We're going to Cinderella's Castle - TO EAT!

[flipflopmom]

The above statement will always be what I remember about telling our girls we were taking them for their first trip to the World. Here's the background...

DH (Stitch, loveable, but can come up with some of the craziest plans!) and I (Who else but Cinderella, I am destined to be a Queen someday!) spent our Honeymoon at the Wilderness Lodge. It was my first trip and I fell totally in love! We promised ourselves that we would come back on our 10th anniversary with our kids. Well, DD 1, age 9, took two and a half years to conceive, with the help of fertility drugs. We should have known - she does EVERYTHING on her own time. I'll call her Tink, because she is a competitive gymnast and is always flying around.

Well, wanna make God laugh? Tell Him your plans or a doctor's diagnosis. 7 years later - SURPRISE! The baby we couldn't have on our own was on her way! So, our 10th anniversary, I was 8 1/2 months pregnant and on bed rest due to pre-eclampsia.

We had wanted to wait a few years until darling Goofy was older, but with the 4/3 deal and realizing that next year they would both age up, we booked for July. Cancelled our beach ressie, and WDW, here we come! Also decided to do DxDP, will probably be the only year we can afford it!:lmao:

So, we decided to wait for Easter to tell them. Easter Sunday was my 90 day, so I stayed home from Sunrise Service to let Goofy sleep, DH took Tink, and I made my ADR's. Got everything I asked for, and was ELATED! DH and Tink came home, we all went back to church, and I was jumping out of my skin to tell them:cheer2:.

Their Easter Baskets had Mickey Crocs, new Disney movies, Disney Dollars, Princess and Hannah M. ponchos, Cinderella and Mickey nightgowns, Stuffed Mickeys, Jo Bros and Mickey and Pooh shirts.... and Tink had the Birnbaum's guide. Seem obvious? Did I mention they are blonde? It wasn't until Tink read the postcard from "Fairy Godmailer" Mickey that he would see them in July that it came to her!

So, in all my excitement over getting all those ADRS,:banana::banana: I blurted out "We're eating in the Castle with Cinderella, and we're eating with Lilo and Stitch, Mickey, Donald, The Princesses, JoJo..... Tink is BOUNCING up and down and squealing, Goofy is hugging her Mickey. Tink says "Did you hear Mommy? We're going to Cinderella's CAstle!" Goofy's reply? "TO EAT"! I would have called her Piglet instead, but she's not at all shy. She's a mess, totally fun, and completely clumsy!

So join me in doing what I do best, planning and organizing. My to do list gets longer everyday, and my box of Must Haves According to Dis gets bigger each week! Any other OCD planners want to chime in with your ideas, hang on! This pre-trip will be my journal, to do list, and the SAGA of
THE FIRST FAMILY TRIP TO WALT DISNEY WORLD! ( and you must read that like Chevy Chase says "The Griswold Family Christmas Tree" to get the full effect!)

Contents of thread
1. Background and the reveal
2.ADR's and itinerary
3.What I've bought thanks to DIS!
4. My to do list

[flipflopmom]

A few more specifics,
We are staying at POP July 11-18th. I am really excited to stay there, and we've requested a lakeview room in the 60's building, Tink has ADHD, and would totally never sleep with a pool in sight!

As mentioned before, we're pigging out on the DxDP. I have the feeling we'll all be named Pooh when it's over, but we get to try out a lot of good places!

Here's the basic itinerary of our trip
Saturday - Leave home around midnight Friday night. Hopefully DH can get home from work and go to bed around 6 and get 6 hours of sleep. He can go to sleep at the drop of a hat. We have a 12 hour drive, so we want the chicks to SLEEP!!!!!!!!! Check in, check out POP, head out around 5 to ride monorails to give the girls their glimpses WDW (of course asking to ride in the cab! another Dis tip). We have a 6:50 ADR at Ohana, then the plan is to hang out on the Poly beach for the EWP and Wishes if they can make it that late!

Sunday - 8am ADR Tusker House, AK opens at 9. Lunch will be at 1:00 at Yak and Yeti, and then dinner at 7:30 at Boma!!! We might head back after the 3:45 parade to rest, just depends on how much of the park we've done!

Monday - CRT 8:15. MK opens at 9. Lunch at 12 at the Plaza, probably back to rest after lunch, then back to MK. Dinner at CP at 6.

Tuesday - MK EMH, then Ohana breakfast at 9:50. Back to POP, then back to MK around 1. Harmony Barber Shop for Goofy's first haircut and some great gel for Tink, watch the parade if we missed it on Monday, catch the boat to Hoop De Doo at 5. After HDDR, we might head over to the campfire for a while, then to EPCOT for EMH.

Wednesday - Akershus 8am - Epcot opens at 9. Lunch at Coral Reef 11:55, maybe a rest break, then back, dinner at Marakeesh at 6, Illuminations and park close at 9

Thursday - Hollywood and Vine 8am, DHS opens at 9. Mama Melrose Fantasmic dining at 4:55. Not sure about a break on this day! Fantasmic and Park close at 9.

Friday - I HAVE NO IDEA! This day is the only one unplanned thus far. We have breakfast at 10 at Boma, and dinner at Narcoosee's at 6. We'll more than likely head back to MK for EMH after dinner... May just hang out at POP and resort hop - I have to go back to the Wilderness Lodge again! Maybe DTD.... I just don't know. I figure we'll need one day to do whatever we want. DH says he just hopes I have planned time to sleep sometime in the trip!

Saturday - check out, Breakfast at Chef Mickey's at 11:20. Hit a park somewhere, again, more than likely MK, or possibly EP, then head home around dinner time. Drive until we can't anymore, stop and sleep, and finish up Sunday morning!

