All I Want for Christmas is...A WDW Vacation!! UPDATE pg 35 - Leaving today!!

[DWGal210]

Hi again everyone! :flower3:

I wrote a pre-trip for our last vacation (June 08) but didn't get it finished nor did I go a final trip report....:rolleyes1 So here I am, going to be a good DISer this time and tell you about our upcoming trip! :cool1:

The Disney-saavy travelers are:

Me - 27 years old and LOVE my Disney vacations! This trip will be my 7th to the World. I've not been at Christmas since 2002 so I'm looking forward to seeing the decorations and everything! :santa:

DSis - 18 years old. She is graduating from HS in May and is my Disney trip buddy.

DFamily - Aunt, Uncle and 4 cousins (who at time of travel will be 16, 14, 9 and 3)

If any of your read my last TR, you'll recall that in June 08, my sister, brother and sister-in-law and I went to WDW for 4 days and then did a 3-day cruise on the Wonder. It was a FABULOUS trip and we had a great time. :wizard: We would have liked going with them again this year, but at Christmas 08, my brother informed us that they were having a baby in July...and we recently found out that baby is a girl! princess: So naturally, taking a trip in June, while 8 months along, was not such a great idea for DBro and SIL.
(I will get some pics, I promise :) I thought I had things loaded on photobucket but alas, I was wrong. I will get to it this week!)

My sister and I then thought we would go during her Christmas break from school (and escape the frigid tundra that is the midwest in Winter!) We hadn't booked anything quite yet, and as luck would have it, DFamily said they were going in December and would love for us gals to tag along - sweet! :yay: So now, we had a trip planned and in the works.

The details are:

Leave December 26, 2009
Come home January 2, 2010
Staying at DVC in Animal Kingdom (but may switch to Saratoga if that becomes available)
And no idea for ADRs or park days yet :upsidedow

Exciting, right? :rotfl: I promise, more details to come as we iron them out. I am also going to copy my buddy CharlestonPrincess and pass the time from now to December with a different "theme" for each month. Now I just have to come up with that theme! Oh, details! ;)

I will post more later this weekend. Have a great day, everyone! :cheer2:

[DWGal210]

OK, so I lied, I do have time for another post this weekend. :laughing:

As I mentioned, we're booked now at AK Lodge in the DVC area. You might have noticed that I included we would try and book Saratoga if possible. Now, staying at AKL would be AWESOME; we ate at Boma in June and thought the whole place was so neat and it looks like the rooms are to die for. Saratoga is still calling our name, however, since that is DFamily's home resort and to be honest, we're pretty attached. :wizard: The layout is nice, it's calm and peaceful, and we have runners in our family and in the morning, they like going on the trails that run though Saratoga for a morning jog. We don't think that AK has anything similar (as far as the trails go!) but if anyone can prove me wrong, please let me know! :goodvibes

For each trip, I do a bit of crafting. It usually involves me and the Hobby Lobby...and hopefully a week where the scrapbook stickers are 50% off. :woohoo: I like making a "travel journal" - kinda like my very very basic version of a Passporter. I have just about the most common first and last name in the US, and so I take all my travel info with me more out of necessity (but who am I kidding, I like having an excuse to break out the crafting!!). It's more than a strong possibility that someone else with my name or very similar will be flying down to Orlando the same time I am. And furthermore, I don't want to lose those ADRs - those suckers are more precious than gold! :laughing: Below is a pic of the journal I made for our June trip (note that it's pre-confirmation number notations ;) ) Cross your fingers for me, sometimes I am not so quick on the picture uploading and I do it wrong the first few times. :3dglasses
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0773.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0774.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0777.jpg

If these don't turn out or they are HUGE, I am sorry. :scared: I will get better, I promise!

TTFN! (Ta-ta for now!)

[Charleston Princess]

I am here! I am so excited that you are going to be at WDW over New Year's! So fun! :banana:

[annnewjerz]

I'm in! We will be in The World December 12-18 this year, it'll be our first time seeing everything all decked out for Christmas.

LOVE the little planning journal you made. I have tried something similar and just find that I get frustrated---I change my plans so much that it ends up looking like one big old mess.

Can't wait to hear more!

[DWGal210]

I am here! I am so excited that you are going to be at WDW over New Year's! So fun! :banana:

Thank you, I am too! :cool1: I was there a few years ago during this time and it was gorgeous. Yes, there are bigger crowds, but what can you do?

I'm heading over to read your report from this weekend. :)

[DWGal210]

I'm in! We will be in The World December 12-18 this year, it'll be our first time seeing everything all decked out for Christmas.

LOVE the little planning journal you made. I have tried something similar and just find that I get frustrated---I change my plans so much that it ends up looking like one big old mess.

Can't wait to hear more!

Hi there!! Thanks for reading!

Yes, that is my journal pre-notes :rotfl: I should post a pic of the one AFTER this trip in December.

Where are you guys staying? Do you have any special things you are doing this trip?

I'll post more tonight. Have a good day! :wizard:

[DWGal210]

Oh duh, Annnewjerz...you have a PTR I see - I completely missed that before I responded - another blonde moment! :lmao: I will go and read yours today!

[DWGal210]

Hello again readers! (Both of you! :lmao:)

So below is a picture of my sister and I...this is a few years ago at our Spring Break 07 trip:
http://<a href="http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/?action=view&current=IMG_0043.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0043.jpg" border="0" alt="Alice &amp;amp; Katie March 2007"></a>

She looks older and I have gained a few pounds that I hope to take off before we go again :rotfl: but other than that, now you have a visual.

I saw the Kidani Village pictures this week and it looks SO COOL over there! :yay: And their pool looks incredible - I know where we're going to be spending our nights after long days in the park! :banana:

So as to more plans: as I mentioned, my aunt and I have yet to confer on what ADRs we want, a schedule for the days, etc, but here's a short list of the places where we might eat:

O'Hana
Boma
A character breakfast, either at Grand Floridian or Contemporary (just drew a blank on the names of the restaurants!!)
And assorted counter service restaurants, including stuffing ourselves with ice cream and funnel cake. :cheer2:

I'll be back later this week to post more - I need to think of something interesting to keep this puppy going for 8 months! :woohoo:

Have a good night, everyone!

[Charleston Princess]

I have just been absolutely salivating everytime I look at the photos of Kidani -- it is soooo neat looking! What a great place to stay!

[DWGal210]

Happy Monday everyone!

Sorry I have been MIA from the trip report - I was in Chicago this weekend seeing my brother and SIL and so didn't have time to post. We had a GREAT time at the Brookfield Zoo and I'll be posting some pictures this week. If you haven't been and are in the Chicago area, it's a great zoo and a wonderful time, I highly recommend it! :wizard:

Now on to Disney matters....:rotfl:

I am going to get with my aunt this week and decide on a schedule for our trip so I can book the Keys to the Kingdom tour for my sister and I. I've always wanted to do one of the tours and since I love the "behind the scenes" stuff, I think it will be really neat. :wizard: I was thinking that we should do it at the beginning of our week as a good kick-off to a week of Christmas and New Years fun. :yay:

To add more interest (and hopefully more readers!) to this little TR, I decided that each day, I would post a Disney quote, either from Walt or a movie, tv show, etc. So if you have any suggestions, feel free to PM me! :surfweb:

Today's quote is:
"Settle down? Are you kidding? I'm at the top of my game! I'm right up there with the big dogs. Girls, come on! Leaving the saving of the world to the men? I don't think so!"
- Mrs. Incredible, AKA Elastigirl

Coming tomorrow: more pictures and more quotes! Stay tuned!

[DWGal210]

I am with CharlestonPrincess - I am just salivating at those pictures of Kidani Village!! :cheer2: If you haven't seen them, there's a link at the top of the Disboards info section where you can take a look!!

[DWGal210]

So here is that pic of my sister and I...it didn't post last time so here we go again...
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0043.jpg

[ladybugmom]

Hi Katie!! Found your PTR--thanks for the PM!! Yay!! Now I can put a name with a face!! princess:

[DWGal210]

Hi Katie!! Found your PTR--thanks for the PM!! Yay!! Now I can put a name with a face!! princess:

Hi Becky - welcome and thanks for coming on over! :cutie:

[Charleston Princess]

I have heard nothing but good things about the Keys to the Kingdom tour! That would be so fun to do!

Love the quote idea -- I just adore The Incredibles! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

Here is the quote for today from the head cheese himself:

"It's no secret that we were sticking just about every nickel we had on the chance that people would really be interested in something totally new and unique in the field of entertainment." - Walt Disney

Well, I am getting my crafting on in a big way. :cool1: I decided to start this trip's journal (you can see pics in a previous post). Now the hard thing to decide is the theme - Do I want Princess? Mickey and Minnie? A classic movie theme? In my trek to my Nirvana yesterday (also called Hobby Lobby), they have LOTS more character stickers and embellishments. For example, it was the first time I had seen Peter Pan and Lilo and Stitch scrapbook stickers outside the world. So I got my cart and loaded up. :banana: :banana:

I promise I will load some zoo pictures and more Disney pics this week. My internet has been on the fritz and for some reason is giving me issues with pictures...grr....:surfweb: In the meantime, here is a pic of my puppy Riley that I have on Photobucket already; it was from Halloween 2007 when he was Jack Sparrow. :lovestruc
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0753.jpg

[ladybugmom]

Oh my word!! Your puppy is adorable!!

[DWGal210]

Oh my word!! Your puppy is adorable!!

Thank you, I think so :love: He's my little buddy!

[DWGal210]

Today's quote comes from The Lion King!

"What do you want me to do? Dress in drag and do the hula?" - Timon :simba:

Well, an update in computer/camera land - my pictures DID load to my computer last night so hopefully I can post some more in the next few days.

In the meantime, a question to my readers (both of you :goodvibes ): If you only have 1 day and just a few hours at WDW, where would you go and what would you do? My day's picks coming up. :surfweb:

[Charleston Princess]

Today's quote comes from The Lion King!

"What do you want me to do? Dress in drag and do the hula?" - Timon :simba:

My all-time favorite quote from The Lion King!!! I love Nathan Lane as Timon! :lmao:

[DWGal210]

Hello readers! :yay:

Here is the quote for today:
"Why would Andy want you? Look at you! You're a Buzz Lightyear! Any other toy would give his moving parts just to be you! You are a cool toy." Woody to Buzz, Toy Story

I love Toy Story...what a classic piece of cinema. :wizard:

Now on to planning news...

AirTran now has plane tickets on sale through the 16th so we're getting closer and closer each day to stalking the plane tickets for the best price!! :rotfl: I just hope they aren't in the $400-500 range, but I'm not keeping my hopes up since it is Christmas/New Years time.

I PROMISE that this weekend I am going to load some more pictures and make this more interesting. :surfweb: Thanks to CharlestonPrincess and LadyBugMom for reading - have a nice weekend, everyone!!

[ladybugmom]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the goodies you sent my girls!! I just posted pics on my PTR!!! :thanks:

[Charleston Princess]

Fingers crossed that you are able to find some great deals on plane tickets!!!

[DWGal210]

Hi again everyone!

Thanks for the good word on tickets :goodvibes My aunt and I have been checking a daily to see if they are out yet, but no dice. Here's hoping I pay less than $400 for a ticket over Christmas/New Year!! :woohoo:

OK, as promised, here are pictures. This is of our group last year when we went to WDW for 4 days and then the 3 day cruise.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_2692.jpg My sister in law and I on the teacups.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_2724.jpg The 4 of us getting ready to go on the Safari at Animal Kingdom!

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_2766.jpg Ahhh...the Wonder docked at Castaway Cay on our last day.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_2799.jpg A dinner pictures with our servers, Nyoman and Oliver. They were so great!

More to come later....

[Charleston Princess]

Great pictures!!! You all look like you had so much fun!!! Seeing that cruise picture makes me want to take a cruise! One day!

[DWGal210]

Here is the quote for today:

"Kronk, pull the lever!" Yzma, Emperor's New Groove That has to be one of my favorite Disney movies - maybe it wasn't a blockbuster, but I watched it on TV a few weeks ago and laughed out loud more than once!! :rotfl:

This week is pretty busy for my family; on Saturday, we have both my sister's graduation from high school AND my sister-in-laws baby shower. Since they live about 5 hours away, and this is her last 2 months of pregnancy, we didn't want to plan another weekend for the shower and have them drive back here again so we're doing 2 big events in one day. :scared1: I am taking Friday off work to help my mom and do some shower shopping with my cousin's wife (who is hosting the shower with me).

I found the CUTEST baby outfits at Wal-Mart of all places; they were Disney too which is so much better :) I didn't take any pics yet but I will and post those. So far, I have 3 outfits, bows from ladybugmom, and a book but I know as the aunt my job is to spoil so I'm sure there are more gifts to come. princess:

[jewels1916]

Hey! Just started reading your PTR! I am going in December too, first time ever, and am way excited! I am going in the beginning of December :) It looks like you and your family are going to have a lot of fun! :)

Have you tried using farecast.com to find your flights? You just put in your departure and arrival city, and the dates that you are flying, and it will keep you updated via email of the prices, and when they go up or down. That's how we found our December Disney flights! It's a really great website, because they give you the price for lots of different airlines. When it gets closer to the time of your trip, it will predict how prices are going to change, whether the price it is at currently is the best it is probably going to be, or if it will still drop some.

Good luck with finding your flights. Oh, and I am subbing! :cutie:

[DWGal210]

Hi Jewels thanks for reading!! :yay: I will definately have to try that site, I've not heard of it - thanks for the great tip!! I'll head over there tonight and put in my info.

I think you'll LOVE Disney at Christmas. It's a magical time of year anyway, and with that Disney love thrown in, it's simply perfect! pixiedust:

Thanks again!!

[DWGal210]

Hi everyone! :goodvibes

Here is the quote for today:

"She believed in dreams, all right, but she also believed in doing something about them. When Prince Charming didn't come along, she went over to the palace and got him." - Walt Disney, speaking of Cinderella in 1949.

Isn't that a cool quote?! I saw that online and thought it was great. That Walt was one smart cookie. Sometimes I wonder if he's in Heaven just marveling at the scope of his company - what was once a simply animation studio is now a multi-billion dollar entertainment empire. I read a great book on Walt; Walt Disney - An American Original by Bob Thomas. I highly recommend it if you haven't read it. Anyway, in there is a great story about a few men who were affiliated with the animation studio in the early early days. It was Walt, his brother, and I think 2 other guys. Anyway, one of the men was lured away by a rival animation studio and when he left Disney, he agreed sell his 1/4 share in the company. He eventually came back, but it was too late for those shares. I foget the exact figure, but if he hadn't done that, and kept that share in the company, it would be worth BILLIONS of dollars in today's money. :eek: Hindsight is 20/20, but I bet he was kicking himself later!!!! :upsidedow

Anyhoo, I digress...

The rest of this week is going to be busy and I might not get time to post. I have a test next week for my job and my sister's graduation open house and sister in law's baby shower are both this Saturday so I am getting quite busy but I promise I will be back and posting some pics of the festivities this weekend. :cheer2:

Have a great day, everyone!!

[DWGal210]

Today's quote comes from the movie Aristocats:

"Now Georges, do be serious. I've asked you to come here on a very important legal matter."
"Oh, splendid, splendid! Who do you want me to sue?"
Madame and Georges

So as I mentioned in the last post, this weekend I have a graduation open house and a baby shower. I'm taking tomorrow off work to prepare and get some loose ends tied up. So far on my list of things To-Do (I do love a list!):

- Laundry tonight so I don't have to do it on Sunday night :laundy:
- Wake up tomorrow and go on an early morning walk to get myself ready for a long day of party preparations! :yay:
- Pick up gift card for sister at favorite hair salon
- Grocery shopping for shower food
- Pick up cupcakes for shower
- Go to the post office and mail bills

That's it so far...I know I will think of something later that I forgot, but I hope that's before I go to bed tomorrow. :laughing:

I will take shower and open house pictures and post those next week. In the meantime, everyone have a great weekend!!

[Charleston Princess]

I wouldn't know what to do without all my lists!

Looks like you are going to have a very fun weekend!!!

[jewels1916]

Wow, girl, you are busy! I am hosting (helping to host, thankfully not at my house) a bridal shower this weekend, so I am right there with ya on being crazy busy. Hope everything is going well for ya! :banana:

[DWGal210]

Hi everyone!

I am going to post tonight but wanted to let you know that both parties went off without a hitch. :banana: Luckily I got to rest yesterday and took a nap. But tonight I will post about the parties and some more pictures.

In the meantime, have a good one!

[DWGal210]

I should stop tempting myself :goodvibes

So even though I still have 6 months plus until I go on this upcoming trip, of course my mind has been running to 2010 and what I'll do then. :rotfl: I know, I have a planning sickness and it's taken over my mind!! :rolleyes1

Anyhoo, we are planning on a large family vacation next summer. My brother and I were thinking the Orlando area just so that people could do Disney, Universal, Sea World, the new Harry Potter park (if it's open), etc. But now I am thinking about Christmas time 2010 and like an idiot, I checked the prices for the Podcast cruise. My original thought had been to do a road trip with my sister but this cruise might be too good to pass up. :flower3:

The prices are good! :teacher: Since last time we stayed in an inside room, I was thinking this time that I would like a balcony. Now the only wrench is that I need someone to go with me, since I don't think my sister will be done with classes until that next week in December. Hmmm.....why do I do this to myself??!! :headache: I should just stop looking at other things and stick to the plan!!

:)

[MeMom]

If you're interested, some of us are going to be on the Poly beach watching NYE fireworks. We'd love to get to know you through our trip reports and yours until then and then meet on the beach on 12-31. Brookelizabeth and her family will be there, too, and possibly two other families.

[DWGal210]

If you're interested, some of us are going to be on the Poly beach watching NYE fireworks. We'd love to get to know you through our trip reports and yours until then and then meet on the beach on 12-31. Brookelizabeth and her family will be there, too, and possibly two other families.

Awesome, thanks for the invite! That would be so fun!! I'll have to read both of your trip reports and catch up so I can "meet" you. :goodvibes

Take care and have a great day!

