reflects greatly on her. She loves home decorating shows and spends way too much time on Disney shopping/outlet.com!
My mom was diagnosed with a pituitary brain tumor a few years back. It is not malignant, but it has wreaked havoc on her hormones ( the pituitary is the main gland controlling hormones!). It is also pressing on her optic nerves, making her vision worsen. She has had surgery once through her nasal cavity to remove it, but it has grown back and is monitored every few months. Now it is really affecting her vision. She’s lost a lot of peripheral vision and they want to do surgery in the next month- this time cutting through her skull. She is very fearful of surgery and being put under, but she wants to be able to move forward and focus on our great trip and enjoy it with her family. The tumor means she is on multiple medications/steroids, tires easily, forgets words sometimes and has some memory loss from time to time. It is extremely difficult for her, but she is doing great and this trip is something perfect to look forward to!
Mom with us three girls http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec587e619ad2700000050O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Mom with Minnie http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc32b3127ccecc8e64f54ec800000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[Dragon_Pete]

I can't wait to hear all the details on this trip!!!

Have a Brazzle Dazzle Day!

Ellio:cool1: tt

[annnewjerz]

What a great beginning to a TR. I'm going to have to sub to this one. We'll be at BWV December 13-18. Not really the same story, but very similar in the sense that it will be a "dream" trip for us.

About 3 years ago, 3 weeks before my wedding...my father passed away. Growing up we had been to WDW once and had taken small vacations, but my family was NOT one that could afford lavish trips every year.

Needless to say, with my Mom no longer having a travel companion for the occassion she could afford it, DH agreed that it would be nice to have her tag along on this trip. So, we asked her and she agreed (although refused the offer of paying for her portion). We rented points to stay at the BWV (although more for the wonderful location and less for the actual room or hotel itself) and have started planning!

Since she won't accept us paying for her first vacation in about 13 years, I decided that on our last night I will surprise her and DH with dinner at a Signature restaurant just to say thanks and let her know how important she is to me and to my brother and sister (even though they won't be going with us). Hopefully she enjoys it and the trip goes smoothly---now I just have to wait for 6 months to pass so I can start making ADRs!!! :banana:

I'm thinking I'll start a pre-TR of my own, because...well, why not, right?? :cool1: It'll be a good way to get geared up for the trip, get suggestions and post some photos all in one place. AND---this will be the first time I travel to WDW with a digital SLR camera, so I will definitely have a post-TR, dining reviews, the works!

Anywho, maybe we'll see you down there while we tour the WL for Christmas, I'll be looking out for some lime green mickey heads! :thumbsup2

Ann

So

[k_reile]

ok...I still have tears in my eyes reading your first post! We too are going in Feb sometime (hasn't been decided yet--waiting for 2010 rates to come out). We are also going with my parents and my brother, SIL and newphew who will be 3.5yrs. My parents are also paying for the whole family to go. My mom wants to take her "boys" on their first trip to WDW and wants to do it before my newphew goes to kindergarten and before there are other grandchildren as my brother and SIL will want to add another after that and DH and I eventually after that, so it was now or wait another 5 yrs...so we choose now!! SO who are we to say no?? It is so nice and we can't wait. I'm not sure if Caleb will really understand it all but there are always other times in his life when he will go.
Can't wait to hear about your trip!

[summermac]

Oh what a great story.
Looking forward to reading how you put this all together - that's a lot of people!
:)

[saratogadreamin09]

looknig forward to reading more about your trip:)

[exwdwcm]

thanks for hangin in guys!

so we are about 7 months out now! Time is really flying. i'll update more of our cast this week and round us all up.

In the meantime.......our great leader underwent a big adventure these past few weeks. My mom underwent major brain surgery to remove a tumor near her pitutary cavity. It was almost an 8 hour surgery. She was in the hospital for a week and has been home recovering for a week now too. she is doing great and our trip gives her something to look forward to and something to work hard to recover for! Thanks to all the DISers who offered up prayers and thoughts for mom!!! It worked.

The tumor was wrapped around her optic nerve, so her vision is very bad right now, as they had to get in there to dig it out, causing some trauma and swelling that will take time to heal. Until then, her vision is almost like you would see if you were squinting very hard, she says. Barely any peripheral vision and very fuzzy for the rest.

We (mom, dad, Nancy and I) leave on the podcast cruise in just 3 weeks- for 4 nights on the Wonder preceded by two nights at the Dolphin and the KTTK tour! hopefully mom is feeling great enough to really relax and have a good time on the cruise.
:thumbsup2

[exwdwcm]

What a great beginning to a TR. I'm going to have to sub to this one. We'll be at BWV December 13-18. Not really the same story, but very similar in the sense that it will be a "dream" trip for us.

About 3 years ago, 3 weeks before my wedding...my father passed away. Growing up we had been to WDW once and had taken small vacations, but my family was NOT one that could afford lavish trips every year.

Needless to say, with my Mom no longer having a travel companion for the occassion she could afford it, DH agreed that it would be nice to have her tag along on this trip. So, we asked her and she agreed (although refused the offer of paying for her portion). We rented points to stay at the BWV (although more for the wonderful location and less for the actual room or hotel itself) and have started planning!

Since she won't accept us paying for her first vacation in about 13 years, I decided that on our last night I will surprise her and DH with dinner at a Signature restaurant just to say thanks and let her know how important she is to me and to my brother and sister (even though they won't be going with us). Hopefully she enjoys it and the trip goes smoothly---now I just have to wait for 6 months to pass so I can start making ADRs!!! :banana:

I'm thinking I'll start a pre-TR of my own, because...well, why not, right?? :cool1: It'll be a good way to get geared up for the trip, get suggestions and post some photos all in one place. AND---this will be the first time I travel to WDW with a digital SLR camera, so I will definitely have a post-TR, dining reviews, the works!

Anywho, maybe we'll see you down there while we tour the WL for Christmas, I'll be looking out for some lime green mickey heads! :thumbsup2

Ann

SoAnne - i'll definitely subscribe to your report too. we can wait together in anticipation for the trip and release of Dec park hours! thanks for reading along!


ok...I still have tears in my eyes reading your first post! We too are going in Feb sometime (hasn't been decided yet--waiting for 2010 rates to come out). We are also going with my parents and my brother, SIL and newphew who will be 3.5yrs. My parents are also paying for the whole family to go. My mom wants to take her "boys" on their first trip to WDW and wants to do it before my newphew goes to kindergarten and before there are other grandchildren as my brother and SIL will want to add another after that and DH and I eventually after that, so it was now or wait another 5 yrs...so we choose now!! SO who are we to say no?? It is so nice and we can't wait. I'm not sure if Caleb will really understand it all but there are always other times in his life when he will go.
Can't wait to hear about your trip!Hi Kara- yeah for mom wanting to take you guys- i know Caleb would have still have fun- he might not remember, but you will, and you'll have those great memories!

thanks to all for subscribing- now that our other trip is over- i'll be updating much more often here! about 6.5 months to go!:wizard::thumbsup2

[exwdwcm]

Sorry for the long delay- my parents, Nancy and I all just returned from the first ever DIS Unplugged Podcast Cruise with Pete and the gang. We had a great time with 2 days in Orlando, including the KTTK tour (awesome!) and then 4 days on the Wonder. I've started a trip report on my personal blog for that if you want to read it.

http://williamreed1.blogspot.com/

We had a great time, but it was a little rough as my mom is still recovering from her brain surgery about 6 weeks ago. They successfully removed the tumor, but she lost vision in her left eye after surgery. The tumor was wrapped around the optic nerve and putting a lot of pressure on it. So her vision is compromised in both eyes, but most severely in the left. She is slowly getting vision back and the doctor thinks she will get it back in 6 months or so- hopefully in time for our trip. Her vision loss made getting around difficult for her, but we managed. So the trip wasn't all we imagined, but still fun- just a little difficult and frustrating since she couldn't see well to walk. We used a wheelchair in orlando and then a cane on the ship, and helped lead her around.

So now back to THIS trip report. Now that our other trip is wrapped up, my focus is all on December. Only 6.5 months away. With summer approaching, it seems so far away, but i know the time passes so quickly.

so I'll start up with more details on our cast of 15.......I'll keep the info shorter on the rest of us- i just wanted to highlight mom and dad more since they are the reason we are going!!

[exwdwcm]

Here is the remainder of our LARGE cast of 15 for the Dec 10-20th trip. I'll highlight the different 'families' in different colors. Here is the cast in addition to my parents.

THE CAST

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b6d606b3127ccecea32bda403400000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Me- Michelle---mom to William (19mos), wife to Alan for over 8 years, together for 16 years though. 35 yo and a Director of Marketing for a medical distributor. I am alumni of the WDW college program, I worked at Hollywood and Vine Cafeteria back in the fall of 1996 and it was the most wonderful experience ever. I've been a huge disney fan since I can remember, especially of the parks. I am a type A perfectionist , too nice for my own good and somewhat quiet. I am usually the ring leader for our trips, planning our commando tour. I love Tink and Alice. Peter Pan is my fav movie.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da06b3127ccec6a27c30d10300000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
DH- Alan--- dad to William, my DH, 37, works for a real estate investment trust, not a huge disney fan, but puts up with my passion, DH is quiet and not a real social guy. He's a great dad. He is 'cheap'.....or should I say likes to save, so the dining plan is up his alley. He seems excited about taking Will to WDW and seeing it through his eyes. Last WDW trip was Aug 06 for free dining.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9dd37b3127ccec6f58d67554200000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
DS- William--'Will' is 19 months old and is our in-vitro baby after many years of trying. He is the light of our lives and such a low maintenance, laid back kid. He is pretty independent and entertains himself. He is curious and likes to explore and is also a bit type A like me- he already lays out his toys in certain ways and likes to clean like me. :confused3:lmao:This is Will's first WDW trip!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b4da01b3127cced7bd1eb4448c00000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Wendy--- my sister, the middle child. She is the other huge disney nut and we love planning our trip together----she is the only one besides mom that truly understands our passion for disney and planning trips. She is a paralegal, mom of 2 and is the 'funny' one in our family. She always makes us smile and laugh, she is a great storyteller and takes after my mom "mommy's girl". Loves little mermaid.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d905b3127ccec4e5f70a6b4200000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Mike--- my DBIL- Wendy's hubby. Wendy's HS sweetheart, works in sales/marketing for a medical company, currently going back to school. He is very sociable and fun- and likes to tease people (especially Wendy). Loves sports.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc04b3127ccec5a7ad51dbbd00000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Ally--- my niece- the first grandchild- daughter of Wendy/Mike. Age 5, spoiled rotten, a complete drama queen and very smart. Loves Disney, first trip at 2.5 back in 2005. Adores Mawmaw (grandma) and loves princesses, dressing up and singing.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d903b3127ccec4f9dd97b94500000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Michael--- 'Mikey', my nephew, about 2.5- first grandson, fun, sweet, laid back, and all boy! This will be his first trip. He loves his big sister, CARS, Mickey and Goofy.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db03b3127ccec7786724360400000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Mandy--- "Nene" the 'baby' sister, 30, just married in October, special ed teacher and dancer. She's the 'fashionista' of the family, great 'decorator' always late, very patient and kind and a good aunt and a 'daddy's girl', the most lovey dovey in the family. Not a huge disney nut, but does love it. Likes to travel. No kids yet, but maybe there will be some pixie dust on our trip? :rotfl::wizard:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d903b3127ccec4f8087fd91300000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Jeff---DBIL #2, Mandy's hubby, works as manager for family flooring company, likes sports, travel and hanging out with family and friends. Extremely easy going, smart and always late! Last WDW trip was as a kid!


http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db34b3127ccec74ad1a1a44700000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Nancy---our cousin- she is my mom's age and they were best friends/cousins growing up. She's like a second mom to us. She's a breast cancer survivor and works for a school district. She has many pets! She loves disney and just did the cruise with us. She is our photographer and also likes to go off on her own sometimes. Loves Dopey. Wants to know if I have built in bathroom breaks into the schedule.


Chase--- Nancy's nephew, 18, lives in SC. Nancy has always adored him. He is all 'country'! He came with us on a trip about 10 years ago! last trip, as a kid, he told us in his southern accent that we needed to 'wurk out, wurk out, wurk out' because someone's arms flabbed when they waved. :confused3;)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc04b3127ccec5a76efd1ad800000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Marion--- "Auntie" our great aunt, my mom and Nancy's aunt. She was the baby of like 12 kids. She is the one that would be a chaperone to my mom and Nancy and then let them do what they wanted! :rotfl:Sweet and fun. She is retired from banking and did her FIRST disney trip with us in Dec 2005 and we ran her ragged! Likes Minnie. She's on the bottom right.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7df03b3127ccec078f6a3937f00000010O38RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Alissa---"A-licious"---my BFF! She has become a part of our family since she isn't close to hers. My mom likes to adopt people! ;) She is 6'2, gorgeous and extremely outgoing. She's single and works as an analyst. Gets along great with my DH and entire family. She's a little crazy, you never know what she will do or say, so watch out. She's done MK and Epcot with me (rushed) on one day business trips, but that's it. Nancy and Alissa plan to have a contest on who can get the most autographs.


That rounds out our cast, now when will the show begin?

We have quite a mix of ages and personalities, so it will make for an interesting trip. While we don't plan to spend every second together, we will most likely dine together at least once a day and probably stay together for the most part! How crazy will we drive each other?

[k_reile]

ok...mandy's wedding dress is gorgeous! I sometimes wish I could get re-married (to Trent of course) just so I can get another wedding dress...i loved mine...but there are some really pretty ones out there now too!

[exwdwcm]

Well we got our flight booked! I know, it is so early.....and actually we booked our flights last month.....so at about almost 8 months out. Crazy? Maybe? :confused3:rotfl2:

But, we live just minutes away from a major hub for AA- DFW Airport. So flying AA makes a lot of sense. SW has a big presence at the smaller airport here- Love Field. I've been checking flights to MCO and SW has been slightly more pricey lately.....weird.

In the past, we've typically been able to fly on AA to MCO for about $250 per person. So we were looking for something in that range, but also being realistic that prices have gone up this past year.

So we saw a $325 flight with the exact times we wanted with AA, so we figured we should book it, as who knows what the future will bring in terms of price. I know, AA charges the $15 bag fee, but we are going to do our best to pack light, since we plan to wash clothes midway through the trip and don't want to lug around extra luggage since we will have kiddos, car seats and strollers. Ask me post trip how the 'pack less' idea worked....:rotfl:


Chase lives in SC near Clemson, so he will meet us at MCO and probably fly Delta. We haven't booked his flight as of yet.

Unfortunately, timing was even more critical to my sister Mandy.....she is a teacher, so getting off work is hard. We originally planned to depart early Friday morning, Dec 11th. She is already taking a week off school (right before the Christmas break), so she couldn't take off that Friday too. So her and Jeff plan to fly out on Friday after school and join us then.

Once we started looking at flights, we thought, hey, instead of coming in at the crack of dawn on Friday, why not just come in Thursday night instead, then we have ALL day Friday for the parks!? I know this makes total sense to all you disney nuts and planners. Add the extra day- very common for us, right? OUr last family trip, we did the crack of dawn flight- and on a previous trip, we did an evening flight which was nice. So we talked ourselves into staying off site in a cheapy (but clean hotel) near DTD the first night, then move to WL the next day.


Here's our flights:
Thursday, December 10th
Depart DFW 5pm
Arrive MCO 8:25pm

Sunday, December 20th
Depart MCO 9:25am
Arrive DFW 11:30am

Unfortunately we couldn't get out of Dallas any earlier on Thursday, as most of plan to work that day (maybe sneak out early!). So the 5pm lets us at least work a half day. My DH doesn't even know these flight times yet. He is the 'tell me when we are a day out' type of guy. He also rarely takes time off work, so I figured he deserved to get out a bit early (and his work is flexible). He works right by the airport, so I figured we would just pick him up on the way.

Mandy and Jeff are coming in on a Friday night flight- they arrive at 10:25pm. Since we are renting two vans, I figure I will run to MCO that night and pick them up. On our last trip, Mandy came in a day later too, and we had dinner ressies at California Grill, so we didn't have time to get her. We had her cab it and it cost her like $50. So we won't do that to them again and didn't want to make them wait on ME either. So I volunteered to pick them up, I know the way like the back of my hand now- since I always drive and lived there while on the CP.

So flights are booked- it's more real!!! What's next?

[exwdwcm]

So our package is officially booked with Dreams Unlimited, who btw- I highly recommend. They are simply awesome and not to mention Pete (who runs these boards) also has an interest in them, so you can be assured great service and knowledge!

Our agent is Beth and she has been fabulous. I know it can't be easy for an agent to work with an overly obsessed, type A disney planner who thinks she knows everything, but doesn't. :rotfl::eek:

So we have all 15 of us booked on Magic Your Way plus dining at the Wilderness Lodge. My DH and I really enjoyed the dining plan last time (back when they had appetizers included!), so we talked the family into doing it. It definitely makes things easier with a large party like ours.

So here's the basics:

HOTEL- 5 rooms at Wilderness Lodge with courtyard/pool views. One room with bunkbeds for my sister's kiddos. DH, Will, Alissa and I will share a room. My parents have a room. My sisters each have a room with their respective DH's and kids. Then Nancy, Marion and Chase will probably share, or so I assume, unless Marion stays with my parents- not sure on the setup quite yet. But we all will have plenty of room. It is my parent's dream to stay at WL, so we are really excited!

TICKETS- Our package includes the length of stay ticket- and we got the park hopper option added on. We enjoy doing one park in the am and another in the pm. I don't think we ever stay at one park all day. We always take a midday break, especially with the kiddos, so we just do another park after the break and try and take advantage of EMH (where it makes sense) or longer park hours.

DINING- The package includes the basic dining plan. Since we are at WL for 9 nights, we get 9 days worth of dining credits, including 9 sit down meals, 9 fast food meals and 9 snacks. We really enjoy the food at WDW, so we do love the sitdown options, plus it gives us all a break.

[khertz]

I'm in! We'll be there Dec 4th-14th this year too, so I feel you on the wait! On the one hand, six months is nothing to wait because we started planning this trip last August, but at the same time, 6 months seems SO far away!

The story about your grandfather gave me chills, but it's so nice to see how he is still having an impact on your lives. :cloud9: I had something similar happen when my grandfather was getting more sick. Just an hour or so after I arrived from college (4 hours away), and his other granddaughter and her family arrived from Atlanta (7 hours away), he passed. But everyone was there to see him and hold his hand and pray over him while he left us, almost like he knew we were coming and he held on just that much longer for us to see him. :hug:

On a more positive note, I look forward to reading your progress! And your son is absolutely adorable!

[exwdwcm]

Welcome aboard! i'll have to go check out your report as well!! :)

[exwdwcm]

Our family, well, we like to eat. Not even just like, but love. Most of our family gtgs center around food in some fashion. That's just how it is with us. So needless to say, no trip to Disney would be complete without a large list of planned culinary delights, from dole whips to turkey legs, from mickey rice krispies to kaki gori......you get the picture.

speaking of pictures.......we will have them. otherwise known as 'food porn'. :rotfl::thumbsup2 Yes, we are those annoying people that take pictures of their food. Other guests stare at us in wonder, thinking "why is that lady taking a picture of her hamburger?". Well I know I enjoy being able to look at pictures of what the restaurants offer, it helps me decide if I want to eat there or not. Plus, it is just fun, especially if you are a scrapbooker.