[flipflopmom]

So, in thinking about my trip to the Dollar Tree tonight, I decided to compile a list of things I've bought thanks to DIS.

bagalinni
Vera Bradley mini messenger for Tink
Parks music CD
crocs
Tevas
shoe organizer for bathroom
water misting fans
moleskin
Disney t shirts
Unofficial Guide to WDW, Complete Guide to WDW, Passporter (I might send this one back, don't really need)
hand sanitizer
lots of Dollar Tree goodies for Tinkerbell gifts
Dollar Tree Rain ponchos
pins from a bargain bin for the girls to trade
all the stuff in the girls Easter Baskets I listed in post 1
Gum
stroller clip fans
hats for the girls
itouch

Does a printer to print out all the stuff for my planning binder count?:laughing:

[abbadabbadoo]

Congratulations on your family's upcoming trip! We stayed at Pop Century last year for our first trip and I LOVED it. It's so fun and colorful and I thought the buses were great there!

I recently started my PTR, too! I hope you'll check it out! My trip is 9/19-27, so I still have quite some time to go, but I am so excited I wanted to do my PTR early. Maybe our ideas and plans will end up helping us both! Look forward to hearing about more of your plans!

[flipflopmom]

[/COLOR]My to do list - [/COLOR]

1. Using Unofficial Guide, make a plan for each day. I want it to be comprehensive, with snacks included. Gotta find the School Bread and Dole Whip, in true DIS fashion! DONE!!!!!!!!!

2. Print out Mousekeeping envelopes DONE!

3. Get all pages printed out for my journal - I've got a lot I want to put in there! Got some changes to make since I switched some ADRs around, and I need to update the extended park hours. DONE!

4. Order customized maps DONE! They are here and GORGEOUS!

5. Pre order Photopass CD DONE!

6. Using All ears menu, guestimate what our tips will be DONE!

7. Order Disney gift cards with the money I have stashed for the trip, not really done, DH decided he wants me to give it to him to put in bank account and just use the debit card to pay off KTTW

8. Order a Trip Tix from AAA DONE!

9. Fax reservation request, already in system thanks to AAA Called, they have it noted!!!

10. Check on adding another day park ticket, just in case. DONE!

11. Decide on shipping box down with the "Welcome gifts" I got for the girls, or just put in suitcase

12. Get all my info ready for the fridge and stroller swap. Still working on this. UGH! It's been a pain! I've done all I can. Let's hope it works out.
13. Take info for the Fairy Godmailing I promised DONE!

14. Make a countdown calendar DONE!

15. Buy a stroller bandana, and nametags DONE!

16. Decorate the window or not, maybe, but not go overboard! Just decided on some mickey heads, gotta get that done!
17. Work on souvenir budget Forget about it! But I did print out a sheet to help budget!
18. Get a better handle on bus routes for the trip! Done, thanks Diane!

19. Make Hokie Disney tshirts thanks to DISigners, but I've got to figure out how!

20. Get more pennies and some sort of container for pressed pennies NOw I need more quarters!!!

21. Order slipper dessert for CRT breakfast. Decided against this. They'd rather get into the park than eat more! They'll have plenty of desserts on DxDP Yeah, right. I ordered it anyway.. It's only $15, why not!

22. Decide on/order celebration goody bags/ mickey Cake for first night??? Not going to do this after all. We switched to Chef Mickeys for our first night dinner, so no need to add to the magic there!

23. Download all the application ITouch apps once it gets here! DONE!
24. Make copies of DD's birth certificates, just in case, to verify ages DONE!
25. Make copies of insurance, credit cards, etc. to put in safe in room in case of lost wallets DONE!

26. Check on Disney Visa and AAA benefits such as Storytimes, Meet and Greets, etc. Done. Probably won't be doing these, since they are during our nap time. May catch Visa photo shoot just for the free pic!

27. Order rewards points card from Disney Visa

28. Go to Home Depot and get Lime Green Mickey Heads! DONE!

29. Pack - DUH!

30. Download my Disney cd's to my Itouch, if it ever gets here, and DD's MP3 player DONE!

31. Get a cd case to put movies in for traveling

32. buy batteries for misting fans, etc. DONE!

33. Remember what I needed to add to my list as I was reading the boards! DONE!

34. Get dramamine, bonine, ginger pills, whatever and try them out!

35.Order id bracelets for girls DONE!

36. Clear off memory cards!

37. find travel nail care kit... I know it's somewhere around here! done!
38. find or buy a power strip DONE!

39. Ship extras down for Mickey's welcome.Done!
40, Call & add Lois & crew to wishes cruise, when the girls' aren't in earshot! DONE!!

41. Fill Mousekeeping envelopes Done!
42. Get car serviced and checked out for trip DONE!

43. Clean out car and trunk! Done! Although I'll probably run it through the car wash and vacuum it so we can trash it on the way down!

At one week out,
fax ress. request, line up dog boarding, email my itouch all the docs I made, final journal pages printing, charge all camera batteries, garmin, mp3, ds, make sure bills are paid, stop mail, notify bank we'll be using card out of town, give info to neighbors, finish packing, pack 4 park bags (baggalini, DD's backpack, DD's vera mini-hipster, and DD's "tinkerbell messenger bag"), pack activities for road trip, Make sure house is clean!

[flipflopmom]

Congratulations on your family's upcoming trip! We stayed at Pop Century last year for our first trip and I LOVED it. It's so fun and colorful and I thought the buses were great there!

I recently started my PTR, too! I hope you'll check it out! My trip is 9/19-27, so I still have quite some time to go, but I am so excited I wanted to do my PTR early. Maybe our ideas and plans will end up helping us both! Look forward to hearing about more of your plans!

Thanks for reading! I am heading over to check yours out now!:thumbsup2

[OhMari]

Passporter (I might send this one back, don't really need)
I'm with you on the Passporter, the font was so small, I couldn't see it, and I didn't want to bring my reading glasses along.

Don't take the maps you order from Disney, they are too good to use at WDW. Save them. You can get plenty of maps at each park.