[jewels1916]

Ha ha! I know how you feel, though! I am already trying to decide when I can plan my next trip, the one after this upcoming December trip. And the December trip is still more than 6 months away! :lmao:

[DWGal210]

So about those pictures....My internet is going on and off, on and off, so I am having issues posting those pictures but I'll give you an account of our day and then pictures another time. :cool1:

My weekend started on Friday; I took the day off to help my mom with the graduation open house and my cousin's wife with getting her house ready. My day worked out kinda like this:

6 AM - Got up and took a 1/2 hour walk to get the juices flowing for the weekend. :banana:
7 AM - Shower and get dressed.
8AM - Go to Mom's house and study for licensing exam for 2 hours (I am taking a licensing test for work this Thursday the 21st; wish me luck!) I studied at her house since the computer was on the fritz at my house.
10:30 AM - Ran to bank, post office and downtown hair salon to get a gift card for my sister.
11 AM - Got to cousin's house, went to the grocery store; got all the food for the shower. We bought a few things already prepared, like the cucumber sandwiches and the relish tray, but we made the tortilla roll-ups and the fruit kabobs that day so as to have less work on Saturday. :cutie:
2 PM - Leave cousin's house; run downtown again to pick up Pandora bracelet that I had made for my sister. Also stopped at my house and picked up my dog to go with me since he had been home alone all day at that point. :dogdance:
4 PM - Go back to Mom and Dad's house. Help sister with her graduation slide show and finsih assembling the loads of food for the open house. Brother, sister-in-law and her parents arrive for the weekend.
9:30 PM - Go home, go to bed and get ready for Saturday!

WHEW - that made me tired again just typing it! :rotfl: I'll spare you the blow-by-blow details on Saturday but sufice it to say that it was much like Friday.

The open house and showers both went really well; we had great turnouts at both events and hopfully Photobucket will cooperate tonight so I can post pictures. :yay:

In the meantime, here is the quote for today:
"Some things start out big, and some things start out small. Very small. But sometimes, the smallest things can make the biggest changes of all." Narrator, Dinosaur, released May 19, 2000

[DWGal210]

Hi all again -

Sorry I have been MIA from my trip report the last few days. Unforunately I've had a rough couple of days and so I was away for a bit. :guilty: But now here I am again, ready to go! :yay:

This weekend luckily is pretty low-key. My youngest brother and I are going to see "Night at the Museum II" tonight and then I have a birthday party Saturday afternoon but luckily all I have to do there is show up! :) Woo Hoo!

Now on to the craziness of how my twisted Disney mind works - I have been contemplating a solo trip over a long weekend in June. I did some checking on plane tickets and hotel rates and I think I can swing it. I just really need to clear my head and get out of town for a few days so I'm considering it. There is a $350 room rate total for 3 nights at POP in mid-June and I'm mulling it over very strongly today. I would leave on a Saturday and come back Tuesday so I would only have to take 2 days off work. I think I need to recharge my batteries and so cross your fingers that I can make this work! :cheer2:

In the meantime, here is your quote for today:
"I am a damsel,I am in distress. I can handle this! Have a nice day!" - Megara to Hercules

[jewels1916]

*sigh* I wish I could sneak away for a quick trip just get my Disney fix. The only way I manage it is by reading TRs and PTRs.

[DWGal210]

*sigh* I wish I could sneak away for a quick trip just get my Disney fix. The only way I manage it is by reading TRs and PTRs.

I have been reading a lot of those too, maybe that's why I am considering such a crazy plan!!! The more I think about it today, the more I think I should just go to Minneapolis for a long weekend or something, which is only about 3 hours from where I am and I could drive.

I just feel a little stir crazy and need to get out of town! :banana:

[DWGal210]

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!

So FINALLY Photobucket cooperated and let me load some more pictures!! :cool1: So I'll do 2 separate posts; the first is some misc. pictures, including a few from the graduation party, and the 2nd post will be pictures of the baby shower. Ready? Let's go! :yay:

This is my sister and my sister in law's mother; her parents came to the open house too, which was so nice of them! :hug:
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0145.jpg

We had lots of help getting ready for the day; that's my mom on the left, and our friend Kris on the right.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0144.jpg

So since I was a slacker on the last trip report :laughing:, here are a few pictures from the June 08 trip. The first is my sister, brother and sister in law at Epcot; the next is the 3 of them in our stateroom before dinner one night on the Wonder. I just think it's the cutest picture!!!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_1034.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_1056.jpg

OK, now on to post #2! See ya real soon! popcorn::

[DWGal210]

As promised, here are some pictures of the baby shower. I was so busy getting ready, doing the games, etc that I noticed once I got home there were no pictures of anyone's faces, just the food and the gifts. :confused3 If my head were not attached, I fear what would happen!

Anyhoo, here are some pictures from that day. If anyone can shed light on how I can make them a tad smaller, that would be swell, I seem to not be able to do that. :goodvibes Here they go! After this post, we'll be on to our regularly scheduled report :surfweb:
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0148.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0154.jpg

These are the gifts I got for her for her 2 showers; I gave her the 2 outfits hanging up for her shower last weekend, and next weekend we go to Chicago for another shower princess:, so I'm giving her the pink outfit with the bows from Ladybugmom. Thank you again Becky, they are so cute!!!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0137.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0134.jpg

This afternoon, my sister graduates from high school so I have that ceremony this afternoon. For my day off, my big plan is to clean out my garage and do some Goodwill-giving - fun times, I know! If anyone's just dying to do some work on their day off, let me know, I would love the help! :rotfl:

Have a great day, everyone!

[DWGal210]

Just in case anyone else is interested in these tours...

My sister and I are doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour in December. This morning I called Disney reservations and they told me it was at 90 days that you could do that :scared1: I admit, it has be a bit nervous since we are going over Christmas, BUT I will just make a reminder on my phone to send me a note on September 27th so I can make that reservation!!

On the plus side, now I know the exact date we can make ADRs. :wizard: I'm guilty in my trips of eating at the same places, so this time, I have a few places that I would like to go: experiences with these, anyone?

California Grill: I think it would be so neat to have a late dinner there and watch the fireworks. With a 3 year old in tow, I don't know how well that will work, but we can try, right? :lovestruc

Le Cellier: I've seen this place mentioned a lot in other TRs, and have also heard rumors of some pretty fantastic cheddar cheese soup - yummo!!

Cinderella's Royal Table: I think this would be fun for my aunt, cousin and sister and I to do. The girls could go and have a fantastic breakfast with our "girls", as we call the Princesses. princess: My girl is Sleeping Beauty, my aunt likes Snow White, and cousin age 9 likes Beauty and the Beast. I'll have to ask my sister her favorite - her name is Alice, so I wonder if Alice in Wonderland would be there too? We saw Alice on our last trip, and the WDW Alice had lots of fun talking to my sister about their shared name. :)

Kona Cafe: I know this is sacrelige on these boards, but I have never had the Tonga Toast at Kona :sad2: I know, no excuse, right?! I think that would be a fun place to have a nice breakfast before hitting the parks.

Any other suggestions, places that I JUST ABSOLUTELY MUST eat at? :wizard: Here is what I've eaten already:

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Boma
Bongos Cuban Cafe
Chef Mickey's
The Crystal Palace
50s Prime Time Cafe
Fulton's Crab House
O'hana (A family favorite and FOR SURE we'll be there!)
Planet Hollywood
Raglan Road
Rainforest Cafe
Rose & Crown

Well, have at it! Please let me know the places where we MUST go. :yay:

See ya again, I might be back later today :)

[DWGal210]

I hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day Weekend! Our weather was very nice up until this evening - I went to a baseball game where it was misting rain and about 60 degrees. Lovely! :scared: What happened to the lovely sunny 80 degrees from earlier this weekend??!! :confused3 Oh well!

So now that I've had the joy sucked out of me by stupidly watching the season premiere of "Jon and Kate Plus 8" (don't even get me started on that train wreck), I needed to get back on my TR and do something happy. :banana: I thought that since I have about 7 months until my trip (about 28 weeks roughly), it would be fun to pick a Disney movie each week and discuss - who's in? popcorn:: I am also very open to other people picking the Movie of the Week.

Tune in tomorrow, but I'm thinking I will start with a movie I just saw this weekend - the newly released "Tinker Bell" movie. :tinker: I'll be back tomorrow with some thoughts on it! In the meantime, have a nice night! :wizard:

[DWGal210]

So no readers this weekend :upsidedow but that's OK, it was a holiday weekend after all!

Hope everyone had a nice time! Mine was pretty quiet; my sister's cermony was Sunday afternoon and it was very nice. I admit I got a little misty there when they called her name and she came across the stage :guilty: but they were tears of happiness. She is going to nursing school in the fall and I know she'll be a great nurse!

In planning news....still no plane tickets!!! I mean, what the heck??!! We like to fly Airtran so I'm waiting for them to release their ticket prices. What gives? :confused3

So I am going to do my planning journal this week - I went to the craft store and raided their selection of stickers and such :banana: so I'm all ready to go! I was thinking I would make one small one to house all my travel info like ADRs, plane confirmation #, etc and then another larger one to act as my scrapbook. And hopefully, I'll be able to bring a laptop down there so I can do a "Live from WDW" trip report!

Have a great day, everyone! :dance3:

[jewels1916]

Cute pics from the shower!
Jon and Kate made me sad too! Stupid media making their lives crazy. So, did you watch Tinkerbell? How was it? I haven't seen it yet, so I am anxious to hear what you think!

[DWGal210]

Cute pics from the shower!
Jon and Kate made me sad too! Stupid media making their lives crazy. So, did you watch Tinkerbell? How was it? I haven't seen it yet, so I am anxious to hear what you think!

Hello dear!

Yes, I am just sick about J&K; there was a marathon on this weekend before their premiere and I turned it off when they had the vow renewal episode. I just couldn't watch it, seemed like a farce to me. But I digress. :surfweb:

Well, you know, Tinkerbell was OK but I wasn't blown away by it. It kind of had that "straight to DVD" feeling to it - you know how those straight to video movies sometimes don't seem as well done? That's how I felt about it.

The story line was cute, though; you learn how a fairy is "born", and then the fairies have a special talent; this talent is revealed in a little ceremony that honestly reminded me of Harry Potter, how the hat picked who went in what house. :laughing: Anyway, some take care of flowers and plants, some watch over the animals, some take care of the sky, etc. Tinkerbell is chosen to be a tinker fairy, which means she's a fairy that makes things that all the others need - they literally tinker and make things like teapots, clothes, etc. So of course, as you can see coming, Tinkerbell is unsatisfied with her lot and decides to try her hand at the talents of the other fairies and of course, hilarity ensues. popcorn:: I won't ruin the ending for you, but they did tie it up nicely with Peter Pan and how she was connected to them; I wondered in the middle how they were going to do that. So I would say..... Two stars. Don't rush out and buy or rent the DVD, but if it's on Disney Channel in a few weeks (that's where I saw it), you might want to catch it there.

OK, now on to trip plans. :yay: Tonight I am perusing the DVC boards for more info on the Kidani rooms. We're already booked for the full stay at Kidani, but are considering doing a split stay, and going to Kidani first for about 3 nights and then to Saratoga for the remaining 4 nights. My aunt and I have been on and off the phone, sharing info and finding out cool things. :thumbsup2 So if anyone has any good info on Kidani, send it my way! :flower3:

Have a great night, everyone!!

[DWGal210]

So I totally forgot to pick another movie... :headache: let's see...which one...

How about "The Emperor's New Groove." This has to be one of my favorite Disney-just-before-they-went-to-Pixar-movies. I watched it again a few weeks ago and you forget the funny and sarcastic things they throw in there to keep the adults paying attention. :rotfl2: The dynamic between Kronk and Yzma is personally what I think makes the film. I love that link, "Kronk! Pull the lever! (wait for it, wait for it) Not that lever!" :rotfl:

What do you folks like about this particular movie? Again, please feel free to submit your own movie for consideration. I do have 212 days until we leave, not that I'm counting or anything.....:laughing:

[jewels1916]

I'll see if I can catch it on Disney Channel. Have you checked out the Resorts thread for info on Kidani? I live on that thread looking at new photos and FAQs and whatnot.

The Emporer's New Groove - I like this movie, although it probably isn't in my top ten favorite Disney movies. "Llama Face!"

How about The Rescuers? Or The Rescuers Down Under? I found those two at Wal-Mart recently and had to pick them up. I loved them when I was a little kid, like, 5 years old. Bernard and Miss Bianca! I had a stuffed Miss Bianca a long time ago, with her little purple hat and scarf. Her hands, feet and face were plastic, but her body was soft like a beanbag. And now, I can't find it anywhere. Ha ha, anyway, that's my movie suggestion!

[DWGal210]

I'll see if I can catch it on Disney Channel. Have you checked out the Resorts thread for info on Kidani? I live on that thread looking at new photos and FAQs and whatnot.

The Emporer's New Groove - I like this movie, although it probably isn't in my top ten favorite Disney movies. "Llama Face!"

How about The Rescuers? Or The Rescuers Down Under? I found those two at Wal-Mart recently and had to pick them up. I loved them when I was a little kid, like, 5 years old. Bernard and Miss Bianca! I had a stuffed Miss Bianca a long time ago, with her little purple hat and scarf. Her hands, feet and face were plastic, but her body was soft like a beanbag. And now, I can't find it anywhere. Ha ha, anyway, that's my movie suggestion!

You know, I just found that thread last night - how funny, we're on the same wavelength. :goodvibes This is obviously a place we've never stayed so we have burning and important questions like "How far to the bus" and "Where can I fill up my refillable mug?" :rotfl:

I LOVE the Rescuers!! They are just the cutest - that is a wonderful suggestion, thank you! And a Bianca toy - lucky duck!! I think I will bring that with me this weekend to watch in the car; we've driving to Chicago tomorrow to go to another baby shower on Saturday and I need some movies to pass the time, and I'm not driving :thumbsup2

Have a good one!!

[DWGal210]

So first off, a very technical question: How do I update the title of the thread? :confused: I know some of you are smarter than I and update your title to show the date of your last post, but I for some reason am blanking on how to do that. Tips and pointers are appreciated. :lmao:

So more news!! :banana: My aunt and I conferenced last night since Tuesday was the day she could call DVC reservations and see if we could do a split stay at Saratoga. Well, of course after looking at points, what could transfer, what days we would want where, how do we move bags from place to place, etc......she called today and no availability for the days we want at Saratoga. However, we are still booked for 7 nights at AKV (Savannah View - SWEET!) and we talked tonight about how we are both more than cool with that and not doing a split stay this time. :woohoo: The only thing we might add - it appears from an initial airline search for other companies that fly near us is that flying home on Sunday is about $100 cheaper per ticket than flying home Saturday. So if that's the case with the Airtran tickets as well, we may very well be staying an extra day. I know, just sad isn't it? :lmao:

Now the next step is ADRs!!! Even though we can't make those until I think the last week of September, we are each thinking of and coming up with ideas for what we want to do and our tentative touring plan so that come that day in September, we will be armed and ready with the phone to try and get what we want! :cheer2: Tonight as I am packing to go out of town for the weekend, I am going to brainstorm the ideal plan in my mind...scary huh? :)

As always, I am up for suggestions...if there is somewhere we definately should each or our WDW vacation will be a total waste, please let me know!

(And next week I'll get back to regularly scheduled programming of quotes and movies! I promise!)

See ya everyone!!!

[Charleston Princess]

Whew! I think I am all caught up again, Katie! The shower looks like it was a great success!

As far as updating the title of your thread -- click the edit button on your first post, then click "go advanced" and then you will be able to alter your title. :goodvibes

[DWGal210]

Whew! I think I am all caught up again, Katie! The shower looks like it was a great success!

As far as updating the title of your thread -- click the edit button on your first post, then click "go advanced" and then you will be able to alter your title. :goodvibes

Hi Ms Jackie! Thanks for the tutorial on changing the thread title :thumbsup2 When I do another update, I will use this as a reference!

Have a great weekend!!

[DWGal210]

Happy Friday morning, everyone!

I thought before I went to work today, I would do a quick post. I'm going in earlier since I'm leaving early today and amazingly enough, I am ready to go with more than 1/2 hour to spare - score! :cool1:

So on my list for this weekend, during down times and driving times, are to do 2 things:
1) Call Disney tickets and see exactly how many Water Park and More days I have left on past tickets, and
2) Compile a short list of ADRs so my aunt and I can confer next week and start to make our plan! :banana:

Up until a few weeks ago, I did not realize that since I purchased Water Park and More on past tickets (and have never used them - it really was a waste to buy those at the time), if the tickets were non-expiring, I would still have those days on there, even though there were no more park days - awesome! :woohoo: You learn things everyday! A gal on the Theme Park board was kind enough to give me the phone number, so that's getting done this weekend for sure. I could wait until I get down there and have them check it, but what's the fun in that? :laughing: Plan, plan, plan!

A wanted to post a picture of the other gift I got for my sister in law - my soon-to-be-niece's first Mickey and Minnie stuffed animals!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0139.jpg

I mean, I had to start her out right! I'm determined that my sister and I will be the aunts that turn her on to a lifetime of love for Disney! princess:

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!! :cheer2:

[Charleston Princess]

Happy Friday, Katie!!! Having Disney planning goals for the weekend is always a good thing! Love the Mickey and Minnie -- it's never too early to start a child's love of all things Disney! :goodvibes

[jewels1916]

Drive safely, and have fun in Chicago this weekend!
I am already formulating the ideal plan for my ADRs in my head as well, although I can't make mine until September 5th. Or 6th. I'm a little fuzzy on that detail because two different CMs have told me two different things. We are definitely on the same wavelength though! :goodvibes

[DWGal210]

So a change of plans for this weekend...

We ended up not going to Chicago, the shower got canceled. My mom texted me around 10 this morning and said that my sister in law is being put on bed rest since her fluids are low - she and the baby are both fine, thank goodness, but they're just trying to be cautious. Right now, she's about 33 weeks, I think. I heard from her today and they are going to the doctor for another ultrasound tomorrow morning just to check and make sure things still look good. So needless to say, I went from having a weekend of plans to not, but of course it goes without saying I want her to rest and get that baby here safely! princess:

So I called Disney tickets this morning during a break and asked if I could verify the Water Park and More days on my ticket...apparently not every cast member will tell you, since the gal I got this morning said they couldn't do it, I could have to wait until we got there :confused3 So I am going to try again tomorrow morning and see if I can find someone else with a better answer. :thumbsup2

On the plus side, this weekend I am going to see Up! this weekend. Since it's such a nice night tonight, we'll go tomorrow afternoon.

I'm off to go on a walk but I will post later tonight! I saw the most darling bathing suit in Land's End that would be perfect for AKV! :woohoo: See ya!