So even though we are about 6 months out from our trip, we have had our sit down meals planned for months now. Of course we can't book anything until the 90 day window, but it doesn't hurt to know what we want, right? Especially wtih 15 people- pleasing everyone isn't easy, but I think most of us agreed on these. And fortunately our crew is pretty laid back and willing to try things even if they aren't sure. We have a hard time trying new things.....not because we don't want to, but because we LOVE our old favorites and hate to give them up. We promised ourselves to try at least a few new places this time. We get 9 sit down meals on our plan. So here is what we have in mind so far- thoughts, opinions and reccomendations are ALWAYS welcome. As with any plans 6 months out, these are subject to change and probably will, but for now, this is the plan:

Chef Mickey's Character Dinner Buffet: We like doing a special 'first night' meal, and dinner with Mickey always gets you in the mood right? I've heard the food here has gone down in quality, but we are still giving it a try. Plus it will be the first chance for the kids to meet Mickey and friends. So we don't have high expectations for the food, but a buffet is always good for a large group like ours. Plus, Mandy/Jeff won't be here this night, so we wanted to pick a meal that they wouldn't mind missing too much.

Coral Reef- Epcot: This will be a new one for us. Most of us are not big seafood eaters, but we know they serve steak and other selections. We've read the desserts are good and the view/atmoshpere can't be beat. I know they stopped doing the personalized menus and 'birthday' scuba diver, so that is a bummer. But we will probably still give it a go. We will probably try for lunch here or maybe even the Candlelight Package, not sure yet.

Le Cellier- Canada- Epcot: Another favorite. I've eaten here like 5x now and love it! We usually try for lunch as dinner ressies are hard to come by, but we will try for dinner this time. We plan to have a 'drink around the world/adults only' night where we hire a sitter for the 3 kiddos. So we might try dinner here that night before the drinking tour. That could change though. The pretzel bread and cheddar cheese soup are great as is the filet. I also had the kids chocolate mousse, which was so cute!

O'hana at the Polynesian: This will be a first for all of our group except my DH and I. O'hana means family- so makes perfect sense, right? Plus it is family style, again, easy for our large group. We will do dinner here, probably time it so that we might see WISHES afterwards from the Poly beach. The food here is plentiful and they have turkey, shrimp and beef, plus yummy sticky wings and potstickers. The games for the kids is another plus- coconut races etc. So I am really looking forward to sharing this meal with my family.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b6d605b3127ccecea55e92e8ab00000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Sci Fi Dine Inn- Hollywood Studios: another long time favorite of ours that we can't give up. Myself, DH, my dad, my sister and a few others are big SCI FI geeks. Yeah, I love Battlestar Galactica. I admit it. So this is a good fit. Even if you aren't a sci fi fan, the atmosphere is so fun- sitting in a car at the drive in movie, at night, watching old 'B' movies- attack of the 50 foot woman etc. The food is not spectacular, but not bad. I love the BLT soup here and the milkshakes. We will be doing lunch here. There is always a long wait, even with ressies. http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b6d605b3127ccecea44c29c85500000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

50s Prime Time at Hollywood Studios: AGain, another oldie, but goodie. Plus it holds a special place in my heart, as it is connected to my old workplace, Hollywood and Vine Cafeteria. The portions here are huge, so great for sharing, the desserts are awesome and we actually enjoy the 'role playing' for mom. Last time, my sisters 'tattled taled' that i wasn't eating my veggies and they had to stand in the corner. We just love the decor here and the whole environment. The food isn't too shabby either, we enjoy the 'home cooking' type of menu as we are mostly very basic meat and potatoes type of diners. It definitely fits my 'non-exotic' pallete. Oh and the s'mores are my favorite, brings back girl scout camping trip memories. http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b4da00b3127cced7bfd2ed9daf00000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Crystal Palace Character Breakfast Buffet at MK: This is another one we can't give up. We do it every trip. Our family loves a good breakfast and the buffet here is pretty good. Mix in visits from Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet, and we are happy campers. We usually do the breakfast and try for a later seating at 10am, so we can enjoy some of the rides first and get FPs (that early morning time is precious to avoid the lines!!!). The later seating is nice too, as it isn't as crowded, sometimes they even bring lunch items out and you can eat both breakfast and lunch items if you wish! http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb55aafd50300000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Norway Princess Breakfast at Epcot: We've did this on our last big family trip and really enjoyed it. We don't even attempt to get Cinderella's breakfast, so this is a GREAT alternative, sort of a hidden gem! My neice, Ally, 2.5 at the time loved it. Food is served family style and typical breakfast fare. We saw Mulan, Belle, Snow White, Jasmine and a few others. The World Showcase doesn't open until 11am, so you get to take some good pics in the area without crowds too. We usually schedule a late breakfast here too- around 10am, so we can get into Epcot at 8:30 or 9am and get some fastpasses or ride a ride first. Again, those early morning hours are precious ride time to avoid lines! http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb54ec1d56700000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Whispering Canyon Cafe- Wilderness Lodge: We are staying at the WL, so I figured it was a good time to try it. My sister Wendy and I have eaten here once before, but no one else has. We met my old WDWCP roommate, Heather here for dinner on a past trip. It was so fun, plus loads of food- we ordered the big grill platter, which is a set price for all you can ribs, chicken, beans, corn, potatoes, bread and more. and being such crazy folks, we enjoy the taunting and teasing here. I asked for a coke refill was brought a HUGE pickle barrell of coke. Don't forget to ask for the ketchup too! We might do this our last night (good to be close to the room to finish packing, not a late night?) or towards the end of our stay as an early dinner.
[img]http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b4da00b3127cced7bf63c1dd4300000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Hoop Dee Doo Revue- Ft Wilderness: Again, another favorite- we do this every trip, it is a tradition. We did it as children and now as adults. While the food is okay, you do get all you can drink beer/sangria included (my family likes a good beer!) and the entertainment is fabulous. We love this 2 hour dinner show. We will pay out of pocket for this one, I don't feel it is worth 2 dining credits. We will probably do this on the evening of our "OFF day". We always have a 'free day' where we sleep in and just visit resorts, DTD and rest/swim/do laundry. We figure we will do this dinner that evening, so we won't be rushed and won't be missing out on park time either. My sister was chosen to come on stage last time even!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb4f1e534f800000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb5ad8714f800000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Last but not least.......
Illuminations Dinner Grand Gathering: This is something none of us have done before, but it makes perfect sense to do a grand gathering with our large group. I believe the cost is about $60 per adult and you get an INTL dinner at Epcot. The venue is usually the Odyessy, which is the old empty building near the bathrooms, right between Mexico and Test Track. We used to have cast member events when I worked there. Anyhow- the dinner is a buffet, I hear it consists of some food from various countries- pasta from italy, etc. Two characters also come out and read and dance with the kids. Then you can do photos. After dinner and characters, you are taken to a VIP roped off area to watch Illuminations, complete with a dessert buffet! The VIP viewing area is the real kicker for me. We can never seem to get a good view for Illuminations and we hate having to get a spot hours beforehand. So we thought this might be fun. We haven't booked yet, but we can in July at 180 days out. They apparently only offer them on Mondays and Fridays, so we would probably do this on the last Friday of our trip. Anyone done this before? recommend it? We might reconsider it. It is another out of pocket cost and does take up a lot of time- almost 3 hours!

so as you can see, that's a WHOLE LOT of eating! That is only our sit down meals. We do also pre plan a lot of our fast food meals, just so we aren't trying to decide on the fly with 15 hungry stomachs growling. Having a plan has always worked good for us- we can always change it and be flexible. I'll highlight some of our fast food selections next time!

[annnewjerz]

Our family, well, we like to eat. Not even just like, but love. Most of our family gtgs center around food in some fashion. That's just how it is with us. So needless to say, no trip to Disney would be complete without a large list of planned culinary delights, from dole whips to turkey legs, from mickey rice krispies to kaki gori......you get the picture.

[COLOR=black]So even though we are about 6 months out from our trip, we have had our sit down meals planned for months now. Of course we can't book anything until the 90 day window, but it doesn't hurt to know what we want, right? Especially wtih 15 people- pleasing everyone isn't easy, but I think most of us agreed on these. And fortunately our crew is pretty laid back and willing to try things even if they aren't sure. We have a hard time trying new things.....not because we don't want to, but because we LOVE our old favorites and hate to give them up. We promised ourselves to try at least a few new places this time. We get 9 sit down meals on our plan. So here is what we have in mind so far- thoughts, opinions and reccomendations are ALWAYS welcome. As with any plans 6 months out, these are subject to change and probably will.

Oh no---this is totally going to tempt me into posting our "anticipated ADRs" sooner than I wanted!! I have been trying so hard to hold off---but the more I read, the more I want to post.

The ADRs look good. I, too, have had mine tentatively planned for quite a while with a few changes here are there. I am finally to the point that I am happy with what I have written down---so hopefully weird park hours don't come along and throw a kink into my very well planned itinerary!! :rotfl:

You are definitely my hero, planning a trip with 15 people. We went in 2007 with 4 (including me and DH) and trying to make everyone happy was a nightmare. Either I'm not flexible, or we were with two very hard to please individuals---but it all worked out in the end.

Good luck and can't wait to read more!! :thumbsup2

Ann

[exwdwcm]

Oh no---this is totally going to tempt me into posting our "anticipated ADRs" sooner than I wanted!! I have been trying so hard to hold off---but the more I read, the more I want to post.

The ADRs look good. I, too, have had mine tentatively planned for quite a while with a few changes here are there. I am finally to the point that I am happy with what I have written down---so hopefully weird park hours don't come along and throw a kink into my very well planned itinerary!! :rotfl:

You are definitely my hero, planning a trip with 15 people. We went in 2007 with 4 (including me and DH) and trying to make everyone happy was a nightmare. Either I'm not flexible, or we were with two very hard to please individuals---but it all worked out in the end.

Good luck and can't wait to read more!! :thumbsup2

AnnLuckily our group is pretty flexible and having 3 kiddos with us- we will have to be and will probably split up on occassion too. But having a plan is key I think. We did Sea World in TX last summer with no plan.....and we had 11 of us--we all would stand around in the heat looking at a map arguing over where to go next. Then we would miss certain scheduled shows etc. So while a plan might seem overkill, i think it lets us get more accomplished. Plus everyone knows it is simply a guideline and they don't have to stick with us all the time either.

I am sure like you, we will haev our plan all set, then totally throw it out and revise it when the hours come out! :confused3:rotfl::lmao:

[exwdwcm]

So we made a decision this past weekend after beginning to review rental car rates. Because of our large party, we had planned on renting 2 vehicles- one being a 12-15 passenger large van and then a second mini-van. Rates for these for 10 days were nearing $1k for the larger van, but that is without searching for discounts. Still, that was a little pricey for our taste. Our requirements were also that the vehicle rental service be on site.

We did use an off site service last trip and it was a nightmare.....I think we had 8 of us on this trip. We had to move our bags from the airport to the curb and get on the rental car shuttle, then take them off the shuttle and into our rental vehicle, plus we had to wait in line. When I travel on business, I use National (Emerald aisle), so I don't ever wait in line, so that was a royal pain.

Here we are, tired, hungry and having to heave around all our bags at the off site car rental location--- not to mention the tips we had to dish out for some help from the driver.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb5615f144600000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/ see all those bags? we will have double the people and double the bags as in that pic for this trip. Plus consider we are staying 10 nights/10 days.

Even with two vans, we were still concerned about moving our luggage around----keep in mind we will have 2 toddlers and a 6 year old, that means strollers, a car seat, 2 booster seats in addition to our luggage.

So we considered and discussed using Disney's Magical Express instead. We have not yet used this service, but are somewhat familiar with how it works. So considering that we would't have to touch our luggage except to unpack when it reaches our room......well it sounds like a winner. So now we are booked to use DME both ways. We are excited to give it a try. We do love the freedom having a rental car affords us, but at the same time, the advantages and disadvantages somewhat even out.....

RENTAL CAR
PROS: freedom, no fighting crowds or waiting in lines for buses, can go to grocery store, DTD, other resorts easier
CONS: move our own bags, park far away, still have to take parking lot tram to front of park which adds time, parking at DTD is awful

DME/Disney Transportation
PROS: don't worry about bags, not worry about driving/directions, use convenient disney transportation which drops us at front of park
CONS: wait 2-3 hours plus for bags to reach room, no freedom of rental car, no grocery store stop, multiple possible stops at resorts to reach WL, possibility of 'losing' bags, waiting in lines for buses.

So in the end, we felt they were about even. We've used disney transportation before and it is not too bad. We figure we can take the boat from WL to MK, so that is an easy one. We can take the boat to Contemporary for our Chef Mickey's dinner. Heck, we can even just take the boat to teh Contemporary and board the monorail there and take the resort loop to the MK or TTC/Epcot. So there are lots of options. Our only concern is knowing the DTD buses take longer and we plan to go there at least twice. And what do we do about groceries- we always stop and buy water, milk, cereal and this time, I will probably just buy diapers/wipes there instead of packing or shipping them.

So we have a plan- rent a mini-van, finding a great rate from the WDW car care center near the MK through Alamo/National. Pick it up (well they pick us up, take us to the rental location and we drive off) on Friday after lunch (our first full day), then we can do our grocery store run and have a vehicle in case we need it for part of our group to use when wanted. We probably wouldn't keep it the entire trip- just part of the trip. Having a car did come in handy when my niece got sick last trip and they ran her to the urgent care place.

so here is our updated transportation plan:

Thursday, 12/10- arrive MCO at 8:25pm- use DME, arrive WL around 10pm (which is what we planned with a car as well)
We assume our luggage will get there too late, so we will ask them to hold it until the morning.
Friday, 12/11- after a morning at MK and lunch/shopping at DTD, call Alamo/National to pick a few of us up (me, dad, wendy?), take us to Car Care Center, get our car, drive it out. Go do our grocery run while others are unpacking and taking the midday break.
Either Wed afternoon 12/16 or Friday afternoon 12/18, we will return the car to the car care center near the MK. Depends on what kind of rates/deals we find whether we keep it longer or not.
Sunday, 12/20- be at DME desk at 6:30am for our 9:25am flight home. Use resort airline check in for American!!! prepay baggage fees through BAGS.
Am I missing anything as a first user of DME and Resort Airline check in? Any tips for using Disney transportation, especially from WL?

[khertz]

DME is SO easy to use! I think that's the perfect way to get all your luggage and people to the resort with the least amount of stress. All I was going to suggest after reading through your pros & cons of DME was renting a car from the counter at the TTC, but you thought of that too! Sounds like a good travel plan. :thumbsup2 Hopefully it works out well for y'all. I know it worked like a charm for us on our honeymoon.

[exwdwcm]

DME is SO easy to use! I think that's the perfect way to get all your luggage and people to the resort with the least amount of stress. All I was going to suggest after reading through your pros & cons of DME was renting a car from the counter at the TTC, but you thought of that too! Sounds like a good travel plan. :thumbsup2 Hopefully it works out well for y'all. I know it worked like a charm for us on our honeymoon.so happy to hear another good review/support for DME. we think it will be fine for us. we can't wait to be 'luggage free'. :rotfl:

[annnewjerz]

DME is SO easy to use! I think that's the perfect way to get all your luggage and people to the resort with the least amount of stress. All I was going to suggest after reading through your pros & cons of DME was renting a car from the counter at the TTC, but you thought of that too! Sounds like a good travel plan. :thumbsup2 Hopefully it works out well for y'all. I know it worked like a charm for us on our honeymoon.

I totally agree! We used DME on our last trip and LOVED it. You say "bye bye" to your bags at your departure airport and don't even have to wait at the baggage claim or haul your stuff to the bus. It was so easy, convenient and we are definitely looking forward to using it this trip, I can't imagine renting a car when Disney provides pretty good transportation (IMO) and if you need groceries there are plenty of companies that'll deliver for much less than a rental car. :thumbsup2

[MinnieNurse]

Fellow Texas here, just found your report and am all caught up. Looks like you will have a great time.

DS is so cute. We also tried for several years to have children. We did not have to go to the extremes you did, but we are also very grateful to have our DS. Our son is now 10 and he is truly the center of our universe. I still tell him all the time how much fun he is. :goodvibes

I am also one of 3 sisters. Only I am the "baby". DD use to tell everyone he lived in a girls dormitory. :rotfl:

We did the week before Christmas at WL in 2008 and truly is wonderful, expecially with the Christmas decorations.

ADR's look great.

Cant wait to hear more.

[exwdwcm]

Fellow Texas here, just found your report and am all caught up. Looks like you will have a great time.

DS is so cute. We also tried for several years to have children. We did not have to go to the extremes you did, but we are also very grateful to have our DS. Our son is now 10 and he is truly the center of our universe. I still tell him all the time how much fun he is. :goodvibes

I am also one of 3 sisters. Only I am the "baby". DD use to tell everyone he lived in a girls dormitory. :rotfl:

We did the week before Christmas at WL in 2008 and truly is wonderful, expecially with the Christmas decorations.

ADR's look great.

Cant wait to hear more.Thanks for joining the adventure! did you do a trip report on your 08 trip? I love reading ones from that time frame to know what to expect crowd wise etc. Thanks for reading!!

[exwdwcm]

So a trip planned 2 years in advance is bound to go through some changes in the planning phases, isn't it? :confused3:rotfl:

#1- We've already added a day pre trip, changed our transportation and juggled around restaurant choices. Well now we have changed our cast......my BF, Alissa is no longer joining us. But it is good news- the reason is because she is getting married! It was all very sudden- she met someone a few months ago and they just know it is meant to be and they are getting married in late July in Vegas. He is a police officer, very nice guy and has a 9yo daughter from a previous marriage. So Alissa decided she wanted to spend that time with her new family preparing for their first Christmas together, rather than be away for 10 days from them. In a way, it works out fine, as DH Alan, DS Will and I get our own space again to really enjoy our first time as a family. We are all thrilled for Alissa and can't wait til she is a Mrs.!!! She's been waiting a long time for Mr. Right and now he is here.

#2- So our party of 15 is now downsized to 14. We are also waiting to hear if my cousin Chase from SC is coming for sure or not. He just graduated HS and now we hear he might join the military (Coast Guard), if so, he might not be coming with. We will see. Our party of 15 might be 13.

#3- In other news- we are paying off 1/2 the trip this week!!! My mom's disney VISA is going to be earning her some big rewards in terms of disney dollars!!!

#4- We received our MVMCP tickets last week too- we are all booked for Tuesday, 12/15. it is the third to last party, but we felt it was the best choice for us- being a weekday, we hope it is lower crowds, but you never know. We now will haev an extra ticket we will have to refund or try and sell.

#5- We also pre-ordered our PHOTOPASS CD. I heard prices were going up last week, so I went ahead and pre-ordered. Now I've read that sometimes the code expires for the pre-order but that you can call and re-instate it with no problems. There was a 15% off VISA discount code that was expiring last week, so I used it to get our Photopass CD for $86!! The on site purchase price is $149.95 (it went up $20 on 6/11). So the pre-purchase price is great ($99), plus we saved 15%.

Some other things we just started considering are the Pirates League that opens on Monday. We want to try and get the 2 boys signed up for it. It says only 3 and up and my DS will only be 2.5. But he is HUGE for his age- 95th percentile for height and 85th for weight, so he looks older than he is. So we might try and slide him in. We will see. We also just read about the 'dessert party' at the MK in the Noodle station terrace area. It is a private paid dessert party and you get a private viewing area for spectro and wishes. Looks pretty good from reading the DIS (Kathy) blog. It is $17.99 for adults and $10 for kids. Of course you can't see while sitting, since that terrace area has a low ceiling, but they say you go over to the railing and can see it all just fine. I HATE fighting crowds to get a decent WISHES spot and even more so for Spectro. This might be something we have to at least consider doing to save the pain of getting a good spot.

