PTR: OMG my first DL Trip with DH's Sis and family

[sahbushka]

Ok, so this is my first ever Pre trip report. I just plan on rambling about how the planning is going and how I am feeling about this trip in general.

Cast of Characters:
Me - 30 year old married mother of 2 and disney lover (Went on Divas trip)
DH - 28 year old married father of 2 and computer lover
DS - Almost 4 year old child who loves movies and especially the villains
DD - 10 months old adventure lover with crazy hair

DH's Sister - 30ish married mother of 3 and laid back
BIL - 30ish married father of 3 who suggested this trip in the first place
DNephew - 13 year old sensitve boy who loves his Uncle and computers
DNephew - 5 year old moose
DNiece - 10 month old bald linebacker in the making

So here we were over at my sister in laws very soon after our daughters were born (3 days apart) admiring each other's children when my brother in law pipes up with "So, when are we going to DL?" I stared at him...after all, I am usually the one with these ideas. Of course I couldn't just let this pass, oh no, it is on! So the planning begins. It is slow at first, we have never travelled with them before and so I don't know if this was just something he threw out there or if he was serious. We took the kids to the county fair a month later and talked some more about going to DL. 8 months later we had the in laws over to our home for dinner to discuss all the details and get the dates set in stone. We decide on 5 days in September with a couple of options for hotel. We would love to stay at the Grand Californian...especially with the girls being only 14 months old when we go...but we may not be able to afford it so we also consider the HoJo. I have an annual pass so the Grand might be doable....I still need to call for availability. In the mean time I have purchased our airfares...which went on sale 2 days later...and found out because of the sale that my in laws may not be able to get the same flights, they may already be booked....for SEPTEMBER!!! Crazyness. Now I am wondering how this is going to affect our trip. I have non-refundable tickets. And even if they just come back on a later date, how will that work with the round trip group shuttle I have priced? So right now I am just nervous. I know if they don't end up going, we will still have a great little family vaca and I have relatives in the area we could meet up with so it will be all good, but I have my heart set on these kids (especially the 4 and 5 year old) experiencing DL together and my DH and I having other adults to talk to.

More soon and thanks for reading!
SArah

[jordansmomma]

YAY Sarah!!

I can't wait to here more!!

[cinderella-princess]

Take a deep breath, relax and remember that everything will be just fine. These things usually work themselves out. Everyone will have a great time no matter what! I can't wait to hear more! :yay:

[Docter419]

Great Start, Can't wait to read more. :3dglasses

[Queenbillabong]

Yay, Sarah!!! Great start :thumbsup2

[Escape2Disney]

If you are going anytime between September 10-20, you might want to contact Southwest Home Education. They are hosting a Homeschool conference @ GCH. Hotel tickets are deeply discounted, and I believe they will allow you to book even if you aren't going to the conference. The website is http://www.southwest-home-education.com

We'll be there from the 13th to the 19th - I'm organizing a meet if you're interested!

[sahbushka]

YAY Sarah!!

I can't wait to here more!!

Thanks Debra! I appreciate the support!

Take a deep breath, relax and remember that everything will be just fine. These things usually work themselves out. Everyone will have a great time no matter what! I can't wait to hear more! :yay:

Great advice! I am just so excited and I want to be able to continue the good relations we have with our relatives. I know how if things go really badly relations can be strained so I just want everything to go well. My SIL is so laid back though that even if something went wrong she would probably still be fine with things.

Great Start, Can't wait to read more. :3dglasses

Thanks so much!

Yay, Sarah!!! Great start :thumbsup2

Hi! Enjoying the weather lately...it's even gone into the 60's a few days!

If you are going anytime between September 10-20, you might want to contact Southwest Home Education. They are hosting a Homeschool conference @ GCH. Hotel tickets are deeply discounted, and I believe they will allow you to book even if you aren't going to the conference. The website is http://www.southwest-home-education.com

We'll be there from the 13th to the 19th - I'm organizing a meet if you're interested!

Thanks so much for the tip. Yes, we are going September 16-21. That explains a lot about why the hotels are so booked for those dates!

[mommaU4]

Hi Sarah!
Well, what's a Disney trip without a little drama, huh? I do hope things work out though for you all to travel together especially with the kids being so close in age. That would be fun!

As for the actual trip, you are such a great planner, I know you will do everything in your power to make it all go as smoothly as possible. And as long as everyone is ready to be flexible and open to your ideas, I know they will all have a great time. :goodvibes

[sahbushka]

So I am just feeling really anxious/excited right now. I want to plan more! I have started thinking about food. I know we are going to eat at the Rainforest Cafe one night. Besides that I think everyone likes burgers and I know my son and I love mexican food so maybe Rancho one meal and mainly CS for burgers the rest of the time. Also, my ds is a grazer. He eats a little of this and a little of that throughout the day so having a lot of snacks prepared for him will be important. Maybe those little 100 calorie snack packs. Especially with 4 kids 5 and under. I wonder if the adults could take turns watching the kids on different nights for an hour and a half or so so that the other adults could go to a nice meal or ride some bigger rides. I wouldn't mind eating at carnation cafe again...the baked potato soup was wonderful! Hmmm, it would also be fun to try a place we haven't eaten before with fare other than burgers. Maybe somewhere in New Orleans square. I think there are a couple restaurants I haven't tried there. I know I am really excited to eat at the Hungry Bear. I have always wanted to and even though I promised myself I would on my last trip in March, I wasn't able to go. I think the Dear Family would enjoy it! So much to think about.

Sarah

[sahbushka]

Hi Sarah!
Well, what's a Disney trip without a little drama, huh? I do hope things work out though for you all to travel together especially with the kids being so close in age. That would be fun!

As for the actual trip, you are such a great planner, I know you will do everything in your power to make it all go as smoothly as possible. And as long as everyone is ready to be flexible and open to your ideas, I know they will all have a great time. :goodvibes

Thanks Beth. I really appreciate the vote of confidence!:goodvibes

Sarah

[Belle Ella]

:thumbsup2 Marking my spot so I don't forget. Looks like I'll be there the week before you (and hoping to extend one day to the 13th). Can't wait for more.