[DWGal210]

Now you'll probably get updates from me a few times a day this weekend...lucky you! :rotfl:

So yesterday I got the new Land's End catalogue. I really like their clothes and especially their bathing suits; they seem to have cute AND good prices AND modest all rolled into one. Plus, I just like trying on bathing suits in the comfort of my own home, rather than the poorly-lit bathroom of some department store. :eek:

So I got the new one yesterday, and I was pouring over it, looking for some cute things for summer and I spotted what I think would be a perfect bathing suit for AKV...what do you think?!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/361004_AF08_LF_VET.jpg

I thought that was pretty cute. But the one I love the BEST is from their 2008 collection and you can still get it online. And it's on sale! I am so tempted just to get it.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/277085_AH08_LF_VET.jpg

What do you all think? What's your vote? :goodvibes

[DWGal210]

So this is not an "official" TR post as such, but I am very serious....



RUN. DON'T WALK, you must go see UP!!!!

It was excellent. The animation was of couse, without saying, incredible. But what got me the most was the story line. I won't ruin it for anyone, but once again they were able to create a beautiful story that both kids AND adults would love. When I first saw the previews for this film, I really wondered what story line they were going to craft out of a guy's house flying through the air. But it's amazing, and well worth the theatre admission. I know it's not cheap to go to a movie, but for me, was worth every dime! :thumbsup2

(And in other news, we heard from my brother today about the baby - her fluid levels, although still a titch toward the low side of the spectrum, were twice today what they were yesterday, so they took her off bed rest and just told her to keep drinking water. So momma and baby are doing good, thank God! :cloud9:)

[jewels1916]

I'm glad your SIL and baby are both fine! That can be so scary! I love both of those swimsuits! I think I like the giraffe one the best, and it is definitely perfect for AKL!

So, I took your advice and went and saw Up! this weekend! My sis and I went to see it in 3D. It was soooo great! I liked Dug. He was my favorite. "Squirrel!" :laughing:

[DWGal210]

Hi everyone! :goodvibes

Just a quick update this morning - STILL NO PLANE TICKETS!!! :confused3 But in positive news, they have released tickets for the 24th and there are some $81 one way flights so I am crossing my fingers like crazy for those!! :woohoo: I would LOVE a ticket less than $500, which is what we are seeing on other airlines in other cities.

See ya later! :cheer2:

[disneygal922]

Hi! :wave2: I just found your PTR and caught myself up! I love the journals. I might have to borrow that idea. I'm quite crafty myself and love hobby lobby!:thumbsup2 Glad to hear your SIL and baby are both doing alright. Is that your bro in the Cubs shirt? Go Cubbies! I like the both the swimsuits you posted but the 2nd better. And if it's on sale, you can use your savings in WDW!:goodvibes Can't wait to read more of your plans. Oh, and I really want to do the KTTK tour on our Disneymoon, it looks really fun!

[DWGal210]

Hi! :wave2: I just found your PTR and caught myself up! I love the journals. I might have to borrow that idea. I'm quite crafty myself and love hobby lobby!:thumbsup2 Glad to hear your SIL and baby are both doing alright. Is that your bro in the Cubs shirt? Go Cubbies! I like the both the swimsuits you posted but the 2nd better. And if it's on sale, you can use your savings in WDW!:goodvibes Can't wait to read more of your plans. Oh, and I really want to do the KTTK tour on our Disneymoon, it looks really fun!

Hi Disneygal! Welcome to my humble PTR! :goodvibes Yes, please do borrow the journal idea - I love it and it really saves my nerves. I happen to have a very common first and last name and I just now that someday I'll need those confirmation numbers to make sure someone else doesn't get my reservation!! :rotfl:

Yes, that is my brother in the Cubs shirt - Go Cubbies! :) Yes, I would agree with you...I do like the 2nd one better. I was leaning towards getting both, because I like have 2 suits on vacation. But we'll see. :cutie:

I'll have to read about your upcoming nuptials. Good luck with everything! I'll be back this weekend to make more updates.

Take care!

[DWGal210]

Hello again everyone!

Well, this is shaping up to be another full weekend for me. My neighbors are getting married today, and I'm watching their puppy until Sunday afternoon. He's darling and Riley's friend, so they are going to have a great time together! :thumbsup2 I also have the wedding this afternoon and reception, then volunteering at church tomorrow morning and a soccer game in the afternoon! Phew! Tires me out just typing it! :goodvibes

However, I am going to start making my trip journal this weekend. We are starting to iron out some details and I want a spot for all my notes. I was thinking I would make 2 - one for the notes, planning, etc and the second for the actual set-in-stone information. We'll see how ambitious I am. :rotfl:

Last weekend I cleaned out my craft closet and I have a Before and After picture. It was already semi-organized but I still had lots of room for improvement. Here they are:

BEFORE:
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0174.jpg

AFTER:
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/IMG_0175.jpg

So now I feel better that's done.

Well, I'm off to play with some puppies and go get an oil change! Fun times! ;)

[annnewjerz]

Hi! Just wanted to pop in to let you know that I just got caught up on the rest of your PTR (I had commented on the first page) and everything so far looks great.

The bathing suits from Land's End are FANTASTIC. I like one pieces and I have a problem buying them in store because I am considered a "long torso" so Land's End is where I always get mine. Both of the ones you posted look so perfect for AKL with the animal print and the brown/white coloring. Definitely good picks. :thumbsup2

I was also reading about your thought that you'll be doing a long weekend in June to hold you over until your December trip. TOO FUNNY. We are doing the same thing. I suggested to DH that maybe we go down for 1-2 days in October for MNSSHP and it just so happened that there was a party on our anniversary, so now we're making a completely crazy drive down to FL from NJ just to attend MNSSHP. :rotfl: Oh boy, the things Disney will make us do!! :rotfl2:

Lastly, I'm glad to see you are doing the KTTK tour. We're doing that too! I wanted to do at least one tour and I decided to give it to my DM for Mother's Day, so we're going to do that. The 90 day reservations thing stinks, I totally agree. I was looking forward to having something other than Cirque du Soleil tickets to book 6 months out and now that plan is scrapped. Oh well, more to keep me busy for the last 3 months before our trip I guess. :)

Anywho, sorry to write a novel in your TR, but I had 4 pages to catch up on after all. I've decided to stop lurking on so many PTRs and just start commenting. I think PTRs are a two way street. I can't lurk on everyone else's and then be disappointed when I have 1,100 views on mine and only like 55 comments, right?! :thumbsup2

So---in an effort to make sure I keep up to date with those of you who are planning trips around the time I'm going. I'm subbing. I hope you can check mine out---I just posted a bunch of pictures to bribe readers here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2153842).

And my MNSSHP PTR is here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2194840) if you need to do any light reading. :goodvibes

[DWGal210]

Hi! Just wanted to pop in to let you know that I just got caught up on the rest of your PTR (I had commented on the first page) and everything so far looks great.

The bathing suits from Land's End are FANTASTIC. I like one pieces and I have a problem buying them in store because I am considered a "long torso" so Land's End is where I always get mine. Both of the ones you posted look so perfect for AKL with the animal print and the brown/white coloring. Definitely good picks. :thumbsup2

I was also reading about your thought that you'll be doing a long weekend in June to hold you over until your December trip. TOO FUNNY. We are doing the same thing. I suggested to DH that maybe we go down for 1-2 days in October for MNSSHP and it just so happened that there was a party on our anniversary, so now we're making a completely crazy drive down to FL from NJ just to attend MNSSHP. :rotfl: Oh boy, the things Disney will make us do!! :rotfl2:

Lastly, I'm glad to see you are doing the KTTK tour. We're doing that too! I wanted to do at least one tour and I decided to give it to my DM for Mother's Day, so we're going to do that. The 90 day reservations thing stinks, I totally agree. I was looking forward to having something other than Cirque du Soleil tickets to book 6 months out and now that plan is scrapped. Oh well, more to keep me busy for the last 3 months before our trip I guess. :)

Anywho, sorry to write a novel in your TR, but I had 4 pages to catch up on after all. I've decided to stop lurking on so many PTRs and just start commenting. I think PTRs are a two way street. I can't lurk on everyone else's and then be disappointed when I have 1,100 views on mine and only like 55 comments, right?! :thumbsup2

So---in an effort to make sure I keep up to date with those of you who are planning trips around the time I'm going. I'm subbing. I hope you can check mine out---I just posted a bunch of pictures to bribe readers here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2153842).

And my MNSSHP PTR is here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2194840) if you need to do any light reading. :goodvibes

Hey there! I'll definately pop over this weekend to your TR and catch up! :thumbsup2 Just got back from a wedding so I'm a little pooped but I have all day tomorrow, so TR, here I come!! :goodvibes

I am thinking more and more that I'll get both suits; I just figure that on vacation, it's nice to have 2, rather than struggle to get into a damp suit (why is that so hard, by the way?).

You know, so funny you should mention the June trip....I think I am going to postpone that one. I thought I was getting a slight raise at work that would have allowed me to go, but alas, that didn't happen. Oh well. But I am super excited for you that you are going to MNSSHP!! I would LOVE to go to the Christmas Party but since we don't get there until the 26th, I think they'll all be over by then. But I'm way excited to hear about your trip!! And you don't have to talk to me about Disney doing weird things to our minds.....:lmao: My aunt really wants to go on a 3 day cruise for their anniversary this fall and then book their next family trip on board so they get a good deal. Her husband is on the fence so we joked that I could go on her anniversary trip with her! :laughing: The things we'll do for that mouse....

Anyhoo, I promise I will update myself on your TR and then post my own 2 cents. And please, novel away....my goal is to get to 10 pages here before the end of summer! :rotfl2:

Take care!

[annnewjerz]

rather than struggle to get into a damp suit (why is that so hard, by the way?).


It's one of life's greatest mysteries :rotfl: I completely agree though. When we went to Mexico last year, I brought 3 bathing suits and only ended up wearing 1 most times. Even after a whole night of drying---the air was so humid that they stayed damp. Had to have DH give me a little heave-ho when I wanted to put it on. :rotfl2:

My aunt really wants to go on a 3 day cruise for their anniversary this fall and then book their next family trip on board so they get a good deal. Her husband is on the fence so we joked that I could go on her anniversary trip with her! :laughing: The things we'll do for that mouse....

Nothing is worse than on the fence when it comes to vacation. Obviously, we are alike in the fact that we like to plan---so having to wait for someone to give you the final okay is like torture. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get to spend your aunt's anniversary with her :lmao:

Anyhoo, I promise I will update myself on your TR and then post my own 2 cents. And please, novel away....my goal is to get to 10 pages here before the end of summer! :rotfl2:

No pressure to swing by mine. I'm living like they do in the movie "Field of Dreams"---"if you build it, he will come." I'm guessing that if I keep talking to myself long enough on my own TR, sooner or later someone is bound to chime in and say something back, right?? ;)

I'll be up to 10 pages in no time, but about 9.5 will be comments all from me. :)

[DWGal210]

Just let me get in a quick WOO HOO cause now we are under 200 days!! SWEET! :cool1:

Okay, back to regularly scheduled programming. :happytv:

Sorry I have been MIA this week; been a busy one! First off, I had my first practice Tuesday night with one of the worship bands at my church. I got up the courage to get rid of my nervousness and try out for the worship team and this Sunday is my first one! So wish me luck! We're doing great music and the other musicians are AMAZING so I hope I can keep up! I sang almost solid from 8th grade - sophomore year of college and then got burnt out. So now, 8 years later, I am getting back on the horse! :scared: Wish me luck! :flower3:

And in Disney news....yeah, still no plane tickets. I know, broken record.....I mean, come on!! We're almost 6 months out people and SOME of us want those seats!! :upsidedow (Can anyone else tell that I am just a tad OCD? :lmao:)

Well, I'm off to watch the first competition round of "So You Think You Can Dance" - I love those shows!! Not so much b/c they are reality shows, but I truly marvel at what those people can do with their bodies - I count it good if I can sway back and forth a wedding dance and not draw too much attention to myself! :rotfl:

See ya!

[Flossbolna]

Just came over to your PTR because I really liked your comment on lurkyloo's PTR about your Escape wedding which you have planned, but for which you are only missing the groom :goodvibes

Getting to spend NYE at WDW sounds really exciting!

We did the Keys to the Kingdom Tour in 2008 and absolutely loved it! I am thinking about a trip with my sister in January 2010 and am considering to take her - I really would not mind doing the tour a second time! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

Well, friends, here we are at 197 days out (not that I am counting, or anything...why would you think that?! :lmao: )

I am going to take some time this weekend, sit on my deck with a nice lemonade and peruse the Unofficial Guide for some new places to eat this trip. In true OCD fashion, I already have my notebook, page markers and highlighters ready to roll :rotfl:. I am determind that we will eat at at least 1 new place this time. We are creatures of habit and so I hope to be adventerous and eat some new food! :banana:

I'm sure I'll do more updates this weekend, so see everyone later! :surfweb:

[DWGal210]

Just came over to your PTR because I really liked your comment on lurkyloo's PTR about your Escape wedding which you have planned, but for which you are only missing the groom :goodvibes

Getting to spend NYE at WDW sounds really exciting!

We did the Keys to the Kingdom Tour in 2008 and absolutely loved it! I am thinking about a trip with my sister in January 2010 and am considering to take her - I really would not mind doing the tour a second time! :thumbsup2

Thank you so much! Welcome! Yes, I devored Carrie's Passporter and got lots of great info. I have always envisioned a smaller wedding anyway, and that Escape thing sounds perfect! Now if you or anyone else has a potential groom, send him my way! :woohoo:

I'm so glad to hear you liked the tour! I'm very excited about this. I love the "behind the scenes" kind of information and I know we're going to really like doing that one.

I hope you and your sister can take that trip...we'll be with other people but we love our trips together, it's been fun bonding time for us. I just hope that once she goes to college I can still get her for a few trips and she doesn't ditch me for her friends! ;)

Have a good one!

[DWGal210]

So they've finally released the plane tickets for our trip! Yeah! :cool1:

Now, hopefully the 26th will go down in price. There are plenty of seats on the plane still and we want the direct flight where we would leave at 10:30 AM central time and get there at 2:30 FL time - perfect!! However, the prices for the 2nd and 3rd are both very reasonable, so I guess it just depends if we decide to stay that extra night or not.

Now here is the curious thing...when I do 2 one-way searches, it seems like I get cheaper prices than if I buy a full ticket - am I the only one that thinks that does not make sense?! If that's the case, I'll just get a one-way ticket on the 26th and then another one-way on the way back. Oh the fun times of plane tickets! :rotfl: But on the plus side, it looks like I'll be able to get a ticket for about $350 RT, which is MUCH less than the $500-800 I've been seeing elsewhere. Score! :thumbsup2

Have a great afternoon, everyone!

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, Katie! I think I have read on several people's PTR's that often buying two one-way tickets is cheaper than one round-trip ticket. You're right, though, it defies logic! :confused3

[DWGal210]

Hi, Katie! I think I have read on several people's PTR's that often buying two one-way tickets is cheaper than one round-trip ticket. You're right, though, it defies logic! :confused3

Hey Miss Jackie! Thanks for taking time out of writing your TR to come over to my humble PTR! :lmao: Yes, it does defiy logic - but as you probably well now, the most logical is not always the way it is! :rotfl:

[Flossbolna]

I hope you and your sister can take that trip...we'll be with other people but we love our trips together, it's been fun bonding time for us. I just hope that once she goes to college I can still get her for a few trips and she doesn't ditch me for her friends! ;)


My sister and I are both in our 30s, but we still are very close. While we had times when we saw each other less we are now living in the same city and see each other a lot. That's really a treat! I am sure that if you have a close relationship now, you will be able to keep it! :goodvibes

Flight prices sound good! I am certain that airlines are crazy and there is very little logic to most airlines price structure. But if it saves you money, that's great! :cool1:

[DWGal210]

My sister and I are both in our 30s, but we still are very close. While we had times when we saw each other less we are now living in the same city and see each other a lot. That's really a treat! I am sure that if you have a close relationship now, you will be able to keep it! :goodvibes

Flight prices sound good! I am certain that airlines are crazy and there is very little logic to most airlines price structure. But if it saves you money, that's great! :cool1:

Hi there! That's great that you and your sister as still so close...I know my sister and I will be as well. There is a 9 year age difference between us, but we have such a good time together!

I am checking the plane tickets twice a day now. :goodvibes I'm a crazy person but I don't want to miss those good deals! The good news is, even with the higher prices at Airtran, they are still about $200-400 cheaper than if we flew one of the other airlines, so even at the "higher end" it's still cheaper overall. :woohoo:

Another update coming today: we have a "short list" of ADR possibilities for this trip! Things are coming together! :woohoo:

[DWGal210]

So last night, we ironed out some more ADR details and came up with a short list :lmao: of the places we would like to go this time.

I love that "Unofficial Guide" book about WDW; it was super easy to go through their Dining section, read about the places and then make our list from there. It also made sure we didn't miss anything - now THAT would be a tragedy! :rotfl:

So what is the list, you ask? Here are the places we want to eat for sure:

- Tusker House for Breakfast
- OHana, probably for dinner one night
- Raglan Road - we love those Fish n Chips! Yum! We might end up doing this on our first night. If the stars are in alignment, we'll get the direct flight that gets to Orlando at 2:30 PM, so more than likely we'll hit DTD that afternoon / evening.
- Le Cellier - I have never been here but my aunt and uncle have and said it was AMAZING, so this is the 1st place we're going to ask for when we call for our ADRs, which incidentially is exactly 100 days from tomorrow! Woo hoo! :woohoo:

So that is the "for sure" list. We also have about 10 more on the Maybe list, including 50s Prime Time, Sci Fi Diner, San Angel Inn, Teppan Edo and Boma.

I'll keep ya'll posted! :surfweb:

[minniecarousel]

Hello!

I just sat here and read this whole thread. We're going earlier in December, and I feel your pain about airline tix! Since we fly out of San Francisco, it's a looong flight, & R/T prices are around $360 at this point. We're hoping to get that price down. Jet Blue connects through Austin - that's probably good, since it's December and that's a southern city. (don't want to connect through Milwaukee in Dec.!)

DH & I are going with our older DS and DDIL, and they're moving in a few weeks. So, we'll wait to decide on ADR's once they're settled. They're the WDW vets, so we'll let them be our tour guides.

Looking forward to more of your updates!

[DWGal210]

Hello!

I just sat here and read this whole thread. We're going earlier in December, and I feel your pain about airline tix! Since we fly out of San Francisco, it's a looong flight, & R/T prices are around $360 at this point. We're hoping to get that price down. Jet Blue connects through Austin - that's probably good, since it's December and that's a southern city. (don't want to connect through Milwaukee in Dec.!)

DH & I are going with our older DS and DDIL, and they're moving in a few weeks. So, we'll wait to decide on ADR's once they're settled. They're the WDW vets, so we'll let them be our tour guides.

Looking forward to more of your updates!