Believe it or not- our 90 day window is only a couple of months away, so we need to finalize our dining plans too. I cannot wait for DEC hours though-----that will really define what night we eat where.

So that is our update for now. We are going to get together this weekend and work on our homemade autograph books too!!!

So now that I've bored you with tons of info- here are some fun pics- some of my favorites from our early December trip in 2005. It truly was magical!

Day one- running into the empty character connection at Epcot on accident!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc32b3127ccecc8e67898f1d00000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

my niece enjoying the snow at Osborne Lights!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb4031db54900000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

more osborne lights- it was so EMPTY this night- we had the whole place to ourselves
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb42efff52500000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Breakfast at Norway- Ally loved seeing Snow White
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb54ec1d56700000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Hoop Dee Doo REvue- a must each trip. We had a table front and center and Mandy was chosen to be the 'dancing girl'!http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb5ad8714f800000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

okay, we are three grown adult sisters, with matching backpacks, skipping in the Epcot parking lot- hey we were at disney, it's okay!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc38b3127cceccb27ff7fa9900000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

well more pics from our 05 Dec trip coming up next time! stay tuned!

[exwdwcm]

PIN CODE!!!!

We got a pin code! I've never received one of these, so it was quite a big deal for us. What is strange is that we received a postcard, address to my DH, but at my mom's address. Not sure how they got DH's name with her address. The only place his name is tied to her address is in our reservation for this trip. Any other place in the Disney database (ordering planning DVDs, the custom maps, disney VISA), it has our home address-- so not sure how they did that mix up?

anyhow- the postcard included the free dining offer that is good in the fall- through 12/17! Which includes our trip!

I quickly emailed Beth, our amazing agent at Dreams Unlimited and gave her the code. She wasn't sure she could use it or not- as WL is popular during the holidays and the code might be gone already (they only allow so many folks to use it at each resort I think). Anyhow- as it turns out- she was able to use it- for THREE rooms! I wasn't sure if the code would apply to our entire reservation of 5 rooms or just ours. So three rooms is great!

So our 'free dining' pin code managed to save us $3,000!!!! that's huge! So we are getting free dining for 7 adults and 3 kids for 10 days. We used the code for my room (2 adults, one child) my sister Wendy's room (2 adults, 2 kids) and my parents room (currently 3 adults). Pretty awesome stuff, huh? we were really excited, although ironically enough, this is the one trip ever where we aren't penny pinching----my parents as mentioned are graciously treating us all on this adventure and we are going all out to really splurge. So the one time when we can afford to go and enjoy, we get a discount. All the other trips, where we scraped and budgeted to get by, we never got a discount. go figure. Regardless, we are thrilled to save the money and get one of the mysterious pin codes!!

[annnewjerz]

PIN CODE!!!!

We got a pin code! I've never received one of these, so it was quite a big deal for us. What is strange is that we received a postcard, address to my DH, but at my mom's address. Not sure how they got DH's name with her address. The only place his name is tied to her address is in our reservation for this trip. Any other place in the Disney database (ordering planning DVDs, the custom maps, disney VISA), it has our home address-- so not sure how they did that mix up?

anyhow- the postcard included the free dining offer that is good in the fall- through 12/17! Which includes our trip!

I quickly emailed Beth, our amazing agent at Dreams Unlimited and gave her the code. She wasn't sure she could use it or not- as WL is popular during the holidays and the code might be gone already (they only allow so many folks to use it at each resort I think). Anyhow- as it turns out- she was able to use it- for THREE rooms! I wasn't sure if the code would apply to our entire reservation of 5 rooms or just ours. So three rooms is great!

So our 'free dining' pin code managed to save us $3,000!!!! that's huge! So we are getting free dining for 7 adults and 3 kids for 10 days. We used the code for my room (2 adults, one child) my sister Wendy's room (2 adults, 2 kids) and my parents room (currently 3 adults). Pretty awesome stuff, huh? we were really excited, although ironically enough, this is the one trip ever where we aren't penny pinching----my parents as mentioned are graciously treating us all on this adventure and we are going all out to really splurge. So the one time when we can afford to go and enjoy, we get a discount. All the other trips, where we scraped and budgeted to get by, we never got a discount. go figure. Regardless, we are thrilled to save the money and get one of the mysterious pin codes!!

OMG that's GREAT! :woohoo:

I received that PIN a while ago (the only one I've ever received) and unfortunately couldn't use it since we're staying on DVC points---but staying at the Boardwalk more than makes up for it for us!

Also---:banana: :banana: for getting your MVMCP tickets. I don't want to say for sure yet, but I think we'll be there that night too!!! I keep going back and forth between 12/15 and 12/17 since based on last year's hours---12/14 will be a PM EMH at Magic Kingdom which we would be taking advantage of. We'll see....

Glad to see you are making so much progress on your trip---only 5(ish) months to go!!! :yay:

[raider97]

Well we got our flight booked! I know, it is so early.....and actually we booked our flights last month.....so at about almost 8 months out. Crazy? Maybe? :confused3:rotfl2:

But, we live just minutes away from a major hub for AA- DFW Airport. So flying AA makes a lot of sense. SW has a big presence at the smaller airport here- Love Field. I've been checking flights to MCO and SW has been slightly more pricey lately.....weird.

In the past, we've typically been able to fly on AA to MCO for about $250 per person. So we were looking for something in that range, but also being realistic that prices have gone up this past year.

So we saw a $325 flight with the exact times we wanted with AA, so we figured we should book it, as who knows what the future will bring in terms of price. I know, AA charges the $15 bag fee, but we are going to do our best to pack light, since we plan to wash clothes midway through the trip and don't want to lug around extra luggage since we will have kiddos, car seats and strollers. Ask me post trip how the 'pack less' idea worked....:rotfl:


Chase lives in SC near Clemson, so he will meet us at MCO and probably fly Delta. We haven't booked his flight as of yet.

Unfortunately, timing was even more critical to my sister Mandy.....she is a teacher, so getting off work is hard. We originally planned to depart early Friday morning, Dec 11th. She is already taking a week off school (right before the Christmas break), so she couldn't take off that Friday too. So her and Jeff plan to fly out on Friday after school and join us then.

Once we started looking at flights, we thought, hey, instead of coming in at the crack of dawn on Friday, why not just come in Thursday night instead, then we have ALL day Friday for the parks!? I know this makes total sense to all you disney nuts and planners. Add the extra day- very common for us, right? OUr last family trip, we did the crack of dawn flight- and on a previous trip, we did an evening flight which was nice. So we talked ourselves into staying off site in a cheapy (but clean hotel) near DTD the first night, then move to WL the next day.


Here's our flights:
Thursday, December 10th
Depart DFW 5pm
Arrive MCO 8:25pm

Sunday, December 20th
Depart MCO 9:25am
Arrive DFW 11:30am

Unfortunately we couldn't get out of Dallas any earlier on Thursday, as most of plan to work that day (maybe sneak out early!). So the 5pm lets us at least work a half day. My DH doesn't even know these flight times yet. He is the 'tell me when we are a day out' type of guy. He also rarely takes time off work, so I figured he deserved to get out a bit early (and his work is flexible). He works right by the airport, so I figured we would just pick him up on the way.

Mandy and Jeff are coming in on a Friday night flight- they arrive at 10:25pm. Since we are renting two vans, I figure I will run to MCO that night and pick them up. On our last trip, Mandy came in a day later too, and we had dinner ressies at California Grill, so we didn't have time to get her. We had her cab it and it cost her like $50. So we won't do that to them again and didn't want to make them wait on ME either. So I volunteered to pick them up, I know the way like the back of my hand now- since I always drive and lived there while on the CP.

So flights are booked- it's more real!!! What's next?


Hi!! I'm in too. We are going to WDW in December too. POR 16th - 26th. I love your story. And lol at your reasoning for flying out the night before... we are doing the same thing for our trip. I am excited to hear all about your trip and the planning.

Stephanie

[raider97]

So we made a decision this past weekend after beginning to review rental car rates. Because of our large party, we had planned on renting 2 vehicles- one being a 12-15 passenger large van and then a second mini-van. Rates for these for 10 days were nearing $1k for the larger van, but that is without searching for discounts. Still, that was a little pricey for our taste. Our requirements were also that the vehicle rental service be on site.

We did use an off site service last trip and it was a nightmare.....I think we had 8 of us on this trip. We had to move our bags from the airport to the curb and get on the rental car shuttle, then take them off the shuttle and into our rental vehicle, plus we had to wait in line. When I travel on business, I use National (Emerald aisle), so I don't ever wait in line, so that was a royal pain.

Here we are, tired, hungry and having to heave around all our bags at the off site car rental location--- not to mention the tips we had to dish out for some help from the driver.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb5615f144600000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/ see all those bags? we will have double the people and double the bags as in that pic for this trip. Plus consider we are staying 10 nights/10 days.

Even with two vans, we were still concerned about moving our luggage around----keep in mind we will have 2 toddlers and a 6 year old, that means strollers, a car seat, 2 booster seats in addition to our luggage.

So we considered and discussed using Disney's Magical Express instead. We have not yet used this service, but are somewhat familiar with how it works. So considering that we would't have to touch our luggage except to unpack when it reaches our room......well it sounds like a winner. So now we are booked to use DME both ways. We are excited to give it a try. We do love the freedom having a rental car affords us, but at the same time, the advantages and disadvantages somewhat even out.....

RENTAL CAR
PROS: freedom, no fighting crowds or waiting in lines for buses, can go to grocery store, DTD, other resorts easier
CONS: move our own bags, park far away, still have to take parking lot tram to front of park which adds time, parking at DTD is awful

DME/Disney Transportation
PROS: don't worry about bags, not worry about driving/directions, use convenient disney transportation which drops us at front of park
CONS: wait 2-3 hours plus for bags to reach room, no freedom of rental car, no grocery store stop, multiple possible stops at resorts to reach WL, possibility of 'losing' bags, waiting in lines for buses.

So in the end, we felt they were about even. We've used disney transportation before and it is not too bad. We figure we can take the boat from WL to MK, so that is an easy one. We can take the boat to Contemporary for our Chef Mickey's dinner. Heck, we can even just take the boat to teh Contemporary and board the monorail there and take the resort loop to the MK or TTC/Epcot. So there are lots of options. Our only concern is knowing the DTD buses take longer and we plan to go there at least twice. And what do we do about groceries- we always stop and buy water, milk, cereal and this time, I will probably just buy diapers/wipes there instead of packing or shipping them.

So we have a plan- rent a mini-van, finding a great rate from the WDW car care center near the MK through Alamo/National. Pick it up (well they pick us up, take us to the rental location and we drive off) on Friday after lunch (our first full day), then we can do our grocery store run and have a vehicle in case we need it for part of our group to use when wanted. We probably wouldn't keep it the entire trip- just part of the trip. Having a car did come in handy when my niece got sick last trip and they ran her to the urgent care place.

so here is our updated transportation plan:

Thursday, 12/10- arrive MCO at 8:25pm- use DME, arrive WL around 10pm (which is what we planned with a car as well)
We assume our luggage will get there too late, so we will ask them to hold it until the morning.
Friday, 12/11- after a morning at MK and lunch/shopping at DTD, call Alamo/National to pick a few of us up (me, dad, wendy?), take us to Car Care Center, get our car, drive it out. Go do our grocery run while others are unpacking and taking the midday break.
Either Wed afternoon 12/16 or Friday afternoon 12/18, we will return the car to the car care center near the MK. Depends on what kind of rates/deals we find whether we keep it longer or not.
Sunday, 12/20- be at DME desk at 6:30am for our 9:25am flight home. Use resort airline check in for American!!! prepay baggage fees through BAGS.
Am I missing anything as a first user of DME and Resort Airline check in? Any tips for using Disney transportation, especially from WL?

Have you thought about using Garden Grocer? We used them on our last trip and plan to use them again. It was so nice to have everything already delivered to our resort when we got there and I think their delivery charge is only $12 or so. Just an idea. :)

Stephanie

[khertz]

Congrats on the pin code!! How exciting! :woohoo:

We have only ever received one in the mail, but...it was addressed to the people who lived in the house before us!! Stinks. But we are staying offsite anyway, so I actually hope we don't get any codes/Visa pins because that would just open a whole new can of worms. :rotfl:

[exwdwcm]

So October hours were released today. That gives me hope that Dec hours will be released on sept 1. we can hope right? I think we make our ADRs around 9/11, so I can't wait for hours to finalize our schedule!!!

ANNE- too bad on the pin code, but having DVC is pretty much awesome in itself, right? :) That would be great if you do MVMCP the same night as us!

Stephanie- welcome aboard- i am subscribed to your PTR too! We love POR, we've stayed there at least twice and it is one of our favorite resorts, especially for the mods.

I have heard of garden grocer, but have never used them, but it might be worth looking into. at the same time- we like going down the st to walmart and buying a few cheapo disney shirts there (not the same as WDW, but we've founda few cute ones). something to think about doing for sure though- it would be more convenient to have it delivered. i've used home delivery grocery services at home years ago and really enjoyed it. thanks for the suggestion!

Khertz- thanks- yeah, funny huh on the pin codes- we couldn't believe it, my mom called right away! we've never gotten one before. we are so excited to save that $$$! I forget- do you guys own a timeshare off site?

[khertz]

Khertz- thanks- yeah, funny huh on the pin codes- we couldn't believe it, my mom called right away! we've never gotten one before. we are so excited to save that $$$! I forget- do you guys own a timeshare off site?

Yeah, we own with Wyndham, so we are staying at their Orlando resort. BUT!...for future trips, I just found out, our sister company just made a deal with DVC resorts, so we can maybe stay in one of those next time as long as they still have the deal!

[exwdwcm]

Morning all-----i'll be posting a quick short LAS VEGAS trip report next week here, just to keep things moving along and post something of interest. Not much going on with our trip right now, we can't do a whole lot until early Sept when hours are released (hopefully) and we can make ADRs!

So I am heading to Vegas on Friday afternoon with my DH for my BF's wedding. This was initially her 30th bday trip, but soon turned into a wedding too. Go figure. That's Alissa for you- pretty spontaneous like that. She met her fiance on match.com and they just know it is meant to be. Hey, when you know, you know. She's been going on 3-4 dates a week and just hasn't found mr. right until now. She is ready to settle down and so is he. He is a police officer with all his ducks in a row, which can't be said about most of her past boyfriends or dates. We had the guy with no job, no car and a felony record.....yeah he was a catch. So we are very happy for her and can't wait to be a part of the big day on Saturday.

Here is the bride to be this weekend at her bachelorette and yeah, she is 6'2, I call her the amazon. It is a lot of fun 'people watching' when with her- the guys and women for that matter are always staring. Fiance is 5'9! ;)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_A2w9q5bny8Y/SmShFlrxVfI/AAAAAAAABOw/5iAVVV8omlg/s320/5490_1198254677950_1276016879_567781_7618839_n.jpg


So I'll be posting a quick Vegas trip report for those interested. I'll keep it family friendly too....:rotfl::confused3:rotfl: DH and I LOVE vegas. We were married at Mandalay Bay back in May 2001, so 8 years ago. We typically go to Vegas once a year- my job has typically had a tradeshow there a few times a year that required my presence. Our last trip was in March of 2007, i was 8 weeks pregnant (after struggling for 2 years to conceive and doing IVF)----so i was excited to be pregnant, but not excited to be pregnant and extremely sick in Vegas.....and working, while my DH and a couple we invited a long had fun. Needless to say it wasn't a great trip for me. I spent a lot of time in our room, which thankfully was nice (Venentian) and ordered custom made chicken broth at the SW Steakhouse at the Wynn as everyone else is chowing down on delicious steaks. I am a meat and potatoes girl and simply couldn't stand the thought of meat for my first trimester. strange.

My new job unfortunately requires little travel and that means no free trips for DH to tag along on. But fortunately for him, he went to Vegas just 3 weeks ago with his work. His boss took them all on a 'celebration' trip for closing a big deal. They stayed at the new Encore/Wynn and the guys played golf and girls did the spa. DH doesn't care for either, so he was given a $200 gc we will use at the Wynn when we go. I said Wynn/when, didn't I? :rotfl:;) Anyhow, his work trip wasn't great either, he felt they had too many events planned that he had to go to, which didn't leave much time to head downtown to play craps. So he is excited to be heading back this time. Little does he know I have already scheduled 2 shows, plus we have a dinner and the wedding to attend as well. So much for a 'recovering commando', even when it is vegas. I've even been working on a schedule with my friends. :confused3:lmao:

DH and I love to gamble- he loves craps and ocassionally plays a slot or two. I love craps and roulette. I also donate way too much to $1 slots. We like gambling downtown- it is old school- minimums are more affordable. At the Venentian for example on a weekend, you can't find lower than a $25 minimum bet at a table. At least downtown- it is $5. I usually have a lot of money on the craps table with multiple bets/odds of $5 and more, i can't do that when it is $25! Anyhow- we love downtown- mainly playing at hte horseshoe- i love how it is 'open' to the outside too. The smoke gets to me after a while though. DH and I both have asthma and smoke really kills us after a while. But we always have to get downtown at least once during the trip if not more.

So the plan is:

Friday

Depart DFW Friday 2:15pm, arrive Vegas 3:15pm
cab to Monte Carlo for check in
gamble, explore and rest- find quick dinner somewhere
9:30pm- head to stratosphere for 10:30pm showing of BITE!
early to bed (well early being 1am, which will be 3am our time!)
Saturday

meet at BF's room by 9am, order room service spread for breakfast
she has her hair done, help with dress, get ready for wedding
11:30 is the wedding at a chapel nearby
1pm- lunch somewhere she has booked (sushi/steak place?)
afternoon- pool time, gamble, relax
evening- gamble- hit the town- a few clubs she has in mind- DH and I might go downtown to gamble, this is our LATE night to party it up! I don't have to be the DD and have no toddler hugging my legs- there will be drinks for sure! :rotfl:
Sunday

sleep in!!! some of them are doing buffet at Bellagio for brunch
DH and i might hit a cool burger bar (Mandalay Bay)
pool time and gambling/exploring
Zumanity Cirque show at NYNY that night for DH and I- it was included in the trip on travelocity
more gambling!!!
Monday

8:30am flight home- so gotta be up early!!!!

So that is the plan- short and sweet. we've been to vegas so many times, we've seen most of the touristy stuff at the hotels and DH doesn't really care to do that much anymore, so lots of laying by the pool for me and gambling for him. I just look forward to sleeping in past 7am. I will miss my little guy (now 21 months), but we need a nice break! Plus he is spending time with his mama and papa over the weekend while we are gone.

So stay tuned early next week for my VEGAS trip report!

[annnewjerz]

Congratulations to your friend, that's such a great story.

Sounds like you are going to be busy! Can't wait to hear all about your trip to Vegas and more about your trip to WDW once September comes. :santa:

[exwdwcm]

DAP Main EVENT announced!!!!!!!! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::b anana::banana:

So on this week's DIS Podcast, John and the team announced the Main DAP event. For those of you not in the 'know', Dreams Unlimited and the DIS are hosting a few special events the weekend of 12/12, as a sort of 'substitution' for the Mousefest event that was usually held during this time each year (but isn't this year). The weekend includes lots of small casual gatherings that various DIS board members have headed up, like a drink around the world (DATW) on 12/11 and some gatherings at meals etc.

