BLT -- A Sandwich or a Resort? Nov 09 TR (12/9 Lessons Learned)

[Marshay]

Catching Up:

Yes, I did find out that the Contempo Cafe has a Turkey BLT sandwich...I will order that and try to eat it in front of the BLT sign!:thumbsup2

I've heard that the BLT colors are much nice in person but the rooms don't photograph as well...I can't wait to find out for sure.

I've subscribed to a few threads on DIS that discuss the "standard room at BLT"...seems like some people are getting a view of MAGIC KINGDOM!! Others of the lake. Others have a pool or fountain view and some rooms are situated right over the "trash processing plant" (i.e., DUMPSTERS!!).

So I called Disney yesterday and requested a MK view...can't hurt to ask. The only difference seems to be the floor. The first 5 floors or so are considered standard view since the MK or lake views are partially blocked by trees, monorail track, etc.

The Top of the World lounge is open to kids as long as they are accompanied by parents.

Yes, I'll check out the Imagination play area -- Rachel will like that. We also watched the Epcot video and she wants to go into Innoventions and play around.

RE: Hersheypark. We had a blast but got there late in the morning (11:15am) and it was really crowded. No fastpasses for this park. We went on the Trailblazer (it's really a mild, mild coaster -- I do not count it as a roller coaster) and Rachel loved it! She went last year too.

I didn't get a chance to go on a REAL coaster since the lines were too long.

[Marshay]

New Schedule Below!! I was able to get all the ressies I wanted...and yes I changed my plans...anyone realize what is missing??:rotfl2::rotfl:

Sat. Nov 14
Airport, ME, explore hotel and/or pool.
Dinner: 1900 Park Fare
Explore GF Gingerbread House and ride monorail back to BLT Lounge for Wishes fireworks

Sun. Nov 15
Epcot
Dinner- Garden Grill
9pm Illuminations?

Mon. Nov 16
MK
Arrive 12 noon-1pm
3pm Parade
Dinner - Liberty Tree Tavern
(Note this is a MAJOR change for me. We are going to arrive early afternoon so we can actually see the parade, which we never have...then I hoping we'll be able to stay in the park until after dinner to ride the rides during Spectro/Wishes...we'll see how this goes.

Tue Nov 17
HS
Lunch - Hollywood & Vine
Osborne Lights[/QUOTE]

[Leger13]

So I saw the pictures you posted of your park maps. I just ordered mine too. :thumbsup2 I already have the classic ones so wanted to get the character ones and from looking at yours I'm so glad I did. They are so cute!!

Your Itinerary looks great. I'm not sure what's missing like you asked. I guess I'm dense :laughing:

Glad you chose LTT. I love the family style dining there but miss the characters. And I think planning to ride rides during the parade and fireworks is a great idea! We usually do that. The best time to ride rides for sure. Especially the ones in Fantasy land.:thumbsup2

[cherbear]

Marsha, sorry you didn’t get to ride any big coasters at Hershey, but glad you got to experience a smaller one with Rachel.

Your plans look great to me, congrats on the ressies! I agree with Carla in that experiencing stuff during the parade and fireworks is a good idea…since you’ve seen them all before. We make it a habit of riding when the parades are going on—but that will change when we have little ones to bring! Hopefully we can pull them away every now and then to have some ride time

[Marshay]

So I saw the pictures you posted of your park maps. I just ordered mine too. :thumbsup2 I already have the classic ones so wanted to get the character ones and from looking at yours I'm so glad I did. They are so cute!!

Your Itinerary looks great. I'm not sure what's missing like you asked. I guess I'm dense :laughing:

Glad you chose LTT. I love the family style dining there but miss the characters. And I think planning to ride rides during the parade and fireworks is a great idea! We usually do that. The best time to ride rides for sure. Especially the ones in Fantasy land.:thumbsup2

Oh, I'm glad you saw the maps...I was just going to pull them down off photobucket but glad I didn't yet.

Well, you did figure it out -- LTT! I previously was going to go somewhere else but just couldn't force myself to do it...actually I didn't want to do all buffets so I thought having Garden Grill and LTT as family style would help us out a bit. At least we won't have to keep getting up and down for those 2 places.

Marsha, sorry you didn’t get to ride any big coasters at Hershey, but glad you got to experience a smaller one with Rachel.

Your plans look great to me, congrats on the ressies! I agree with Carla in that experiencing stuff during the parade and fireworks is a good idea…since you’ve seen them all before. We make it a habit of riding when the parades are going on—but that will change when we have little ones to bring! Hopefully we can pull them away every now and then to have some ride time

The reasoning behind watching the 3pm parade but not Spectro/Wishes is that we are planning to go on our next trip in July with my sister's family and parents. There is no way in the World that we will want to sit in the hot July sun and watch the 3pm parade...so we should take advantage of that in November, when it should be lovely to watch it!

Now of course I have to convince Rachel that ... I know once she sees the night parade or fireworks she'll want to do them. I told her maybe we can do like last time and watch the fireworks while riding Dumbo. That was super cool!

[Leger13]

So I was looking at your plans again, is the change you are referring to the last day ADR? Looks like you had Dinner planned at 1900 Park Fare and now it's lunch at Hollywood & Vine? Is that the change you are referring to? :confused3

[Marshay]

Hey, Cheri -- I see you have a trip to Pop soon...can you send me the link to your TR? I can't see the link in your siggie and I can't believe I missed it!

[Marshay]

So I was looking at your plans again, is the change you are referring to the last day ADR? Looks like you had Dinner planned at 1900 Park Fare and now it's lunch at Hollywood & Vine? Is that the change you are referring to? :confused3

Good detective work! but nope, not the change. I just posted that you had figured it out -- we added LTT...we were going to do CP...but if you remember I just have this hangup about one particular character ... and just can't do it. Nope, can't make me! :rotfl:

Actually, I found out that once again, my family wants to go to CP in July so if we go in November, then we'll have to go again in July and that's just too much pooh for me...:scared1:

[Marshay]

Oh, and I forgot to mention...

we added the Dining Plan!!

We figured out the cost for all our food, esp since we wanted to do a TS each day and realized that we will definitely save $$$ by going on the plan. This will actually give us more (desserts, snacks and tax is included on the plan), so it was a no-brainer.

What's funny is that the kids price is actually less than what it would cost us to eat at one of the character meals. So then it's like subtracting $3-4/day from the adult price plus getting Rachel's CS and snack FREE each day.

[Leger13]

Good detective work! but nope, not the change. I just posted that you had figured it out -- we added LTT...we were going to do CP...but if you remember I just have this hangup about one particular character ... and just can't do it. Nope, can't make me! :rotfl:

Actually, I found out that once again, my family wants to go to CP in July so if we go in November, then we'll have to go again in July and that's just too much pooh for me...:scared1:

Ooooo okay! Cool :thumbsup2 I guess I was thinking a bit too hard about it :rotfl: I hear you on CP. I love Pooh but there's only so much cutesyness I can take.

Ugh! I just don't see how that place is so popular. I hate buffets.

Oh, and I forgot to mention...

we added the Dining Plan!!

We figured out the cost for all our food, esp since we wanted to do a TS each day and realized that we will definitely save $$$ by going on the plan. This will actually give us more (desserts, snacks and tax is included on the plan), so it was a no-brainer.

What's funny is that the kids price is actually less than what it would cost us to eat at one of the character meals. So then it's like subtracting $3-4/day from the adult price plus getting Rachel's CS and snack FREE each day.

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo: Dining Plan will make life MUCH easier for sure!! Glad to hear that. :thumbsup2

[Marshay]

New To Do List

Ok, now that I have my ADRs, here is the new research I need to do. If you guys know these answers, please let me know:goodvibes

1) What time is EWP each night for BLT/Cont and GF?

2) Which CS at Epcot to choose?

3) Check the priority rides on my list for each park and match up against FP.

4) What is the 3pm MK parade route? Does it start in Frontierland or Main Street?

5) What time is the lighting ceremonies for each park (Xmas lights/tree)?

6) What is the latest you can enter Osborne lights since the park closes at 8pm? Can you enter at 8pm or do they kick you out?

7) Does Spaceship Earth stay open all night?

8) Can you use CS credit at BLT poolside?

[cherbear]

Hey, Cheri -- I see you have a trip to Pop soon...can you send me the link to your TR? I can't see the link in your siggie and I can't believe I missed it!

:guilty: I haven't done a PTR for this trip. Sorry! I didn't think I would get any readers considering I'm a huge slacker and never finished my TR's from the last 2 years! Something always happened :sad2:

Oh, and I forgot to mention...

we added the Dining Plan!!

We figured out the cost for all our food, esp since we wanted to do a TS each day and realized that we will definitely save $$$ by going on the plan. This will actually give us more (desserts, snacks and tax is included on the plan), so it was a no-brainer.

What's funny is that the kids price is actually less than what it would cost us to eat at one of the character meals. So then it's like subtracting $3-4/day from the adult price plus getting Rachel's CS and snack FREE each day.

yay!! WTG!

New To Do List

Ok, now that I have my ADRs, here is the new research I need to do. If you guys know these answers, please let me know:goodvibes

1) What time is EWP each night for BLT/Cont and GF?

2) Which CS at Epcot to choose?

3) Check the priority rides on my list for each park and match up against FP.

4) What is the 3pm MK parade route? Does it start in Frontierland or Main Street?

5) What time is the lighting ceremonies for each park (Xmas lights/tree)?

6) What is the latest you can enter Osborne lights since the park closes at 8pm? Can you enter at 8pm or do they kick you out?

7) Does Spaceship Earth stay open all night?

8) Can you use CS credit at BLT poolside?

I can answer #8....unfortunately, No. My source is Jack Spence's blog (from Allears) when he stayed there.

[Trentmom]

Oh, and I forgot to mention...

we added the Dining Plan!!

We figured out the cost for all our food, esp since we wanted to do a TS each day and realized that we will definitely save $$$ by going on the plan. This will actually give us more (desserts, snacks and tax is included on the plan), so it was a no-brainer.

What's funny is that the kids price is actually less than what it would cost us to eat at one of the character meals. So then it's like subtracting $3-4/day from the adult price plus getting Rachel's CS and snack FREE each day.

That is awesome girl

Sounds like a great deal for you all :thumbsup2

Your changes look great

Even thought u have taken away your Pooh meal
:sad2:


:rotfl:

[Trentmom]

New To Do List

Ok, now that I have my ADRs, here is the new research I need to do. If you guys know these answers, please let me know:goodvibes

1) What time is EWP each night for BLT/Cont and GF?

2) Which CS at Epcot to choose?

3) Check the priority rides on my list for each park and match up against FP.

4) What is the 3pm MK parade route? Does it start in Frontierland or Main Street?

5) What time is the lighting ceremonies for each park (Xmas lights/tree)?

6) What is the latest you can enter Osborne lights since the park closes at 8pm? Can you enter at 8pm or do they kick you out?

7) Does Spaceship Earth stay open all night?

8) Can you use CS credit at BLT poolside?

I can answer number one

GF 9:15
BLT/Contemp 10:05

Now it does say it can vary due to time of Magic Kingdom Fireworks. So always wise to check with Guest Relations that day:goodvibes

[mousescrapper]

What's funny is that the kids price is actually less than what it would cost us to eat at one of the character meals. So then it's like subtracting $3-4/day from the adult price plus getting Rachel's CS and snack FREE each day.

I hear you on that...I've done a lot of that fuzzy Disney Math over the last week w/ the updated '10 pricing so I can start a savings plan for our trip next year and the savings for 2 of our children on the child price is amazing :thumbsup2 based on a rough idea of where we'd eat...OOP 2 kids would cost over $300, but on the reg DDP it would be just over $190....

wise choice

New To Do List

Ok, now that I have my ADRs, here is the new research I need to do. If you guys know these answers, please let me know:goodvibes

1) What time is EWP each night for BLT/Cont and GF?

2) Which CS at Epcot to choose? adventurous I like Tangierine Cafe in Morocco, healthy & fresh most people rave Sunshine Seasons in the Land. American-I like Liberty Inn WS side or Electric Umbrella FW side

3) Check the priority rides on my list for each park and match up against FP.

4) What is the 3pm MK parade route? Does it start in Frontierland or Main Street? I believe this is Frontierland to MS and Spectro is the opposite

5) What time is the lighting ceremonies for each park (Xmas lights/tree)?

6) What is the latest you can enter Osborne lights since the park closes at 8pm? Can you enter at 8pm or do they kick you out?

7) Does Spaceship Earth stay open all night?

8) Can you use CS credit at BLT poolside?

looking forward to hearing more of your holiday plans! popcorn::

Scrappie

[Marshay]

:guilty: I haven't done a PTR for this trip. Sorry! I didn't think I would get any readers considering I'm a huge slacker and never finished my TR's from the last 2 years! Something always happened :sad2:

yay!! WTG!

I can answer #8....unfortunately, No. My source is Jack Spence's blog (from Allears) when he stayed there.

Ok, that makes me feel better...thought I had missed your PTR.

Thanks for info on #8. I still need to read his blog that you gave me the link to...guess we'll do lunch at Contempo Cafe then on Saturday.

That is awesome girl

Sounds like a great deal for you all :thumbsup2

Your changes look great

Even thought u have taken away your Pooh meal
:sad2:

:rotfl:

I'm hoping adding LTT is a good move. I know you and a few others really liked it and I neve tried it...too bad it's not a character meal -- that would be icing on the cake!

I can answer number one

GF 9:15
BLT/Contemp 10:05

Now it does say it can vary due to time of Magic Kingdom Fireworks. So always wise to check with Guest Relations that day:goodvibes

yeah! Another question answered!! I was hoping it would be a bit earlier at the Contemporary so we could see it...oh well, maybe next time. I don't want to stay out too late on this trip since Elizabeth usually gets us up around 6-8am each day...

I hear you on that...I've done a lot of that fuzzy Disney Math over the last week w/ the updated '10 pricing so I can start a savings plan for our trip next year and the savings for 2 of our children on the child price is amazing :thumbsup2 based on a rough idea of where we'd eat...OOP 2 kids would cost over $300, but on the reg DDP it would be just over $190....

wise choice

looking forward to hearing more of your holiday plans! popcorn::

Scrappie

You named the 2 CS at Epcot that I had listed. I love Tangierrene (sp) Cafe and Sunshine...but was thinking we should try something else instead...guess we'll just play that by ear to see where we end up at lunchtime.

I never heard anyone on DIS or the All Ears groups I belong to talk about the DDP for children and how terrific a bargain it is...so I was very pleasantly surprised when I did the math.

[Marshay]

re: parade route

Thanks for the info! I, too, thought the 3pm started in FL and the Spectro started on MS. Just needed someone else to confirm.

[Trentmom]

Ok, that makes me feel better...thought I had missed your PTR.

Thanks for info on #8. I still need to read his blog that you gave me the link to...guess we'll do lunch at Contempo Cafe then on Saturday.



I'm hoping adding LTT is a good move. I know you and a few others really liked it and I neve tried it...too bad it's not a character meal -- that would be icing on the cake!



yeah! Another question answered!! I was hoping it would be a bit earlier at the Contemporary so we could see it...oh well, maybe next time. I don't want to stay out too late on this trip since Elizabeth usually gets us up around 6-8am each day...



You named the 2 CS at Epcot that I had listed. I love Tangierrene (sp) Cafe and Sunshine...but was thinking we should try something else instead...guess we'll just play that by ear to see where we end up at lunchtime.

I never heard anyone on DIS or the All Ears groups I belong to talk about the DDP for children and how terrific a bargain it is...so I was very pleasantly surprised when I did the math.

I am bummed the characters were removed, too. But I really enjoyed the food there. It was like good comfort food and a very relaxing atmosphere

Maybe your DH can take Elizabeth back to the room and you and Rachel can go and watch EWP:goodvibes

[cherbear]

we are trying LTT for the first time this year too...really looking forward to it! :goodvibes

[Leger13]

I agree with Sharky! LTT = Great comfort food! Dinner is so much better than lunch since it's family style and unlimited food. We're really upset they took away the characters too but there is rumor that they are bringing them back. Guess we'll just have to wait it out and see what happens. :thumbsup2

[Marshay]

I am bummed the characters were removed, too. But I really enjoyed the food there. It was like good comfort food and a very relaxing atmosphere

Maybe your DH can take Elizabeth back to the room and you and Rachel can go and watch EWP:goodvibes

Looking forward to LTT. Maybe I'll send DH and Rae to watch EWP and I'll get some sleep!:rotfl:Seriously, Elie is back to having a middle of the night feeding...what's with that? I guess it's a growth spurt...

we are trying LTT for the first time this year too...really looking forward to it! :goodvibes

We can compare notes!