Hi Julie! :flower3: Thanks for reading!

It sounds like you're dealing with the same airline good-times as I am. :goodvibes And it is good that you connect via Austin; I am in Iowa and am hoping that we have good weather on the 26th when we leave!

That's fun that you're going with your DS and DDIL - that should be a fun vacation!! I like going with family - I think the more the merrier! :woohoo: This trip we'll have 4 adults and 4 kids so the ratio at least will be good! :laughing:

Hope to keep you entertained! I'll post another update either tonight or tomorrow.

Take care, thanks again for reading!

[DWGal210]

Sometimes I think I have a giant bulls-eye painted on me.

I know I am "that person" that they talk about in marketing meetings at some of these companies. "Let's see, how are we going to get Suzy Shopper to drop some serious cash? I know! Let's offer free shipping! Sales! Super cute merchandise! (insert dasterdly voice here) She'll never be able to resist!" :scared:

I know I am "that girl" because tonight I received a super cute Lands End sale catalogue with some wonderful prices and cute clothes. So now I have a shopping cart sitting open with quite a few items in it, including multiple pairs of pants, some cute tops and yes 2 swimsuits. Why do I do this to myself? :headache: Part of me is saying, "Don't do it! Wait!" And that other voice in my head is saying "It's free shipping, and it's sales, and you know when you want this stuff in December they are not going to have it in the stores in the great cold North!" So as we speak, I am fighting a battle. I'm sick, I know it. :sick: What I will probably end up doing is getting a few things, like the cropped pants, but not everything. :confused3 Oh, why doesn't money just grow on trees, God? That would have been a wonderful thing to have around. :lmao:

So I have decided to take an idea from Charleston Princess (aka Ms Jackie) and make a binder for this trip. It became clear last night after ironing out some ADR plans that my trusty little trip journal was ill-equipped for the job - so this weekend, as I am dog sitting and will have time to sit around and veg, I am going to work on that binder. I'll update you with my progress. :woohoo:

See ya, everyone!

[Flossbolna]

So what is the list, you ask? Here are the places we want to eat for sure:

- Tusker House for Breakfast
- OHana, probably for dinner one night
- Raglan Road - we love those Fish n Chips! Yum! We might end up doing this on our first night. If the stars are in alignment, we'll get the direct flight that gets to Orlando at 2:30 PM, so more than likely we'll hit DTD that afternoon / evening.
- Le Cellier - I have never been here but my aunt and uncle have and said it was AMAZING, so this is the 1st place we're going to ask for when we call for our ADRs, which incidentially is exactly 100 days from tomorrow! Woo hoo! :woohoo:

So that is the "for sure" list. We also have about 10 more on the Maybe list, including 50s Prime Time, Sci Fi Diner, San Angel Inn, Teppan Edo and Boma.


I like your ADR line-up! Tusker House for Breakfast is great! I also liked Le Cellier, but I don't think it is that amazing. It is still a theme park restaurant and I find they allways try to rather rush you through your meal. For an amazing meal, I would seriously recommend one of the signature restaurants. So far I have eaten at California Grill, Artist Point, Flying Fish and Jiko and all have been excellent!! My personal favourite at the moment is Flying Fish, but California Grill is a close second - the view is amazing! :goodvibes

Of the others you have mentioned, I have eaten at 50s Prime Time, Teppan Edo and Boma and liked all three a lot! They are on my list of places I want to return to!! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

I like your ADR line-up! Tusker House for Breakfast is great! I also liked Le Cellier, but I don't think it is that amazing. It is still a theme park restaurant and I find they allways try to rather rush you through your meal. For an amazing meal, I would seriously recommend one of the signature restaurants. So far I have eaten at California Grill, Artist Point, Flying Fish and Jiko and all have been excellent!! My personal favourite at the moment is Flying Fish, but California Grill is a close second - the view is amazing! :goodvibes

Of the others you have mentioned, I have eaten at 50s Prime Time, Teppan Edo and Boma and liked all three a lot! They are on my list of places I want to return to!! :thumbsup2

Thanks for the info! :thumbsup2 I think we'll probably end up at either Boma or Jiko for sure, and maybe both, since we're staying at the Kidani Villas. So we'll be there, nice and close! :woohoo:

Your TR is so much fun too! I like reading dining reviews - it's nice to get everyone's perspective.

Take care!

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi, better late than never! I'm here now! I checked your dates and darn, darn, double darn, we leave on the 25th..... I wish I could convince Shocker to stay another day or two......:rolleyes1

[DWGal210]

Hi Wigdout! I am so honored you are here and reading this little PTR! :goodvibes

Yes, darn it, we will miss each other. But SO COOL that you guys are there on Christmas Eve - do you have some fun plans for that night, or are you going to be in your room opening gifts?

How special to spend Christmas Eve at WDW! :wizard:

Thanks for reading!
Katie

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi Wigdout! I am so honored you are here and reading this little PTR! :goodvibes

Yes, darn it, we will miss each other. But SO COOL that you guys are there on Christmas Eve - do you have some fun plans for that night, or are you going to be in your room opening gifts?

How special to spend Christmas Eve at WDW! :wizard:

Thanks for reading!
Katie

I'm happy to be here! My grand plan is to get Candlelight Processional Tickets and dinner at Biergarten on Christmas Eve. We are getting an exchange student from Germany and I know that he will be missing home during the holidays. Maybe eating at Biergarten will help him feel a little less homesick....

[PookieB]

Joining in! Your land/sea trip looked like fun! I hope to do that someday. I'm hoping I can talk my parents into a vow renewal cruise. :thumbsup2 They didn't really have a wedding and have been married for 43 years. Anywho..you got some great eats planned. Can't wait to read more! :goodvibes

[DWGal210]

I'm happy to be here! My grand plan is to get Candlelight Processional Tickets and dinner at Biergarten on Christmas Eve. We are getting an exchange student from Germany and I know that he will be missing home during the holidays. Maybe eating at Biergarten will help him feel a little less homesick....

That sounds like a perfect Christmas plan! And how wonderful that you'll have your foreign exchange student with you - that will be a special memory that he can take home.

[DWGal210]

Joining in! Your land/sea trip looked like fun! I hope to do that someday. I'm hoping I can talk my parents into a vow renewal cruise. :thumbsup2 They didn't really have a wedding and have been married for 43 years. Anywho..you got some great eats planned. Can't wait to read more! :goodvibes

Hi Pookie! Welcome! :flower3:

Yes, the land and sea was AWESOME...we had a great time and I for sure want to do it again. My big recommendation would be to book them separately vs a Land and Sea package from Disney; when we did it separately, it was about $1200 total cheaper (for 3 adults and 1 child) than the whole thing via Disney. I would highly recommend it, it was a great time! :woohoo:

That would be so special to have a vow renewal!! That would be amazing.

Is that your little girl in your signature? She is darling!!! We are waiting (not so patiently :lmao:) for a baby in our family and I can't wait!

Thanks again for reading!

[DWGal210]

Hey readers - I am going to do an update early next week, but I wanted to make sure and let you know that I am going to be MIA for a few days because...




WE'RE HAVING A BABY! (By we, I mean my brother and his wife as having my neice!) :woohoo: My mom called me today at lunch and let me know they are inducing her tonight, so we are headed there tomorrow AM to see my new neice! I will FOR SURE post info about her when we get back.

Have a great weekend, everyone!
Katie

[Flossbolna]

How exciting! I wish them a lot of luck and hope everything goes well so that you can post pictures of a beautiful and healthy baby and happy parents!! :goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

Have fun!!! I know you can't wait to hold that brand-new niece in your arms!!! :goodvibes

[wigdoutdismom]

Congratulations, (in advance) Aunt Katie!

princess::cloud9::cloud9::cloud9::cloud9::cloud9:

[raider97]

Just checking out your pre-trippie!! We are going in December too. :) Dec. 16th - 26th POR. I love reading about your planning. Congrats on the new niece!!

Stephanie

[DWGal210]

Thank you so much everyone for your well-wishes - that means so much to me!:lovestruc

Just an update: as babies will do, this one didn't want to be induced, thank you very much, she came on her own :) Caroline Joy Miller was born about 2:30AM so her birthday is June 26th. :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: Needless to say, we are very excited; leaving for Chicago in about 45 minutes but I wanted to post an update and let you know she is here! I'm going to let her know that I am the fun aunt that is going to make sure she goes to Disney many, many times in her life. princess:

Thanks again everyone, see you in a few days!

[Charleston Princess]

Congratulations!!!! princess:

[wigdoutdismom]

Terrific news, Thanks for the Update!
Welcome to the world Caroline Joy princess:

[jagmom]

Congrats on the new baby!

[MeMom]

Just an update: as babies will do, this one didn't want to be induced, thank you very much, she came on her own :) Caroline Joy Miller was born about 2:30AM so her birthday is June 26th. :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: Needless to say, we are very excited; leaving for Chicago in about 45 minutes but I wanted to post an update and let you know she is here! I'm going to let her know that I am the fun aunt that is going to make sure she goes to Disney many, many times in her life. princess:


What a lucky little girl to have such a great aunt!
Look forward to seeing pictures of you holding her soon. :cutie:

[DWGal210]

Hi everyone! This is going to be a quick post, but I wanted to send along some pics of my niece Caroline :cutie: She is the cutest peanut!! I just love her. I'll update in a day or so about the trip, but I wanted to share some of her pics! Enjoy!

Isn't she the cutest??!!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/BabyCaroline.jpg

Me and baby Caroline!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/MeCaroline.jpg

My sister and Mom, the new Aunt and Grandma!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/MomAliceCaroline.jpg

[Flossbolna]

She is wonderful! I am always amazed at how tiny they are! Caroline is a beautiful name! :goodvibes

[annnewjerz]

So cute! Congrats----can't wait to hear more about the trip and the new baby!

[exwdwcm]

just joining in on your PTR- we are going in Dec too!

congrats on the new niece- she is simply adorable! now you have to buy her some cute souvies when you go!;)

[wigdoutdismom]

Awwwww, how sweet! Thanks for sharing, was wondering how you all were doing? Have they gone home yet?

[MeMom]

Precious. Beautiful.
Congratulations!
She will bring a lifetime of happiness to all of you!

[DWGal210]

She is wonderful! I am always amazed at how tiny they are! Caroline is a beautiful name! :goodvibes

Thank you! I know, they just look so frail and helpless, don't they? Yes, I love her name - Caroline is my sister's middle name, so she has a family name :goodvibes I wish I could hold her every day! :lovestruc

[DWGal210]

Just checking out your pre-trippie!! We are going in December too. :) Dec. 16th - 26th POR. I love reading about your planning. Congrats on the new niece!!

Stephanie

Thanks for reading! I will have to stop by your PTR and say "hello!" :goodvibes

[DWGal210]

Congrats on the new baby!

Thank you so much! We just love her to pieces, she is perfect! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

just joining in on your PTR- we are going in Dec too!

congrats on the new niece- she is simply adorable! now you have to buy her some cute souvies when you go!;)

Fun! I will have to look at your PTR and check it out! I love going that time of year, the decorations are so nice! :lovestruc

I am already planning to take a half-full 2nd suitcase so I can load it up with stuff for her :goodvibes What kind of aunt would I be if I didn't come back, loaded up with Disney swag for my girl? :rotfl:

[DWGal210]

Awwwww, how sweet! Thanks for sharing, was wondering how you all were doing? Have they gone home yet?

Thanks! We got home Saturday night but I was wiped from being in the car 10 hours in 2 days so it took me a while to post. :rotfl: They went home on Sunday morning. I want to call them and see how things are going but I'm sure they are catching up on sleep right now, so I'll wait a few days and then see how they are doing. I would really love to go see them this weekend since I have a 3-day weekend, but I don't know if I would be barging in or not?!

[DWGal210]

Precious. Beautiful.
Congratulations!
She will bring a lifetime of happiness to all of you!

:lovestruc Thank you for the sweet thoughts! :lovestruc I am so looking forward to her being in our lives!

[Charleston Princess]

Caroline is just beautiful, Katie!!! Congratulations! I have a feeling you are going to be one of those aunts that just spoils her! ;)

[wigdoutdismom]

I would really love to go see them this weekend since I have a 3-day weekend, but I don't know if I would be barging in or not?!

You never know unless you ask, they may be grateful for the extra set of hands around there!

[DWGal210]

You never know unless you ask, they may be grateful for the extra set of hands around there!

True - I went ahead and emailed my brother tonight. I told him feel free to say no if you would rather not have company, but I thought I could help with housework, make some meals, go run errands, etc. So we'll see - I won't be offended if they say no, I don't want them to feel like they have to say yes or I'll be upset :)

[wigdoutdismom]

True - I went ahead and emailed my brother tonight. I told him feel free to say no if you would rather not have company, but I thought I could help with housework, make some meals, go run errands, etc. So we'll see - I won't be offended if they say no, I don't want them to feel like they have to say yes or I'll be upset :)

It is a very sweet gesture on your part.......:hug:

[DWGal210]

It is a very sweet gesture on your part.......:hug:

Thank you! :hug: I just want to be as much help as I can...so they can have time to relax, rest, maybe even go out for ice cream or something to get out of the house for a while. I have an arsenal of recipes that I am going to take with me so I can cook. Don't know if that is helping or not! :rotfl: He did email me back this AM and said that this weekend might actually work out the best since the weeks are filling up fast with friends and family coming to see the baby. So I might end up going this weekend and staying until Wednesday since I have some vacation days that I have to use by mid-August. :thumbsup2

[wigdoutdismom]

Thank you! :hug: I just want to be as much help as I can...so they can have time to relax, rest, maybe even go out for ice cream or something to get out of the house for a while. I have an arsenal of recipes that I am going to take with me so I can cook. Don't know if that is helping or not! :rotfl: He did email me back this AM and said that this weekend might actually work out the best since the weeks are filling up fast with friends and family coming to see the baby. So I might end up going this weekend and staying until Wednesday since I have some vacation days that I have to use by mid-August. :thumbsup2

Great! I'm glad you are going!:cloud9:

[ladybugmom]

Oh my, Katie!! Caroline Joy is BEAUTIFUL!!! Thanks for sharing the pics!!

[Disneymoon09]

Loving the TR and your new neice is precious! :)

[DWGal210]

Hi all! :)

Sorry I have been MIA for a few days - I am in Chicago visiting my brother, sister in law and new niece and so I have been busy holding and loving up my baby girl. :lovestruc But I promise later in the week I will have pictures to share!

But Disney is not far from my mind. :thumbsup2 There is still a Disney store here in the area, about 20 minutes from their house, and I am planning on hitting that up while I am in town. So I am sure I will have some good finds!

Take care, everyone!
Katie

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi all! :)

Sorry I have been MIA for a few days - I am in Chicago visiting my brother, sister in law and new niece and so I have been busy holding and loving up my baby girl. :lovestruc But I promise later in the week I will have pictures to share!

But Disney is not far from my mind. :thumbsup2 There is still a Disney store here in the area, about 20 minutes from their house, and I am planning on hitting that up while I am in town. So I am sure I will have some good finds!

Take care, everyone!
Katie

Katie,
Enjoy that baby, she will grow so fast...
Anita

[Charleston Princess]

Katie, like Wigd said, enjoy all that time with your niece!!! :goodvibes

[PookieB]

Hi everyone! This is going to be a quick post, but I wanted to send along some pics of my niece Caroline :cutie: She is the cutest peanut!! I just love her. I'll update in a day or so about the trip, but I wanted to share some of her pics! Enjoy!

Isn't she the cutest??!!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/BabyCaroline.jpg

Me and baby Caroline!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/MeCaroline.jpg

My sister and Mom, the new Aunt and Grandma!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/MomAliceCaroline.jpg

Congratulations!!! She is beautiful just liek her name. :goodvibes

[DWGal210]

Thanks everyone for the nice thoughts! :goodvibes I had a great time visiting them. It was so nice to be able to relax and just hold a baby for a few days...sigh...it was great! :lovestruc

Of course I have a few pictures and then we're back to our regularly scheduled trip report :goodvibes We are getting closer and closer to buying plane tickets. We're now considering coming back that Monday instead of Sunday since the tickets are like $200 cheaper if we fly back Monday :scared1: so we'll see what we end up doing.

OK, here are some pictures!

Smiles! OK, they're probably gas smiles but we'll take it. ;)
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/Carolinesmile.jpg

Caroline in her bouncy seat
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/CarolineinSeat.jpg

With Aunt Katie
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/AuntKatieandCaroline.jpg

In her car seat
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/CarolineinCarSeat.jpg

Hope everyone has a great day!! :wizard:

[Charleston Princess]

She's getting cuter and cuter every day! :goodvibes

[DWGal210]

:goodvibes Thank you!!! It's so amazing to me how they lose that "newborn" look each day they are home - I think the more I look at her, she looks to me more like my brother, but time will tell! :)

[BippityBoo]

Hi Katie--I'm KATIE:rotfl2: New to DIS and I saw you on Becky's thread so I followed you here! Great PTR..so jealous you are going during Christmas! I will hopefully be there during Christmas-2010! Can't wait to read all about it---Caroline is a sweetheart:love:

[wigdoutdismom]

Awwww, Aunt Katie, you have a beautiful niece!

[DWGal210]

Hi Katie--I'm KATIE:rotfl2: New to DIS and I saw you on Becky's thread so I followed you here! Great PTR..so jealous you are going during Christmas! I will hopefully be there during Christmas-2010! Can't wait to read all about it---Caroline is a sweetheart:love:

Hi Katie!! :yay: Thanks for reading!

Thanks for the compliment on Caroline :lovestruc We love her, she is so sweet!

I am very excited to be going over Christmas. Some people poo-poo it because of the crowds, but that doesn't bother me at all. We're planning on having park time as well as relaxing-at-the-hotel time, so it should be great!! Thanks again for reading, have a great weekend! :wizard:

[DWGal210]

Awwww, Aunt Katie, you have a beautiful niece!

Thanks Anita! :cutie: She is precious!

[DWGal210]

OK, we are now back to our regularly scheduled PTR. :lmao: On to more planning!!

So the saga of the plane tickets is nearly over....we are now thinking that we'll come home on Monday, the 4th, because the ticket is $99 versus over $250 for that one way :scared1: so we figured we could come home a day later and save a lot of dough. My aunt is going to keep watching the tickets and probably buy them next week, so then we'll have our tickets and be ready to go! :woohoo: The final price will be about $325, which for flying over Christmas, doesn't sound bad to me at all - especially since in other cities we looked at it was more like $600-800!!! :headache: That is insanity!