Unfortunatey, since I am vacationing with my family of 14, I can't really make any of these other events. As much as I love my DIS friends, I really want to focus on spending time with my family on this trip. I am sure all their events (especially DATW) will be a blast and I'll hear all about them later on!

BUT, there is one event that we are going to try and make and it is fun for the entire family!!!!! I'll get to see many of my DIS friends I have chatted with online or met in May on the DIS cruise.

Saturday night, 12/12, they are hosting a more formal private event and it was just announced this week. We have been anxiously awaiting the details. Last year, they hosted a private party at Toy Story Mania, the ride was open after hours for ONLY those registered/invited to the party. Desserts were served as well. Folks said it was a blast. Why wouldn't it be? Getting to ride one of the most popular rides in all of WDW, over and over again with no line? Sounds like heaven!

So there was much speculation on the DISUnplugged boards over what this year's event would be........maybe renting out the Land pavilion for rides on Soarin all night? Maybe DisneyQuest? We were given clues that the venue could hold 1500, kids would enjoy it etc. We weren't sure what could top TSM. Well, nothing really! So, they are doing Toy Story Mania 2.0 this year!!!

There will be a 'street carnival' party at TSM! Guests will be ushered to the back of the park by SARGE and the Green Army Men. Once there, food will be in abundance, including sandwiches, popcorn, funnel cakes and other carnival type food. Toy Story characters will be hanging out, as well as street performers for our entertainment. And of course the ever famous podcast crew, our hosts for the night. And the main event, all the rides you want on TSM for a few hours that night. I hear last night's event went until midnight or 1am.

So we don't have exact details on the time or anything yet, just those general happenings. Dreams Unlimited clients who are booked for 2nights or more during that time will get priority registration to attend the event, I believe at no cost. We are booked on this 10 day trip through DREAMS, so all 14 of us get to go to the party!!! We are just awaiting the official email from our agent so we can RSVP/register. After that, they will open up the registration to others (limited number though I believe) at a small fee (we have guessed $25 a person??).

So there it is- our itenerary has changed a bit- now on our second full day at disney, Saturday, 12/12, we will be joining the DIS and DREAMS crew for DAP (dis-a-palooza) TSM 2.0!!!!! We cannot wait.

We were very nervous about having to rush with the masses at rope drop to TSM to ride it. We only had one morning planned at HS to ride TSM. Now, we won't have to worry about that, instead, we can head to TOT/RNR and ride those instead, since we will have already had our fill of TSM at the party!!!

so THANKS Pete, John and the gang at the DIS/Dreams. We can't wait!!!!! This will make our trip all that much more special and memorable.

[annnewjerz]

DAP Main EVENT announced!!!!!!!! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::b anana::banana:

So on this week's DIS Podcast, John and the team announced the Main DAP event. For those of you not in the 'know', Dreams Unlimited and the DIS are hosting a few special events the weekend of 12/12, as a sort of 'substitution' for the Mousefest event that was usually held during this time each year (but isn't this year). The weekend includes lots of small casual gatherings that various DIS board members have headed up, like a drink around the world (DATW) on 12/11 and some gatherings at meals etc.

Unfortunatey, since I am vacationing with my family of 14, I can't really make any of these other events. As much as I love my DIS friends, I really want to focus on spending time with my family on this trip. I am sure all their events (especially DATW) will be a blast and I'll hear all about them later on!

BUT, there is one event that we are going to try and make and it is fun for the entire family!!!!! I'll get to see many of my DIS friends I have chatted with online or met in May on the DIS cruise.

Saturday night, 12/12, they are hosting a more formal private event and it was just announced this week. We have been anxiously awaiting the details. Last year, they hosted a private party at Toy Story Mania, the ride was open after hours for ONLY those registered/invited to the party. Desserts were served as well. Folks said it was a blast. Why wouldn't it be? Getting to ride one of the most popular rides in all of WDW, over and over again with no line? Sounds like heaven!

So there was much speculation on the DISUnplugged boards over what this year's event would be........maybe renting out the Land pavilion for rides on Soarin all night? Maybe DisneyQuest? We were given clues that the venue could hold 1500, kids would enjoy it etc. We weren't sure what could top TSM. Well, nothing really! So, they are doing Toy Story Mania 2.0 this year!!!

There will be a 'street carnival' party at TSM! Guests will be ushered to the back of the park by SARGE and the Green Army Men. Once there, food will be in abundance, including sandwiches, popcorn, funnel cakes and other carnival type food. Toy Story characters will be hanging out, as well as street performers for our entertainment. And of course the ever famous podcast crew, our hosts for the night. And the main event, all the rides you want on TSM for a few hours that night. I hear last night's event went until midnight or 1am.

So we don't have exact details on the time or anything yet, just those general happenings. Dreams Unlimited clients who are booked for 2nights or more during that time will get priority registration to attend the event, I believe at no cost. We are booked on this 10 day trip through DREAMS, so all 14 of us get to go to the party!!! We are just awaiting the official email from our agent so we can RSVP/register. After that, they will open up the registration to others (limited number though I believe) at a small fee (we have guessed $25 a person??).

So there it is- our itenerary has changed a bit- now on our second full day at disney, Saturday, 12/12, we will be joining the DIS and DREAMS crew for DAP (dis-a-palooza) TSM 2.0!!!!! We cannot wait.

We were very nervous about having to rush with the masses at rope drop to TSM to ride it. We only had one morning planned at HS to ride TSM. Now, we won't have to worry about that, instead, we can head to TOT/RNR and ride those instead, since we will have already had our fill of TSM at the party!!!

so THANKS Pete, John and the gang at the DIS/Dreams. We can't wait!!!!! This will make our trip all that much more special and memorable.

WE'RE GOING TOOO!!!! (as long as we can still register once it opens to the masses) :banana: :banana: :banana: I was so excited to hear about this. I wasn't aware of all of the details---I just knew that there would be party on 12/12 at Pixar Place, it would be after park closing and it wouldn't be limited so I didn't have to rush to be 1 of 100 or anything. AND---$25?!!? Awesome.

I was really worried about dealing with the crush headed to TSM on our DHS day also, but now---not so worried anymore. :thumbsup2

[exwdwcm]

WE'RE GOING TOOO!!!! (as long as we can still register once it opens to the masses) :banana: :banana: :banana: I was so excited to hear about this. I wasn't aware of all of the details---I just knew that there would be party on 12/12 at Pixar Place, it would be after park closing and it wouldn't be limited so I didn't have to rush to be 1 of 100 or anything. AND---$25?!!? Awesome.

I was really worried about dealing with the crush headed to TSM on our DHS day also, but now---not so worried anymore. :thumbsup2that's great news- hope to see you there then!!!! :cool1::thumbsup2

[exwdwcm]

Peter Pan Planning Party!

so my mom hosted this great Peter Pan Planning party for us on saturday to get us excited about the trip. The girls met over at her house early to work on our homemade autograph books. we made some progress!

then we started the party- she had several games planned. first up was a scavenger hunt with clues hidden around the house- my sisters, BIL and I nearly knocked each other down running around. I lost! But next we did Peter Pan trivia, which I won first prize. My mom had disney dollars for prizes and a lot of them- first prize was usually $25, then it went down from there. she also had a crocodile tossing game, which i also won second on. Then we had some other games aimed towards the kiddos and DS got some disney dollars for that. In the end, i had over $100 i think between DS and me! THANKS MOM!!!!

the party was great fun- we had grilled kabobs, potatoes and pirate cupcakes. We also enjoyed sitting and talking over our schedule and dining choices. We hope the Dec hours are released in a few weeks, since we need to make ADRs on 9/11. I wanted to firm up our dining choices to be ready. We had discussed meals before, but i wanted to finalize We did end up changing a few things:

dropped dinner at San Angel Inn, the menu changed quite a bit since our last visit a few years ago, not sure everyone was into it now.

we also moved our Sci Fi Dine inn dinner to the second night, the night of the DIS party at the HS. we also moved around our hoop dee doo dinner to another night.

So we have a schedule now, but i bet it will change again once hours are released, so stay tuned.

I'll post some pics of our great peter pan party soon too!

[exwdwcm]

I am taking a break from the insanity I call work to do a quick update. Life has been busy and we are quickly approaching the double digit mark!!! Hopefully DEC hours will be released on Sept 1 or no later than 9/5. WE can hope right? :rotfl::confused3;)

I just booked a 15 passenger van through National for $1450. OUCH! yes, pricey, but I know it will go down as we get closer to the trip. I am keeping my eye on discount codes. We really like national due to the emerald aisle program which I am a member of from travelling on business in the past. I can walk right out, pick a car, get in and go. no lines or waiting. We definitely refuse to do an off site car rental again, that was a nightmare! If you hear of any good discounts, let me know!!

We almost have our entire dining schedule and itenerary planned out- here it goes- we have 11 sit down meals planned, we are paying for HDD out of pocket, the other 10 meals are on the dining plan. let's see how much it changes between now and when hours are released:

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

4:50pm AA flight departs DFW
8:15pm Flight arrives Orlando (MCO)
9:30pm Arrive WL!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

9am MK opens (get Peter Pan FP, ride Dumbo, Pooh etc)
10am Toontown opens (see princesses and tink/pixie hollow early to avoid lines)
12:30pm head to DTD for lunch at Earle and shopping
4pm back to hotel- break/nap
7:30pm Chef Mickey’s buffet dinner (Rosenfelds to San Angel Inn)
10:30pm Mandy/Jeff flight arrives (they get second car)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

8:15am head to Epcot
9am Epcot opens (Soarin FP first)
10am Turtle Talk with Crush/Living Seas
11:30am Lunch at Coral Reef
2pm break
4pm to HS
6pm Sci Fi Dine Inn Dinner
9pm meet at front of park to be escorting to private DIS party
9:30pm private party at Toy Story Mania/Pixar Place (TSM 2.0) with food/entertainment
12am party ends


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

9am MK opens (get Space Mtn/Splash FP)
10:15am Crystal Palace breakfast buffet
2pm guys head to ESPN for football, others take break or continue MK
4:15pm Dallas Cowboys vs San Diego Chargers (3:15pm CST)
5pm head to Hollywood Studios, see Osborne lights (6pm)
7:30pm dinner at 50s Prime Time Café
11pm HS close (extra magic hours)


MONDAY, DECEMBER 14
7:30am head to AK
8am Animal Kingdom opens (EMH- get FP for EE first, then ride Safari)
11am lunch- fast food
2pm break
4:45pm babysitter arrives (4 hour minimum)
5:30pm Le Cellier dinner- Mike grad celebration
7pm DRINK around the world! (DATW)


TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 – NO PARK DAY

9:30am breakfast at BOMA at AKL
11am head to DTD, shop
12pm BBB for Ally and Will
1pm shop and explore!
3pm guys/kids to room for break
3pm girls to SPA! (GF or WL, not sure which one yet)
6pm head to MK
6:15pm fast food dinner at Cosmic Ray’s
7pm-12am Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party


WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

9:30-10am fast food late breakfast at WL (after late night)
10:30am head to HS
2:30pm back to WL for short break/refresh
5pm Dinner at O’hana at Polynesian
7pm head to MK for Spectromagic parade- do MK for a bit
9pm back to resort for early night


THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

8am MK opens (EMH)
12pm fast food lunch (Pinnochio’s or Columbia harbor house)
2pm break for naps/swim
5:15pm boat to HDD?, explore FTW
7:15pm Hoop Dee Doo Revue


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

8:15am head to AK (Dino FP first? Then show?)
9am AK opens
11:30am lunch
2:30pm break
5pm to Epcot, eat around the world
9:30pm Illuminations, park closes


SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

8:30am head to Epcot
9am Epcot opens
10am Norway Princess breakfast
2pm break, pack!
5pm Dinner- Whispering Canyon Café at Wilderness Lodge
6:30pm check in at airport checkin desk at hotel downstairs for boarding passes
6:30pm to MK for a few hours for the last time!
10pm night night!!!


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

5am check in at RAC desk
8:30am Flight departs MCO for DFW
10:30am Flight arrives DFW

[exwdwcm]

3 months and 15 days to go!

[MadilynnsMomma]

Subbing popcorn::

I'll be back tomorrow to read your report. Found you on another PTR and I just love reading December PTR's!

[shellywalker]

I also found your TR on someone else's TR! I love it, can't wait to read more! I hope someday I can do a GG with my family like that! It sounds like so much fun!!!

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

HaHa! We all came at the same time! I saw you hopped on my PTR, so I came over to yours, too! What a great story! Your family sounds like a lot of fun! What memories you will be making in December! Can't wait for more! Let's see your autograph books!

[exwdwcm]

Welcome guys! and thanks for coming over- i'll definitely sub and check yours out as well- i too, love Dec reports- so fun to share!!!!!

so hopefully hours will be released early next week- we can hope right? are you guys doing your ADRs online or calling? I have to call since we have more than 10. i hope we get what we want!Subbing popcorn::

I'll be back tomorrow to read your report. Found you on another PTR and I just love reading December PTR's!

I also found your TR on someone else's TR! I love it, can't wait to read more! I hope someday I can do a GG with my family like that! It sounds like so much fun!!!

HaHa! We all came at the same time! I saw you hopped on my PTR, so I came over to yours, too! What a great story! Your family sounds like a lot of fun! What memories you will be making in December! Can't wait for more! Let's see your autograph books!

[shellywalker]

Welcome guys! and thanks for coming over- i'll definitely sub and check yours out as well- i too, love Dec reports- so fun to share!!!!!

so hopefully hours will be released early next week- we can hope right? are you guys doing your ADRs online or calling? I have to call since we have more than 10. i hope we get what we want!

You have to call for more than 10 people or more than 10 ADR's? I was planning on maybe trying out the online since I think it opens up earlier than the phones do??

[khertz]

so hopefully hours will be released early next week- we can hope right? are you guys doing your ADRs online or calling? I have to call since we have more than 10. i hope we get what we want!

I'll probably try online for our Chef Mickey's ADR. Looks like we can't book the CP package online yet, so I'll have to call for that. But I'm much better with a computer than sitting on the phone waiting on hold! :laughing:

Since we aren't staying onsite, I don't get the 90 +10 anyway...so I'm hoping for park hours by the 4th or 5th! That'll only give me a couple days, but hopefully I can finalize park plans before it's time to make ADRs! I'm getting sooooo excited!!!

[MadilynnsMomma]

Phew... all caught up! I am so excited for you and your family to be going on this trip! And what a great gift your grandfather gave you and your DH! When does Will turn 2? My Madi will be 2 on the 6th of Sept - a week away :sad: - Where'd the time go?

I would also like to second a PP - let's see those autograph books!!!

Welcome guys! and thanks for coming over- i'll definitely sub and check yours out as well- i too, love Dec reports- so fun to share!!!!!

so hopefully hours will be released early next week- we can hope right? are you guys doing your ADRs online or calling? I have to call since we have more than 10. i hope we get what we want!

I plan on getting up at 5:45 on Labor Day and looking a lot like this: :surfweb: If I am unsuccessful, I am prepared to play the waiting game on hold, calling promptly at 7:00!

Wishing us all luck!!! :wizard:

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

The last CM I spoke to said to try online for the best success!

[Tippy 6]

We check in 11/28 and were able to call yesterday morning. I was on hold for about 20 mins but got every restaurant we wanted at the exact time we wanted. YEA!

[exwdwcm]

You have to call for more than 10 people or more than 10 ADR's? I was planning on maybe trying out the online since I think it opens up earlier than the phones do??yes, we are a 'grand gathering' and have a grand gathering number that our reservation is under. So we have to call a different number to book our dining- not the regular one, but a GG number instead and it also said we can't book for groups of 10 or more online. here is what the site says:

"those with groups of 8 or more should call Disney Group Dining at 407-939-5665"

I'll probably try online for our Chef Mickey's ADR. Looks like we can't book the CP package online yet, so I'll have to call for that. But I'm much better with a computer than sitting on the phone waiting on hold! :laughing:

Since we aren't staying onsite, I don't get the 90 +10 anyway...so I'm hoping for park hours by the 4th or 5th! That'll only give me a couple days, but hopefully I can finalize park plans before it's time to make ADRs! I'm getting sooooo excited!!!well here is hoping you get all you wish for!!!!!!!! i almost wish we could use the online system, it looks really nice.

Phew... all caught up! I am so excited for you and your family to be going on this trip! And what a great gift your grandfather gave you and your DH! When does Will turn 2? My Madi will be 2 on the 6th of Sept - a week away :sad: - Where'd the time go?

I would also like to second a PP - let's see those autograph books!!!



I plan on getting up at 5:45 on Labor Day and looking a lot like this: :surfweb: If I am unsuccessful, I am prepared to play the waiting game on hold, calling promptly at 7:00!

Wishing us all luck!!! :wizard:Will turns 2 the day before Halloween- oct 30th, i gotta start planning his bday party pretty darn fast! I'll post some scrapbooking pages later this week hopefully and once we get autograph books done, i'll post some of those as well. i hope to work no them some on the holiday weekend.:)


We check in 11/28 and were able to call yesterday morning. I was on hold for about 20 mins but got every restaurant we wanted at the exact time we wanted. YEA!that is good news to hear. I've heard it quite a lot and makes me hopeful that we will get what we want and that maybe crowds won't be so bad, even wtih free dining! here's to hoping, right? :confused3:thumbsup2

So, wtih the release of official park hours, did your plans change at all?

so far, I had all the hours right, even the EMHs on our original itenerary- which i had based on last year's hours. The only change was the MK closes at 8pm on 12/16 instead of 11pm like i had thought, which does throw a little wrench in our plans. we have only 2 chances to see spectro. it is not showing on MVMCP nights, and MVMCP is going on 4 of the 9 nights of our trip. we are doing one of those of course. then one nhight it is running, we have to do the TSM 2.0 party the DIS is putting on, on 12/12 at HS after hours. the party doesn't start until 9:30pm probhably (still waiting on the official info from Pete and team), but we don't want to have to rush from one park to the next. the other night spectro is playing, we have dedicated to our drink around the world and babysitter for the kids night. so that leaves only our very last night to see spectro or 12/16. so we have to adjust our plans just a bit, as i had originally scheduled dinner at 5ish and spectro is at 7pm. knowing that O'hana runs late in seating folks, even with ADRs, i don't want to have to rush our 5pm dinner at ohana to try and get over to MK for the 7pm spectro. i think we will instead do a late dinner after spectro instead. we will see.

i'll post up our final itenerary shortly!!! and our final meals we plan to TRY and get. when do you guys call for your ADRs if you haven't already? what are you shooting for?

oh and my mom/sister are hosting an Alice in Wonderland 'unbirthday' party for me on 9/12! it will be a tea/lunch with games and fun! i can't wait, i've never had a party thrown for me like this, at least not in a long time and not for a birthday! i'll be 36, ouch! They are promising lots of fun surprises, so i can't wait. Alice is my second fave disney movie behind Peter Pan. of course i love the original books as well. i'll post some pics from the party and more details too.

[shellywalker]

Oh your unbirthday party sounds like so much fun!!! I'm jealous!

[MadilynnsMomma]

I'm jealous too! I want an unbirthday!

[annnewjerz]

So, wtih the release of official park hours, did your plans change at all?