[cinderella-princess]

OMG! You are going to be there the same time we are! How exciting! :)

I'm sure everyone you are with will be just fine with a little strain. When all else fails, go back to your room in the middle of the day to cool off and relax. Take a swim, a nap or a shower and you're ready to go back to the park refreshed! We also split up at times so everyone gets to go on the rides they want to. That way everyone is happy and no one gets on people's nerves.

The soup in New Orleans Square is great! I get the gumbo every time. If you've never eaten anywhere in NOS I would try it this trip! :)

[lulubelle]

Hi Sarah!:wave2:
Looking forward to more of your pre-trip report. I think you picked a perfect time to go and you all will have a magical time. How fun that the two little princesses are three days apart in age. And I love how you describe your baby girl with that "wild hair"!:laughing:

[sahbushka]

OMG! You are going to be there the same time we are! How exciting! :)

I'm sure everyone you are with will be just fine with a little strain. When all else fails, go back to your room in the middle of the day to cool off and relax. Take a swim, a nap or a shower and you're ready to go back to the park refreshed! We also split up at times so everyone gets to go on the rides they want to. That way everyone is happy and no one gets on people's nerves.

The soup in New Orleans Square is great! I get the gumbo every time. If you've never eaten anywhere in NOS I would try it this trip! :)

I haven't tried the gumbo, so that is a possibility. Are you staying at HOJO? Didn't I see you on the Divas planning thread? Are you going on that trip in 2010?

Hi Sarah!:wave2:
Looking forward to more of your pre-trip report. I think you picked a perfect time to go and you all will have a magical time. How fun that the two little princesses are three days apart in age. And I love how you describe your baby girl with that "wild hair"!:laughing:

I think the time will be good as far as weather is concerned, but I am a bit nervous as everything is sold out the night of the 20th. I now know that the Homeschoolers group is going to be there and I am sure the 5 for 3 promo has some to do with it, but there has to be something else as well if it is already so full! As far as my daughter's hair is concerned...it just goes everywhere. There is no taming it at this point. I am hoping to grow it out so that it will calm down a bit, but we will see!

[cinderella-princess]

We are staying at the Anaheim Camelot Inn and Suites (its right next to the McDonald's on South Harbor Blvd I believe). I have not been on the Diva's planning thread but I'll go check it out! When are they going in 2010?

[mommaU4]

We are staying at the Anaheim Camelot Inn and Suites (its right next to the McDonald's on South Harbor Blvd I believe). I have not been on the Diva's planning thread but I'll go check it out! When are they going in 2010?

Feb. 25 - March 2, 2010. :thumbsup2 Come join us. We had a blast last time, all the ladies are lots of fun and very friendly, and we'd love to have some new members. :)

[DizNee Luver]

That's a great idea of having people take turns in watching the little ones!!! We did that in 2005 & it was nice knowing my 3 yr old was back at the motel sleeping, while we were at the park for late night fun. It worked out great for us. Everyone taking their turn seems fair!! You may want to try that during the day as well.

The gumbo is divine!!! I had never had it before & I can't stop thinking about it since we got home. My hubby even made it here & it was pretty darn good!

The Hungry Bear is one of our favorite quick-service restaurants in the parks!!! We love the food & the setting. We love sitting on the bottom section by the water, watching the activity on the Rivers of America & the ducks.

[sahbushka]

That's a great idea of having people take turns in watching the little ones!!! We did that in 2005 & it was nice knowing my 3 yr old was back at the motel sleeping, while we were at the park for late night fun. It worked out great for us. Everyone taking their turn seems fair!! You may want to try that during the day as well.

The gumbo is divine!!! I had never had it before & I can't stop thinking about it since we got home. My hubby even made it here & it was pretty darn good!

The Hungry Bear is one of our favorite quick-service restaurants in the parks!!! We love the food & the setting. We love sitting on the bottom section by the water, watching the activity on the Rivers of America & the ducks.

I am so excited to try new things...even though I have been there so many times I feel there is always something new to try!

Sarah

[sahbushka]

So plans for the DL trip have been on hold while I have been working all this overtime and now I find myself trying to plan my 2012/2013 trip to DW! I can't decide on dates or hotel so I have been spending some time on those boards searching for suggestions. I did call HOJO back and request 6th floor unobstructed view...they said if we needed a pac-n-play or roll away we could ask for it at check in and they would have one for us no problem. Does anyone know when park hours for september will be out? Is it before we can make dining ressies...not that I plan on making many. Also, how far in advance can you reserve at Rainforest Cafe? So many questions...but it is fun finding out the answers!

SArah

[sahbushka]

So I think I have at least decided on the time of year to go on the DW trip....late October 2012. I am still working on the hotel but might wait to decide so that my DS who will be 7 when we go can help pick...he turns 4 in a week and a half.

I tried to talk to my SIL about the trip on her facebook page but I have not recieved a response yet. I am really curious if she has booked her flights yet. We specifically did the airline we did because it is the one they were going to do and now I am worried that she may not be able to get the same flights as us. Hmmm.

[mommaU4]

So I think I have at least decided on the time of year to go on the DW trip....late October 2012. I am still working on the hotel but might wait to decide so that my DS who will be 7 when we go can help pick...he turns 4 in a week and a half.

I tried to talk to my SIL about the trip on her facebook page but I have not recieved a response yet. I am really curious if she has booked her flights yet. We specifically did the airline we did because it is the one they were going to do and now I am worried that she may not be able to get the same flights as us. Hmmm.October is a great time to be in the parks!

I hope you hear from your SIL soon and it works out. :wizard:

[sahbushka]

Ok, so my nephew came over for a sleepover last night and while my SIL was dropping him off she mentioned that they have purchased their airline tickets and we are on the same flights!!!! Woo Hoo!!!! You should have seen my happy dance, right there on my front porch for all the neighbors to see! I am thrilled that we will all be together the whole time and this solidifys the fact that we are all going...I was worried they may back out. Ok, so now I need to schedule the shuttle and figure out our last night. I will call Hojo again in case something came open and if nothing is available then I will check and see what hotels are near the LAX airport with a shuttle to the airport so we will be right there for our 7am flight. Woo Hoo, let the planning continue!

Sarah

[mommaU4]

That's great news Sarah!! :banana:

[daisy_77]

Hey, just caught up on your PTR! Sounds good so far!


Beth is right, what is a Disney trip without drama? :rotfl:

Yay, SIL booked their flight!