And we are now under 170 days to go - woo hoo! :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

This weekend should be a nice one. I am going to do some journal-making for a few DISers, and then I desperately need to organize my kitchen cabinets. I have been guilty of just throwing things wherever and I need to clean that out! Good times, I know. :cheer2:

Have a great weekend, everyone!

[BippityBoo]

OK, we are now back to our regularly scheduled PTR. :lmao: On to more planning!!

So the saga of the plane tickets is nearly over....we are now thinking that we'll come home on Monday, the 4th, because the ticket is $99 versus over $250 for that one way :scared1: so we figured we could come home a day later and save a lot of dough. My aunt is going to keep watching the tickets and probably buy them next week, so then we'll have our tickets and be ready to go! :woohoo: The final price will be about $325, which for flying over Christmas, doesn't sound bad to me at all - especially since in other cities we looked at it was more like $600-800!!! :headache: That is insanity!

And we are now under 170 days to go - woo hoo! :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

This weekend should be a nice one. I am going to do some journal-making for a few DISers, and then I desperately need to organize my kitchen cabinets. I have been guilty of just throwing things wherever and I need to clean that out! Good times, I know. :cheer2:

Have a great weekend, everyone!


Your doing the right thing! I would never pay $800 for plane tickets! Seems like everything is coming together:thumbsup2 Can't wait for your trip!

[DWGal210]

So I have actual news tonight! :lmao: WE HAVE PLANE TICKETS!!! :cool1:

We bought them today, and the round trip was $310 per person. Not the cheapest tix around, but we looked at a few others cities nearby (Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Dubuque) and their flights were anywhere from $600-800 EACH!! YIKES!! :scared1: So we're flying Airtan out of Moline, which I typically do to Orlando. And the best part......we have a direct flight each way!!! :woohoo: That's not always something you get here in our part of the US!

So our itinerary is (and yes, it has been changed slightly):

Leave Saturday, December 26th; flight leaves at 10:53 AM and arrives 2:23 PM.
Return Home Monday, January 4th; flight leaves around 8:15AM and arrives 10:30AM so I'll still have about a 1/2 day at home before I go back to work the next day to do laundry, de-compress, write my TR ;) etc.

We are also doing a split stay!! My aunt called today and unfortunately we couldn't add another night to our AKL stay. We had booked through Sunday, the 3rd, but the flight back was about $280 ONE WAY, so we said no thanks, we'll stay until Monday. :yay: So now we are staying for 6 nights at AKL in Kidani, Savannah view :cheer2: and then going to Saratoga for the last 3 nights.

So, to recap:

Flights? Check.
Hotel ressies? Check
ADRs? Well, not made yet, but we have a list :)

Now I am considering buying my park pass this week or next. Since the prices are going up, perhaps, I think I'll just buy it and get it taken care of.

WOO HOO! Things are happening! :woohoo: Only 165 days to go! :cheer2:

[ladybugmom]

Awwww!! Those pictures of Caroline are just precious!!! :lovestruc

Wow!! What a great deal you got on your plane tickets!! We paid around $1,000 for THREE tickets and the day after we bought them we got a deal that was HALF the price! Uggh!! And they wouldn't let us use the deal b/c we had already purchased the tickets. YAY for getting a great price!! :cheer2:

[DWGal210]

Awwww!! Those pictures of Caroline are just precious!!! :lovestruc

Wow!! What a great deal you got on your plane tickets!! We paid around $1,000 for THREE tickets and the day after we bought them we got a deal that was HALF the price! Uggh!! And they wouldn't let us use the deal b/c we had already purchased the tickets. YAY for getting a great price!! :cheer2:

Thanks, Becky! She is for sure a ton of fun!

I know, I was very glad just to buy them and get it done - both my aunt and I are now saying that we're not going to look at the website cause we know we'll be ticked if the price goes down, but it's going to be hard not to look! :rotfl:

[Charleston Princess]

Katie, what great news about your plane tickets! :banana: I would go ahead and buy your park ticket before they go up at the beginning of August. I think I am going to go ahead and buy ours for our October trip so that I am not kicking myself.

You stayed at Saratoga before your cruise, didn't you?

[wigdoutdismom]

Katie, I can't believe we are missing each other by a day.:sad2:

[Flossbolna]

Dancing bananas for the plane tickets: :banana::banana::banana::banana:

Having booked a flight always makes a trip much more real for me. And getting a direct flight is just great! I love direct flights! :cloud9:

I think you really should get park tickets now before prices go up. I don't think they will rise a lot, but still why risk it? You know for how long you are going to stay.

[DWGal210]

Katie, what great news about your plane tickets! :banana: I would go ahead and buy your park ticket before they go up at the beginning of August. I think I am going to go ahead and buy ours for our October trip so that I am not kicking myself.

You stayed at Saratoga before your cruise, didn't you?

I think I am going to go ahead and get them this week; I've read here on the boards that once you get there, they can add your already purchased tix to your KTTW card, so I think I'll do that and just have one less thing to worry about.

I didn't know you were going in October!? How could I have missed that on your TR?! Are you doing the MNSSHP again?

Yes, we did stay at Saratoga this last trip; that's my aunt and uncle's home DVC resort, and we really like it there. We're sure we'll love AKL too, but since we couldn't get AKL for that last night we added, we decided to do a split stay. :yay:

[DWGal210]

Katie, I can't believe we are missing each other by a day.:sad2:

I know! :headache: That makes me mad! I would have loved to meet you in person! Maybe we'll be in Orlando around the same time again. I see you are going on a cruise next year - fun times!!! :woohoo: They are awesome!

[DWGal210]

Dancing bananas for the plane tickets: :banana::banana::banana::banana:

Having booked a flight always makes a trip much more real for me. And getting a direct flight is just great! I love direct flights! :cloud9:

I think you really should get park tickets now before prices go up. I don't think they will rise a lot, but still why risk it? You know for how long you are going to stay.

I know, I love direct flights too! :yay: And when you're traveling with a 3-year-old, the less airports you have to sit in the better. :rotfl:

I agree, I think I am going to get my tix this week. I think the typical raise in prices has been 5-6% when they raise it, so any money saved is a good thing, I think. That's on my list for this week! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

So I went online today and bought my park tickets!! A 10 day park hopper for me - woo hoo! :woohoo: One more thing checked off the list!!

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for park tickets being purchased! :banana:

Re: the October trip -- I haven't mentioned it on the TR yet. It's just Charles and I and we are headed down for the Food and Wine Festival and assorted DIS meets. I am very excited!

[DWGal210]

Hurray for park tickets being purchased! :banana:

Re: the October trip -- I haven't mentioned it on the TR yet. It's just Charles and I and we are headed down for the Food and Wine Festival and assorted DIS meets. I am very excited!

Oh that sounds great - I am so excited for you two! Have you done a trip before to WDW, just you and Charles? Are the kids just crushed that they won't be there? But it will be nice to have a vacation just the two of you - sounds like an awesome time!

I am hoping to get in some Dis Meets this trip. At one time, MeMom mentioned that people were watching fireworks at the Poly on the 31st, so perhaps I will get to meet some fellow Disers! :woohoo:

[BippityBoo]

Yay on your park tickets! And 10 days...awesome:cheer2:

[DWGal210]

Yay on your park tickets! And 10 days...awesome:cheer2:

Hi Katie! :wave2:

I was glad to get those tickets taken care of. I am hearing rumors that the prices are going up in August, and since I know we're going to be there shortly after, I didn't think it made sense to wait.

We're going for 9 nights, and even if we don't use all the days, I'll just add the no-expiration option to any days left. That 10-day is such a good deal in comparison to the others, and I just usually feel it's the best way to go. :wizard:

[ladybugmom]

Whooo hoooo for park tickets!! I'd LOVE to go for 10 days!! NICE!!! :cool1::dance3::cool1:

[Flossbolna]

So I went online today and bought my park tickets!! A 10 day park hopper for me - woo hoo! :woohoo: One more thing checked off the list!!

Fantastic!! :cool1::cool1: Now you have tickets, flights and accomodation sorted out! The only thing missing is ADRs, but that's still some time until you can book them...

[MeMom]

So I went online today and bought my park tickets!! A 10 day park hopper for me - woo hoo! :woohoo: One more thing checked off the list!!

Very good! That probably did save you a few dollars. We're planning to get APs again next week, so I hope the increase does hold out until August.



Hurray for park tickets being purchased! :banana:

Re: the October trip -- I haven't mentioned it on the TR yet. It's just Charles and I and we are headed down for the Food and Wine Festival and assorted DIS meets. I am very excited!

What are the dates? Jill and I are keeping fingers crossed for a girls' trip in October. We have the room booked, if she can get off. This will be during the week of October 19th, but it won't be the whole week. It'll be either weekend and the three days after or before it. most likely.





I am hoping to get in some Dis Meets this trip. At one time, MeMom mentioned that people were watching fireworks at the Poly on the 31st, so perhaps I will get to meet some fellow Disers! :woohoo:

We will be there, and I think Brook and Lauren are for sures. Anyone else I see that is going at that time, I will invite to come on over. I hope you do come. It'll be lots of fun the more people there are! :)



Whooo hoooo for park tickets!! I'd LOVE to go for 10 days!! NICE!!! :cool1::dance3::cool1:

You would love ten days. That's what we do on our summer trips, and it is so nice. You get plenty of rest time and it just makes it nicer for everyone, especially with little ones and grumpy men. :laughing:

We like our ten day trips so much that we're thinking of adding two more days onto next summer and seeing how we feel about twelve! We want to go to SeaWorld, since we haven't been in many years, and we'd like a day to drive over to the coast and see the Space Center, but we don't want to sacrifice any Disney time.

I think it's great when I see people who get to stay for 14-18 days. Now that would be awesome! Then we could do plenty of Disney, SeaWorld, the coast, some other things in Orlando...aaaah, yeah, that would be nice!

[Charleston Princess]

What are the dates? Jill and I are keeping fingers crossed for a girls' trip in October. We have the room booked, if she can get off. This will be during the week of October 19th, but it won't be the whole week. It'll be either weekend and the three days after or before it. most likely.

October 1 -- 4th -- I was able to score one of the discounted rooms -- CBR for $96 a night. We are very excited about it! We've haven't been to Disney without children since 1995, and we haven't had a trip by ourselves since 2004. I wish our dates matched up, though.

[DWGal210]

Very good! That probably did save you a few dollars. We're planning to get APs again next week, so I hope the increase does hold out until August.





What are the dates? Jill and I are keeping fingers crossed for a girls' trip in October. We have the room booked, if she can get off. This will be during the week of October 19th, but it won't be the whole week. It'll be either weekend and the three days after or before it. most likely.





We will be there, and I think Brook and Lauren are for sures. Anyone else I see that is going at that time, I will invite to come on over. I hope you do come. It'll be lots of fun the more people there are! :)





You would love ten days. That's what we do on our summer trips, and it is so nice. You get plenty of rest time and it just makes it nicer for everyone, especially with little ones and grumpy men. :laughing:

We like our ten day trips so much that we're thinking of adding two more days onto next summer and seeing how we feel about twelve! We want to go to SeaWorld, since we haven't been in many years, and we'd like a day to drive over to the coast and see the Space Center, but we don't want to sacrifice any Disney time.

I think it's great when I see people who get to stay for 14-18 days. Now that would be awesome! Then we could do plenty of Disney, SeaWorld, the coast, some other things in Orlando...aaaah, yeah, that would be nice!

Hi MeMom! I need to make it out to your TR and PTR again, I am sure I am about 100 pages behind at this point! :rotfl:

That would be great to meet other Disers; when we get closer to the time, I'll have to give you my cell number so we can text about details. :thumbsup2

I would also LOVE to stay for 2 weeks or more; that is a dream I have! I think it would be so great to be able to relax and not feel rushed; don't get me wrong, 9 nights is AWESOME but wow, a longer trip would be sweet! :woohoo:

[DWGal210]

Whooo hoooo for park tickets!! I'd LOVE to go for 10 days!! NICE!!! :cool1::dance3::cool1:

Hey Becky! Yes, we're excited to be going for 9 nights. Our original trip was 6 nights, but the plane tickets coming home on Saturday and Sunday were OUTRAGEOUS, so we decided to fly back Monday instead. And heck, for a few extra days in Florida, I can sacrifice. :rotfl:

[DWGal210]

Fantastic!! :cool1::cool1: Now you have tickets, flights and accomodation sorted out! The only thing missing is ADRs, but that's still some time until you can book them...

Hi Magdalen! (Oh, I hope I spelled your name right - sorry if I didn't!)

Yes, I feel so much better that plans are coming into place now. I think we can make our ADRs the last week of September, so clearly I have lots of time to ponder that. :lmao: We have a short list of "must-do" and another slightly longer list of "maybes" so hopefully we can come to an agreement!

[DWGal210]

October 1 -- 4th -- I was able to score one of the discounted rooms -- CBR for $96 a night. We are very excited about it! We've haven't been to Disney without children since 1995, and we haven't had a trip by ourselves since 2004. I wish our dates matched up, though.

Score! :thumbsup2 That is a great deal! I love to travel anyway, but when I get a good deal, somehow that makes it even more enjoyable and fun! ;)

This sounds like a great trip for you guys; I think it's important for couples to get away together every now and again without the kiddies. They'll understand when they get older and have families of their own! :goodvibes

[DWGal210]

So I found some more cute items that I just had to share. :cool1: If you'll remember from posts back, I was deciding on swimsuits. To recap, I decided to get this suit - how cute will that be in the AKL pool?!

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/277085_AH08_LF_VET.jpg

I also found another top that has a skirt with the bottoms sewn in...and I can wear that with my giraffe-print top! :woohoo: Awesome! Here is the top and the swim bottoms of that suit:

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/Top1.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/Bottom1.jpg

Now onto shoes :goodvibes I thought these would be so cute for being around the pool:
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/WaterShoes.jpg

And now my favorite part...I found the cutest sweater - how darling is that?! And how perfect is it for an ADR at Coral Reef? :yay:
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/PinkSweater.jpg

Plus, Lands End (where this is all from) has a free shipping sale right now - score! :thumbsup2 I am excited to get my new purchases!

[Flossbolna]

Great shopping!! :thumbsup2 The swim suits are really cute. And I love the seahorse cardigan! :goodvibes

Vacation shopping is great isn't it. I love to do it, even though I know that mostly I don't really need those things, it just adds to the excitement for the trip!

[Charleston Princess]

Love the new purchases -- new vacation clothes are always so much fun!

[BippityBoo]

Awesome! LOVE the sweater..how cute!!

[annnewjerz]

Very cute stuff. I'm a big fan of cardigans, but a good one is so hard to find. The right materials, the right fit, the right color---I'm thinking I should open a store that just sells cardigans, it would make my life a whole lot easier. :rotfl:

[DWGal210]

Great shopping!! :thumbsup2 The swim suits are really cute. And I love the seahorse cardigan! :goodvibes

Vacation shopping is great isn't it. I love to do it, even though I know that mostly I don't really need those things, it just adds to the excitement for the trip!

Yes, I love vacation shopping! I have even picked up a few high SPF things of sunscreen - crazy I know, but if it's on sale and I see it, it's going in the vacation bag!

Love the new purchases -- new vacation clothes are always so much fun!

Oh so much fun! :) I counted yesterday and I have no less than 11 WDW / Mickey shirts...and since we are going to be there for 9 nights, I could wear one each day, but I think of course I will find a few new things between now and then to take along!

I am going to TRY and not bring a ton of clothes since we will have a washer/dryer in the room, but I am a dork and like to have a special outfit for each day - like anyone cares but me! :laughing:

Awesome! LOVE the sweater..how cute!!

Isn't that the cutest?! I saw that and thought, "Ring it up, it's mine!" :wizard:

[DWGal210]

Very cute stuff. I'm a big fan of cardigans, but a good one is so hard to find. The right materials, the right fit, the right color---I'm thinking I should open a store that just sells cardigans, it would make my life a whole lot easier. :rotfl:

Yes, that is SO TRUE! I like them 3/4 sleeve and a bit on the longer side so they cover more tummy and tush. :lmao:

If you do open that store, let me know! :thumbsup2

[ladybugmom]

Nice choices!! I especially like the girafffe print swimsuit!! :goodvibes

[wigdoutdismom]

Great job on the shopping, the giraffe swim suit and sweater are soooo cute!

[DWGal210]

Nice choices!! I especially like the girafffe print swimsuit!! :goodvibes

Thank you! I thought that was so cute. I wanted to take 2 suits anyway and how easy will it be to have 2 different tops but be able to use the same bottom of the suit?! Easy peasy!

Great job on the shopping, the giraffe swim suit and sweater are soooo cute!

Thanks! I am excited! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

So I looked at the airline tickets again today, just to see if perhaps they had gone down in price. I know I shouldn't do that to myself, but I couldn't help it.

And get this - they had actually gone UP in price! Only about $30 total, but still! That's a cute shirt I could buy at Disney! :rotfl: Glad we bought them when we did! :thumbsup2

[Charleston Princess]

Sometimes it's a good thing to look at those airline prices! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

Sometimes it's a good thing to look at those airline prices! :thumbsup2

I know, I was pretty excited. At one point, I think that with Airtran, you could call them and adjust your ticket price if that same flight went down in price, but I don't know that they do that anymore. But I feel that we got a GREAT price for flying over the Christmas/New Years holidays and so I am pretty happy.

So now I have my park tickets and my plane ticket - the only other things I am saving for are my meals and my souvenirs! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

So I need some help...

Not that kind of help! :lmao: I think I am perfectly sane, thank you very much! :rotfl:

I am now at the "Budgeting for Meals" area of my trip. I am not going to let my aunt and uncle pay for my meals thus trip, even though I'm sure they will offer, as they have done in previous trips. It's very nice of them, but for goodness sake, I'm 27 years old with a job and I can foot the bill for my meals! :goodvibes

So I wanted to know all of your input on what you think I should budget for meals. Here are some particulars to help you:

- We're staying in a 2 bedroom DVC villa and we're getting groceries, so we won't be buying breakfast except for the character meal at Tusker House.
- At this point, we're thinking 5-6 table service meals spread over our trip. Some are one price (like OHana or boma) and some have a menu, so that would vary on the amount needed for each meal.
- We're staying for 9 nights.

I was thinking about $400; I figured this would be plenty to cover table service meals + tip, plus the snacks and lunches we would buy at the parks. Does this seem too high or not high enough? Since we're not doing the dining plan, I thought perhaps I would get a reloadable Visa check card and use that as my meals card. Then I can keep those expenses separate from my other spending money, and more accurately track what I am spending.

So have at me - what are your thoughts?

[michellem1118]

I just found your PTR and got all caught up.. I have a whole list of comments, hope I can remember everything!