I changed my plans COMPLETELY, but not because of the hours ;) I originally planned to do all EMH nights because the parks usually closed so early, but instead, I decided we'd do a 4 hour break mid-day instead of 6, skip EMH and just have dinner after we finish at the parks around 8:00. We're 3 adults, so it shouldn't be too hard to stay away until 10:00 or so :rolleyes:

i'll post up our final itenerary shortly!!! and our final meals we plan to TRY and get. when do you guys call for your ADRs if you haven't already? what are you shooting for?

I haven't done ADRs yet, but do get to make them next weekend on the 13th. I'll be up at 5:30 on a Sunday!!! :faint: but hopefully I'll get everything I want. Unfortunately, we have the dreaded split-stay happening with 1 night on cash and 1 on DVC points, so I have a feeling I may not be able to do everything online like I wanted, but I'm trying to stay positive. :)


oh and my mom/sister are hosting an Alice in Wonderland 'unbirthday' party for me on 9/12! it will be a tea/lunch with games and fun! i can't wait, i've never had a party thrown for me like this, at least not in a long time and not for a birthday! i'll be 36, ouch! They are promising lots of fun surprises, so i can't wait. Alice is my second fave disney movie behind Peter Pan. of course i love the original books as well. i'll post some pics from the party and more details too.

An un-birthday party sounds like SO MUCH FUN. I was watching Alice in Wonderland the other day while we were babysitting the neighbor who is 3 and I forgot how much I love that movie. I'll be celebrating my birthday while we're in WDW on October 17th with free park admission and hopefully a free cupcake at The Plaza, so I guess I can't complain too much about not having an un-birthday party for myself planned. :goodvibes

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Have a fun unbirthday! Looking forward to your plans to come!!!

[exwdwcm]

so some of my fellow December trip reporters have posted pics of past scrapbook disney pages. thought I would share some of mine too. These days, with a full time/demanding job and a 2yo, i just don't have time to scrap anymore. I have gone digital instead! Although i might still have to scrap my disney trip the old fashioned way, it's just too fun with too many great papers and stickers out now.

so here are some mostly from our 2005 trip
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d726b3127ccef85a93babe4f00000070O18RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d726b3127ccef85a410fbe9300000070O18RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d726b3127ccef85bf3069e8f00000070O18RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d726b3127ccef85ae4627f0400000070O18RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d726b3127ccef85afedf7fb400000070O18RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d726b3127ccef85aa8467f0600000070O18RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[MadilynnsMomma]

I love your pages! Nice work! :thumbsup2 I can't wait to scrap this trip - even though, like you, with a 2yr old and full time job - where will I find time?!

[shellywalker]

LOVE LOVE LOVE those pages!

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Had a bit of catching up to do!!! Loving your scrap pages! I feel like I will never get around to putting any of mine up! I keep saying I will and then never do! Maybe this weekend????

[exwdwcm]

well got our ADRs booked late last week. I'll post them all up when i get more time, unfortunately work has been super crazy, as has home, so I haven't had time to post! so stay tuned to hear all the meals we have booked, there is going to be a lot of eating going on!!!

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Ohhhh! Can't wait!!!!

[exwdwcm]

so sorry ladies- had the flu for a week, then work has been super crazy busy.

So on 9/11, i was up early to make our ADRs. i planned to get up at like 5:45am CST, but DH was up at 5am to hit the gym, so i just got up. I was on the phone at 6am CST/7am EST. I was on hold for 25 minutes- yep, 25 minutes. at least speaker phone on my new iphone works well. and hey, who doesn't enjoy a little easy listneing music, disney style? after 25 minutes, i was helped by a wonderful CM.

i was able to make all our ADRs, but it took a solid 45 minutes or more! we are there for 10 days, so we had 10 sit down meals to make (for our free dining!). Plus, we are paying out of pocket for Hoop Dee Doo and booking BBB. So I had quite a few to make. And I started with the hardest to get ones-----Le Cellier was not available for the night we wanted (at least not at a decent time). So we moved it to another night. check one----Then i also booked BBB the best package for my niece and the 'cool dudes' hair thing for the boys.

I also booked a dinner at JIKO for my sister and her hubby- they are doing a special dinner separate (newlyweds!) one night. they will miss Sci Fi dine in for JIKO.

So I I had booked all the meals except JIKO and BBB- the CM was checking on BBB, apparently the day was not released in the system yet to let her book, so she was asking for help/support. I was on hold and got hung up/disconnected somehow. So i had to call back, this time I didn't wait on hold long and was able to get the final confirmation numbers from another CM.

So all the ressies are made! and yes, we do love to eat. all the great dining at WDW is a highlight for us and we do enjoy at least one sit down meal per day, to give everyone a break and get out of the heat/cold or rain. We usually are pretty smart about touring the park, using FP, EMH etc, so we typically don't have an issue with long lines or giving up time for a sit down meal once a day. I do fear we will get a bit tired of all the sit down eating and might end up cancelling one or two- we will see how it goes. it is difficult to seat a party of 14 and our DS is pretty tough to entertain and keep seated at mealtime right now (almost terrible twos). we will see.

Now my sister Wendy also made some of her own. She wants to take her daughter to a meal at the Castle, which I think is great- it will be a real treat for them. I've done the castle before and enjoyed it, but don't nee do it again right now (maybe if i have a girl one day!). - so she was able to book breakfast for them there. She also booked Trail's End Breakfast, 1900 Park Fare breakfast, Chef Mickey's breakfast and also a dinner at 1900 Park Fare for them (instead of Chef Mickey's on night one). Not everyone is doing all these extra out of pocket meals. We (DH and I)simply can't eat that many sit down meals with a 2yo that is antsy and won't sit still. Plus I hate to take away from my precious early morning-non-crowded park time. So we are passing on the extra breakfasts. I think they have a sit down breakfast literally everyday except for one. I am not a breakfast person anyhow- give me a granola bar and I am good! My mom does need to eat a good meal early for her medicine and to get her energy up- remember she just had major brain surgery a few months ago.

After making all these other ressies- they also decided since we couldn't get Le Cellier for our 'drink around the world' night like we wanted, that they would book Shula's steakhouse at the Dolphin instead that night. this was supposed to be a 'graduation celebration' dinner for my BIL for getting his Associates after going back to school while working FT. So now we also have a Shula's dinner.

So yeah- it is a LOT of meals. So we (my hubby and DS) are doing just the 10 free sit down meals, plus the Shula's dinner and the HDDR. so that is 12 sit down meals in 9 days. While we are there for 10 nights, we arrive about 8pm the first night and leave by 10am on the last day, so those two days don't really count.

My sister I think is doing the original 12 meals, plus 5 more meals on top of that.....so 17 sit down meals- ouch! I think one day, they haev a sit down breakfast, lunch and dinner. I am sure plans will change maybe later and some might be cancelled.

so here is everything else we got:


Le Cellier dinner
Chef Mickey's dinner (first night)---Wendy's family doing 1900 park fare dinner instead that night
O'hana dinner (last night)
Crystal Palace breakfast
Norway Princess breakfast
Sci Fi Dine Inn dinner (Mandy/Jeff doing JIKO instead)
50s Prime Time dinner
Coral Reef lunch
Whispering Canyon Cafe lunch
Boma breakfast
Hoop Dee Doo Revue (7:15, first tier seating, out of pocket)
Shula's dinner (out of pocket)
Trail's end breakfast-everyone but us (DH, DS and I)
Chef Mickey's breakfast (sisters, parents and aunt doing this one)
1900 park fare breakfast- (everyone but us- DH, DS and I)
Castle breakfast -(wendy's family, parents and aunt)

But for now we are all booked and ready to go in terms of ADRs. We got pretty good times for everything too. I'll post up our official itenerary day by day this week! so stayed tuned!!!!!!!

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Great job on the ADR's...that was quite a challenge considering the amount of people you had! What ever happened with the Disney game your mom was planning?

[MadilynnsMomma]

You ADR's look good, and by good I mean delicious! I am sure we are all ready to indulge in some GREAT Disney food!!!

[shellywalker]

Sounds like everything nearly went perfect for you! Awesome!!

Bummer on the flu! I feel like I permanently have the flu...I know I know...I shouldn't complain.

[exwdwcm]

so here is our planned itenerary for travel day and day 1!!! We like to put our day by day plan on notecards, laminate and then put a key ring through them for a little handy planner. that way the entire group of 14 knows what our planned meals are etc.

There are a few meals that are split up and not all are doing, so I had to place those below the regular day's plan in italicize them to keep them separate. like on day 1, my sister and her hubby and 2 kids are doing dinner at 1900 park fare instead of Chef Mickey's and some of them are also doing a breakfast that day.

My sister mandy and her new hubby, Jeff don't arrive until Saturday night, so they aren't partaking in the meals on Saturday. They arrive late that night and will pick up a second mini van.


next day coming soon- and we just booked the WISHES Dessert Party too for 12/16!!!!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

2:45pm everyone arrive at airport
4:20pm flight boards
4:50pm AA flight departs DFW
8:15pm Flight arrives Orlando (MCO)
8:45pm Depart airport for hotel
9:30pm Arrive Wilderness Lodge

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

7:30am breakfast in room or downstairs
8:15am Meet in lobby, head to MK
9am MK opens (get Peter Pan FP)
10am Toontown opens (see Tink)
12:30pm DTD for lunch at Earle and shopping
4pm back to hotel- break/nap
6:45pm to Contemporary (by boat) for dinner
8:20pm Dinner- Chef Mickey’s buffet
8
10:30pm Mandy/Jeff flight arrives – get van2

7:50am Ohana brkfst Poly -7
be at bus stop by 7:15am


8pm 1900 Park Fare dinner Grand Floridian

- 4
leave WL by 7:15pm, take van1

[annnewjerz]

next day coming soon- and we just booked the WISHES Dessert Party too for 12/16!!!!

We booked the party for 12/14. That's my newest surprise since I've ruined all of the other ones this trip. :headache: I've got to re-do my dinner ADR for that day, since probably we'll just eat dessert for dinner. Why not? We're on vacation!! :rotfl:

I really like the way you have your plans laid out. Informative and detailed without being so much overwhelming useless information. That's something I've struggled with. Every time I go to write our plans for the day out it looks something like:

8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast at CP
9:00 - 1:00 Magic Kingdom
1:00 - 5:00 Tour monorail resorts
5:00 - 6:30 Dinner at The Wave
6:30 - 7:30 Magic Kingdom for Spectro
7:30 - 9:00 Wishes Dessert Party
9:00 - 11:00 Magic Kingdom

I know that if I lay all of it out by the hour, DH will see it and be echausted already. :faint: I don't actually plan to stick to such a strict itinerary, I just like writing it all out so I know approximately when we will be doing what, and how much time it should take.

Less than 3 months now!!! :santa:

[MadilynnsMomma]

Your days look great but you've set up a red flag for me... :eek: you posted your ressie numbers on public boards. Be careful hun!

[annnewjerz]

Your days look great but you've set up a red flag for me... :eek: you posted your ressie numbers on public boards. Be careful hun!

Ack!! :scared: You're right. That's a definite red flag----I'm going to delete my quote just to make sure if the original post is modified, the ressie numbers don't hang around in my post.

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Your plans look like they are getting well laid out. I am trying to decide how I am going to carry around our info...ressies, plans, etc. I think I am going to just go with the index cards. I figure I can get away with just putting them in my camera bag each day. I just get annoyed if I have a lot of things to go through when I'm looking for a card or ticket or fastpass or whatever.

[exwdwcm]

We booked the party for 12/14. That's my newest surprise since I've ruined all of the other ones this trip. :headache: I've got to re-do my dinner ADR for that day, since probably we'll just eat dessert for dinner. Why not? We're on vacation!! :rotfl:

I really like the way you have your plans laid out. Informative and detailed without being so much overwhelming useless information. That's something I've struggled with. Every time I go to write our plans for the day out it looks something like:

8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast at CP
9:00 - 1:00 Magic Kingdom
1:00 - 5:00 Tour monorail resorts
5:00 - 6:30 Dinner at The Wave
6:30 - 7:30 Magic Kingdom for Spectro
7:30 - 9:00 Wishes Dessert Party
9:00 - 11:00 Magic Kingdom

I know that if I lay all of it out by the hour, DH will see it and be echausted already. :faint: I don't actually plan to stick to such a strict itinerary, I just like writing it all out so I know approximately when we will be doing what, and how much time it should take.

Less than 3 months now!!! :santa:yours looks great to me as well- you are right, if you do too much detail, the group gets a little weary of it being too much. my cousin asked if they are allowed to go to the bathroom or if that is on the schedule at all?? LOL

Your days look great but you've set up a red flag for me... :eek: you posted your ressie numbers on public boards. Be careful hun!oh no, i didn't even think about that, i just cut and paste from our iten. THANK YOU!!! I've removed them!!! you are a doll!:goodvibes

Your plans look like they are getting well laid out. I am trying to decide how I am going to carry around our info...ressies, plans, etc. I think I am going to just go with the index cards. I figure I can get away with just putting them in my camera bag each day. I just get annoyed if I have a lot of things to go through when I'm looking for a card or ticket or fastpass or whatever.yeah, just do notecards, glue on the cut out itenerary day by day and put a key ring in the corner to hold it all together- very easy and compact. we used them last time and loved it (and we had them laminated!)

[exwdwcm]

so i spent some time today organizing some of the stuff I've been packing away for the trip. My mom gave us large storage bins over 6 months ago to use to keep stuff for our trip. Mine has been full for a while with space bags, $1 store ponchos, toiletries, kids stuff, lanyards, pins, christmas decorations and more. I started organizing our backpack a bit too.

here's a few pics- of course i have a customized mickey backpack and mickey luggage. and a pic of Will holding up his mickey to mickey mouse clubhouse on tv. he doesn't watch much tv - he just is too busy playing to sit still for very long, but he seems to like Mickey - and Pooh - he calls it his pooh-pooh, so we are very much looking forward to having breakfast with Pooh!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce25b3127ccef81d7cfe1cd600000030O18RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce25b3127ccef81d1ec71cde00000030O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/


And I worked on my autograph book pages for Will's homemade autograph book. We are going to make our own, spiral bind them ourselves and put a cute hard stock cover on front etc. we've done individual pages with stickers for each character we hope to see. So here is who I have so far- who else am I missing?

-fab five, daisy, chip/dale
-pooh, eeyore, piglet, tigger
-cinderella, sleeping beauty, snow white
-belle and beast
-jasmine and aladdin
-alice/mad hatter
-peter pan/tink (need to do wendy and capt hook)
-pochohantas
-mary poppins
-incredibles
-woody and buzz
-stitch

i think i need mulan too. i know we will see pooh and friends at crystal palace and some princesses at norway breakfast and some fab 5 at chef mickey's. so else might we see that i should make a page for are just some blank pages?
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce25b3127ccef81c18ce3c9800000030O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce25b3127ccef81cfc6fbd7b00000030O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[MadilynnsMomma]

I love all the autograph pages!!! I am trying to figure out how I want to do Madi's. You give me great inspiration! :thumbsup2

[exwdwcm]

So continuing with our schedule- here is DAY 2

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

7am meet at boat dock for ride to brkfst
7:40am Brkfst- Trail’s End- Ft. Wilderness
9am Epcot opens (Soarin FP first)
10am Turtle Talk with Crush/Living Seas
11:55am Lunch -Coral Reef, Living Seas
2pm break at hotel
4:30pm meet in lobby- for Hollywood Studios
7:25pm Dinner-Sci Fi Dine Inn
9pm meet at front of park
9:30pm Private Toy StoryMania after hrs party
12am party ends

DH, Will and I are skipping breakfast this day, we aren't big breakfast eaters and want to be at Epcot for opening. Also- my sister and her new hubby are doing a private romantic dinner at JIKO that night too (instead of Sci Fi). it works out nicely where we split up sometimes to have some alone time with our own families.

This is also the night of the big DIS Unplugged/Dreams Unlimited party- they are calling it 'Dis-A-Palooza', this will be the event that they would have had during 'mousefest', but since that was cancelled they just decided to do their own thing. Pete, Jon and the gang are hosting. Dreams clients get preference on the priority list and in free (we are dreams clients!). They are going to post a sign up list for everyone else at some point (probably on the DIS Unplugged podcast board). I know there will be a cost involved, but it will be a private party, after park hours with food and unlimited rides on Toy Story Mania. TSM is new to us since our last trip, so we are looking forward to this- and riding it without having to rush with the herd at rope drop to get on it without an hour or more wait! :thumbsup2 Also looking forward to seeing some of my new friends from the boards that I met on the DIS Unplugged Podcast Cruise in May. Most of them will be there, and it will be good to say hi. They are doing a 'drink around the world' in Epcot on the night before (Friday, 12/11), but we aren't joining them that night. So if you happen to be in Epcot that night and see a large crazy crowd in world showcase, with a light saber, that is them! :rotfl::rotfl2:

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I love your autograph book! It was something I was considering doing. But, I don't know if I will have the time to do it, as I have nothing started....and my ticker is dwindling every day!!! That is a good thing, but so much to do! Where did you get the Mary Poppins embellishment? I've never seen anything for her! Your days are looking wonderful! I agree that it will be a good thing to split up a bit throughout the days. You may get sick of each other if you are all together every minute of every day!!

[MadilynnsMomma]

I love your autograph book! It was something I was considering doing. But, I don't know if I will have the time to do it, as I have nothing started....and my ticker is dwindling every day!!! That is a good thing, but so much to do! Where did you get the Mary Poppins embellishment? I've never seen anything for her! Your days are looking wonderful! I agree that it will be a good thing to split up a bit throughout the days. You may get sick of each other if you are all together every minute of every day!!

Sorry to hijack - Mary Poppins Ebay Stickers (http://cgi.ebay.com/EK-Disney-Dimensional-Stickers-MARY-POPPINS_W0QQitemZ400066835499QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH _DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d25d7742b)

[exwdwcm]

So here is DAY 3


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

8:30am Meet in lobby- head to MK
9am MK opens (get Space Mtn FP first)
10:15am Brkfst- Crystal Palace buffet
2pm guys to ESPN, girls break @ hotel
4:15pm Dallas vs San Diego (3:15pm CST)
5pm meet in lobby- to Hollywood Studios
7:25pm Dinner- 50s Prime Time Café
11pm HS close (extra magic hours)

We are hoping to really spend some time at the Osborne lights this night if we missed them the night before. Yes, this means 2 straight nights at HS, but we want to be able to use the EMH if we wanted. We will have already ridden ToT and TSM the day/night before, so we will do less visited attractions this night.

[annnewjerz]

So here is DAY 3


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

8:30am Meet in lobby- head to MK
9am MK opens (get Space Mtn FP first)
10:15am Brkfst- Crystal Palace buffet
2pm guys to ESPN, girls break @ hotel
4:15pm Dallas vs San Diego (3:15pm CST)
5pm meet in lobby- to Hollywood Studios
7:25pm Dinner- 50s Prime Time Café
11pm HS close (extra magic hours)

We are hoping to really spend some time at the Osborne lights this night if we missed them the night before. Yes, this means 2 straight nights at HS, but we want to be able to use the EMH if we wanted. We will have already ridden ToT and TSM the day/night before, so we will do less visited attractions this night.