I agree with Sharky! LTT = Great comfort food! Dinner is so much better than lunch since it's family style and unlimited food. We're really upset they took away the characters too but there is rumor that they are bringing them back. Guess we'll just have to wait it out and see what happens. :thumbsup2

That would be great if they come back...but probably won't be in November...

[Trentmom]

Looking forward to LTT. Maybe I'll send DH and Rae to watch EWP and I'll get some sleep!:rotfl:Seriously, Elie is back to having a middle of the night feeding...what's with that? I guess it's a growth spurt...



We can compare notes!



That would be great if they come back...but probably won't be in November...

That's a good idea. I am sure you would appreciate the sleep :rotfl2:

[Marshay]

That's a good idea. I am sure you would appreciate the sleep :rotfl2:

Or better yet...let DH take the early morning feed!!

Ok, on to the packing list.

I just bought cheap 99 cent nightlights from Target. We always forget ours. This time I got the ones that you have to switch on and off, so maybe we won't forget them...if we do, at least they were only a buck.

My parents left our 'light-sensitive' one in Myrtle Beach and then we left our other one (also goes off during daylight) at the motel in Hersheypark.

And now I have to add back in all that baby stuff to the list...ARGH! Guess we're going to mail down a box of stuff ahead of time...

[Trentmom]

Or better yet...let DH take the early morning feed!!

Ok, on to the packing list.

I just bought cheap 99 cent nightlights from Target. We always forget ours. This time I got the ones that you have to switch on and off, so maybe we won't forget them...if we do, at least they were only a buck.

My parents left our 'light-sensitive' one in Myrtle Beach and then we left our other one (also goes off during daylight) at the motel in Hersheypark.

And now I have to add back in all that baby stuff to the list...ARGH! Guess we're going to mail down a box of stuff ahead of time...

Good idea to pack nightlights and to pick cheap ones this time :goodvibes

I would mail down a box of diapers at least and baby food if she is eating any of that yet. Rest I would think is not that much to pack

[Marshay]

Good idea to pack nightlights and to pick cheap ones this time :goodvibes

I would mail down a box of diapers at least and baby food if she is eating any of that yet. Rest I would think is not that much to pack

I'm obviously an over-packer!! My excel spreadsheet has 162 things on it...and that includes a single line item such as "underwear" (when in fact I'll take multiple underwear...)

[Trentmom]

I'm obviously an over-packer!! My excel spreadsheet has 162 things on it...and that includes a single line item such as "underwear" (when in fact I'll take multiple underwear...)

WOW :lmao:

[mousescrapper]

sorry I couldn't help w/ the Epcot CS choices...there are so many choose from I'm sure you can't do too bad...right :thumbsup2

Like to hear your review for Contempo Cafe...figure we'll eat there too a few times next year!

[cherbear]

I'm obviously an over-packer!! My excel spreadsheet has 162 things on it...and that includes a single line item such as "underwear" (when in fact I'll take multiple underwear...)

well I should certainly hope so :lmao:

[Marshay]

well I should certainly hope so :lmao:

Yeah, maybe two!! :rotfl2::lmao:

Actually, since we have a W/D in the room, I try to pack no more than 1/2 the clothes I think I need...but somehow it's always a lot.

For this trip, my goal is to have 1 suitcase and 2 carryons for Rachel, Elizabeth and myself...Jerry will have his own suitcase and carryon since he never packs in advance and just throws his stuff together...plus he has all the camera and technology and tools, too.

[cherbear]

Yeah, maybe two!! :rotfl2::lmao:

Actually, since we have a W/D in the room, I try to pack no more than 1/2 the clothes I think I need...but somehow it's always a lot.

For this trip, my goal is to have 1 suitcase and 2 carryons for Rachel, Elizabeth and myself...Jerry will have his own suitcase and carryon since he never packs in advance and just throws his stuff together...plus he has all the camera and technology and tools, too.

that sounds like it will work out just fine

[crocko]

Hi there!

I just came across your PTR today.
My wife and I (w/o the kids this time) :lovestruc will be in WDW from Nov 14th-17th. We rented some points from a DVC owner and will be staying at Old Key West for the 3 nights.

Looking at your current schedule, it looks like our paths could cross on Monday night.
We are starting Monday morning at Animal Kingdom, but plan on getting over to Magic Kingdom sometime around late afternoon/early evening. We may decide to skip the parade/fireworks and do rides instead as well. We'll figure it out when we get there.



Also....my info on the Magic Kingdom parade routes.
Historically, the 3pm parade starts at Frontierland. I would say the same about Spectro. We were there this past December for Spectro and it started in Frontierland.

There is a Dance Party parade (or something like that) that has also been occuring at a different time in the afternoon and it starts near the Main Street firehouse goes up to the hub (with Walt & Mickey statue) and then circles back down toward the firehouse.

[Marshay]

Hi there!

I just came across your PTR today.
My wife and I (w/o the kids this time) :lovestruc will be in WDW from Nov 14th-17th. We rented some points from a DVC owner and will be staying at Old Key West for the 3 nights.

Looking at your current schedule, it looks like our paths could cross on Monday night.
We are starting Monday morning at Animal Kingdom, but plan on getting over to Magic Kingdom sometime around late afternoon/early evening. We may decide to skip the parade/fireworks and do rides instead as well. We'll figure it out when we get there.



Also....my info on the Magic Kingdom parade routes.
Historically, the 3pm parade starts at Frontierland. I would say the same about Spectro. We were there this past December for Spectro and it started in Frontierland.

There is a Dance Party parade (or something like that) that has also been occuring at a different time in the afternoon and it starts near the Main Street firehouse goes up to the hub (with Walt & Mickey statue) and then circles back down toward the firehouse.


First WELCOME to my PTR!! I hope we run into each other at WDW. If you see me (I'll have my LGMH on my diaper bag and stroller), please stop by to say hello!

Thanks for the parade information. That's actually good news for us since we may end up only entering MK around 2-2:30pm if we're having a good time swimming/shopping/exploring the resorts. That way we won't have as far to go to see the beginning.

I'm hoping to stay at OKW perhaps in July 2010. I've heard it's lots of extra room which would be great for us.

[Marshay]

Hey, Crocko! I just saw your pics in your Sept PTR -- you guys make such a sweet couple!

Let me know if you start a Nov PTR!

[crocko]

Hey, Crocko! I just saw your pics in your Sept PTR -- you guys make such a sweet couple!

Let me know if you start a Nov PTR!

With only 7 weeks between end of Sep trip and beginning of Nov trip, my current plan is to make my Sep Trip Report ALSO my Nov PTR......that's right....I'm bucking the norm!!

[Marshay]

So, we brought down our Halloween/Dress Up clothes from the attic and Rachel has decided she wants to be:

1) Cinderella for 1900 Park Fare
2) Snow White for Epcot
3) Minnie Mouse for DHS
4) Tinkerbell for Magic Kingdom

I should have taken photos of all the costumes...she was soooo cute.

Anyway, here are my Minnie Mouses

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/2009%20Emch%20Photos/JPEG014-3.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/2009%20Emch%20Photos/JPEG016-2.jpg

[Leger13]

I love that she wants to dress up for all the parks. That's gonna make for some very cute photos. :cutie:

[Trentmom]

How fun she wants to dress up for all parks. That is great

Your Minnies are adorable :cutie:

[mousescrapper]

Aww your girls look so cute....

can't wait to see the rest of the costumes in pictures from WDW!!!

[mchelle77]

Followed you over from the Nov. trip area :)

I skimmed through your PTR and wanted to tell you that there's a playground in the Norway area of Epcot - I haven't researched this thoroughly, but plan to since we have a 7pm ADR at Akershus and my DD4 might need to have some "kid" fun after all that World Showcase viewing. :laughing:

[Sarilas]

I found ya! ;)

Okay, your husband looks like the happiest guy on the planet! I love it!

And I just realized we're arriving at the World on the same day! Granted we're driving down so the 14th will be spent in the car, and of course revealing our surprise to the girls (since they won't know where we're going till we nearly get there)... Hopefully we can meet up at some point during the trip!

[crocko]

I skimmed through your PTR and wanted to tell you that there's a playground in the Norway area of Epcot - I haven't researched this thoroughly, but plan to since we have a 7pm ADR at Akershus and my DD4 might need to have some "kid" fun after all that World Showcase viewing. :laughing:
Would like more info about this playground :3dglasses

[mchelle77]

Quickly, this is what popped up when Googling :)

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/epws-norway.htm

[crocko]

For kids, there's nothing better than being able to work off some energy at the Viking ship playground.

Cool! We'll definitely have to look for this.

[Marshay]

Followed you over from the Nov. trip area :)

I skimmed through your PTR and wanted to tell you that there's a playground in the Norway area of Epcot - I haven't researched this thoroughly, but plan to since we have a 7pm ADR at Akershus and my DD4 might need to have some "kid" fun after all that World Showcase viewing. :laughing:

Welcome!! I hope you enjoy the PTR...not too much happening right now...I'm trying to work on the autograph book...I have 20 pages so far...need/want more.

You know, that's too funny! Years ago I played on the viking ship (before I had kids :lmao:) and it was so much fun. Then the last 2 times I went, the ship was closed.

I really hope they did re-open this.

I found ya! ;)

Okay, your husband looks like the happiest guy on the planet! I love it!

And I just realized we're arriving at the World on the same day! Granted we're driving down so the 14th will be spent in the car, and of course revealing our surprise to the girls (since they won't know where we're going till we nearly get there)... Hopefully we can meet up at some point during the trip!

Harrumph! The picture must have caught my DH on a good day!:lmao::rotfl2:

Ok, seriously, he is a good guy. He's just really a serious, thoughtful/thinking, guy so it's really funny to me that you said that!

I saw your schedule on your PTR and it doesn't look like we'll overlap -- but I'll still keep an eye out for ya!

Right now we are not park hopping, but if we get there and need to, we'll just add on the extra cost.

For kids, there's nothing better than being able to work off some energy at the Viking ship playground.

Cool! We'll definitely have to look for this.

me, too! I hope it is open again!

[Sarilas]

We were just there in January/February and there was no such playground... Here's what I found on MousePlanet:

"The Norway pavilion also has a large Viking ship that used to be a playground for children. Following a May 2006 renovation, however, people are no longer allowed onto the ship and it is simply a photo spot."

[Marshay]

Hey, Crocko -- I just noticed you are going in 1 week -- so please report back here whether the Viking ship is open! Thx.:goodvibes

[Sarilas]

Harrumph! The picture must have caught my DH on a good day!:lmao::rotfl2:

Ok, seriously, he is a good guy. He's just really a serious, thoughtful/thinking, guy so it's really funny to me that you said that!

I saw your schedule on your PTR and it doesn't look like we'll overlap -- but I'll still keep an eye out for ya!

Right now we are not park hopping, but if we get there and need to, we'll just add on the extra cost.



That is so funny; most pictures of my husband capture him in serious mode as well. The irony!

We're not planning on park hopping either, but that may change... we're debating it. We're spending the entire day of the 15the roaming around Downtown Disney and the resort hotels- maybe we'll run into one another!

[Marshay]

We were just there in January/February and there was no such playground... Here's what I found on MousePlanet:

"The Norway pavilion also has a large Viking ship that used to be a playground for children. Following a May 2006 renovation, however, people are no longer allowed onto the ship and it is simply a photo spot."

Thanks!! That's what I thought.

Bummer...I was getting excited that it was open again...

[mchelle77]

I guess WDWInfo.com needs to update their info. :( I had planned on letting our DD play there before our dinner reservation.

[Marshay]

So I submitted an application this afternoon to be on the Disney Mom Panel...you never know...:goodvibes

[cherbear]

So I submitted an application this afternoon to be on the Disney Mom Panel...you never know...:goodvibes

You definitely deserve it....I'll keep you in my prayers! :goodvibes

[mchelle77]

Good luck! I wish I were able to do that, but I haven't been there in SIX years!

[Marshay]

You definitely deserve it....I'll keep you in my prayers! :goodvibes

Thanks, but I'm really not expecting anything. It's more of a 'can't win if you don't play' thing. I think I wrote something really cute that could stand out...but then again it might have come off as corny...guess we'll find out in a few weeks.

Good luck! I wish I were able to do that, but I haven't been there in SIX years!

It is sooooooo time for you to get back there!! You'll be able to enter next year!

[Circusgirl]

You definitely deserve it....I'll keep you in my prayers! :goodvibes

Go, Marshay!!!!

[Leger13]

Good luck Marsha!! :goodvibes:thumbsup2

[Marshay]

Small update: I finished some more pages to my DD4s Autograph book. Here is the link if you'd like to see them

Captain Hook and Peter Pan
Alice in Wonderland, March Hare and Mad Hatter
Monsters Inc
Little Einsteins
JoJo and Goliath
Cinderella and Prince Charming

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33654637&posted=1#post33654637

[Marshay]

so I've been checking SW flights now...it seems our departure flight on saturday is getting full b/c they doubled the price!

Our return flight was actually $5 cheaper but since I booked the trip as round-trip, I'm not sure if I can (or even want to) try to get just the 2nd leg cheaper...I'm afraid I'll mess up the departure flight. And I just checked and now it's a bit more than what I paid...so all's well.

[Trentmom]

Hey Marshay

Just checked out your new pages for autograph books.

They are looking great

I think my new favorites are the Monsters, Inc Page and Alice in Wonderland

Very cool :thumbsup2

[Marshay]

Hey Marshay

Just checked out your new pages for autograph books.

They are looking great

I think my new favorites are the Monsters, Inc Page and Alice in Wonderland

Very cool :thumbsup2


Thanks! I wish you could see them in person --- something funky happened with my camera...oh well.

Today DD4 and I looked through all the pages...she was really excited about it and wanted to know when she could have the book all to herself...I said, in about 30 years!! :rotfl2::rotfl:

[Leger13]

Small update: I finished some more pages to my DD4s Autograph book. Here is the link if you'd like to see them

Captain Hook and Peter Pan
Alice in Wonderland, March Hare and Mad Hatter
Monsters Inc
Little Einsteins
JoJo and Goliath
Cinderella and Prince Charming

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33654637&posted=1#post33654637

Just checked them out. REally looking great!! You are so crafty

so I've been checking SW flights now...it seems our departure flight on saturday is getting full b/c they doubled the price!

Our return flight was actually $5 cheaper but since I booked the trip as round-trip, I'm not sure if I can (or even want to) try to get just the 2nd leg cheaper...I'm afraid I'll mess up the departure flight. And I just checked and now it's a bit more than what I paid...so all's well.

Well, sounds like you did good by booking when you did! :thumbsup2

[Marshay]

Just checked them out. REally looking great!! You are so crafty



Well, sounds like you did good by booking when you did! :thumbsup2

Thanks!

Re: SW -- yep, it looks like I did good.

[mousescrapper]

Small update: I finished some more pages to my DD4s Autograph book. Here is the link if you'd like to see them

Captain Hook and Peter Pan
Alice in Wonderland, March Hare and Mad Hatter
Monsters Inc
Little Einsteins
JoJo and Goliath
Cinderella and Prince Charming

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33654637&posted=1#post33654637

Great additions to the book....I think using the pictures was a very cute touch!

so how long does it take you to do one of those pages...where you are making the characters w/ the circut :confused3

and I love the Monsters one....it would be fun if Boo greeted you w/ Mike and Sully

[Marshay]

Great additions to the book....I think using the pictures was a very cute touch!

so how long does it take you to do one of those pages...where you are making the characters w/ the circut :confused3

and I love the Monsters one....it would be fun if Boo greeted you w/ Mike and Sully

Yeah, I'm not sure Boo is a character but I thought she was just too cute not to use her on the page!

It takes about an hour to do a Cricut page. You need to pick out your image, then get all the appropriate paper colors, then cut them out with the machine (sometimes you have to do twice if something messes up), then you have to glue them all together, create the rest of the images on the page, add the boxes for pictures, journal and/or autograph...apply any stickers, etc.

And the smaller the image, the harder it is. I started making Cindy and P -Charm at 4" but the pieces were just too small. So I had to go back and redo them at 6"...remember it's only an 8" page, so there's not much room for anything else.

Sometimes I think just buying a $3-5 sticker would be better...and as you see, I've done that...helps when I get a 50% off coupon. But I have more pride when I do the Cricut and I can choose the colors I want.

For example, you can make the Mickey and Minnie in safari colors for when you visit Animal Kingdom...I like to use Minnie in the red and white polka-dots but some of the stickers have her in pink instead...