We're going to be there mostly at the same time - we fly out on 12/27 and return home on 1/1. We had very little flexibility b/c my mom, MIL, DH, and I are all teachers, and have to be back in a classroom on 1/4, and MIL doesn't get out for the Christmas break until 12/23! :scared1:

We were able to get RT airfare out of DFW on American for just under $300pp for me, DH, and my parents... MIL and BIL, who are flying out of New York City, had to go with AirTran, on connecting flights, and were still at $350 or so per ticket... for them to go nonstop on American or JetBlue (their airlines of choice) would have been over $600/ticket! :scared1::scared1:

DH & I will be in a studio at Kidani Village, but the rest of our gang have studios booked at SSR. We own DVC at both resorts, but due to point allocations and the 11-month home resort booking windows, that's what we ended up with. We actually have an "extra" studio booked at SSR as well, we had some family members who backed out of our trip recently, so we're trying to recruit some friends to join us... or I'll post it "for rent" on the DVC boards.

We're paying for all of our food OOP on our trip next week, so I might be able to give you a good estimate when we get back, LOL. We're guessing that our 5-night trip will run us about $300, plus our anniversary dinner at Victoria & Albert's that we're not including in the food budget, it's "special" and being paid for with anniversary gifts that we've gotten from DH's family.

I :love: your animal-print swimsuits! If I hadn't JUST bought a new suit on sale at Macy's, I'd go check out Lands End... but DH will kill me if I spend any more money before we leave next weekend.

Congratulations on your niece Caroline! She's beautiful, and I love the name. :)

I think there were other things I wanted to comment on, but I can't remember, and I hear a storm rolling through, so I should probably turn off the electronics...

[Charleston Princess]

Have you been over to the Allears site and looked at their menus? All of their prices are listed, so I just estimated our food budget for the October trip based on that.

[annnewjerz]

We budgeted about $400 per person for our trip in December which is 7 days/6 nights before we decided to upgrade to the Deluxe DDP. That pretty much included 1 TS, 1 CS and 2 snacks each day per person, as well as tax and tip. It worked out to be about $55 per person/per day not including breakfast because we will be staying in a studio with a kitchenette and eating breakfast there.

$30 including tip per person for each TS meal (usually dinners, but a little less if we were doing breakfast)
$15 per person for a CS meal
$10 per person for snacks/drinks in between meals

Can't wait to hear what you have in store. Adding the Deluxe DDP to our trip (if we decide to) is definitely going to be a fun and frustrating part of planning all rolled into one, I'm sure. :thumbsup2

[MyMuse]

So I need some help...
- At this point, we're thinking 5-6 table service meals spread over our trip. Some are one price (like OHana or boma) and some have a menu, so that would vary on the amount needed for each meal.
- We're staying for 9 nights.

I was thinking about $400; I figured this would be plenty to cover table service meals + tip, plus the snacks and lunches we would buy at the parks. Does this seem too high or not high enough? Since we're not doing the dining plan, I thought perhaps I would get a reloadable Visa check card and use that as my meals card. Then I can keep those expenses separate from my other spending money, and more accurately track what I am spending.

So have at me - what are your thoughts?

I spreadsheeted my trips (yeh, I know, but it's the way I roll....:rotfl:) and in my March solo trip, for the week (parks for full 4 days), I spent $229.77 on dining. This was only 3 TS meals (no character dining) and the rest counter service. I didn't do much on snacks.

In my March trip, there was 3 of us for 4 days and I spent $652 on dining, which included 3 character meals and another TS meal, 1 buffet (Fantasmic), rest were counter service and a bunch of snacks.

I hope it helps!

[DWGal210]

I just found your PTR and got all caught up.. I have a whole list of comments, hope I can remember everything!

We're going to be there mostly at the same time - we fly out on 12/27 and return home on 1/1. We had very little flexibility b/c my mom, MIL, DH, and I are all teachers, and have to be back in a classroom on 1/4, and MIL doesn't get out for the Christmas break until 12/23! :scared1:

We were able to get RT airfare out of DFW on American for just under $300pp for me, DH, and my parents... MIL and BIL, who are flying out of New York City, had to go with AirTran, on connecting flights, and were still at $350 or so per ticket... for them to go nonstop on American or JetBlue (their airlines of choice) would have been over $600/ticket! :scared1::scared1:

DH & I will be in a studio at Kidani Village, but the rest of our gang have studios booked at SSR. We own DVC at both resorts, but due to point allocations and the 11-month home resort booking windows, that's what we ended up with. We actually have an "extra" studio booked at SSR as well, we had some family members who backed out of our trip recently, so we're trying to recruit some friends to join us... or I'll post it "for rent" on the DVC boards.

We're paying for all of our food OOP on our trip next week, so I might be able to give you a good estimate when we get back, LOL. We're guessing that our 5-night trip will run us about $300, plus our anniversary dinner at Victoria & Albert's that we're not including in the food budget, it's "special" and being paid for with anniversary gifts that we've gotten from DH's family.

I :love: your animal-print swimsuits! If I hadn't JUST bought a new suit on sale at Macy's, I'd go check out Lands End... but DH will kill me if I spend any more money before we leave next weekend.

Congratulations on your niece Caroline! She's beautiful, and I love the name. :)

I think there were other things I wanted to comment on, but I can't remember, and I hear a storm rolling through, so I should probably turn off the electronics...

Hello - thank you for reading! Welcome! :yay:

Wow, that is a late time to get out for Christmas break, isn't it, especially for teachers? I mean, I work Christmas Eve, but probably only until Noon or so and then we're free to go for the day. Basically we just have to come in and get our reports done for the 23rd, and then we're free!

I'm glad you got a good price on tickets! We really like flying Airtran - I know the reviews here on the Dis are mixed but I've never had a problem, and their prices are SO much better! If it was around $600 per person, we probably would have been driving.

I am so excited for Kidani! We also decided to do a split stay between there and Saratoga, where I've stayed before, so I am for sure excited about Kidani! Woo hoo! :woohoo:

I hope you didn't have a storm the other night - we had a really bad one about a week ago and there were so many trees down all over town. Some were ripped right out of the ground, even with roots under concrete sidewalks! :scared1: It was pretty scary.

Thanks again for reading!!

[DWGal210]

Have you been over to the Allears site and looked at their menus? All of their prices are listed, so I just estimated our food budget for the October trip based on that.

Great idea, Jackie! I'll go over there today and check things out. Thanks for the tip! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

We budgeted about $400 per person for our trip in December which is 7 days/6 nights before we decided to upgrade to the Deluxe DDP. That pretty much included 1 TS, 1 CS and 2 snacks each day per person, as well as tax and tip. It worked out to be about $55 per person/per day not including breakfast because we will be staying in a studio with a kitchenette and eating breakfast there.

$30 including tip per person for each TS meal (usually dinners, but a little less if we were doing breakfast)
$15 per person for a CS meal
$10 per person for snacks/drinks in between meals

Can't wait to hear what you have in store. Adding the Deluxe DDP to our trip (if we decide to) is definitely going to be a fun and frustrating part of planning all rolled into one, I'm sure. :thumbsup2

Hey there!

I like you formula of $30 for TS, $15 for CS and $10 for snacks - I think that's a good way to do it, too. The nice thing about having the kitchen is we are getting groceries delivered, and we usually end up getting a few snacks too that we put in our purses (100 calorie packs, that sort of thing) but of course I need to budget for my Diet Cokes and the ice cream! :lmao: Thanks for the info!

[DWGal210]

I spreadsheeted my trips (yeh, I know, but it's the way I roll....:rotfl:) and in my March solo trip, for the week (parks for full 4 days), I spent $229.77 on dining. This was only 3 TS meals (no character dining) and the rest counter service. I didn't do much on snacks.

In my March trip, there was 3 of us for 4 days and I spent $652 on dining, which included 3 character meals and another TS meal, 1 buffet (Fantasmic), rest were counter service and a bunch of snacks.

I hope it helps!

Hello! Thanks for reading! :yay:

I love a spreadsheet. :thumbsup2 Those are a good thing to do, for sure!

Thanks for the info on your meals! I think today, I am going to take bits and pieces of everyones advice and go on AllEars.net, make a spreadsheet and use a "formula" of sorts to figure out a budget for my dining.

Thanks again!!

[MyMuse]

Hello! Thanks for reading! :yay:

I love a spreadsheet. :thumbsup2 Those are a good thing to do, for sure!

Thanks for the info on your meals! I think today, I am going to take bits and pieces of everyones advice and go on AllEars.net, make a spreadsheet and use a "formula" of sorts to figure out a budget for my dining.

Thanks again!!

Spreadsheets are a fav of mine. I'm a numbers person, so I enjoy it. Plus, I use it as a budgeting tool for the next trip, wherever it may be.

For the menus, make sure to take a look at the date. If the dates is a bit old-ish, make sure to increase the price a bit to ensure your numbers are good.

Enjoying your report so far! :goodvibes

[DWGal210]

Spreadsheets are a fav of mine. I'm a numbers person, so I enjoy it. Plus, I use it as a budgeting tool for the next trip, wherever it may be.

For the menus, make sure to take a look at the date. If the dates is a bit old-ish, make sure to increase the price a bit to ensure your numbers are good.

Enjoying your report so far! :goodvibes

Oh, thanks for the reminder on the dates of the menus! Thank you for that!

I also read in the Unofficial Guide that during peak times (of course when we are going) they can add a surcharge of $4/adult and $2/kids at certain restaurants :scared1: so I need to keep that in mind, too!

Thanks everyone!

[DWGal210]

So I came home from work last night and got the best possible mail of all (nestled between the credit card bill and some junk mail, of course).....


I GOT MY PARK TICKET! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

It's very cute - has Pluto on the front and is purple. Very sweet! I am just so glad to be able to check another item off of my list. Awesome! :woohoo:

Thanks again everyone for the great dining $$ suggestions. I am going to make some calculations today, and then for budgeting help, I thought I would get a Visa giftcard and every week, load some money onto it from my paychecks. I wonder if you can do that automatically? Hmm...something to look into. Anyway, I figured the amount I come up with divided by about 20 weeks will give me the amount I need to put in there each week, so that when we arrive, I will be ready to go for my meals! Sweet! :yay:

Have a great day, everyone!

[DWGal210]

Also today, I went to the Disney World website and did my free customizable park maps! This is such a fun thing and I'm glad they offer it! :cool1:

They should be coming in 2-3 weeks! :woohoo:

[MyMuse]

So I came home from work last night and got the best possible mail of all (nestled between the credit card bill and some junk mail, of course).....

I GOT MY PARK TICKET! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

Thanks again everyone for the great dining $$ suggestions. I am going to make some calculations today, and then for budgeting help, I thought I would get a Visa giftcard and every week, load some money onto it from my paychecks. I wonder if you can do that automatically?


Cool for Mickey Mail! :cheer2:

The March trip came with a $200 gift card, so I used that for most of my meals.
For the trip in May, I happened to be in a Disney store and just got a giftcard, placed some money on it and used that for all purchases, including food and merchandise. That way I wasn't taking out my credit cards or handling money all day. Worked great. :thumbsup2

Also today, I went to the Disney World website and did my free customizable park maps! This is such a fun thing and I'm glad they offer it! :cool1:

They should be coming in 2-3 weeks! :woohoo:

I love these as well. Beautiful keepsakes.

[Flossbolna]

I GOT MY PARK TICKET! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

It's very cute - has Pluto on the front and is purple. Very sweet! I am just so glad to be able to check another item off of my list. Awesome! :woohoo:

Thanks again everyone for the great dining $$ suggestions. I am going to make some calculations today, and then for budgeting help, I thought I would get a Visa giftcard and every week, load some money onto it from my paychecks. I wonder if you can do that automatically? Hmm...something to look into. Anyway, I figured the amount I come up with divided by about 20 weeks will give me the amount I need to put in there each week, so that when we arrive, I will be ready to go for my meals! Sweet! :yay:

Have a great day, everyone!

Oh, I would love to have a cute park ticket, too! We always end up doing packages and therefore the room key is my ticket. While that is practical I would love to have a real ticket!! :goodvibes

Have fun doing the budgetting! Allears has info on that holiday surcharge. I think it applies only to buffets, but your travel time will definitely be affected.

And I like the idea of saving a weekly amount for your food! By the way, I am not sure how you are planning to deal with the issue of paying if you are a larger group. But my friend and I found out that if you charge to the room, you can actually pay that off the evening before you check out by various means of payment in the amounts you want. So when we split the cost of meals, we would just charge it to the room, hang on to our receipts and then on the last evening got a print out of all the room charges, did the math on who had to pay how much and then she paid by credit card while I used cash.

[ladybugmom]

Whoo hooo for park tickets!!!! :woohoo:

[BippityBoo]

Hey! Just catching up about the meal $ thing. To me, that sounds about right for one person. We had the meal plan, but still looked at the prices to see what we would have been speding otherwise. My friend gave me the tip to take your meal $ you budgeted for (the $400) and give it to the CMs downstairs at your Resort. They will put it on your room key and then you can use it freely throughout the park!???? Dont mark my words:confused3 Abby had the opportunity to save for small things in the park in order to save money on little odds and ends. She suggested it as a good way not to have to worry with cash or credit cards. Hope that helps!

[DWGal210]

Cool for Mickey Mail! :cheer2:

The March trip came with a $200 gift card, so I used that for most of my meals.
For the trip in May, I happened to be in a Disney store and just got a giftcard, placed some money on it and used that for all purchases, including food and merchandise. That way I wasn't taking out my credit cards or handling money all day. Worked great. :thumbsup2

Awesome idea!

I love these as well. Beautiful keepsakes.

:goodvibes

[DWGal210]

Oh, I would love to have a cute park ticket, too! We always end up doing packages and therefore the room key is my ticket. While that is practical I would love to have a real ticket!! :goodvibes

Have fun doing the budgetting! Allears has info on that holiday surcharge. I think it applies only to buffets, but your travel time will definitely be affected.

And I like the idea of saving a weekly amount for your food! By the way, I am not sure how you are planning to deal with the issue of paying if you are a larger group. But my friend and I found out that if you charge to the room, you can actually pay that off the evening before you check out by various means of payment in the amounts you want. So when we split the cost of meals, we would just charge it to the room, hang on to our receipts and then on the last evening got a print out of all the room charges, did the math on who had to pay how much and then she paid by credit card while I used cash.

That's a way to do it, as well; I could just work out with my aunt and uncle that if it was easier to pay for the table service meals with 1 ticket, we can settle up at the end of the trip. Something to think about, for sure!

[DWGal210]

Whoo hooo for park tickets!!!! :woohoo:

Yea Haw! :cool1:

Hey! Just catching up about the meal $ thing. To me, that sounds about right for one person. We had the meal plan, but still looked at the prices to see what we would have been speding otherwise. My friend gave me the tip to take your meal $ you budgeted for (the $400) and give it to the CMs downstairs at your Resort. They will put it on your room key and then you can use it freely throughout the park!???? Dont mark my words:confused3 Abby had the opportunity to save for small things in the park in order to save money on little odds and ends. She suggested it as a good way not to have to worry with cash or credit cards. Hope that helps!

That does help, thank you! :wizard: Another great idea! I love the Dis. :cheer2:

[DWGal210]

So this is not a trip update, but if you are watching Good Morning America tomorrow, my town, Cedar Falls, Iowa, is going to be featured! I guess they are doing a story about our bike trails and how they are recognized around the country, but also about the flooding and tornados the area had last year and how we're come back. They said in our paper today that they are wanting people to go to our downtown area in the early AM and make a crowd. :goodvibes I'll be at work but I'll be watching on TV! :yay:

[Charleston Princess]

That is so neat, Katie! I will make a note to turn on GMA tomorrow morning to watch! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

That is so neat, Katie! I will make a note to turn on GMA tomorrow morning to watch! :thumbsup2

Thanks! I saw my sister on TV!! She was standing to the right side of Sam Champion - she was just out of the camera line when they were talking to the chef from a restaurant in our downtown. So exciting our little town was on national TV! :cool1:

[DWGal210]

Ugh...so I need a hug.

I posted this on the Budget board too to get some input....

Today in the mail, I get a letter that tells me I owe $897 to the IRS from my 2007 return. According to them, what my emlpoyer reported and what I reported are off about $3,100. Thus they are saying I owe the feds more $$.

I am going to look at my W2 tonight and double check the numbers - - I am mystified by this. I used Turbo Tax and it was super easy; I had 1 income and a few dividends but nothing fancy (didn't buy a home, didn't have a child, not massive amounts of deductions) so I was very taken aback. The thing is, the numbers are not even close - - at first I wondered if it was a keystroke error when I filed online, but the numbers are not close - $XX,399 and $XX,562 or something close to that.

Luckily at the time, I was employed at my family's business and so I can double-check the numbers with my father and what he has, but I am looking to get this resolved quickly.

I guess my question is - has anyone dealt with the IRS for a matter like this? Were they easy or hard to work with? I will be shocked if this is my error so I am anticipating that I can contest it and have proof that it was not my error. I have until Aug. 16th to get in touch with them and say that I am either paying or disputing.

I am just festering about this. :headache:

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, Katie! What a headache! I hope you get it all figured out soon! :hug:

[Flossbolna]

I am sorry, I know nothing about the IRS obviously! But I hope everything can be sorted out!! :hug:

[DWGal210]

Oh, Katie! What a headache! I hope you get it all figured out soon! :hug:

Thank you, Jackie - I do too! :mad:

I am sorry, I know nothing about the IRS obviously! But I hope everything can be sorted out!! :hug:

:goodvibes Thank you Magdalena! I appreciate the kind thoughts!

[DWGal210]

Well, this update is not going to be so rosy and fun...

As you might have read a few posts earlier, I got a lovely letter from the IRS on Friday, stating that I owe them $900. :scared1: Apparently what I reported as income and what my employer reported was off about $3K (how you get $900 of taxes out of $3,000 is beyond me since I was for sure not in that high of a tax bracket, but that is a separate issue.). My dad and mom came over yesterday afternoon and took my 07 return and the IRS letter with them, and my dad is going to help me by taking it over to their accountant. We THINK what happened is that I neglected to add in the $3K that was contributed to my HSA account, and that I could have added it into my income and then also deducted it so I would have come out OK, but he is going to check. I am just sick to my stomach because I don't know what I am going to do about paying this off. My parents very generously have said they will loan me the money and I can pay them off (vs paying off the IRS in installments and having to pay interest) but the whole thing has kind of put a damper on my weekend. :headache:

I am also looking at switching positions at my current job - it will be a good move for me, as it's something that interests me much more than what I am doing now. But in the meantime, and IF I can move over there, (which will be at least a month) business is slow and so paychecks are small. I'm part salary / part commission and for the last few months, it's not been great.