I think your plans look great! We'll be in Epcot the afternoon of the 12th and DHS the evening of the 13th also, so if you see us---say hi! :wave2:

[nic100308]

WOW!! What an amazing and exciting story you have!!! I must say, reading about your grand gather has inspired me to dream of our own. DH is one of 4, we're all married, and there are 5 nieces and nephews with # 6 on the way. LOL so I was thinking to myself, well if my BIL and SIL have another one they will have two, and by that point we may have two, plus my in-laws = 19 people :scared1: LOL :lmao: you think I could make it work!?!? This is some years off, but I asked DH if he thought we could pull it off. He said, "yeah why not!" He's so laid back.

Anyway, I am glad to see your mom did well in her surgery. I am guessing it was a success, and now you have a wonderful trip to Disney to celebrate!! And how nice that Grandpa if the person behind the trip. He will truly be smiling down on all of you!!

Keep coming with your planned days! I just love reading people plans and imagining everything walking through the MK and running to the rides!! Disney just makes me happy!! :goodvibes

[exwdwcm]

I think your plans look great! We'll be in Epcot the afternoon of the 12th and DHS the evening of the 13th also, so if you see us---say hi! :wave2:
yes, perhaps we wil have to try and meet up just to say hello!!!

WOW!! What an amazing and exciting story you have!!! I must say, reading about your grand gather has inspired me to dream of our own. DH is one of 4, we're all married, and there are 5 nieces and nephews with # 6 on the way. LOL so I was thinking to myself, well if my BIL and SIL have another one they will have two, and by that point we may have two, plus my in-laws = 19 people :scared1: LOL :lmao: you think I could make it work!?!? This is some years off, but I asked DH if he thought we could pull it off. He said, "yeah why not!" He's so laid back.

Anyway, I am glad to see your mom did well in her surgery. I am guessing it was a success, and now you have a wonderful trip to Disney to celebrate!! And how nice that Grandpa if the person behind the trip. He will truly be smiling down on all of you!!

Keep coming with your planned days! I just love reading people plans and imagining everything walking through the MK and running to the rides!! Disney just makes me happy!! :goodvibeswelcome to the madness!! yes, the big group is a lot of work, but also a lot of fun too!

Mom did well in surgery, but still has not gained her sight back, in fact her sight is worse i think than before the surgery--she has no peripheral vision and is almost blind in one eye. she can no longer drive. That is the hardest part i think of all. She is retired and stuck at home with no ride. I wish i could do something to make it better for her. She gets tired very easily and we will probaby rent a wheelchair for portions of the trip. But we will be together and that is what is important, right?

thanks so much for reading along- i'll be checking in on everyone else's reports tomorrow! nothing like dis'ing at work, right?:lmao::cool1:

oh so i saw Mary Poppins the musical today with my mom, sisters and niece. It was fantastic- we have season tickets to the Dallas Summer Musicals and this was the last one and wow, what a way to wrap up the season for us- it was so good and my niece, Ally was so excited- now she will really love having breakfast with Mary Poppins at 1900 Park Fare!

so just did the state fair of TX yesterday---it is the largest state fair in the country and we go every year. Oprah is here tonight and recording a show there tomorrow. Here are a few pics- Will really loved the rides- so that is good news for disney- he won't be scared at all. he is just about to turn 2 on Oct 30th! He had his hands in the air riding the roller coaster! DH stayed home- he hates the state fair- and to be honest, he has good reasons. the parking is horrible, it isn't in the safest area, there are lots of how do i say it nicely 'low lifes' and crime and it is expensive- i mean 10 tickets ($5) for a small lemonade and the food is horrible for you (okay, i see that as positive in my book). I had the fried pecan pie! and chili cheese fries. hey, i did step aerobics class in the am beforehand, so i made a little room for all the fried goodness! right? :)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce30b3127ccef8035d7fef0700000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce30b3127ccef80217e74ec600000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Ha! Our carnivals (not really as big as fairs, but similar) attract some real winners too! We like to refer to it as "Dumpster Diving"!!!!!!!
:rotfl2:

[MadilynnsMomma]

We had a local fair this weekend too - 18 tickets for $25?!?!?! :confused3

And you can't go with kids and not do rides! Glad to hear Will had a good time though :)

[nic100308]

Anytime we go to a fair we always end up just walking around and eating something sinful. The rides scare me, and I'm not a person who is scared of rides, LOL but I just look at the people operating them and I think twice. I think that maybe it is just the type of event that attracts the sort of "winners" that you see. Honestly, sometimes it's more entertaining to us to just walk around and people watch than to risk our lives on the rides!!

[exwdwcm]

Ha! Our carnivals (not really as big as fairs, but similar) attract some real winners too! We like to refer to it as "Dumpster Diving"!!!!!!!
:rotfl2:LOL- so true. there truly are some 'unique' individuals out there. :confused3:rotfl:

We had a local fair this weekend too - 18 tickets for $25?!?!?! :confused3

And you can't go with kids and not do rides! Glad to hear Will had a good time though :)ouch, that is pricey! He had a fabulous time!

Anytime we go to a fair we always end up just walking around and eating something sinful. The rides scare me, and I'm not a person who is scared of rides, LOL but I just look at the people operating them and I think twice. I think that maybe it is just the type of event that attracts the sort of "winners" that you see. Honestly, sometimes it's more entertaining to us to just walk around and people watch than to risk our lives on the rides!! True, 'carnies' are a bit scary. And there was an accident (fatal) like 20 years ago at the fair here where a ride broke and one 'car' on a spinning type adult ride flew off loose. Definitely makes you think twice. These aren't disney imagineers putting these things together! :confused3:rotfl2:I don't think Disney allows mullets and tatoos (in fact they did ask if i had any tattoos when i worked there, you had to cover them if visible!).

[exwdwcm]

DAY 4- Monday, December 14

7am breakfast in room/downstairs
7:30am Meet in lobby- head to AK
8am Animal Kingdom opens
(EMH- FP for EE first, then ride Safari)
11am lunch- fast food
2pm break at hotel
3:30pm babysitters arrive
4pm meet in lobby-bus to Epcot
5:30pm Dinner- Shula’s -Dolphin hotel
Drink around the World!
9:30pm Illuminations/Epcot closes
8:05am Castle Brkfst with Cinderella (for my sister/parents and aunt)


So Monday is our 'drink around the world' day or DATW! We plan to do AK in the am and I like to get there right at opening and head to EE and then Safari. THe animals seem more active in the am. We will do lunch probably at Flame Tree Barbeque- i love the patio area to eat at there. The food isn't too shabby either. then we will do a nice break to rest up before we have babysitters come to the room (probably 1 or 2) for all 3 kids. THe DIS recommends a certain group we will use. We are then going to bus it to Epcot (no DD needed!) and walk back through INTL gateway to the Boardwalk area and to the Dolphin- or we might try and bus it to the BW or Dolphin if possible. Then we have dinner at Shula's Steakhouse at the Dolphin that night to celebrate my BIL's graduation. After dinner, we will meander back over to Epcot for DATW!!! I don't plan to have a drink in each place, but we might share some- like maybe share a sake in Japan etc. We are looking forward to the grey goose slushies and grand marnier slush in France. we've never had those before. There is also the new tequila bar in Mexico to check out. Since dinner is at 5:30 (as early as we could get), we will probably not start our DATW until 7:30 or so, which leaves only 2 hours- we are going to have to hoof it! After DATW, if we are ready to head home when Epcot closes, then we will, if not, we might do a monorail resort tour and drink at the Contemporary or Poly too. It all depends. We plan to have the babysitters the entire time. My son is in bed by 8;30 most nights and they apparently will bring games, movies and other stuff to entertain the kids. We will be checking in often though. We can't use the kids club as Will is too young (I think 3 and up?)

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Could you see Cinderella with a mullet??!! :rotfl2:
I can see them not wanting the tattoos visible I guess...but I am not anti-tattoo, so it wouldn't bother me. I have a few, but they are tasteful. I have my two oldest kids' footprints on the tops of my feet. The youngest's handprint is on my shoulder and on the other shoulder is a memorial tattoo for my DH's sister who was killed in a car accident a few years ago. And, I actually really like arm tattoos on guys...the more the better! Is that weird? I guess it's personal preference? I like guys to have full sleeves. I actually talked DH into doing it...it's a work in progress..lot of time and money!

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Great plans! We are doing a bit of beverage tasting in Epcot ourselves!!!!

[MadilynnsMomma]

Can you indulge who the "group" is that you'll be using for childcare? We're debating it ourselves.

Enjoy your DATW evening!!!




Could you see Cinderella with a mullet??!! :rotfl2:

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[DWGal210]

Hi there! Sorry I am late in reading your PTR...sounds like you guys are going to have a great time!! :thumbsup2

Can't wait to read more!

[nic100308]

I love the drink around the world idea. Last time we were there in Oct we did not take advantage of the Food & Wine Festival at all!! :scared1: I know, we just didn't know anything about it so we sort of over looked it. DH was very excited about the new tequila bar in Mexico. I may have to steak your idea and do a little mini DATW.

[exwdwcm]

Could you see Cinderella with a mullet??!! :rotfl2:
I can see them not wanting the tattoos visible I guess...but I am not anti-tattoo, so it wouldn't bother me. I have a few, but they are tasteful. I have my two oldest kids' footprints on the tops of my feet. The youngest's handprint is on my shoulder and on the other shoulder is a memorial tattoo for my DH's sister who was killed in a car accident a few years ago. And, I actually really like arm tattoos on guys...the more the better! Is that weird? I guess it's personal preference? I like guys to have full sleeves. I actually talked DH into doing it...it's a work in progress..lot of time and money!how cute, i haven't heared of the footprints idea, i bet it looks great. i have one, but got it after i did my college program for WDW.

and no, not strange at all!! i have lots of friends with sleeves.

Can you indulge who the "group" is that you'll be using for childcare? We're debating it ourselves.

Enjoy your DATW evening!!!






:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

here is the info - KIDS NITE OUT- DIS recommends them- so we aer going to give them a try. i've heard good things.

800-696-8105 or 407-828-0920). If a babysitter is needed throughout your stay, the Walt Disney Company recommends utilizing the services of Kid’s Nite Out. Kid’s Nite Out Caregivers can provide one-on-one in-room childcare in the comfort of your Walt Disney World Resort (http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/resorts/resortmain.htm) room or can just hang out with your family if you need a father’s/mother’s helper. The sitters are over the age of 18 years and are certified in child/infant CPR and basic first aid. Reservations can be made up to two months in advance and require at least a 24-hour notice.
Rates are based upon the number of children…

1 child - $16.00 per hour
2 children - $18.50 per hour
3 children - $21.00 per hour
4 children - 23.50 per hour
For groups or more than 4 children, all children must be 2 years of age or older. Please call Kid’s Nite for these rates
After 9:00 p.m., there will be an additional $2.00 an hour charge.
For children 6 weeks - 12 years old
One-time transportation fee of $10 will be added to total bill for the care provider.
All rates are hourly based, with a 4-hour minimum, and a one-time transportation fee. Cancellations require 24 hours notice to avoid the 4-hour charge. Advance reservations are required. Prices are subject to change without notice.
For childcare on Holidays and Special Events, rates are subject to change.


Hi there! Sorry I am late in reading your PTR...sounds like you guys are going to have a great time!! :thumbsup2

Can't wait to read more!Welcome and thanks for reading along!!!!

I love the drink around the world idea. Last time we were there in Oct we did not take advantage of the Food & Wine Festival at all!! :scared1: I know, we just didn't know anything about it so we sort of over looked it. DH was very excited about the new tequila bar in Mexico. I may have to steak your idea and do a little mini DATW.you must do the DATW!!! DH and i did drink around the monorail last time- we hit up the lounge/bar at the California grill and watched the sunset. you don't need ressies, you can just simply sit at the bar or they have about 8 tables that are considered the lounge/waiting area and you can order food there too. Here is DH and I at Cali Grill having a drink!


http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b6d605b3127ccecea5135f29e800000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
after that, we headed to the Poly and had a drink at the bar near O'hana!! of course then onto GF for a drink at their lounge- they have a live jazz band playing often and they play disney music sometimes too- it was fabulous!

And while we are not drunks or lushes (okay, maybe some of us are, lol), we do like to have a good time every once in a while. it has been few and far between for DH and I since having our son 2 years ago. We just don't have babysitters that often and we don't really 'drink at home'. So we look forward to this. My mom loves her beer, as do my BILs and DH. I love anything fruity and like beer as well (nothing dark though!) and so do my sisters. Dad rarely drinks since he is usually driving, but he will probably partake in some tequila, mom said he went a little crazy on a cruise they did a few years back on the tequila! ;):thumbsup2

[nic100308]

I love beer!!! :drinking1 DH does too. If I had to pick a favorite I think it would be Blue Moon. But if I am enjoying fish & chips it has got to be Guinness. But my drink of choice is a gin and tonic.

So I think you have talked us (meaning me) into a mini drink around the world. Our first full day in Disney we will be at Epcot. We have a 3:30 ressie at Rose & Corwn. So I am thinking that will be out ending point and which will be good because then we can sit for a little, recover and fill our bellies with some yummy fish & chips. mmmmmm fish and chips...

[exwdwcm]

:goodvibes:goodvibesI love beer!!! :drinking1 DH does too. If I had to pick a favorite I think it would be Blue Moon. But if I am enjoying fish & chips it has got to be Guinness. But my drink of choice is a gin and tonic.

So I think you have talked us (meaning me) into a mini drink around the world. Our first full day in Disney we will be at Epcot. We have a 3:30 ressie at Rose & Corwn. So I am thinking that will be out ending point and which will be good because then we can sit for a little, recover and fill our bellies with some yummy fish & chips. mmmmmm fish and chips...lol- sounds perfect- nothing like ending in the UK with all of those great beer selections! CHEERS!

So tonight, i met up with 3 other DISers- from the DIS unplugged podcast board I visit. I did the podcast cruise in May with Pete, Jon and the rest of the DIS gang! Plus 300 or so from here on the site! Tonight, another DISer was in town for a conference, so a few of us local texans met up with her at rainforest cafe in Dallas. it was a great time with great new DIS friends. here is a pic! most of them will be at the big DAP party on 12/12 for the DIS, so i get to see them in December too.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce35b3127ccef809ef2954c600000030O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[nic100308]

I hope you had fun with your DIS friends. I have actually never been to the Rain Forest Cafe. There used to be one close to us and it was always PACKED and we tried to go to the one in AK the last time we were there and same thing. The one by us is no longer here so I don't even know where I could find one to try. :confused3

[MadilynnsMomma]

ATTN: Rainforest Cafe Fans/Diners

$10 off $25 meal coupon available at www.rainforestcafe.com! No restrictions on it that say you can't use it at Disney!

[exwdwcm]

I hope you had fun with your DIS friends. I have actually never been to the Rain Forest Cafe. There used to be one close to us and it was always PACKED and we tried to go to the one in AK the last time we were there and same thing. The one by us is no longer here so I don't even know where I could find one to try. :confused3to be honest, i am not a big fan of RFC. I think the food is mediocre at best and it is way overpriced. The atmosphere is fun, but that is the only appeal for me. We never do it at WDW, especially when we have one here.

ATTN: Rainforest Cafe Fans/Diners

$10 off $25 meal coupon available at www.rainforestcafe.com (http://www.rainforestcafe.com)! No restrictions on it that say you can't use it at Disney!wow, thanks, i'll hold onto it in case we go back!

So this weekend was very busy- we had a halloween party at my BILs house over an hour away. IT was fun and Will dressed at Capt Hook and actually kept the costume on most of the night- good practice for Halloween!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce39b3127ccef831f442b34700000040O18RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
and nothing says party like a chocolate fountain!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce39b3127ccef8303502d3b300000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

We also had Will's bday party for his 2year old bday this weekend at Pump It Up- it is a huge bounce house place. It was great- we did 40 minutes in the first room, 40 in the second and then 40 in the cake room. we had pizza, cake and more. The kids loved it (and adults too). It was great- their staff sets up, cleans up and even wrote down the names/gifts as we opened presents for us! who could ask for more. Was a little pricey- probably about $400 with tip and pizza and all, but well worth it for the convenience!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce39b3127ccef830dc1a934700000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[MadilynnsMomma]

party: YAY WILL!!! party:

party: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! party:

[exwdwcm]

So on to the next day on the itenerary!

Day 5- Tuesday, December 15th!
MVMCP day!!!!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15

8:15am Meet in lobby- to AKL
8:55am Brkfst- BOMA Buffet- AKL
11am head to DTD, shop/play
12:10pm BBB for Ally/Will/Michael
3pm back to hotel for break/nap
6pm meet in lobby- to MK
6:30pm dinner at Cosmic Ray’s
7pm Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
8:15 Early Christmas parade
9:30pm Holiday WISHES
10:30pm Late Christmas parade

so this is the day after our 'drink around the world' voyage! But no rest for the weary, or hungover. Pop some tylenol and let's get going guys! We have breakfast at BOMA scheduled at almost 9am, so I figured that gives folks time to sleep in until almost 8am.......and if they miss breakfast, well, they miss. But most of our crew said they wanted a big breakfast to cure their hangovers! Maybe that special 'juice' at BOMA will work wonders? :rotfl::confused3

After breakfast, we are heading to DTD to do more shopping. Yes, we are already hitting up DTD on our first day, but we really love that area and love shopping. So we are going back- we want to make sure we have time for the kiddos to do the build your own light saber, build your own mr. potato head etc. Plus spend some time in the lego store too and the fountains! We have a BBB appt for the kiddos- the big package for Ally- with dress and all, then the 'cool dudes' for Michael and Will- I think they just put some glitter and style their hair. It is under $10! If we get hungry- then lunch at Earle or snacks.

After shopping and BBB, back to the resort for a break and LONG nap, especially for the kiddos! This is our MVMCP night. We won't be arriving early or anything- we have 10 day length of stay tickets, so getting in at 4pm isn't saving us any money or anything. We figure we will do dinner fast food at Cosmic Ray's and the hit the party! We will do our best to stay up for the later parade, we will see how that goes. We were able to ride a TON Of rides with no lines during the first parade on our last trip. we didn't even attempt the shows, since the lines were so long. We did see lots of characters and enjoyed the hot chocolate, so we plan to do the same again.

Here are a few pics from MVMCP in 2005!!
it was really cold that night!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb51dfa95ed00000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
taking a spin with dad!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb4cad1f57900000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb5ef3a146400000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc38b3127cceccb284793bc200000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc38b3127cceccb303f25bde00000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[Tippy 6]

Your plans sound great! We will be there the same time as you but have not decided on Mickeys Christmas party yet. It gets a lot of bad reviews out here because of crowds so I am just not sure the 250.00 extra is worth the hot chocolate. Since you have been and are going back I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
Thanks!

[MadilynnsMomma]

Day 5 looks great!!! Thanks for posting your MVMCP pics! I am SOOOO looking forward to going this year! :thumbsup2

[TXYankee]

Michelle,

Great so far. I am not a big fan of the Rainforest Cafe food, but the service is always something! And the kids like it!

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Happy Birthday to little Will!!!!! :cool1::cool1::cool1:

LOL I would have hung out at that chocolate fountain all night! I wouldn't be alone. either. DH would have hung out right next to me!! Not for the chocolate though...for the Jager in the bucket right next to it!! LOL

Plans again are looking great!! We were just talking about our early days and how it is going to work if we have a few drinks the night before. I told him we have to put on our big girl panties and suck it up!!! It's Disney! Plus, we will never really be able to afford enough drinks to get drunk!! I'll settle for a nice perma-grin!!