[Marshay]

Mousescrapper -- do you own a Cricut? I'm going to check out your 2008 book now.

I really do love my Cricut -- best for letting your do different sizes of letters for title and pictures. But the characters are just slow to make...

[Trentmom]

Thanks! I wish you could see them in person --- something funky happened with my camera...oh well.

Today DD4 and I looked through all the pages...she was really excited about it and wanted to know when she could have the book all to herself...I said, in about 30 years!! :rotfl2::rotfl:

That is too funny :rotfl:

[raider97]

Hi! Just checking in... was searching for another thread on my user cp and saw your last trip report. Was wondering about your new addition.... Congrats!! She is a cutie. I am looking forward to catching up on your trip.

Stephanie

[Marshay]

Hi! Just checking in... was searching for another thread on my user cp and saw your last trip report. Was wondering about your new addition.... Congrats!! She is a cutie. I am looking forward to catching up on your trip.

Stephanie

oh, welcome back Stephanie!! I'm glad you found this PTR.

Yep, Elizabeth is now just over 6 months old...so it's time to celebrate her birth!! Where else to do this besides WDW??

I'm sooooo glad my DH convinced me to take this short trip ... AND that I was able to add on 2 days!! ;):thumbsup2

[Marshay]

I got my Disney Magical Express luggage tags and boarding information in the mail today!!

Woo hoo -- it's getting closer!!:cool1:

[Trentmom]

I got my Disney Magical Express luggage tags and boarding information in the mail today!!

Woo hoo -- it's getting closer!!:cool1:

Thats awesome!!

I love Disney Mail :cool1:

[Leger13]

I got my Disney Magical Express luggage tags and boarding information in the mail today!!

Woo hoo -- it's getting closer!!:cool1:

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo: I can't wait to start getting my Disney mail.

[mousescrapper]

Yeah, I'm not sure Boo is a character but I thought she was just too cute not to use her on the page!

It takes about an hour to do a Cricut page. You need to pick out your image, then get all the appropriate paper colors, then cut them out with the machine (sometimes you have to do twice if something messes up), then you have to glue them all together, create the rest of the images on the page, add the boxes for pictures, journal and/or autograph...apply any stickers, etc.

And the smaller the image, the harder it is. I started making Cindy and P -Charm at 4" but the pieces were just too small. So I had to go back and redo them at 6"...remember it's only an 8" page, so there's not much room for anything else.

Sometimes I think just buying a $3-5 sticker would be better...and as you see, I've done that...helps when I get a 50% off coupon. But I have more pride when I do the Cricut and I can choose the colors I want.

For example, you can make the Mickey and Minnie in safari colors for when you visit Animal Kingdom...I like to use Minnie in the red and white polka-dots but some of the stickers have her in pink instead...

Mousescrapper -- do you own a Cricut? I'm going to check out your 2008 book now.

I really do love my Cricut -- best for letting your do different sizes of letters for title and pictures. But the characters are just slow to make...


Thanks for all the info....

no I don't own a circut, but a good girlfriend of mine does and said I could borrow it to do some Disney designs...been meaning to look into purchasing some of the sets...

I love your example of cutting out their clothes in different colors/prints...that would be so fun to add that extra special personalization :thumbsup2

and happy news on recieving your DME stuff today....your trip is almost here :goodvibes

[Marshay]

Thats awesome!!

I love Disney Mail :cool1:

Yeah!!

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo: I can't wait to start getting my Disney mail.

Yours will be coming soon!

Thanks for all the info....

no I don't own a circut, but a good girlfriend of mine does and said I could borrow it to do some Disney designs...been meaning to look into purchasing some of the sets...

I love your example of cutting out their clothes in different colors/prints...that would be so fun to add that extra special personalization :thumbsup2

and happy news on recieving your DME stuff today....your trip is almost here :goodvibes

Hey -- now I know where I know you from -- not just the mom's panel but you've been on this thread -- doh! Sorry!

I do recommend the Cricut. I just go in spurts...sometimes I do everything Cricut and other times I just want to do something fast.

BTW -- I bought the Gypsy!

[Marshay]

Some updates ...

I just pulled out an empty box and started putting some of DD4's surprise toys/magazines for the airplane ride.

Magazines we haven't read -- easier to bring than books
Fliptop markers -- washable and we won't lose the tops on the plane
3 different sticker books
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG020.jpg


I want to go to the dollar store or Target and get some more stuff, preferably Disney.

I'm stacking all my WDW paperwork and writing notes of things I need to remember to take/do.

I printed out my generic packing list to update.

We bought new 4 wheel luggage to make it easier to tote everything around. We decided to go with the cheaper luggage -- two of the 25" and two of the 21" were just over $200. It's Samsonite so it should be good.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG022.jpg

I went to a children's consignment sale on Saturday and found a high-chair cover for Elizabeth. Normally we don't bother with this but since we're entering into flu season, will be traveling and the whole 'swine flu' thing ... I thought it would be good for us to protect Elie from the germs on the high chair. Besides, since we'll have a washer/dryer in the room, it should be easy to keep clean.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG023.jpg

[Marshay]

My three pumpkins

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/2009%20Emch%20Photos/JPEG013-1.jpg

[Trentmom]

So exciting putting things aside for your trip

Not much longer

Like your new luggage...pretty color

Cute pic of your pumpkins :goodvibes

[Circusgirl]

The Magical Express package makes it all seem very real and close!

Love the adorable picture of your family.

Great little plane pack of goodies for Rachel. I love the flip-top markers!

I've been dying to get some of the four wheeled luggage - I'm jealous of people I see moving so easily around the airport. I'll look forward to hearing how it works out!

[Leger13]

Great purchases girl. Everything looks great. You look like you are just about all set. The high chair cover is so cute too. Good idea to keep germs away from Elie. :thumbsup2

[raider97]

Yippee on the Disney Mail! I love getting that stuff! And your airplane materials look great. I need to get started on some stuff for the kids for our trip. We have a one hour flight with a short layover followed by a 2 hour one. I've never seent he washable markers with the flip tops -- looks like I need to make a trip to the store. :)

Stephanie

[Marshay]

Yippee on the Disney Mail! I love getting that stuff! And your airplane materials look great. I need to get started on some stuff for the kids for our trip. We have a one hour flight with a short layover followed by a 2 hour one. I've never seent he washable markers with the flip tops -- looks like I need to make a trip to the store. :)

Stephanie

I got the flip top washable markers at AC Moore (craft store)...used the 50% off coupon too!!

[Marshay]

The Magical Express package makes it all seem very real and close!

Love the adorable picture of your family.

Great little plane pack of goodies for Rachel. I love the flip-top markers!

I've been dying to get some of the four wheeled luggage - I'm jealous of people I see moving so easily around the airport. I'll look forward to hearing how it works out!

I'll definitely let you know how it goes. The one downside of the 4-wheel luggage I've heard, is that depending on the size of the smaller piece, it may not count as carry-on luggage. And if it does, the way the wheels are attached to the bag, make it so you can't put it in overhead with the handle facing out...you have to put it in across the compartment so it takes up more room (your seatmates won't be happy with you!)

I haven't done the measurements yet but we always check our luggage anyway...

Great purchases girl. Everything looks great. You look like you are just about all set. The high chair cover is so cute too. Good idea to keep germs away from Elie. :thumbsup2

Got a few more purchases to show you all. I also started loading up a box with diapers, wipes, baby food, etc ... man, it's heavy...I'm afraid of what the cost will be...

[Marshay]

More purchases

I got a giraffe for Elizabeth that plays different music/white noise.

I've saved up various "happy meal toys" to take along.

I'll bring some little containers of play-dough for the plane.

And I bought these adorable fingertip fairies.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG.jpg

[Marshay]

a few more things

Some toys for Elizabeth, animal crackers for Rachel ... disposable bibs for both.

A princess coloring pad for Rachel and long johns for Elizabeth.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/IMG_1219.jpg

[Trentmom]

Love the giraffe...so cute

Looks like you got some good stuff to keep girls entertained on the plane

BTW.....I forget where I saw it, but think MK is giving out a voucher to get a free ticket to DIsney new movie The Princess and the Frog

I need to google and get exact details.

But I believe they will be giving out vouchers while u are there :goodvibes

[Trentmom]

This is what I found :



Orlando, FL (CNS) - With Disney is celebrating its return to traditional animation with "The Princess and the Frog," the Mouse House is giving people who visit their theme parks a chance to see the movie for free.

Visitors to any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks and any of the two Disneyland Resort parks in California between now and November 22, 2009 will be able to earn a free children's ticket to see "The Princess and the Frog." With a valid theme park ticket, guests will visit select locations around the parks to pick up a card with a code used to print out their movie money to be used at participating theaters.

The free child's tickets can be used when the movie opens on December 11th, 2009 through the end of the year. One card is eligible per theme park ticket. An even bigger bonus is the free theme park tickets being given away for birthday visits are also eligible for the free movie. Even passholders are allowed one free child's ticket when they visit the Disney parks.

The free movie tickets can be found at Disney theme parks and soon so can Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen. The royal couple from "The Princess and the Frog" will meet and greet guests beginning October 26th at Walt Disney World and November 6th at the Disneyland Resort. They'll also be kicking off Tiana's Showboat Jubilee, featuring characters and guests on the riverboat complete with live jazz music, which will appear through the end of the year.

[Marshay]

thanks, Kelly! I plan to check it out while down there!:thumbsup2

[Marshay]

Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen. The royal couple from "The Princess and the Frog" will meet and greet guests beginning October 26th at Walt Disney World and November 6th at the Disneyland Resort. They'll also be kicking off Tiana's Showboat Jubilee, featuring characters and guests on the riverboat complete with live jazz music, which will appear through the end of the year.
[/B]

oh, no! I need to figure out a scrap book page for them...hmmm, maybe I'll just get their signatures and then do the page later...I'm sure DIsney will come out with stickers soon.

[kaoden39]

The things that you have gotten ready for the girls are great. You are so prepared.

[Trentmom]

thanks, Kelly! I plan to check it out while down there!:thumbsup2

No problem. Figured right up your alley since you got girls :cutie: :cutie:

oh, no! I need to figure out a scrap book page for them...hmmm, maybe I'll just get their signatures and then do the page later...I'm sure DIsney will come out with stickers soon.


I would just worry about it later.

Are you done your book?

[Marshay]

The things that you have gotten ready for the girls are great. You are so prepared.

Oh, thanks! I feel soooo far behind. But I definitely wanted to make sure I got some new toys for both of them.

I also found out that Fedex will only cost me $11.27 for 15 lb box (cheaper than USPS or UPS). Heck, for that price I may just ship another box or two down with clothes and shoes!

Now I need to find out if BLT charges you to receive boxes...I heard some of the convention center hotels were doing that...

No problem. Figured right up your alley since you got girls :cutie: :cutie:

I would just worry about it later.

Are you done your book?

I just got back to working on the book again. Finished PREPPING Jasmine, Aladdin, Genie, Abu and Ariel (w/sebastian and flounder). Hoping to get started on Belle and Beast tonight.

I go to a 2 day crop next weekend so won't have pics of completed pages until after that. But I'll definitely show you guys!

[Trentmom]

Oh, thanks! I feel soooo far behind. But I definitely wanted to make sure I got some new toys for both of them.

I also found out that Fedex will only cost me $11.27 for 15 lb box (cheaper than USPS or UPS). Heck, for that price I may just ship another box or two down with clothes and shoes!

Now I need to find out if BLT charges you to receive boxes...I heard some of the convention center hotels were doing that...



I just got back to working on the book again. Finished PREPPING Jasmine, Aladdin, Genie, Abu and Ariel (w/sebastian and flounder). Hoping to get started on Belle and Beast tonight.

I go to a 2 day crop next weekend so won't have pics of completed pages until after that. But I'll definitely show you guys!

Sounds like you are moving right along

Can't wait to see some more pics :goodvibes

[kaoden39]

Oh, thanks! I feel soooo far behind. But I definitely wanted to make sure I got some new toys for both of them.

I also found out that Fedex will only cost me $11.27 for 15 lb box (cheaper than USPS or UPS). Heck, for that price I may just ship another box or two down with clothes and shoes!

Now I need to find out if BLT charges you to receive boxes...I heard some of the convention center hotels were doing that...



I just got back to working on the book again. Finished PREPPING Jasmine, Aladdin, Genie, Abu and Ariel (w/sebastian and flounder). Hoping to get started on Belle and Beast tonight.

I go to a 2 day crop next weekend so won't have pics of completed pages until after that. But I'll definitely show you guys!

That's a great price and it beats taking it on the plane at the prices they are chrging for baggage.

[Marshay]

That's a great price and it beats taking it on the plane at the prices they are chrging for baggage.

But I just found out that DIsney (IKON) will charge us $10 per bag:mad:

Actually, they charge at the contemporary...not sure if they will do so at BLT...they only charge at convention center hotels...

[Leger13]

Got a few more purchases to show you all. I also started loading up a box with diapers, wipes, baby food, etc ... man, it's heavy...I'm afraid of what the cost will be...

oh man. Yeah, those stinkin' airline fees now. Are you going to ship it down to your resort or put it on the plane with you?

[Leger13]

Love the giraffe...so cute

Looks like you got some good stuff to keep girls entertained on the plane

BTW.....I forget where I saw it, but think MK is giving out a voucher to get a free ticket to DIsney new movie The Princess and the Frog

I need to google and get exact details.

But I believe they will be giving out vouchers while u are there :goodvibes

This is what I found :



Orlando, FL (CNS) - With Disney is celebrating its return to traditional animation with "The Princess and the Frog," the Mouse House is giving people who visit their theme parks a chance to see the movie for free.

Visitors to any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks and any of the two Disneyland Resort parks in California between now and November 22, 2009 will be able to earn a free children's ticket to see "The Princess and the Frog." With a valid theme park ticket, guests will visit select locations around the parks to pick up a card with a code used to print out their movie money to be used at participating theaters.

The free child's tickets can be used when the movie opens on December 11th, 2009 through the end of the year. One card is eligible per theme park ticket. An even bigger bonus is the free theme park tickets being given away for birthday visits are also eligible for the free movie. Even passholders are allowed one free child's ticket when they visit the Disney parks.

The free movie tickets can be found at Disney theme parks and soon so can Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen. The royal couple from "The Princess and the Frog" will meet and greet guests beginning October 26th at Walt Disney World and November 6th at the Disneyland Resort. They'll also be kicking off Tiana's Showboat Jubilee, featuring characters and guests on the riverboat complete with live jazz music, which will appear through the end of the year.




I heard about this too. Just thought it was nuts all the steps you have to take just to get the free stinkin' ticket. I mean, geez!

[Marshay]

oh man. Yeah, those stinkin' airline fees now. Are you going to ship it down to your resort or put it on the plane with you?

Actually we are on SW, so we wouldn't get charged a fee ... I just didn't want to deal with it in the car, taking the bus to the terminal, waiting in lines, and again at MCO airport since ME won't pick up SW luggage.

For $12 that's worth it to me...but now $22 ... hmmm

[Leger13]

Actually we are on SW, so we wouldn't get charged a fee ... I just didn't want to deal with it in the car, taking the bus to the terminal, waiting in lines, and again at MCO airport since ME won't pick up SW luggage.

For $12 that's worth it to me...but now $22 ... hmmm

Ah okay hear ya there.

I would ship it for sure. You're right on the huge hassle of dealing with it on buses and in the car and in the airport. That plus 2 kids, diaper bag, carry on stuff. You're gonna have your hands full w/o dealing with that box. I think shipping is a good way to go :thumbsup2

[mousescrapper]

no worries on not remembering me...hard to keep track of everyone ;)

love the pre-loot stash for your girls...always fun to gather up some fun surprises.

great idea about the flip top markers. You can't bring these on the plane but you can put them in your checked luggage bubbles...my youngest enjoyed them in the stroller and for bath time...she was a little nervous in the strnage bathtub at the resort.

[Marshay]

no worries on not remembering me...hard to keep track of everyone ;)

love the pre-loot stash for your girls...always fun to gather up some fun surprises.

great idea about the flip top markers. You can't bring these on the plane but you can put them in your checked luggage bubbles...my youngest enjoyed them in the stroller and for bath time...she was a little nervous in the strnage bathtub at the resort.

Bubbles: Great idea!! Thanks, I had gotten some of the gymboree bubbles in the small container...will put them in the box to mail.

OK, so I went back to Wal-mart today and got stage 1 baby food for Elizabeth since they are in a smaller container. We really don't want to have to carry around ice bags to keep the baby food from spoiling in the park. So instead we just purchased the smaller jars and will take one per meal. She may eat it all...but if not, then we'll just throw the rest of the food away (recycling the jars!) I'm taking 12 jars plus baby cereal.