Sorry for the pity party. :rolleyes: I already have my park ticket and plane ticket, so they only other expenses are food and souvenirs, but with 5 months left, I am starting to worry about how I will make those expenses. I am getting anxious and nervous about $$$, which I HATE feeling that way.

:headache: Just needed to vent to my friends. Hopefully I can have a more uplifting update in the next few days! Take care, everyone!

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, Katie! I hope everything gets better for you very soon! :hug:

[wigdoutdismom]

Oh nooo, I just read about your troubles with the IRS, I hope you are able to get everything worked out to your advantage...
Maybe all will turn around with your new job! Sending some pixie dust your way! :tinker:

[ladybugmom]

Katie--I'm sooo very sorry!! I'm praying things work out quickly for you!!! (((HUGS))) :hug:

[Flossbolna]

:headache: Just needed to vent to my friends. Hopefully I can have a more uplifting update in the next few days! Take care, everyone!

I hope everything can be sorted out!! :hug::hug:

[DWGal210]

Oh, Katie! I hope everything gets better for you very soon! :hug:

Oh nooo, I just read about your troubles with the IRS, I hope you are able to get everything worked out to your advantage...
Maybe all will turn around with your new job! Sending some pixie dust your way! :tinker:

Katie--I'm sooo very sorry!! I'm praying things work out quickly for you!!! (((HUGS))) :hug:

I hope everything can be sorted out!! :hug::hug:

Thank you everyone for the nice thoughts - I really appreciate it! :lovestruc

I talked to my dad last night and.....it looks like I will owe $0 to the IRS! :banana: :banana: :banana: It looks like what I didn't do was add my HSA contributions to my income, but on another line of my return, I could have deducted that same amount, so it's getting taken care of. Whew! I am very relieved. Today is so far a much better day - thank you everyone for the hugs, that means a lot to me! :hug:

[Charleston Princess]

Thank you everyone for the nice thoughts - I really appreciate it! :lovestruc

I talked to my dad last night and.....it looks like I will owe $0 to the IRS! :banana: :banana: :banana: It looks like what I didn't do was add my HSA contributions to my income, but on another line of my return, I could have deducted that same amount, so it's getting taken care of. Whew! I am very relieved. Today is so far a much better day - thank you everyone for the hugs, that means a lot to me! :hug:

Woo hoo!!! I am so glad, Katie! I know you must feel like a weight has been lifted! :banana:

[BippityBoo]

Yay! I am so happy for you! Just catching up on your TR and saw what happened! Taxes are crazy! So glad you dont owe anything...I REALLY cant wait for your trip:yay: So happy this did not put a damper on your plans:goodvibes

[DWGal210]

Woo hoo!!! I am so glad, Katie! I know you must feel like a weight has been lifted! :banana:

Thanks, Jackie! I do feel that way - when I woke up today I didn't have a headache, so that is a good thing! :lmao:

Yay! I am so happy for you! Just catching up on your TR and saw what happened! Taxes are crazy! So glad you dont owe anything...I REALLY cant wait for your trip:yay: So happy this did not put a damper on your plans:goodvibes

Thank you Katie! :cutie: You're so sweet! I am glad too - I was getting worried about having $$ for the extras but now things are looking up again. In about 7 weeks we get to make ADRs, so that is the next "to do" on the list! :wizard:

[ladybugmom]

Thank you everyone for the nice thoughts - I really appreciate it! :lovestruc

I talked to my dad last night and.....it looks like I will owe $0 to the IRS! :banana: :banana: :banana: It looks like what I didn't do was add my HSA contributions to my income, but on another line of my return, I could have deducted that same amount, so it's getting taken care of. Whew! I am very relieved. Today is so far a much better day - thank you everyone for the hugs, that means a lot to me! :hug:

Whoo hooo Katie!! That's awesome!! I'm so happy for you and I know you are sooo relieved!! :cheer2:

[DWGal210]

Thanks again, everyone, for the kind words. I really do appreciate it SO MUCH! :lovestruc

Now back to business....:rotfl:

I've decided that I want to make some gift bags for the kids for our trip and I need some ideas, since I know you are all very creative people and I could use the help!

The ages of the kids are:

My sister, 18, so not really a kid anymore but I want to make one for her. :goodvibes
Cousin, boy, aged 16l he actually turns 16 about a week before we leave!
Cousin, boy, aged 14
Cousin, girl (also my goddaughter), aged 9
Cousin, boy, aged 3

Do you have any good ideas for what I could include?! I was thinking I would give them to them at the airport so they would have something to do on the plane, plus then I wouldn't have to pack them and use valuable luggage space. :woohoo:

I would ideally not want to spend more than say $75 total for all 5 bags, so that's like $15 per person. Any ideas for what I should include? I saw these bags on the Disney Store online and though they were so cute - $7 for 2 of them. Kinda expensive for the bag, but I thought I would get 2 sets green and 1 set pink. The pink has Tinkerbell in the corner.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/bags.jpg

So I was thinking.....please add to this list with your suggestions....
* Coloring book for the little guy
* Perhaps a Disney t-shirt that I can find on sale on the Disney store when they bring in their fall stuff. :goodvibes
* A lanyard for their park tickets

And that's where I run out of steam...any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

[DWGal210]

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

OK, so those bags I posed a pic of...they are laundry bags. So probably would not work for a carry-on and gift bag. Should have read it better! :lmao:

[annnewjerz]

I think your idea to give everyone a little gift bag is great!!

Here are some things that I think would be inexpensive that I might do if I were making them:

- Snacks, more specifically, Mickey head rice krispie treats. I bet they would be easy AND cheap to make yourself at home. You could make the ears out of two flattened balls of cereal or find a Mickey head cookie cutter, I'm sure they sell such a thing somewhere. You could even dunk them in chocolate if you felt so inclined. They may not be as tasty as the real ones in WDW, but I can't think of anything I'd rather snack on on the plane to Disney. :thumbsup2

- Disney pencil/pen with a little booklet of Disney crossword puzzles and word searches. If you are able, you can either make some yourself or I'm sure you can Google "Disney Crossword Puzzle" and find some that you can print out.

- Coloring books. Honestly, I'm 25 and I like to color---if you can find really cheap coloring books and crayons from the Dollar Store, it'd be a good thing to keep busy with.

- Walmart.com has some mp3 players (albeit pink ones) for under $10 and some black ones for under $15. Sure, they will probably break after a few weeks, but if you are someone who has a collection of Disney music you could buy an mp3 player for each kid and load it with your favorite Disney songs.

- Pins. I don't know if you are willing to bid on ones from E-bay, but there are alot of reputable sellers out there and you can get a pin and lanyard for each kid to start their pin trading collection.

- Disney PJs! At the Disney Outlet website (and maybe elsewhere online) they have a bunch of Disney PJ separates. From sleep shirts for $5.99 to pants for $10. I'm sure I have seen Disney clothing elsewhere (maybe at Walmart?) so maybe check there too.

- Disney shirts. There are a bunch on the Disney Outlet website in the "$5.99 or less" category.

I'm sure I'll think of more, but here at worl the Disney site takes F-O-R-E-V-E-R to load, so it's best that I stay off of it ;)

[BippityBoo]

That is so nice of you to make bags for the kids!! :lovestruc I would love to have someone like you in my family---and my kids would too!

I really like all of your ideas. I agree that there needs to be some candy or snacks..super cheap to buy in bulk and distribute throughout all of the bags. Just a little tip is that when flying, kids can eat starburst to help keep their ears from popping. The older kids probably know how to "de-pop" their ears, but it helps for the younger ones. They can chew the starburst and it sort of does it for them! On that note---I usually dont like too much sugar when the kids are suppose to be sitting for a long time :rotfl: So, make sure to do goldfish/peanut butter crackers/etc.

Journals are a great idea so they can journal a/b the trip. My daughter is 6 and her grandmother gave her one for our beach trip. She wrote after each experience...great keepsake!

LOVE the PJ idea:thumbsup2 So cute! They can all take a pic together one night in them!

I will brainstorm more and let you know!

[DWGal210]

I think your idea to give everyone a little gift bag is great!!

Here are some things that I think would be inexpensive that I might do if I were making them:

- Snacks, more specifically, Mickey head rice krispie treats. I bet they would be easy AND cheap to make yourself at home. You could make the ears out of two flattened balls of cereal or find a Mickey head cookie cutter, I'm sure they sell such a thing somewhere. You could even dunk them in chocolate if you felt so inclined. They may not be as tasty as the real ones in WDW, but I can't think of anything I'd rather snack on on the plane to Disney. :thumbsup2

OOH, great idea!! And yes, I bet they would be super easy to make. I would think a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter would be easy enough to find - just make a large pan of krispie treats, cut them out and dip! Awesome idea!!

- Disney pencil/pen with a little booklet of Disney crossword puzzles and word searches. If you are able, you can either make some yourself or I'm sure you can Google "Disney Crossword Puzzle" and find some that you can print out.

I will search online - I never thought about looking online for color pages but I bet I could find some. I seem to recall a DIS thread at one point that had pictures to color; I'll have to look again today.

- Coloring books. Honestly, I'm 25 and I like to color---if you can find really cheap coloring books and crayons from the Dollar Store, it'd be a good thing to keep busy with.

I am with you on the coloring books. :goodvibes Sometimes in winter if the weather is really icky and I don't want to go outside, I'll color at home and watch a movie.

- Walmart.com has some mp3 players (albeit pink ones) for under $10 and some black ones for under $15. Sure, they will probably break after a few weeks, but if you are someone who has a collection of Disney music you could buy an mp3 player for each kid and load it with your favorite Disney songs.

NEAT! I should definately check those out. I think the older 3 kids have MP3 players already, but maybe I could swipe them for a day without them noticing and load some songs on there.

- Pins. I don't know if you are willing to bid on ones from E-bay, but there are alot of reputable sellers out there and you can get a pin and lanyard for each kid to start their pin trading collection.

I think the pin thing is so cool. I haven't done pins before but I think they are neat. Myself, I would probably pin them to my Disney Baggallini instead of a lanyard, but they are so cool. I do Ebay and feel comfortable doing it, I'll have to check and see what people are selling. Have you had any luck with the ones that say they'll send you 10 assorted pins? Do you like what you get in those sets?

- Disney PJs! At the Disney Outlet website (and maybe elsewhere online) they have a bunch of Disney PJ separates. From sleep shirts for $5.99 to pants for $10. I'm sure I have seen Disney clothing elsewhere (maybe at Walmart?) so maybe check there too.

- Disney shirts. There are a bunch on the Disney Outlet website in the "$5.99 or less" category.

I never thought about PJs...how cool would that be?! Sweet! I'll have to look today at the Disney outlet and see what they have too.

I'm sure I'll think of more, but here at worl the Disney site takes F-O-R-E-V-E-R to load, so it's best that I stay off of it ;)

Thank you so much!! I appreciate your ideas so much!!

[DWGal210]

That is so nice of you to make bags for the kids!! :lovestruc I would love to have someone like you in my family---and my kids would too!

I really like all of your ideas. I agree that there needs to be some candy or snacks..super cheap to buy in bulk and distribute throughout all of the bags. Just a little tip is that when flying, kids can eat starburst to help keep their ears from popping. The older kids probably know how to "de-pop" their ears, but it helps for the younger ones. They can chew the starburst and it sort of does it for them! On that note---I usually dont like too much sugar when the kids are suppose to be sitting for a long time :rotfl: So, make sure to do goldfish/peanut butter crackers/etc.

Journals are a great idea so they can journal a/b the trip. My daughter is 6 and her grandmother gave her one for our beach trip. She wrote after each experience...great keepsake!

LOVE the PJ idea:thumbsup2 So cute! They can all take a pic together one night in them!

I will brainstorm more and let you know!

Oh thank you Katie! You are so sweet! I do like to spoil the kids - I don't have any of my own yet, and it's fun for me to do things for them. :lovestruc

I like the candy and snack ideas - and you're right about the goldfish and crackers; I never thought about the sugar quotient but you're absolutely right - we wouldn't want anyone sugar-crashing just as we were getting to Disney!

I LOVE your journal idea - I have made some for other DISers (journals/autograph books) and I bet the older kids would like them. I don't know if the 3-year-old would be as excited. :lmao: And since I already have the supplies for those at home, I wouldn't be spending any extra $$$, which would be great!

Take care and have a wonderful day! :yay:

[Charleston Princess]

What about glow sticks and glow jewelry for nighttime parades and fireworks? You can usually find those at the Dollar Store or Walmart.

Also, what about party favors for New Year's Eve? Like those mardi gras like beads -- I bet Oriental Trading Company has something like that.

[annnewjerz]

What about glow sticks and glow jewelry for nighttime parades and fireworks? You can usually find those at the Dollar Store or Walmart.

Also, what about party favors for New Year's Eve? Like those mardi gras like beads -- I bet Oriental Trading Company has something like that.

I love the idea of some New Year's Eve stuff. Little noise makers or something that you can find at a local party store.

One word of caution about the glow-toys. I think they are a great idea also, so much fun!!! I bought a truck load for 4th of July from the Dollar Store for next to nothing but if you are planning to take them in your carry-on I think that would be a problem. They contain some sort of either liquid of gel and I can see TSA giving you a hard time about it not being allowed unless it's in your quart-sized ziploc and less than 3oz. I'm sure the kids would be hugely disappointed if they got awesome glow-sticks and then had to toss them when going through security :headache:

[DWGal210]

What about glow sticks and glow jewelry for nighttime parades and fireworks? You can usually find those at the Dollar Store or Walmart.

Also, what about party favors for New Year's Eve? Like those mardi gras like beads -- I bet Oriental Trading Company has something like that.

I like it - awesome ideas! I never thought about NYE stuff, but that Oriental Trading Company has some great stuff, don't they?! :banana: I will look - thank you for the great ideas!

[DWGal210]

I love the idea of some New Year's Eve stuff. Little noise makers or something that you can find at a local party store.

One word of caution about the glow-toys. I think they are a great idea also, so much fun!!! I bought a truck load for 4th of July from the Dollar Store for next to nothing but if you are planning to take them in your carry-on I think that would be a problem. They contain some sort of either liquid of gel and I can see TSA giving you a hard time about it not being allowed unless it's in your quart-sized ziploc and less than 3oz. I'm sure the kids would be hugely disappointed if they got awesome glow-sticks and then had to toss them when going through security :headache:

Good point about the TSA rules...I wonder if in that case, it would be safer to mail a package down and have it sent to our room. That might be a good idea, anyway, so I won't have to pack all that in my suitcase and can have more room for other things.

Thanks again! :wizard:

[ladybugmom]

You MUST make them some autograph books/journals like you made for my girls!! You are sooo talented and they would LOVE them!! :goodvibes

[Flossbolna]

Those bags are a wonderful idea! Have you considered making some T-Shirts yourself? On the creative board they have some wonderful people doing designs. Perhaps matching t-shirts would not be appreciated so much by the teenagers, but if it was only similar without being the same, it could still be fun!

And great to hear that the tax issue appears to be sorted out! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

You MUST make them some autograph books/journals like you made for my girls!! You are sooo talented and they would LOVE them!! :goodvibes

Oh thank you! :lovestruc You are making me blush, you're so sweet! :lovestruc I think I will make some of those journals...I have the supplies already, it would just be a matter of asking their mom what characters the kids like!

[DWGal210]

Those bags are a wonderful idea! Have you considered making some T-Shirts yourself? On the creative board they have some wonderful people doing designs. Perhaps matching t-shirts would not be appreciated so much by the teenagers, but if it was only similar without being the same, it could still be fun!

And great to hear that the tax issue appears to be sorted out! :thumbsup2

T-shirts are a fun idea! I thought what we would do, maybe just the kids when my aunt and uncle had their dinner alone, was go to DTD to the T-Shirt Shop and each make our own shirts. Then I can make sure the teenagers like their shirts and it's something they will actually wear. :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

Thanks again for the input, everyone!

I went to Oriental Trader and they have a dozen tote bags I can buy for about $20, which is great! :thumbsup2 I figured each person would get a tote bag in a different color (so there are no fights about what bag belongs to what person :lmao: ) and so now on to filling them! :banana: I looked online a few places, trying to find Disney totes but they were more than I wanted to spend. Does anyone know where I can get some inexpensive ones?

I think this weekend, I am going to start making the journals / autograph books. I can do those way in advance and then have them ready to go.

I also started looking and pins on Ebay and I think I have found yet another thing to be hooked on! :rotfl: They are so much fun! I think I'll buy a set that has the 10-12 various ones in there, and then put 2-3 in each kid's bag. Then they can start their collections! :woohoo:

I am also on the look-out for cute Alice in Wonderland things, since my sister's name is Alice. :cutie: There are a few darling shirts and things like that on Ebay; perhaps in her bag, she'll get an Alice shirt. :yay:

[annnewjerz]

Thanks again for the input, everyone!

I went to Oriental Trader and they have a dozen tote bags I can buy for about $20, which is great! :thumbsup2 I figured each person would get a tote bag in a different color (so there are no fights about what bag belongs to what person :lmao: ) and so now on to filling them! :banana: I looked online a few places, trying to find Disney totes but they were more than I wanted to spend. Does anyone know where I can get some inexpensive ones?

I think this weekend, I am going to start making the journals / autograph books. I can do those way in advance and then have them ready to go.

I also started looking and pins on Ebay and I think I have found yet another thing to be hooked on! :rotfl: They are so much fun! I think I'll buy a set that has the 10-12 various ones in there, and then put 2-3 in each kid's bag. Then they can start their collections! :woohoo:

I am also on the look-out for cute Alice in Wonderland things, since my sister's name is Alice. :cutie: There are a few darling shirts and things like that on Ebay; perhaps in her bag, she'll get an Alice shirt. :yay:

So fun! I love the idea of getting Alice in Wonderland things for your sister. :cutie:

There are a lot of people on e-bay selling unofficial "scrapper" pins (I've gotten a few) so I would check out the Disney Collections board on the DIS. There are a few threads that have lists of reputable e-bay sellers and sellers that people have received scrapper pins from.

Have fun and happy shopping!!

Edited to add: Just did a quick search for Disney totes and didn't find any super cheap ones, but if you are getting canvas totes from Oriental Trader, maybe just think about getting some of that iron-on fabric stuff (no, that's not the technical term) and cut out a Mickey-head and iron it onto the tote. Sounds like you are creative, you can fiture something out!!