[allbluezoo]

ooh, I am definitely following you! Literally I think, LOL! I am trying to get on the stroller swap right after you I think?

Everything you have planned sounds awesome and you are very detail oriented, like me :) I think you have made me want to do my own PTR!

[flipflopmom]

I'm glad someone is actually reading this! I am really enjoying writing it, just to get my thoughts down! I plan on printing it out and putting it in my binder when I am down. I am definitely doing trip report and dining review when we are back!

[carrie6466]

I'm following along because I like to see that I am not the only one who is over-excited and can't wait for July :)

[flipflopmom]

So yesterday, Dh and I were talking about the trip, which according to my family, is all I ever do! I was giving him, again, the run down of the week. We had grilled out, and it made me think of O'hana! :) He said 'It's my only time off, remember, I want pool and rest time!" I am a teacher, so that fact doesn't hit me usually.

My reply - "We have nap breaks scheduled on 4 days, there's only 1 day we don't, but I'll put it in... We leave the room at 7:00 most days, and we'll be back by 10:30 or 11:00" ? So, that does sound pretty wild. Guess I need to REALLY make sure we get in those naps.

My other statement was - "Everybody on DIS says the best way to approach it is to realize that you can't do it all, and know you are coming back. " He said - in two years, we'll go back! :banana::banana::banana: He's thinking alternate Disney with a trip to a secluded beach in NC every other year!!!! Works for me, maybe....;)

I just need to pin him down on what HE wants to do so I can get everyone's must do's on the itinerary. We weeded out a few MK things yesterday, but not many/ :laughing: We're still up in the air over conservation station in MK... I think we're weeding out a few things in EPCOT, I need to do more reading on each of them, and DHS will be up to him to weed out, b/c I don't have any desire to do the stunt shows, etc.

I'm worried he won't enjoy himself, that he'll say "I ran around doing nothing I wanted to for a week"......... I did tell him that the thrill rides he was unsure about, he was riding them with DD first when we do Rider Swap, so that if she doesn't want to do it again, I can go by myself in single rider. He would just say - never mind!

Any suggestions on how to make it more fun for him?

[dolfinjuls]

Hey! Came to check out your PTR from the July board! I'm so excited for your first family trip! Our first trip was last year and we stayed at Pop! too! You guys will love it!

[adisneymama]

Hi I'm here from the July board too! We are also staying at Pop, but this will be our third time there. We have also stayed at the WL too! I love your list. I'm about to post some of my to do list on my PTR as well. Come on over and check it out. Your DD's sound too cute!

[adisneymama]

Congratulations on your family's upcoming trip! We stayed at Pop Century last year for our first trip and I LOVED it. It's so fun and colorful and I thought the buses were great there!

I recently started my PTR, too! I hope you'll check it out! My trip is 9/19-27, so I still have quite some time to go, but I am so excited I wanted to do my PTR early. Maybe our ideas and plans will end up helping us both! Look forward to hearing about more of your plans!

Heading over to check yours out too!

[flipflopmom]

So, I am thinking about shipping this box down. I've got a lot of stuff accumulated, thanks to DIS. I think pretty much anything anyone put on a packing list, I copy and pasted into mine. DH is going to have a heart attack trying to get it all in our little KIA.

So I am thinking about shipping down the stuff like stroller fans, over the door organizer, gum, extra batteries, misting fans, etc as well as the girls' welcome gifts.

How far in advance should I ship this stuff? I am afraid the box is going to be HUGE, which means I would have that, the POP fridge from the swap, and the stroller from stroller swap to get once we get there......

I'll let you know what I decide.

[VAYankee]

I just stumbled on to your PTR - we are staying at POP 6/28-7/05; we are also driving down, My DH and DS(15) - my other two kids are "too old" (20 and 21 and both working all summer). Are you from Virginia (I noticed your reference to a Hokies t-shirt) and you mentioned a 12 hour drive - we are from VA and will be driving also; not our first time driving, but our first stay at POP, I can't wait! I also have my list of things to bring thanks to different posts and other people's suggestions. I am definitely scheduling in some nap/down times at the hotel so we can just veg out at the pool (also my husband will need some time to work - have laptop will travel!).;)

[adisneymama]

popcorn::

[OhMari]

If your dh is into sports, maybe he would like an evening over at ESPN.
Or the Richard Petty Driving Along runs $100.
I gave my dh the Richard Petty Drivng Experience to my dh as a surprise for our 25th Wedding Anniversary and Birthday.
I should of gave it to him on our first day.
I would have had him at my beck and calling the rest of the vacation.
He did it on our last day, and he beamed for a week.

[flipflopmom]

Are you from Virginia (I noticed your reference to a Hokies t-shirt) and you mentioned a 12 hour drive - we are from VA and will be driving also;

YEP! We're Virginia's, we live right on the NC line, about 1 1/2 hours south of Blacksburg. GO HOKIES!!!!!!!! We drove it on our honeymoon, DH thinks it will take about 12 hours, I am really hoping for less. Our plan going down is to leave around midnight, if he can come home and nap, and then break it up on the way back!

[flipflopmom]

My dad has a lot of health problems. We found out today he probably has kidney cancer, he only has one kidney due to complications from kidney stones in the 1960s. He's diabetic, with a rare blood type, so a transplant is not an option. The doctor is suggesting a kidney removal, which would mean dialysis 3 times a week for the rest of his life. He's having more tests done Friday, and then goes back to the doctor 2 weeks from today....... I am SO scared.........

This PTR may end up being the trip that doesn't happen, depending on what they schedule for him... My kids would be devastated, but I can't see me being 12 hours away if something were to happen.

Pray please.