Hmmm, this box is getting heavier and heavier...may need to find a bigger one...

[kaoden39]

Bubbles: Great idea!! Thanks, I had gotten some of the gymboree bubbles in the small container...will put them in the box to mail.

OK, so I went back to Wal-mart today and got stage 1 baby food for Elizabeth since they are in a smaller container. We really don't want to have to carry around ice bags to keep the baby food from spoiling in the park. So instead we just purchased the smaller jars and will take one per meal. She may eat it all...but if not, then we'll just throw the rest of the food away (recycling the jars!) I'm taking 12 jars plus baby cereal.

Hmmm, this box is getting heavier and heavier...may need to find a bigger one...

And someone to carry it too.:goodvibes

[Marshay]

For those of you interested in the Autograph book I am doing, I added more pages today.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34090840&posted=1#post34090840

I also bought disposable place mats for Elie and am trying to find the Ready to Use bottles of formula for her on the plane and in the park when nursing isn't a good option or I'm off on a ride and DH has Elie who says she is hungry -- NOW!

I'm trying to win them on ebay ... so far I keep losing ... they must be popular.

[Marshay]

This just in: I finally won my ebay bid on the baby formula -- and I paid 67% less than I was willing to pay!!! :cool1:

[kaoden39]

This just in: I finally won my ebay bid on the baby formula -- and I paid 67% less than I was willing to pay!!! :cool1:

Yay that's wonderful!!

[Trentmom]

This just in: I finally won my ebay bid on the baby formula -- and I paid 67% less than I was willing to pay!!! :cool1:

Way to GO :thumbsup2

[Marshay]

Ok, so I went to the doc today and he said my ear infection is healing on track and I should be able to fly just fine next Saturday! :cool1::banana:

The ENT doc said I basically have what's known as "swimmer's ear" (infection in the skin of the ear canal). This is really funny to me since I'm not a huge swimmer ... and haven't swum since September!

He said I can get it just by taking a shower and having water settle into the ear canal. So now I have to take a hair dryer to my ear after every shower and put in swimmer's ear drops (alcohol drops), too.

Pretty ridiculous to me but I'm so glad he was able to diagnose it. The last time I went to the doc, they made me see a physician's assistant and she mis-diagnosed it. Then told me not to see the ENT until after one month, by then it had cleared up. ARGH. I should have just gone to the ENT the first time.

Anyway, all is well (enough) and I'm back to planning and packing for our trip.

[Marshay]

Single digits BAY-BEE!!!!!!

:cool1::banana::cool1::banana::dance3::dance3:

[kaoden39]

Yay:cool1:

[crocko]

Ok, so I went to the doc today and he said my ear infection is healing on track and I should be able to fly just fine next Saturday! :cool1::banana:

The ENT doc said I basically have what's known as "swimmer's ear" (infection in the skin of the ear canal). This is really funny to me since I'm not a huge swimmer ... and haven't swum since September!

He said I can get it just by taking a shower and having water settle into the ear canal. So now I have to take a hair dryer to my ear after every shower and put in swimmer's ear drops (alcohol drops), too.

Pretty ridiculous to me but I'm so glad he was able to diagnose it. The last time I went to the doc, they made me see a physician's assistant and she mis-diagnosed it. Then told me not to see the ENT until after one month, by then it had cleared up. ARGH. I should have just gone to the ENT the first time.

Anyway, all is well (enough) and I'm back to planning and packing for our trip.Crazy!

We're flying out on the 14th as well and my wife has being having trouble with one of her ears. I'll have to pass on these tips.

[Marshay]

Crazy!

We're flying out on the 14th as well and my wife has being having trouble with one of her ears. I'll have to pass on these tips.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that! I hope her ear is better.

We can say we leave for Disny next week!! Single digits!!:cool1::banana:

[Trentmom]

Ok, so I went to the doc today and he said my ear infection is healing on track and I should be able to fly just fine next Saturday! :cool1::banana:

The ENT doc said I basically have what's known as "swimmer's ear" (infection in the skin of the ear canal). This is really funny to me since I'm not a huge swimmer ... and haven't swum since September!

He said I can get it just by taking a shower and having water settle into the ear canal. So now I have to take a hair dryer to my ear after every shower and put in swimmer's ear drops (alcohol drops), too.

Pretty ridiculous to me but I'm so glad he was able to diagnose it. The last time I went to the doc, they made me see a physician's assistant and she mis-diagnosed it. Then told me not to see the ENT until after one month, by then it had cleared up. ARGH. I should have just gone to the ENT the first time.

Anyway, all is well (enough) and I'm back to planning and packing for our trip.

Yay!!!

That is awesome!!

WOO HOO for single digits


:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Marshay]

According to the Disney website, BLT 1 Bedroom Standard view during our upcoming travel dates = $505/night!

Can you believe that?

I can't ever imagine paying $500+ a night for a hotel.

Gotta love DVC!:lovestruc

[Trentmom]

According to the Disney website, BLT 1 Bedroom Standard view during our upcoming travel dates = $505/night!

Can you believe that?

I can't ever imagine paying $500+ a night for a hotel.

Gotta love DVC!:lovestruc

That is insane :scared1:

[Marshay]

That is insane :scared1:

It really is! I mean, our 4 night stay would be over $2000 just for the room...not including meals or tickets or transportation.

Ok, back to packing!:thumbsup2

[Circusgirl]

So glad you are able to fly, and that you will be in the World so very soon! I can't wait to hear all about BLT. The pages for the autograph book are just incredible - thanks for sharing!

[raider97]

WooHoo! Congrats on the single digits! Yippee!!

Just thought I would check in with you to see if you saw the Pirate Makeovers are half price during your trip. We have three already booked for our December trip so I was so excited to see the price discount!!

Stephanie

[Marshay]

WooHoo! Congrats on the single digits! Yippee!!

Just thought I would check in with you to see if you saw the Pirate Makeovers are half price during your trip. We have three already booked for our December trip so I was so excited to see the price discount!!

Stephanie


Are you serious? Wow, I missed that. I'd love to do that sometime...you have to post a picture!

[Trentmom]

Did you end up shipping any boxes down there? Just curious :goodvibes

[Marshay]

Did you end up shipping any boxes down there? Just curious :goodvibes

Working on it now...just about to close it all up. Should be more than we thought -- those diapers, wipes and formula sure do add up.

Anyway, 30 lbs is still only $19 ... I'm going to put the Front Desk at BLT/Contemporary as the TO: ... maybe they won't send the box to the conference center so I can avoid the $10 fee. If not, it's still worth it not to lug around another suitcase and 30 extra pounds.:thumbsup2

[Trentmom]

Working on it now...just about to close it all up. Should be more than we thought -- those diapers, wipes and formula sure do add up.

Anyway, 30 lbs is still only $19 ... I'm going to put the Front Desk at BLT/Contemporary as the TO: ... maybe they won't send the box to the conference center so I can avoid the $10 fee. If not, it's still worth it not to lug around another suitcase and 30 extra pounds.:thumbsup2

Is that something new charging you if you mail something to your resort or just for DVC?

That stinks, but like you said, way better than having to lug around another suitcase :thumbsup2

[Marshay]

Is that something new charging you if you mail something to your resort or just for DVC?

That stinks, but like you said, way better than having to lug around another suitcase :thumbsup2

It's something new at all the Conference Resorts (Contemporary, Yacht Club, Coronado). As I was told on a DIS thread, Disney has contracted out all conferencing services to another company and they are charging this fee.

It's so the conference goers have to pay for the resort to store and deliver all their papers, binders, computer equipment etc. However, if you ship something down your box may end up there, too...even though you have nothing to do with a conference.

Sucks, IMHO, but I guess I do understand the "paying for space" as I'm sure there are lots and lots of boxes in any given day that arrive prior to check-in.

[Marshay]

So Rachel is now sick. Right now it's just a cough and runny nose. I think she got it in Sunday School yesterday b/c she was fine before and woke up with it this morning. ARGH!!

We skipped her art class today b/c she was tired and took a nap. Trying to keep her bundled up ... gave her OJ and power pixies...

This is waaaaay too close to our trip for us to get sick...:scared1:

[kaoden39]

So Rachel is now sick. Right now it's just a cough and runny nose. I think she got it in Sunday School yesterday b/c she was fine before and woke up with it this morning. ARGH!!

We skipped her art class today b/c she was tired and took a nap. Trying to keep her bundled up ... gave her OJ and power pixies...

This is waaaaay too close to our trip for us to get sick...:scared1:

Oh no poor baby. She got it so quick maybe it is a 24 hour thing. I'll say a little prayer for you.

[Marshay]

So last night during dinner we each said what one or two things are the "must dos" for each park.

Here is our new and revised Park Must Dos:

Epcot
====
DD4 - Soarin
DH - Mission Space Playground
Me - Imagination Fountain Photo


MK
==
DD4 - Storytime with Belle and Dream Along with Mickey
DH - Tom Sawyer Island and meeting the Fairies
Me - BTMR with DD4 for her 1st time and Haunted Mansion


DHS
===
DD - Toy Story Mania
DH - Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Me - Meeting Monsters, Inc and Toy Story characters

[kaoden39]

Sounds great. I think it should be great fun, DD is getting to be an age where they really start to enjoy it.

[Marshay]

Oh no poor baby. She got it so quick maybe it is a 24 hour thing. I'll say a little prayer for you.

thanks! I know the odds of us not getting sick are really low. Everyone has it. One mom in the line at preschool was saying how she is on Tamiflu and so is her daughter and son. So why in the world is she there infecting all of us??!!?? I so wanted to say something but didn't want to get near her.

Oh, well, I know I'm just being paranoid b/c of the trip ... we get the flu every November and every March ... I'm just hoping we either skip this year or it's after we come back. I'll take a lousy Thanksgiving Weekend and skip Black Friday if I can have a healthy WDW trip!

[Marshay]

Sounds great. I think it should be great fun, DD is getting to be an age where they really start to enjoy it.

Yeah, I love seeing her grow at Disney. I was rather surprised by her choices. Thought for sure she'd want to do the rides at MK. Nope, she wanted to do the story and show and her 3rd choice was the characters' autographs.

[kaoden39]

I will never understand people. Why do they go out and infect other people like that? When the girls and I all got sick the only place we went was to the Dr's office. I was not about to go out or let them go out when we were sick. We were just a little late for the Tamiflu, the Dr told me that it only works when it is given in the first 48 hours.

[Trentmom]

It's something new at all the Conference Resorts (Contemporary, Yacht Club, Coronado). As I was told on a DIS thread, Disney has contracted out all conferencing services to another company and they are charging this fee.

It's so the conference goers have to pay for the resort to store and deliver all their papers, binders, computer equipment etc. However, if you ship something down your box may end up there, too...even though you have nothing to do with a conference.

Sucks, IMHO, but I guess I do understand the "paying for space" as I'm sure there are lots and lots of boxes in any given day that arrive prior to check-in.

That really stinks. But like you said, they probably do have to deal with a ton of boxes :goodvibes

So Rachel is now sick. Right now it's just a cough and runny nose. I think she got it in Sunday School yesterday b/c she was fine before and woke up with it this morning. ARGH!!

We skipped her art class today b/c she was tired and took a nap. Trying to keep her bundled up ... gave her OJ and power pixies...

This is waaaaay too close to our trip for us to get sick...:scared1:

Aww...that totally stinks. If she not better by Wednesday, I would take her to doctor to get her on some antibiotics:goodvibes

So last night during dinner we each said what one or two things are the "must dos" for each park.

Here is our new and revised Park Must Dos:

Epcot
====
DD4 - Soarin
DH - Mission Space Playground
Me - Imagination Fountain Photo


MK
==
DD4 - Storytime with Belle and Dream Along with Mickey
DH - Tom Sawyer Island and meeting the Fairies
Me - BTMR with DD4 for her 1st time and Haunted Mansion


DHS
===
DD - Toy Story Mania
DH - Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Me - Meeting Monsters, Inc and Toy Story characters

Really Cool Choices for DD

Enjoy the fairy land. I dont think I will be seeing that anytime soon with 2 men in the family :laughing:

[mousescrapper]

Anyway, 30 lbs is still only $19 ... I'm going to put the Front Desk at BLT/Contemporary as the TO: ... maybe they won't send the box to the conference center so I can avoid the $10 fee. If not, it's still worth it not to lug around another suitcase and 30 extra pounds.:thumbsup2

curious how that all works for you when you get down there...I may do the smae next yr too. won't have diapers to lug anymore...but still may convienent!

So Rachel is now sick. Right now it's just a cough and runny nose. I think she got it in Sunday School yesterday b/c she was fine before and woke up with it this morning. ARGH!!




Oh no...I hope she will be better and no one sle get's sick!


Happy single digits so exciting! and I love the must picks for everyone, it's always fun to see what each person wants to do the most! :thumbsup2

[Marshay]

That really stinks. But like you said, they probably do have to deal with a ton of boxes :goodvibes

Aww...that totally stinks. If she not better by Wednesday, I would take her to doctor to get her on some antibiotics:goodvibes

Really Cool Choices for DD

Enjoy the fairy land. I dont think I will be seeing that anytime soon with 2 men in the family :laughing:

Well, DD had a 101 degree fever last night. Gave her kids' Tylenol and it was down to 99 this morning. Just checked again since Tylenol wore off and it was still 99. She is feeling better though and talking/ playing. Will try to get her down for a nap soon.

I decided not to take her to the doc since I know w/o an appt they would make her sit for like an hour. I figure sitting in a waiting room with everyone else's germs might be worse than if we just try to treat it ourselves with liquids, Tylenol and rest.

We'll see if I made a good decision or not...

I'm just praying we dont' get it. DD4 still has 3 days to recover so she should be fine if she doesn't get worse...

The rest of us on the other hand would get sick a few days later -- which would be right at our trip. ARGH!!

curious how that all works for you when you get down there...I may do the smae next yr too. won't have diapers to lug anymore...but still may convienent!

Oh no...I hope she will be better and no one sle get's sick!

Happy single digits so exciting! and I love the must picks for everyone, it's always fun to see what each person wants to do the most! :thumbsup2

So the box ended up weighing 32 lbs and cost $20.13 to ship...arrival Thursday night.

I jokingly said, well at least our box will have a vacation in case we don't get to go!:rotfl2:

[Trentmom]

Hoping DD is better soon

That is probably a good idea not exposing her to any more germs

Pixie dust she is better fast :wizard:

[Trentmom]

Hey Marshay?

How is your DD feeling?

[Marshay]

Hey Marshay?

How is your DD feeling?

Thanks for asking. Her fever is staying around 99-100 with Tylenol so this is an improvement. Hopefully by tomorrow the fever will be gone. However, tonight she got diarrhea...and I'm starting to feel run down...

I just want to cry...:sad2:

IF we still get to go, it'll definitely be a 'slow, no hurry' trip...I'm worried (and just a bit :mad:, even though I know it's not anyone's fault...) Probably silly of me to plan a November trip when I know we get sick every year in November, even though we get a flu shot...

At this point we plan to just wait until Saturday morning to decide...I'm hoping to go to bed around 10pm tonight.

I guess it sounds kind of bad for me to ask, considering there are people with much worse problems than us, but I'll definitely take all the prayers we can. I really want to go on this trip and although we might get a credit for SW, we'll lose our DVC points since they expire Nov 30th, if we can't go this weekend.

[mchelle77]

Sorry to hear about your DD being sick ... if it makes you feel better, my DD got sick 4 days before we left (and we were driving!) but by the morning we left, she was MUCH better. Her dr. said she was fine to go, and by "day 1" in WDW, she was back to 100%!

Here's to hoping she'd feeling better! :wizard:

[Trentmom]

Sending Prayers and pixie dust your way that DD is better and no one else gets sick :wizard:

[Marshay]

Sorry to hear about your DD being sick ... if it makes you feel better, my DD got sick 4 days before we left (and we were driving!) but by the morning we left, she was MUCH better. Her dr. said she was fine to go, and by "day 1" in WDW, she was back to 100%!

Here's to hoping she'd feeling better! :wizard:

Sending Prayers and pixie dust your way that DD is better and no one else gets sick :wizard:

thanks guys!! Here's hoping we're all good by day 1, too!

[Marshay]

OK, since both my doctor and my DD4's doc said we should got to Disney ... we are past the worse of our colds, we are packed and ready to go!

I'm hoping DD's fever doesn't come back but am taking Tylenol with us in case it does.