[exwdwcm]

Your plans sound great! We will be there the same time as you but have not decided on Mickeys Christmas party yet. It gets a lot of bad reviews out here because of crowds so I am just not sure the 250.00 extra is worth the hot chocolate. Since you have been and are going back I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
Thanks!We actually weren't sure either the first time- but it was a blast. we went on a tuesday then too (and planned tuesday this time again). Weekends are a bit busier with locals. Yes, it was slightly crowded, but manageable, especially since we saw the later parade. We were able to ride everything in fantasyland during the first parade- it was empty back there, it seems just about everyone watches the first parade. We enjoyed the overall party atmosphere and more availability of characters. While we didn't see the night before christmas show (we hate having to stake spots out for anything 30 min or more in advance), we did do the dance party in the back of FL near Ariel's grotto and that was so fun~! The parade was amazing and the holiday wishes was not to be missed- simply brought tears to our eyes. We really enjoyed it and it was a splurge for us.

Michelle,

Great so far. I am not a big fan of the Rainforest Cafe food, but the service is always something! And the kids like it!
Teresa- hola woman!! thanks for stopping by. Can't wait to meet you again- of course unless you get lost with some brazilian tour group or something.


Happy Birthday to little Will!!!!! :cool1::cool1::cool1:

LOL I would have hung out at that chocolate fountain all night! I wouldn't be alone. either. DH would have hung out right next to me!! Not for the chocolate though...for the Jager in the bucket right next to it!! LOL

Plans again are looking great!! We were just talking about our early days and how it is going to work if we have a few drinks the night before. I told him we have to put on our big girl panties and suck it up!!! It's Disney! Plus, we will never really be able to afford enough drinks to get drunk!! I'll settle for a nice perma-grin!!i was wondering when someone would spot the jager machine! lol- i didn't post pics, but there was a margarita machine too! yum.

that's right, hangovers aren't allowed in disney! up and at em, hangover or not. maybe it is time to try some of those hangover remedy pills or something just in case? :confused3:rotfl2:

[nic100308]

Happy Birthday, Will!!!

Kids parties are so much better than adult parties. I mean grown ups get the fun cocktails and drinks, but given the choice I would have the thing twice between cocktails and a bouncy castle. Have you ever been in one, as an adult, it's just too much fun!!!

[exwdwcm]

Happy Birthday, Will!!!

Kids parties are so much better than adult parties. I mean grown ups get the fun cocktails and drinks, but given the choice I would have the thing twice between cocktails and a bouncy castle. Have you ever been in one, as an adult, it's just too much fun!!!why not have both?

we used to have this annual party to celebrate my husband and his buddie's bday's (same day)--- we called it the 'bald bitter bash", as my hubby is known as being the bitter/sarcastic one and well her hubby is balding. :rotfl: We had a bounce house many years at it- drinks and then bouncehouse---lots of fun! :confused3who says they are only for kids? let's just say the guys were trying to tip it over, someone broke out a water hose and there were wrestling matches!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b3d720b3127cced6562921b0d100000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b3d723b3127cced650a7f4583600000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[exwdwcm]

So I've been slacking a bit lately- sorry guys! I feel like i lost some of you along the way---come back, please! lol :worship::rotfl2::lovestruc

So here is another taste of our schedule!
DAY 6- WEDNESDAY, December 16
Morning open- sleep in or hit HS for few hours
1:30pm Lunch- Whispering Canyon Café at WL
3pm meet in lobby- to MK
6pm fast food dinner
7pm to WISHES dessert party/Spectromagic

8pm WISHES and MK closes- early night!

So this is Wednesday, more than halfway through our trip now. BLAH- i hate that feeling when it is more than half gone- don't you? Especially after 2 years of planning. It is over so fast. So Wednesday is our 'rest' day, but as you can see, there isn't a ton of resting. This is our ONLY real day to sleep in. We don't have anything planned until 1:30pm for a late lunch at the hotel. Some of us might hit HS that am if we feel up to it, or jsut lounge around and enjoy the WL and all it offers. After our late lunch, we will head to the MK for the evening. we booked the WISHES Dessert party for all of us. We HATE and LOATHE having to get a spot an hour before for fireworks or parades, we simply refuse to wait that long for a ride or anything else. and I think if you plan sufficiently, do the parks early, you can accomplish most rides and things without long waits.

so the Dessert party is a good thing for us- get to see wishes with a decent spot and enjoy sitting at a table (not on the ground) while eating dessert before heading to the ledge to watch. I hear you can see Spectro as well from here- while it is not close up or the best view, i think it will be suitable for our needs. this is one of only 2 nights we have available (due to their schedule for Spectro and ours) to see SPECTRO. so i hope it is great! DS loves lights!



I had to travel to Seattle for work on Monday and came back Tuesday. Yes, someone thought it was necessary for me to fly out for the LAST day of a tradeshow and be there for a reception that night we hosted. Everything was already done, they didn't need me there. So I spent over 10 hours on a plane travelling to be there for less than 24 hours. what a waste. :confused3

So yes, life has gotten in the way of my DIS'ing.....some updates- i got my homemade autograph book finished- i'll post up pics later this week. I also created 'luggage tags' with green lime mickeys and our individual addresses and cells for all the family to put on their backpacks and strollers. we had a autograph book session on sunday to finish them up and my sisters, mom and cousin all brought fun gifts for the trip- lots of anti bacterial wipes, tylenol, meds, our official itinerary notecard style/laminted on a keychain and more! very fun.

It has been busy around here for us- not only is our trip just 6 weekends away, we have something planned for each weekend. Will's actual bday is tomorrow- we have cupcakes at day care and his fall festival, then halloween. might head to visit my uncle who has pancreatic and lung cancer in galveston next weekend. then my great aunt who is coming on our trip- well she is getting married!!! Congrats to her- so we have a wedding shower and wedding before our trip. Is her new hubby coming with us- Nope- we are just keeping plans as they were. He apparently does hunting trips with the guys, so this can be her 'girls' trip with her family! Yeah for Auntie!!!! I hope she will be very happy.

It seems like the trip will be here before we know it!!!

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I can't wait to see the autograph book! I keep saying I am going to make one...but have not started! So, with less than 5 weeks left unitl the trip, I don't really know if it is going to happen? We'll see! It is coming so SUPER fast! Yay for Auntie!!!

[MadilynnsMomma]

Day 6 sounds lovely!!! And yes, our trips will be here before we know it!!! I too am really looking forward to the Dessert Party! Can't wait to see pics of your books!!!

[nic100308]

Welcome back!!! You didn't loose me, no worries!!!! Sorry you had to travel for no reason, that's kind of stinky.

LOL :rotfl2: I totally love the bouncy drinky pictures. So great, when I have a backyard I totally have to have a bouncy drinky party!!!

Plans look good. A sleep in day!?!?! On my Disney trip, I know not what that is. I would be with the crew that plans on going to DHS. :rotfl: Let us know how the dessert party is, We're not going to do this, it just didn't work with the schedule this time. Maybe hopes for the future.

[exwdwcm]

Hey ladies- hope all had a happy halloween- once i can get some halloween pics loaded, i'll post them up or you can find me on my blog or FB

http://williamreed1.blogspot.com/

So 38 days and counting! who counting? not me? :confused3:rotfl:

we got more accomplished- I ordered DS a super cute embroidered shirt from etsy that came in with his name on it and a mickey pirate head! I also finished some lime green tags for all of our backpacks and also ordered name bands for the kiddos (for safety with our cell on them in case they get lost).

Also bought a new cup holder for my stroller today.

and our car service is all booked and finalized- i booked a towncar for us- it will pick us up at our house on thursday, 12/10 at 1:15pm. stop at DH's work (about 30 min away) to get him and then drop us at DFW airport (he works like 5 min from DFW). So i figure we will be there plenty early, which DH hates. But he has made me miss TWO, yes TWO flights in the past 10 years, due to his 'not wanting to get there too early' plan. since we will have William and a car seat, stroller and other crap, i want to give us plenty of time. So I think we will arrive hopefully around 2:30pm at the latest......and our flight is at 4:50pm. So that should be good. It will be nice to be dropped right at the gate, check the bags and head in to security (will preprint boarding passes at work the day before).

I also got a car service (SUV) for my parents. Auntie and my cousin Nancy will join them for the ride in. I told them on Sat night about it and they were thrilled. They usually park at an off site lot and take the shuttle in. It is a pain to do. so this will make it convenient and easy, plus a little 'special'. I am hoping they get an escalade or something nice! I was going to do a limo, but it is harder to get in and out of and scoot around etc.

So we are excited about having a car service (round trip!).

next up is to cancel our second rental car- we finally convinced my parents it wasn't necesary to have a second mini van when we will already have a 15 passenger van. There are quite a few times we are splitting up for separate meals (and my sister/BIL are arriving a day later than us), but we can use disney transportation or cab it when necessary and it will still be cheaper than a second mini van for a week (over $700!). Our 15 passenger van is about $1200 or so, if you know of any better rates (on site), let me know, right now we are booked with National, so i can just walk out to the van and go, no lines or counter (emerald aisle).

so that is it for updates for today. next day itenerary coming soon!

[nic100308]

When we first decided to go to Disney we were originally going to rent a car. We didn't need it for the entire stay so we were going to do a 4 day rental and pick it up at the Alamo/National on Disney property. It was actually the best price we had, $200 for 4 days. I searched the net for a discount code and found a pretty good one. Anyway the whole point of us getting the car was so we could go to Universal and get an early (7 am) Chef Mickey's ressie. Well, for one day at Universal, between the tickets and the car, it was costing us an extra $500. So we decided to scrap Universal, we're not huge fans but we like the roller coasters, and to just get a later ressie or just cab it. Anyway, if you have sometime you may want to look into some different discount codes for different rental places. Never hurts to look, plus mousesavers.com has some discount codes.

Isn't car service the best!?!?! DH and I splurged for our honeymoon (to and from JFK) and it was so nice. I liked that as soon as we left the hotel we stayed at the honeymoon began. We didn't have to deal with our parents or friends, it was just us for 2 weeks of vacationing bliss. I feel like the service starts the vacation that much sooner. And so much more convenient, especially with a baby I can imagine!!

I'd love to see some pictures of your crafts. If you get a chance share!!

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

38 days....awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just went under the 30 day mark and that is exciting!!!!!!! $700 is a huge savings for you guys!!! You should be fine with the Disney transportation!

[khertz]

I think that's a smart idea to cancel the second car. We had thought of doing something similar since we know the 6 of us won't always want to be together. But we figure we can use our resorts transportation at least a couple times, even though it's not as frequent as Disney transportation. It'll do! And anywhere you can save money deserves a :thumbsup2. We are about to be under 30 days!! I can't wait!!

[annnewjerz]

So 38 days and counting! who counting? not me? :confused3:rotfl:

I am SO counting down the days. I can't believe most of us are in the 30's now (today is 39 for me). It's completely insane. I'm more than ready to head to the World, but I have so much real-life stuff to do between now and when we leave (holiday shopping, wrapping, baking, cleaning, etc. etc.). It's exhausting just thinking about it!! :faint:


But he has made me miss TWO, yes TWO flights in the past 10 years, due to his 'not wanting to get there too early' plan. since we will have William and a car seat, stroller and other crap, i want to give us plenty of time. So I think we will arrive hopefully around 2:30pm at the latest......and our flight is at 4:50pm. So that should be good. It will be nice to be dropped right at the gate, check the bags and head in to security (will preprint boarding passes at work the day before).

I have never missed a flight (knock on wood) but it's my nightmare. I'm one of "those" people who has to arrive at least 2 Hours (okay 2.5, who am I kidding) in advance. I can't relax until we're sitting at the gate, or even better on the plane. In December, I booked a sedan to take us to the airport for a 7:00am flight. Normally, we'd leave at 4:00 and arrive at 4:30am, but this time I'm thinking of living life on the wild side and asking the driver to arrive at 4:30am. :scared1: That would get us there 2 hours in advance, which should be plenty. Right?? :rolleyes:


So we are excited about having a car service (round trip!).

I've been going back and forth about the car service, since we only live 35 minutes from the airport---but I think it'll be a nice treat for DH. He always drives us and since we are going to be up at 3:30 it'll be nice for him to just sit back and relax. I'm excited about it!! :yay:

next day itenerary coming soon!

Looking forward to it, it seems like a lot of our days (including MVMCP on the 15th now) are matching up! :santa:

[exwdwcm]

When we first decided to go to Disney we were originally going to rent a car. We didn't need it for the entire stay so we were going to do a 4 day rental and pick it up at the Alamo/National on Disney property. It was actually the best price we had, $200 for 4 days. I searched the net for a discount code and found a pretty good one. Anyway the whole point of us getting the car was so we could go to Universal and get an early (7 am) Chef Mickey's ressie. Well, for one day at Universal, between the tickets and the car, it was costing us an extra $500. So we decided to scrap Universal, we're not huge fans but we like the roller coasters, and to just get a later ressie or just cab it. Anyway, if you have sometime you may want to look into some different discount codes for different rental places. Never hurts to look, plus mousesavers.com has some discount codes.

Isn't car service the best!?!?! DH and I splurged for our honeymoon (to and from JFK) and it was so nice. I liked that as soon as we left the hotel we stayed at the honeymoon began. We didn't have to deal with our parents or friends, it was just us for 2 weeks of vacationing bliss. I feel like the service starts the vacation that much sooner. And so much more convenient, especially with a baby I can imagine!!

I'd love to see some pictures of your crafts. If you get a chance share!!2 week honeymoon sounds heavenly!!! it must have been awesome! yep, i log onto the mouseforless to check for updated car rental codes- they seem to be the best about keeping them updated. We like national though since they don't charge extra for multiple drivers and they have the emerald aisle club where you just walk out, get in a car and drive off, no line or counter. most of the 15 passenger vans are just super pricey no matter who they are with, unfortunately, so i'll keep looking though. at least we are cancelling one car.

38 days....awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just went under the 30 day mark and that is exciting!!!!!!! $700 is a huge savings for you guys!!! You should be fine with the Disney transportation!30 days! i can't believe it- it is going by so fast- are you ready? :rotfl:

I think that's a smart idea to cancel the second car. We had thought of doing something similar since we know the 6 of us won't always want to be together. But we figure we can use our resorts transportation at least a couple times, even though it's not as frequent as Disney transportation. It'll do! And anywhere you can save money deserves a :thumbsup2. We are about to be under 30 days!! I can't wait!!
yeah, resort transportation is pretty great, so we figure we can use it when need be and always cab it if we want for a few instances. Like for our drink around the world night- we have dinner at shula's at the dolphin, so getting over there is pretty tough (other than going to epcot and walking over from there- which isn't good for my mom). so we will probably cab it that night, then use transportation from epcot on the way home.
I am SO counting down the days. I can't believe most of us are in the 30's now (today is 39 for me). It's completely insane. I'm more than ready to head to the World, but I have so much real-life stuff to do between now and when we leave (holiday shopping, wrapping, baking, cleaning, etc. etc.). It's exhausting just thinking about it!! :faint:

I have never missed a flight (knock on wood) but it's my nightmare. I'm one of "those" people who has to arrive at least 2 Hours (okay 2.5, who am I kidding) in advance. I can't relax until we're sitting at the gate, or even better on the plane. In December, I booked a sedan to take us to the airport for a 7:00am flight. Normally, we'd leave at 4:00 and arrive at 4:30am, but this time I'm thinking of living life on the wild side and asking the driver to arrive at 4:30am. :scared1: That would get us there 2 hours in advance, which should be plenty. Right?? :rolleyes:



I've been going back and forth about the car service, since we only live 35 minutes from the airport---but I think it'll be a nice treat for DH. He always drives us and since we are going to be up at 3:30 it'll be nice for him to just sit back and relax. I'm excited about it!! :yay:



Looking forward to it, it seems like a lot of our days (including MVMCP on the 15th now) are matching up! :santa:I am the same way, i like being at the airport super early, but DH refuses. this time, he won't have a choice! with a toddler, i want to be sure we have plenty of time!

and on the car service, i've only used it a few times for business, so we are looking forward to this! and we live about 30 minutes from DFW max. so it isn't a far drive, but the parking alone would run us probably $125 for the week, then we have to take a shuttle from the parking area to the gate and back with all our 'crap'. lol......for $200 i can get a car service and not worry about all that!

[exwdwcm]

Okay- guys, here is a finished pic of the autograph book!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cf22b3127ccef8d250ff3b7000000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

and here is the adorable shirt i ordered on etsy for Will
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cf22b3127ccef8d2e896ba7500000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

and some of my shirts- i need to go through and figure out what for what day! plus we are ordering some 'DIS-A-PALOOZA' shirts that the DIS now has on cafe press, plus i recently ordered a D23 expo shirt that is super cute (not pictured). and we recently saw Mary Poppins when it came to town, so the last set of photos has the black mary poppins shirt (super cali frag.......). and this isn't even all of the shirts- i have at least 5 more!:rotfl2:

i plan to pack DS's outfits in large ziplocs, marked with the day on each, with a 'backup' outfit each day, he is 2 and drinks a lot of water, so i nkow he will need a backup each day! i might have to put my outfits in ziplocs too! Mom bought us all space bags for our luggage as well!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cf22b3127ccef8d328b71b4800000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cf22b3127ccef8d2c7ca7b9600000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cf22b3127ccef8d3a86d1bd200000040O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[MadilynnsMomma]

AHHH!!! :eek: I love your Supercali shirt!!!!!!!

[nic100308]

LOL, you know the funny thing is that I saw your shirts on hangers and I instanly thought of my shirts. When I was trying to take pictures of my shirts I had the hardest time, couldn't get them the lay right on the back of the couch, them the light wasn't right when I was looking down on them. And then I saw your shirts on the hangers and said, duh of course hangers. LOL, that's my silly OCD thinking, but I also think it's funny that you were the one to make me realize that. :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

I love Will's Mickey Pirate shirt, super cute!!! And I really like you Mary Poppins shirt. I should really go see it, it's been awhile since I've been to a show and then for awhile I couldn't decide which one to go see.

Anyway, I really like the autograph book. What do the pages look like? And how did you get the binding on!?!? I've decided to purchase one, but I do have some custom stickers I made to make it a little fancier. More of that to come on my PTR.

Happy planning, can't wait to read and see more!!!

[exwdwcm]

AHHH!!! :eek: I love your Supercali shirt!!!!!!!Thanks- my sis saw it on Broadway and bought the shirt. so when we saw it in Dallas, my other sis and I bought it too- so the three of us can match!

LOL, you know the funny thing is that I saw your shirts on hangers and I instanly thought of my shirts. When I was trying to take pictures of my shirts I had the hardest time, couldn't get them the lay right on the back of the couch, them the light wasn't right when I was looking down on them. And then I saw your shirts on the hangers and said, duh of course hangers. LOL, that's my silly OCD thinking, but I also think it's funny that you were the one to make me realize that. :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

I love Will's Mickey Pirate shirt, super cute!!! And I really like you Mary Poppins shirt. I should really go see it, it's been awhile since I've been to a show and then for awhile I couldn't decide which one to go see.

Anyway, I really like the autograph book. What do the pages look like? And how did you get the binding on!?!? I've decided to purchase one, but I do have some custom stickers I made to make it a little fancier. More of that to come on my PTR.