[sahbushka]

I got back from my trip to Reno last night and I feel like I have a better idea about traveling with my kids. Even though I didn't take the kids with me this time, I was able to determine that it will be important for me to check luggage. Normally I just carry it all with me but it is akward to carry it through the terminal and with 2 young children....I'm just not doing it. I need to call the airlines and add a couple of checked bags. They are so pricey, though, it drives me crazy. Who came up with the idea of charging for luggage? Who is going to travel with no luggage? Drives me crazy!

Sarah

[WA Kay]

I would like to join in too. Your trip sounds like so much fun. I love that you have a great mix of family traveling together. Congrats on the flights all working out. That must have been a huge relief finding out that you are all on the same flights.

Looking forward to reading more. Good luck with your planning.

Kay

[sahbushka]

So my planning has completely stalled. There is quite a bit I still need to do, shuttle, last night hotel, bags scheduled to be checked, dining ressies, but I have been so busy it just has not happened...maybe this weekend. I don't think I have too much planned for this weekend.

Sarah

[shishigirl]

Just read your ptr and cant wait to read more. I hope everything works out for you in the planning dept! Its so hard to plan when the hours to the park arent up and you want to get everything taken care of. It sounds like you wil have fun with the group you are going with. We had little ones and went with my three sisters and it worked out great to leave the kids with one couple so you get to have your fun too! Good luck!!

[sahbushka]

I would like to join in too. Your trip sounds like so much fun. I love that you have a great mix of family traveling together. Congrats on the flights all working out. That must have been a huge relief finding out that you are all on the same flights.

Looking forward to reading more. Good luck with your planning.

Kay

Thanks, yes, I am so glad we are all on the same flight!

I did finally make one dining reservation this weekend. We are going to dine at the Rainforest Cafe the second night of our stay. It is a thursday. We didn't want to make dining plans for the weekend as it will be fall and we want to see all the shows and fireworks, etc. My SIL offered to book the shuttle as she gets home sooner than I do and can get ahold of the company during business hours! I have contacted HOJO and the last night is still not available, so I am still looking at doing a hotel near the airport. I worry about whether the shuttle will still charge us the good round trip rate if we need to be dropped off at a hotel near the airport as opposed to the airport itself. There is still lots to plan and only 3 months left! Woo Hoo! :banana: Now if my dd will just learn to walk! We will be all set!

Sarah

[sahbushka]

Less than 3 months to go!!!! Woo HOO!!!:cool1::banana::dance3::yay::woohoo: Can you tell I am excited! I need a day off work so I can finalize my plans!

My dh's company just decided to close his store though they are saying they want to keep him on to mange the web site. We will see. We are still planning on going on the trip. I almost have all the money saved up so we should be ok...we may just skimp a bit on souveniers.

I suppose if my husband is off work next week I could have him do some of the phone calls for me. It's just not the same as doing them myself though.

I need to talk to my sil and see if she made the shuttle reservation. That would at least let me know if we can do the round trip but to a hotel on the return instead of the airport.

Sarah

[QueenDoOver]

Hi Sarah!
How fun to read about all of your plans. I'm glad that you are still going to be able to go, despite hubby's job change. Man, I sure hope things pick up around here.
Tracey

[sahbushka]

Hi Sarah!
How fun to read about all of your plans. I'm glad that you are still going to be able to go, despite hubby's job change. Man, I sure hope things pick up around here.
Tracey

Thanks Tracey! Yeah, I think my dh is even more excited now! I still haven't finished my plans and it is making me quite nervous. I just haven't had time! I am working during the day m-f and then going to the gym almost every night! I won't have a chance this weekend what with my dd's party and a dear friend's house warming and strawberry picking and a Mama Mia sing a long! Only 2 months and 3 weeks to go! I have never left a trip to this late date! Hopefully it will go well.

Sarah

[sahbushka]

So I think I am going to go for it and buy the hopper tickets from the homeschool conference tonight. It will save me around $60! That is a pretty big savings! I have a post into that thread to get a couple questions answered first but hopefully it will be a go!

Sarah

[sahbushka]

Well, I didn't find out the answer to my question, but I decided to go for it anyway! I booked 2 5 day park hoppers through the conference thing. Now I just need to find out if they get mailed to me or how I get them. Still need to work on the last night of our stay as well as the transportation though my sil is going to help with that part.

Later,
Sarah

[tinkermell]

Hi Sarah!

Just thought I'd check in too!!:goodvibes

So glad that things worked out for all the flights and stuff! :banana:

[sahbushka]

Well, I found out that you have to pick up the tickets at the conference (which wouldn't be a big deal) but you have to pick them up the 14th or 15th. I don't get in till the 16th so I was able to get a refund - thank you thank you thank you thank you! I will buy the 5 for 3 hoppers tonight and call my sil to schedule a night for them to come over and talk about the trip.

Sarah

[sahbushka]

I booked my dh and ds's tickets the other day! Check one thing off the list. I talked to dbil on the 4th and he said one of his co-workers did the same trip we are doing and had no trouble making it from Anaheim to the airport for the 7 am flight on the way home. I am really hoping HOJO's dates open up for our last day...it has been sold out for some time now. I keep checking back but they are still booked. When I talk to them they say it is quite usual for something to open up closer to trip start but it makes me nervous! We will be getting together to talk about pace, ride preferences and food preferences in the next few weeks! Hope it goes ok!

Sarah

[sahbushka]

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!:cool1::woohoo: The last date of my trip became available so our hotel is all booked and I am so excited! My SIL is booking the shuttle now that we know about the hotel! They are also coming over to our house this coming week to figure out the rest of the trip. We were going to get together tuesday but I just got scheduled to work a double that day so we will switch it to Monday. Everything is coming together so well! I am pumped!

Sarah

[sahbushka]

2 months from today my dd will ride an airplane for the first time and will walk through the gates of Disneyland for the first time (last time she went she was still in my tummy! I was 3 months pregnant.) I can't believe it is getting so close! I am dying to listen to disney music now - I have the music from the rides! I am doing a happy dance inside! Also it looks like there will be a mini meet for a meal at DL with some of the Divas that live nearby or will be at the parks the same dates! I am so excited to see them again! Oh, and my daughter has started walking. We tricked her into it by holding out the remote (which she loves to play with but isn't allowed to play with). Before she knew it she had walked accross the room! Now she has more confidence in herself and I see her taking more and more steps! She will be running before I know it! We are deffinetely taking a stroller on the trip. We may also rent one at the parks for whenever ds4 gets tired and the rest of the time for our bags or what not. I am thinking we should get a locker for our coats...what do you think? And waiting to purchase things till the last day...having the kids look around and decide what they really want first! Except I will probably get ds one of those light up spinny toys the first day because they are just so much fun to play with on the trip! Wooo Hoo!