I'm not sure if we'll do the dining plan...I think we should cancel it if we can and just plan to eat smaller meals/snacks.

But I know DD4 is looking forward to the character meals ... and frankly, so was I since I have the autograph book. Maybe we can keep one or two of them..

We may also skip another park or else change our strategy to just relax, sleep in (as much as you can with an infant) and lounge around in the morning...get to the parks around 11am - 1pm and then just go from there.

I'm worried that hitting DHS late will mean we won't get to do TSM...and DD4 said she DEFINITELY wants to ride that.

I also want to spend some time (and money) at DTD for Christmas gifts. DD4 already said she wants to play with the Mr. Potato Heads and My Little Ponies. Also, there is the make your own princess crowns and Goofy's Candy shop which we've never done.

OK, lots on my mind. I'm going to try to remember to just relax about this trip and be thankful that we get to go at all!:goodvibes:banana:

[Trentmom]

Have a magical Trip!!

Glad you all are able to go

Take things nice and slow and am sure you will still have an awesome trip


:wizard:

[kaoden39]

Relax, have fun and let the pixie dust lead the way.

I hope you have a wonderful time.

[Circusgirl]

Bon voyage!!! You will have a fabulous, memorable time. I'm so sorry this last week has been so hard, but I'm so glad you are able to go!

[mousescrapper]

Have a wonderful trip...hope everyone stays healthy...and can't wait to hear about BLT and what your girls thought of it too....

have fun :thumbsup2

[Marshay]

We're back!! I'm glad we went but oh, it definitely had its moments. Overall we had a really good time and I can't wait to download my photos. Our trip was a success ... even with some big bumps in the road.

Let's see ... here's a preview:

1) Where did DH and I argue?
a) in the room with the patio door open -- oops!
b) on the monorail, thankfully it was empty
c) in the middle of the road near Splash Mountain

2) Which planned park did we not go to?
a) Magic Kingdom
b) Hollywood Studios
c) Epcot

3) What did we think of BLT?
a) Awesome!
b) It was really nice but not worth the extra points
c) Eh, can take it or leave it

4) What changes did we make?
a) Got a rental car
b) Skipped the dining plan
c) Slept in everyday

5) What DIS trip-saving swap made all the difference?
a) Stroller Swap
b) Survival Bag Swap
c) Refrigerator Swap

[kaoden39]

I am glad you are back. I can hardly wait to see the pictures and read the trip report. :goodvibes

[Trentmom]

Welcome HOme!!!!!

Can't wait to hear all the answers to the questions you posted:


I will take a few guesses


you argued all 3 placese

you skipped Epcot

You thought BLT was awesome, but not worth extra points

You slept in everday

Survival bag swap

How I do?

[OhMari]

We're back!! I'm glad we went but oh, it definitely had its moments. Overall we had a really good time and I can't wait to download my photos. Our trip was a success ... even with some big bumps in the road.

Let's see ... here's a preview:

1) Where did DH and I argue?
a) in the room with the patio door open -- oops!
b) on the monorail, thankfully it was empty
c) in the middle of the road near Splash Mountain*

2) Which planned park did we not go to?
a) Magic Kingdom
b) Hollywood Studios*
c) Epcot

3) What did we think of BLT?
a) Awesome!*
b) It was really nice but not worth the extra points
c) Eh, can take it or leave it

4) What changes did we make?
a) Got a rental car*
b) Skipped the dining plan
c) Slept in everyday

5) What DIS trip-saving swap made all the difference?
a) Stroller Swap*
b) Survival Bag Swap
c) Refrigerator Swap

I didn't read your pre-trip, so I guessed on your quiz.

[Circusgirl]

We're back!! I'm glad we went but oh, it definitely had its moments. Overall we had a really good time and I can't wait to download my photos. Our trip was a success ... even with some big bumps in the road.

Let's see ... here's a preview:

1) Where did DH and I argue?
a) in the room with the patio door open -- oops!
b) on the monorail, thankfully it was empty
c) in the middle of the road near Splash Mountain *

2) Which planned park did we not go to?
a) Magic Kingdom
b) Hollywood Studios *
c) Epcot

3) What did we think of BLT?
a) Awesome!
b) It was really nice but not worth the extra points *
c) Eh, can take it or leave it

4) What changes did we make?
a) Got a rental car
b) Skipped the dining plan *
c) Slept in everyday

5) What DIS trip-saving swap made all the difference?
a) Stroller Swap *
b) Survival Bag Swap
c) Refrigerator Swap

So glad you had a good time despite bumps! Can't wait to hear about it and see your pictures.

I just got back from Disneyland, where I spent my birthday with Missy (tothesea) and her brothers Toby and Cody, who all participated in our CMO thread. Best birthday ever!

[praisehisname]

You've got us all curious now!!!

[tiggerfan6]

Looking forward to reading your TR !

[Marshay]

Thanks guys for guessing!

I finally got all the pictures on photobucket and will start the report as soon as Elizabeth naps!!

Is that mean to put her to bed early so I can do my TR??:rotfl2::lmao::rotfl2:

[Trentmom]

Thanks guys for guessing!

I finally got all the pictures on photobucket and will start the report as soon as Elizabeth naps!!

Is that mean to put her to bed early so I can do my TR??:rotfl2::lmao::rotfl2:

Heck no

She probably needs the sleep ;)

[Marshay]

Well you know what they say about the best laid plans...

Normally Elie goes to sleep right after I nurse her ... this time, nope! She said, I'm awake...I want to play...

But she's asleep now, so here goes::cool1:

[Marshay]

Saturday, November 14th
================

Goal -- Navigate Airports, Magical Express, Stroller and Survival Bag Swaps, Check-in BLT, Unpack and Dinner at 1900 Park Fare

Reality -- All were accomplished!

We still weren't sure if we were going to Disney or not. Rachel got the flu 5 days prior and Jerry and I developed symptoms 3 days prior. So we went to the doctor, she gave us all Tamiflu and said to enjoy our trip.

I was so proud of myself. At exactly 24 hours in advance of our Southwest flight, I checked us in on-line. I got A-27, A28 and A29. Pretty darn good I thought.

However, that morning, I snoozed my alarm 2x since Elizabeth is STILL not sleeping through the night. She gets up at least once and more likely twice between 8am and 8pm. UGH. I knew O-dark-30 was going to come early. There was a lot more stuff to be done than I thought. Jerry wasn't all packed and we really wanted Elizabeth to eat some solids prior to leaving the house.

Then we got in the SUV and realized that it's just after 9am. Our flight leaves at 10:30am.:scared1: I told Jerry to just park in short-term parking and we'd suck up the cost later, but we couldn't risk going to the cheaper lot and having Jerry miss the flight waiting for the busses. So it cost us $85 to park for Sat - Wed. Ouch, but better than missing the flight.

Meanwhile, Jerry parks the car and I have:

Rachel
Elizabeth in a jogging stroller
Rachel's suitcase of toys
Elizabeth diaper bag
My plane bag
Carryon suitcase (thankfully with 4 wheels!)
All of our winter coats

I load up the coats and bags on the stroller, wheel the carryone and we all go through security.

Now talk about funny. Not!

**I would like to interrupt this trip report and apologize to anyone behind me in the security line.**

I realized it was just going to be what it was. So Rachel and I take off our shoes (I forgot to take Elie's slippers off), put all our luggage in bins. The stroller doesn't fit so they have to take it separately. I have to declare the formula and baby food. We walk through the metal detector and everything is good, except, my stroller is no where to be seen and we don't have shoes and the people behind us are impatient to get past us but I'm holding Elie, trying to get my shoes on, trying to pack up our stuff...Rachel is upset since her stuffed bear Gundther couldn't go through with her .... you get the picture.

Thankfully a kind lady asked if she could help me...I gave her Elie to hold while I organized all the stuff. The stroller finally makes it through security and I let the kind lady go.

By the time we were done, Jerry finally got through the security line and we were off through a series of 3 elevators and flat escalators to our gate.

I told Jerry to purchase water bottles, we didn't have time to go to the bathroom. It was 10:05am and they had already boarded all the A's, Families and started on the B's.

Darn :headache:Darn:headache:Darn.

I send Jerry ahead to get seats (it's a full flight) while I get a tag for the stroller.

Thankfully we get 3 seats in a row. Rachel is the last person to be able to use the bathroom before take-off. We breathe a sigh of relief -- we're going to Disney!!

Here is Rachel on the plane
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG014.jpg

And here is Elizabeth's first plane ride. I was smart and brought the Boppie pillow. I know it takes up a lot of room but it was a god-send for the flight. She could sleep on it and my hands were free. I had the aisle seat.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG015.jpg

Flight was uneventful. Rachel and Jerry played with the new activity book I bought for her. Elizabeth nursed and then slept the whole time.

Once at the airport, Jerry got the luggage and we went straight to the Magical Express line. Well, Rachel wanted her picture taken here:
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG017.jpg

After a 15 minute wait, we were on the road. We got lucky and were the first people on the bus so we took the front four seats for the best view! Here is the welcome sight we all enjoy:
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7331.jpg

And on to the monorail hotels, through the MK gate:
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7335.jpg

Thankfully our flight was 30 minutes early, so we didn't feel as rushed. Bus went to Wilderness Lodge, Poly, GF and finally to Contemporary/BLT.

This is our first view of the BLT.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7337.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7340.jpg

Sandra from DIS agrees to meet us in the Cont lobby to drop off the Disney Survival Bag. If you don't know about this swap, she has put together a suitcase, duffel bag and cooler for people to use while at Disney. You fill it up with stuff you don't need/want to take back with you that others may enjoy. It's free. Rachel loved all the light-up toys (and so did I since I didn't have to pay for them). There was stuff to do laundry, hand soap, Lysol, tons of toys, a night-light, etc).
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7342.jpg

We get the double stroller from the DIS Stroller swap from luggage services and I get the box of stuff we sent down earlier. Bell Services helps us get everything to the room. Box cost an addtional $10 fee for storage at the conference center -- grrrr.

And here is the 1BR Standard view at BLT
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7358.jpg

I'll be the first to admit, when I looked at all the preview photos of BLT, I was not impressed. However, once we were there, I absolutely loved the room.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7343.jpg

The curtains open up all the way to the walls to show more windows. The whole end is just windows. It is incredible!

This is the view from our balcony.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7353.jpg

This is the master bedroom. All the pictures added just the right amount of splash to the room
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7349.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7348.jpg

You can't be shy at this resort. With all the windows, everyone can look right into your room!

I really wanted to use the jacuzzi tub -- even brought special bath soaps, but we just didn't have time...this will be a recurring theme...
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7355.jpg

So Jerry checks out the stroller, makes repairs and I unpack all of our clothes.

We are tired. Traveling, esp with 2 small kids when we are still recovering, is taking its toll on us. But once again: we are at Disney!!

[kaoden39]

Yay for being at Disney. And you know for a sandwich the BLT is beautiful.

[mousescrapper]

We're back!! I'm glad we went but oh, it definitely had its moments. Overall we had a really good time and I can't wait to download my photos. Our trip was a success ... even with some big bumps in the road.

Let's see ... here's a preview:

1) Where did DH and I argue?
a) in the room with the patio door open -- oops!
b) on the monorail, thankfully it was empty
c) in the middle of the road near Splash Mountain

2) Which planned park did we not go to?
a) Magic Kingdom
b) Hollywood Studios
c) Epcot

3) What did we think of BLT?
a) Awesome!
b) It was really nice but not worth the extra points
c) Eh, can take it or leave it

4) What changes did we make?
a) Got a rental car
b) Skipped the dining plan
c) Slept in everyday

5) What DIS trip-saving swap made all the difference?
a) Stroller Swap
b) Survival Bag Swap
c) Refrigerator Swap

this is such a fun way to start a TR...very clever :thumbsup2

glad you made your flight and the flight was smooth. sorry the sickness was making it's toll, but yes you are at DISNEY!

[Marshay]

Let's see ... here's a preview:

3) What did we think of BLT?
a) Awesome!
b) It was really nice but not worth the extra points
c) Eh, can take it or leave it

5) What DIS trip-saving swap made all the difference?
a) Stroller Swap
b) Survival Bag Swap
c) Refrigerator Swap

OK, two answers have been revealed:
3a - We thought BLT was AWESOME! The view from those windows is just magnificent and a photo just doesn't do it justice. The convenience of walking to MK and monorailing to Epcot or our favorite restaurants at Cont/Poly and GF just can't be beat.

A standard one bedroom at BLT is the same as a Boardwalk view at the Boardwalk Villas, any room at BCV since that has SAB pool with it or a savannah room at AKV. However, we now love this resort. Both Jerry and I wish our main points were at BLT.

5a and b. Yep, this is one of my famous trick questions. We really were glad for BOTH of the swaps. The double-stroller swap was definitely more useful but like I said, Rachel adored the survival bag. It also had a step stool in it that Rachel needed to use at the sinks and someone put antibacterial soap jar in it that we all used. Whenever Rachel tried to use the soap bar provided by Disney, it slipped out of her hands.

Both Rachel and Elizabeth fell asleep in the stroller each night by about 8pm, so we were very grateful for the double stroller. And it held up fine, too.

[Disneychix]

I just read your whole PTR and now your TR!

I'm so happy your family was able to go on vacation! What a nice lady to hold your darling DD at the airport. I would've just cried I think! You are grace under fire!!

[Marshay]

I just read your whole PTR and now your TR!

I'm so happy your family was able to go on vacation! What a nice lady to hold your darling DD at the airport. I would've just cried I think! You are grace under fire!!

Welcome Disneychix!!! And only 4 days to go -- woo hoo!!!

I guess looking back, I shouldn't have given a complete stranger my baby, but it was better than the alternative of putting her on the floor! yeah, once I realized how slow we were going to be, I just started laughing. A few people gave me sympathetic smiles and I let the single business man behind me go in front of me. He gave me a smile and said, "really?" and then shot in front of me before I could change my mind. :rotfl2::rotfl:

Thanks for reading the whole report. Hopefully, it didn't take you too long and was enjoyable!

[Trentmom]

Yay, you started :woohoo:

Glad you made it on your flight.

I could totally feel your stress as you went through security :eek:

Glad that kind lady helped you


BLT looks very pretty there :goodvibes

[Marshay]

Yay for being at Disney. And you know for a sandwich the BLT is beautiful.

It's the prettiest sandwich I ever had!

this is such a fun way to start a TR...very clever :thumbsup2

glad you made your flight and the flight was smooth. sorry the sickness was making it's toll, but yes you are at DISNEY!

Thanks, I like doing quizzes...lets me see if you guys are paying attention!! :rotfl2:Just kidding.

Yay, you started :woohoo:

Glad you made it on your flight.

I could totally feel your stress as you went through security :eek:

Glad that kind lady helped you


BLT looks very pretty there :goodvibes

Yep, thanks to that lady. She ended up being on the same flight anyway.

BLT is niiiiiiiice!:thumbsup2

[Marshay]

Saturday, November 14th - Evening
=======================

Yesterday I decided that the girls should dress up for their dinner at 1900 Park Fare. We had gotten a blue princess dress from a friend so Rachel wore that and Elizabeth wore the dress/diaper cover that I wore when I was one year old.

We're running about 15-20 minutes late and I'm hoping 1900 Park Fare will get us in. We wait another 5-10 minutes to check in and get a beeper. Time to explore the Gingerbread house at the GF. She doesn't look too happy here, but she was having fun. We were just hungry and had all but run to get to the restaurant.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7365.jpg

This is just gorgeous and Rachel loved finding all the Mickeys.

With 5 minutes, the beeper goes off and we get in line for our photos. Normally Cinderella is outside the restaurant and you get a photo with her. For whatever reason, she was inside and the photo was just of the 4 of us. We didn't purchase it.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7364.jpg

We have barely sat down and Lady Tremaine comes over to our table. I had warned Rachel that she would be the first villian that Rachel meets and may be a bit mean.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG019.jpg

Rachel didn't seem to mind at all. Her mood perked up a lot once the characters were there .... and she got some food!

Now, Elizabeth wasn't quite sure what to make of all the various characters.

Here is Elie giving Lady Tremaine the same look back at her!:lmao:
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG025.jpg

And along came Cinderella:
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG020-1.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7391.jpg

Note the highchair cover that I bought for the trip. This came in handy and we got many comments on how smart it was to bring this.