[adisneymama]

I'm so sorry to hear this! Please keep us posted.:hug:

[flipflopmom]

Thanks. I just talked to Mom again, and Daddy's planting stuff in the garden as we speak. He told her he would probably not do anything, he'd rather be able to do what he wanted while he could. With all his problems, I don't really know that I blame him. The dr. said he would probably have 2 years if he did nothing.......... We'll know more after the 15th.

[adisneymama]

Well here is praying that it is nothing at all!

[VAYankee]

YEP! We're Virginia's, we live right on the NC line, about 1 1/2 hours south of Blacksburg. GO HOKIES!!!!!!!! We drove it on our honeymoon, DH thinks it will take about 12 hours, I am really hoping for less. Our plan going down is to leave around midnight, if he can come home and nap, and then break it up on the way back!

we are also on the NC line, former yankees, but now love the Hokies and our high school Eagles. We've driven before, last time in 2003; it probably is about 12 hours, I can't remember exactly, we stopped in Savannah and had lunch with his brother so that added on time, plus getting slowed down to a crawl in northern Florida for the daily monsoon! AAA trip tik says 11 but 12-13 hours is probably more realistic. Have a great time!:woohoo:

[VAYankee]

My dad has a lot of health problems. We found out today he probably has kidney cancer, he only has one kidney due to complications from kidney stones in the 1960s. He's diabetic, with a rare blood type, so a transplant is not an option. The doctor is suggesting a kidney removal, which would mean dialysis 3 times a week for the rest of his life. He's having more tests done Friday, and then goes back to the doctor 2 weeks from today....... I am SO scared.........

This PTR may end up being the trip that doesn't happen, depending on what they schedule for him... My kids would be devastated, but I can't see me being 12 hours away if something were to happen.

Pray please.

Our prayers are with you and your family. I can't imagine what you are going through, be strong for your dad (and your mom too).

[flipflopmom]

we are also on the NC line, former yankees, but now love the Hokies and our high school Eagles. We've driven before, last time in 2003; it probably is about 12 hours, I can't remember exactly, we stopped in Savannah and had lunch with his brother so that added on time, plus getting slowed down to a crawl in northern Florida for the daily monsoon! AAA trip tik says 11 but 12-13 hours is probably more realistic. Have a great time!:woohoo:

Eagles.... hm.... GW maybe? If so, I know the area well. If you're like me, don't like to give out two many details online, but we're close by! :thumbsup2

[adisneymama]

:goodvibes

[flipflopmom]

I know a lot of you reading are my fellow July buds, so I have a question for you!

Do any of you feel like we're caught in the middle? I have 38 days left (who's counting :)) and my to do list has about 34 things on it. If I do one a day, I'll barely be done in time, and I am FREAKING OUT! Part of me feels like it's too early to do stuff. I do have box with all the misc. stuff I've bought that I am thinking about shipping down, but a lot of the stuff on my to do list has to do with itinerary's, binders, getting stuff on paper. I bought some really cool apps for my itouch, and I am considering putting all the info on there, too, which would eliminate need for index cards.... AAAAAAHHHH. It will be here before we know it. Will I ever be ready???:scared1:

[flipflopmom]

So, he's thinking about not doing any surgery, treatments, etc. We'll know more on the 15th about what we are dealing with, but his health has been so bad for so long, he just wants to spend the time he has left doing what he wants.... I think.

He's planting new stuff in the garden, fishing, etc. Unless something changes, we are going ahead with this trip. I think we'll need the memories, and fun, to charge us up for what's ahead. When it gets bad, maybe we can pull from the memories of Disney to distract the girls. Part of me doesn't want to miss 1 week away from him, as I see him 3 times a week, but then next summer may be worse......

Since this is my own thread, I don't feel so bad about rambling and venting. I can sit at the computer and cry, and not be seen.

Anyway, thoughts about him are always at the front of my mind. Brad (DH) says I can't spend the time I have left mourning, and he's right. So, for now, I am going to get my excitement about WDW back, throw myself into trip planning, and try not to dwell on it.

So please, when you see my posts with dancing bananas and cheerleaders, don't think I've forgotten Daddy, or that I don't care. I am just going for a distraction here!

Thanks for letting me rant!
Taryn

[VAYankee]

Eagles.... hm.... GW maybe? If so, I know the area well. If you're like me, don't like to give out two many details online, but we're close by! :thumbsup2

Yup, go GW - and yes, I don't like to give out too many details - and for your later post - rant away - you're entitled; I agree you should go ahead with your trip, your kids won't understand why if you cancelled it, give yourself a chance to go to WDW, enjoy, energize and come back ready to deal with your dad's situation.

As far as getting things done, well, we leave in 26 days, I still haven't done half the things on my list, I figure one of these Saturdays I'll shop till I have everything I need, get the suitcases out and get organized. Of course, on top of all this, my DD(20) brought home a 10 week old puppy (our third dog) that is in the middle of being house and crate trained:scared1:

[adisneymama]

I just wanted to say rant all you want! But it really sounds like your dad has a great attitude about all of this! The trip will be great! And yes, I feel like I will never accomplish all that needs to be done before we leave. We have such a packed summer with camp, speech etc with dd I just don't know how I will get it all done!

[abbadabbadoo]

I just wanted to jump on and tell you that my family is praying for your father, too. I know how scary it can be. I hope it helps for me to tell you that having a positive attitude about DEFINITELY helps, so it's great that your dad is out doing the things he likes to do. Vent away - none of us mind! :)

[flipflopmom]

AHHH!!1 My to do list keeps growing, and NOTHING is getting marked off! :scared1: Hopefully I can start knocking it out, since the kids last day is tomorrow, and mine is Monday, I can work on it then hard and heavy! I really want to work on it a lot!

[flipflopmom]

Totally OT, but I am so proud of my Tink. For her 4th grade awards assembly today, she received the Principal's Award for all A's, Perfect Attendance for the year (I had no idea!), SCA representative medal, and the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. Daddy came to see the awards assembly, so it was even more special!