Sarah

[sahbushka]

So I just found out that our flight home on Monday has been changed. We were supposed to leave LAX at 7am now we are leaving there at 5pm! I am so excited! This is soooooo much better for me! I will still be home at a decent hour and we don't have to get up so early in the morning or worry about packing the night before! We can hang out at the pool! It will be great!

Also, I got a better discount on the super shuttle so will be getting an extra 20 off the round trip! Every little bit helps!

My DSIL and her family are coming over tonight to finalize plans. I am making a cake and decorating it Disney style. Last time I was there I got a Mickey Mouse head cookie cutter and I will be using it to imprint on the surface of the cake and then I will trace it with black frosting and fill the inside with yellow stars. I also plan on putting on balloons and tracing the word Disneyland with black frosting! If it turns out I will take a picture and try to post it here!

Everything is just going so well, knock on wood!

Sarah:yay::woohoo::dance3:

[sahbushka]

The evening went well! The cake turned out great and we got to talk about our trip plans. There are only a few loose ends left to tie up and we all have our assignments now so we will be ready in no time! I will post a pic of the cake as soon as I can!

Sarah

[BillyFan]

You're going to have a blast!

[sahbushka]

You're going to have a blast!

Thanks! Yeah, I really think we will! Plus the meet with the Divas is coming together well! There will possibly be up to 10 of us! I am thrilled to get to see them again and we are going to be lunching at Cafe Orleans which I have always wanted to try! :banana:

Sarah

[sahbushka]

This morning I finally got some of the items I have been needing to get done done. I booked the supershuttle and got a pretty good rate and I also called the airline and scheduled one checked bag and found out that both strollers and car seats can be gate checked at no additional cost! Thank goodness! I called my dsil to tell her the good news and she was thrilled. Also, she has been reading the Disney Birnbaum book and said that she found out about a bunch of things she hadn't done last time and she is getting more excited and even making a list of the things she'd like to do! Before she was always like "whatever, I'll go with the flow". I am excited that she has more "to do's" picked out! OH, I also confirmed a crib in each of our rooms at the HOJO and found out that we should have a fireworks view from our rooms!

I still need to transfer my Disney Rewards and finalize plans with the Divas but those plans are almost done so we are getting so close!

Sarah

[sahbushka]

Ok, so tell me if you experience this. I am going about my day, nothing major going on, when all of a sudden I am overwhelmed, swamped if you will, by the NEED to be at Disney! I get a sharp picture in my mind of where I am standing in the parks...of the sounds and smells around me. It is a physical ache to be there and be surrounded by the safe, happy feel of the park. Wow, I really want to be there! Less than 7 weeks to go....I just can't wait. I need to call Cafe Orleans back tonight to finalize the seating for the Divas mini meet. I also need to transfer my rewards dollars and figure out what kind of snacks I should bring for ds who is a huge snacker.

Sarah:wizard:pixiedust::rainbow: (I love this one!)

[sahbushka]

So I got the rewards dollars transfered but the rewards card I had expired back in december so I am waiting for the new one to come in the mail. I tried calling Cafe Orleans back but the person and I can't seem to connect. She will be gone for a couple days and back on Sunday so hopefully I can get ahold of her then. As for snacks, I posted a question about it on the boards and got some great responses. I may bring the peanut butter crackers (ds has never had them and I think he would really like them!) and I think the disney animal crackers would be good - he loves those...also maybe some boxes of raisins or maybe I'll put them in tuperware so the package doesn't get smooshed.

Sarah

[sahbushka]

Hello! I got the Rewards card in the mail today and got it activated! Woo Hoo! The lunch at Cafe Orleans is now confirmed though we had to get a 2pm seating. All my dates are visible now on the DL calendar so I know what times things are going on. I still need to talk to my SIL about whether she wants to eat at Carnation Cafe or not.

I think our game plan is something like this:

Wednesday - arrive and go to DL park. Take the train around the park and grab a bite to eat. Do rides for the rest of the night. Park closes early so we can go back to the hotel and either swim or call it an early night.

Thursday - DCA. TSMM, rides, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, lunch (taste pilots grill?) Aladdin, more rides or swimming back at hotel. Dinner ressies at Rainforest cafe at 6:30 (DCA closes at 6 that night.) Back to the hotel for swimming and sleep!

Friday - DL. No game plan though I would like to see Billy Hill and the Hillbillies with one of our meals...maybe Jedi Training Academy for my dnephew (ds is only 4). Fireworks

Saturday ??? Cafe Orleans with Divas at 1:45 and rides with them while family goes back to swim at hotel. Fantasmic at night with Clam chowder in bread bowls from Royal Street Verandah

Sunday - Shopping and any rides we want to do again

Monday - relaxing morning with swim, late lunch then catch shuttle to airport.

What do you think? I think I need to write this all out so I know I will get to do the meals I want to do. He He...all about the food!

Sarah

[wvnative]

I think that all sounds great. I love how I can feel your excitement in your posts and yes, I get that physical ache to be there as well.

We love the Carnation Cafe. We plan to have our Saturday breakfast (as usual) and a lunch there on our next trip. We've never eaten there before except for breakfast so I'm excited. I so wish our trip was a mere 7 weeks away. We've got 7 months til we get to go again. I'd love to be able to go for the Divas trip, but I'll be in school then so we've opted to go for spring break instead.

[sahbushka]

I think that all sounds great. I love how I can feel your excitement in your posts and yes, I get that physical ache to be there as well.

We love the Carnation Cafe. We plan to have our Saturday breakfast (as usual) and a lunch there on our next trip. We've never eaten there before except for breakfast so I'm excited. I so wish our trip was a mere 7 weeks away. We've got 7 months til we get to go again. I'd love to be able to go for the Divas trip, but I'll be in school then so we've opted to go for spring break instead.