Then Prince Charming graced our presence.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7376.jpg

Note how close we were to the food. I didn't like this table since it was right in the middle of all the people going to the buffet stand. It felt like I could just lean back and grab food off of the children's section. But it was a great people watching table and we could see the clock and see C+PC dance.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7369.jpg

And finally one with the little princess
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7382.jpg

Jerry wanted to be in the photo, too. Note the color tonight was blue. I try to coordinate the colors each day.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7423.jpg

OK, well Elie is crying so I'll end this here tonight.


http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7378.jpg

[kaoden39]

Oh Marshay, I cannot tell you how adorable the first picture of Rachel with Prince Charming is so adorable. She seems to have such a dreamy look on her face. Thank you for sharing these pictures.

[praisehisname]

Sounds like once you made it on the the plane, it was pretty smooth! :thumbsup2 Your room(s) at the BLT are beautiful.

[Leger13]

Hey two updates! Welcome home and great updates! I feel crazy just reading about your trip to the airport and trying to get to 1900 park fair. Glad you made it though. Loving the pictures with the characters. Can't wait to read more. After today I won't be online really until after I get back from Disney so I'll have to play catch up then.

[mousescrapper]

Then Prince Charming graced our presence.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7376.jpg


And finally one with the little princess
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7382.jpg

Jerry wanted to be in the photo, too. Note the color tonight was blue. I try to coordinate the colors each day.





The pictures of the girls w/ Prince Charming are so cute!!!! and I love coordinating colors or theme for each day too!

[Marshay]

Next came Drizella. Jerry had asked me who she was and I said Anastasia --- OOPS! She did NOT like to be called Anastasia and let us know!

Rachel had a blast with her
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7402.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7404.jpg

but poor Elizabeth did not like Drizella at all. She was pouting and showing her "fear" face. Unfortunately, we didn't capture it on camera ... this is the closest we got.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7405.jpg

Rachel having fun with Anastasia
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7414.jpg

Elizabeth didn't like her too much either...I think this picture is pretty priceless!
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7412.jpg

But Elie recovered quickly once the characters left
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG022-1.jpg

I just think it would be so much fun to play Lady Tremaine
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG024.jpg

And here is the picture of the double stroller we borrowed from the swap in Disney ... along with my princess girls in blue.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7360.jpg

After dinner we walked around the GF lobby, then took the monorail back to our room. By that time, my throat was hurting and I was feeling sick, so we put the kids to bed and then I went to bed. Jerry went out and took pictures of the resort.

The view from our balcony at night facing right
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7430.jpg

Facing straight ahead
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7429.jpg

Overlooking the pool. We decided not to use the pool at all since we were fighting colds. Bummer, b/c it sure looks pretty cool.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7510.jpg

I love this picture! This is of the water slide.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7462.jpg

The Contemporary all lit up at night
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7505.jpg

The Mickey on the Contemporary lit up
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7970.jpg

The back entrance into BLT. pretty, pretty, pretty
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7497.jpg

The same view but from up above. You can see the pool and the lines of trees
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7513.jpg

Oh, we did watch the Electrical Water Parade from our balcony.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7427.jpg

Just a cool picture of Space Mountain from the top of the BLT roof
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7504.jpg

[rentayenta]

:thumbsup2 Great update. I am still lurking along.

I am laughing because I swear, every child gets the same thing when at a Disney buffet: mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, a chicken leg, pizza, and corn. :rotfl2: :lmao:

[kaoden39]

Poor Elizabeth. Rachel certainly seems to get into the spirit with the characters. That is great. And I think playing any of the villains would be great.

[Marshay]

I totally forgot to go back and reply to everyone. Sooo sorry. I was in a rush to get out the photos...trying to finish the TR quickly (so I can start working on my new one and so this TR doesn't fall by the wayside with all the holidays coming up.)

I am glad you are back. I can hardly wait to see the pictures and read the trip report. :goodvibes

Thanks! Glad to have you here.

Welcome HOme!!!!!

Can't wait to hear all the answers to the questions you posted:


I will take a few guesses


you argued all 3 placese

you skipped Epcot

You thought BLT was awesome, but not worth extra points

You slept in everday

Survival bag swap

How I do?

You got 1.5 right!:thumbsup2

I didn't read your pre-trip, so I guessed on your quiz.

You got 3 right!:thumbsup2

So glad you had a good time despite bumps! Can't wait to hear about it and see your pictures.

I just got back from Disneyland, where I spent my birthday with Missy (tothesea) and her brothers Toby and Cody, who all participated in our CMO thread. Best birthday ever!

You got 3 right! Oh, so fun that you got to meet up with them. I miss the old CMO group. Hope all is well.

Do you have a new TR? I need to check your siggie...

You've got us all curious now!!!

Good! More answers will be revealed soon.

Looking forward to reading your TR !

Thanks! Good to have you here!

Heck no

She probably needs the sleep ;)

She does and did!

Oh Marshay, I cannot tell you how adorable the first picture of Rachel with Prince Charming is so adorable. She seems to have such a dreamy look on her face. Thank you for sharing these pictures.

Awww, I had to go back and see which one you were referring to. yes, I love that one too. The others she is all excited and has that huge smile, but this is a nice 'in the moment' shot...nothing forced for the camera.

Sounds like once you made it on the the plane, it was pretty smooth! :thumbsup2 Your room(s) at the BLT are beautiful.

Yep. ME was nice ... we just wanted to get "home".

Hey two updates! Welcome home and great updates! I feel crazy just reading about your trip to the airport and trying to get to 1900 park fair. Glad you made it though. Loving the pictures with the characters. Can't wait to read more. After today I won't be online really until after I get back from Disney so I'll have to play catch up then.

Yeah!!! You're going to Disney soon!

The pictures of the girls w/ Prince Charming are so cute!!!! and I love coordinating colors or theme for each day too!

Thanks! I just started coordinating colors for our trips where I know we want pictures. It makes the scrapbook pages so much easier to do and look prettier!

:thumbsup2 Great update. I am still lurking along.

I am laughing because I swear, every child gets the same thing when at a Disney buffet: mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, a chicken leg, pizza, and corn. :rotfl2: :lmao:

Glad to have you back! Yep, that's pretty much every child's meal! Funny that you noticed that!

Poor Elizabeth. Rachel certainly seems to get into the spirit with the characters. That is great. And I think playing any of the villains would be great.

Yeah, that photo of Elizabeth is great ... but she wouldn't think so.

I hope to meet some more villians next time, since this one went well.

[Leger13]

Awesome latest update Marsha. I LOVE the picture of Elizabeth with Anistasia. Totally cracks me up. Glad she perked back up after the ladies left. :goodvibes That looks like a really cool stroller that you guys got from the swap. And Jerry did a great job getting those night shots. Especially the one of Space Mountain. Very smokey and spooky and cool :thumbsup2

[cherbear]

great start!! Sorry I wasn't here for the very beginning but I easily caught up. Rachel looks like she just had such a GREAT time at that meal! I especially love the picture of her and Prince Charming holding hands!

I also love this picture
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7404.jpg

Elie was funny with her "fear face"...poor thing. But she did pretty good considering! She was probably thinking, "why are these women wearing so much blush and eyeshadow?" :rotfl:

Cinderella on the other hand, was really pretty

[Trentmom]

Looks 1900 Pare fare was a blast

That pic of Ellie with Anastasia is priceless...you need to send that in to all ears pic of the week...love it :laughing:


Love how much Rachel got into the characters..looks like she is having a blast


Great night shots :thumbsup2

[Marshay]

Awesome latest update Marsha. I LOVE the picture of Elizabeth with Anistasia. Totally cracks me up. Glad she perked back up after the ladies left. :goodvibes That looks like a really cool stroller that you guys got from the swap. And Jerry did a great job getting those night shots. Especially the one of Space Mountain. Very smokey and spooky and cool :thumbsup2

Thanks! I'll let Jerry know. Yep, Elie sure was funny.

great start!! Sorry I wasn't here for the very beginning but I easily caught up. Rachel looks like she just had such a GREAT time at that meal! I especially love the picture of her and Prince Charming holding hands!

I also love this picture
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7404.jpg

Elie was funny with her "fear face"...poor thing. But she did pretty good considering! She was probably thinking, "why are these women wearing so much blush and eyeshadow?" :rotfl:

Cinderella on the other hand, was really pretty

I love Drizella's face on that photo, too. A perfect contrast to Rachel's pure joy.

That Cinderella was really pretty. You know how some of the characters just totally look like them and others don't quite make it?

My niece tried out to be a Disney character ... the story she tells is quite funny as they literally examine you close up and personal...make you open your mouth, look at your teeth, etc. She said she felt like a horse! At the end, Disney told her she would be able to play ... Cruella! She turned it down...she had her heart set on a princess but clearly, she wasn't princess quality. Now she laughs about it.

Looks 1900 Pare fare was a blast

That pic of Ellie with Anastasia is priceless...you need to send that in to all ears pic of the week...love it :laughing:

Love how much Rachel got into the characters..looks like she is having a blast

Great night shots :thumbsup2

I was thinking about sending the all ears pic in, too. We really enjoyed the restaurant. Not sure it's really good for boys but for girls, it's great.

[Marshay]

I forgot to mention that upon check-in, we asked if we could cancel the DDP and a quick call to the front desk's manager was all it took. I figured that with us being sick and not really eating as much as we normally do, that the extra food would be a waste. Besides, I wasn't sure what our days would look like going forward.

After 1900 Park Fare, we also stopped at the Marketplace at the Contemporary and purchased milk, oj, donuts, cereal and pop tarts. Oh, and a Coke for my caffeine-addicted hubby! Ok, so it wasn't the healthiest of breakfast foods and it cost us like $28+

Before Rachel went to bed, she said that tomorrow she wanted to play on the little beach area outside our room. My first thought was, no way ... tomorrow is Epcot!:lmao:

So today is Sunday, November 15th
=======================

Goal: Epcot

Reality: A Down Day

We were hoping to sleep in and rest but we obviously forgot to tell Elizabeth our plans. She was up at 6:30am. We decided to get up anyway, showered, had a leisurely breakfast and then Rachel said she wanted to play in the sand.

I asked her if she wanted to go ride Test Track and Soarin' (devious of me to mention her two favorite rides) or just play in the sand.

She chose the sand.

OK, that works. I declared today a good day to roam around the resort and if we wanted to, we could go to Epcot later. This was our first trip using single day tickets with no park hopper, so I really didn't want to use a whole day ticket, if we were only going into the parks for 2-3 hours. Darn, I love those annual passes!

So I stayed with Elizabeth and nursed her and Jerry took Rachel to the sand to play. It was a good decision as she really enjoyed it.

Then Elie and I joined up with them. We had to get a family picture on the Mickey.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7568.jpg

Then we let Rachel play in the water fountains a little. Jerry and I played ping pong (I won 2/3 games).

At this point we were actually hot and sweaty -- love it in November!! And hungry. It was 10:45am but we were already for lunch. We went to the Contemporary and figured lunch would start around 11am.

First tried The Wave. Nope, 12 noon.
Then the Contempo Cafe. Nope, 12 noon.

So we decide to take the monorail to Kona Cafe to eat. I love Kona (Tonga Toast!) and just the Poly in general. Plus it gave Rachel a ride on the monorail.

Well, without ressies, I thought we might be out of luck, but we got a beeper and were told to wait on the 2nd floor.

So, crazy hat tradition lives on
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7585.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7582.jpg

Our beeper goes off within 10 minutes and we are seated. However, Elizabeth fell fast asleep and Jerry wants to bring the double stroller into the restaurant. Sorry, Jerry!

I say I'll just hold her and she ends up sleeping the entire time. And the menu is breakfast!

Rachel is unruly, flopping around on the booth seat, not wanting to eat ... so we tell her she can lie down or color but she is not a fish :rotfl: We don't order a meal for her b/c she keeps changing her mind. We get her a plate of bacon and figure she'll just share our food.

I was all set for Tonga Toast, but then saw The Samoan. It's a poached egg with Hollandaise sauce over pulled pork.
Let me tell you, this was truly delicious!! I :love: it! It was a great brunch combination. Rachel really enjoyed it too.

We walked around the Poly and under the Volcano pool. Then we were trying to decide what to do next. It was about 2pm when we got back to the resort and Jerry suggested taking Rachel out on the Sea Raycers. I thought that would be good, too. I remember going out on them with my dad when I was young and had such a blast!

Oh and somewhere along the way we lost Elie's brand new elephant toy (pictured from the 1900 Park Fare photos). I reported it to Cont lost and found but never heard from them again...

I went to nurse Elie and looked out our window and there was Jerry and Rachel getting prepped for the boats. I snagged a few pictures
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG034.jpg

However, something was wrong with the boat, so they had to turn around
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG037.jpg

Once out again, they had a wonderful time on the boat. The guys at the marina gave them extra time since they had boat trouble and also knocked off additional money (in addition to our DVC discount). So the 45 minute boat ride was only ~$25. Woo Hoo, you can't beat that.

Here is the proud papa and daughter afterwards
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG042.jpg

Then we all took naps in the room and decided to go to DTD for dinner and shopping.

So far our surprise day was turning out pretty well. Funny, how we needed "down day" but hadn't really done anything yet!

[Marshay]

Sunday, cont'd
==========
Goal: Goofy's Candy Co, World of Disney and Once Upon a Toy, Art of Disney and Ghiradelli for ice cream.

Reality: what was I thinking?


So we pack up and go to the bus area to do some shopping at DTD. 45 minutes later (I was NOT happy about that), we got on a bus and found seats.

Now it's nearly 7pm by the time the bus came and went to the Poly and the GF before going to DTD.

Elizabeth enjoyed the bus ride.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7590.jpg

We ate at Earl of Sandwich and then Rachel was possessed by some evil spirit and wanted a picture here...
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7598.jpg

OK, so these guys are growing on me a little bit...

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7604.jpg

We go over to Goofy's Candy Company. I heard great things on this from my DIS friends but hadn't tried it yet. Let me tell you this is now on our must-do list.

We order special treats and watch them being made:
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7595.jpg

Rachel - Choc cookie, dark chocolate, sprinkles and white choc drizzle

Jerry - Rice Crispy Mickey, dark chocolate, almond slice and white choc drizzle

Me - Caramel Apple, milk chocolate, peanuts and white choc drizzle

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7611.jpg

We go to OUAT and let Rachel build a Mr. Potato Head and My Little Pony. I sneak out with Elizabeth in the double stroller and go to World of Disney. Stupid, stupid. Why do you bring a double stroller to the busiest place on all of Disney property?!?

I quickly pick up a Beauty and Beast costume for the Disney doll I got for Rachel last year. Then I get two princess ornaments for the tree. I picked Ariel for Elie and Cinderella for Rachel. My total is just over $50 so I get an additional discount for using my Disney VISA card. I decide to just ship the gifts back home b/c I want these gifts to come from Santa Mickey...and who wants to carry these around anyway?

Jerry buys a box of Mr. Potato head parts-only. I had already warned him not to mention that he did not choose a body and to stuff the box. I need to count the parts ... anyone know what the current record for just parts is??

The girls fall asleep in the stroller waiting for the bus. Jerry wants to take a taxi but the CM says it really won't save us time since there are no taxis waiting. The bus comes within 15 minutes, we carry the girls on the bus, put them to bed.

I decide that I want to watch the Holi-wishes fireworks from the rooftop. OMG it's gorgeous!

When I get back, we eat our Goofy's treats on the balcony and watch the EWP again. OMG, they are so delicious. We saved Rachel's for later since she had fallen asleep by the time we made it back. I nearly felt sick by the time I finished mine, but oh, it was worth it!!

Then we just hang out on the balcony. It was nice and romantic, but I won't go into any more details...;)

[kaoden39]

That candy looks absolutely sinful. But, yummy.

[Trentmom]

Sounds like you all had a great day. :goodvibes

Those treats at goofys look delicious :goodvibes

[Marshay]

That candy looks absolutely sinful. But, yummy.

Sounds like you all had a great day. :goodvibes

Those treats at goofys look delicious :goodvibes

Yes, they were sinful, yummy and delicious!! I was covered in choc flakes and peanuts when I was done.

But I'm definitely getting another one next time!! Hmmm, let's see how many calories

Apple
Caramel
Milk Chocolate
Peanuts
White Chocolate

I'd say about 50? maybe 100?

:rotfl::lmao:

[kaoden39]

Yes, they were sinful, yummy and delicious!! I was covered in choc flakes and peanuts when I was done.

But I'm definitely getting another one next time!! Hmmm, let's see how many calories

Apple
Caramel
Milk Chocolate
Peanuts
White Chocolate

I'd say about 50? maybe 100?

:rotfl::lmao:

50 or 100,000 maybe?:lmao:

[praisehisname]

The night time pics from your balcony are gorgeous! I love that Rachel chose the sand over her favorite rides! :rotfl: Your treats from Goofy's look yummy! :thumbsup2

[Disneychix]

Wow, the family shot at the Mickey metal statute is great! It should be a holiday card!