AND, if all else fails check out your local Disney store. I saw some Disney totes (looked like the kind of tote they sell to "go green" and re-use as a shopping bag for your visit to the store) and they were like $2.99 each. I almost picked one up for us to use at MNSSHP for candy, but decided against it for the time being.

[MyMuse]

I picked up a bunch of little things for my niece for our May trip to celebrate her birthday (pics in TR, see my sig below).

I would give her something each day and put it on the bed. After we got home, she got a beach bag to put all her stuff in plus the binder I kept planning it. I'll make a CD of all the photos and videos soon.

It was Aurora-themed and she got earrings, necklace, ring, little cookie (just to have not to eat!) as well as a journal and little pen to write with along with princess puzzles and magic towel. Since it was her birthday, my sis allowed her to wear her wedding tiara! It was sooo cute!

I think it is a great idea and really lends itself to a more magical experience. It's something they will always remember.

I bought alot of my stuff in the local Dollar store and Party City. Plus, I had given her the cutest Aurora cupcakes at the breakfast we had before going to the airport.

[DWGal210]

So fun! I love the idea of getting Alice in Wonderland things for your sister. :cutie:

There are a lot of people on e-bay selling unofficial "scrapper" pins (I've gotten a few) so I would check out the Disney Collections board on the DIS. There are a few threads that have lists of reputable e-bay sellers and sellers that people have received scrapper pins from.

Have fun and happy shopping!!

Edited to add: Just did a quick search for Disney totes and didn't find any super cheap ones, but if you are getting canvas totes from Oriental Trader, maybe just think about getting some of that iron-on fabric stuff (no, that's not the technical term) and cut out a Mickey-head and iron it onto the tote. Sounds like you are creative, you can fiture something out!!

AND, if all else fails check out your local Disney store. I saw some Disney totes (looked like the kind of tote they sell to "go green" and re-use as a shopping bag for your visit to the store) and they were like $2.99 each. I almost picked one up for us to use at MNSSHP for candy, but decided against it for the time being.

Thank you for the tip on the pins - I'll see out that thread today and find some reputable people. I have seen some good prices on pin lots, but maybe that's because they are not as good, I really don't know. :confused3

Iron-ons! What a great idea! I am going to the craft store this weekend, I'll make sure and look for any Disney ones. Or perhaps I can order some online as well - thanks for the great tips!

[DWGal210]

I picked up a bunch of little things for my niece for our May trip to celebrate her birthday (pics in TR, see my sig below).

I would give her something each day and put it on the bed. After we got home, she got a beach bag to put all her stuff in plus the binder I kept planning it. I'll make a CD of all the photos and videos soon.

It was Aurora-themed and she got earrings, necklace, ring, little cookie (just to have not to eat!) as well as a journal and little pen to write with along with princess puzzles and magic towel. Since it was her birthday, my sis allowed her to wear her wedding tiara! It was sooo cute!

I think it is a great idea and really lends itself to a more magical experience. It's something they will always remember.

I bought alot of my stuff in the local Dollar store and Party City. Plus, I had given her the cutest Aurora cupcakes at the breakfast we had before going to the airport.


Hi there! That sounds like such a neat thing you did! I bet she really loved getting all that fun Aurora stuff. :lovestruc Aurora is my favorite also!

Thanks again for the great ideas!! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

So it's been so not busy at work lately :rolleyes: and as I'm sitting here, I am thinking of things to do to prepare myself for my trip....

Then I thought: I have 21 weeks until we leave. How about each week, I watch a Disney movie and have movie night? popcorn:: I think I'll do it!

So I went online and found a list of the Disney animated movies. I decided not to bring the live action movies into it, just too many to choose from. :lmao: So here is my list: let me know what you think:

1. Snow White
2. Bambi
3. Cinderella
4. Alice in Wonderland
5. Peter Pan
6. Lady and the Tramp
7. Sleeping Beauty
8. 101 Dalmations
9. The Sword in the Stone
10. Jungle Book
11. Robin Hood
12. The Rescuers
13. The Fox and the Hound
14. The Little Mermaid
15. Beauty and the Beast
16. The Lion King
17. Hercules
18. Mulan
19. Tarzan
20. The Emperor's New Groove
21. Bolt

How does that look? princess:

[annnewjerz]

So it's been so not busy at work lately :rolleyes: and as I'm sitting here, I am thinking of things to do to prepare myself for my trip....

Then I thought: I have 21 weeks until we leave. How about each week, I watch a Disney movie and have movie night? popcorn:: I think I'll do it!

So I went online and found a list of the Disney animated movies. I decided not to bring the live action movies into it, just too many to choose from. :lmao: So here is my list: let me know what you think:

1. Snow White
2. Bambi
3. Cinderella
4. Alice in Wonderland
5. Peter Pan
6. Lady and the Tramp
7. Sleeping Beauty
8. 101 Dalmations
9. The Sword in the Stone
10. Jungle Book
11. Robin Hood
12. The Rescuers
13. The Fox and the Hound
14. The Little Mermaid
15. Beauty and the Beast
16. The Lion King
17. Hercules
18. Mulan
19. Tarzan
20. The Emperor's New Groove
21. Bolt

How does that look? princess:

You're going on a Christmas trip and don't even have A Christmas Carol with Tiny Tim and Donald as Scrooge on there?! :snooty: No good, no good at all. ;)

[Charleston Princess]

Love your list!!! The Rescuers was the first Disney movie I ever saw in a theater so it's one of my favorites!!! :lovestruc

[DWGal210]

You're going on a Christmas trip and don't even have A Christmas Carol with Tiny Tim and Donald as Scrooge on there?! :snooty: No good, no good at all. ;)

Oh my goodness, you are right! :scared1: I will add that to the list - maybe I'll watch that Christmas night before I go to bed!

Love your list!!! The Rescuers was the first Disney movie I ever saw in a theater so it's one of my favorites!!! :lovestruc

I love that one too! It's funny when you watch these movies as a kid and then again as an adult. I watched "The Rescuers" a few months ago and when I was younger, I totally missed the witty, romantic banter between those two! :lovestruc So cute!

[raider97]

So it's been so not busy at work lately :rolleyes: and as I'm sitting here, I am thinking of things to do to prepare myself for my trip....

Then I thought: I have 21 weeks until we leave. How about each week, I watch a Disney movie and have movie night? popcorn:: I think I'll do it!

So I went online and found a list of the Disney animated movies. I decided not to bring the live action movies into it, just too many to choose from. :lmao: So here is my list: let me know what you think:

1. Snow White
2. Bambi
3. Cinderella
4. Alice in Wonderland
5. Peter Pan
6. Lady and the Tramp
7. Sleeping Beauty
8. 101 Dalmations
9. The Sword in the Stone
10. Jungle Book
11. Robin Hood
12. The Rescuers
13. The Fox and the Hound
14. The Little Mermaid
15. Beauty and the Beast
16. The Lion King
17. Hercules
18. Mulan
19. Tarzan
20. The Emperor's New Groove
21. Bolt

How does that look? princess:

What a cute idea!! I think I will be stealing this one. :)

Stephanie

[DWGal210]

What a cute idea!! I think I will be stealing this one. :)

Stephanie

Please, "steal" away! :thumbsup2

I'm off now to read your PTR! :goodvibes

[DWGal210]

Last night, I came home from work and had a surprise - Mickey Mail!! :banana:

A week or so ago, I went online and asked for some personalized park maps, and I got those yesterday! I took some photos but I'll have to post them another day. I got a map of each of the parks, plus a map of WDW in general with sticks where you can note your favorite places, even the resort where you're staying. :thumbsup2 They are so neat, I was so excited to get those!

In other Disney news....In October, Disney Live! is coming to a city near me. So, I am scheming in my mind today about a mini weekend getaway. I thought I would take my goddaughter (aged 9) and my sister if she was interested. The tickets are not a bad price at all - we can get good seats for $20 a person. Then, since it's only another 2 1/2 hours to my brothers house from that point, I thought maybe we could spend the night, then wake up the next morning and go visit Chicago! With a stop at the Disney store of course. :cool1: I looked online today and I can get a Country Inn and Suites for $89, so it shouldn't be a budget-buster at all. My aunt comes home tomorrow from their vacation, so I'll talk to her then about taking my goddaughter.

Talk to you all later!

[Charleston Princess]

What is Disney Live!? I don't think I have heard of that yet.

[BippityBoo]

Awesome! I saw that Disney Live was coming here on December 18th:santa: Just in time for some Disney Christmas fun! I tried to look up some info about the show last week, but could not find any. Do you know what characters are going to be in the show? Any info would be appreciated.

LOVE personalized maps. Can't wait to order ours!! Post pics soon:love:

[DWGal210]

What is Disney Live!? I don't think I have heard of that yet.

Awesome! I saw that Disney Live was coming here on December 18th:santa: Just in time for some Disney Christmas fun! I tried to look up some info about the show last week, but could not find any. Do you know what characters are going to be in the show? Any info would be appreciated.

LOVE personalized maps. Can't wait to order ours!! Post pics soon:love:

Well, here is what the Ticketmaster website says about Disney Live! Looks like a lot of fun to me! :banana: AGES 1 AND OLDER MUST HAVE A TICKET. DOORS OPEN AT 5:30 PM. All New Show Live On Stage. Get ready to dim the lights and raise the curtain - Mickey Mouse is in the house and he's setting the stage for fun - just for you! But first he'll need to find some amazing acts to put in his show. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald all head off on an adventure and find some great friends to help them out. You'll get to sing along to cool songs, jump out of your seat to dance to the beat and laugh out loud with Buzz and Woody from Toy Story, Cinderella, Tigger, and more of your Disney friends at this show-stopping, zany, on-stage adventure coming right to your hometown!

Jackie, I see in Atlanta they have one on Dec 20th at Phillips Arena. Katie, I am blanking on where you live. :headache: Let me know again and I can look for you. I would be going to the I-Wireless Center in Moline, IL; the ticket prices range from $15-$45. It looks like a very cute show, and a great way to get the Disney magic! :wizard:

[Charleston Princess]

It does sound very cute, Katie! Thanks for posting about it!

[DWGal210]

It does sound very cute, Katie! Thanks for posting about it!

You bet! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

I am having a garage sale this weekend - keep your fingers crossed that I make lots of $$ so I can put that towards my trip! :thumbsup2

[annnewjerz]

I am having a garage sale this weekend - keep your fingers crossed that I make lots of $$ so I can put that towards my trip! :thumbsup2

I was actually thinking about having one as well (a yard sale, since we don't have a garage ;)). We have SO MUCH junk in our house. We haven't unpacked some boxes from our move 2 years ago and our basement is packed. I mean, why not? I have purses, kitchen stuff, Christmas gifts I didn't like but couldn't return, about a million DVDs that DH collected while he was in the NAVY without cable...

hmmmm......

......now the wheels are spinning. I'll have to see about throwing sometime together. :goodvibes

[DWGal210]

I was actually thinking about having one as well (a yard sale, since we don't have a garage ;)). We have SO MUCH junk in our house. We haven't unpacked some boxes from our move 2 years ago and our basement is packed. I mean, why not? I have purses, kitchen stuff, Christmas gifts I didn't like but couldn't return, about a million DVDs that DH collected while he was in the NAVY without cable...

hmmmm......

......now the wheels are spinning. I'll have to see about throwing sometime together. :goodvibes

You know, you should really think about it. I am the first one to say that I do not like having garage/yard sales, because it can be a lot of working putting it together; but you can make good money from it! And like you said, if you have things already in your house that you know you want to get rid of, it's a perfect thing to do!

A few years ago, before my parents moved, my sister and I had one at their house. They wanted to get rid of things before they moved, and told us if we did the work, we could keep the $$; so we each got about $300!! :thumbsup2 And what we did, and what I am planning to do again at this one, is just load up what doesn't sell and take it right to Goodwill. In your area, if you live in a larger city than I do, you might want to check because in some places, they will come and pick up your items from you! :banana:

[Charleston Princess]

Pixie dust for your garage sale this weekend!!! :wizard:

[ladybugmom]

YAY for Mickey mail!! And Disney Live!! That sounds awesome!! Do you know if it will be in Memphis anytime soon?!

[MeMom]

I hope the Disney Live thing works out for you. It sounds like a great Disney fix. We have tickets to Disney on Ice in October because we thought we weren't going to be able to make an October trip. Now it is looking more like we are going after all for a short trip, so we may be getting a lot of Disney in in October with both of those things!

Looking forward to NYE. You're going to be there, right? We watched fireworks from the Poly beach week before last, and it was as marvelous as ever. NYE fireworks will be incredible!

Hope the yard sale went well. We had yard sales all too often when I was raising three kids alone. We sold anything that wasn't bolted down just to make ends meet, so I kind of have not so great memories of yard sales. I like to go to them, but I don't like to have them! :) I know yours wasn't for survival, though! :laughing: Hope you brought in some Disney dollars!

[DWGal210]

YAY for Mickey mail!! And Disney Live!! That sounds awesome!! Do you know if it will be in Memphis anytime soon?!

Hey Becky! Well, I looked on their website and it's coming to Johnson City, TN in March 2010. Don't know where that is in relation to you. If you visit their website, you can look at all the dates; maybe there is one close enough to you guys where you could make a weekend trip! The website is http://disney.go.com/disneylive/

I hope the Disney Live thing works out for you. It sounds like a great Disney fix. We have tickets to Disney on Ice in October because we thought we weren't going to be able to make an October trip. Now it is looking more like we are going after all for a short trip, so we may be getting a lot of Disney in in October with both of those things!

Looking forward to NYE. You're going to be there, right? We watched fireworks from the Poly beach week before last, and it was as marvelous as ever. NYE fireworks will be incredible!

Hope the yard sale went well. We had yard sales all too often when I was raising three kids alone. We sold anything that wasn't bolted down just to make ends meet, so I kind of have not so great memories of yard sales. I like to go to them, but I don't like to have them! :) I know yours wasn't for survival, though! :laughing: Hope you brought in some Disney dollars!

Hi MeMom! How are you guys doing? That sounds great that you'll be able to make an October trip - how exciting! :woohoo:

I will more than likely be there on NYE. I'm traveling with my aunt and uncle and their 4 kids, so it will probably be me and my 18 year old sister, I bet the kids will have pooped out by midnight! :lmao: We'll have to exchange cell phone #s closer to the date so we can text each other and make sure of our meet-up!

The garage sale was actually anti-climactic; it was at my friend's house and it was mostly her stuff, but I had some knick-knacks, some items of my grandma's that she was trying to get rid of, etc. My grand total for 2 days of a garage sale was......drum roll please.....$18!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: Are you kidding me?! So needless to say, everything else that was in the sale went to Goodwill cause I didn't want to mess with it anymore. Oh well - I did have money to go out to eat the other night, so that was good I guess! :confused3

Have a great day!

[DWGal210]

So I promise for a full-fledged update later this week. :thumbsup2 My computer has been acting screwy again and is giving me problems on loading pictures. But as a tease, here is what you can expect coming up:

* A day trip to Dubuque and Galena - Or, Why I Love Shopping :goodvibes

* Scrapbooking with my Goddaughter

I just had to tell this story; I had my goddaughter over last night to work on her scrapbook. For her birthday, I pre-decorate a scrapbook for her so when they got back from the Disney Cruise, she could put in her pictures and finish it how she wanted. Well, since they have been back from the cruise since March :goodvibes she decided to work on it last night. She went into my bathroom (where I have Mickey galore) and her words were, "Katie, this is wicked cool!". :laughing: When you can get "wicked cool" from a 9 year old, that's pretty good, wouldn't you say? :rotfl:

Have a great day, everyone!

[BippityBoo]

So I promise for a full-fledged update later this week. :thumbsup2 My computer has been acting screwy again and is giving me problems on loading pictures. But as a tease, here is what you can expect coming up:

* A day trip to Dubuque and Galena - Or, Why I Love Shopping :goodvibes

* Scrapbooking with my Goddaughter

I just had to tell this story; I had my goddaughter over last night to work on her scrapbook. For her birthday, I pre-decorate a scrapbook for her so when they got back from the Disney Cruise, she could put in her pictures and finish it how she wanted. Well, since they have been back from the cruise since March :goodvibes she decided to work on it last night. She went into my bathroom (where I have Mickey galore) and her words were, "Katie, this is wicked cool!". :laughing: When you can get "wicked cool" from a 9 year old, that's pretty good, wouldn't you say? :rotfl:

Have a great day, everyone!

Haha wicked cool---she is too much! :cool2:

I can not wait to see pics of the scrapbook. Also, let us in on how she liked the cruise (and her parents). I am still trying to get lots of feedback from people with younger kids....cant wait for the update:flower3:

[DWGal210]

OK, so this is not the updates I was talking about, but I just had to share these new pictures of my niece.

The first one - this is her and Micah. Micah is the son of friends of my brothers, his dad was best man at their wedding. They came and saw them last weekend. I think he is about 2 months older than Caroline.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/CarolineandMicah.jpg

Now this one I love - doesn't it look like they are holding hands?! So CUTE! :lovestruc
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/CMholdinghands.jpg

See ya, everyone!

[Charleston Princess]

Ah, I love the sweet baby pictures! :cloud9:

Yes, wicked cool is high praise from the 9-year-old set! ;) I want to see the scrapbooking pics!!! ::yes::

[DWGal210]

So I just wanted to share a cool picture:

This is my sister and her friends, with Sam Champion from Good Morning America! They are in our town, Cedar Falls Iowa, a few weeks ago doing the morning show.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg234/DWGal210/AliceGMA-1.jpg

My sister is right next to Sam, on his right.

So cool!!

[DWGal210]

Ah, I love the sweet baby pictures! :cloud9:

Yes, wicked cool is high praise from the 9-year-old set! ;) I want to see the scrapbooking pics!!! ::yes::

I thought it was pretty neat, too! She is a fun gal. :goodvibes

I think I am going to have to load pictures at my mom and dad's house; my work computer works fine, but I have to be able to email them to me at work, and it's not even doing that from home. :headache: So I think I'll head over to their house and load the pics there.

[Charleston Princess]

Such a neat picture of your sister and Sam Champion!

[DWGal210]

Good morning!

Here is Part 1 of....I don't know, we'll see how many pages it takes to put in these pictures! :goodvibes I have a couple of fun updates I want to do. Some of them are non-Disney and involve a day trip we took last Friday. The others are of baby Caroline (of course!) and my goddaughter and I doing some scrapbooking of their cruise in March.

Thank you for all being patient with me as I load these. I'm at my brother and sister in law's house now, and their computer is more trusty than mine, so I took the opportunity to load some pics!

Coming soon, pictures galore!