Thanks for reading! I love Carnation Cafe lunch...yum! Hope you enjoy it as well! I am down to less than 5 weeks to go! :banana:

As I promised in an earlier post, here is the picture of the Disneyland cake I made for the planning party with dsil and family!

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02000.jpg

Sarah

[sahbushka]

Less than one month to go! :banana::cool1: I am very excited! I am also very tired...I have been working so much to make sure we are all good for the trip. Yawn.

[cinderella-princess]

The cake you made looks so delicious! And professional! You have a talent thats for sure. :)

I totally know what you mean about being overwhelmed by the need to be at Disneyland. Sometimes I can almost imagine myself in NOS, waiting in line for POTC or grabbing fastpasses for Indy. We are both getting so close to our trips so our Disney longing will be temporarily fixed.

[sahbushka]

The cake you made looks so delicious! And professional! You have a talent thats for sure. :)

I totally know what you mean about being overwhelmed by the need to be at Disneyland. Sometimes I can almost imagine myself in NOS, waiting in line for POTC or grabbing fastpasses for Indy. We are both getting so close to our trips so our Disney longing will be temporarily fixed.

Thank you! I really enjoy making them and that one is deffinitely my favorite! I'm also glad to know I am not alone in my need to be at Disney! I am so excited to get to share this with my family, especially my ds. He went when he was 18 months old but it will be so different this time with him being 4! I just can't wait!

Sarah

[QueenDoOver]

Hi Sarah! It looks like your plans are firming up nicely. A nice balance with not too much planned. I love to experience DL with my kids and see it through their eyes. 4 is fun because there will be a lot of first experiences. My little pro at age 6 can nearly plan a day at the parks. I just love sharing that with them though. I hope you all have a wonderful trip. You work so darn hard, you certainly deserve it!

[sahbushka]

Hi Sarah! It looks like your plans are firming up nicely. A nice balance with not too much planned. I love to experience DL with my kids and see it through their eyes. 4 is fun because there will be a lot of first experiences. My little pro at age 6 can nearly plan a day at the parks. I just love sharing that with them though. I hope you all have a wonderful trip. You work so darn hard, you certainly deserve it!

Thanks! Less than 2 weeks to go and I am so excited but now I am getting nervous too. I need to start gathering up all the items I want to take. That usually helps me calm down a bit and I feel better about being able to take care of any packing unexpecteds way in advance. I also just found out that I for sure get to go on the ladies trip in february so I actually purchased my airfare for that last night! Things are working out well on that front! Also, my ds has been doing pretty well overall with his attitude so I am hoping for a pretty good trip. I am really not looking forward to melt downs:scared1:

Sarah

[sahbushka]

Single diget dance! 9 days to go!!!! Or as I keep telling my family .... 9 more sleeps! Woo HOO!!! I started packing on saturday and I am shocked at how much more difficult that is then packing for 2! It isn't just double as difficult...it is quadruple as difficult at least! We did find some items that we needed to get more of/replace before the trip so now we have time to do that. We are all going into town tomorrow to purchase some items. I still need to pack the little stuff and my purse and I need to put an additional collapsable suitcase in my other suitcase for all the souveniers we will be purchasing! We did get my ds his own back pack! It is just plain black so we want to get a patch to put on it...he's asking for pluto so we will try to find that but he also really likes buzz light year so maybe he will be ok with that.:confused3

I got to talk to my in laws yesterday at a bbq we held. We will be getting together at their place this week for a quick last minute check in....I want to see her "to do" list for the parks....I want an idea of what she is looking forward to. I am worried that because they are laid back I might kind of run over them with what I want to do. That is why I really want to see her list of what she wants to do!

Anyway, so excited! And DH is really excited to so that makes me happy!

Sarah

[BillyFan]

Yay! You're going to hae a blast!!!

[sahbushka]

Yay! You're going to hae a blast!!!

Thanks! Yeah, I just checked the weather forcast for our trip and it is perfect! Highs in the mid to low 80's and so far a 0% chance of rain! I know it will be a bit over warm for dh but hey, we live in Washington...he can deal for 5 days!

Sarah

[sahbushka]

8 more days!!!! 187 1/2 more hours!!!! He He He!

Sarah

[sahbushka]

6 more days!!!!!

Here is a tentative outline...feedback please!

DISNEYLAND OUTLINE

Wednesday September 16, 2009
Hours: DL 10-8/DCA 10-6
Enter park around noon
Take train around park and get off second time at NOS
Eat lunch at Hungry Bear
Ride Winnie the Pooh
Get fastpasses for something on way to Jungle Cruise
Buzz Lightyear
Autopia
Fantasyland Rides (teacups, dumbo, IASWA, Carousel, PP, Alice, etc)
Dinner at French Market
7:00pm Celebrate! A street parade
Swim at hotel

Thursday September 17, 2009
Hours DL 9(mm)/10-8/DCA 10-6
Breakfast outside park (Mimi’s?)
Enter DCA at park opening (be there by 9:30am)
Grab a fastpass for Soarin’
Run to TSMM
Check out boardwalk
Go to bugs land
Lunch Taste Pilots Grill
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Check out Hollywood area (Turtle Talk with Crush, Muppet vision, Monsters Inc., etc.)
4:15 Aladdin show
Dinner Rainforest Café 6:30
Swim at hotel

Friday September 18, 2009
Hours DL 9-Mid/DCA 10-8
Breakfast outside park (IHOP?)
Enter DL at park opening (be there by 8:30)
Fantasyland
Mickey’s ToonTown
11:35a Jedi training academy/lunch TomorrowLand Terrace
Back to hotel for Swim and rest
Pirates Lair
Mark Twain Riverboat – ask to Pilot
5:15p Billy Hill and the Hillbillies show and dinner at Golden Horseshoe
Silhouettes
9:25p fireworks


Saturday September 19, 2009
Hours DL 7(mm)/8-Mid/DCA 10-8
Breakfast in the park at Blue Ribbon Bakery? Or Outside park at McDonalds
Back to hotel for swim and rest
1:45p Sarah meets with Divas Café Orleans
Mays watch kids – Franzens Adult time
Dinner Royal Street Verandah/Anywhere in NOS
9p Fantasmic

Sunday September 20, 2009
Hours DL 9-11/DCA 10-8
Breakfast outside park (Mimi’s?)
Start in Disneyland
Over to DCA – Corndog for lunch?
2:15p Playhouse Disney show
5:15p DCA Pixar Play parade
Back to DL
Franzens watch kids – Mays adult time (Carnation Café?)
Dinner wherever looks good?
Shop (buy souvenirs)

Monday September 21, 2009
Hours DL 9-6/DCA 10-6
Breakfast at McDonalds?
Pack
Swim
Sarah to park to get any last minute souvenirs if needed
Lunch at Mimi’s
Shuttle picks up around 2pm


Too much on a certain day? Unrealistic time frame?