Wonderful updates! Your girls have beautiful smilies! :)

[Leger13]

Great update Marsha. Looks like you guys had a great down day even though you had planned on going to EPCOT. I LOL'd when you said Rachel had been posessed by an evil spirit when she asked to be pictured with the Pooh characters :rotfl: Cute picture though. And sounds like you and Jerry managed to have a very romantic evening when the girls went to bed. That's great. You need that every once in a while for sure! :goodvibes

[mousescrapper]

that sounded like a wonderful REST day....you guys deserved it after being sick and almost missing your flight in the other day...

I am so LOVIN all the great pictures...thank your DH for me :thumbsup2 my trip is just under a year now and almost time to make the ressie...we plan to have 1 whole rest day too for BLT and look at the decorations at the other mono resorts.

sorry you didn't get to test the pool, but looks like it may have been warm enough if you were wearing shorts.

love the matching shirts for this day!

I have been jotting several little notes down from your TR so far...great info!

Happy Thanksgiving

J~

[sunny04]

Hello! I hope your trip was wonderful! I've read some of our past TRs, and am happy I found this one not too far in progress, even though I haven't finished reading it all yet! Looking forward to hearing about your trip. Both of your girls are precious!!

[cherbear]

Looks 1900 Pare fare was a blast

That pic of Ellie with Anastasia is priceless...you need to send that in to all ears pic of the week...love it :laughing:


Love how much Rachel got into the characters..looks like she is having a blast


Great night shots :thumbsup2

hey Kelly, that is a REALLY good idea! Send it in Marsha! We are BOUND to see it show up on the Allears site! :thumbsup2

[Marshay]

50 or 100,000 maybe?:lmao:

I think you are sadly correct at 100,000 :rotfl2:

The night time pics from your balcony are gorgeous! I love that Rachel chose the sand over her favorite rides! :rotfl: Your treats from Goofy's look yummy! :thumbsup2

Yeah, kids like the simple things. And our day turned out great anyway. Of course around 2pm Rachel said she wanted to go to Epcot!

Wow, the family shot at the Mickey metal statute is great! It should be a holiday card!

Wonderful updates! Your girls have beautiful smilies! :)

Thanks! I like to do a little mix of photos for our Christmas card...I'd like to include that Mickey one!

Great update Marsha. Looks like you guys had a great down day even though you had planned on going to EPCOT. I LOL'd when you said Rachel had been posessed by an evil spirit when she asked to be pictured with the Pooh characters :rotfl: Cute picture though. And sounds like you and Jerry managed to have a very romantic evening when the girls went to bed. That's great. You need that every once in a while for sure! :goodvibes

Yep, we did.

Glad I made you laugh!

We definitely needed the time together ... wish we had a regular baby sitter...that would be good for us, too.

that sounded like a wonderful REST day....you guys deserved it after being sick and almost missing your flight in the other day...

I am so LOVIN all the great pictures...thank your DH for me :thumbsup2 my trip is just under a year now and almost time to make the ressie...we plan to have 1 whole rest day too for BLT and look at the decorations at the other mono resorts.

sorry you didn't get to test the pool, but looks like it may have been warm enough if you were wearing shorts.

love the matching shirts for this day!

I have been jotting several little notes down from your TR so far...great info!

Happy Thanksgiving

J~

Hope you had a good T-day weekend!

Yep, it was definitely warm enough for shorts...I only brought one pair but you'll see I'm wearing them every day. Thankfully we have a W/D in the room so we did laundry every morning before we left and every afternoon/evening when we got back. My girls are heavey sleepers so they still slept with the W/D running. Maybe it was background noise for them.

Glad I can help out a little!

We try to have one down day per 2-3 days of stay. Mostly for Jerry since he is a "non-planner, lazy, do whatever sounds good at the moment" type of guy. He starts getting all edgy and grumpy if he has more than 3 days in the parks.

Hello! I hope your trip was wonderful! I've read some of our past TRs, and am happy I found this one not too far in progress, even though I haven't finished reading it all yet! Looking forward to hearing about your trip. Both of your girls are precious!!

Welcome!! It's nice to have repeat readers. Thanks for posting. Overall we had a good trip.

And I kept telling Rachel that we need to be happy that we get to go to Disney. Some people don't get to go at all and others certainly don't get to go every year. So I do know that we are blessed. My "complaints" about not getting to do one of the parks (can't say which one yet!) or having colds really do not compare to Big problems...just nuisances.

hey Kelly, that is a REALLY good idea! Send it in Marsha! We are BOUND to see it show up on the Allears site! :thumbsup2

OK, I will see what the rules are!:thumbsup2

[Marshay]

Today is Monday, November 16th. We are halfway through our vacation...only one more full day at WDW...and I'm starting to freak out ... we haven't even made it into a park!!:rotfl2:

We get up today about 8am and everyone needs to get a shower. Then we have breakfast in the room. Time to gather all the things we need for the park -- food for Elizabeth, water bottles, toys, diaper bag, cameras, tickets, nurse Elizabeth, etc. We should have gathered everything together last night.

By the time we get into MK, it is 11am:scared1: How in the world can it take us 3 hours!! I repeat, 3 hours to get up and in the park.

Thankfully the park isn't overly busy...just lots of people hanging out on Main Street for the Street party parade. Today's color is blue again (thanks to washer/dryer in the room).
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7653.jpg

I ask Rachel if she wants to dance with the characters on the street and she says no. I found out later that she was overwhelmed by all the people and noise and sights and just wanted to sit in the stroller and take it all in. I understand now. At the time, I just thought she was being grumpy.

So we head off to Adventureland. It's very warm (mid-80s) and we just walked from BLT so I suggest we sit down at the Magic Carpet ride and eat a Dole Whip. Jerry gets one and it is green for the holidays! Rachel doesn't want any...she just wants to climb on the benches and watch the ride. OK.

Then we see that the queue is starting for Jasmine and Aladdin so Elizabeth and I wait in line and then JErry and Rachel join us.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7678.jpg

Rachel's outfit for today is a Tinkerbell top and skirt that someone on DIS made for the Survival Bag swap.:thumbsup2

Last year when we got Jasmine/Aladdin's autograph, they werent' impressed with my ABC book. (I admit I was a bit disappointed by that!) This year however, they both loved it and spent time looking at it.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7676.jpg

Oh, I forgot to mention that this morning Jerry woke up with a sore throat and wasn't speaking to save his voice/ease his throat. Do you have any idea what it's like to carry on a conversation or just do things with someone that doesn't talk?

We split up so Jerry can see how long the line is for Jungle Cruise. Then he is supposed to call me so we can determine whether to ride or FP or skip. Well, he goes but of course he is barely whispering into the phone...and you know how noisy it is at MK ... well, I tell him to just pick up a FP...I have no idea the time and am frustrated.

This is NOT going to plan!:lmao:

Meanwhile I tell Jerry that we are walking on ahead to check out PoC but evidently he didn't hear me so after he gets the FPs, he is walking aimlessly around, but in the right direction. I see that PoC only has a 5 minute wait, so I wait outside the ride, spot him and park the stroller.

Then Jerry sees these wenches outside the ride and has Rachel pose with them -- super cute!
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7681.jpg

We all like PoC and then head over to Big Thunder Mountain. Rachel isn't sure whether she wants to ride.

On the way, it's still hot. We see Tiana's Showboat Revue is going on and decide to watch that. Rachel is now saying she doesn't want to go on BTMR. I really want to go on with her b/c I know she'll like it.

I take the tickets, say I'm getting FPs and walk away. But Jerry tries to call me back. However, he can't talk and I'm not looking at him. So he yells in a nasty sounding voice "MARSHA!!!" (sounds worse than it is due to his scratchy voice). I turn around and am like "What?" in an equally nasty voice.

Now mind you, we are like 10' apart right in front of Splash Mountain...we are both hot, sick and there are people all around us.

Now Jerry tells me that only one of our tickets is working and we can't get FP. Evidently when we entered MK, Rachel and I walked through the gate and only Jerry went through the turnstile. The CM was supposed to put all of our tickets through but only put one of them through.

However, I'm only hearing about every other word he is saying b/c it's too noisy and he's not really talking and we are getting more and more angry at each other...well, you get the point...it really was a comedy of errors ... if we were a sit-com. Unfortunately, we aren't, and it was an embarrassing argument instead.

Finally I understand what he is saying, we get a substitute ticket that allows us to get a FP. Rachel and I ride BTMR ("she said it's ok but doesn't want to ride it again. She said that her pretend friend Zooter (from Jungle Junction cartoon) really liked it b/c it went fast!")

We calm down and head over to Tom Sawyer Island. I nurse Elizabeth on one of the benches and Jerry and Rachel explore TSI. Elie and I meet up with them and explore the fort, go over the barrel bridge (Elie is in the Baby Bjorn...this is an experience!) and then head back.

By this time we are hungry so we eat at Pinocchio VIllage Haus. Jerry snagged a table overlooking the boats. After air conditioning, rest, food and drink, we are all civil again and Jerry's voice is better.

Whew!

[kaoden39]

Oh the picture of Rachel with the wenches is great. We don't have Tom Sawyers Island anymore. It is a Pirates Cove type of thing. I am kind of sad that they did away with Tom Sawyers Island but I will check out Pirates Cove when we go next.

[Marshay]

We ride IASW and then head over to Tomorrowland to ride Buzz Lightyear. We ride twice and both times I beat Jerry ... even the one time I had Elizabeth on my lap!! I scored 200K+ and 380K+.

Then we ride the Wedway/People Mover/TTA. I nurse Elizabeth and then Rachel wants to ride it again, so we just stay on. This is a great ride to just relax on. Here is a cute pic of Elizabeth on it.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7843.jpg

We go back and do Buzz LIghtyear again.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7821.jpg

In Sept 07, Rachel got a photo with Zurg

In May 08, she was too scared.

Now, in Nov 09, she was ok with doing it again.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7820.jpg

More crazy hats
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7824.jpg

You can see that MK is not really crowded in November!
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7847.jpg

It's almost 3pm so we stake out a spot over by Country Bears to watch the parade. Rachel and Elizabeth were big hits with the characters. Almost every one of them came by and shook their hands! Rachel was in heaven.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7782.jpg

Here are some shots that I like of the parade. This was the first time for all of us to see this parade. Goal #3 was met.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7708.jpg

(Other goals were Tom Sawyer Island and Big Thunder).

There's something about this photo that I just liked.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7772.jpg

We decide to head over to Toontown to ride Goofy's Barnstormer and see the characters. Along the way we met a street artist/maintenance worker who was making this and he let Rachel help him. She really liked it!
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7811.jpg

It's time for Elizabeth to have solids so Jerry and Rachel ride Barnstormer and I find a place to feed her. I had this great spot, no one around, a bench all to myself down by the train station. Then I realize that I'm next to the smoker's area and someone is smoking and the wind is blowing all the smoke right to us. ARGH! No wonder it was an empty bench.

I find a spot on the sidewalk right outside the big tent and feed Elie. Jerry joins and we switch off. Rachel and I go to the playground, through Mickey/Minnie's houses
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG043.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG047.jpg

I ask Rachel what she'd like to do next ... more rides or go back to the room to rest. She chooses go back to the room. :scared1: What 4 yo says that?!?

Oh well, we can use a rest and can come back for EMH tonight. However, as we start to leave, Rachel says what about Belle's Storytime. If you recall, this was one of the goals Rachel had for MK. So we check the schedule and a show is starting in 3 minutes. We race over to the show...there is SRO in the back so Jerry and Rachel go in and Elie and I watch from the side. Rachel wants to meet Belle afterwards but the line is long so ...

we go to Toontown to get in line to meet the princesses. The line was 20 minutes. The line for the faires was 45 minutes so Jerry's goal of meeting the fairies was not met.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7854.jpg

Well you aren't allowed strollers inside and Elizabeth fell asleep on me. But I still wanted her to "meet" Cinderella.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7860.jpg

Next was Snow White. I like the "moment" shot here.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7873.jpg

and the posed one
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7879.jpg

Next up is Aurora. They share a laugh.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7893.jpg

And the posed picture
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7896.jpg

Finally, I had to let Sleeping Beauty meet Sleeping Beauty:
Aurora asked if she could give Elie a kiss. I said sure! Look closely at her forehead:
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7902.jpg

By now it's dinnertime so we eat at Cosmic Rays. Then we go back to see if the line for the Fairies is less...nope, still 45 minutes, so Jerry takes Elie to change her diaper and I take Rachel to go ride Peter Pan. But the line is 30 minutes. However, Winnie the Pooh is only 5 minutes, so we ride that instead.

Jerry calls and says Elie had a 'blow out' and needs a new outfit. Jerry cleans her up and puts her in the spare outfit and meets Rachel and I at the playground. Jerry picks Elie out of the stroller and Elie spits up all over his shorts, sneaker and her spare outfit.

So I quickly run into the WtP shop to find a 2nd spare outfit, without Winnie the Pooh on it, of course. Thankfully, it's only $9!! She immediately falls asleep.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/JPEG049.jpg

Rachel is enjoying the playground .. there is only 1 or 2 other kids in it. Then the fireworks start so we go over and ride Dumbo (only had to wait for one turn) and watch the fireworks. Then Jerry and Rachel go on Cinderella's Carousel.

By this time, it's really getting cool. I'm cold, the girls are cold and of course in the 3 hours we had to prepare this morning, I forgot to grab the jackets.

We head toward the castle and it's all lit up for Christmas -- just gorgeous!! Here are some photos.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7952.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7943.jpg

I just really love looking at the castle with the Christmas lights. So you guys get a bunch of photos of this.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7933.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7921.jpg

The girls had fallen asleep by now. Extra Magic Hours has begun and the park is soooo empty!! I so want to stay and we would have, since the girls were asleep anyway, but darn, I forgot those jackets!!

Here is Rachel keeping Elizabeth warm with her skirt.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7939.jpg

We walk back down Main Street ... folks are coming into the park but it's not crowded at all. Oh, what a great time to ride the rides -- too bad we are going in the wrong direction.

I stop to get some candy from the Candy place. We walk back to BLT, I nurse Elie and Jerry puts Rachel to bed.

Night time is just somehow rougher when you are sick. Elizabeth starts to get a deep, phlemy cough and is up 2x during the night.

At one point, her head feels hot, she has a slight fever of 100-101, so we give her infant tylenol. She is fussy so we prop up some pillows (BLT actually had a bunch of pillows for the bed) and let her sleep with us. We figure she'll sleep better if she is propped up so she doesn't get as much drainage settling into her lungs.

Today was a good day overall (with a couple of big bumps in the road). I'm worried about Elizabeth's cough. I'm sad that this trip is not going as well as it could. I'm not sure what to do tomorrow. We were supposed to go to DHS but if Elie gets worse we shouldn't go. I'm feeling like we haven't done that much.

Hmmm, what happens tomorrow??

[Marshay]

Oh the picture of Rachel with the wenches is great. We don't have Tom Sawyers Island anymore. It is a Pirates Cove type of thing. I am kind of sad that they did away with Tom Sawyers Island but I will check out Pirates Cove when we go next.

The wenches spent 4-5 minutes with Rachel. They had a pretend sword fight and posed and talked to her.

The Pirates Cove sounds pretty cool...I can see why they changed TSI ... most kids don't know anything about Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn nowadays...but everyone knows a pirate!

[Trentmom]

sounds like an eventful day, but you all made most of it

we all have our moments for sure :laughing:

love the pic with wenches

The pic not posed with Snow white is priceless


I can't wait to see that castle all lit up. Looks gorgeous :goodvibes

[Trentmom]

Forgot to add something....loved girls outfits....very cute

You are too funny that you picked out an outfit for Ellie in WTP store and it has no Pooh on it...:rotfl2:

Love that Mickey that the custodial guy made..awesome :thumbsup2

[Marshay]

sounds like an eventful day, but you all made most of it

we all have our moments for sure :laughing:

love the pic with wenches

The pic not posed with Snow white is priceless

I can't wait to see that castle all lit up. Looks gorgeous :goodvibes

yep, we did have fun...just had a really rough start and "poopy" finish (pun intended! :laughing:)

Only 2 more days until you guys can see the castle all lit up!! It's breathless.

Forgot to add something....loved girls outfits....very cute

You are too funny that you picked out an outfit for Ellie in WTP store and it has no Pooh on it...:rotfl2:

Love that Mickey that the custodial guy made..awesome :thumbsup2

yeah, you could see elie's cinderella outfit better on the TTA shot. That's the outfit I wore when I was one year old.