Happy planning, can't wait to read and see more!!!lol on the hangers- i didn't really even plan it that way, i was just in a hurry and laid them while still on hangers on the bed. I am super OCD too, but having a toddler and little time has sort of made my OCD take a back seat sometimeS! :rotfl:

on the autograph book- i'll take some pics of inside pages this weekend. My cousin does all the scrapbooking and cricut stuff and had a binding machine of her own she uses for crafts. So we used hers- it cuts the holes and does the binding- we just bought the spiral binding and used her machine to do it all. however, you can also just do pages and take them to an office store or kinkos and they can bind them for you too (not sure how much $$ though). lots of people just print out pages with clipart instead of doing stickers too- there is lots of great clip art out there. I happened to have a lot of stickers already (and we bought a lot more), so we used those, since we like to scrapbook.

And I sent Will to day care in his new mickey pirate shirt! His teachers once asked me- do you guys really like disney or something? i guess i was having him wear too many disney shirts! :rotfl2::thumbsup2

[exwdwcm]

DAY 7- Thursday, December 17
7:15am Meet in lobby- head to GF
8:05am Brkfst- 1900 Park Fare character GF
10am drive to TTC, to MK
2pm break for naps/swim
5:15pm meet in lobby for boat to Ft Wild.
7:15pm Dinner- Hoop Dee Doo Revue
9:15pm back to WL by boat

So here is Day 7. The vacation is already going by so fast in my head and I haven't even left yet!

Today, most of us are doing breakfast at 1900 park fare, I think we (DH, DS and I) might pass on it, it isn't my favorite meal and it is EMH at the MK that day at 8am. So i think my immediate family will head to the MK for EMH, unless we've already seen most of what we want, then we would consider breakfast. They have the ressie for all of us. We will play that one by ear- we are not big breakfast nuts or anything.

the rest of the crew will do breakfast (take the van) and meet us at MK for a few hours before we break at about 2pm or so. Then at 5 or so, we will head over to Fort Wilderness. I haven't decided if we should drive over or take the boat- any recommendations? We've driven before, but i know you have to park up front and take the bus back to Pionner hall. That is sort of a pain, although it might be fun to see some of the campground christmas lights too. We are heading over early so we can explore a bit, check out the gift shop and just enjoy some time over near Pioneer Hall.

We did get the best seating package available, so first floor for hoop dee Doo. we have the 7:15 show time. We love this show- it is always a favorite for my parents and all the family. On our last fam vacay in Dec 2005, my sister Mandy was chosen to participate in the show! She is a dancer anyhow, so it was perfect! We love the food and the all you can drink sangria and beer! Our table last time was the big round one that is front and center, it can't get any better than that. After the show, we are just heading back to call it a night! This is sort of an easy day with not a lot of park time, which is why I am considering skipping breakfast, to get in more park time if we need it! Plus, i love EMH and the low crowds it offers.

here are some pics of my sister in the show last time!


http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb4b513342c00000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b5cc37b3127cceccb4f1e534f800000010O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Love the shirts! Will's is so adorable!! Day 7 looks great! I wanted to try Hoop Dee Doo this trip, but it didn't fit in anywhere...so next time!!!

[exwdwcm]

Love the shirts! Will's is so adorable!! Day 7 looks great! I wanted to try Hoop Dee Doo this trip, but it didn't fit in anywhere...so next time!!!
yeah, it is hard to fit it in since it is a 2 hour show, plus travel time!
It was a must for us though, my parents favorite!

so here are some more recent updates and to-do's:

need to place garden grocer order for grocery delivery
need to ship advance package with holiday decorations
need to secure and book babysitting services for our drink around the world night!
need to order christmas cards and get them ready to go now since we are gone 12/10-12/20!
buy another memory card for camera
buy another cup holder and snack holder for stroller
buy new tennis shoes for DH and I!
read up on guest assistance card for mom (for shows to sit up front closer to see)
I did get some things accomplished!

got the dogs vaccinated this weekend, so they are ready to be boarded
got the kennel reserved
key ring itinerary done- thanks to Mom! (see pic below)
I can't believe it is only 4 more weeks until the trip. this trip has been 2 years in the making and we booked it at 500 days out (earliest WDW will allow you), so it is crazy it is almost here. We are so excited, we can't describe it. I think mom is most excited of all and she really needs this vacation and break. We've had some more family changes recently that have made life a little rougher:

My uncle (mom's brother and only sibling) has pancreatic cancer and has fought the good fight for over 6-8 months now. He now has been diagnosed with lung cancer as well. Pair those two things with his obesity and it is not good. My parents went down to galveston to visit them this weekend, i should hear a report from mom later today. I hope to see him in January for his granddaughter's quincinera (Alice in wonderland themed!).
Dad was having some foot/back pain. He is now diagnosed as pre-diabetic and having to check is sugars for the next month before/after each meal. No insulin or anything yet, they want to see how this month goes first. He also has a bone spur in his vertabrae that is shooting pain down to his feet. He is seeing my mom's neuro-surgeon to discuss treatment and possibly surgery. He is in physical therapy until the trip to help the pain.
Mom's vision has not improved. Her last checkup showed only minimal and neglible improvement. Very disappointing to say the least- she still can't drive obviously. She gets by, but I know it is hard. Think about how hard it is- to go from good vision to nearly blind- no reading books, no reading magazines, the paper, the computer. She can read some on the computer, but it has to be big font and not for long. She can watch tv, but it isn't clear or sharp obviously and she gets headaches if she watches too long. consider that she is retired, and that makes it hard to spend your days without being able to read or watch tv for long. She is keeping her chin up, but we know it is very frustrating and hard for her.
so we've been thrown a few curve balls lately and aren't sure how my dad's health will affect the trip. We might have to consider getting him a scooter some days if his feet hurt. Plus mom might need a wheelchair in the afternoons or on long days too. So look out for the wheelchair, scooter and 3 strollers! we are coming through! The good news is we have this trip to keep us excited and give us something to look forward to!

now here are some of the requested pics of the inside pages of the atuograph book and the key chain laminated itinerary my mom made for each of us- it is notecard size. Has our daily plan, what time we meet in the am, meals and ADR #s.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cf28b3127ccef8c725f4af5900000030O18RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cf28b3127ccef8c7331e2e8800000030O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9cf28b3127ccef8c6f7620eda00000030O08RbtHLVi1B7e fCQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[Piglets Mommy]

I am loving your PTR!!! Nothing beats the Macic of Disney in December, espescially at WL!!! I can't wait to read more!

[MadilynnsMomma]

Sorry to hear about your recent curveballs, Disney will be here soon! :goodvibes

Thanks for sharing some of the inside pages to the autograph book!

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Sorry about the family! Hope things turn around for you!! :hug:

[nic100308]

I'm so sorry to hear things are a little rough. No worries, I have consulted the Magic 8 Ball and it has foretasted some Pixie Dust in your future!!

I love the custom pages in the autograph book!! I've been brainstorming and thinking maybe I need to have two autograph books. One to keep and one to use the signatures in my scrap book. Of course the one I take apart will be an home made inexpensive one. LOL I keep adding more projects to my list, so that may not happen.

I love lists, I think mainly because I like to be able to cross things off them!! You seem to be pretty organized and on the right track.

I can't believe they still have the Hoop De Doo Review!!! We went to that show when I was 8, back in 1990!!! LOL my Dad still talks about it saying it was the best food he had at Disney!! It is a great show, though!!

[exwdwcm]

I am loving your PTR!!! Nothing beats the Macic of Disney in December, espescially at WL!!! I can't wait to read more!thank you for reading a long!! We cannot wait for the WL!!! it is going to be so special and magical.

Sorry to hear about your recent curveballs, Disney will be here soon! :goodvibes

Thanks for sharing some of the inside pages to the autograph book!
you are so welcome!
Sorry about the family! Hope things turn around for you!! :hug:thanks for the hugs guys!

I'm so sorry to hear things are a little rough. No worries, I have consulted the Magic 8 Ball and it has foretasted some Pixie Dust in your future!!

I love the custom pages in the autograph book!! I've been brainstorming and thinking maybe I need to have two autograph books. One to keep and one to use the signatures in my scrap book. Of course the one I take apart will be an home made inexpensive one. LOL I keep adding more projects to my list, so that may not happen.

I love lists, I think mainly because I like to be able to cross things off them!! You seem to be pretty organized and on the right track.

I can't believe they still have the Hoop De Doo Review!!! We went to that show when I was 8, back in 1990!!! LOL my Dad still talks about it saying it was the best food he had at Disney!! It is a great show, though!!LOL- my sister actually did one for autographs and then made a book that she will use as a mini scrapbook for pics of certain rides or parks. there are some great attraction stickers out there- like haunted mansion and jungle cruise, so she decorated some pages with that and will just take family/kid pics on that ride or ask the CM to sign the book. it spreads a little magic to the CMs if you ask for their autograph too!

Yes, HDD is the longest running musical dinner show in the world I believe they say! We went as kids too in the 80s and have loved it ever since. love the all you can drink sangria and beer! :rotfl:

So it's been another busy week here at work. Plus my laptop is still out being serviced, so i am only sneaking online at work a few times a day. I hope my laptop is on my porch when i get home though- it says it should be fixed and delivered today!

so updates:

our 'credentials' came for the Toy Story Mania party- it is a DIS lanyard with a 'badge' that has our name on it to get into the private party- cannot wait!!!
Mom bought TSM for the Wii, so we can practice for the big party
Got our cafe press order of our 'Dis-a-palozza' t-shirts- will see them tomorrow at mom's!
also booked our babysitter with Kids Nite Out this week for our drinks around the world night- we are having them arrive by 4pm and stay until about midnight.

One last big update, we changed our mind on our rental van. We have a big 15 passenger van (think econoline) rented through National, almost $1500 for the 10 days. We considered renting a secondary mini van or car to have a second vehicle since we are splitting up for a lot of meals and prefer driving over disney transportation (just personal preference). Plus Mandy/Jeff arrive a day later than us, and need a car when they arrive to get from the airport (they get in at 10:30pm on 12/11).

so we decided it was cheaper to just rent 4 different vehicles and cancel the large van. This way we have lots of flexibility for different families to split up as needed, or we can just follow each other to the same park. So we got a midsize for DH, DS and I for $208 for the 10 days. Got my sister Mandy and her DH same thing for $186 or so (they have a day less). Then we are getting a full size car for my other sister, DH and her two kiddos (booster seats) and a standard SUV for my parents to use with my aunt, and 2 cousins. So there will be extra room in the mid size cars for people to switch around in as needed dependin on who is going where. Should work out a little better for us and ended up being less expensive to rent 4 cars vs the one large van! We are getting 2 mid size, 1 full size and 1 SUV for under $1100 all through National with Emerald Aisle, using a work contract ID for $20 savings on each and a $35 off coupon from mousesavers. pretty good! now all are happy.

This weekend I am putting up our christmas decorations. We are going to be gone Dec 10-20th, so we will miss a lot of time at home to enjoy them, so they are going up extra early this year!

oh and been fighting the usual response a lot lately......now that vacation is so close (27 days and 15 work days, but who's counting), people ask where I am going. I tell them Disney for 10 days and they look at me like I have 6 heads or say "Again?". :confused3:thumbsup2:lmao:

[MadilynnsMomma]

WOW! Great deal on the cars! :thumbsup2 I think this weekend I too will bring out the Christmas decor! Good call! :goodvibes

[Piglets Mommy]

thank you for reading a long!! We cannot wait for the WL!!! it is going to be so special and magical.


you are so welcome!
thanks for the hugs guys!

LOL- my sister actually did one for autographs and then made a book that she will use as a mini scrapbook for pics of certain rides or parks. there are some great attraction stickers out there- like haunted mansion and jungle cruise, so she decorated some pages with that and will just take family/kid pics on that ride or ask the CM to sign the book. it spreads a little magic to the CMs if you ask for their autograph too!

Yes, HDD is the longest running musical dinner show in the world I believe they say! We went as kids too in the 80s and have loved it ever since. love the all you can drink sangria and beer! :rotfl:

So it's been another busy week here at work. Plus my laptop is still out being serviced, so i am only sneaking online at work a few times a day. I hope my laptop is on my porch when i get home though- it says it should be fixed and delivered today!

so updates:

our 'credentials' came for the Toy Story Mania party- it is a DIS lanyard with a 'badge' that has our name on it to get into the private party- cannot wait!!!
Mom bought TSM for the Wii, so we can practice for the big party
Got our cafe press order of our 'Dis-a-palozza' t-shirts- will see them tomorrow at mom's!
also booked our babysitter with Kids Nite Out this week for our drinks around the world night- we are having them arrive by 4pm and stay until about midnight.

One last big update, we changed our mind on our rental van. We have a big 15 passenger van (think econoline) rented through National, almost $1500 for the 10 days. We considered renting a secondary mini van or car to have a second vehicle since we are splitting up for a lot of meals and prefer driving over disney transportation (just personal preference). Plus Mandy/Jeff arrive a day later than us, and need a car when they arrive to get from the airport (they get in at 10:30pm on 12/11).

so we decided it was cheaper to just rent 4 different vehicles and cancel the large van. This way we have lots of flexibility for different families to split up as needed, or we can just follow each other to the same park. So we got a midsize for DH, DS and I for $208 for the 10 days. Got my sister Mandy and her DH same thing for $186 or so (they have a day less). Then we are getting a full size car for my other sister, DH and her two kiddos (booster seats) and a standard SUV for my parents to use with my aunt, and 2 cousins. So there will be extra room in the mid size cars for people to switch around in as needed dependin on who is going where. Should work out a little better for us and ended up being less expensive to rent 4 cars vs the one large van! We are getting 2 mid size, 1 full size and 1 SUV for under $1100 all through National with Emerald Aisle, using a work contract ID for $20 savings on each and a $35 off coupon from mousesavers. pretty good! now all are happy.

This weekend I am putting up our christmas decorations. We are going to be gone Dec 10-20th, so we will miss a lot of time at home to enjoy them, so they are going up extra early this year!

oh and been fighting the usual response a lot lately......now that vacation is so close (27 days and 15 work days, but who's counting), people ask where I am going. I tell them Disney for 10 days and they look at me like I have 6 heads or say "Again?". :confused3:thumbsup2:lmao:

They have TSM for the Wii???? I think I need to get DS9 to put that on his Christmas list!:rolleyes1

We are starting on our Christmas Decs too. DH scheduled our annual open house for 3 days after we get home,:headache: so I'd better have everything up before we go!

You got a great deal on the cars, and will have so much more flexibility that way!:thumbsup2

23 days, and 13 work days here!!! (Not that I'm counting or anything!:rolleyes1)

[nic100308]

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo: 19 days (well as of tomorrow but today is over so tomorrow counts!) and 11 works day!!! And I'm definitely counting!!

I wish I could put up my Christmas decorations. I'm chomping at the bit, and I feel the same way you do. But I am having Thanksgiving dinner and I think my guest will think I'm a complete nut. If I can sell DH on this then I'll do it, but he's relatively same so I don't think it's going to happen.

That is so crazy that it's cheaper to rent 4 different cars. SO glad it worked out for you and this will give you A LOT more flexibility.

PS-I have officially broken out the Christmas music!!!

[exwdwcm]

WOW! Great deal on the cars! :thumbsup2 I think this weekend I too will bring out the Christmas decor! Good call! :goodvibesyeah for Christmas!!! you are getting so close to your trip, aren't you!!!

They have TSM for the Wii???? I think I need to get DS9 to put that on his Christmas list!:rolleyes1

We are starting on our Christmas Decs too. DH scheduled our annual open house for 3 days after we get home,:headache: so I'd better have everything up before we go!

You got a great deal on the cars, and will have so much more flexibility that way!:thumbsup2

23 days, and 13 work days here!!! (Not that I'm counting or anything!:rolleyes1)yeah, who's counting? :rotfl::thumbsup2 Yes, TSM for the wii- it's been out a few months I think and is pretty popular! My sister played it and said it is a blast. I can't wait to try it out!

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo: 19 days (well as of tomorrow but today is over so tomorrow counts!) and 11 works day!!! And I'm definitely counting!!

I wish I could put up my Christmas decorations. I'm chomping at the bit, and I feel the same way you do. But I am having Thanksgiving dinner and I think my guest will think I'm a complete nut. If I can sell DH on this then I'll do it, but he's relatively same so I don't think it's going to happen.

That is so crazy that it's cheaper to rent 4 different cars. SO glad it worked out for you and this will give you A LOT more flexibility.

PS-I have officially broken out the Christmas music!!!yeah, my family is so into Christmas, that they don't care or think i am crazy. I am hosting Thanksgiving at my place, and while it is odd to not have pumpkins out, but Christmas stuff instead, it is still fun and festive!

Well we are at 22 days tomorrow! And only 11.5 days (I think we get 1/2 day on next wed) of work. Actually my work situation is a little up in the air right now. I do not like my job and haven't for a while. I've been here about 14 months now. Lots of drama, no communication and lots of challenges. I am a Marketing Director for a medical company. Anyhow- I had started looking a while back, but stopped.

My old boss and friend just started a new job at our old company. They reorganized and she got a great new job back there again with a higher division, better title and more money. I was hoping she could bring me on board- i'd love to go back into defense. Anyhow, she just started yesterday, so i am waiting to hear if she thinks she can hire me or not and if so, how soon- it could be a 6 month thing. Who knows. So last week, I also got a call randomly for a job I applied for almost 2 months ago- the person they hired for it ended up calling hte day before she started and quit. So they are desperate to fill the position and called me since they still had my resume on file. I interviewed yesterday. It went great and is a good opportunity at a solid, stable and growing company with excellent structure in place. I just need more structure- this family business just isn't for me (late paychecks etc.). So I am hoping to hear by end of week something from them.

so yesterday am- my boss calls me in his office and asks if I am looking for another job. I was shocked, not sure how he knew. Regardless, it was almost a relief, but also awkward. I was honest. He said we would try and hire a replacement for me (I am writing the job rec, we have no HR! lol) and if i get another job before the vacation on 12/10, then great, move on. If not, then we will chat again right before vacation and talk about another plan- either go part time or continue to transition if they haven't found someone yet. It will all depend.

so i am in limbo-
.....waiting to hear if i got the job i interviewed for yesterday
.....or if my old boss might have a job for me
......and not knowing if i will have a job here (or only pt, beyond my vacation)

so definitely a little stressful, i just want to KNOW! we are good financially, but still......i jsut want to have some resolution.

so that is my latest news! The new job does know i am going on vacation 12/10-12/20. He seemed to think it would not be a problem and even mentioned me possibly starting there before i leave for WDW!! so we will see- wish me luck.

other than that- we've received more goodies from the mouse- our final paperwork and luggage tags etc. I also got my Christmas cards ordered today, so i can get those out. I need to place our garden grocer order this week too.

So that is all new in the world of me!:wizard:

[MadilynnsMomma]

Phew... job drama! I will be thinking good thoughts for you! We're at 19 days out today, TEENS!!! I am sure everything will fall into place perfectly for you :goodvibes

[nic100308]

Awww good luck and sorry for the job drama. I have been there too, and been playing the waiting game too!! And I've done the working for private, working for corporate, and now I'll be working for the government, so I've run the gambit. Anyway, I too am sort of up in the air, I could start right after Disney or I could start January 1. I would rather start after the new year, I would sort of like those two weeks to get myself together and get ready for the holiday. We'll see!! That's all I can say to myself, just hang in there, focus on everything else, and it will fall into place.

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Sorry for the job issues! I hope you get something at one of the other two!

Just keep saying that it will soon be time to ship off to the Happiest Place on Earth!

The cars worked out great for you guys! A savings and a bit more convenience!