Thanks,
Sarah

[sahbushka]

Ok, so every disney loving trip planning parents nightmare is happening to me. My dd1 threw up for the very first time yesterday and it happened again today...though today might have been because my dh was worried about her getting dehydrated and gave her 2 bottles of juice in a row! :scared1: I am so worried about her! I told dh to call the doctor just to see if they can squeeze her in to be looked at. I am worried about her getting dehydrated and I am worried about my ds catching whatever my daughter has! We have been planning this trip since my dd was 3 weeks old and now we are 42 hours from leaving and I think I am going to cry! :sad1:

Sarah

[sahbushka]

Hi everyone! We are back from our trip and had an absolutely fantastic time. DD was healthy and all ds caught was a slight cold that manifested itself on the plane ride home so it did not affect the trip at all. I will do a full trip report with pictures this weekend!

Sarah

[QueenDoOver]

So glad to hear it went well for you! I'm waiting for all the details!!

[sahbushka]

Finally, my 2009 Family Disney Trip Report!

So on Wednesday September 16, my family and I got up VERY early in order to be ready by 5am when my mom picked us up to take us to the airport! We had ds sleep in the clothes we planned on him wearing on the plane because we can pick him up and put him in a car with out him waking up. We had no illusions about dd so we had just put her in her pjs and changed her when we woke her up. My ds woke up a little when we put him in the car, but not too much. Each kid had their blankie so we were ready to go. We checked in at the airport without much wait and then went through security with all our stuff...a couple bags, stroller, car seats, sweaters, etc. What a pain in the patooty! As we were walking out to the terminal we saw the in-laws checking in. Here is a pic of dh and kiddos waiting to board the plane.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02327.jpg

We were one of the first to board the plane because of the small children which was good as it gave us time to get settled. (As we were about to go out to the plane, an employee of the airline came by with ds's blankie! Thank goodness! We hadn't even realized he had dropped it back at security!) I sat by the window and dh was on the aisle with ds between us and dd on dh's lap. It worked out really well. DD fell asleep at take off and slept for about an hour. Ds got the joy of watching Buzz Lightyear Star Command on my dh's ipod! I love how small that thing is and how it kept ds occupied!

We arrived at LAX without incident.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02329.jpg
After heading to the baggage claim we took turns running to the bathroom. The bags came fairly quickly and we went out to catch our exclusive super shuttle. We only waited aroun 7-10 minutes for the shuttle and the guys installed all the car seats while the driver loaded our luggage and stroller. The ride to the hotel took very little time and the driver wasn't nearly as much of a maniac as I sometimes get with super shuttle! Once at the hotel we checked in only to find they weren't able to fill our requests. We had requested adjoining rooms on the sixth floor and ended up with one room on the 6th and one room on the 5th. We had also requested a good view and from our room on the 5th floor we could only see one little section of the middle part of the Matterhorn. Very bummed and not worth the extra money. We did get 1 sink inside and 1 sink outside the bathroom in our room but the inlaws said they only got one sink period. Huh:confused3 Anyway, we weren't able to actually get in our rooms at that point so we changed in the restrooms next to the arcade and stored our stuff before heading over to the main gate. After entering Disneyland we got a second stroller for ds and one for our neice and were on our way. The plan was to ride the train all the way around the park and then get off in NOS but we didn't know how to collapse the strollers and we were starving so we just walked straight over to the Hungry Bear restaurant (grabbing fastpasses for Indy on the way). I got the AP discount (did this for most of our meals!) and told dh to grab some seats near the back on the water. He says he didn't hear me and he ended up getting some seats near the front kind of near the water...not what I wanted but everyone was already seated so not much I could do about it. We enjoyed the food (ds and I split a burger and apple slices.) After we finished eating we went over to Pooh Corner where ds decided to get the M & M cup for a treat for later (it didn't look too big in the case, but that thing lasted us a couple days!) We rode the Winnie the Pooh ride as the first ride of the trip and my ds was afraid of the Heffalumps and Woozels and kept burying his head in dh's lap! I was afraid this didn't bode well for the rest of the trip! Next we went over to Indy and while dh and I watched all the young kids, dbil, dsil, dn13 and dn5 went on Indy. The little ones played in Tarzan's treehouse. I carried dneice as she was exhausted but she ways SOOOOO much more than my dd and after carrying her all over that tree house my legs just about gave out! Once the others were back from the ride, they watched the kids while dh, dn13 and I rode Indy! :thumbsup2 We rode the Jungle cruise next which everyone seemed to enjoy. Here is a pic of dbil and d neice in line.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02345.jpg

It was very warm while we were there so we got the lemonade/slushie thing and a dole whip as well as a water bottle refill over at the baby station (fabulous by the way) and went on to Buzz Lightyear.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02355-1.jpg

Ds absolutely loved this ride! It was his favorite of the entire trip! Next I watched all the kids while the rest of the group did Star Tours and then we went on Buzz again. About this time my in laws realized that my neice was not doing well. They decided to go back to the hotel and we continued on into tomorrowland. We played with the ball and then did Autopia which ds loved!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02368.jpg

We then went on to Fantasyland where we did the Teacups, Alice in Wonderland, http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02388.jpg Snow White (another of ds's faves!) and the carousel before heading to Village Haus for dinner. DD and I shared fruit. We then did Snow White again and Peter Pan before heading for the parade and Gibson Girl. DH got ice cream while kids and I watched the parade. We were right in front of the main float in the party zone! On our way out the park we saw Mickey and Minnie together and got a family picture.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02418.jpg
We then took the train around the park before heading back to the hotel and getting settled for the night.

Next installment (Day 2! DCA park)

[jenniferrose]

How did your little girl do without scheduled naps? Or did she nap in the park?