I knew you guys would appreciate that Pooh story. All I was thinking as I entered the shop was, please, please have something {relatively} inexpensive and no Pooh on it!! I was so happy with the onesie I found. I got it in size 2T so hopefully she can wear it this spring/summer, too.

[praisehisname]

Even though your trip isn't going exactly as you planned, it sounds like you had a great time at MK. After our disappointing trip in 2007, I'm putting very few expectations on this trip! :rolleyes1

[Marshay]

Even though your trip isn't going exactly as you planned, it sounds like you had a great time at MK. After our disappointing trip in 2007, I'm putting very few expectations on this trip! :rolleyes1

I'm sorry you had a disappointing trip in '07 and really hope that your next trip will be better!!

I like to say 'a bad day at Disney beats a good day at home!' OK, so it's not exactly true but sounds good.:lmao:

[mousescrapper]

Here is Rachel keeping Elizabeth warm with her skirt.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7939.jpg



This picture is priceless :goodvibes

Oh Marsha, I say you guys had a very Wonderful and Magical day at MK...all goals met w/ the exception of the Fairies....it sounded like a great day (minus some spit up and angry faces)

I love the pictures of the castle, can not wait to see that!

I really hope the next day is a good one and Ellie is OK!

J~

[Marshay]

This picture is priceless :goodvibes

Oh Marsha, I say you guys had a very Wonderful and Magical day at MK...all goals met w/ the exception of the Fairies....it sounded like a great day (minus some spit up and angry faces)

I love the pictures of the castle, can not wait to see that!

I really hope the next day is a good one and Ellie is OK!

J~

Thanks! Jerry set up the picture -- it was really sweet.

Yep, we had a good day. Both Jerry and I really wanted to stay longer since Main Street and the castle were just so magical. I was just concerned since we were all in shorts and it was getting colder. Besides, better to end on a good note!:thumbsup2

[raider97]

Loving your trip report! Looks like Day 1 was a lot of fun even being an unplanned down day! I love the family picture on the Mickey!! I am thinking about renting a Sea Raycer of some sort for dh and the kids to play on during our trip. Looks like they had fun!

Sounds like you had a great day at MK. The girls outfits are adorable and your castle shots are so beautiful!!

Stephanie

[Marshay]

Loving your trip report! Looks like Day 1 was a lot of fun even being an unplanned down day! I love the family picture on the Mickey!! I am thinking about renting a Sea Raycer of some sort for dh and the kids to play on during our trip. Looks like they had fun!

Sounds like you had a great day at MK. The girls outfits are adorable and your castle shots are so beautiful!!

Stephanie

Definitely get one of those Sea Raycers. I really wanted to do that too but of course one of us had to stay with Elizabeth so I figured that would be a good Daddy/Daughter activity.

Thanks for the kind words on the pics and the outfits. :goodvibes

[Marshay]

Today is Tuesday, November 17th and it's our last full day at WDW. WAH!!!

Original Plan -- DHS day. Get up early, do Toy Story Mania as much as possible. Also go to Playhouse Disney and Little Mermaid. Lunch at Hollywood and Vine Character Meal.

Reality -- read on!;)

The last we 'talked', we just spent a long day in MK, weren't dressed properly for the chilly evening and Elizabeth had a slight fever and nasty sounding cough. In fact she was coughing pretty hard that she ended up spitting up a few times.

We decided to have her sleep with us and gave her some Infant Tylenol. We had brought the temporal thermometer along so we took her temperature throughout the night when she woke up to nurse.

In the morning, her temperature was still holding steady around 99-101. It hadn't spiked higher. I think a night of sleep and nursing was good for her and she woke up, still with a cough, but she was happy.

So we ask Rachel where she would like to go today -- MK, DHS or Epcot. She keeps changing her mind. I really want to see the Osborne lights, but we don't have park hopper tickets and I really don't want to add on since we'd have to add for all 7 days. Also, the whole bus thing is just inconvenient with little ones and a stroller.

Jerry and I talk about it and decide that we aren't going to be early to DHS for Toy Story and there really isn't that many rides for E+R at DHS, so we can do a lot more at Epcot instead ... PLUS, we can take 2 monorails to get there!

We arrive at Epcot and there are only 3 people in front of us before we enter our turnstile ... and the computers shut down. They won't let anyone enter. ARGH!!

We wait and wait and wait. Finally the manager comes out with a "Crash Kit". Any guesses?? It's the old date stamps. So they finally let people in but they are putting a date stamp on the ticket.

So of course the very first thing I do once I get the ticket is wipe off the date! It didn't take much to do that since the tickets are kinda glossy ... there is no way the date is going to stay on.

The date stamp was a joke. Disney should have just let us all in ... call it magic. Instead we waited about 15 minutes or so...we weren't happy...

Anyway, we go to get a FP for Test Track and that's when I realize that we won't be able to get one since our tickets never went through the turnstile!

We tell the CM what happened and they issued us 3 FPs.

So then my devious mind says...well, then let's go to Soarin and pick up FPs there, too. No one is going to stop us!!

So this waiting 15-20 minutes actually worked out for the best -- we didn't have to use our tickets for entry and were able to get FPs whenever we wanted.:thumbsup2

Jerry takes the girls to the Nemo area while I get FPs at Soarin.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7984.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7996.jpg

[Marshay]

I forgot to post a picture of one of Elie's first monorail rides. You can guess the theme color for today...
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_7974.jpg

[Marshay]

We ride Nemo and then explore the tanks. I nurse Elie and Rachel has fun in the shark.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_8010.jpg

and this was a cool tank
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_8012.jpg

Then we head over to the Land for lunch. We try to get a ressie for Garden Grill for this evening but there is no availability. Rachel and I ride Soarin and then we childswap and Jerry and Rachel ride.

Rachel wants to ride the Land Boat Ride but I tell her we'll do it later and we should do the more popular rides.

Jerry wants to go to the Mission Space playground as this was one of his "to do" items. Rachel and I ride the Green, non-spinning version. This is her first time and she loves it. She's too small to really reach any of the buttons which is always fun to do but still enjoys it.

Then Rachel and Jerry play in the playground while I nurse Elie and she naps.

Then it's off to Figment and our Traditional Family Picture at Epcot Imagination Fountain. Look! A new addition this year!!

September 2007 (Rae is 2 yrs old)
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Sept%202007/DSC_0394.jpg

Then May 2008
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20May%202008/DSC_3368.jpg

And this year's picture Nov 2009
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_8014.jpg

Ok, there are actually two additions this year -- Elizabeth and Rachel's Disney Doll!!

Then we let Rachel play around the jumping water fountains, rode Figment, played a bit inside the building and played in the water fountains again.

By now it's getting to be early evening so we head over toward Test Track. But along the way, we see that the line for the Character Spot is hardly crowded at all and decide to meet the Fab 5. We haven't done this one before and although it's very quick, we enjoyed it. Well, most of us did:

First up is Pluto. Elie didn't really appreciate him.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_8026.jpg

But Rachel did
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_8031.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_8034.jpg


Mickey
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_8020.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_8022.jpg


Minnie really loved the girls' outfits! Here is Rachel trying to hold up her skirt like Minnie told her to do
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_8039.jpg

I'm not thrilled about the backgrounds here...way too busy for me and my scrapbook
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_8041.jpg

Donald and Goofy
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_8044.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_8058.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/memch/WDW%20Nov%202009/DSC_8052.jpg

Then we went to Mexico to go on the boat ride. Rachel wants to ride again and of course it's not crowded so they let us stay on.

We eat dinner at Mexico counter service overlooking the water. This food is nothing special but I like it and there is lots of it.

I want to go up to Norway and even get a pastry from France and do some shopping in China and Japan, but Jerry says we need to get back to the room. He's right as we still have to pack.

On the way out we use our FPs for Test Track. Rachel loves it and then we go on Spaceship Earth so I can nurse Elizabeth again before heading back.

Both girls fall asleep in the monorail. Thank goodness for the double stroller. We get back to the room, put them in bed and we spend the next 3 hours doing laundry and packing.

Oh, Sandra from the Survival Bag swap had called us earlier that evening and said she had FREE tickets to the Mickey Christmas Party that night!!!!!!!

Oh, how I wanted to go. I was so excited about it. But I knew we couldn't do it. Both girls were tired and we didn't pack...I was sooooo disappointed. FREE tickets!!!

Anyway, Jerry meets up with Sandra to give her the survival bags that night since she was staying late at the Christmas party.

We fall asleep exhausted about 1am.

[Marshay]

Today is Wednesday, November 18th

Goal: try to convince Jerry to stay another day or week!

Reality: go home and try not to cry


We get up, do the final packing and check out of our room. Magical Express is to pick us up at 11:50am for our 3:05pm flight. We arrive in the lobby at 11:15am. Too early for ME but too late to really do anything else.

I pay our room charges. I've been using the Disney Visa credit card for lots of bills prior to the trip, so we had built up a nice little reward of just over $300. Our bill for all the restaurants, snacks, groceries and souvenirs came to $381. So we only had to pay $81 which was basically the price of the Belle Doll Outfit, 2 Princess Christmas Tree ornaments and the Mr. Potato Head parts!! All of which are Christmas presents.

ME arrives and takes us to the airport.

On the flight home Elizabeth isn't happy and she's "that baby". She's crying and crying...I nurse her and that helps a little but she's just not happy. She falls asleep from exhaustion and stays asleep the whole time.

The next day Jerry takes her to the doctor and we're expecting her to have the flu or RSV .. nope! Just an ear infection. No wonder she was crying on the plane.

[Marshay]

LESSONS learned:

1) If you see something you really like or a picture you really want or something to do/see, you must do it then and there. Don't assume you will have time or the opportunity to do it later. (this is from my Sept 07 report but bears repeating)

2) Plan on doing laundry every day. In the past we did it every 2 days...but this time we took less outfits and just did a quick load each day. Of course, this is so much easier since there is a W/D in the DVC 1BR. Also, between 'diaper explosions' and spills, we had to do laundry.

3) I remembered to start saving toiletries that are nearly empty and brought them along for the trip to throw away.

4) Having one goal per person per park lets everyone enjoy the day more and feels like you have accomplished something when you make those goals.

5) The DDP is not good for us right now. We don't have a schedule anymore with a young child along and we didn't miss the extra food either. We saved a lot more money and didn't eat all the extra sweets.

6) I LOVE BLT -- it is worth the extra points!! All 3 of us can't wait until we go back to BLT. If we have enough points, I'm hoping to get a Lake View. That would be awesome but even if we just get a standard room like we had, I know the view will still be lovely.

7) Do On-line Check-in. When we arrived, we only had a choice of 2 rooms. I thought by waiting until we arrived to check-in, we might have a greater choice of rooms or at least could talk to the CM to get us a special room. However, they had assigned all the rooms available that day to those who checked in and I wasn't really given a choice. Might as well just do the on-line check-in next time.

8) We can still have a fun vacation together even though it doesn't go as planned. Although being sick at Disney is not fun, you can still enjoy your time. We learned that we can arrive in late morning and stay through until 8pm or so and still accomplish a lot.

9) Pack up your park "stuff" the night before so it doesn't take as long in the morning. I'm now aware that I won't be able to do the get up and out the door in 45 minutes any longer. It took us about 3 hours! YIKES!! But it is what it is.

10) Always have another Disney trip lined up ... it makes going home a bit easier!

[kaoden39]

I think number 10 is so true.

[praisehisname]

Love the updates and all the pictures. I can't believe your trip is over. Hope to see another report from you soon!

[betsywdw]

Hi Marsha! I just read your trippie and really enjoyed it! Love the tips...especially 1, 8 and 10...could not agree more! I was happy to see you report on BLT too since we are doing a split stay there in February! Glad that you enjoyed it so much! Btw...the girls are just adorable!

[Trentmom]

sounds like a diffferent kind of vacation, more slow paced

but sounds like you all still had fun

I definitely agree with number 10

give us details for your summer trip? is that July?

[Marshay]

I think number 10 is so true.

Yes it is. WDW is just so large, you can't possibly do it all...you just got to keep going back!

Love the updates and all the pictures. I can't believe your trip is over. Hope to see another report from you soon!

Well, since you mentioned it ... check out my siggie!:goodvibes


Hi Marsha! I just read your trippie and really enjoyed it! Love the tips...especially 1, 8 and 10...could not agree more! I was happy to see you report on BLT too since we are doing a split stay there in February! Glad that you enjoyed it so much! Btw...the girls are just adorable!

Oh, you are soooo gonna love BLT!! Make sure you definitely set aside a night to go up to the lounge and see the fireworks. I can't remember if I wrote that in my TR or not, but I did that one night and it was AWESOME! Just remember to bring a coat and hat, b/c it gets windy up there on the roof (if you don't want to go in the actual lounge).

Also the bridge connecting BLT to the Contemporary is NOT enclosed, only covered. I thought for sure this was going to be enclosed but once again the wind can whip through there and make it quite cool, esp in February.

sounds like a diffferent kind of vacation, more slow paced

but sounds like you all still had fun

I definitely agree with number 10

give us details for your summer trip? is that July?

Yep, I just started a new July 2010 trip report. It'll be a family reunion (parents, sister-family and us) and both Rachel and I will be celebrating our birthdays (she turns 5 and I turn 40 :eek::scared1:).

Click the link in my siggie to join in.

Oh, and WELCOME BACK!!

[cherbear]

What a whirlwind of a day! It sounds like you all had a good time despite some mishaps. Elizabeth's faces are so funny with the Fab 5!! And Rachel just GLOWS when she is with the characters. She's at such a great age, you can tell she is in Heaven when she sees them.

I saw your new pre-trip and saved it in my User CP...I laughed at your "saved posts" I didn't want to post anything if you needed some more space. hehehe

[Trentmom]

Yes it is. WDW is just so large, you can't possibly do it all...you just got to keep going back!



Well, since you mentioned it ... check out my siggie!:goodvibes




Oh, you are soooo gonna love BLT!! Make sure you definitely set aside a night to go up to the lounge and see the fireworks. I can't remember if I wrote that in my TR or not, but I did that one night and it was AWESOME! Just remember to bring a coat and hat, b/c it gets windy up there on the roof (if you don't want to go in the actual lounge).

Also the bridge connecting BLT to the Contemporary is NOT enclosed, only covered. I thought for sure this was going to be enclosed but once again the wind can whip through there and make it quite cool, esp in February.



Yep, I just started a new July 2010 trip report. It'll be a family reunion (parents, sister-family and us) and both Rachel and I will be celebrating our birthdays (she turns 5 and I turn 40 :eek::scared1:).

Click the link in my siggie to join in.

Oh, and WELCOME BACK!!

oh wow..that should be fun

the link in your siggie is cut off on my computer, but I found you

will be right over to join:wizard:

[mousescrapper]

I understnad your decision to drop DHS in the end...on our last day of our trip in march we were headed there and the whole time I was thinking this is not how I want to end or trip and when we got there we turned around and went to MK instead and had a great day :thumbsup2

I'm glad the crowds were so low for you that arriving late in the day worked out great! What a bummer on missing out the free tickets...but you are probably right in doing so...and I'm sure once your girls are older it will work out!

I agree on the backgrounds for the characters in Epcot...but very cute pictures and I love the girls matchy Minnnie dresses.

LESSONS learned:


2) Plan on doing laundry every day. In the past we did it every 2 days...but this time we took less outfits and just did a quick load each day. Of course, this is so much easier since there is a W/D in the DVC 1BR. Also, between 'diaper explosions' and spills, we had to do laundry.

I don't need to deal w/ the diaper thing anymore...but can't wait to have the flexibility of a W/D in our room w/ a fam of 6 this will be so handy ;)

3) I remembered to start saving toiletries that are nearly empty and brought them along for the trip to throw away.

that is a great tip :idea:


6) I LOVE BLT -- it is worth the extra points!! All 3 of us can't wait until we go back to BLT. If we have enough points, I'm hoping to get a Lake View. That would be awesome but even if we just get a standard room like we had, I know the view will still be lovely.

I am so happy you loved it there...I get to make our ressie very soon in 10 days :cool1: stop by my PTR if you'd like...just got it started


8) We can still have a fun vacation together even though it doesn't go as planned. Although being sick at Disney is not fun, you can still enjoy your time. We learned that we can arrive in late morning and stay through until 8pm or so and still accomplish a lot.

good for you!


10) Always have another Disney trip lined up ... it makes going home a bit easier!

LOVE IT!!!!! :goodvibes

I'll be by to visit you on your next trip too...

Scrappie J~