[flipflopmom]

I marked things off my list! :banana::banana: Of course, they were easy ones! Going to start on getting the journal together this weekend. :thumbsup2

[disneybarbie]

:earsboy:
subscribing!
followed you from the July 2009 thread :)

love & hugs to your Dad & family :hug:

Barbie princess:

[flipflopmom]

I've already changed my ADRS 5 times since my initial call on 90 days, and .. HERE I GO AGAIN!

When ordering my customized maps, I got all into making these itineraries for each day. I am thinking about trying to change my Crystal Palace ADR for 7 instead of 6. That way, we can have dinner, come out, grab a spot, settle in, and watch Spectro and Wishes.

I am also trying to figure out if I need to switch Marakeesh from 6 to 7 so we can do the same for Illuminations. But not sure where we want to try to view Ill from....

[dd50]

So sorry to hear about your Dad, but it is good that you do have a distraction. Your DH gave you good advise as not to mourn now. Live for the day because none of us know how long we have.

[flipflopmom]

So I went to Home Depot today after my nephew's high school graduation party, and got my Lime Green Mickey Heads! :cool1: I feel like a shoplifter, though. I grabbed some, stuffed them in my purse quickly. :lmao: Of course, the girls had to get a few in their fav colors, too! So anyone there July11-18, look out for the family in multi colored mickey Heads!!

[flipflopmom]

So I had my mind semi prepared for hot and crowded, but it didn't really hit me as to how crowded until Lois posted what a crowd level of 8 translates to in terms of wait times. So now I am working on really adjusting my expectations of what we will get done.

Miss Goofy didn't get a nap today until 6:30, and we got a peak at how GRUMPY she will be without one! I have the stuff after lunch planned to be mostly stuff we will rider swap, so hopefully she'll nap in the stroller if we decide not to nap!

For those following, do you nap or not???

[adisneymama]

DD won't nap but DS will pass out in the stroller. When he falls asleep one of us just takes Aubrey on rides while one of us shops(read this as an excuse to find air conditioning!:lmao:) Or if he is really out of it and I can move him without waking him up, then we will ride things like IASW or POOH while he sleeps on my shoulder etc. We don't generally go back to the room for a nap, but I leave the option open if everyone is wearing their grumpy pants at that moment! I pack plenty of snacks and drinks though and that usually keeps them going.

Sorry I haven't been on, we have had a hectic weekend. My power cord died for my laptop so I was without my computer until dh came up with a handy dandy fix! I did manage to get a few things crossed off my list and updated my TR as well, so all in all a good day!

[flipflopmom]

Got an email today that the Disney shopping website is having a semiannual sale, so I am grabbing a few t's and some shorts for the girls to go with their tops! :banana:

[flipflopmom]

So, My Disney documents folder on my PC was getting out of control! I had to make folders for my folder! Then I started working on a page for each park of the specific tips I had read, magic photopass shots, best snacks, etc. Then I spent time working on the transportation stuff............................... I am nuts!! Can you say OCD?:lmao:

[adisneymama]

Slow down, take a deep breath....now feel better? LOL

You are going to have way to many notes to keep up with in the parks. Remember the tips posted on the boards are not always great tips for everybody. Go thru them and see what you think is the most useful for your family and then maybe just down those few. Go and enjoy your family and the parks. Who knows, maybe you'll come back with some magical tips of your own!

[flipflopmom]

Guess who got her Mickey Mail today??? :cool1: And, the id silcone bracelets I ordered for the girls came, too. It's getting closer! We went to my parents' house this am to go out for breakfast with them, and my Dad asked Miss Goofy if she was ready to go eat breakfast! She jumped up and down and said "With Mickey Mouse???""""" They're getting psyched too!

[flipflopmom]

So, at 6am this morning, I put batteries in my misting and stroller fans, and cut packaging off stuff I had bought to take. Why? I am so excited and wanted to do something that didn't involve the computer!!!!!:lmao:

[flipflopmom]

Well, Daddy will be having surgery to remove the kidney with cancer, his only remaining kidney, and go on dialysis. He told the dr. he had to wait until after July 19 for personal reasons... meaning my trip to WDW. He told me yesterday his babies were not going to miss Disney World...... I feel pretty positive about everything, and this trip planning is definitely keeping me from stressing as much!

25 day, 23 hours, 20 minutes, and 43 seconds until 3pm check in on July 11!!!!

[meanmom121]

Flip Flop,
:happytv:
Just joining in. Sorry I'm so late. This will be first trip for our DD9 and DS11. We will be at POP July 13 through July 20. Hope to run in to you.

Feel free to say hi if you see us.:cutie: -- We will decorate our window with our names and groovy flowers at POP - also I think I'll have a meanmom121 door magnet (it hasn't arrived yet)

I'm so out of control crazy about this trip I think the girls at work are going to have me committed.

I will especially be keeping your dad in my prayers - I lost my father to ca 9 yrs ago and I will pray that you have your dad for many many years to come. Making a note in my date book to pray for him on his day of surgery also.:hug:

[adisneymama]

Sorry to hear about your dad. He sounds so strong though. This is going to be an extra magical trip for all of you.

We made a few last minute changes to our ADR's and have been getting errands ran etc. Busy Busy around here!

[flipflopmom]

We've gotten like 8 inches of rain in the last 48 hours or so... It's so miserable here. I keep thinking of stuff I need to do, but don't even have the energy to do it!

One of my friends, a non DISer just got back.... The tips she gave me were like the first things I learned on here, and I knew about stuff she didn't know after being there for a week. She was beat!!! I am getting antsy! I guess I'll go add to my to do list!