[QueenDoOver]

It is fun to see your report. I always like to note how my reality is so different from my plan. Given your detailed plan, it will be interesting to see if you stray as far as I do:)

[sahbushka]

How did your little girl do without scheduled naps? Or did she nap in the park?

I have to say she didn't sleep as much as normal but she did take naps in the stroller and we were able to get her to sleep the couple times we went back to the hotel during the day for a swim. Her attitude stayed pretty good most of the time!

Sarah

[sahbushka]

DAY 2 DCA PARK

Well, we got up ok and met the in-laws at Mimi's for Breakfast. I had been dying to try their new Pacific Croissant and my dh agreed to share it with me! It was SOOOOOO good! DS had Chocolate chip pancakes.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02425.jpg
We headed to DCA and got strollers and then went over to Soarin' which was a walk on. I was nervous...I mean if DS was scared of H & W on the WTP ride, how would he do on this? DH and I had been repeating to him the entire trip that he was safe, everything was pretend and it was just for fun. Well, it must have been sinking in because he LOVED this ride! After it was over we hot footed it over to TSMM which he also loved. While we were in the area dh rode California Screamin' while I put the kiddos on the Carousel.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02427.jpg
Dh and Ds did the sun wheel while dd and I did some shopping and by then it was already insanely hot so we went over and decided there was no time like the present to give GRR a try :scared1:. We had no idea if ds would be ok with this or not but we were all so warm it was worth the risk. Dsil stayed with the little ones while the rest of us got on the ride.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02433-1.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02435.jpg
My ds loved it! I think he was shaking the whole time from nerves, but he trusted us to know that he wouldn't get hurt and he had a great time! We went on it 2 times in a row and got drenched!

We had lunch at taste pilots grill and did soarin again before heading over to a Bugs Land and Princess Dot's puddle park! The kids loved this!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02444.jpg
We also did Tuck and Rolls drive em buggies twice, Heimlichs Chew Chew Train
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02457.jpg and Lady Bug boogie which we took dd on thinking it was tame :scared1: It wasn't! On the way out of this land we bought a fruit bar for ds which he said he wanted instead of ice cream and then went to do Turtle Talk with crush and sourcerers work shop where ds loved the magic mirror. He was Scar and Cogsworth while I was Jane. We did the Alladin voiceover with Ursula and we sang along to Heigh ho. We then went over to watch the Alladin show. The kids were SOOOOO tired! The both enjoyed the show tremendously though. We did TSMM again and on the way there we met Woody!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02466.jpg
Mr Potato Head talked to ds saying "hey, you in the striped shirt."
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02467.jpg
After this we walked through the Grand Californian on our way to Rainforest Cafe. The kids were exhausted but we had a nice meal with the in laws! I love the Rasta Pasta there! Yum!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02468.jpg
DH carried dd back to the hotel and ds rode in the stroller. They were both asleep by the time we got back to the hotel.

Next Day 3 - DS the Daredevil

[sahbushka]

Day 3 we still had some energy and we were able to make it to rope drop. We rode Snow White, Pinochio, the Carousel, Dumbo, Mr. Toad, Alice, and IASW. Then ds decided he had to meet the princesses...we had been on our way to Toon Town. So we stood in line at Princess fantasy faire while dd slept. Earlier that day ds decided that his purchase for the day would be a hat that changed from Buzz Lightyear to Emperor Zurg so he played with that while we waited in line. DD woke up right before it was our turn.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02485.jpg and then we got to see the princesses. Every single one ds had to tell them all about his hat and show them how it could change! He loved those princesses and he loved his hat!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02486.jpg
We got to see Ariel, Cinderella, and Jasmin (his favorite!). In the pictures he doesn't look too excited, but trust me, it was one of the highlights of his trip! Afterwards he asked if Jasmin could come visit us and stay the night at our house!
He was in a good mood and the in-laws were in line at the Matterhorn so we thought, might as well try it! I had dh take him and while the first time he saw the snowman he was a bit frightened, he loved the ride and we went again! I was shocked because I really didn't think he would be into the big rides. He's tall enough but didn't really care for even the kiddy coaster at the carnival. We took the train to NOS, got a fast pass for Splash and went on Pirates which everyone loved! We went to the Golden Horseshoe for lunch and a show but were too late to get a table so we watched the show and ate standing up at the back. It wasn't the best situation. After a bathroom break we decided to try ds on BTMRR! Again, he loved it! I was so proud!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02493.jpg
He went on that twice and then we took him on Splash. All the way through the line I was freaking out and looking at dh saying are we doing the right thing? DS sat in the back next to dh who held him in. DS LOVED IT!!!!! We even bought the picture because there I am screaming and ds has this huge grin on his face! It was priceless! We did Buzz again and star tours and then went back to the hotel for a swim. We would have gone back a bit earlier but were stopped by the parade. DS loved the play area at the HOJO but dd didn't want anything to do with it. She just wanted to crawl onto and off of the lounge chairs and eat her cracker!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02505.jpg
We did IHOP for dinner and then went back to the parks. We got dd's first trip button from City Hall and had Silhuettes done of the kids! That was fun but what a tiny room! The park was getting insanely crowded so we went to watch the fireworks and found a decent spot to the right of the castle near the Plaza Inn. While we waited they said the Fireworks might be cancelled due to winds! The kiddos ate popcorn while we waited and dh took ds to the baby station to use the restroom once. Thank goodness to these boards for telling me about theim!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02509.jpg
Thankfully they happened and were good but I have to say that Remember was way better. After the fireworks we high tailed it out of there! DH carried dd again while I pushed ds in the stroller!

Day 4 - The Divas!

[sahbushka]

Day 4 we did NOT make it for rope drop. We were so tired and decide that we would have a better time if the kids were in a good mood and in order for them to be in a good mood, they needed sleep! Once we were in Disneyland park we headed to the castle to have our picture taken. I must say the pictures didn't turn out all that well. Probably had something to do with the fact that the sun was in our eyes. Anyway, ds had really been wanting to do the castle walk thru so we did that and then stopped by snow whites wishing well where we took a pic and ds made a wish.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02510.jpg
We felt that it was fitting to ride the snow white ride after that which we did and then went to Pinnochio. We headed over to DCA and went on Soarin' and then tried to go on Monsters but it was closed so we headed over to TOT. On the way we met the incredibles.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02513.jpg
DH has never been on TOT and refuses to try it so he stayed with DD while ds and I went on the ride...my daredevil loved this ride too! What an amazing little guy I have! Next we went to have our free Visa picture taken. We met up with Chip and Dale.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02515.jpg
Monsters Inc was back up by then so we rode that and then watched the Drawn to the Magic show where ds was picked to go up on stage!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02520.jpg
When asked where he was from he said "I am from my house, in my room" as if that should be obvious! LOL! He knows his address but I never thought to teach him the answer to the question of where he is from! He got to keep the picture of Mickey Mouse!
We did Playhouse Disney next which he really enjoyed as did dd for the first little bit. DH took her out about half way through the show. We did Muppet Vision 3D next and then picked up our picture at which point we ran into some of the DIS Divas I would be meeting up with later. It was great to get to introduce them to my family! We then headed back over to Disneyland and dh and kids had lunch at the Stage Door cafe while I waited to go to my mini meet.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02533.jpg
It was so great to get away for a while for the mini meet! I got to meet up with some great friends and eat some fabulous food! We met at Cafe Orleans which I had never eaten at before and I ordered the Pommes Frites and the Beignets! The were both spectacular!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02539.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02538.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02541.jpg
We then rode pirates together before I met back up with my family and rode BTMRR and went to the TIKI room where I saw......MAYNARD! I was so excited when I realized who he was and he was amazing! What a great, original schpiel! DD was beyond tired so didn't sit through much of the show but that was ok with me because I had seen Maynard! After that we went back to the hotel for my ds to have a swim and my dd to take a nap before going back to Disneyland and steaking out a spot for Fantasmic. On our way to do that we met Pluto! http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02548.jpgI had brought along some glow necklaces which we all had fun with and dd loved the buzz spinny thing we had purchased! DS loved fantasmic and we stayed where we were to watch the fireworks. Both kids ended up falling asleep at this point so we.....went shopping! DH and I had a blast even though the stores were really packed! Then we went back to the hotel!

Next Day 5 - my date with ds!

[sahbushka]

Day 5 - our last day in the parks. I really wanted the kids to have a chance to do Nemo so we went over to Disneyland when I thought it was opening.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02546.jpg
Only problem was I got the hours wrong and we got there in time for Magic Morning! DH and kids had a MM on their tickets but as an AP holder I don't. We decided to try it anyway just in case they might let me in and they were so nice because they did! Talk about some magic! We rode buzz first. I know what you are thinking but I was not up to fighting with ds in Disneyland so what he said went! Then we did star tours and Nemo before having Breakfast at Tomorrowland Terrace which was quite good. Next stop was the Matterhorn then IASW and on to Toontown, finally! We did Roger Rabbit twice and then played with some of the fun things.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02558.jpg
Most everything else was closed so we headed to fantasyland to do Snow White again and then we grabbed a Churro and a Lemonaide on our way to get fastpasses for Splash. We rode WTP again as ds wanted to ride it again since he now knew things were pretend. We headed over to Pirates Lair to explore that while we waited for our turn on Splash.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02571.jpg
We also did Pirates and Jungle cruise again before heading back for Splash which ds did twice thanks to Rider swap. We grabbed a couple corn dogs and some ice cream for lunch and then headed back to the hotel for a swim and a nap. DH decided to stay back at the hotel with dd and ds and I went for a date at Disneyland. "Datenight at Disneyland, Datenights a great night at Disneyland". Ds decided to go on Buzz, Star Tours, Astro Orbitor (which I had never been on and have no desire to go on again.) And then we headed to our dinner at Carnation Cafe (I had made the reservations on our way out of the park after lunch.) I ordered the baked potato soup and ds ordered the artists pb palatte.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02603.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e6/sahbushka/DSC02605.jpg
After dinner we did autopia, Matterhorn, Alice, Monorail, and the train around the park during the fireworks (It was really loud in Toontown!) DS decided he wanted to do WTP next (we were in tomorrowland at the time) so we started walking over there...he was in the stroller and was asleep by the time we got to mainstreet so I went and bought him the cookie I had promised him and a brownie for dh and went back to the hotel.

Day 6 dd and I do dca and home we go!

[sahbushka]

On Monday morning we were lazy. We got up at our leisure with no alarm clocks and packed our bags. DH took ds for one last swim and since I have an ap and dd is too young to need a ticket I took her to dca for rope drop. There was some shopping I still wanted to do. We had our picture taken by Grizzly peak and then went to do TSMM. We did some shopping for little items for christmas stockings and then headed back to the hotel. It was time for check out so we took care of that and the kids played some arcade games before we headed to Mimis for lunch. I had the Turkey Club which was delish and the couple bites I had of ds's grilled cheese were good. We went back to the hotel and caught our shuttle to the airport. The kids fell asleep almost instantly! The plane ride back we had bulk head which meant no storage in front of us and we had forgotten to buy some milk for dd so it was a hard flight home but we made it. My mom met us at the airport to pick us up with the news that we had no power and she had an electrician friend of her on his way out to look at the situation. By the time we got home he had fixed the issue and all was as it should be. We put the kids to bed and started unpacking and then we went to bed...I had to be up the next morning to go to work!

It was a truely magical trip! I am so proud of ds for being such a daredevil and my dh really didn't do any complaining even though it was really quite hot which he hates. The in-laws seemed to have fun though we didn't spend all that much time with them, so overall a great success! We can't wait to go back and have decided that for the couple days we will be there next november we will stay at the Grand!

Thanks for reading!
Sarah

[QueenDoOver]

Great Job Sarah! Isn't it awesome when those little ones become ride commandos?? Love it. Your kiddos are just precious and look so good natured. I never can understand why those flight attendants don't give those crying babies milk and whatnot.

[BillyFan]

Great trippie, Sarah!!!!! I really enjoyed reading it, and it sound like you had a fantastic trip!

[mommaU4]

Hey Sarah!
Great job on your TR. I loved reading it. It sounds like you did indeed have a great time. So glad you got to meet up with some of the Divas too. And your kids are just adorable! :goodvibes

[wendylady36]

I loved your report Sarah! You can tell that everyone is genuinely happy to be there and not just posing for pictures. Sounds like you all had a great time. That pink shirt you're wearing on GRR is really cute. :goodvibes