I checked all my ADR's, and they're all there, so that's good!:thumbsup2

[flipflopmom]

Ok, so we found out that a space shuttle launch will happen on our arrival night. So those adrs I spent months planning just went out the window since dh really wanted to see the trail from the shuttle. We were able to score a chef mickeys which dh says will be better for the girls anyway than my perfect night on the poly beach I had planned after ohana. I booked a surprise wishes cruise for us that night! I am sooooo excited! I hope I can find someone that wants to split it with me, but if I don't, oh well. I also ordered the mickeys welcome in room celebration for the girls. I just couldn't help myself! I am determined to make this trip as magical as possible for us, especially not knowing what the next months will be like with daddy....

[flipflopmom]

Just wanted to list them out here, since I switched so many around

July 11 Chef Mickey dinner 5:10
July 12th Tusker House breakfast 8:00am, before park opening at 9
Yak and Yeti 1:30
Boma 7:30
July 13th CRT 8:15am, park open at 9
The Plaza 12:05
Crystal Palace 6pm
July 12th - Ohana breakfast 9:50
Narcoosee's 5:55
July 13th - Akershus 8am
Coral Reef 11:55
Marakeesh 6pm
July 14th -Hollywood and Vine 8am
Mama Melrose 4:55
July 15th - Boma breakfast 10 am
Ohana dinner 7:10
I love the online ADR system.... I checked for a chef mickey's time incessantly until one came open!:lmao:

[flipflopmom]

Found a cruise share partner!:banana: Ms. Lois from the July board!

[shordiebecka]

Hi! Just found your PTR..I am going July 25-August 2, what is this July board you are talking about! your plans look great so far. sorry to hear about your dad. things always work out the way they are supposed to though. Can't wait to hear more!

[flipflopmom]

July board rocks! If you haven't found it yet, go to Theme Parks attractions and Strategies, Doin the Happy Dance, and it's the official July 2009 thread. List of who is going, their ADRs, general excitement and chatter.

My Disney prep for today? START CLEANING MY HOUSE! Dad's surgery will probably be soon after we get back, so I need everything DONE before we go. I'm OCD about leaving a clean house. It's always wrecked as soon as we get back, but it helps!

I also want to start bagging the girls' clothes for the trip. They haven't been allowed to wear their Disney clothes yet! No stains on the trip clothes!

I have to take Daddy Thurs for an outpatient surgery to prepare his arm for dialysis, so nothing will happen then. Hopefully Friday I can go to the bank and get the change I'll need for Mousekeeping, make those envelopes, and work on some posters to decorate windows. I want the girls to help with this.

[Mindy5767]

July board rocks! If you haven't found it yet, go to Theme Parks attractions and Strategies, Doin the Happy Dance, and it's the official July 2009 thread. List of who is going, their ADRs, general excitement and chatter.



Did you post your photo yet?

[flipflopmom]

I don't have one of me all four of us, but there is one amidst all the Hokie talk of DH and my girls. I'll have to try to take one this weekend.

[flipflopmom]

SO I got up at 5:50 am, and checked the dining system, and there it was, a 7:10 Ohana res. on our check out night! :cool1:

I have GOT to get to the PO today and mail down the extra stuff for my girls' Mickey's Welcome. It comes with 1 autograph book, and I had already purchased two of them, so I am going to ship them down so Mickey can sign it, too! I don't know what we'll do with the extra one, we'll see.... I am also reworking my journal pages today, got to update them with all the new ADRS. I'd like to just print it all out, but I know as soon as I do I'll find 1 more tip to add.

The Dis is so awesome, everytime I think "wonder if I can do that" I post it and :wizard: I have the answer!!

[flipflopmom]

2 weeks from right now I will be almost to AK, preparing for my Tusker House house ADR.!:dance3: DH finally asked me some questions and looked at what I have printed out in the journal so far!!! He's getting excited,too. The girls are finding hidden Mickeys in the dog food, nachos, you name it! We told them at 90 days out, right after I made ADRs, so they've been thinking about this for a long time!

My bff went 2 weeks ago for her family's first trip. They have a 13,10, and 5 year old. She did no planning, left it all up to her SIL that goes frequently. Well, once they got there, they decided it was too hard to keep everyone together, so they separated from her DB, DSIL ,and their kids. They had no plan, no idea of park layouts, just knew when to show up for ADR's. When she got back, she was exhausted. She said "We had a blast. We're glad we did it" but it sounded like she wanted to say we won't go back. They didn't take any breaks, and missed the fireworks every night b/c they were beat.

Jump to the next week. Dh's good friend went for his family's first trip. This was the week that everyone came back and posted "Never again in the summer" due to a heat wave. I thought, Oh no.... Their kids are the same ages as ours, so I couldn't wait to hear how it went. When he got back, he told Brad it was the BEST vacation they had ever taken. They had a blast! Brad was laughing with him about all the planning I have been doing, and his friend laughed and said "Yeah, we couldn't have made it without DW's notebook." Hmm..... so I had to call his wife, and we talked for about 1 1/2 hours. They napped every day, had plans of what to see when. She's already figured out how much they'll have to save a month to do it next year!

Moral of the story, take the nap, have a plan.

[flipflopmom]

Got a lot checked off my to do list today - cleaned out the trunk, filled my mousekeeping envelopes, shipped down the extras for Mickey's welcome, got cash for tip for cruise.... paying bills tomorrow.... YUK!!!

[meanmom121]

July board rocks! If you haven't found it yet, go to Theme Parks attractions and Strategies, Doin the Happy Dance, and it's the official July 2009 thread. List of who is going, their ADRs, general excitement and chatter.

My Disney prep for today? START CLEANING MY HOUSE! Dad's surgery will probably be soon after we get back, so I need everything DONE before we go. I'm OCD about leaving a clean house. It's always wrecked as soon as we get back, but it helps!

I also want to start bagging the girls' clothes for the trip. They haven't been allowed to wear their Disney clothes yet! No stains on the trip clothes!

I have to take Daddy Thurs for an outpatient surgery to prepare his arm for dialysis, so nothing will happen then. Hopefully Friday I can go to the bank and get the change I'll need for Mousekeeping, make those envelopes, and work on some posters to decorate windows. I want the girls to help with this.

Got a lot checked off my to do list today - cleaned out the trunk, filled my mousekeeping envelopes, shipped down the extras for Mickey's welcome, got cash for tip for cruise.... paying bills tomorrow.... YUK!!!

I'm like you - I want to come home to a clean house - and you especially since you will be busy with your dad when you get back.

Glad you accomplished so much today. - I better get in gear. I work 3 12 hour shifts so I won't accomplish naything for the next 3 days.:sad2:

[flipflopmom]

I'm like you - I want to come home to a clean house - and you especially since you will be busy with your dad when you get back.

Glad you accomplished so much today. - I better get in gear. I work 3 12 hour shifts so I won't accomplish naything for the next 3 days.:sad2:

I'm so OCD I even run through the house right before we lock the door and pour Pine Sol in the toilets! DH always comes home early, and goes to bed. I keep the girls up as late as they can take it, then get him up. I spend the time he is sleeping doing last minute cleaning and obsessing, checking door locks, appliances, etc.... CRAZY!

[flipflopmom]

Cleaned pennies, made signs for door at Pop, packed toiletries bag and parks bag... Moving this right along! I let the kids decorate a sign each for the door. You can tell I have a 2 year old! :rotfl:

[raider97]

I've enjoyed reading your pre-trippie. 10 days how exciting.

Stephanie

[flipflopmom]

Just did my online checkin, thanks again to Dis. AAA told me nothing about this, nor would I have known that you have a separate link to go through if you book through AAA or any other travel agent. Here is the link if you need it!
http://www.mydisneyreservation.com/guest

As for today, little one has her 2 year checkup this afternoon, I might try working on their clothes a little more today. Dh killed my buzz last night, he was tired and grumpy. Wonder how often that will happen on vacation??

[flipflopmom]

I am so excited about all the surprises for this trip - Wishes Cruise, Mickey's Welcome, and I just changed my mind and ordered slipper dessert at CRT! I want this trip to be so special.... Now, to keep DH from finding out about all of them!

[meanmom121]

I am so excited about all the surprises for this trip - Wishes Cruise, Mickey's Welcome, and I just changed my mind and ordered slipper dessert at CRT! I want this trip to be so special.... Now, to keep DH from finding out about all of them!

what is mickey's welcome

[flipflopmom]

what is mickey's welcome

It is an in room "celebration" from the Disney Florist. They have Mickey footprints leading to the bed, confetti on the bed, a 22 inch Mickey (I added 2 Minnie's, they already each have a Mickey), a personalized photo frame, a Mickey signed autograph book, a balloon bouqet, Mickey mitts (gloves) and through July 15th a floral arrangement in a Mickey's feet mug. There's also a Tinkerbell somewhere in the room. I think that's all, but I can't wait! The kids will be SOOO excited when they open the door. They have you schedule either 4-6, or 6-8 pm to be gone and they come and set it all up and leave, so the kids think Mickey has been in their room to welcome them! I debated a LOT on whether or not to do it, but decided to bite the bullet.

[meanmom121]

It is an in room "celebration" from the Disney Florist. They have Mickey footprints leading to the bed, confetti on the bed, a 22 inch Mickey (I added 2 Minnie's, they already each have a Mickey), a personalized photo frame, a Mickey signed autograph book, a balloon bouqet, Mickey mitts (gloves) and through July 15th a floral arrangement in a Mickey's feet mug. There's also a Tinkerbell somewhere in the room. I think that's all, but I can't wait! The kids will be SOOO excited when they open the door. They have you schedule either 4-6, or 6-8 pm to be gone and they come and set it all up and leave, so the kids think Mickey has been in their room to welcome them! I debated a LOT on whether or not to do it, but decided to bite the bullet.

oOOOhhh! Your kids will be excited. I would love to see the look on their faces when they open the door. That will be priceless. I ordered a gift basket for the kids with Disney stuff in it but nothing like that. I didn't see that option from the Disney Florist. How exciting. I hope you get some good pictures.

[raider97]

It is an in room "celebration" from the Disney Florist. They have Mickey footprints leading to the bed, confetti on the bed, a 22 inch Mickey (I added 2 Minnie's, they already each have a Mickey), a personalized photo frame, a Mickey signed autograph book, a balloon bouqet, Mickey mitts (gloves) and through July 15th a floral arrangement in a Mickey's feet mug. There's also a Tinkerbell somewhere in the room. I think that's all, but I can't wait! The kids will be SOOO excited when they open the door. They have you schedule either 4-6, or 6-8 pm to be gone and they come and set it all up and leave, so the kids think Mickey has been in their room to welcome them! I debated a LOT on whether or not to do it, but decided to bite the bullet.

That sounds so neat!! I bet the kids will love it.

[flipflopmom]

Just remembered another surprise. We joined the Disney Movie Rewards program a while back. Doesn't cost anything, and you put in those codes that come in Disney DVDs and earn points for stuff. Mostly little things. We went through all the DVDs we could find, and put the codes in. We earned enough for something called an "Enchanted Call." You pick a Disney character, something you want them to say, and the day and time, and they call you kids. The rewards gave us a four call package, so Mickey will be calling us next Friday to say he heard we're going on a trip, See you real soon! The girls will also get calls on their birthdays, and Christmas morning! You have to tell them all four when you go through the rewards program, so those were dates I knew! If you are not in the rewards program, I think the calls are like $3 each?

So, I decided to do a movie (or 2) a night this week to get us in the spirit, and I realized our 2 year old hasn't seen Lion King, Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, or Toy Story. We've got to get those in b/c she'll see a bunch of stuff from each. Also want to pull out Nemo again, we've watched Cinderella, Peter Pan, Snow White, and Mary Poppins (a bunch!) in the last couple of weeks...
I think the trip will be better if she's seen some of them. She'll be more excited to see them!

DH is off today, so we are doing things like getting the sink and bathtub to stop dripping, etc. Hopefully tomorrow I can pin him down on his clothes he wants to pack. I do ALL the packing since I'm not working right now. I will make him go over my packing list to make sure everything he wants is on there. Of course, how could it not be? THat list is huge!!:lmao: Have a great day!

[Mindy5767]

I decided to call the plumber after we get back from Disney. We have mysteriously no COLD water in the tub downstairs... not the sink... just the tub. DH couldn't figure out the problem after taking the faucet apart. Decided it was because he didn't have the right tools. So he declared I can call the plumber.

We're supposed to go shopping today for shorts for DH and DS17. They both have split crotch seams in their jeans shorts!:confused3 Always happens to them... never to me! Thank goodness. :)

Just baked 3 banana breads :banana: am ready to go, but DH is napping!

DH packs the van. If I packed, we'd need another van!!:lmao:

[flipflopmom]

Happy 4th of July!

I sat down and made another to do list for this week last night, I am such a compulsive list maker! I can't believe that in one week I'll be almost to Disney!

Last night we took our girls to some fireworks. Sophie reached up and grabbed the air, and said she caught some pixie dust falling from the fireworks. She still had her fist clenched when I put her in the bed. So precious, but helped me take a breather and remember what it's all about. I CAN"T WAIT!!!:cool1:

Got the car serviced yesterday, and they put 2 new tires on. Glad we had it checked out! Today DH is going to work on the car interior, we have 2 DVD players, Garmin, 2 ipod touches, that at some point will need to be plugged in. Lots of wires to get settled, trying to figure out how to mount, attach, etc. everything. We have had the DVD players for a while, but I took one out and unplugged the other so it will be "new again" to the girls on the way down! Sooooo much to do!

[meanmom121]

I'm a little OCD with the list thing to. You should see my date book. I don't think I can squeeze another to do thing in there:rotfl2:

Radio shack as a thing to plug into your lighter that give you four more plugs for all those car gadgets - I think it's about $17.00

[meanmom121]

Girl, we're gonna be at POP the same time - we arrive on the 13th. I'll keep my eye out for you:goodvibes

[flipflopmom]

Well, only 3 days until this PTR will become a TR!!!:yay::yay::yay:

I am so excited, and as I checked off stuff from my to do list, I laughed. I have a front and back page to do list here, I've even written down stuff I did that wasn't on the list and crossed it off at the same time! Yeah, I'm OCD!

Yesterday a fellow Diser sent me her child's outgrown Cinderella dress for my little one! THANK YOU! She loved it, and said she was going to wear it when she spends the night with Cinderella. Lucy, you got some splainin to do!

My girls are SOOOO excited. Our oldest has been bursting into squeals at random moments of the day. She's spent the night with her grandparents one night, and cousin last night, so I am kind of glad she's been able to get away from my nerves. I seriously had a panic attack last night before I went to bed. I've been accumulating so much info here on Dis, and I can't remember any of it right now! Crowd levels are up to 9s for next week, I hear the tour groups are out, DH's plantar fasciitis starting acting up for the first time in a year last week, My Dad's surgery is in a week and a half, my itouch crashed and I had to totally restore it, the clothes won't fit in the suitcases, I have a ton to do, and all I want to do is Dis and forget about it!

DH is going to the dr. tomorrow, hopefully he'll get a cortisone shot to help alievate the pain while we are gone. I pulled another suitcase down, and I am just praying for Daddy. It will be okay. Mom and Dad have lots of appointments next week, and DH's parents decided that since they'll have to help so much with our girls while Dad is in the hospital and recuperating, they'll take their vacation at the same time we do. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT, but that means no one will be around if the dog sitter notices something has happened in the house. DH has always had a fear of a water pipe breaking while we are gone. She's coming twice a day to let our Chihuahua out and put him back in his crate at night, so I hope if something does go wrong she can get in touch with Mom and Dad and they can get one of the guys from church to come by and check on it.

I keep thinking of little things I need to do, get, (like extra house keys) and somehow, it will get done!

[abbadabbadoo]

Dont worry, girl, it will all fall into place. Hope yall have a magical trip! Cant wait to hear about it when you guys get back! :)

[flipflopmom]

We leave in 18 hours! I got the house cleaned yesterday! :banana: Nothing like being exhausted from a trip, and coming home to a clean house. Well, until I bring the carload of stuff in. But hey! At least it will be clutter, not mess. Didn't realize my kitchen floor was so nasty!

Got lots done yesterday, the girls went to DH's parents for the day! The car is all packed except for their "road trip" stuff and the toiletries bag. DH got a cortisone shot in his heel, and it feels a LOT better!:yay:Lots of last minute stuff to do today. Mickey is calling to the girls good morning at 10 am! I can't wait for that myself! Trash needs to go out, I'm changing the sheets today, wanted to wait until the last minute. I'll have a load of sheets/towels and maybe a small load of colors to do.

I'm going to try to keep the girls up as late as possible tonight, so they'll sleep most of the way. We hope to be pulling out of the driveway by midnight. DH is coming home at 3:30 and going to shower and bed. IF he's asleep by 5, I can wake him up at 11:30 and he'll have had 6 1/2 hrs. sleep, which is his norm. I'll sleep for the first part of the ride, so I can give him an hour nap later on. Getting up at 4:30 this morning should help me sleep!

DD wrote Mickey a letter to give to him tomorrow night at Chef Mickey's. IT was soooo sweet. I was afraid we had waited tooo late, (she'll be 10 in Sept.) and the magic would be gone and it would be all about rides. The statement "I've been waiting for this day my whole life" makes me cry! I know she is playing along, but I'm so glad there's enough little girl in her left that she can get caught up in the magic!